Deciding on the type of elliptical machine to purchase for yourself can be a tricky task. However, conducting proper research will go a long way in helping you to make a clever selection. Furthermore, there is a general myth about the cost of elliptical machines. Some people are of the opinion that they are costly, but that is all it is – a myth. You can get elliptical machines that will suit your needs for a price of less than $300, and the machine will perform up to standard. Just like most of the other types of fitness machines, there are admittedly many expensive elliptical machines too, but most of these are packed with extra features that you may or may not need.
The point is if you are working with a relatively small budget, and you want to purchase an elliptical machine, you still have a good number of options to choose from, without worrying about getting a product of low quality.
Additionally, even if you are not working with a restricted budget, but you are purchasing an elliptical for the first time, it might be a reasonable idea to start with the less expensive ones and test them out, as they are usually the easiest to operate. Also, these affordable machines can help you decide if an elliptical workout works fine for you before you decide to go for a more sophisticated machine – if you feel like you need to.
For your benefit, we have carefully conduct the research and identified five elliptical machines priced at $300 and under. We have also provided some information about each one of these products to help you make the right choice. Here are the five products that we have handpicked for you:
| NAME | RESISTANCE | ITEM WEIGHT | ITEM DIMENSIONS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProForm Hybrid Trainer | 16 Levels | 116.84 lbs | 25.75 x 46.5 x 18 in | SEE BEST PRICE |
| Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical | Dial Resistance | 50.71 lbs | 19.09 x 33.07 x 46.06 in | SEE BEST PRICE |
| Body Rider BRD2000 Elliptical Trainer | Dial Resistance | 66 lbs | 28.5 x 48 x 59.5 in | SEE BEST PRICE |
| Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty Magnetic | 8 Levels | 88 lbs | 23 x 46 x 11 in | SEE BEST PRICE |
| Body Champ 2 in 1 Cardio Dual Trainer | Not specified | 85 lbs | 38.6 x 12.6 x 24 | SEE BEST PRICE |
Our Top 5 Best Elliptical Under $300 Reviews
The ProForm Hybrid Trainer
This elliptical barely scrapes the $300 mark, coming in at a price point of $299.99 on Amazon. It gets a 4.1 of 5 stars rating from us after review, considering a number of factors. The ProForm is a versatile machine and can be transformed from a recumbent bike to an elliptical trainer in three steps.
The machine has a console area with an LCD screen and a watts power meter that lets you keep track of your pacing so that you know when to make adjustments. There is also an enabled iFit Bluetooth smart on the console, in addition to a tablet holder with iPod compatibility, meaning that you can listen to music while you work out. Apart from the features mentioned above, we liked the adjustable cushioned foot pedals and the silent magnetic technology of the machine that made it run as smoothly and quietly as machines worth a lot more than it. The build of the device is excellent too, with a durable steel frame making it sturdy and safe to use.
The machine may be lacking some features, but none of them are significant. Its versatility makes up for this, and there are very few unpleasant features about the product. Highly recommended!
- Silent Magnetic technology
- Durable steel frame
- Cushioned upper arm grips and foot pedals
- Adjustable seat and console
- The console lacks some features (such as a built-in fan)
- The LCD screen may be too small
The Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical
This elliptical machine is not only the cheapest one on our list, but it is also one of the world’s most affordable elliptical trainers. In fact, you can get a deal on Amazon for as low as $90.21 if you are planning to purchase the product without an equipment mat. It costs up to $136.79 with the addition of the equipment mat. The machine weighs just 55 pounds, but it can hold up to weights of 220 pounds, although you may want to keep the weight at a level slightly below that. The Aero Air elliptical is designed for a total body workout, and it comes with eight resistance settings.
The secret behind the light weight of this machine is the fact that it is made up of plastic parts instead of the metal that most ellipticals are made of. Additionally, the manufacturers did their best to strip the machine to the barest minimum, keeping only the features and parts that are absolutely required. If you are a beginner or you just want a simple, light and easy to use elliptical, then this is a great option for you.
It would be tough for any manufacturers to compete with the price of this product, and its portability is an added advantage.
Just like the Exerpeutic 1000XL, the focus here is budget-friendliness, while trying to keep the essential features that make the machine an elliptical. Finding a better-priced deal would be hard.
- Compact size
- Pricing
- Adjustable tension with eight manual settings
- Minimal features
- Non-adjustable stride
The Body Rider BRD2000 Elliptical Trainer
The Body Rider costs $129.98 on Amazon, and it is a hybrid elliptical trainer and exercise bike. The first thing that you will notice about this product is that it looks like bare bones when placed side by side with elliptical machines that are supposed to be built for the same functions. However, it does have its own advantages. The way the machine is set up, you can choose to sit on it and use it as a bike, or you can stand and is the pedals – elliptical style. There are stationary handlebars and moving handlebars for the former and the latter respectively.
The machine has a small data monitor that displays information such as distance, speed, the time elapsed and an estimate of calories burned. The machine might be better suited for smaller people, as it only has a stride of 12″ in elliptical mode. And while the machine lists the official user weight capacity at 250 pounds, we are forced to imagine that it might not be able to handle that much, especially seeing as it weighs only 66 pounds itself.
We liked the Fan Wheel on the product, the low impact full body workout in elliptical mode, and above all, the price.
The Body Rider is a result of an attempt at creating a low priced, hybrid fitness machine, and it ticks all those boxes. Great for users working with a small budget.
- Pricing
- Two in one functionality
- Fan Wheel
- Vertically and Horizontally adjustable bike seat
- Low impact workout
- Compact size
- Tricky to assemble
- Short Stride
The Exerpeutic 1000XL Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical
The Exerpeutic 1000XL has a name that suggests “massive,” but really, it only weighs 76 pounds and takes up about 54″ × 23″ of floor space. The reason why it is called “Heavy Duty” is that it is high capacity in comparison to similar Exerpeutic ellipticals, and it can hold weights of up to 300 pounds, almost four times its own weight! The manufacturer had to make some sacrifices with some components to make the competitive $205.45 price, but rest assured that nothing significant has been left out.
The product has a small workout screen that shows various details at intervals, including time spent, speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. The heart rate sensors are within the stationary handlebars. The Exerpeutic 1000XL has a number of features that we like, and they are listed as follows.
The Exerpeutic 1000XL is an exceptionally priced elliptical trainer for its quality, and it could well be worth a look in for your budget elliptical machine needs.
- Discount pricing
- Compact size
- Great weight capacity at 300 pounds
- Dual direction flywheel
- Moving handlebars
- Adjustable resistance
- Basic monitor (no workout programming)
- No console for holding items such as phones or water bottles
The Body Champ 2 in 1 Cardio Dual Trainer
This $199.98 beauty gets a well-deserved 4.1 of 5 rating from us. A product of the BodyMax brand, it weighs 275 lbs., with dimensions of 39×24×12.5inches. Like the ProForm, it is also versatile and can be used as a stationary bike or an elliptical trainer.
Perhaps the most incredible thing about the Body Champ is that it packs a good punch when compared to similarly priced machines, meaning that it is good value for money. It works as advertised, and is an excellent option for the average exerciser. The build of the machine is sturdy, and it doesn’t wobble. There are ten preset workout programs that are a great addition especially for beginners that need some amount of guidance and motivation. Each program is customized to provide the most efficient workout for the exerciser, according to individual physique requirements. There is an LCD electronic display that lets you keep track of your progress in real time, and this is attached to the console where the ten preset workout programs can be found.
According to customer reviews, the general perception of the Body Champ is that it is a quality elliptical machine, and most users are pleased with it. Additionally, most of the machines that come with similar features to this one cost twice as much, and this bit of information may be what seals the deal for you.
- Very competitive price
- Lightweight
- It is versatile
- It is easy to assemble
- The preset workout programs
- Heart rate monitors
- The product may be a hassle for taller users, as it only supports a 14″ stride
- It is a bit noisy
Ellipticals Under $300 Comparisons
We placed the five products side by side feature-wise, in a bid to decide which ellipticals are most suited for users looking for specific features. The features we used for comparison include Stride length, Workout programs, Adjustable resistance levels, Pricing, and Portability. There is also an overall selection for the product with the most comprehensive variety of features.
Stride Length
With a 15″ stride length, the ProForm Hybrid Trainer wins this category, closely followed by the Body Champ BRM3671 with a stride length of 14″.
Workout Programs
The ProForm Hybrid also takes the cake here. With an incredible 16 workout programs to choose from, you’re definitely spoiled for choice. Again, the runner-up is the Body Champ, with ten workout programs to choose from.
Adjustable resistance levels
The Body Champ wins this category, with its Advanced Magnetic Resistance superior to the other four products.
Pricing
Undoubtedly the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical, and it will give almost all the other ellipticals in existence a run for their money in this category. Its $90.21 price is the best of the bunch, and the Body Rider comes in second with a price of $129.98. However, it is noteworthy that the pricing of the Exerpeutic elliptical may vary on Amazon, with the possible addition of a piece of equipment potentially adding a minimum of $54 to the overall price. This would ideally make it more expensive than the Body Rider.
Portability
The plastic used in the production of the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical gives it the edge here, as it weighs a measly 55 pounds, making it the most portable elliptical on this list. The Body Rider’s weight is more impressive though, as it is built with more robust materials and weighs just 66 pounds, coming in second in this category.
Conclusion
Finally, the overall winner of these five, based on the sheer amount of features and options that it has, is the ProForm Hybrid Trainer Elliptical. It is unsurprising that it is also the most expensive elliptical on our list – but it still costs under $300!
Now, it is left to you to decide which one of these ellipticals suits your needs. Would you go for the feature-packed ProForm? Or would you rather purchase the Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical, leaving quite a bit of change in your wallet? We’ve provided the information that you need, so choose wisely!
