A solid elliptical is an essential part of most home gyms, especially if your goals include cardio and weight loss. High-end models can be pricey, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable machine. Focusing on the key features, top brands, and long-term user feedback, we’ve picked ellipticals that deliver good value without breaking the bank.
Read on to find the best ellipticals under £500 available in the UK and choose the one that fits your needs.
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Is £500 enough for a good elliptical?
Yes. While premium ellipticals offer tougher frames and extra features, you can still find solid options under £500 that meet home-gym needs. Most budget models include key features like a decent flywheel, multiple resistance levels, an LCD display, and sometimes extras like a media rack or bottle holder.
The main difference is that cheaper machines balance cost and quality. For example, they may offer an incline option but not the same range or adjustability as expensive models. We’ve selected only the best ellipticals under £500—those with strong reviews and positive user experiences.
What to consider when buying an elliptical under £500
A good budget elliptical should meet a few core criteria. Here’s what to look for:
Size
Stride length affects how much space the machine needs. Longer stride options require more room. Some larger ellipticals may include a seat, which increases the frame size and overall footprint.
Flywheel quality
The flywheel controls how smooth and steady the motion feels. Heavier flywheels deliver smoother, more controlled movement. For tougher workouts, look for flywheels in the 6–9 kg range. Lighter flywheels are better for lower-impact sessions and those with joint issues.
Stride length
Stride length affects workout intensity and how natural the movement feels. Aim for around 35 cm or more for more effective, calorie-burning sessions.
Resistance levels and preset workouts
More resistance levels and built-in programs add variety and help you get better results. Many ellipticals under £500 offer around 20 resistance levels and a dozen or more preset workouts.
Extra features
Think about whether you want a phone or tablet holder, water bottle holder, foldability, or a seat. These extras can make a machine more pleasant to use and easier to store.
Best ellipticals under £500 — reviews
If you’re ready to buy a budget elliptical, here are top picks chosen for quality and value.
ProForm 325 CSE
The ProForm 325 CSE brings solid performance on a budget. It has a 9 kg flywheel for smooth, quiet motion and 20 resistance levels suitable for light jogging up to faster runs. Built to mimic outdoor running, it includes several preset programs and is iFit Bluetooth compatible for mapped routes and trainer-led sessions.
The display tracks speed, distance, calories, and pulse (via static handlebars with EKG). It’s strong enough to support up to 115 kg, making it a good family option. Users like its versatility and engaging workouts.
Pros:
– Variety of preset workouts
– 20 resistance levels
– Durable and sturdy
– Suitable for different users
Cons:
– No extra features like a media rack
– Not foldable
Available from: John Lewis / eBay
If this is out of stock, consider the ProForm 525 CSE+, which costs a bit more but is still affordable.
ProForm 450 LE
A step up from the 325 CSE, the 450 LE offers more features and a realistic running feel. It has a large LCD, iFit compatibility, and Google Maps routes. The machine folds lengthwise and has transport wheels for easier storage—allow at least 167 x 68 x 159 cm of space to use it comfortably.
It offers 18 built-in programs, 16 resistance levels, and eight trainer-approved weight-loss programs. The 46 cm stride length suits both short and tall users. Extras include a bottle holder, a cooling fan, and a tablet holder. It also supports up to 115 kg.
Pros:
– 18 preset workouts + 8 weight-loss programs
– Bottle holder, fan, tablet holder
– Foldable with transport wheels
– iFit Bluetooth compatible
Cons:
– Lighter 6 kg flywheel may not challenge advanced runners
Available from: eBay
If out of stock, the ProForm 525 CSE+ is a good alternative.
Viavito Sina Elliptical Cross Trainer
The Viavito Sina is a budget-friendly, versatile trainer with a 9 kg flywheel and 32 levels of magnetic resistance for smooth motion. It includes 20 preset workouts and room to create your own routines. Foot pedals are roomy and support a stride of up to 38 cm.
It has both moving and fixed handlebars and a display that tracks speed, distance, calories, heart rate, and body fat analysis. There are four customizable user profiles and a wireless receiver for a chest-strap heart-rate monitor.
Users praise its flywheel and build quality. It’s suitable for weight loss and low-intensity long runs and supports up to 120 kg.
Pros:
– 9 kg flywheel
– 32 resistance levels
– 20 preset workouts
– Simple LCD with good tracking
– Customizable profiles and chest-strap support
Cons:
– No water bottle holder or media rack
– Some reports of squeaking after extended use
Available from: Sweatband
Viavito Setry 2-in-1 Elliptical Trainer and Exercise Bike
This hybrid machine is a good choice for anyone needing very low-impact workouts. The pedals mimic walking or running strides but can also be used with the padded seat for gentle cycling, reducing stress on hips, knees, and joints.
It has a 5 kg flywheel—better for beginners or those easing into cardio—an LCD with basic workout feedback, 20 preset programs, and four customizable profiles. Heart-rate monitoring works via the fixed handlebars or a wireless chest belt. The frame is strong, supporting up to 120 kg.
Users like its versatility and build for the price.
Pros:
– Works as both elliptical and low-impact bike
– Solid build (up to 120 kg)
– 32 magnetic resistance levels
– 20 preset programs and 4 custom profiles
– Chest-strap compatible
Cons:
– 5 kg flywheel not ideal for advanced runners
– No bottle or tablet holders
Available from: Amazon / Sweatband
Conclusion — which is the best elliptical under £500?
When choosing an elliptical under £500, focus on flywheel quality and resistance options—these determine workout intensity and feel. For advanced users, the ProForm 325 CSE is the best pick for tougher workouts. For lighter or occasional sessions, the ProForm 450 LE or the Viavito Setry 2-in-1 are solid choices. If these models aren’t available, the ProForm 525 CSE+ is a good substitute.
Also consider how much space you can give the machine and whether you need it to fold for storage. Remember that with budget models some features are sacrificed for price, so choose the specs that matter most to you.
Any of the ellipticals reviewed here are strong options under £500 and should serve well in a home gym.