Last Updated on November 4, 2021 by Jeff
We’ve all seen an elliptical trainer or a cross-trainer at the gym, often with a line queued up next to it during peak hours.
That’s because this versatile machine allows you to walk, run and stair-climb without posing pressure on joints, unlike treadmills. It’s a perfect exercise machine for those with injuries or arthritis, giving high-calorie burn and stamina-building advantages.
While cardio machines exercise either the upper or lower body, elliptical machines provide you with a good workout for both and can be adjusted to popular HIIT elliptical programs. It’s no wonder these exercise machines are the most sought-after equipment for home use.
The question is, how much do they cost? There isn’t a straightforward answer, really. Like most things, you get what you pay for, and a lot of us want reliability, quality, and durability in-home exercise machines. Read further to find out how much ellipticals cost.
What’s Right for You 
It’s essential to bear in mind that you should not be obliged to spend more than you can afford. If you’re recommended to spend a certain amount of bucks on an elliptical, bear in mind, that’s someone’s opinion, and it doesn’t mean that if you don’t spend this amount of cash on an elliptical that you’d get a low-quality one.
Everyone can have access to exercise equipment due to the different price ranges offered, and that’s for a good reason. However, there are a few pointers to bear in mind regarding price ranges for ellipticals to help you make an easier buying decision.
In general, they come in price ranges of about $150 to $11,000, and that’s a wide range! All the machines within this price range could be suitable for someone, so read below to help you figure out what price range is the most suitable for you.
Low-Price Ellipticals 
You’re looking at ellipticals that cost an average of about $150-$500 here. These are perfect for the elderly and those with heavy injuries, requiring light exercise or physio. The advantage of the ellipticals in this price range is that they are compact, portable, and lightweight.
They’re perhaps not designed for intense cardio workouts as the machines are probably light framed and won’t have the capacity to withstand the pressure from heavy usage. Moreover, you may not get the extra features that come with pricier ones, such as the extra padded comfort seat, resistance levels, or touchscreen control pad.
Expect a basic model designed to be used by one person, with a few workout programs and a few resistance levels.
There’s also the negotiable durability. The materials used will be economical, so, likely, the ellipticals in this price range aren’t built to last long, which is why you’ll find that the warranty is pretty limited too, about a year or two only.
Are you consider buying elliptical? Then feel free to check our blogs – Elliptical Tips and Elliptical Machine Benefits.
Mid-Price Ellipticals 
This is the most popular price range. These ellipticals will cost between $700 to $1500 and therefore come with more to offer than the previous range ellipticals. If you’re after more serious workout sessions or want a piece of machine that can handle usage every day, then the mid-price range would suit you.
Since these ellipticals are designed for regular usage, the materials used are more durable and reliable. You can expect these ellipticals to last you a good 3 years.
You’ll also benefit from extra features, such as LCD screens, some incline features, and more workout programs than the previous range. You’ll also have added benefits like heart rate monitors and workout trackers so that you can monitor your progress.
Some of the most popular models that come under this price range are the NordicTrack elliptical, the Nautilus e614 elliptical, the Schwinn 430 elliptical, and the Schwinn 470 elliptical. They all feature LCD screens, around 20 or so workout programs, 10+ resistance levels, heart-rate monitors, workout fans, and several levels of incline to push you to your maximum.
High-Price Ellipticals 
With the prices you’re paying for these, you’re getting gym-quality machines, similar to the ellipticals you find at the gym but designed for home-usage. These ellipticals cost between $700 to $5000 and are perfect for those looking for a serious bit of kit. You could see them as an investment since many of us don’t have time to go to the gym.
You’re also guaranteed reliable durability due to the high quality of materials used, so you can expect the elliptical to last you a good 5 years, with few maintenance issues.
You get a pretty wide price range here as stated; the higher priced ones will come with better weight capacity, more than one touchscreen console, and maybe a cup holder. However, keep in mind that you may be paying for the brand name many times in this category.
You might also be interested in the next blog – Can You Use an Elliptical Without Power?
Final Word
How much elliptical exercise machines cost can vary. As we’ve discussed, the wide price range can be confusing, but with the 3 categories explained, you can decide which one you fall under. If you need something basic and lightweight, the low price range would be perfect.
On the other hand, if you’re taking your workout to the next level and require something with more cardio-intense capabilities, the mid-range category would be ideal.
Begin by choosing your category and reading the customer reviews for the ellipticals that fall in that range. We advise stretching as much as you can with your money as you’re more likely to find quality performance in mid-high range ellipticals than low-range ones.
It also might be an idea to wait for discounts and sales before purchasing to save some money. Remember, at the end of the day, there’s an elliptical out there for any budget. So, there’s no need to be pressured into setting a standard for how much ellipticals cost. Because it comes down to what you require it for and, of course, what you can afford.