5 Best Ellipticals Under $300 in 2024

In this article, we’ll be covering your options for the best elliptical under $300. An elliptical is one of the best pieces of home gym exercise equipment for cardio and weight loss purposes.

While the standard elliptical machines found in gyms can be very expensive, you can get just as good of a workout with one of these choices instead. If you’re looking for a home elliptical under $300, then keep reading to find out the best options on the market now.

Top 5 Best Ellipticals Under $300 Reviewed

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Elliptical Machine – Top Pick
2. Body Rider Elliptical Machine & Stationary Bike – Runner-Up
3. BODY POWER – 2nd Gen, PATENTED 3 in 1 Exercise Machine – Highest Multifunctionality
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Portable Under Desk Elliptical Machine – Best Portable
5. Exerpeutic Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical

Product	Total	Adjustability	Monitor Functionality	Portability	Multifunctionality	Price/ Quality
Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials	47.5	10	10	9	8.5	10
Body Rider	47	10	9	9	10	9
Body Power	45.5	9	9	8.5	10	9
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic	44	8	9	10	8	9
Exerpeutic	43.5	8.5	9	8	8.5	9.5

We’ve chosen Sunny Health & Fitness’ Essentials series Elliptical machine as our number 1 choice for the best elliptical machine under $300. Coming in at well under $300, it offers all the features you’re looking for in an elliptical at an affordable price.

Featuring 8 adjustable resistance levels, it will be able to provide a top-notch workout to anybody, regardless of existing fitness level. It also features two separate handles, one stationary and one moving, so you can decide which works best for you.

This model features a digital monitor with pulse sensors, so you can track your progress and keep track of your heart rate throughout your workout. With the machine coming partially pre-assembled, it’s also a great choice for those who want to start working out immediately after they get their machine. This is all not to mention the machine is very compact, providing a gym-quality home workout without the need for a ton of extra space.

While the standard model does not include this feature, there is a Smart model which features Bluetooth connectivity as well as provides access to the Sunnyfit app. While this is not necessary to get a great workout in, it may be helpful to those who enjoy tracking their fitness journey.

The smart model is slightly more expensive, so it is also an affordable pick for those looking for an elliptical with these extra connectivity features. While it doesn’t quite fit our budget after taxes, it’s still likely the best elliptical under $400 on the market.

Some Amazon reviews do note that the stride length is relatively short compared to other ellipticals on the market. This may not make it the best option for the taller people out there.

Our runner-up for the best budget elliptical machine is Body Rider’s 2-in-1 elliptical and stationary bike. The first major obvious advantage to this machine is the added functionality of being a stationary bike as well as an elliptical. This provides users with an entirely different workout style.

The machine has an adjustable seat and tension knob, so it will be effective for users of all different heights and fitness levels. There is also a built-in transport wheel, making it easy to move around once it’s set up. The computer display tracks 4 different metrics, including workout length, distance covered, calories burned, and speed.

The machine functions using a chain-driven fan wheel, which provides the added functionality of blowing a gentle breeze at the user during their workout. The Amazon page explains that its 2-in-1 functionality makes this a great choice for those beginning to work out, as they can easily sit down in case they need to ease up their workout.

Some Amazon reviews appear to note that the machine does not have the highest durability. However, with the machine coming with a one-year warranty, if there is any damage within the first 12 months of your purchase, it should be easy to get repaired. It appears that if you are close to the weight limit for the machine, you may need to be cautious about how you use the machine.

Adding a feature to the previous option on our list is Body Power’s 2nd Gen 3 in 1 elliptical and exercise bike, which includes a recumbent bike on top of the standard stationary and elliptical. Similar to the previous option, Body Power’s model offers fluid transitions between the 3 workout types, making it a great choice for those looking to implement some form of interval training into their routine.

This model boasts several handles to use during your workout, including standard elliptical-style handles, U-shaped handles with heart rate monitors, and wraparound handles similar to those on a standard exercise bike. The machine features a transport wheel, making it easy to wheel around your home. With all the functionality it provides, it’s like having an entire home gym in one piece of equipment.

The Amazon reviews note that the machine is durable and can handle weight right up to the recommended limit, as well as being usable for people of all different heights and builds. This makes it a great choice for pretty much anyone.

The second option coming from Sunny Health and Fitness is the unique model on our list. Instead of being like the standalone ellipticals you see in gyms, this model is a small and simple model designed for under your desk. This makes it the best compact elliptical under $300. As a result of the size, it likely won’t provide as great of a workout as the other options on our list, but for those on a tight budget, or those with very little space, this is a great choice.

Like Sunny’s other model on our list, this features 8 levels of resistance, meaning it can provide a challenging workout to anybody. Weighing in at only 25 pounds, it is also easily the most portable option on our list, and could even be used away from home, at the office for example. This means you can get a great workout anywhere using this machine.

Despite being so compact, this model features many of the features a full-sized elliptical does. This includes a full electronic display which tracks time, speed, calories burned, and distance covered.

Studies show how great seated exercise is, especially for older people, and this machine could be great to implement in these workout routines. One 78-year-old Amazon reviewer noted how comfortable the machine is to use, especially on a straight-back chair or at a desk. Do note that the machine would probably be somewhat uncomfortable on something softer, like a recliner or sofa.

The final choice on our list comes from Exerpeutic, with their Heavy Duty Magnetic Elliptical. This easily has the highest weight limit of any option on our list at 300 pounds, making it a great choice for the heavier people out there looking for a machine to support their weight. This is also one of the sleekest-looking options on our list with a modern metallic design.

This model features Bluetooth connectivity to the MyCloudFitness apps, which will keep track of your workouts on your smartphone. The MyCloudFitness app has tons of features outside of tracking your workouts, including hundreds of coaching videos and scenic routes to follow along with during your workouts. The device itself also features an LCD which keeps track of time, calories burned, speed, and pulse rate.

One thing to note is that Amazon reviews claim that the machine does not provide the most reliable metrics when it comes to speed, heart rate, and calories burned. With that being said, the user who brought these issues up absolutely loved the machine otherwise, and these shouldn’t affect the quality of your workout too drastically anyway.

What Are the Differences Between Ellipticals Under $300 and Higher?

1. Quality

The most obvious difference you’ll find between cheaper ellipticals and their pricier counterparts is the quality of the materials. The standard ellipticals you’ll find in gyms are well over $1000 with many even being $2000 to $3000. With this price difference will come a large jump in the sturdiness of the build, often being able to support heavier weight and much more intensity from the user.

2. Increased Functionality

With the increased price of these other models often also comes increased functionality. While most of the models on our list feature around 8 different resistance levels, many higher-end models feature 20-30. On top of the wider range of resistance often comes custom workout programs that are displayed on the screen. These will adjust the resistance automatically for you, creating interval-based resistance training automatically for you. Higher-end machines will also likely have much more accurate tracking of metrics such as speed, and calories burned.

3. Price

While it may go without saying, the biggest difference between cheaper ellipticals and more expensive ones is how much they cost. While the added stability and functionality of more expensive ellipticals are nice, their price point makes them out of reach for most people looking to add an elliptical to their home gym. At the end of the day, the workout you’ll get from a cheaper elliptical versus a more expensive one is virtually the same. For the average person, an elliptical under $300 will serve the purpose it’s meant to fulfill.

What to Look For in Ellipticals Under $300?

1. Adjustability

One of the main factors in adjustability is if the elliptical can adjust to different heights and stride lengths. Especially with the ellipticals that feature seats on our list, this is important to note, so you can get the right fit for you. This becomes increasingly important if multiple people are using the machine, as they will all want to have it fit right for them.

Another part of the adjustability of an elliptical is the different resistance levels it can provide during your workout. An elliptical with more resistance levels will give you more variability in your workout. This is especially important if you plan on using your elliptical for interval training, as more variability in adjustability will give you more options.

2. Monitor Functionality

Most ellipticals will come with some form of basic monitor to keep track of your workout. The most common features included in this monitor are the time of your workout, calories burned, speed, and distance covered. Some options that have pulse monitors included will display this information as well. This information must be accurate so that you understand exactly what you’re accomplishing during your workout.

3. Portability

While this isn’t a very important factor if you plan on keeping your elliptical in one spot for long periods, portability is useful if you have limited space or plan on moving your elliptical around a lot. While most standalone ellipticals are large and difficult to transport, as we’ve covered, there are very compact options available that are incredibly easy to transport or store. While you will be sacrificing some quality when it comes to your workout, these compact models are great for those who want increased portability from their elliptical.

4. Multifunctionality

The most common form of multifunctionality comes from the addition of a seat to an elliptical. This gives the machine the added functionality of being a stationary bike. This is great for those looking for a lower-impact option to incorporate into their workouts, as well as being great for interval training.

5. Price/Quality

Finally, is the level of quality you’re getting for your money. Unfortunately, there are many low-quality options available that are not worth the money. Luckily, there are plenty of sturdy and solid options available for less than $300. You must do your research to make sure you’re getting a high-quality product for your money.

FAQ

How Much Should You Spend on an Elliptical?

There is not much reason to spend more than $300 on an elliptical. As we’ve covered, there are plenty of quality options available at this price point. However, if you want increased stability and functionality, you can easily spend thousands of dollars on a machine.

Are Ellipticals Worth the Money?

Yes, because they provide a great workout right from your home, ellipticals are a great investment. Especially for those who do not want to get a gym membership, ellipticals are a great choice for the money. 

Conclusion

While you can spend thousands of dollars on an elliptical, there are plenty of great options available for a home elliptical under $300. Our top recommendation is the Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Elliptical Machine. An elliptical is a great choice for anybody looking to get some high-quality cardio in from the comfort of their own home.

Do you have an elliptical at home? What model did you go with, and do you like it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Also read:

• Elliptical vs Stair Climber
• Walking Vs Elliptical
• Best Elliptical Under 1000
• Best Elliptical Under $500
• How Much Does an Elliptical Cost
• Best Elliptical for Low Ceilings

References:

1. Choosing a home exercise machine // Health Harvard: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/choosing-a-home-exercise-machine
2. Chair exercises are beneficial for older adults // Extension: https://extension.okstate.edu/articles/2021/chair-exercises.html
3. Interval training for a stronger heart // Health Harvard: https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/interval-training-for-a-stronger-heart
4. Interval training for a stronger heart // Verywellfit: https://www.verywellfit.com/choosing-and-using-resistance-bands-1229709
5. Stationary bicycle // Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stationary_bicycle