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
AFG Sport 5.9AE Elliptical
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
ProForm Pro 9.9
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
Sole E25
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
ProForm Smart Strider 895 CSE
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
Schwinn 470
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
ProForm Smart Strider 695 CSE
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
Horizon Fitness EX-59
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
AFG Sport 5.5AE Elliptical
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
NordicTrack E 7.5 Z Elliptical
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
ProForm 295 CSE Elliptical
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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