Ellipticals that range in price between $1,000 and $1,500 tend to be the most popular, as they’re usually good quality machines with a decent mix of features for the price. To get a significantly better machine, it may be necessary to spend as much as $3,000, as those priced just slightly more than $1,500 still tend to have similar features and benefits. The machines listed below are among the top selling elliptical machines in this price range.
What to Look For In Your Ideal Elliptical
Start with determining what stride length you need. Taller individuals will need longer stride lengths to get a good workout, while shorter people don’t have to worry too much as long as the stride length is at least 15 inches. Machines that have more levels of resistance can offer a better workout as you get stronger, and you aren’t as likely to outgrow them as your fitness level improves. Opt for those with magnetic resistance for a quieter workout and a machine that needs less maintenance. Check the maximum user weight to make sure the machine would be safe for all of the people in the house that want to use it. Also, the better machines tend to have longer, more inclusive warranties.
Once the options are narrowed down, compare the extras to see which ellipticals best suit your needs. Machines with more preprogrammed workouts can help limit boredom, and some also come with nice extras like a quiet fan, a USB port that charges electronics when they’re in use and a speaker system to play music during the workout.
NordicTrack Elite 12.9
The best elliptical machines for home use include the Nordictrack Elite 12.9. This machine has 26 different levels of resistance and 35 different exercise programs. It has a stride length that can be adjusted between 20 and 21 inches and can be used by people who weigh less than 350 pounds.
NordicTrack C 12.9
When looking for the best elliptical machine for the money, it’s worth considering the Nordictrack C 12.9. This elliptical features 26 resistance levels and 35 different exercise programs. It’s best for people who weigh no more than 350 pounds and has a stride length that’s adjustable between 18 and 20 inches.
NordicTrack A.C.T. Commercial 7
Another option mentioned as one of the best in elliptical machine ratings and reviews is the Nordictrack A.C.T. Commercial 7. This machine has 24 resistance levels and comes with 35 programs. People under 350 pounds can use this machine, and it has an adjustable stride length that can be set between 18 and 22 inches, making it more versatile for homes where there are multiple users with different heights and stride lengths.
Proform Pro 16.0 NE
For an elliptical with even more pre-programmed workouts, consider the Proform Pro 16.0 NE, which has 26 levels of resistance and 40 different programs. It has a set stride length of 20 inches and is suitable for people who weigh no more than 350 pounds.
Sole E35
Another popular brand of ellipticals that is well rated in this price range is Sole. The Sole E35 elliptical has been rated by at least one website as the best elliptical machine under 1500, and has 16 resistance levels, 10 programs and an incline that adjusts up to 30 degrees. The stride length is also adjustable between 20 and 22 inches, and the maximum user weight is 375 pounds.
Sole E55
The Sole E55 has 20 resistance levels and 10 programs, as well as an incline that can be adjusted up to 40 degrees. The maximum user weight is 375 pounds, and the stride length is set at 20 inches.
Sole E95
Sole also offers the E95 model at the higher end of this price range. It has 20 resistance levels and comes with 10 different programs. The incline adjusts up to 30 degrees. It is suitable for people who weigh no more than 375 pounds and has an stride length that’s adjustable between 20 and 22 inches.
Best Fitness E1
The Best Fitness E1 elliptical features 17 different resistance levels and comes with 12 different programs. The maximum weight is a bit lower than many other models, however, at 275 pounds, and the stride length is set to 21 inches. It has a more compact footprint than many other models, which makes it a good option for those with relatively small amounts of space, but it doesn’t have an incline feature.
Xterra Free Style 5.8e
The Xterra Free Style 5.8e is another good option, with 20 resistance levels, 12 programs and 20 levels of incline. It has a 20 inch stride length, and is a good option for heavier individuals because it is safe for people weighing up to 400 pounds.
Schwinn 450
Another of the better options for elliptical machines that cost under $1,500 is the Schwinn 450. This machine features 16 different resistance levels and 11 programs. It inclines up to 15 degrees, but features a manual incline rather than the power incline of most of the other top models of ellipticals. It can be used by people who weigh up to 300 pounds and has a stride length set to 20 inches. It features wheels on the front to make it easier to move it from one location to another.