Updated: 6-9-2022
We reviewed the Endurance 520E for all of our readers out there in need of something inexpensive and low impact. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for when you buy an elliptical (most of the time) so a low budget machine like the 520E is going to be a bit flimsier with fewer extras than most other home ellipticals. BUT, that doesn’t make it a bad option! In fact, something simple and inexpensive is what a lot of people need. So we recommend the 520E from ProForm as the best option for low budget home ellipticals.
Buying The ProForm Endurance 520E
We usually steer clear of equipment in this price range, especially ellipticals and treadmills. They’re often less stable and underwhelming. But for the right shopper, this is a key price point! Sometimes all you need is something simple and that’s exactly what the ProForm Endurance 520E elliptical is. It’s a low fuss, limited use elliptical that gets the job done.
The ProForm Endurance 520E Is A Great Elliptical For A Specific Audience:
- If you’re working with a restricted budget. If you’re limited to these low-budget options, the 520E is really the best you can do. But of course, we always recommend saving those pennies and pushing for something in the $1000+ price range for home ellipticals.
- How much do you plan on using your elliptical? If you’re recovering from an injury, new to fitness, or for whatever reason only need a machine with limited resistance, minimal programs, and barely-heavy weight capacity, you really don’t need to spend more money than this. The Endurance 520E is a great option.
- Not good with smartphones and tablets? This is an easy-to-navigate elliptical that’s very similar to the console you’d find at a local gym.
The ProForm Endurance 520E Is Our Top Pick For Ellipticals Below $700
Considering how inexpensive this elliptical is combined with how sturdy it feels and all of the bonus features you get with it, it really is a smart buy. We’re even included the 520E on our list of the best ellipticals.
Want To See Our List of BEST ELLIPTICALS? Click here.
Based on these things and the overall technical features of the 520E, this elliptical was easy to love. Continue reading the rest of this review below to get a better feel for the 520E.
The ProForm Endurance 520E Elliptical
Build Quality
MODEL OVERVIEW
Drive: Front, silent magnetic resistance
Flywheel Weight: 15 lbs
Stride Length: 19”
Step Up Height:
Handlebars: moving and stationary handlebars
Product Weight:
Max Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Footprint: 68.5” H x 25.7” W x 68.25” L
Electrical Requirements:
Warranties: Lifetime frame, 1-year parts and labor.
The ProForm Endurance 520E Elliptical
Features & Accessories
Incline Range: 4 incline levels (0-20 degrees, manual incline ramp)
Resistance: 18 resistance levels
Display: 5” backlit LCD
On-Board Workouts: 18 + iFit
Speakers: yes, audio plug accessible
Fans: no
Water Bottle Holders: yes
Bluetooth: yes
Heart Rate Monitoring: yes, EKG pulse grips on stationary handlebars
USB port: no
HDMI port: no
Tablet Holder: yes
The ProForm Endurance 520E Elliptical
Subscription Service
Name: iFit
Brief Description: iFit has a large library of workout videos tailored to an elliptical. Select from a wide range of classes that focus on intervals, high intensity, beginner content, and more. Participate in virtual runs around the world, cross-training with floor workouts, and fitness tools like an activity and nutrition tracker.
Cost: Free for 30 days when you buy the 520E from NordicTrack. $39/month after your free trial expires for a family plan.
User Profiles: 1-5, depending on pricing.
Class Varieties:
- Studio elliptical classes
- Running through world-renowned scenic locations
- Virtual walking/hiking around the world
- Google maps tool to follow custom routes
- Floor exercise videos
- HIIT
- Yoga
- Stretching
Community: Join group challenges, make your own group challenges, and post to the forums to discuss different workouts and share your results.
Other:
- iFit automatically adjusts your elliptical’s resistance and incline as you follow the instructor-led workout video.
- The access to iFit on this home elliptical makes a huge impact on it’s use and versatility.
Bottom Line Review Of The ProForm Endurance 520E Elliptical
When it comes to low-budget home ellipticals, the ProForm Endurance 520E is really the best option out there. When you’re on it, it feels solid. Even with a lightweight flywheel, you can still move freely on the elliptical with little impact on joints. Additionally, it has the bonus feature of a free iFit subscription for 1 month — truly a game-changer to the home fitness world.
Check Out The Competition
If you’re not stoked on the ProForm Endurance 520E, you might consider holding out for something a little more exciting like the FS5i from NordicTrack. Read that review here:
| NordicTrack FS5i |
 |
| 4 Stars |
Read More Popular Elliptical Reviews:
Best Place To Buy The ProForm Endurance 520E Elliptical
We buy directly from the manufacturer whenever possible. By doing this, we’ve found that dealing with customer service, initiating returns, or using a warranty for a product has been easiest. Check out the link below to see ProForm’s current pricing for the 520E elliptical.
