5 Best Ellipticals Under $200 – No More Talks About That You Can’t Afford It

By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 28, 2023
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When it comes to health, fitness, and general well-being, it’s no secret to anyone how cardiovascular exercise can be beneficial to our bodies. And in this sense, elliptical machines have become one of the best ways to stay fit and stay healthy. The elliptical bikes are a stationary exercise machine used to simulate the movement that is usually done when cycling. Because they don’t put too much pressure on the joints, they actually decrease the risk of impact injuries. Most elliptical machines lets you exercise the lower and upper body. However, they come in different price ranges, from a few hundred to close to a thousand bucks or more. When you can get one from the best elliptical under 200 range on the market, why splash a thousand bucks on an elliptical?

To know which high-quality elliptical is within this price range, we looked into a total of 42 top models, and finally hand-picked 5 of the best budget elliptical models. Among these selected models, we found the Exerpeutic 900E EXERWORK the best inexpensive elliptical because of its amazing workout settings, fitness app, and other safety settings. To help you make the final choice, we also have four more equally outstanding products. They are distinct in price, value, location of use suitability, etc.

Some of the important features we considered in our review are resistance levels, LCD display, dimensions, weight, among other criteria. Asides the reviews, in this article, you’ll find a comparison table and a very comprehensive buying guide.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Exerpeutic 900E EXERWORK
    "Designed both for office use and work-at-home professionals, this model features the extendable office-grade casters or wheels. These are supported by a wheel holder that lets you place the unit in place with the chair and under lock."
  • Best Value: Fast88
    "This 45-watt electrical model is characterized by its robustness. Available in grey and black colors, this model is made of high quality and durable plastic. The bottom, however, is made of plain metal."
  • Budget Pick: Stamina InMotion E1000
    "You can use the elliptical bike while sitting and standing. it has a very sturdy and durable steel construction. Plus, this unit features an adjustable tension resistance type."
  • Best for Home Use: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905
    "This is considered the best cheap elliptical for home use device with an 11-inch stride length. If you have already reached a certain level in the world of fitness, this elliptical bike is a good option for you."
  • "Designed with the female gender in consideration, the Ancheer machine is one of the most basic mini and affordable elliptical indoor machines on the market. It is a machine designed both for use while standing or sitting."

Top 5 Ellipticals Under $200 Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9858 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.5
1
Editor’s Choice

Exerpeutic 900E EXERWORK

Features
  • Resistance levels: 14
  • LCD display: no
  • Dimensions: 31 x 18.5 x 14 inches
  • Weight: 32.36 lbs.

More features: 3 workout goal settings, extendable chair hook, Bluetooth Smart Cloud Fitness with free My Cloud Fitness app available on iOS and Android

Designed both for office use and work-at-home professionals, the Exerpeutic 900E EXERWORK is an elliptical machine that can be used under your work table or desk. It features the extendable office-grade casters or wheels. These are supported by a wheel holder that lets you place the unit in place with the chair and under lock. This patent-pending feature will prevent you from pushing away from it while exercising. 

The pedal has a maximum height of 10.5 inches. This ensures comfortable pedaling while the workout machine is under your desk. It also helps the unit accommodate people of different heights. Thanks to the freely-included MyCloud Fitness Bluetooth application, you can monitor your workout progress. This helps you to achieve your personal fitness goals. This app is available on Android and iPhone operating system (iOS). With it, you can monitor and control your workout time, speed, RPM, and calories burned. 

The most interesting feature which makes it the best elliptical machine under 200 on the market is its resistance level. It features a 14-level resistance of magnetic tension-type. This makes it the under-desk elliptical offering most resistance levels on the market.  

    Why is it special?
  • Sturdy as a tank
  • High resistance level
  • Easy assembly
  • Transportable (Carrying handle and wheels)
  • Low noise level
    What are the flaws?
  • Problems with Bluetooth connection
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5509 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
2
Best Value

Fast88

Features
  • Resistance levels: not specified
  • LCD display: yes
  • Dimensions: 17.7 x 14.6 x 9.8 inches
  • Weight: 17 lbs.

More features: 3 auto programs, 5-levels manual speeds, plugged-in or unplugged functioning

This Fast 88 45 watts electrical model is characterized by its robustness. Available in grey and black colors, this model is made of high quality and durable plastic. The bottom, however, is made of plain metal. This type of elliptical machines lets you execute a low impact cardiovascular workout. The workout can vary from mild to intense depending on the speed of the exercise, as well as the resistance configured by the user. It has the ‘Quiet & Smooth move’ technology that makes it very quiet during use. So it will not disturb the rest of the members of the family.

It comes with a remote controller and has eight levels of magnetic resistance. With a simple turn of the wheel, you can change the training level to help you achieve your goals. For better control of the intensity level of your workout, the training device’s speed is adjustable by 5 levels. You can also record your fitness statistics using the LCD digital display. The screen shows distance, calories burned, speed, and heart rate.

It is portable and easy to move thanks to its small size and lightweight of 17lbs. Space-saving, the exercise bike can also be used while you’re in a sitting position. You can use it for leg exercises at home, in the office, and under your work desk. 

 

    Why did it make our list?
  • Anti-slip pedals
  • Smooth and quiet
  • Arrives preassembled
  • Very portable
  • Easy to use
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Doesn't remain quiet after a long time of use
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7455 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
3
Features
  • Resistance levels: not specified
  • LCD display: yes
  • Dimensions: 24.5 x 17 x 11.4 inches
  • Weight: 24 lbs.

More features: weight capacity 250 lbs, great for gamers, available in 3 colors

If you get bored easily with conventional workouts, this machine includes options to have even more fun. Among them, we have a multifunctional monitor. From this, you can see all the performance of your training: from speed and time to calories consumed.

The model comes in three different colors – silver, green, and orange. It features textured pedals that can be used for forward or reversed movements. You can use the elliptical bike while sitting and standing. Unlike the Fast 88 model, this elliptical has a very sturdy and durable steel construction. 

The Stamina InMotion E1000 features an adjustable tension resistance type. You can choose how intense you want your workout to be. You just need to turn the device’s adjustable dial while striding. In addition, thanks to its display monitor, you can view your stats even while working out. 

This model weighs just 24lbs and features a compact design with dimensions of 24.5 x 17 x 11.4 inches. Therefore, it is easy to use and very portable. In addition, the pedals are non-slip, and the footprint area measures 20 x 12 inches. 

    What are its best features?
  • Easy to put together
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Portable
  • Compact and portable design
  • Very low price
    What could be improved?
  • Squeaky sound makes it unfit for office use
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7477 people in the past 30 days
8.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.1
8.6
4
Best for Home Use

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905

Features
  • Resistance levels: 8
  • LCD display: yes
  • Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 57 inches
  • Weight: 68 lbs.

More features: batteries included, 11-inches stride length, weight capacity up to 220 lbs, 1-year warranty on frame

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 is probably the best cheap elliptical home use device on the market right now. If you have already reached a certain level in the world of fitness, this elliptical bike is a good option for you. Some of its outstanding features are its 11-inch stride length and 8-level magnetic resistance. It offers a type of exercise with low impact on the joints. This enhances the cardiovascular system and can help improve the physical condition of the user. With this elliptical bike, you will achieve greater resistance and muscle tone. Great still, it will keep you informed of all the relevant data of your training through its screen.

It comes with batteries for longer autonomy during power outages. This device also has large anti-slip pedals, which let you have a better grip. Therefore, it cancels out the possibility of accidental slips. In addition, it supports 220lbs of body weight. This is thanks to the fact that it has been manufactured with high-quality materials.

From the comfort of your home, you can simulate that you are jogging while training up your legs and arms. This device helps to exercise the coordination of body movements and improve posture. It features a digital monitor for tracking user’s workout data such as the time spent, speed, calories burned, and distance. In addition, the device features a pulse sensor for the monitoring of your pulse. Additional features of the elliptical include transportation wheels and floor stabilizers.

    Why is it special?
  • High weight capacity
  • Multifunctional monitor
  • Nonslip grips
  • Great for indoor use
  • Compact and light
    What are the flaws?
  • Noise level not encouraging
  • Not easy to assemble
  • Not durable
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2098 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.5
Features
  • Resistance levels: 10
  • LCD display: yes
  • Dimensions: 28.5 x 18 x 13 inches
  • Weight: 32 lbs.

More features: suitable for office use, weight capacity up to 250 lbs, massage pedals, 1-year warranty

Designed with the female gender in consideration, the Ancheer machine is one of the most basic and affordable elliptical indoor machines on the market. The elliptical trainer is a simple product equipped with the two large pedalboards, typical of most of the models on the market. It is a machine designed both for use while standing or sitting. The sitting exercise mode is meant for cardio training, while the standing mode is for the burning of calories. All you need is a 20-minute workout on it every day. It promises to give you a slim waist, sexy and firm abs, finely proportioned legs, and charming big bubble butts. 

Regarding its dimensions, the unit measures 28.5 inches long, 18 inches high and 13 inches deep. This is more or less in the line of extended products and somewhat larger than compact elliptical bikes. Still, it doesn’t take up too much space and instead allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable workout.

The built-in monitor lets you keep your workout data – time, distance, calories burned, and speed – in check. The large 14-inch pedal offers wide enough capacity and comfort for all foot sizes. Finally, the model is securely stable and very durable. This is thanks to its tubular steel build. This makes it suitable for use by people weighing as much as 250lbs, while it weighs just 32lbs itself. The Ancheer model will definitely make you ditch the gym!

    What do we love it for?
  • Large weight capacity
  • Space-saving and compact
  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • Ease of use
  • Versatility
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Mislabeled and hard to assemble
  • Missing parts reported
  • Durability issues
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

You decided to buy the best elliptical under 200 bike and started researching which model to use. You find yourself on the market with various types of elliptical bikes, each with different characteristics. It is logical that you get confused about how to choose the best elliptical bike. That is why we present you this guide to buying the best affordable elliptical bike. Here, we’ll talk about some features to consider and then address a few FAQs. These will definitely help you to make a good comparison of and have the needed information about elliptical bikes in the market.

Features to consider while choosing an elliptical under 200

5 Best Ellipticals Under $200 - No More Talks About That You Can't Afford It

Although not exhaustive, here are some of the most important features or criteria to consider while choosing an elliptical bike, especially when you’ve decided for budget-friendly models and not a mid-ranged price tag, as it is with the ellipticals under 700, f.i.:

Elliptical type

Not everyone who uses an elliptical does it for the same purpose. Some only want it to reinforce their physical condition or as part of a rehabilitation process. Meanwhile, others require another type of elliptical because they seek more intensive training. There are various types of elliptical bikes: the central-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and the front-wheel drive.

  • The rear-drive ellipticals: provide more inertia, making the ride smoother and more comfortable for those who use it. These types of ellipticals require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts.
  • The front-wheel-drive ellipticals: On the other hand, the front-wheel-drive elliptical, has the steering wheel in the front. It is an elliptical for those who have a longer stride.
  • Center-wheel drive types: Finally, the central traction ellipticals are smaller than the previous ones and leave the body in a natural position. A good elliptical cross trainer should be robust, easy to use, and should allow you to assume the natural movement as if you were running.

Resistance levels

You can find an average of 8-12 resistance levels in ellipticals. However, some rare models such as the Exerpeutic 900E EXERWORK have as much as 14 levels. Standard ellipticals, however, can have up to 20 levels.

Meanwhile, you should know that the more the resistance level, the more you’ll find it difficult to pedal. Therefore you’ll have to expend more energy.

You can find ellipticals with electromagnetic resistance and mechanical resistance. Although the former is more recommended because they require less maintenance and repairs, as well as being quieter. This type of system is usually found on ellipticals of high and mid-price range.

Weight capacity

Firstly, the more sturdy and heavy-duty the construction is, the more it will be able to support more weights. A model with the right weight capacity must be able to support at least 250lbs, as ANCHEER Mini Elliptical Machine Indoor does, which is actually considered to be the top model for office use among the best ellepticals. However, always ensure you know the weight capacity at heart after purchase. For example, if the machine is made of plastic, then it may be vulnerable to breakdowns when the weight capacity is exceeded.

LCD display

5 Best Ellipticals Under $200 - No More Talks About That You Can't Afford It

Some elliptical are designed with and without an LCD display. However, this is necessary for the tracking of your pulse, training time and speed, and calories burned. The amount of information your machine shows you on its console must be complete for you to analyze your results and increase your performance. So it is ideal that you get a bike with a console or LCD screen that can provide different results, as well as training schedules.

Dimensions and weight

In addition to the space it can occupy, it is important to consider the users’ height.

When you get on the elliptical, you will be at a higher height than when you get on a treadmill, so calculate well. Ensure that you have enough space to get on and off the elliptical safely.

If the elliptical is going to be used by very different people in height and weight, it will be difficult to find one that suits everyone.

Extras

Some other extra features to watch out for include:

  • Ergonomics: As for the handles, ensure that they are ergonomically designed. This is in the sense of being able to assume a suitable position when using them. Much of your upper body exercise on an elliptical is tied to a good grip. Also, the pedals should not be so far apart, hence, leaving you uncomfortable while using them.
  • Adjustable inclination: Some ellipticals allow you to set a degree of inclination; This is very useful when you want to have a resistance to face certain tests with different types of terrains. Being able to change the inclination can also make using the elliptical less monotonous and focus the effort on another muscle group. Depending on the model purchased, this setting can be manual or automatic when choosing a certain training program.
  • Smooth elliptical movement: Even though they are designed to make a muscular effort, the movement of the pedals and the arm levers must be smooth. The greatest advantage of an elliptical is that it simulates the movement of walking or running, but without the impact that the body receives each time the foot touches the ground. Look for an elliptical, such as  Fast88, that has movement in two directions (forward and backward). The more the inertia wheel weighs, the more the movement tends to be more fluid and comfortable.
  • Adjustable height: This feature is important as users may need to adjust the machine to their height.
  • Heart rate monitor and other measurements: Not all ellipticals have pulse sensors, but a great majority do. In the same way, these types of ellipticals can measure, in addition to the heart rate, other measurements such as speed, muscle mass, distance, calories burned, etc. A typical example is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 elliptical.

Price

5 Best Ellipticals Under $200 - No More Talks About That You Can't Afford It

How much does an elliptical bike cost? There is a wide range of prices, just like any other appliance. Some of the extra features you can find are the ability to define custom training programs, connections for devices such as MP3, iPad, internet connection, fan, integrated speakers, etc. All of these will influence the final price. While some models can get close or over the one thousand line, there are under 200 models which will suit the minimalist. So evaluate according to your tastes and budget whether or not you want this type of functionality on your elliptical, if not the best elliptical under 1500 is always there for you with all the advanced features you might dream of.

Warranty

A high-quality elliptical should be able to last for 10 to 20 years. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore the warranty status of the model. Depending on the brand, model and price range, an elliptical trainer may offer you a lifetime warranty on the brake and frame. These are usually the most durable parts. And for the other parts, some may offer you between 3 to 10 years. For in-house labor, some models may come with 1 to 2 years. If you would like a model with adequate warranty cover, take a look at the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 and ANCHEER Mini ellipticals.

FAQ

What can I expect from a cheap elliptical?

If you are looking to buy a cheap elliptical, you will probably not be able to access the features available in the most modern and high-end models. For example, you may lose out on the ability to connect to the internet. It may not have an integrated fan or speakers for music while on the go. You may also not be able to have a high level of customization in your training or rehabilitation process. Depending on the budget you have available, you can ask for more features and/or higher quality. Today, there are countless models and brands on the market at a very good price that will efficiently fulfill the function for which these machines are designed. However, note that price isn’t often equivalent to quality or the chance of coming with the extra bells.

Are smaller elliptical machines noisy?

The size of your elliptical doesn’t determine how noisy it will be. However, these products tend to be noisier as they old after the internal components in the flywheel develops a knock. So check users’ comments on the noise level and durability of the model before making a choice.

Our verdict

Finding an elliptical under 200 may lead you on to a low-quality or badly used model. So, don’t throw caution to the wind! When searching for the elliptical bike best suited to your needs, you will find out that it is more difficult than it seems to make the right decision. There are several important features that you should take into account. These include the type of bike to choose, the level of resistance it offers, the inclination, and whether it provides other additional functions. Now, if you are already clear with the features that your future elliptical should have, we present you some of the most outstanding models, which surely can satisfy you completely. Among them, the Exerpeutic 900E EXERWORK is the best elliptical under 200, thanks to the amazing features it packs. These include a fitness app, 3 workout settings, and, most importantly, a smooth and silent operation. If you prefer something with better speed adjustability features, up to 5 speeds and 3 workout programs, then your choice is the Fast88 model. However, if you want a low-budget machine you can use at home, but still featuring the most important things for an elliptical and even an option to choose a color of a machine, take a look at the Stamina InMotion E1000.

9,5
Total Score
Exerpeutic 900E EXERWORK - Editor’s Choice
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