5 Best Compact Elliptical Under 500 [reviews & buying guide]

Physical activities are always good for health. It’s not just for losing weight but also for a better heart condition and creating an antibody; this is a must. Running outside or going to the gym can be a hassle for many due to the hectic work life or this current pandemic situation. Fear not! here we will discuss 5 best compact ellipticals under 500 for your home

An elliptical machine can be a great addition to your home decor. It triggers different types of exercises, i.e., walking, running, and climbing stairs. Basically, a  perfect cardio machine that doesn’t strain the muscles too much. My workout days are incomplete if I don’t spend at least 20 minutes on this machine.

However, many people have the misconception that gym equipment costs a fortune. Are you one of those people? Well, you will undoubtedly change your mind after reading our review on the 5 Best compact ellipticals under 500 in 2022.

  • Editor's Choice

  • Model NameModel Name
  • Product DimensionsProduct Dimensions
  • Resistance LevelsResistance Levels
  • Max User WeightMax User Weight
  • ColorColor
  • Budget Under 400

  • Model NameANCHHER
  • Product Dimensions40.9 x 18.9 x 63 inch
  • Resistance Levels8 Magnetic
  • Max User Weight350lbs
  • ColorBlack/Gray
  • Budget Under 200

  • Model NameSunny Health & Fitness
  • Product Dimensions33.5L x 18.5W x 51.75H inches
  • Resistance Levels8 Magnetic
  • Max User Weight220lbs
  • ColorBlack & White
  • Budget 500+

  • Model NameSchwinn
  • Product DimensionsLxWxH 70.1 x 28.1 x 63.1 inches
  • Resistance Levels16 levels
  • Max User Weight300lbs
  • ColorBlack

We have thoroughly checked these entire products before reviewing them. The best part is that they all have one or more unique features that set them apart. But the common thing is, they are all compact, budget-friendly, and give you high-quality performance.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Elliptical Under 500

young girl using elliptical

The harsh truth is even the most compact elliptical machine doesn’t come in cheap. Five hundred dollars is a lot of money to spend. So you need to choose the right one for you. Otherwise, it is just a misspend of your precious money.

So you have to consider few things while choosing your workout machine.

Design

Unlike most other workout equipment, the compact elliptical comes in a lot of variants. There is a front-drive, back drive, and under desk variations. Size plays a vital role when it comes to choosing an elliptical too.

Depending on the space, you have to consider the one that is suitable for you. Furthermore, some compact machines are easily portable. If you want to store it after your workout, then pick the one that has wheels.

Striding Length

Striding length starts from 10 inch goes up to 22 inches. Not every machine has the amount. If you want low impact walking version, then a 10- 15 inch length will be enough. On the other hand, you will need a 20- 22 inch stride for more of a cardio workout,.

Your height, weight, and using condition will make an appearance when deciding this factor.

Performance Tracker

This is not the most crucial feature. However, if you ask me, this is certainly a pointer for me. An elliptical that shows progress gets a plus point. If you are a fitness freak or want to lose weight, this can be an essential program.

Resistance Level

The resistance level is another big factor besides the stride length. This is definitely one of the prominent factors to consider while buying an elliptical machine as resistance level determines your performance quality.

Too much resistance can cause you not to develop at all, and under resistance won’t give you much of a workout. So on both sides, you will struggle.

Display Facilities

The monitor is the key by which you determine where you are getting the right amount of workouts. The display shows the time, distance, heart rate, calories lost. By seeing this, you set your work in motion. On the other hand, a poorly synchronized display or a poorly designed control system can hamper all your exercise progress.

Carriable Weight

Now, this is the last thing you need to consider. So before buying the machine, look through the description and see if it can carry your weight. If you are on the heavier side, then not all equipment will do.

5 Compact Elliptical Machine under 500$

Over the few months, we have gone through the brochure of many pieces of equipment. From those, we have selected a few affordable ones that will give you the best workout experience.

1. ANCHHER Compact Elliptical budget under 400

Specifications
Material: Steel Tube
Color: Black/Gray
Product Weight: 35.8 kg
Product Size: 40.9 x 18.9 x 63 inch
Flywheel Weight: 12lbs
Max Load Weight: 350lbs
LCD Display: Time, Speed, Calorie, Distance, Heart Rate
Resistance Levels: 8 Magnetic resistance levels
Tension System: Magnetic
Pedal Size: 15.6 x 6.3 inch
Transport wheel: Yes
Features
Budget-Friendly Equipment
Sturdy
Covers up to 350 pounds
Space Saver
Adjustable & Portable
The LCD monitor shows speed, time
Easy to Use
Eight difficulty levels
Noise cancellation system
total body workout machine under 500

A budget-friendly option to look at. This sturdy equipment is committed to keeping you fit by providing just the right amount of cardiovascular movement. The best part is that the compact machine can carry up to 350 pounds. Neet right?

This small equipment comes in a lot of budget variants. If you don’t want to go to the 500 dollars landmark, you can easily purchase the under 400-dollar option. Furthermore, this portable and compact elliptical machine is suitable for any short space.

The built-in LCD monitor shows speed, time, distance, calories burned. And the accurate heart rate monitor keeps helps you to keep track of your health condition. The functions are relatively easy to use. So you won’t have much difficulty getting used to it.

The eight difficulty levels make it a piece of ideal beginner-friendly equipment. You can easily adjust the difficulty level according to your need by just turning a nob. What I really like about this equipment is that it has a noise cancellation system. The V- belt drive ensures a quiet environment. So if you are an apartment lesser like me, this can be the best option.

The non-slippery footing gives you optimal comfort and stability. And the long movable handles give you a good hand workout.


best elliptical machine under 400
ProsCons
Smooth and noise-free operation.No station for water bottle
8 level adjustable difficulty system 
13-inch foot stride. 
Low impact workout. 
Easy to maneuver 
Easy to transfer 

2. HCI Fitness Compact Semi-Elliptical Cross Trainer

Specifications
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ HealthCare International, Inc
Semi-Elliptical
Color: Grey/Black
Fully Adjustable
LCD display
resistance level “1-16”
LCD display
 
Features
One of the best inexpensive elliptical
Comfort seat
User-friendly LCD monitor
17 built-in programs and 16 resistance levels
Adjustable Handles

The next thing we would recommend is the compact semi-elliptical by HCI Fitness. This is one of the best low-budget workout equipment that has almost all modern features. This machine is suitable for every type of person. Moreover, the comfortable seat makes it ideal for people with any sort of injury.

The machine comes with the latest user-friendly LCD monitor. The system has 17 built-in programs and 16 resistance levels. You can see the time, speed, distance, pulse, watts, calories lost, resistance, and RPM on display.

For more of a workout, you can adjust the handles in your preferred position. So, It’s perfectly fine to set in your preferred way to target any specific area. Furthermore, the comfortable reclined seat has an accurate heart rate sensor and you can keep an eye on your cardio on the display monitor.

The striding motion is relatively moderate. You will get a low-impact, smooth walking sensation. So overall this is a whole-body modern training machine that you can get just under 400.


Semi elliptical under 500

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Cheap and durableYou won’t get a high-intensity cardio workout.
It comes with a comfortable seatNot easily transferable
16 resistance level 
Adjustable handlers 
Easy to construct 

3. Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Budget under 150

Specifications
Brand: Sunny Health & Fitness
Weight Capacity: 220lb
Resistance: 8 levels Magnetic
Dimensions: 33.5L x 18.5W x 51.75H inches
Compact Design
Portable
Features
Very Cheap, budget under 150
space-saving elliptical comes in two variants
small digital monitor
the standing version has two sturdy handles
Eight magnetic difficulty levels
Non-slippery paddle
built-in floor stabilizer
Assembly is fun
compact magnetic elliptical

The new addition to the Sunny health & fitness, just under 200 hundred dollars, this machine gives you optimum satisfaction. You heard it right. Moreover, this space-saving elliptical comes in two variants. One is under the desk, and the other is standing.

So, this compact elliptical has a small digital monitor. You can track time, the number of calories lost, and the distance covered here. The standing version has two sturdy handles to keep you steady; on the other hand, the under-desk version doesn’t have them.

This workout machine has eight magnetic difficulty levels. You can easily adjust the difficulty with resistance nob. Apart from that, any size person can use its non-slippery paddle. Moreover, the equipment has built-in wheels so you can move it around. Also, the desk version comes with a carry handle so, you can carry that lite weight equipment anywhere.

The under-desk version gives you the opportunity to work out even when you are working or watching TV and I am telling you this one is my absolute favorite option. So, any lazy person can exercise even while sitting on the sofa.

This equipment comes with a built-in floor stabilizer. So the kit will firmly stay attached to the ground while working out. Furthermore, this small elliptical can hold up to 220Ib, which you cannot guess by seeing the size.


ProsCons
It comes in two variations.Doesn’t show heart rate
Cheap and can fits into any small place 
Carry friendly. 
Easy to assemble 
Automatically shuts down if you don’t use it for a specific amount of time. 

4. Aceshin Budget Friendly Magnetic & Compact Elliptical Machine

Specifications
Max.Load: 330 lbs/150 kg
Flywheel Weight: 6 kg
Product Weight: 35.8 kg
Footboard Size: 15.6 x 6.3 inch/39.5 x 16 cm
Floor Space: 23.2 x 11.6 inch
Foot pedal span: 36 cm/ 14.2 inch
Product Size: 104 x 48 x 160 cm/ 40.9 x 18.9 x 63 inch
Package Content: 1 x Elliptical Machine (With all accessories), 1 x User Manual
Features
8-Level Magnetic Resistance
Digital Monitor Display
Smooth Quiet Driven
13 Inch Non-slip Pedal
Sturdy Construction
You can move the elliptical easily
Friendly Customer Service

When we talk about the best compact elliptical under 500, we can not but miss talking about Aceshin Compact Elliptical machine. High durability, stability, and quality function made it one of the best home workout equipment for 2022.

A plastic sleeve supports the back legs. So, you place it over any carpet, wood flooring, or yoga mat. On the other hand, this small machine can take up to 330 lbs/150 kg. Like the Ancheer Magnetic Elliptical Machine, it has scientifically proved eight resistance levels. 1 to 2 resistance is for cardiopulmonary, level 3 to 4 is for shaping, 5 to 6 class is for firm abs, and finally, the last two levels are for those who prefer high-intensity workouts.

With the size of 104 x 48 x 160 cm/ 40.9 x 18.9 x 63 inch (L x W x H) inches, you can store it practically anywhere. And the front two wheels give you an accessible portable facility. So you can put it in your storeroom and take it out on workout time.

The extra bigfooting and the shorter stride make it suitable for both tall and short people. Moreover, the paddles are 100 and 10 percent non-slippery, so don’t worry about falling. The heart rate tracker on the handlers shows an accurate heart rate on display. So, you can constantly track your cardiac rate. Apart from that, the LCD monitor showcases, like usual, the time, distance, and burn rate.

This cheap elliptical meets the need of different people, i.e., teenagers, general people, the elderly, and even sports enthusiasts.


Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Whole-body workout experienceNo water bottle holder
Smoothly transferable 
8 levels of resistance. 
Non-slippery paddles 
The product price is reasonable 

5. Schwinn 16 resistance Compact Elliptical Machine

Specifications
Brand: Schwinn Fitness
Material: Steel
Item Dimensions: LxWxH 70.1 x 28.1 x 63.1 inches
Item Weight: 46 Kilograms
Screen Size: 18 Inches
Max User Weight: 300lbs
16 levels of resistance
Features
3 free courses available
18″ Stride of large elliptical
Compact Design
displays time, speed, distance, calories, and heart RATE
contact grip heart RATE sensors
water bottle holder
compact elliptical under 600

The new addition of Schwinn Fitness took the sports world by storm. If you don’t have enough space in your home, then this is a good option. Its 46-kilogram weight can carry a person up to 300 pounds.

Though it is lightweight and comes in a space-saving size, it gives you a full-body cardio experience. Moreover, this machine offers you an 18-inch stride length and it comes in 16 adjustable levels. So you can start from the beginner level and go all the way to the advanced section as you progress.

The Schwinn company has equipped a streamlined console in this machine.

This console displays the amount of time you have worked out, your heart rate, the distance covered, the pace you have set, and of course, the calories you have burned. The elliptical doesn’t have any display section, but it has a media rack. So, you can put your phone or Ipad on it.

I love this equipment because I can sync Explore the World app with this machine. So you can put your Ipad on the media rack, start the app and have a real-life experience. Not bad, huh! Entertainment and workout at the same time.

You will see two different types of handles installed in this gadget; moving and still. Beginners can try the stilled version and gradually move up to the moving ones. Moreover, the movable handlers give you more of a hand workout. The hands have a heart rate monitor on the grip to keep you on track.

Just above 500 dollars, this compact elliptical machine provides all the benefits of its larger predecessor.


Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Comes in a small sizeDoesn’t have speakers
You can sync the machine with the app 
It can be foregathered effortlessly. 
Take up to 300 pounds. 
  

Final Words

With that said, we conclude our review on the best compact elliptical under 500. These types of equipment help to build up your cardio strength and put you in a better shape in the confinement of your home. So, when you walk out of your home after this pandemic lockdown, you will have a killer look.

Our aim was to guide you to make the right decision about buying the right product within your budget. By listing the five best compact ellipticals under 500, we have fulfilled our purpose. So, go through each and every product, read the guides, and hopefully, you will make the right choice. And don’t forget to exercise regularly for your desired result.

Mohammad Kaosar
Mohammad Kaosar

It is my first time sharing my bio with the world. As an IT professional, I reside in New Jersey, USA. I enjoy gossiping and being a part of every daily discussion (especially concerning football and health and fitness). Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are very meaningful to me. As a fitness and exercise enthusiast, I love writing articles and sharing them with people. The subject of fitness and diet has been a focus of my writing since 1999. Sharing my experiences with others is something I enjoy doing.

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