Elliptical machines are fast becoming a preferred type of fitness equipment, even more so for persons who are trying to lose weight. Generally, when you want to purchase an elliptical machine, you have an extensive range of options to select from, and it might be hard to make a decision – especially a well informed one – when you are spoilt for choice.
The prices of elliptical machines vary according to quality, and/or any extra features that the machine has installed, just like any other fitness equipment out there. However, it is not definite that an elliptical machine that costs more than another is of superior quality. It could simply mean that the more expensive machine packs more features, and if these features are not considered as necessary by you, then there might be no need to splash the extra cash on the more expensive one.
For the purpose of this article, we will take a look at the best elliptical machines that you can get for a price of $1000 and under. We believe that this price range sufficiently covers most of the needs of the average exerciser, and you should be able to make an informed purchasing decision with the knowledge that you get from here.
The advantage of elliptical machines that fall within the $1000 price range over the cheaper models is that they are generally more “feature-rich,” have better ergonomics, more resistance, and they allow for a broader range of users due to the wider range of stride lengths that they offer.
In this piece, we have reviewed five best elliptical machines under $1000, and they are:
| NAME | ITEM WEIGHT | ITEM DIMENSIONS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowflex M3 | 143 lbs | 25 x 46 x 63 in | SEE BEST PRICE |
| Schwinn 430 | 182 lbs | 28 x 70 x 71 in | SEE BEST PRICE |
| Schwinn 470 | 235 lbs | 28.2 x 70.1 x 63.2 in | SEE BEST PRICE |
| Nautilus E614 | 168 lbs | 28 x 70 x 71 in | SEE BEST PRICE |
| Nautilus E616 | 186 lbs | 34.3 x 51.2 x 22.1 | SEE BEST PRICE |
Now, for the reviews.
Top 5 Best Elliptical Machines Under $1000 Reviews
Bowflex Max Trainer M3 – Best Elliptical Under 1000 for Bad Knees
The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is the most expensive machine on our list and barely escapes hitting the thousand-dollar mark, coming in at a price of $999.
It features a unique design and promises to burn nearly three times more calories than the average fitness machine. It also engages the upper body about 80% more than any other fitness equipment.
The eight resistance levels that the product offers can be manually adjusted with the dial on the handlebars, and you will discover that you can workout at intensities that is scarcely found on other trainers.
The console area is a little different from what you might be used to, as it has no display screen at all. There is the dial for resistance and a few program controls, but that’s about it. A chest strap is included in the device for monitoring heart rate, and there is also a media shelf and a bottle holder.
The M3 provides two preloaded user profiles and two workout programs. It can withstand weights of up to 300 pounds.
The pros of the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 suggest a good value for money, and if you are looking for a simple, easy to use machine, this is just what you need.
- Nearly zero impact on trouble areas such as the knees and back
- Higher impact upper body workout
- Chest strap for heart rate monitoring
- Versatile (can function as an elliptical and a stair stepper)
- Increased amount of calories burnt
- Only eight resistant levels
- Only two workout programs
Schwinn 430 Elliptical
At $449.99, the Schwinn 430 is the cheapest elliptical on our list, but the features that it packs prove to be worth more than the price. The product has a dual track LCD window system, providing workout information on an incredible 13 displays at once.
Information provided includes the heart rate monitoring display, and the workout details displayed on the remaining screens are sure to be an attractive proposition for exercisers that are passionate about monitoring all the statistics of their workout real-time.
There are twenty-two different workout programs for the user to choose from and two user profiles. The range of this machine’s features is incredible for a product of its price, and it is probably the best value for money elliptical on this list. Here’s a general overview of the Schwinn 430’s pros and cons
- Weighted flywheel designed for smooth motion
- 20″ stride length
- USB charging port
- Double LCD window system
- Weight limit of up to 350lbs
- Bottle holder
- Cooling fans
- The machine is not safe enough for users recovering from injuries to their joints
- There is some noise while the machine is in use
The Schwinn 430 is a high-quality elliptical machine from a reliable manufacturer, and its vast array of workout programs, 20″ stride length, and general feature-heavy design make it an excellent option for potential buyers. There are the profoundly informative workout info screens for the stat lovers too!
Schwinn 470 Elliptical – Best Elliptical Under 1000 With Many Features
As you may have guessed already, the Schwinn 470 is an improved version of the 430. But thankfully, the price still falls under $1000. This particular model will set you back by $799.99, $350 more than the Schwinn 430.
The Schwinn 470 comes in a large box, and this may lead you to believe that it will be difficult to assemble. This is not the case though, and it will only take about an hour or two to set up. Out of the box, you will notice some features that were present on the older 430, but in an improved form.
The LCD screen displays the usual information – fat burning, heart rate, etc. And there is a USB port that you can connect your device to for some music. The machine ships with four user profiles and twenty-nine different workout programs more than most of the competing brands will offer you for a similar price. It provides a full body workout while trying to keep the risk of injuries at the lowest level.
Tip: you may also want to read our post about Schwinn 430 vs Schwinn 470 Comparison.
- Updated LCD screen
- Easy to assemble
- 20″ inch stride length
- Wide range of workout programs
- Large pedals for reduced foot soreness and injury
- Four user profiles
- Motorized ramp with six positions for a customs workout
- Integrated heart monitor
- 25 levels of current resistance
- The machine is large and heavy, a potential deal breaker for exercisers that want something compact
- Not a great option for exercisers with knee injuries
The pros of this machine far outweigh the cons, and for the price, it is unlikely that you will find an elliptical with more features than the Schwinn 470.
Nautilus E614 Elliptical
The Nautilus E614 has been on the market for a long while now. And an indicator of its sheer quality is that it continues to get attention despite the constant influx of newer, more technologically advanced elliptical machines into the fitness equipment market. Apparently, it also helps that the price of the product is reasonable.
So, if you have a budget of a thousand dollars for an elliptical machine, you could spend $699.99 on this one, and you would still be left with more than enough change to pay for an extra 4-year protection plan worth $92.71.
One of the strongest points of the Nautilus E614 is its durability, and it has built a reputation of long life for itself over the years. Suitable for both novices and expert exercisers, it is a sturdily built machine that will bring the results that you want with consistent use.
The machine has a stride length of 20 inches, 22 workout programs to pick from, but only two user profiles. It also comes with acoustic chambered speakers that provide clean, quality sound, and its grip heart rate monitor will give you fairly accurate information to ensure that you remain within healthy zones.
Affordable. Reliable. Durable. Trusted Manufacturer. The E614 might not be as feature rich as some of the machines that the competition is offering, but it holds its own properly among them with its own advantages.
- DualTrack LCD window system. (You can track your progress and read at the same time)
- 22 workout programs
- 20 resistance levels
- Charging port for your devices
- Large foot plates with good cushioning
- Difficult to assemble
- Weight limit of 300lbs, lower than what the competition offers for similar prices
Nautilus E616 Elliptical
An upgrade on the E614, the Nautilus is a newer model but offers similar features to its ancestor. The manufacturers value the difference between both products at $183.81, so you can get the E616 on Amazon for $883.80. It has more workout programs (twenty-nine) and runs off more levels of resistance (twenty-five) – a huge variety when placed side by side with its competition.
Nautilus built its reputation on the durability and sturdiness of the machines that they produce, and the E616 is no exception. Features such as the heart rate monitor (signified by bars instead of digits), an mp3 connector and great speakers are just the icing on an already superb cake. In the E616, Nautilus has built a product that nicely balances pricing and quality.
Nautilus has focused on programs and resistance with this one, and the sheer variety of options is enough motivation for the exerciser. It won’t cost a fortune, and it is very durable. The warranty is not the best, but it would be a great buy.
- 29 workout programs
- 25 resistance levels
- DualTrack LCD screens for multitasking
- USB data transfer to monitor your progress.
- Difficult to assemble
- Heart rate readings are not specific, so you might need to purchase a separate device if you need that information.
Best Ellipticals Under 1000 – Comparisons
All five elliptical machines have their own strong points, but which one do we think is the best overall? Let us compare some key features:
Stride Length
Based on the information provided, at least three of these products have a stride length of 20 inches, which is excellent for most people. There is no winner, as they all do well in this department.
Resistance levels
We have another tie here, as two products offer 35 resistance levels. They are the Nautilus E616 Elliptical and the Schwinn 470 Elliptical. It is interesting to note that the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 only offers eight resistance levels, which reason is that it uses a unique design when compared with these products.
Workout programs
Yet another tie here, incredibly involving the same machines. The Nautilus E616 Elliptical and the Schwinn 470 Elliptical both offer twenty-nine workout programs, completely spoiling the user for a choice.
Impact
The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 finally gets its pound of flesh here. It offers something that none of the others do with its promise of close to zero impact on the joints and injury prone areas. The other elliptical machines on this list are not great for exercisers that are nursing injuries, so the Bowflex has an advantage here. There is also that promise of an 80% increase in the effectiveness of the upper body workout.
Pricing
If your budget is the most important thing to you, then the Schwinn 430 at $449.99 will have the lowest impact on your account balance. On the other hand, the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 will set you back the most at $999.
Final Thoughts
Following these comparisons, we believe that the best elliptical machine on this list is the Schwinn 470 Elliptical. It is a close one between it and the Nautilus E616, but the accurate heart rate monitor, the motorized ramp, and the extra $83.81 that you get to keep just nudges the Schwinn 470 ahead. In addition, Bowflex Max Trainer M3 is also a very good choice. Although the choice is still yours to make. Meanwhile, based on your needs and preferences, we believe the information provided in this piece will help you make an informed decision!
