The 10 Best Elliptical Under 1500 in 2024
Elliptical machines are used for upper and lower body workouts. There is no dearth of workout machines that work on both your upper and lower body, but what makes an elliptical machine special is its ability to put less stress on the joints while ensuring an effective workout.
Many cannot opt for a personal workout machine because they are expensive. There is no denying that elliptical machines will be pricey too. However, for people with a limited budget, we have a whole list of the best elliptical under 1500. In our opinion, that is fair worth.
Because frankly, a certain product will have a certain value. The only thing you need to assure is whether you are getting the best at the price you are willing to pay. Here we are not talking about some random, cheap ellipticals that will last no more than a few months.
REVIEWS OF THE BEST ELLIPTICAL UNDER 1500
When we say the best under 1500, get one thing straight these will last, will ensure you a comfortable workout for years, and you will be able to admit that they are worth it finally. So, without any further ado, let’s jump straight to reviewing the best that are worth your hard-earned money.
1. SOLE FITNESS E35 ELLIPTICAL MACHINE
We have already talked about Sole E55. Time to check out E35, and even though it looks similar to E55, it is advanced in some features. Unlike the E55’s non-adjustable 20” stride, the E35 has an adjustable stride length. Depending on your comfort, you can adjust it between 20 to 22 inches.
Its heavy aluminum flywheel ensures a frictionless, smooth resistance. Not only that, it is not at all wobbly with all the high-intensity pedaling in different incline positions, and neither makes annoying noises. It is a quiet elliptical with a user-friendly console and sound system.
The vibrant console with easy easy-to-read 7.5-inch LCD can be adjusted into different positions to bring it to your eye level. Connect your phone to the elliptical and listen to your favorite songs to have fun workout sessions.
This 230-pound elliptical can carry a weight of up to 375 pounds staying completely stable. The 15-inch foot pedals are more than enough for human feet to adjust and pedal comfortably. Then you have the two sets of handlebars to add to your comfort and balance.
The elliptical has included both the pulse grip and chest straps to observe your heart rate. You can be assured of a high-intensity workout, putting a very low impact on your body and joints. Bring newness to your workout sessions with its six standard programs, two custom programs, different incline levels, and stride lengths.
Pros
- Sturdy flywheel for quiet and smooth performance.
- Adjustable stride, from 20 to 22 inches.
- 7.5-inch LCD console with sound system.
- 15-inch foot pedals and static and moving handlebars.
- Functions in both forward and backward motion.
Cons
- Heavy.
2. PROFORM CARDIO ELLIPTICAL TRAINER
Now, this is a weird-looking elliptical machine. It’s so different from regular that you might not consider it an elliptical machine at first few glances. But that very feature makes it the most interesting.
This one has taken the space-saving design to a whole new level by placing the flywheel vertically. The flywheel is generally horizontal to the floor. But in this one, it is vertically placed and attached to the handlebars and console section. That design ends up saving half the space you would require to set up a regular front or rear-drive elliptical machine.
Its Silent Magnetic Resistance and inertia-enhanced flywheel ensure smooth resistance and moderately quiet performance. You have 24 levels of resistance to increase workout intensity. Easily toggle through all the levels real quick with its Digital Quick Resistance buttons.
The 10-inch vertical and 5-inch horizontal stride length, along with the closely placed oversized cushioned foot pedals, ensures a full-body workout. Literally, whole-body movement, including the arms with their moving cushioned handlebars. That brings us to the static handlebars, too, which have an EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensor for monitoring your condition.
Its 7-inch display is easy to read, and the control also is compatible with iFit technology. This tech keeps you connected with expert trainers and keeps detailed data on your progress and workout activity.
Pros
- Unique design saves half the space.
- Sturdy, steel construction with oversized leveling feet.
- Unique hybrid stride.
- 24 resistance levels.
- Cushioned oversized pedals and two sets of comfy handlebars.
Cons
- Makes squeaky noises at high intensity.
3. NORDICTRACK SPACESAVER SE9I ELLIPTICAL TRAINERS
After reviewing the front-drive elliptical back to back, let’s divulge about a rear-drive one. We are talking about a rear-drive elliptical, so quite evidently, NordicTrack SE9i has a flywheel at the back.
With its one Touch and Rag control, you can command the whole elliptical with just a mere touch. The 7-inch Smart HD touch screen has turned the control of the machine into a cakewalk. There are other buttons, too, alongside the touchscreen for easier settings.
The 18-lb inertia-enhanced flywheel allows you to change the resistance to 24 different levels. No matter how intense you want, the workout session to be the rotation will be smooth and silent, with no friction in the flywheel.
You also have a 0 to 10-degree power incline to intensify the workout. You can go easy on your body or level up the incline to increase calorie burn and better muscle toning.
Though a rear-drive elliptical is known to take more space than front-drive ones, this one could manage to have a space-saving design. You have the handlebars, both fixed and moving ones, the heart rate sensors, the Wireless iFit Bluetooth chest strap, the adjustable large foot pedals, and an adjustable fan that emits a breeze according to your workout intensity.
Pros
- 18lbs effective inertia-enhanced flywheel.
- 0-10 degree power incline.
- 24 resistance levels.
- 7-inch touchscreen.
- Handles with built-in quick touch controls and sensors.
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity.
4. SOLE E55 ELLIPTICAL TRAINER SYSTEM
E55 by Sole is one of the best ellipticals in the said price range. It delivers high-quality, comfortable workouts every single time you step up in it. This one has a space-saving design. Thus, going to fit your small workout area just right.
The 20lbs flywheel calls for smooth rotation with every stride without shaking you and the whole elliptical. It can be inclined in 20 different positions with different paths, just perfect for working on different muscle groups.
Its smooth, silent resistance and dual-wheel design make it a stable, quiet elliptical machine for intense workout sessions. The stride length is 20 inches, and you have a large pair of foot pedals with footprints to avoid sliding.
Track your workout data and transfer all the data to another device through its Bluetooth functionality. The 9-inch LCD console is easy to view and read and has all the controls on it. Touch them accordingly to control the elliptical.
There are two pairs of handles, a static pair with pulse sensors and a pair of moving handlebars to work on your arms alongside the upper and lower body.
Pros
- Smooth resistance with 20 incline positions.
- Sturdy built and a 20lbs flywheel.
- Large foot pedals and 20 inches stride length.
- 9-inch large LCD console.
- 10 workout programs with Bluetooth connectivity.
Cons
- Difficult to assemble.
5. BOWFLEX RESULTS SERIES ELLIPTICAL TRAINERS
This Bowflex elliptical machine can handle users weighing up to 375 pounds. Though it has a massive flywheel with a bulky rim over it, it’s a perfect addition to your home gym. The flywheel weighs 35 lbs, so it’s being massive has a purpose. The much-needed weight is for optimum stability and resistance.
It offers 15 incline levels to work on different muscles of your body. The large foot pedals with anti-slip footprints and 22” stride length throw a challenge on your lower body and work with full impact without making you uncomfortable.
You can customize your workout with its four different profile settings. Also, you can adjust the difficulty level according to your own capacity and comfort level. You can go slow and easy on your body and slowly increase the difficulty level of the workout through its customizing capability.
The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to track and monitor your workout and the progress you made with each passing day. The 7.5” full-color, back-lit LCD screen shows the calories you burn every minute.
Pros
- 35-pound flywheel with a 375-pound weight capacity.
- 22” stride length.
- A pair of static handlebars with sensors and angled handlebars.
- Bluetooth functionality.
- Nine intuitive workout programs and fifteen incline levels.
Cons
- Massive.
6. SCHWINN 470 ELLIPTICAL MACHINE
This one is a durable elliptical with two built-in levelers and a solid center frame. For stable hold, you have two sets of handlebars. Static ones to track heart rate and angled moving handlebars that ensure arm workout and keep the arm in the correct posture.
A high-speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel, and oversized crossbar tubing ensure that you can work out with full force, but the elliptical stays stable and firm. That is the prime feature that helps you have effective exercise without putting pressure on the joints.
You are working out with 25 varied levels of resistance, smooth and quiet even at a very high speed, thanks to the flywheel having more mass on the outer edge. The advanced console provides you with two LCD window systems and a comfy control system.
Shuffle up your workout routine with the 29 workout programs and four user settings it offers. The foot pedals are large and durable with texture and cushioning so that your feet are at ease and you won’t slip taking the patented 20” long Precision Path stride.
Pros
- A solid built with advanced features.
- High speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel.
- 29 programs, 4 user settings, and 25 resistance levels.
- 20-inch stride and massive foot pedals.
- Highly advanced console with LCD windows and USB charging port.
Cons
- The wheels underneath needed to be of better quality.
7. NORDICTRACK NTEL71218 COMMERCIAL 12.9
With 24 digital resistance levels, a 17-19 inches adjustable stride, 0-20 degree adjustable power ramp, NordicTrack NTEL71218 thrives, and how! Even after working on your hamstring, glutes, or other joints of the upper and lower body, you are safe. This is the perfect elliptical that ensures low-impact training of your upper and lower body.
SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance of the flywheel ensures a smooth, quiet workout session. Target different muscle groups and tone those specific ones by adjusting the incline, stride, and resistance levels.
The oversized levelers keep the elliptical stable during the most intense pedaling. Like the levelers, the foot pedals are oversized as well, that too, with an anti-slip texture.
It is powered by iFit and features SMART Incline Matching technology. The former, along with the matching tech, allows you to work out under professionals and automatically adjusts your incline the way the Pro suggested.
The console has all the control buttons and a large display. Keep yourself cool with the fan, enjoy music or reading by putting a tablet on the tablet holder, keep yourself hydrated by keeping the water bottle in the holder near you, enjoy some arm exercise with the moving handlebars, and last but not least, monitor your heart rate with the sensors on the grips.
Pros
- 24 resistance levels.
- 20 incline levels.
- 17-19 inches stride.
- 7” HD SMART Touchscreen Display.
- iFit friendly and SMART Incline Matching technology.
Cons
- Squeaks after a while.
8. PROFORM PRO 16.9 ELLIPTICAL TRAINER
We have another ProForm elliptical trainer, and this one has a typical design. It is a front-drive elliptical with a 32lbs effective inertia-enhanced flywheel. This one personifies abundance because everything it offers is way more than what others have to offer.
The commercial steel construction makes it a durable piece of elliptical. Handling up to 375-pound weight during high-intensity workouts is not an issue for it at all.
It has 26 resistance levels and a 0 to 20-degree incline ramp. Just imagine how intense you can make your workout session, and all that intensity will have zero impact on your body but effectively tone your muscles and burn calories.
You have 35 workout programs designed by pro workout trainers, and you can customize your own workout sessions with them as well. It is iPod-compatible, so enjoy your workout sessions by listening to your favorite melodies.
It has oversized foot pedals and levelers, two sets of handlebars, an easy-to-read 10” touchscreen display console, a workout fan, a tablet holder, and a water bottle holder. Moreover, you can adjust the foot pedal as well as monitor heart rate with its Ekg grip pulse with a wireless chest strap on the stationary handlebars.
Pros
- Durable commercial steel construction.
- 32lbs effective inertia-enhanced flywheel.
- 26 resistance levels.
- 0-20 degree incline.
- Adjustable foot pedals and comfy handlebars and grips.
Cons
- A glitch in iFit enabling.
9. NAUTILUS E616 ELLIPTICAL TRAINER
This rear-drive elliptical offers you 29 workout programs to ensure an effective workout experience every time you use it. The high inertia flywheel has 25 different resistance levels to provide for the whole body workout.
You can change the position of it by inclining the elliptical from 0 to 10 degrees. The 20-inch precision path stride adds to the challenge of making sure you burn calories, tone your muscles, and lose weight. But your joints are safe.
It features a suspension performance system to adjust the foot pedals into different angles depending on your workout intensity level and the various muscles you are working on. The foot pedals are cushioned and oversized for the optimum comfort of your feet.
The moving bars ensure your arms are not at rest, and the static bars have pulse sensors on them. Use Bluetooth connectivity to use different apps, stay connected to fellow workout pals, and track, check and monitor your workout progress.
Pros
- 29 workout programs.
- 25 resistance levels.
- 10 incline levels.
- Adjustable foot pedals.
- Bluetooth functionality.
Cons
- Settings take time to adjust with.
10. AFG SPORT 5.9AE ELLIPTICAL
AFG 5.9 AE is a basic elliptical trainer with durable construction. The steel frame is heavy welded, and it has a 23lbs flywheel. Stability, smoothness, and quiet ambiance, you can expect all from this elliptical trainer.
It has a natural stride. You never feel like you are working out even if the intensity level is high. Work on your muscles, burn some calories to lose weight, and be active to the optimum level without pressuring your joints, even if you are not suffering from joint pain.
The elliptical has 40 preset workout programs and 12 resistance levels. It can be connected to any device via Bluetooth, so listening to music is allowed. Not just that, the tablet holder and quiet performance will enable you to read important news or a few pages of a book you are reading.
Its 20-inch stride length makes your workout intense, and the oversized foot pedals ensure your feet are at ease. The handlebars are easy to grip, and the large display is easy on your eyes.
Pros
- Robust heavy welded steel frame.
- 23lbs flywheel.
- Large console with a tablet holder and cooling fan.
- Chest strap for heart rate monitoring.
- Connects via Bluetooth.
Cons
- Non-adjustable stride length.
Buying Guide A Elliptical Under 1500
Never expect more from a product if you are on a specific budget. Instead, ensure less useful features from it. Now, coming to what we should expect from the elliptical machines under 1500. We say just high quality and basics.
Sturdy Built
Elliptical is mostly used by people who have joint problems and other issues that hinder their activity. So, a cheap, wobbly elliptical is only going to keep them at risk. Every part of your elliptical has to be sturdy. It must handle a good amount of weight and all the impact of high-intensity workouts.
You are continually pedaling, and moving the handlebars, and your whole body weight is on the elliptical, so compromising the quality due to the price is not acceptable. An affordable elliptical must be as high-quality as the expensive ones. The advanced features can wait and be compromised.
Resistance
Resistance levels are another thing that has nothing to do with the budget. If it is an elliptical trainer, it has to have varied resistance levels. There are no two ways about it. The resistance levels might be less or more, but it has to be there. Because 1500 is not a small amount to pay every now and then.
You might start with low resistance, but within a month, you will need high resistance levels to work out. So, the more resistance levels, the better. Go for an effective high-inertia-enhanced flywheel to get smooth resistance at all levels.
Incline
Just like the resistance, the incline of an elliptical can have different levels. When an elliptical ramp allows you to incline it at various degrees, you know you can increase the workout intensity to the highest level possible. Pedaling the elliptical when it’s not inclined will be easier. Now imagine a 10-degree incline and pedaling on it. You know your hamstring, glutes, joints, the upper and lower body all are at serious work then and there.
Stride
We wouldn’t expect different stride lengths from an elliptical that is under 1500. But we prefer adjustable stride length because, as you have seen, there are a few ellipticals that offer it. There are many days when we can push ourselves more, and on some days, we are exhausted and want to go easy. An adjustable stride length assures ease during those lazy times.
Foot Pedals And Handlebars
Oversized cushioned foot pedals with anti-slip foot textures, a pair of well-padded long handlebars that move to ensure arm exercise, and a pair of stationary grips with pulse sensors to monitor heart rate, are as important in an elliptical machine as the flywheel.
Final Word
Workout machines can be costly, kind of an investment, and so can elliptical machines. So, one should never compromise with quality. Even if it costs a bit much, one must always invest in a high-quality, durable elliptical machine. And when you have so many great options to choose from, as our compilation of the best ellipticals under 1500 suggests, compromising the quality will be unfair.
Take care of yourself; always. Especially if you are suffering from acute pain in your joints or just recovered from a fatal injury. Always try to use the right equipment for exercising. Start saving some money and fulfill the goal of buying an elliptical machine.
Any of the above that you think will suit your purpose and budget the best will do. Working out will not be painful or something that your body can’t take anymore with these. We hope now you will have a great and safe workout session at a satisfying price.
You May Also Like