Best Elliptical Trainers under $1000
If you’re looking for a new elliptical, congratulations! There are so many great options available to you. A $1000 budget will get you: High build quality, automatic incline, at least 300 lbs capacity, comfortable stride length, and many fancy features.
| Model | Capacity | Size | Resistance | Stride |
| NordicTrack Elite 10.9 | 350 lbs | 68 L x 26 W x 70 H | 20 | 19″ |
| Bowflex M3 Max Trainer | 300 lbs | 49 L x 26 W x 65 H | 8 | ~13″ |
| Sole e25 | 350 lbs | 70 L x 24 W x 71 H | 20 | 20″ |
| Schwinn 430 | 300lbs | 63 L x 28 W x 70 H | 20 | 20″ |
| Reebok SL8 Elliptical | 285 lbs | 70 L x 29 W x 72 H | 20 | 18″ |
We have compiled this list after carrying out in-depth research of the models available in the market.
*If you are unfamiliar with any of the jargon, see the guide containing all relevant terms.
| Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Stride length | 19″ |
| Fly-Wheel | 20 lbs |
| Resistance | 20 (magnetic resistance) |
| Programs | iFit |
| Dimension | 68 L x 26 W x 70 H |
| Display | 7 inch HD Touchscren |
| Incline | 20% Power Incline |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
Nordictrack produces the best fitness equipment in the market. And the Elite 10.9 checks all the correct boxes for the best elliptical under $1000. With the Elite 10.9, you get a 20-degree power incline, up to 350 lbs user capacity, and a 19-inch stride. This is also backed by a lifetime warranty. It also has a 20 Lb. “inertia-enhanced flywheel” that offers the smoothest stride in this price range. The Fan of the 10.9 dynamically matches your workout intensity. The Elite 10.9 also comes with iFit, a cloud fitness library from icon fitness. These stunning features make this model really hard to beat at this price range.
The Elite 10.9 is for: Anyone with a $1000 budget and is between 5’10” – 6’2″ height. If you are less than 5’5” we suggest you look into Bowflex M3 Max Trainer.
| Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Stride length | ~13″ |
| Fly-Wheel | Dual direction |
| Resistance | 8 (magnetic resistance) |
| Programs | 2 |
| Dimension | 49 L x 26 W x 65 H |
| Display | LCD display |
| Incline | N/A |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
The M3, Max trainer is the most compact elliptical on our list. It only takes 4 feet x 2.5 feet. This also comes with all modern features as a touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and highly optimized workout programs. Even though the M3 looks like a stair stepper, it’s designed to have elliptical motion.
We love M3’s feature to pair Bluetooth heart rate monitors. This lets you connect pooler H7 HRM. Usually, this feature is only available in more expensive premium trainers.
The M3 Max trainer is for: professionals who do not have enough time or space in their home. Bowflex prompts full cardio exercise in 14 minutes. If you plan to take things slowly, we suggest you look into Teeter FreeStep, because the M3 may feel like torture for beginners.
| Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Stride length | 20″ |
| Fly-Wheel | 20 lbs. |
| Resistance | ECB |
| Programs | 10 |
| Dimension | 70 L x 24 W x 71 H |
| Display | LCD display |
| Incline | 20 levels power incline |
| HR Monitor | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap |
Sole E25 comes with a lifetime warranty and built with commercial-grade steel. 11 years ago, we started our site reviewing the Sole E35. The E35 was “THE” elliptical for home. Later, Sole made the Sole E25 with slightly fewer features and with an affordable price tag. Sole has refined this E25 over the years. With the E25, you get the same premium built quality as any other sole machine. The latest version has Bluetooth connectivity, 20 lbs flywheel, and a tablet holder with a USB charger port.
The Sole E25 trainer is for: anyone who wants to challenge themselves and are more than 5’10” in height. If you have a problem with stepping up more than 14”, we suggest you look into other ellipticals. Also, if you’re just starting out with elliptical, this one will be a bit harder for you (mainly because of the 20 lbs flywheel). We suggest you look into “Teeter”
| Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Stride length | ~13″ |
| Fly-Wheel | Dual direction Economy |
| Resistance | Dial Resistance |
| Programs | N/A |
| Dimension | 54 L x 29 W x 52.5 H |
| Display | LCD display |
| Incline | N/A |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
At first glance, the Teeter FreeStep would look out of place in our list of premium ellipticals. Teeter FreeStep is the most affordable recumbent elliptical available in the market. Unfortunately “recumbent ellipticals” are quite expensive. Mostly because there is a big gap between demand and supply. Unlike other seated elliptical’s, recumbent ellipticals are designed for a single purpose. The form is also different than regular elliptical. To learn more about seated elliptical, click here.
The Teeter FreeStep is for: you, if you need a recumbent elliptical. It also has a compact footprint and noiseless flywheel.
| Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Stride length | 20″ |
| Fly-Wheel | Dual direction Economy |
| Resistance | 20 (magnetic resistance) |
| Programs | 22 |
| Dimension | 63.2 L x 28.2 W x 70 H |
| Display | DualTrack LCD Displays |
| Incline | N/A |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
The 430 is the cheapest elliptical on this list (with a price tag of $700). Like the Sole E25, this 430 is also a 10-year-old product that has been revamped recently.
The Schwinn 430 is for: anyone who wants all the premium features in an elliptical but do not want to spend exactly $1000. If power incline is not a priority for you, you can safely pick the 430. If you want the best elliptical with a tight budget, see our list here.
| Capacity | 285 lbs |
| Stride length | 18″ |
| Fly-Wheel | 8 lbs |
| Resistance | 24 (magnetic resistance) |
| Programs | 12 |
| Dimension | 70 L x 29 W x 72 H |
| Display | LCD display |
| Incline | 4 level manual |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
This is relatively a new elliptical on our list. It has 18-inch stride to its comfortable for any users between 5’5″ – 5’10” in height. The SL8’s 19. 8 lb flywheel makes the trainer extremely fluid yet challenging.
We could not give a higher rating to this elliptical because of the 4 level manual incline and the substandard reebok fitness App. The app is so bad that there is almost no point in using this app.
| Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Stride length | 18″ |
| Fly-Wheel | 14.3 lbs |
| Resistance | 8 (magnetic resistance) |
| Programs | N/A |
| Dimension | 64.5 L x 25 W x 74 H |
| Display | LCD display |
| Incline | N/A |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
The EX-59 is ideal for almost any home. It has an 18-inch stride length and a quite heavy flywheel. This model has been updated recently with Bluetooth support. Its user capacity is not on par with its competition. Because most of the elliptical in this list is 350 lbs, but this model only has 300 lbs. There is no incline or other premium features for this EX-59.
If you cannot find any of the above mentioned elliptical in your area and want a solid machine to last a life time, go for the EX-59.
| Capacity | 325 lbs |
| Stride length | 10″ |
| Fly-Wheel | Dual direction Economy |
| Resistance | 24 (magnetic resistance) |
| Programs | iFit |
| Dimension | 54 L x 23 W x 63 H |
| Display | 7″ Backlit Display |
| Incline | N/A |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
This elliptical trainer permits high-intensity interval training without compromising your safety. You are at no risk of damaging your knees and other joints while using this device. This next generation machine features an improved design with a more elliptical footpath. Moreover, this machine permits the user to challenge their lower body by pairing with upper body resistance from the handlebars.
The HIIT handlebars amplify calorie burn by incorporating boxing-like motions. You can target the muscle groups in your arms, your core body, and shoulders specifically by gripping these handlebars. This trainer is more of a hybrid which can be used for traditional aerobic workouts as well as for stepper training. Numerous apps have been integrated into the console along with iFit®. As a bonus, you receive lifetime coverage over the steel frame from the manufacturer.
| Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Stride length | 20″ |
| Fly-Wheel | Dual direction Economy |
| Resistance | 25 (magnetic resistance) |
| Programs | 29 |
| Dimension | 63 L x 24 W x 71.5 H |
| Display | LCD display |
| Incline | N/A |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
Nautilus holds the reputation of being one of the best fitness equipment manufacturers. When you purchase Nautilus equipment, you can be assured that you are getting premium features for your money. Nautilus E616 is no exception. This device is sturdy and strong. It is backed by 10-year warranty. It possesses excellent features such as motorized incline and 25 levels of resistance.
The DualTrack console is loaded with 29 programs. The pre-loaded 12 workout profiles offer you the feeling as though you are training with a personal trainer. These workouts promise you some serious calorie burning session.
Kettler UNIX M Elliptical
| Capacity | 330 lbs |
| Stride length | 13″ |
| Fly-Wheel | 40-pound |
| Resistance | 8 (magnetic resistance) |
| Programs | 8 |
| Dimension | 57 L x 23 W x 60 H |
| Display | High resolution LCD |
| Incline | N/A |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
This trainer delivers an extremely smooth performance owing to its enormous 40-pound flywheel drive system. You can track energy consumption, RPM, heart rate, distance and time through the high-resolution LCD display. The trainer can provide accurate pulse rate reading which is measured with an infrared earlobe clip sensor or through the telemetric hand grips. Kettler UNIX M elliptical trainer has been designed and manufactured in Germany. It assures reliability as well as quality.
This trainer is an excellent choice for those looking for excellent performance, challenging workouts and intuitive operation. Lifetime warranty is offered over the frame and three-year warranty over other parts.
| Capacity | 275 lbs |
| Stride length | 21″ |
| Fly-Wheel | Dual direction Economy |
| Resistance | 17 (magnetic resistance) |
| Programs | 12 |
| Dimension | 48 L x 30 W x 66 H |
| Display | LCD display |
| Incline | N/A |
| HR Monitor | Contact |
If you are looking for a sturdy elliptical machine which can offer you a smooth and stable elliptical motion even during intense workouts, then you must opt for the Best Fitness E1 Elliptical Trainer. The compact design of this machine permits the users to store the equipment anywhere in their house. Stability is rendered into the design by the patented Body Solid center drive design. The 21” drive is ideal for most of the users.
Desired workout intensity can be chosen easily by changing the 17 resistance settings. The programmed workouts offered to keep you motivated throughout your workout session. Accurate readings are provided by the heart rate monitoring unit present on the handlebars. A water bottle holder has been incorporated into the design for helping you remain hydrated.
Treadmill Alternatives under $1,000
| Features | NordicTrack T Series | Sunny Health SF-T7515 | XTERRA TR300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max HP | 3.5 HP | 2.2 HP | 2.25 HP |
| Dimensions | 67.5 x 36 x 73 inches | 64.5 x 28 x 50.5 inches | 72.2 x 54.1 x 35 inches |
| Deck Length | 55" | 49.5" | 55" |
| Max Capacity | 300 lb | 240 lb | 300 lb |
| Max Incline | 10% | 12 levels | 10% |
| Speed limit | 1 - 10 MPH | 1 - 8 MPH | 1 - 10 MPH |
| Price | Click here for Price | Click here for Price | Click here for Price |
The best place to buy elliptical trainers
Whenever you plan to purchase something, the first question that comes to your mind is where to purchase from. It’s hard to decide with a plethora of options available both online and offline. Many sports stores offer numerous options from different brands. You can also try higher-end retailers.
Considering online purchase can prove to be beneficial as you can grab some best deals on these machines. No tax, free shipping, discounts, and special sales can lead to potential additional savings. Amazon is an ideal place where you save money and check all the available models in the price range and their specifications mentioned clearly. This will help you make the right choice while trying to purchase a perfect machine for your home.
Amazon helps you compare all the models offered by not just one but many reputed manufactures. You can also read the user reviews to help you be aware of the user’s everyday issues. The best part is that the product will be delivered to your doorstep for free. Physical retailers would usually charge extra shipping and hefty installation charge.
Weight loss with an elliptical
An elliptical trainer is the most misused piece of gym equipment. You can quickly burn about 270-400 calories within thirty minutes using this device. The amount of calories burnt depends on the speed stride, resistance level, and ramp height. An elliptical trainer is a powerhouse when compared with other cardio equipment. This is because it permits you to use a large muscle mass. This machine builds muscle endurance and strength in calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quads. The more your muscles work, the more calories you burn.
Here is how you can force your body to burn the stored fat.
Increase the speed
An elliptical trainer is great for your joints because of its low-impact nature. However, if you want to see results, then you must pick up the pace. You can increase the rate of calories burnt by increasing your pace. Aim for 4.5/5MPH. This will boost your metabolism and will activate the burning of the fat deposits in your body.
Bring in variety
You should never do the same workout every day on your trainer. You can do a mountain hike on one day, a stair-climbing workout the other day. Challenge your body if you want to melt the excess fat.
Try intervals
Steady-state, low-intensity exercises burn a few calories. High-intensity interval training [HIIT] burns many calories, thereby helping you get rid of the excess flab. Mix low-intensity exercise intervals with full-intensity training.
Buying Guide of Elliptical Trainers under $1,000
Follow this guide to get the most bang for your buck.
Incline
It’s the feature of an elliptical trainer to lift up the foot padel by a certain angle. With incline, the user gets the experience of climbing an uphill road. Using incline makes the user lose more calories in a shorter time. Apart from burning more calories, When you adjust your incline, you can focus on muscle groups and add variety to your workout. There are 2 types of inclines: Automatic and Manual. Always try to get elliptical with automatic inclines.
Built to last
Whenever you are purchasing an elliptical trainer for your home, you must look into the machines’ quality of design and sturdiness. This will ensure that you have made a long-term investment with your purchase. Look into models that come with a lifetime frame warranty. All ellipticals mentioned above are built to last at least 10 years.
Track performance
Tracking features are essential if you are genuinely interested in maintaining a daily fitness schedule. You can check whether a device comprises of a full-fledged tracking system so that you can track the number of calories burnt in addition to your heart rate. You can look for Bluetooth connectivity and USB connectivity options if you desire to download the data.
Heavy flywheel
The drive system connected to an elliptical trainer is referred to as a flywheel. It moves when you apply pressure on pedals. This also controls resistance levels. This ensures how smooth your trainer will maneuver and also determines how loud your device is going to operate. The heavier the flywheel, the silent your device is going to operate. This also determines the lifespan of your trainer.
Adjustable Stride
Good trainers can be adjusted both electronically and mechanically. Opt for a system which allows for resistance changes in a simple manner. This ensures that interval training sessions can be incorporated into your training effortlessly.
