Best Elliptical Machines Under $1000

We already reviewed the best ellipticals regardless of price, but for this article we are going to focus only on units that sell for less than $1000.

In these cheaper elliptical trainers the construction quality is typically poorer, the feature sets are reduced, and the warranties are not as long. If you have a household where there will be multiple users, or larger people – typically over six feet or 225 pounds – then we recommend spending more money to get a higher quality model. However, for single users or smaller people then some of these cheaper machines can make a good value buy.

The quality really starts to drop off around $750 and below. We really do not recommend any model that is below about $400, because they simply don’t last long and will leave you disappointed.

Below we review our picks for the best elliptical machines under $1000. At the bottom of this article we also have a comparison chart so you can compare specs of one machine versus another.


8.4
#1)

AFG Sport 5.9AE Elliptical

We rated the $949 AFG Sport 5.9AE as the best elliptical under $1000. The front drive system uses a heavy-duty 23 pound flywheel and a 20″ stride length to provide a smooth and steady user experience. The construction quality is really good and can support a max weight of 300 pounds, but does not compare to more expensive ellipticals.

The Sport 5.9AE provides the user with lots of flexibility since it has 43 different workouts, 16 magnetic resistance levels, 20 levels of incline, chest strap for heart rate monitoring, and use of the AFG fitness app. Other nice features include a fan, USB charging ports, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity with fully integrated audio system and speakers.

Overall there really is not any major weakness with the AFG Sport 5.9AE and thus we highly recommend it if you are looking for an elliptical machine that costs under $1000.


8.4
#2)

ProForm Pro 9.9

The $899 ProForm Pro 9.9 provides the highest weight capacity of 350 pounds and the heaviest flywheel of 28 lbs of any elliptical on this list. It has a fixed 21-inch stride length that shortens slightly depending on the incline which adjusts from 0-10 degrees.

Other attributes of the Pro 9.9 include 24 resistance levels, 32 workout apps, grip and chest strap compatible heart rate monitor, and a 6-inch backlit display that is iFit ready.

There really isn’t any major weakness on the ProForm Pro 9.9, although the overall build quality is less than more expensive ellipticals. We think it provides a very good value at this price and would highly recommend it to anyone who does not want to spend over $1000.


8.3
#3)

Sole E25

The Sole Fitness E25 sells for $899.99. This machine is the heaviest on our list at 212 pounds, which means it can stand up to abuse and will provide a stable base to give you a smooth workout. It has a 20″ stride length and a power incline with 20 different positions so you can focus on different muscle groups and offers additional resistance.

Other features of the E25 include 10 workouts, 20 resistance levels, pulse grip and chest strap heart rate monitors, Bluetooth capability to transfer data to compatible fitness apps, cooling fan, and speakers.

The 10 workouts are not as many as some other units, so if you like a lot of variety you might look elsewhere. However, we do not hesitate to recommend the Sole E25 to any user.


8.3
#4)

ProForm Smart Strider 895 CSE

The best rear drive elliptical under $1000 is the ProForm Smart Strider 895 CSE which sells for around $958. This model has decent construction, but definitely not exceptional. It also has the unique ability to fold up vertically to save space.

The 895 CSE has a fixed 18-inch stride length which is a bit shorter than comparable units around $1000. Other features include 24 resistance levels, 18 lb flywheel, EKG heart rate monitor with included wireless chest strap, 32 workout apps, and 7-inch full color display. However, to take full advantage of this display and workouts you must subscribe to iFit.

The one main negative is that customer service from ProForm’s manufacturer ICON is notoriously bad. So should you get a defective machine, it can be a pain to actually use your warranty.


8.2
#5)

Schwinn 470

The $799 Schwinn 470 is the top elliptical under $800. At this price range you really start to notice the construction quality is not quite up to par compared to more expensive ellipticals, this model included.

The Schwinn 470 provides a decent amount quality features including a fixed 20″ stride length, a 10 degree motorized incline ramp, 25 resistance levels, and 29 workout programs.

Overall the Schwinn 470 is probably not the best choice for a hardcore user, but for moderate users it is perfectly acceptable.


8.1
#6)

ProForm Smart Strider 695 CSE

Maybe the most bang for your buck goes to the ProForm Smart Strider 695 CSE which is priced for a very reasonable $650 when on sale. It has a rear drive which is hard to find in this price range and it also folds up vertically to save space.

The Smart Strider 695 CSE is a step down from the 895 CSE in terms of build quality and features. It has an 18-inch stride length, 20 resistance levels, up to 10 degree incline, and 24 workout programs. This thing is also iFit ready.

Several users have noted that using the pre-programmed workouts is difficult and not user-friendly. Also the heart rate monitor does not work very well on this model.

Overall the ProForm Smart Strider 695 CSE is a decent elliptical for the money, but trying to use the workout programs can be a pain. Although, it is fine if you just want to adjust the settings manually and do your own thing.


8.1
#7)

Horizon Fitness EX-59

The best elliptical under $600 is the Horizon Fitness EX-59 which sells for $599. The EX-59 won’t blow you away, but offers decent construction and smooth operation at an affordable price.

It features 10 programs, 16 levels of resistance, mp3 input on the console, speakers, and a headphone output. The EX-59 has a fixed 18-inch stride length that might be too short for taller people, especially those of you over six feet tall.

We only recommend the Horizon Fitness EX-59 for shorter and lighter people – under six feet tall and under 200 pounds. If you are bigger than that you might want to spend a bit more money to get a better elliptical.


8.1
#8)

AFG Sport 5.5AE Elliptical

Another cheap elliptical machine is the AFG Sport 5.5AE Elliptical which sells for $539. It has a sturdy build, but the components are not super high quality and will be prone to failure after several years.

The AFG Sport 5.5AE has a fixed 18-inch stride length and only 10 resistance levels. However, it does have 43 different preset workouts you can do and 10 different incline levels.

This is a fitness machine best used by a beginner for occasional use. If you are tall or heavy it also probably won’t be suitable for you.


8
#9)

NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical

With a price of around $593, the NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical provides users with a few attributes that normally are not available in this price range. First is the adjustable stride length of 17-19 inches. Second is the variable incline of up to 20°. Twenty workout programs and 25 resistance levels round out the solid specs.

The E 7.5 Z is pretty sturdy when in use, however, the quality of the components is on the weaker side. It is also a bit noisy when in use.

Overall the NordicTrack E 7.5 Z provides user some features not found on other models in this price range, but the build quality is far from perfect. This is one elliptical machine best used by a lighter person.


6.9
#10)

ProForm 295 CSE Elliptical

When you get to ellipticals that cost less than $500 the quality goes down dramatically – in fact we really don’t recommend anything in that price range. However, if you truly cannot afford anything else then we think you should go with the ProForm 295 CSE Elliptical which sells for around $281.

The 295 CSE has a max user weight capacity of 250 pounds and a very short stride length of just 14 inches. It also has 12 workout programs and 12 resistance levels.

The ProForm 295 CSE Elliptical is the cheapest elliptical machine on our list, but you get what you pay for and unfortunately this one is not worth bragging about. Also the stride length really limits who can use it to short people.


Best Ellipticals Under $1000 Comparison Chart

Elliptical Rating Best Price Drive
System
Weight
Capacity (lbs)
Flywheel
Weight (lbs)
Stride
Length
Resistance
Type
Resistance
Levels
Incline
Levels
Workout
Programs
Heart Rate
Sensors
Heart Rate
Programs
Display/Console User
Profiles
Upper Body/
Moving Handlebars
Accesory Tray Fan Speakers Folding Dimensions
(LxWxH)
Weight Warranty
AFG Sport 5.9AE Elliptical 8.4 $948.97 Front 300 23 20″ Undisclosed 20 20 5/43 Grip & Chest Strap Yes 16 Digit Alphanumeric LED 5 w/ app Yes Water Bottle Yes Yes No 76″ x 34″ x 57″ 201 lbs Lifetime Frame; 3 years Parts; 1 year Labor
ProForm Pro 9.9 8.4 $899.00 Front 350 28 21″ Magnetic 24 0° – 10° 32 Grip & Chest Strap Compatible 6″ Backlit Display NA Yes Water Bottle Yes Yes No 79.8″ x 25.8″ x 66.3″ Lifetime Frame; 3 years Parts; 1 year Labor
Sole E25 8.3 $899.99 Front 350 20 20″ Eddy Current Braking 16 20 10 Grip & Chest Strap Yes 6.5″ White Backlit LCD NA Yes Yes Yes Yes No 70″ x 24″ x 64″ 212 lbs Lifetime Frame; 3 years Electronics & Parts; 1 year Labor
ProForm Smart Strider 895 CSE 8.3 $957.89 Rear 325 18 18″ Magnetic 24 0° – 10° 32 Grip & Chest Strap 7″ Full-Color Touchscreen NA Yes Water Bottle/Tablet Holder Yes Yes Yes 80″ x 32″ x 65″ Lifetime Frame; 3 years Parts; 1 year Labor
Schwinn 470 8.2 $799.00 Front 300 Undisclosed 20″ Eddy Current 25 0° – 10° 29 Grip & Chest Strap Compatible Yes Dual blue backlit LCD 4 Yes Water Bottle Holder Yes Yes No 70.1″ X 28.2″ X 63.2″ 186 lbs 10 years Frame; 2 years Mechanical; 1 year Electrical; 90 days Labor
ProForm Smart Strider 695 CSE 8.1 $649.99 Rear 300 18 18″ Magnetic 20 0° – 10° 24 Grip LED feedback display w/ quick touch buttons NA Yes Water Bottle/Tablet Holder Yes Yes Yes 80″ x 32″ x 65″ Lifetime Frame; 2 years Parts; 1 year Labor
Horizon Fitness EX-59 8.1 $599.00 Front 275 14.3 18″ Electronic 10 0 10 Grip No 4.5″ Yellow-Green LCD NA Yes No No Yes No 68″ x 25″ x 64″ 145 lbs Lifetime Frame; 2 years Parts; 1 year Labor
AFG Sport 5.5AE Elliptical 8.1 $539.00 Front 275 14.3 18″ Magnetic 10 0 5/43 Grip No 3 LED feedback screens Yes Water Bottle Yes Yes No 76″ x 34″ x 57″ ? 172 lbs Lifetime Frame; 3 years Parts; 1 year Labor
NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical 8.0 $592.48 Front 300 15 17″ – 19″ Magnetic 25 0° – 20° 20 Grip & Chest Strap Compatible 5″ backlit display Yes Water Bottle/Tablet Holder No Yes No 68.4″ x 25″ x 67.7″ 205 lbs Lifetime Frame, 1 year Parts & Labor
ProForm 295 CSE Elliptical 6.9 $281.10 Rear 250 13 14″ Magnetic 12 0 12 Grip No LCD feedback display NA Yes Water Bottle/Tablet Holder No Yes No 56″ x 26″ x 63″ 101 lbs 90 Days Parts & Labor


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