Also known as elliptical bikes or elliptical trainers, cross trainers have been increasingly popular over the last few years.
They are popular because they provide a good cardio workout, they are easy to use and they allow a cardio activity without impact as opposed to running on a treadmill. Even the best treadmills featuring the most ingenious cushioning system will not be able to fully absorb the impact on your knees.
With a cross trainer machine, there is no impact. And that’s great for you knees!We have selected the best home crosstrainer machines for less than £500 if you want to give it a go without splashing your cash!
Our selection
The JTX Strider-X7 cross trainer is packed full of features for a great cardio and fat burning workout.
It is a durable build quality cross trainer with a smooth and silent movement. You can easily move it from room to room thanks to its wheels.
For this type of budget, it makes sense to see this cross trainer equipped with a full colour display showing: Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, Watts and tracks your progress. It comes with 16 programs which is very good for this ticket price item, such as fat burning, interval, hill and heart rate options programs.
The footplate is very ergonomic and its design will ensure ankles, knees and your hips are all aligned to reduce impact and injuries.
Key Specs
The Pro XS Sports 2-in-1 Crosstrainer has a front mounted flywheel for added stability.
It has all you’d need, LCD Display showing the pulse, the time, distance and calories burnt.
This crosstrainer can also be used as an exercise bike if you don’t fancy the elliptical stride movement or for a “lazier” workout.
The overall quality is truly good noting the low price tag. The seat is comfy and the pedal are wide enough so you won’t feel restricted during your workouts. The Pro XS features an adjustable resistance even in stationary position.
Each XS Sports 2-in-1 cross trainer stationary bike is crafted from heavy duty materials, designed to hold people up to 110 kgs. Best of all, our exercise machine functions both as a stationary indoor bike and cross trainer elliptical, giving you fantastic flexibility and great value for money. When you need practical exercise equipment for home, look no further than XS Sports.
Key Specs
Reebok GX40s One Electronic Cross Trainer
The Reebok GX40s One Cross Trainer gives you a good cardio workout. Regardless of its price.
It features the simple yet very useful basics functions such as the ‘High-Low’ Resistance for easy to harder workouts.
As you would expect, the arms move for an extra upper body workout, like a real expensive cross trainer.
As a quick reminder, this machine allows forward pedalling and backwards pedalling.
The forward pedalling emphasises your quadriceps muscles (front thighs) while backwards pedalling emphasises your hamstrings (back thighs).
The 15″ stride will please most users and it offers 32 tension levels of control which is quite a lot for a mchine of that price. So if you’re on a tight budget or don’t want something ‘too fancy’, go ahead without any hesitations. It’s fantastic value for money!
Key Specs
Prove that two is better than one with this 2-in-1 cross trainer and exercise bike. Improve your cardiovascular fitness, promote good blood circulation and increase your lung capacity. The handle and seat height are both adjustable and comfortable making it perfect for people of different sizes.
The screen also helps you to record and adjust your exercise accordingly.
It offers forward and reverse motion, for a complete freedom of exercise.
Frankly, at this price point, you can’t go wrong but bear in mind, there are far better cross trainers on the market for not much more than this Opti 2 in 1 trainer.
Nonetheless, this machine will tick the box of plenty of users!
Key Specs
Our Verdict
JTX Strider-X7 Cross Trainer

Pro XS 2-in-1 Cross Trainer
Opti 2 in 1 Air Cross Trainer

How to choose an elliptical bike or crosstrainer