Top 5 Best Elliptical under $400 Review in 2021

For all the health buffs out there, finding time to hit the gym is not always easy. Whether you are a student or a job holder, it can get difficult to manage your schedule and find time for the gym. Before too long, you have to succumb to an unhealthy lifestyle.

But that should never be the case. At least when it comes to cardio, with a minimal bit of investment, you can work out from your home.

Even though gym equipment is notoriously expensive, you can find a decent elliptical if you know where to look.

If you want to make sure you end up with nothing but the best, this article is for you. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best ellipticals under $400 that you can find on the market that ensures you have a complete and healthy cardio workout at your home.

But you also need to tread with caution since there are plenty of knock-off brands out there who are more than ready to take your money for a mediocre product.

Investing in those products, although tempting as it may be, is never a good idea.

Top 5 Best Elliptical Under $400 Review in 2021

Shopping on a tight budget is always a difficult task. On the one hand, you have cheap, low-quality units with questionable performance, and on the other, you have decent quality products with compromised features. Finding the right balance is critical if you want a satisfactory unit at your hands.

In the following section, we will give you our picks for the five ellipticals that should give you excellent performance for the price. So, without further ado, let us dive in.

Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine for Home Workout

We are going to start off our list with a unique little instrument from the brand Cubii. This brand has quite a reputation when it comes to home workout tools, and the Cubii JR1 is no exception.

Furthermore, it comes at a highly affordable price giving you excellent value with your purchase.

Also, it comes with a tiny form-factor so that you can put it under your desk when you are sitting on a chair in front of it.

The idea behind this design is to allow you a way to work out even when you are working on something. This is a thoughtful design feature that can come in handy for workaholics.

However, do not let the small structure fool you. This unit features eight different levels of resistance, giving you complete control over the intensity of your workout. It also has a smooth and noise-free gliding motion that does not distract during your training.

The unit also features a built-in monitor to track your calories, RPM, distance, strides, etc. It comes with a solid build quality that will last you a long time without any issues.

For people looking to buy a low impact elliptical, this unit is a perfect choice.

Highlighted Features

Brand	Color	Item Dimensions	Maximum Weight
Cubii	Purple	23.15 x 17.54 x 10 in	250 Pounds

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Cubii Pro Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine for Home Workout

It looks like another unit by the brand Cubii has made its way on our list. This model is the Pro version of the previous model that we reviewed.

As a result, you can expect all of the excellent features of the last product, along with a few extra elements to further enhance your training session.

The unit comes with eight selectable resistance levels to give you control over the intensity of your workout.

With higher levels of resistance, the wheel feels tighter, meaning you will have to exert more force. The higher resistance levels are great for people who like to push themselves.

A great addition to this unit is the ability to connect with your smartphone or smartwatch. It essentially uses your smartphone or smartwatch as a display for the monitor.

You can check your steps, distance, burnt calories, etc. right from your phone easily after syncing the device with your smartphone.

The build quality of the unit gives you nothing to complain about. It features a solid construction along with a simple design, making it extremely user-friendly.

The smooth and quiet motion of the unit also ensures you have a comfortable workout experience free of any distractions.

Highlighted Features

Brand	Color	Item Dimensions	Maximum Weight
Cubii	Chrome	22.83 x 17.22 x 9.84 in	250 Pounds

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ProForm 150I Elliptical

Here, we will be looking at a more traditional elliptical by the brand ProForm. It has an upright front-drive design and is perfect for people who want to dedicate their time to a focused workout session. And considering the affordable price of the unit, the utility you get from it is excellent.

Featuring 12 resistance levels, you have complete freedom over how intense of a session you want.

The stride length of the unit is 17 inches, which ensures you get a complete cardio workout whenever you fire it up. Thanks to the soft padded grips on the handle, stability will not be an issue.

It can handle up to 250 pounds of weight without any hassle. As additional features, you get an audio output port to hook up with your iPod, some transport wheels to move it around easily, and a handy water bottle holder.

The oversized pedal sizes and inertia enhanced flywheel ensures you get a smooth performance.

Furthermore, the unit features a strong and sturdy metal frame that will survive for a long time without any issue.

The large LCD display allows you to monitor your distance, calories, and heart rate, among other things. Additionally, the unit is compatible with the iFit app and has 12 different workout programs.

Highlighted Features

Brand	Color	Item Dimensions	Maximum Weight
ProForm	Black	46 x 26 x 18 in	250 Pounds

ANCHEER Elliptical Machine Trainer

If you are looking for a high-performance elliptical trainer without shelling out a lot of money, this unit by the brand ANCHEER is worth a consideration.

It comes with many of the top-notch features that you find in premium machines, without any of the added cost.

This machine features eight levels of magnetic resistance, which makes it suitable for anyone, whether you are an absolute beginner or an advanced workout enthusiast.

To further enhance your training session, it comes with a precision-balanced flywheel with a smooth and quiet V-belt drive.

It has a weight limit of 300 pounds. In addition, it comes with large oversized pedals to ensure you have a stable ground to work with.

Further enhancing your comfort, you get large padded handles with a perfect grip. The machine also comes with a wide base that ensures you have a stable experience whenever you work out.

When it comes to build quality, you get a tubular steel construction that ensures durable performance.

The wheels at the front of the unit allow for easy transport when you want to move it around. It also has a large LCD monitor that allows you to track your heart rate, distance, calories, etc.

Highlighted Features

Brand	Color	Item Dimensions	Maximum Weight
ANCHEER	gray	–	390 Pounds

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MaxKare Magnetic Elliptical Machine Elliptical Trainer

Let us wrap things up with a heavy-duty unit by the brand MaxKare. The magnetic elliptical machine by the brand gives you the perfect training session at a reasonable price.

With features to compete with top-end units, this device is not something you want to pass up without a strong consideration.

The front-mounted flywheel in the unit allows for a natural movement while providing anywhere from casual to intense workout experience.

In addition, you get eight levels of resistance to adjust the intensity suiting your exact specifications.

As an added cherry on top, the flywheel feels smooth and comfortable with minimal impact on the knees.

Furthermore, the unit comes with dual handles with padding on both of them to allow experimentation.

The unit features a large LCD panel and a phone holder to keep your smartphones. You can easily track your speed, distance, calories, etc.using the clear display panel while working out.

The best feature about the unit is definitely its heavy-duty frame and sturdy construction. It can support up to 264 pounds of body weight, and even if you paddle with all your strength, you can expect a stable experience, thanks to the sturdy base.

All in all, if you are on a budget, this might be one of the best investments out there.

Highlighted Features

Brand	Color	Item Dimensions	Maximum Weight
MaxKare	–	38” x 25.8″ x 15″	264 lbs

Things to Look for When Buying the Elliptical

With the list of products out of the way, we can focus our attention on some of the features that make the right product.

Remember, you are on a tight budget. And to make the most out of your investment, you need to be wise about where you are spending your money.

As long as you have a clear idea of the things you should look for when you are making your decision, you can confidently choose the perfect training elliptical for yourself.

So, without further ado, here are a few things you should consider when buying ellipticals under $400.

Design

The first thing that you want to check when you are buying an elliptical is, of course, its design. There are a couple of different designs available in the market, and you need to understand the benefits and setbacks of them if you want to figure out which one suits you better.

Front-Drive Elliptical

This type of unit features a front-mounted flywheel. If you want to make a small home gym, this might be the one you want.

Usually, a front-drive elliptical is more compact and suitable for a tight workout space.

Rear-Drive Elliptical

These ones, on the other hand, come with the flywheel mounted to the back of the units. The units are larger and require a lot more space to set up.

However, they are also quite powerful and can provide greater resistance for a more intense workout session.

Under-Desk Elliptical

An under-desk elliptical take somewhat of an unorthodox approach to workout. These units are extremely compact and can fit under the desk.

This type of unit is suitable for people who want something on the fly instead of a full gym environment. Although they do not offer too many variations, in the right condition, they are perfect.

Stride Length

If you are a beginner, you might not know much about the importance of this factor towards your workout.

The stride length is a critical element to consider as it can entirely make or break your experience with a particular unit. To make matters worse, not all products specify the stride length clearly in the spec sheet.

The stride length refers to the length of each stride that you have to take while paddling the machine.

Since the right length can vary depending on the height of the user, the only way to know for sure if it works for you is to try it out yourself. That way, you can feel confident about your investment.

Another way to determine whether you want a short stride or long stride is to think of your purpose.

Typically, shorter strides are suitable for walkers, while runners will benefit from a longer stride.

Without the proper stride length, you will not be able to achieve a satisfactory result from your training.

Resistance Levels

Another essential factor you need to consider in an elliptical is the available levels of resistance. This feature essentially dictates how intense of a session you can have with your machine.

With a greater adjustability option, you can customize your training session to a greater degree.

The process for generating resistance in the unit varies from one model to another. At this price point, you can either go with air resistance or magnetic resistance models.

Although air resistance units are cheaper, they are often quite noisy and also susceptible to failures.

Magnetic resistance units offer a better overall experience and value for the money you spend. They are also quieter, giving you a smoother training session.

Make sure the range of adjustments is decent. If the resistance is too high, even at the minimum setting, you will struggle with the unit unnecessarily.

Incline

The incline is not a feature that you find in every elliptical. When shopping under a budget of $400 dollars, it is highly unlikely that you will find a unit with this feature installed.

However, it is worth knowing about it if you can extend your budget and want to buy something with a bit more punch.

Now, the incline feature basically simulates the experience of climbing up a flight of stairs or hiking a hill.

With this option, you can enhance the intensity of your training and thus burn more calories faster. It is a must-have feature for people who want to push themselves constantly.

Even without an incline feature, you can get close to how it feels by shortening your stride and increasing the resistance.

Although it might not be the exact same experience, it does get you close enough for it to affect your body. However, for casual health enthusiasts, it is not an essential feature.

Control Module

The control module is another important section of the elliptical that you should analyze. It is the unit that is responsible for showing your overall progress, such as calories burnt or distance traveled. If it does not provide accurate information, there is no point in having it in the first place.

Typically, with budget models, you have to compromise on the control module. However, if you have the option, make sure you go with a unit with a large display as it would make it easier for you to check it while working out. High-quality sensors on the grip are also an important thing to consider.

The sensors on the grip are responsible for tracking your vitals. Some models even come with heart rate sensors on the grip.

All the products on our list of reviews feature a good-quality control module. If you are going out of our list, make sure to critically assess the display and tracking capabilities of the machine.

Comfort

One thing that most people forget to think about when buying an elliptical is personal comfort. Yes, you are working out, and it is supposed to be hard.

But that does not mean you should overlook your personal comfort with the unit when you are buying it.

For instance, the handles on the unit must feature padding. That way, you will not strain yourself out simply by gripping it for a long period.

Additionally, you should look at the paddle of the unit. Make sure you get a stable experience when you are standing on it and paddling fast.

Additional Features

With all the essentials out of the way, there are a couple of things that can further enhance the utility of your elliptical. These features are not a must-have, but they do add a bit of extra value to your investment.

One example of an additional feature that you should look for is the built-in transport wheel. This simple accessory can save you from a lot of effort when you want to move the machine around.

Another useful additional feature is the inclusion of a water bottle holder or an mp3 output port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an elliptical with a bad knee?

Yes, you can. An elliptical machine is much easier on your knees compared to other cardio machines like a treadmill.

If you have weak knee joints, you can benefit from a low-impact machine. Front-drive and under-desk machines are both excellent choices for people with a bad knee.

Is $400 enough for a high-quality elliptical?

When you are on a budget of $400, you need to be smart about where you are spending your money. Keep in mind that gym equipment is not typically affordable.

With elliptical, you can definitely buy a high-quality unit, but you might need to make some small compromises.

You want to evaluate your purpose and isolate the critical elements that you want to check when making your decision.

Our buying section should give you all the information and features that you want to check before buying the unit.

This would ensure you get the best bang for your buck performance with your elliptical.

How long should I train on an elliptical?

The answer to this question depends on what you are trying to achieve with your machine.

Ideally, you should set a training routine and a specific goal that you want to hit when you are working out.

You can consider the number of calories you want to burn per session or the distance you want to travel.

Unless you have a good idea about what you are trying to achieve, it is not advisable to over-exert yourself.

By burning yourself out, you will be doing more harm than good. So, you need to find the right workout balance that gives you the most result with the least pressure.

Final Thoughts

Your career and other responsibilities should never get in the way of healthy living. With the best elliptical under $400, you will be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle without having to find time out of your busy schedule.

We hope you found our article to be informative and helpful in your search for the best product. You should now have no trouble figuring out which unit will serve your needs better.