The 8 Best Ellipticals Under $1,000 in 2024, Hand-Picked by Our Experts

For low-impact workouts at home, it can be tough to beat the performance of the best ellipticals. In addition to their comfortable strides, the motion can also be a worthwhile calorie-burning experience — even more so than moderate rowing or cycling. (1) The best ellipticals under $1,000 can offer up impressive workout experiences with price tags below the median $1,200 cost of other machines in the category.

Of course, finding a high-quality elliptical at this price point involves more than just looking at its price tag. You’ll also want to ensure the machine’s stride length, available programming, and overall footprint align with your wants, needs, and training space. To help you along the way, we’ve gotten hands-on with a variety of affordable units from top brands and consulted with our in-house team of experts to compile this round-up of the best ellipticals under $1,000 available today.

The 8 Best Ellipticals Under $1,000 for 2024

• Best Elliptical Under $1,000 Overall: Horizon Fitness EX-59
• Best Elliptical Just Over $1,000: Sole E25
• Best Elliptical Under $1,000 for HIIT Workouts: Yosuda E9 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine
• Best Budget Elliptical Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911
• Best Elliptical Under $1,000 with Preset Workouts: Schwinn 430
• Best Under-Desk Elliptical Under $1,000: Cubii Move
• Best Foldable Elliptical Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902SMART
• Best Rear-Drive Elliptical Under $1,000: Niceday CT11S Elliptical Machine

How We Tested and Chose the Best Ellipticals Under $1,000

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best ellipticals under $1,000, we got hands-on with 23 different equipment silhouettes from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology.

• Price: Naturally, an elliptical under $1,000 should, well, cost less than $1,000. All of the machines included in this guide feature an MSRP cost below this four-digit threshold, with one pick showcasing what a few hundred dollars more can bring to the table in terms of performance and features.
• Product Dimensions: Any elliptical, regardless of price, can be rendered useless if it doesn’t fit within your available space. We made note of each product’s listed dimensions to help you better visualize just how much of your floor plan you’ll need to give up to house one of these sub-$1,000 profiles.
• Available Programming: Ellipticals under $1,000 typically won’t offer digital consoles capable of streaming online workout programs like iFIT, JRNY, or others. While all the machines in this guide feature built-in media shelves for DIY streaming setups, we also looked for silhouettes featuring a range of preset programming to help keep your workouts as engaging as possible.
• Stride Length: The industry standard for an elliptical’s stride length is between 18 and 20 inches, so we looked for profiles that featured motion planes that measured up accordingly. If an elliptical’s stride length fell below these metrics, we made sure to offset the more compact setup with another feature — such as under-desk capabilities or a vertical orientation that creates more of a stair-stepping sensation than a fully elongated walking stride.
• Weight Capacity: Your elliptical’s weight capacity can be a good indication of its overall durability — a higher load rating can often mean a sturdier frame capable of supporting athletes of all sizes and fitness levels. All of the machines in this round-up feature a weight capacity of at least 220 pounds, with some even capable of supporting up to 400 pounds.

Best Elliptical Under $1,000 Overall: Horizon Fitness EX-59

The EX-59 from Horizon Fitness is a definite standout within the sub-$1,000 elliptical category. While the listed MSRP is $999, we’ve routinely found this cardio machine on sale for less, meaning the savings can be even greater if you purchase at the right time. Plus, this basic machine proved to be an exceptional elliptical trainer thanks to its industry-standard stride length, convenient Bluetooth audio capabilities, and surprising stability during training.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, stated, “You honestly have to try and make this elliptical shake, even while working out at the highest resistance. It’s not as rock solid as a commercial model, but it’s well beyond what I expected at this price point.”

However, we did rate the overall durability at 3 out of 5 given the EX-59’s lighter 14-pound flywheel. We tend to favor a heavier flywheel of at least 16 pounds, as these can better withstand the rigors of regular training sessions. Don’t let the scoring fool you, though — we’re still pleased with the stability at play with this Horizon offering.

One area where the EX-59 is in line with the industry standard is in the stride length. The 18-inch motion plane can be accommodating for a wide range of athletes without giving you that cramped feeling atop the machine. We scored the ergonomics at 4 out of 5 and feel this Horizon profile is one of the best ellipticals for short people and taller athletes alike.

The center console is rather basic, earning a 3 out of 5 for tech capabilities. There are five preset workout programs to choose from, and the LCD display can track metrics such as Calories, Distance, Heart Rate, Program Level, Speed, Time, Watts. The EX-59 also features a device holder for DIY streaming setups.

Our tester also appreciated the integrated speakers with available Bluetooth connectivity. “This allows you to stream your favorite Netflix series or digital training app without the need for headphones,” they added. “However, you can’t pair a heart rate monitor or data-tracking app to the console for more informed training.”

Read our full Horizon Fitness EX-59 Review.

Best Elliptical Just Over $1,000: Sole E25

Okay, okay. We know the Sole E25 doesn’t necessarily fit in the ‘best elliptical machines under $1,000’ bucket, but given its impressive performance, available conveniences, and high-value design for just $200 beyond the threshold, we thought it fine to include it in this guide. 

For roughly $1,200, you get a well-built, sturdy cardio machine with 20 levels of resistance, as well as adjustable incline, seven built-in workout programs, and a robust warranty package that includes lifetime coverage for the frame and flywheel, two-year support for parts and wear items, one-year support for labor, and 90-day coverage for cosmetic items.

We scored that available tech at 4.3 out of 5 thanks to the well-lit 6.5-inch LCD display that offers clear visuals for all tracked metrics, as well as seven integrated training modules that include Cardio, Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Strength, and HIIT disciplines. “I also really enjoyed the animations that alerted me when the workout difficulty was about to change,” added our tester.

The Sole E25 also features a wide range of conveniences, which we rated at 5 out of 5. Across the center console you’ll find a tablet holder for streaming needs, a water bottle holder, USB port for charging your devices, and a cooling fan to help keep you cozy during strides.

In terms of durability, we feel the E25 definitely punches above its price tag thanks to the sturdy frame and 20-pound flywheel. This heftier component also lends itself to quieter operation, making it a great pick for those that need to train around other home dwellers. That said, though, the 209-pound frame does limit its portability — our tester noted that maneuvering the somewhat awkward silhouette can be a chore at times.

The main dilemma with this roughly $1,200 elliptical trainer comes down to the assembly process, which we scored at 3 out of 5. The instructions are intricate and call for multiple happenings in each step. “There’s one picture that calls for multiple assembly steps, which makes it hard to follow and a lengthy process overall,” adds Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer.

Read our full Sole E25 Elliptical Review.

Best Elliptical Under $1,000 for HIIT Workouts: Yosuda E9 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

Naturally, training on an elliptical implies a low-impact, lower-intensity training style. However, there are still benefits to taking on high-intensity workouts with these machines. If this discipline interests you and you want to save a little coin, we recommend the Yosuda E9. This compact machine — one of the best ellipticals for small spaces — takes up just 5.54 square feet while also coming equipped with 16 levels of magnetic resistance.

I’ve used the Yosuda E9 in previous training regimens and do appreciate the lightweight, small nature of the machine. It’s easy to maneuver around your space, which is why I rated the portability at 4.5 out of 5. I rated the stability at 4.5 out of 5, too, given its impressive sturdiness even when tackling high-octane workouts.

The E9 features a basic LCD display that can track key stats during training, but there are no built-in workout programs to choose from. Yosuda does get around this with a built-in media shelf, although I wish they would redesign the center handlebars in relation to this holder. When you store a tablet across the shelf, the center handlebars get in the way of your viewing angle.

This impressive elliptical can also be a worthwhile pick for larger athletes thanks to its 300-pound weight capacity. For a machine that’s as portable as this, the load capabilities are definitely noteworthy.

Another reason I prefer the E9 for high-intensity training is its non-electronic makeup. You don’t need to place this machine within cord’s reach of an outlet, as there are no digital components outside of the battery-powered display. This can be excellent for athletes limited on outlets or those that want a challenging workout without entirely rearranging their space.

Lastly, I rated the ergonomics at 4 out of 5 as there’s not a lot to write home about across the stride length or handles. The padding is somewhat lackluster, and the stride length is shorter at 15 inches. This could be an issue for taller athletes with longer gaits.

Best Budget Elliptical Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911

If you’re looking at the best elliptical machines under $1,000, odds are you’re putting your budget as one of your top concerns. While all (eh, most) of the picks included in this guide fall within that sub-$1,000 price range, there are a few ultra-budget-friendly profiles we recommend, including the SF-E3911 from Sunny Health and Fitness.

This compact elliptical features a vertical orientation, making it more equivalent to an elliptical-stepper hybrid than your traditional elliptical trainer. Plus, that vertical plane of motion helps keep the footprint of the SF-E3911 small at just 6.71 square feet, which is actually more comparable to Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bikes. Overall, I rated the footprint at 4.5 out of 5.

I also scored the value at 4.5 out of 5 for this elliptical thanks to its bare-bones makeup. Granted, you aren’t getting a tech-savvy piece of fitness equipment, but the available resistance levels are challenging enough for moderate training. I also appreciate how clear the LCD display is, as it monitors your key metrics including Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, and Total Distance.

The SF-E3911 is also plenty lightweight at just 69.3 pounds, making it one of the more maneuverable ellipticals in this guide. I’ve had no issues moving this elliptical into position for a workout, which is practically a must if you favor watching television during your workouts. 

However, this lightweight frame does compromise the durability slightly. I rated the SF-E3911 at 3.5 out of 5 for the category given its lower 220-pound weight capacity, as well as its tendency to jostle and shake during more intense sessions.

Still, though, I think the functionality is on point if you don’t purchase this elliptical expecting all the bells and whistles. Despite the lack of preset programs — or other conveniences beyond a water bottle holder, for that matter — I was still able to get a good workout in with this wallet-friendly profile.

[Related: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment]

Best Elliptical Under $1,000 with Preset Workouts: Schwinn 430

For those looking for an elliptical cheaper than $1,000, it’s easy to suspect that models won’t come with an integrated touchscreen for digital streaming. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’re left without any preset programming. The 430 Elliptical from Schwinn, for example, comes equipped with 22 built-in workouts that can be perfect for adding some variety to your low-impact, full-body training sessions.

I’ve trained with this front-drive elliptical before and do appreciate the abundance of preset workouts. Plus, if you’re more attuned to training with one of the best fitness apps, there is a built-in media shelf for DIY streaming setups.

The Schwinn 430 also features resistance and incline adjustments, although the incline is only toggleable manually. This means that you’ll need to set your pitch prior to hopping on for a session, whereas other incline-adjustable ellipticals offer digital changes mid-workout. For these reasons, I’d rate the 430’s adjustability at 3 out of 5.

Additionally, I’ve found that the guide rails for the foot pedals can squeak during sessions, which can be a distraction at times. Naturally, I’ve been able to work around this by applying one of the best lubricants for ellipticals along the rails, but it does take away from the overall training experience. I scored the overall build quality at 2 out of 5, as other customers have noted similar issues.

Despite these smaller issues, I still think this can be a suitable trainer for home gym needs — just be sure to have a helping hand for assembly purposes. We scored the setup process at 2.5 out of 5, as there are a number of heavy components that need to be held in place in order to achieve that final build silhouette. 

Additionally, while I had no issues maneuvering the roughly 169-pound frame, I would recommend a second set of hands if you need to move the 430 from one floor of your abode to its final resting place.

Read our full Schwinn 430 Elliptical Review.

Best Under-Desk Elliptical Under $1,000: Cubii Move

If you’re finding that work and Zoom meetings are getting in the way of your fitness goals, an under-desk elliptical can be a great solution. The Cubii Move features a super-small frame that takes up just 2.97 square feet — a footprint that can easily fit beneath your work station. 

“The fact that this under-desk elliptical has an LCD screen capable of tracking key metrics is a definite plus,” added our tester. Plus, the six available resistance levels allow you to fine-tune your training intensity to match your needs for a given session.

We rated the overall value of the Move at 3.75 out of 5, too. Admittedly, it can be a fun tool to get your calorie-burning sessions in while trying to answer emails, but it doesn’t take much to realize this isn’t a full-body experience. The Move only works your lower body — there aren’t any upper-body features to speak of.

[Read More: The Best Leg Exercises for Your Next Leg Day]

We scored the Cubii Move at 5 out of 5 for its simple setup. All you need to do is place the unit at your feet and begin striding. While the overall silhouette proved to be more cumbersome than initially planned — we wouldn’t recommend toting this Move around between your homefront and the office — we do think it’s simple enough for any athlete to approach.

Is the Cubii Move going to be the end-all solution for your cardio workout regimen? No. We definitely acknowledge the novelty at play with this best mini stair stepper. However, if you’re in need of more cardiovascular training and can’t get away from your home screen, this could be a worthwhile option to add to your setup.

Best Foldable Elliptical Under $1,000: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902SMART

Let’s face it — there are few folding ellipticals at any price point, so when we find a silhouette that packs in worthwhile performance across a space-saving frame in addition to a sub-$1,000 cost, we often hold it in high regard. That’s definitely the case with the SF-E902SMART from Sunny Health and Fitness. Not only does this “air walker” fold neatly to just 2.47 square feet, it also features adjustable resistance bands that can be great for beginners just learning the ropes of low-impact elliptical training.

We also enjoyed how portable the SF-E902SMART was at just 37.6 pounds, rating it at 5 out of 5 for the category. Transporting this machine from room to room was a breeze, giving us some versatility in terms of where we took in our daily sessions. 

In addition to the adjustable resistance that offers five levels of moderate intensity, you can also adjust the center abdominal pad. “This can be useful if you’re dealing with a nagging injury or often find yourself pitching forward during strides,” says our tester. “However, I would appreciate a few more adjustment levels, as the lowest setting may still be too tall for shorter individuals.” For these reasons, we scored the adjustability at 3.5 out of 5.

The SF-E902SMART also features a single set of handlebars that sway in tandem with the foot pedals. While this design keeps things intuitive, we caution athletes to take their time when getting onto the machine. There are no static handles to help with balance during entry and exit, so be sure to grip and step confidently.

Finally, another important factor to any piece of home gym equipment is how easy the machine is to assemble. We were happy to rate the assembly at 5 out of 5, as most of the machine came pre-assembled. Our tester added, “All you need to do, really, is connect a handful of nuts and bolts and you’re off to the races.”

Best Rear-Drive Elliptical Under $1,000: Niceday CT11S Elliptical Machine

For athletes wanting a natural, fluid stepping motion that closely mimics walking or running, one of the best rear-drive ellipticals can be an ideal pick. At the sub-$1,000 level, we recommend the Niceday CT11S due to its sturdy frame capable of supporting up to 400 pounds, as well as a battery-powered operation that allows you to set this machine up regardless of whether you have an available outlet at your disposal.

Available on Amazon, the Niceday CT11S comes with free shipping — another convenience that makes the roughly $500 price tag more appealing. We also rated the warranty at 4.5 out of 5 for its lifetime coverage. That said, you are at the mercy of Amazon’s customer service department, which can be hit or miss at times.

From a build perspective, we were impressed with the weight rating and steel construction. “I did notice some side-to-side sway as I upped my workout intensity,” stated our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor. “I attributed this mostly to the smaller 16-pound flywheel, which is below the industry standard of 18 to 20 pounds.” As such, we rated the durability at a conservative 3.5 out of 5.

The CT11S is pretty basic in terms of tech, too. The LCD display features rotating readouts of basic metrics, and there are two integrated pulse sensors at the center handles for heart rate monitoring. As we’ve learned from experience with other pulse sensors, we wouldn’t recommend taking these measurements as gospel — a chest strap or armband heart rate monitor can be a far more credible measuring tool.

There are no preset programs to choose from across the console, either, leading to our 1 out of 5 rating for dynamic programming. It would have been nice to see some modules for weight loss, hill climbs, or interval training. Thankfully, though, the CT11S does have a media shelf for DIY streaming, so you’re not completely left in the dark when it comes to workout programming.

Benefits of Ellipticals Under $1,000

According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, “Ellipticals are a wonderful option for individuals who want to increase their cardio exercise volume but need a low-impact way to do it.” As such, there are a wide range of benefits that can come with these home gym machines, regardless of your desired price range. Below are some of the standout perks associated with the best ellipticals under $1,000.

• Low-Impact Workouts: Studies report that training on an elliptical can be a less taxing endeavor across your joints than other forms of cardio like running. (2) This can make ellipticals a more approachable form of exercise for those dealing with potential injuries, or athletes that just want a more comfortable calorie-burning experience without any added stress across their body.
• Full-Body Engagement: Capritto also notes that ellipticals can be a great way to engage your entire body with one singular discipline. “Ellipticals (at least the ones with moving arms) provide a whole-body workout, so they’re an excellent option for people who need to maximize their exercise time,” she states.
• Cost Efficiency: Most standard ellipticals can cost roughly $1,250, so finding a worthwhile silhouette under $1,000 can be excellent for stretching your budget for other home gym needs. Granted, these sub-$1,000 ellipticals may not be loaded with bells and whistles, but if you’re looking for one of the best cardio machines for weight loss, they can be worth every penny.

How Much Do Ellipticals Under $1,000 Cost?

It doesn’t take a math wizard to understand that sub-$1,000 ellipticals cost below $1,000. On average, though, you can expect to pay roughly $625 for a worthwhile elliptical at this price range, with some silhouettes costing even less due to their compact frames designed for foldability or under-desk use. Read our chart below to compare the prices of each elliptical featured in this round-up.

Best Elliptical Under $1,000 Overall	Horizon Fitness EX-59	$999
Best Elliptical Just Over $1,000	Sole E25	$1,199.99
Best Elliptical Under $1,000 for HIIT Workouts	Yosuda E9 Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine	$659.99
Best Budget Elliptical Under $1,000	Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911	$379.99
Best Elliptical Under $1,000 with Preset Workouts	Schwinn 430	$999
Best Under-Desk Elliptical Under $1,000	Cubii Move	$199.99
Best Foldable Elliptical Under $1,000	Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902SMART	$219.99
Best Rear-Drive Elliptical Under $1,000	Niceday CT11S Elliptical Machine	$499.99

What to Consider Before Buying Ellipticals Under $1,000

Aside from, you know, ensuring your elliptical’s price tag doesn’t reach four digits, there are a handful of other components to think through when deciding on which elliptical under $1,000 is right for your space and needs. From available programming to overall footprint, stride length, and more, here are the factors we recommend considering when purchasing your ideal sub-$1,000 elliptical.

Product Dimensions 

Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, states, “This is a good place to start, because you’ll be really frustrated if you buy an elliptical that doesn’t fit in your intended space or, if you need to be flexible with your space, isn’t easy to move.” Pay close attention to the listed length, width, and height of your elliptical and ensure that you have enough open space across your home gym flooring layout to accommodate the machine.

While finding out your available space can be as easy as breaking out your trusty tape measure, another method we recommend is by thinking of your elliptical as a piece of furniture. For example, your standard three-seat sofa measures 90 inches long by 38 inches wide for a footprint of 23.75 square feet. (3) If you can comfortably house this piece of home décor, you should have ample space for a new elliptical.

Stride Length

We’ve found that the industry standard for elliptical stride length is between 18 and 20 inches. Ellipticals featuring a motion plane of these lengths should be accommodating for most gaits, so it can be wise to start your search for an elliptical with similar measurements.

If your chosen elliptical features a stride length less than 18 inches, you can still be in luck depending on the orientation. While a sub-18-inch horizontal motion may feel cramped for taller individuals, a shorter stride length that steps somewhat vertically (like you’d see in a stair climber) can still feel accommodating. Be sure to gauge your personal comfort preferences and step length and try to find a machine that matches those needs accordingly.

Dynamic Programming

Given the price point, it can be difficult to find a sub-$1,000 elliptical that features an HD touchscreen compatible with an online training service. The infused tech warrants a higher price tag, so if this is your preferred training style, you may need to up your budget. 

However, ellipticals under $1,000 can still come equipped with libraries of preset programs, so look to see that your machine has enough modules to keep your workouts fresh and inviting each time you hop on for a session.

For those that still want to stream their favorite training programs but don’t want to shell out thousands of dollars for a tech-savvy machine, we recommend opting for an elliptical featuring some form of device holder across the center console. This can be a quick, DIY way to blend your digital needs with a more affordable piece of fitness equipment.

Weight Capacity

Your elliptical’s weight capacity should be able to comfortably support your bodyweight in training. “The industry standard is 300 pounds. Budget-friendly ellipticals are likely to have a lower weight capacity, while luxury options may have a weight capacity of 350 to 400 pounds,” according to Capritto. 

In the end, be sure to choose an elliptical that you won’t max out completely from the start, as this can lead to more wear and tear across the profile, potentially resulting in damage or broken goods.

Price

If you’re looking at ellipticals under $1,000, you likely have a price in mind already. That said, the best elliptical for your space is the one that fits your finances best. This notion goes for any piece of gym equipment, from the best treadmills to exercise bikes, squat racks, and beyond. Take a look at how much you’re willing to spend, fine-tune your search to those numbers, and go from there.

Ellipticals Under $1,000 FAQs

References

1. Calories burned in 30 minutes of leisure and routine activities. Harvard Health. (2021, March 8). https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights
2. Bosch, A. N., Flanagan, K. C., Eken, M. M., Withers, A., Burger, J., & Lamberts, R. P. (2021). Physiological and metabolic responses to exercise on treadmill, elliptical trainer, and Stepper: Practical implications for training. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 31(2), 135–142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33477112/
3. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/