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Experts recommend Schwinn 470 more than ProForm Hybrid Trainer

As of 9 Mar 2024, experts prefer Schwinn 470 over ProForm Hybrid Trainer, but both Elliptical Trainers have solid expert endorsements.

As per this month's meta ranking, Schwinn 470 received 5 recommendations: from Chicago Tribune (1 Jul 2023), TopTenReviews (18 Feb 2022) NBC News (6 Dec 2023) and 2 others. By contrast, ProForm Hybrid Trainer received only 1 recommendation from money.com (12 May 2023).

Rank Change Price Elliptical Trainer
Chicago Tribune
Forbes
T3
money.com
TopTenReviews
Woman's World
NBC News
Byrdie
Treadmill Review Guru
CNET
1
- $1099
Schwinn 470
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical Trainer is a versatile and feature-rich machine that offers a wide range of workout options, comfortable design, and advanced tracking features, making it a reliable choice for users of different fitness levels and goals.
1
-
-
-
8
-
6
1
-
2
26
N/A Check price
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-

Curious to see this month's entire Elliptical Trainers ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

  • On 12 May 2023 money.com ranked ProForm Hybrid Trainer as #3
    Rank Elliptical Trainer Comment
    ... ... ...
    #3 out of 5 ProForm Hybrid Trainer
    Best 2-in-1 Elliptical Machine
    ... ... ...
    Source: money.com
  • On 1 Jul 2023 Chicago Tribune ranked Schwinn 470 as #1
    Rank Elliptical Trainer Comment
    #1 out of 5 Schwinn 470
    Best of the Best
    ... ... ...
  • On 18 Feb 2022 TopTenReviews ranked Schwinn 470 as #8
    Rank Elliptical Trainer Comment
    ... ... ...
    #8 out of 8 Schwinn 470
    A smooth and quiet-running cross trainer from a trusted brand
  • On 6 Dec 2023 NBC News ranked Schwinn 470 as #6
    Rank Elliptical Trainer
    ... ...
    #6 out of 7 Schwinn 470
    ... ...
  • On 1 Aug 2023 Byrdie ranked Schwinn 470 as #1
    Rank Elliptical Trainer Comment
    #1 out of 11 Schwinn 470
    Best Overall
    ... ... ...
  • On 20 Jan 2024 CNET ranked Schwinn 470 as #2
    Rank Elliptical Trainer Comment
    ... ... ...
    #2 out of 6 Schwinn 470
    Most comfortable elliptical
    ... ... ...

After counting and adding up the 78 expert endorsements of the March rankings, Schwinn 470 outranks ProForm Hybrid Trainer. This is not to say that ProForm Hybrid Trainer is a bad option. Like Schwinn 470, it is recommended by experts, but less.

Critic Consensus Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, Schwinn 470 is mentioned by key experts in Mar 2024, while ProForm Hybrid Trainer is not.
Rank Change Price Elliptical Trainer
Chicago Tribune
Forbes
T3
money.com
TopTenReviews
Woman's World
NBC News
Byrdie
Treadmill Review Guru
CNET
1
- $1099
Schwinn 470
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical Trainer is a versatile and feature-rich machine that offers a wide range of workout options, comfortable design, and advanced tracking features, making it a reliable choice for users of different fitness levels and goals.
1
-
-
-
8
-
6
1
-
2
2
- Check price
Sunny Health SF-E905
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Trainer is a budget-friendly and compact option with adjustable resistance levels, a front-drive design, and a solid construction, making it suitable for those looking for a reliable and noise-free workout experience.
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2
-
2
-
1
3
2
-
-
3
- $2687
NordicTrack FS14i
The NordicTrack FS14i Elliptical Trainer is a highly praised machine that offers adjustable resistance, stride length, and incline options, making it ideal for users who want to customize their workouts and target multiple muscle groups.
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-
1
-
-
-
-
3
1
-
4
- $1600
Sole Fitness E35
The Sole Fitness E35 elliptical trainer is a highly praised and versatile workout machine that offers a range of features, comfort, and durability for individuals looking to improve their fitness levels.
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4
5
-
-
-
1
7
-
-
Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [18]

77
Total expert reviews: 18
  • with a score: 9
  • without a score: 9
Highest score by Elliptical Hub
86
Average score based on 18 reviews
77
Lowest score by BestEllipticalBlog
67

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Expert reviews [4]

72
Total expert reviews: 4
  • with a score: 3
  • without a score: 1
Highest score by TopTenReviews
80
Average score based on 4 reviews
72
Lowest score by garagegymreviews.com
58

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
From Seller:
  • Large LCD window, smr silent magnetic resistance, 16 digital resistance levels, soft grips upper body workout arms
  • 15 inch elliptical Stride, target pacer, oversized adjustable pedals, Inertia Enhanced flywheel, water bottle holder
  • Read more
From Seller:
  • With enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, users can set, track and monitor progress with popular app-based tracking tools
  • Travel through 200+ stunning virtual courses at your own speed (Explore the World subscription required)
  • Read more
Video Reviews Most popular unboxing/review videos.
ProForm Hybrid Trainer Review
Play video review
Pro-Form Hybrid Elliptical Trainer Review
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Assembly - Proform Hybrid Trainer (PFEL03815)
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Schwinn 470 Elliptical Unbiased Review
Review by Dont Sweat It
Popular! 33K views!
Play video review
Schwinn 430 vs 470 Elliptical Trainer: What's The Difference?
Review by Fit Lab
Play video review
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Trainer Review - Pros and Cons + What You Need To Know!
Popular! 62K views!
Play video review
From Manufacturer Manufacturer-provided product description, urls and documents.
EAN Numbers: 0043619792683, 0043619887136, 0798753219083
UPC Numbers: 043619792683, 043619887136, 798753219083
Model Numbers: PFEL03815K
EAN Numbers: 0708447909886
Model Numbers: 100517
UPC Numbers: 708447909886
Physical Features
Weight

141 lbs
 

163 lbs
 
Dimensions Ellipticals range from 4 feet long (1.2m) to 7 feet long (2.1m) and 4 feet high (1.2m) to 5+ feet high (1.7m). The most important thing to consider is the space in which you plan to place the elliptic ... Show more
Loading product dimensions...
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Location of Flywheel Flywheels can be front-drive, rear-drive, or center-drive. In a front-drive flywheel, the wheel that powers the pedals is located in the front of the machine below the console and handlebars. Front-dr ... Show more
Rear
Front
Flywheel Weight The heaviest part of an elliptical is the flywheel. They weigh anywhere from 13-30 pounds (5.8kg to 13.6kg), with basic models averaging 15 pounds (6.8kg). Generally speaking, the heavier the flywheel ... Show more
13 lbs
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Maximum User Weight Every elliptical has a weight restriction based on the machines capacity for use. Weight limits range from 250-350 pounds (113kg to 159kg), though most hover around the 300-pound mark. As a general ru ... Show more
254 lbs
300 lbs
Stride and Incline
Maximum Stride Length Stride length describes the distance the pedals cover from front to back when you “run.” It ranges from 12” to 21” (30cm to 53cm). The length you need will depend on the height of the user. If you hav ... Show more
1.2 ft
1.7 ft
Adjustable Stride An adjustable stride allows you change the distance your feet move from front to back while using the elliptical. This can be useful if you have several users of different heights that plan to exercis ... Show more
No
No
Reverse Stride Reversible stride ellipticals allow you to essentially run backwards while exercising. This is best for targeting different muscle groups. Running forwards mainly works your quadriceps, upper body and ... Show more
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Yes
Type of Incline Inclining the elliptical allows you to raise the front of the pedals or tracks to simulate running uphill, which leads to a tougher workout and exercising different muscle groups. Inclining can be don ... Show more
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Automatic
Capacity and Handling
Type of Resistance Resistance describes the level of effort it takes to move the pedals back and forth along the track. The higher the resistance (or pressure against movement), the tougher the workout. Ellipticals come ... Show more
Automatic
Automatic
Wheels Some ellipticals will have wheels on the front or back of the base, so you can tip the machine and roll it to a different spot in your home. This is especially useful if you want to transport the elli ... Show more
Yes
Yes
Foldable A folding elliptical can be reduced in size for easy storage by folding elements up or inward. This is especially helpful if you need a machine that doesn’t take up a lot of space. The drawbacks to a ... Show more
No
No
Hybrid Machine Hybrid machines can be an elliptical-bike or an elliptical-stair stepper. An elliptical-bike has a seat built onto the base, so you can sit down to use the machine as an exercise bike or stand up on t ... Show more
  • Elliptical
  • Stationary Bike
Elliptical
Movable Handles While using an elliptical, you can place your hands on the vertical handles on either side of the console. These handles can be stationary or movable. Stationary handles are common in less expensive m ... Show more
Yes
Yes
Heart Rate Tracking and Programs
Heart Rate Monitor Does the elliptical include heart rate monitors on the handles?
Yes
Yes
chest strap
Location of Heart Rate Monitors Ellipticals can support heart rate monitoring in several ways. First, there could be metal heart rate monitors on the stationary handles under the console or on each side of the console (or both). Bec ... Show more
Stationary Handles
Stationary Handles
Progress Tracking In order to keep a log of your workouts and stats, such as time, distance traveled, calories burned, etc., you may want an elliptical that does this for you automatically. Some machines come with auto ... Show more
Yes
Yes
Number of Workout Programs Preprogrammed workouts on ellipticals guide you through an activity focused on a certain goal or type of workout. Examples range from hill climb, where the elliptical automatically adjusts incline and ... Show more
16
29
Display Screen

Elliptical displays offer a wide range of features that vary greatly from one machine to another. The display can be as simple as analog LED lights that show time and distance traveled or as complex as a fully functioning TV screen with cable network connectivity. Displays vary in size and type, with higher end machines displaying more stats (time, distance, incline, speed, heart rate, workout program status, etc.) and offering more advanced features (such as a virtual tour that simulates traveling through real-life environments). There are positives and negatives to this level of complexity. On the plus side, sophisticated displays allow you to easily monitor and adjust your workout based on the information presented. They may also provide a distraction from the dull pace of elliptical exercise. At the same time, this kind of distraction can be harmful to your workout because it may cause you to fall or injure yourself or be overly conscious of the clock and distance.

Advanced display screens or TV screens could have the added benefit of linking with your smartphone, so you can watch video content on the display as you run. The suite of features will be dependent on your needs but know that you’ll pay significantly more for complex displays and TV screens.

Display Screen Does the elliptical console have a screen?
Yes
Yes
Display Size
no data Know this info? Contribute!
5 inches
5"x3" Main; 5"x1" secondary
Type of Display
LCD
LCD
dual blue backlit
Media/TV Capabilities Can the elliptical’s screen play TV or media, such as movies?
No
No
Metrics Displayed What metrics are displayed on the elliptical console/screen?
  • Speed
  • Time
  • Distance
  • Calories burned
  • Time
  • Revolutions per Minute
  • Distance
  • Pulse
  • Speed
Touch Screen Is the display touch screen?
No
No
Dashboard
The elliptical dashboard can have a number of useful features. A device shelf allows you to place your smartphone or tablet on the dashboard, so you can use your device—safely—while you work out. Yes, that means watching Netflix or reading an ebook!


Similiar to the device shelf is the water bottle holder. This may seem insignificant, but believe it or not, the placement of the water bottle holder can have a huge impact on the productivity of your workout. You want your water bottle to be within arm’s reach, so you don’t have to stop to grab a drink.

Finally, some ellipticals come with a built-in fan on the dashboard, which is great for some added comfort while you exercise.

Water Bottle Holder
Yes
Yes
Device Shelf For holding your smartphone, tablet, or other media device.
Yes
Yes
Built-In Fan Does the elliptical console include a fan?
No
Yes
Console Extras
USB Charging Port If the elliptical has a USB port, you’ll likely be able to charge your smartphone or tablet, which is great for long workouts. If you like to watch TV or listen to music, this can help save battery, t ... Show more
No
Yes
Headphone Jack An auxiliary port or headphone jack lets you connect your smartphone or tablet directly to the elliptical’s media system to listen to sound directly through its speakers, so that you don’t have to get ... Show more
No
No
Built-In Speakers Some ellipticals have speakers built into the dashboard. Through Bluetooth or a basic auxiliary cable, you can connect your phone or media device to the machine’s console to play music, listen to podc ... Show more
Yes
Yes
Mobile App Connectivity Some elliptical companies also have proprietary mobile applications (such as Schwinn Connect, LifeSpan’s Activ Trac, Nautilus Trainer, etc.) that extend the features of the machine. This can include a ... Show more
Yes
Yes
App Subscription Cost Some ellipticals will require a monthly or yearly subscription cost to access certain features. This might include advanced progress tracking, additional workout programs or syncing with a brand-speci ... Show more
$15.00/ month
Free
Software Features
Sync with Third Party Apps Can you sync workout data with third part apps, such as MyFitnessPal and FitBit?
Yes
Yes
Compatible Apps If you’re using a fitness app such as Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, or FitBit, some smart ellipticals allow users to transfer their workout details from the elliptical’s tracking system directly your favo ... Show more
iFit
  • Schwinn Trainer
  • MyFitnessPal
  • RunSocial
Bluetooth Connectivity Ellipticals that are Bluetooth capable can connect wirelessly with your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet. This is most commonly used to play music on the elliptical’s speakers. Some ellipticals ... Show more
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Connectivity Ellipticals that are Wi-Fi enabled can connect to your home wireless network for enhanced features. This could include syncing with or data transfer to external devices, such as a smartphone, computer ... Show more
No
No
Warranty

Ellipticals separate their warranties into four sections: Frame, Parts, Labor and Brake System. Across all of these categories, warranties are an important feature to assess in ellipticals because the length of the warranties are an indication of the company’s confidence in the machines ability to last. 90-day warranties show that the manufacturer doesn’t believe the elliptical hold up past the first 90 days of ownership.

Frame warranties should be lifetime warranties. Anything less than that is an indication of a cheaply made machine and buyers should be wary.

Parts warranties range from 90 days to 5 years to lifetime warranties. For light use, 90 days to 1 year might be an acceptable parts warranty, though you should not expect that machine to be extremely durable.

Labor warranties range from 90 days to 3 years. For light or moderate use, choose an elliptical with at least 1-year labor warranty. If you plan to use the machine long and often, it’d be best to find a labor warranty of 2-3 years. Note that labor warranties are typically shorter than parts warranties, which means that, up until a certain point, the company will cover the cost of parts, but not the cost of paying someone to fix it. 

Finally, like the frame warranty, the best brands offer you a lifetime warranty on the brake system, which provides resistance on the elliptical. If you have an electromagnetic brake system, you likely won’t have any issues, but it always helps to have reassurance that you’re covered if something goes wrong.

Parts Warranty What is the parts warranty for this elliptical?
2 years
no data Know this info? Contribute!
Labor Warranty
2 years
90 days
Frame Warranty What is the warranty on the frame alone?
2 years
10 years
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Schwinn 470 is a very popular option in the middle of the elliptical trainers price range. It's in the top 3 bestselling elliptical trainers and has a couple of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as ProForm Carbon EL or Bowflex M3 Max Trainer .

Schwinn 470 is $100 more expensive than the average elliptical trainer ($999).

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