Head-to-head · Best Ellipticals Under $1000

Horizon EX-59 vs Schwinn 470

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Horizon EX-59 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 3.5). The gap is mostly about Beginners and budget buyers who prioritize a stable, simple, no-incline elliptical over features and don't need a long stride. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Ellipticals Under $1000

Horizon EX-59

4.0

$799as of Jun 7

The Horizon EX-59 is the stability-first budget pick, named Garage Gym Reviews' top budget elliptical and a BarBend favorite for beginners. At around $699 it trades features for a locked-down, stable feel that reviewers say beats pricier machines on steadiness. The trade-offs are real: no incline, just 10 resistance levels, a shorter 18 in stride, and only 5 basic programs. It is the choice for beginners who value a solid, simple machine.

Strengths

— Garage Gym Reviews' top budget elliptical pick, with a locked-down, stable feel
— Bluetooth speakers and app compatibility
— 18 in stride with 10 resistance levels, simple and beginner-friendly

Watch-outs

— No incline at all, the only machine here without it
— Only 10 resistance levels and 5 basic programs
— 18 in stride is shorter than the 20 in rivals

$799 · Buy at horizonfitness.com Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Ellipticals Under $1000

Schwinn 470

3.5

$799as of Jun 7

The Schwinn 470 is the feature-rich pick: 25 resistance levels, a motorized incline, and 29 programs, more adjustability than anything else near this price. It typically sells around $799 on Amazon. The catch, flagged by Garage Gym Reviews' 2.9/5 score, is durability: reviewers love the features but warn the build is not as robust as the Sole E25. It is the choice for buyers who prioritize workout variety over long-term ruggedness.

Strengths

— 25 levels of magnetic resistance, the most adjustable here
— Motorized 0-10 degree incline, uncommon at this price
— 29 preset workout programs and four user profiles

Watch-outs

— Garage Gym Reviews scored it just 2.9/5, citing durability concerns
— Reviewers warn it may not hold up under heavy long-term use
— 300 lb capacity trails the Sole E25's 350 lb

$799 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Horizon EX-59

The stability-first budget option versus the feature-rich Schwinn 470 and Schwinn 430, which both offer incline and more resistance levels but, per reviewers, less locked-down stability per dollar. Simpler than the iFIT-equipped ProForm Carbon EL and lighter-spec than the heavy-duty Sole E25.

Schwinn 470

The most feature-loaded machine here, with more resistance levels and a motorized incline the Schwinn 430 lacks, but reviewers rate its durability below the Sole E25. More programs than the ProForm Carbon EL or Horizon EX-59, though those win on, respectively, iFIT tech and stability-per-dollar.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Horizon EX-59	Schwinn 470
Stride Length	18 in	20 in
Resistance	10 levels (magnetic)	25 levels (magnetic)
Incline	None	0-10 degrees (motorized)
Flywheel	14.3 lb	Perimeter-weighted
Weight Capacity	300 lb	300 lb
Programs	5 presets	29 presets, 4 user profiles
Machine Weight	~145 lb	—
Warranty	Lifetime frame, 1-year parts/labor	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor
Display	—	Dual backlit LCD

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