5 Best Cheap Elliptical Under $200

Cardiovascular exercises are some of the most beneficial home workouts that you can do to stay fit without visiting the gym. Elliptical machines are emerging as ideal home workout equipment for these kinds of exercises.

Elliptical machines are not only economical in their space requirement, hence, ideal for home gyms, but also they are very effective in delivering full-body workouts without exerting too much pressure on your joints. However, these machines are available in various price ranges, from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

If you are interested in an option that you can get under 200, then this review is for you. We have reviewed some of the top ellipticals within this price range to guide you in your search. 

This is a solid review that will equip you with all the information you need to make a well-informed choice. 

Our Top 3 Picks:

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5 Best Cheap Elliptical Under 200 Reviewed

#1. Body Rider Elliptical Trainer with Seat

 To start off our review is the Body Rider Elliptical Trainer with Seat — a versatile 2-in-1 trainer that will super-charge your cardio workouts at home. 

The trainer is from a very reputable brand, and it uses the patented Elliptical Motion Design Technology to present you with an elliptical as well as a bike for your workouts. 

The design is quite intuitive, with a wide range of features to make you enjoy every minute you spend on it.

Features

Some of the notable features include:

Dual Trainer:

This equipment is both an elliptical and an exercise bike that comes complete with an adjustable seat. This means that you will get both the exercise benefits of an elliptical and that of a bike. 

As such, the range of workouts you can do with it increases tremendously, and this also means that you stand to get plenty of benefits compared to having just a stand-alone elliptical.

Adjustable Seat:

This seat becomes useful when you want to use a machine as an exercise bike. The seat can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. 

This makes using the bike comfortable for all users, including the very short and the very tall users.

Built-in Transport Wheels:

The machine weighs about 66lbs. This would be very heavy if you were to move it around with no meaningful mechanical assistance.

Luckily for you, the equipment comes fitted with a built-in transport wheel. This makes it a breeze when you need to move the equipment from one location to another.

Intuitive Tension Adjustment:

To increase or decrease the level of difficulty of your workout, all you have to do is turn a knob — thanks to an intuitive tension adjustment knob. 

With this, you can decide how hard or how easy you go with your workout with no worries.

 Digital Display:

The equipment also features a small digital display screen where you can see vital workout metrics such as your workout duration, the distance covered, calories burned, and the speed of your workout. 

If the data you read here won’t motivate you, then you can at least use them to monitor your performance during that session.

Pros

• It is a 2-in-1 workout machine
• Features magnetic resistance
• Economical on space
• Has an adjustable seat—both horizontally and vertically
• Computer features for monitoring workout data
• Has built-in transport wheels

Cons

• The display is basic for the price
• Has a short warranty

Conclusion

The Body Rider Elliptical Trainer with Seat is an outstanding choice for individuals looking for versatile workout equipment that will provide them with more than the normal things they can get from a typical elliptical. 

Since it is a two-in-one machine, its workout capabilities are not under any doubt. And, with the price being south of $200, it is a great value for money.

Why we decided to put this Elliptical in #1?

According to us, this elliptical deserved the top spot on our list because of its duality and affordability. It makes it easy for you to kill two birds with just a single stone.

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Also Read: Best Premium Ellipticals Under $1500

#2. Stamina Inmotion Elliptical

If you are looking for an elliptical that will help you torch fats fast without taking a lot of space in your home, then this will be an ideal choice for you. 

It is not only affordable but also compact, and with the kinds of features, you would wish to have in a great elliptical.

Features

The features that make this elliptical outstanding include the following:

Portability:

This is perhaps one of the most portable ellipticals under 200 you will ever come across. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to move from one place to another. 

It also has very quiet operations, making it even more efficient for home use.

Adjustable Tension Control:

Though small, this elliptical allows you to vary the amount of resistance in your workout with the intuitive tension adjustment knob. 

Not only this but also the resistance is very quiet, hence, allows you to do even more.

Multi-Functional Monitor:

The elliptical has a multi-functional monitor that you can use to track your progress while you work out. 

Some of the metrics you can get from this monitor include the number of strides you have made, the time, calories you’ve burned, and the total strides you have made.

Textured Pedals:

The surface of the pedals is textured so that your feet can be well secured while you pedal. This will allow you to have a good grip that will make it easy for you to pedal faster and harder than you want.

Weight Limit:

Though small, this elliptical can handle maximum weights of up to 250lbs. This should be sufficient for the needs of most users.

Pros

• Portable
• Small space requirement
• Very quiet operations
• A multifunction monitor
• Textured pedals for better grip

Cons

• Since it is small, the flow is not as good as that of a big elliptical
• Lacks handlebars that usually help with stability

Conclusion

The Stamina Inmotion Elliptical is a splendid choice if you have a small space and are looking to stay fit at home. 

With the quiet operations, you can easily use it within a home setup without being intrusive to the other people in the room. 

Though it doesn’t feature handlebars that would normally help with stabilization, once you get the hang of it, you will surely enjoy using it.

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#3. Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical

Sunny Health & Fitness needs no introduction when it comes to health and fitness equipment. It is no wonder that one of their products features in our review. 

This is an advanced elliptical designed and manufactured with advanced technology to deliver you incredible health benefits.

Features

The top features of this elliptical include:

LCD Monitor:

The first noticeable feature of this elliptical is the LCD monitor. This is where you will get the real-time displays of time, distance covered, calories burned, the total strides made. The display can be easily moved up or down for proper placement and support.

Adjustable Abdominal Cushion:

With the help of this cushion, you get the perfect position to help you execute your workouts effectively. This is a feature you won’t find in most of the ellipticals that you will come across.

Easy Storage:

The elliptical features a foldable design which makes it to be less demanding for storage. Once folded, you can store it anywhere.

Pros

• It is affordable
• Has a stylish design
• Easy to assemble and store
• Comes with large foot pedals
• Can support maximum weights of up to 220lbs

Cons

• Not ideal for tall users

Conclusion

The Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical is a stylish and very functional elliptical that most people will enjoy using. 

With the foldable design, it won’t demand much space. And as it is the most popular choice on the list it is a subtle indication of the satisfaction that most people have gotten from it.

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Also Read: Best Ellipticals Under $1000

#4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine

This is a magnetic elliptical trainer that is ideal for low-impact cardio workouts at home. It has a simple, yet extremely functional design, with every feature you need for a fulfilling workout experience.

Features

Some of the top features you will love using in this elliptical include:

Adjustable Resistance:

The elliptical has a micro-controller with a total of eight levels of resistance. This will allow you to easily vary the intensity of your workout.

Digital Monitor with Pulse Sensors:

The digital monitor is where you will see a display of data such as the time, speed, and distance covered, and calories burned. 

With the pulse sensor, you will also have the ability to monitor your heart rate as you progress with your workout.

Slip-Resistant Handlebars and Foot Pads:

With an elliptical, the last thing you would wish is to lose balance while working out. The chances of this happening have been effectively reduced with the inclusion of the slip-resistant handlebars and footpads. They will provide you with the grip you need to go strong and fast with your workout.

Floor Stabilizers:

The floor stabilizers will stop the equipment from swaying, rocking, or slipping when on an uneven surface. It enhances stability for safe and more efficient workouts.

Pros

• Adjustable magnetic resistance
• Digital monitor
• Pulse sensor
• Slip-resistant handlebars and foot pads
• Compact in design

Cons

• Tough resistance
• Short warranty for parts

Conclusion

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical is an outstanding choice if you are looking for a beautiful, versatile, and functional elliptical. 

With features such as an adjustable resistance, floor stabilizer, and a digital monitor with a pulse sensor, it is well equipped to meet all your elliptical workout needs at home.

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#5. jFit Under Desk & Stand Up Mini Elliptical

The jFit Under Desk & Stand Up Mini Elliptical is a versatile machine that is ideal for anyone in need of an on-the-go elliptical. 

The fact that it can be used as an under-desk elliptical and also a stand-up elliptical allows you the convenience to carry it wherever you go and use it with no hassles.

Features

Some features you will love in this elliptical include:

Incredible Portability:

Whether you want to use it at home or in the office, you can easily do so with no hassles. You are also free to carry it during your travels so that you don’t miss any of your workout sessions because you are traveling.

Very Quiet Operations:

So quiet is the operation of this elliptical that you can use in the office without being intrusive in any way. The quiet operation will also let you use it at home without being bothersome to your neighbors or family members.

Digital Monitor:

The elliptical features a digital monitor for you to stay motivated as you observe your workout data such as the time, distance covered, and calories burned among others.

Adjustable Resistance:

Though small in design, you still get to choose different difficulty levels with this elliptical. With this, you can easily choose how hard or how soft you want to go during your workouts.

Flexible Pedals:

Since the machine is designed for use under the desk, the design of the pedals allows you to adjust the angles so that you can use them comfortably when you are seated. The pedal angles are not fixed like those of the normal elliptical.

Pros

• Portable
• Quiet operations
• Ideal for both home and office use
• Affordable

Cons

• Doesn’t offer the best balance when used in a standing position
• Lacks handlebars for support and stability when in a standing position

Conclusion

If you are looking for an elliptical that you could carry to use in the office, then this will make an excellent choice. 

It is highly suitable for fitness enthusiasts on-the-go and individuals who wouldn’t allow anything to come between them and their fitness regimes.

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Related: Best Budget Elliptical Under $500

Best Elliptical Under 200: Buying Guide

Although not very exhaustive, below is a buyer’s guide containing some of the most important factors you should consider when shopping for an elliptical under 200.

The Type of the Elliptical:

There are various types of ellipticals that you can choose from. This is because not everyone in need of this workout equipment usually has the same goals in mind. 

Some people need them for rehabilitation processes, while others need them for milder workouts to reinforce their physical conditioning. 

Others, yet, consider them as their main workout equipment and intent on using them for very intensive training. 

As such, you need to know why you need the elliptical, then go ahead and choose the correct one. Some types you will encounter include:

• Center-wheel Drive Elliptical — These ellipticals are relatively smaller and versatile in operation. These are the types you go for when you don’t want much intensity in your training. They are also portable, and you can potentially use them under desks in the office or at home.
• Rear-Drive Elliptical — These come with plenty of inertia, smoother rides, and they are relatively more comfortable. Since they have few moving parts, they require very little maintenance.
• Front-Wheel Drive Elliptical – These usually feature some sort of “steering wheel” in the front. They are ideal for those with longer strides, as well as those who want plenty of intensity during their training.

The Resistance Level:

The resistance levels of an elliptical are what you will use to determine the intensity of your workouts. 

If you want to go heavy, then you go for higher resistance and if you want to go slow, then you set lower resistance. 

As such, you also need to consider the resistance level of the elliptical before you decide to buy.

The levels will vary depending on the machine, with most of them ranging between 8 and 12 resistance levels. 

It is also possible to find some that have as high as 20 resistance levels. The specific level you go to will, however, entirely depend on you. 

But you should choose an elliptical with various levels since this will enable you to gauge your progress because you can tell when you move from one level to another.

The Type of Resistance:

While you check on the levels of resistance, you also need to check on the type of resistance. 

This is because the type of the operative system or the type of resistance impacts the noise levels generated and the longevity of the machine. 

The two main resistance types you will have to choose from are magnetic and hydraulic systems.

Most of the older models feature hydraulic resistance. They work well and are durable, only that they generate slightly higher levels of noise. 

Controlling the resistance level may also be a challenge in some models. Magnetic types, on the other hand, are easy to control, and they allow for precise resistance alteration. 

They are featured mostly in the majority of modern models.

The Maximum Weight Capacity of the Elliptical:

Most of the elliptical machines will accommodate users of average weights. The maximum weight capacity of most of the machines, however, is usually somewhere around 200lbs. 

This will vary greatly depending on the weight and the model. Just for precaution, be sure that the elliptical you are interested in can comfortably accommodate your weight. 

If you expect using the elliptical with friends or other family members, figure out if your choice will comfortably accommodate the weights of those who are likely to use it. 

Remember, whenever the weight capacity is exceeded, the elliptical is likely to get damaged.

Digital Display:

Some ellipticals have LCD, while others don’t have such displays. The LCD may not impact how hard you train, but it is still necessary for helping you gather vital data that may help you improve your workout. 

Such data include your pulse, distance covered, steps, calories burned, and speed. You may need these to motivate you and help you monitor your progress. Hence, you should choose an elliptical that has an LCD.

The Size:

The size of the elliptical you choose will primarily depend on the space you have available for installation. 

If you have a bigger space to use and store the machine, then the size will not be a factor of concern to you. 

If you have a smaller space, however, then you might need to look into the overall size of the elliptical.

 Some come with a foldable design, making them ideal for storage in small spaces. Therefore, simply evaluate the amount of space you have chosen. 

The Warranty:

A high-quality elliptical should come with a good warranty. Depending on the price, the brand, and the model of the elliptical, the warranties may vary a lot. 

Ensure that the elliptical you want to buy has a warranty, especially a good warranty for the brake and frame. Don’t go for any model that is offering warranties of less than two years on parts.

Additional Features:

These additional features are not absolutes, but they will greatly enhance your experience of using the elliptical. Some extras you may want to consider include:

• Ergonomics
• Smooth elliptical movements
• Adjustable inclination
• Floor stability
• Adjustable height
• Pulse monitor
• Slip-resistant pedals

FAQs

Read below to learn about some questions you are likely to encounter regarding the best elliptical under 200.

Is Elliptical Safe For Use by Seniors?

Yes! Elliptical machines are very safe and can be used by persons of all ages, including seniors. The beauty of these machines is that they are low-impacts. 

Some seniors may have problems with their joints, and may not be comfortable with high-impact workout routines. 

With elliptical machines, they won’t have to worry about exerting too much pressure on their joints that may worsen their conditions if they already have other related medical problems.

Can an Elliptical help you Lose Belly Fat?

An elliptical is a low-impact cardio workout equipment. Cardio workouts are very effective in helping you torch fats in various parts of the body, including your belly. 

Whereas it may not be effective in specifically targeting belly fat, with increased intensity and consistent use, you can use it to help you get rid of belly fat.

How is an Elliptical Different from a Stepper Machine?

One of the key differences between an elliptical and a stepper machine is the sliding motion. 

Also, elliptical machines are designed to help you strengthen your arm muscle and upper body muscles. A stepper machine is not suitable for targeting muscle groups in those areas.

Can Elliptical Count Steps?

Yes, elliptical machines can count steps. However, not all elliptical machines come with this ability. For a better experience, go for machines that feature LCD where you can read workout data such as the number of steps, distance, speed, and calories burned among others.

Is 20 Minutes a Day on an Elliptical Enough?

To maximize the cardio benefits of an elliptical machine, you should spend at least 15 minutes on the machine daily. 

20 minutes a day is, therefore, enough. However, if you are warming up for a strength training workout, you need to ride on the elliptical for between five and 20 minutes.

Is it Recommended to Use an Elliptical Every Day?

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the ideal time to spend on the elliptical is 30 minutes daily, for five days a week.

Does an Elliptical tone Buttocks?

If you use it effectively, an elliptical is a great way to tone and tighten your glutes. To get the best results as a glutes workout, firmly press on the footpad, exerting pressure through to your heels to fire up your glutes.

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