10 Best Budget Elliptical 2026 in the United States

The Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical offers several appealing features for those seeking a budget-friendly workout option. It boasts a 20-inch stride length, which is ideal for providing a natural running motion. The 25 resistance levels offer a broad range of intensity options, making it suitable for various fitness levels. The inclusion of a 10° motorized adjustable ramp allows users to add variety and challenge to their workouts by changing the incline.

The DualTrack blue backlit LCD system is another highlight, offering visibility on 29 workout programs and tracking capabilities. Enhanced Bluetooth connectivity also enables users to sync with popular fitness apps and explore over 200 virtual courses (with a subscription), adding an interactive element to the exercise routine.

The elliptical is relatively heavy and bulky, with dimensions of 28.2” D x 63.2” W x 70.1” H and a package weight of 85 kg, which may make it less portable and require ample space. While the build quality appears solid with an alloy steel frame, this elliptical may not be the best fit for those looking for a more compact or lighter machine. For users who value a mix of technology, varied resistance, and incline options within a budget, the Schwinn Fitness 470 is a strong contender.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Elliptical offers a solid workout option for home users looking for a budget-friendly machine. Its 16-inch stride length is a standout feature, providing a natural, full range of motion that mimics real walking or running, which is great for engaging your whole body. The machine has 16 resistance levels using a magnetic system, letting you easily adjust workout intensity from light to challenging, which suits beginners and those wanting gradual progress. Although the flywheel weight isn’t specified, the magnetic resistance and smooth, quiet belt-drive system help ensure a silent and steady workout experience. This model doesn’t include incline options, which might limit variety if you want more intense hill simulations, but the broad resistance range helps compensate for that.

The digital console is simple yet effective, showing key workout data like time, distance, calories, and heart rate via built-in pulse sensors. Plus, it syncs with the free SunnyFit app, offering lots of guided workouts and virtual tours to keep you motivated without extra cost. The elliptical’s footprint is fairly compact for an elliptical (about 48 by 26 inches), and it includes transport wheels and adjustable floor stabilizers, making it easier to move and stable on uneven floors. It supports users up to 300 pounds with a sturdy alloy steel frame, promising durability over time.

This elliptical is well suited for those wanting a quiet, natural-feeling workout at home without extra bells and whistles like incline settings. It is a dependable choice if your focus is straightforward cardio and full-body toning on a budget.

The Niceday Elliptical offers a solid option for budget-conscious users seeking a home elliptical that balances comfort and functionality. Its 15.5-inch stride length is on the shorter side but designed to minimize knee strain, making it suitable for users up to about 5'11" who want a smooth, natural motion. With 16 resistance levels and a 16-pound flywheel, it provides a good range of workout intensities, from gentle cardio to more challenging sessions. This should satisfy most beginners and intermediate users aiming for weight loss or general fitness. However, it lacks incline options, which some other ellipticals offer to add variety and target different muscle groups.

The magnetic resistance system ensures quiet operation, which is great if you need to exercise without disturbing others. The digital console tracks essential metrics like time, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate, helping you monitor progress easily. At just over 41 inches deep and 15 inches wide, it has a relatively small footprint that fits well in limited spaces. Plus, built-in wheels make it easy to move around. It supports users up to 400 pounds, backed by a sturdy frame. Assembly is straightforward and quick, arriving mostly pre-assembled.

The main downsides are the shorter stride length for taller users and the absence of incline adjustment, which may reduce workout variety over time. Considering its price point, quiet operation, and solid build, the Niceday elliptical represents a practical choice for those starting out or looking for a compact, reliable machine for home use.