If you’ve been in the market for a high-end elliptical machine for home use for any length of time, then you have no doubt come across both Nautilus and Schwinn machines. That’s because they are two of the most well-known and respected names in the industry. So, which is best?
Today we put two of the most popular ellipticals from Schwinn and Nautilus head to head to allow you to make an informed purchasing decision.
Schwinn 470 | Nautilus E614 |
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Number of Programs: 29 | Number of Programs: 22 |
Stride Length: 20" | Stride Length: 20" |
Resistance Levels: 25 | Resistance Levels: 25 |
Incline Levels: 5 | Incline Levels: 6 manual positions |
HR Monitor: Contact hand grips | HR Monitor: Contact hand grips |
Display: 2 backlit LCD displays | Display: 2" |
USB Charging: Yes | USB Charging: Yes |
Bluetooth: Yes | Bluetooth: No |
Compatible apps: Schwinn Trainer, UA, MyFitnessPal, GoogleFit, Apple Health, MapMyRun/Ride | Compatible apps: N/A |
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs | Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs |
Dimensions: 70.1 x 28.2 x 63.2 inches | Dimensions: 71.5 x 26.7 x 63.2 inches |
Warranty: 10 years frame, 2 years mechanical, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor | Warranty: 10 years frame, 2 years mechanical, 1 year electronic, 90-day labor |
Schwinn 470 Elliptical
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 70.1 x 28.2 x 63.2 inches
- Programs: 29
- Flywheel: Front
- Max User Weight: 300 lbs.
- Stride: 20 inches
- Warranty: 10 years frame, 2 years mechanical, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor
PROS:
CONS:
Console
The Schwinn 470 is the flagship model in the Schwinn elliptical range. It is a medium-priced model that gives you features that you would normally expect to see in higher priced units. One of them is the backlit console screen which is 5 inches wide. The dual-track display allows you to see workout data on the bottom screen when you are using your tablet (yes, it also includes a secure tablet holder!).
The Schwinn 470 provides you with very complete training data feedback. It provides you with a running record of your training time, distance, calories, and speed, among others.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The Schwinn 470 is Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to hook up to the Schwinn Connect app along with a ton of other workout and nutrition apps.
Workout Programs
The Schwinn 470 provides you with an impressive 29 workout programs. These include fitness tests, hill programs, heart rate control programs, and custom programs. You are able to store four user profiles on the 470.
Stride Length
The Schwinn 470 has a 20-inch stride length. This is pretty good for a medium-priced elliptical, allowing for a full stride length for all but the tallest of users.
Auto Incline
The auto incline functionality of the 470 is another feature that is not common in a mid-priced elliptical. It allows you to instantly adjust the training incline mid-workout to boost your training intensity workout interrupting your session.
Foot Pedals
The large foot pedals of the 470 are cushioned and specially articulated to follow your natural ankle motion as you stride. This makes the 470 a very joint-friendly machine.
Flywheel
The flywheel on the 470 is positioned on the front of the unit. This means that the pedals can be positioned closer together than otherwise. This allows you to get a much more natural stride motion.
Nautilus E614 Elliptical
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 71.5 x 26.7 x 63.2 inches
- Programs: 22
- Flywheel: Front
- Max User Weight: 300 lbs.
- Stride: 20 inches
- Warranty: 10 years frame, 2 years mechanical, 1 year electronic, 90-day labor
PROS:
CONS:
Drive System
Similar to the Schwinn 470, the Nautilus E614 provides you with a front-drive flywheel. This high speed, high inertia drive system has a perimeter weighted flywheel to deliver a smooth, jerk-free elliptical motion.
Build Quality
The Nautilus E614 features a well-built frame that is robust enough to remain stable during an intense workout. The operation is smooth and quiet. There is a 300-pound weight limit which is the same that you get with the Schwinn 470.
Stride Length
The 20-inch stride length of the E614 is identical to that of the Schwinn 470. This is a generous amount of movement that will accommodate the vast majority of users.
Workout Programs
The Nautilus E614 provides you with a total of 22 workout programs. These include 9 profile, 8 heart rate control, 2 custom, 2 fitness test & 1 quick start.
Resistance Levels
You get twenty levels of resistance on the E614. This provides you with plenty of scope to adjust your intensity level to your increasing fitness level. The transition between resistance levels is smooth and natural.
Articulating Footplates
The Nautilus E614 provides you with large sized articulating footplates that are also cushioned for comfort and low impact. You also get six-position incline ability, though this is a manual system that requires you to get off the machine in order to make the adjustment.
What Others are Saying?
Both the Schwinn 470 and Nautilus E614 have received generally positive reviews. One of the main mentions regarding the Schwinn is that it represents very good value for money. There is also complimentary mention of its auto incline function and backlit screen.
When it comes to the Nautilus E614, the most common positive comment is in regard to its smooth operation and 20-inch stride length. Negative comments centered on the lack of auto incline and a relatively large footprint of the machine.
So, which is Best?
The Schwinn 470 and Nautilus E614 are within a similar price range. The Schwinn machine is higher in its key specs, with more workout programs (25 vs 22), and more resistance levels (25 vs 20). Both machines provide you with dual LCD screens, but only the Schwinn 470 is backlit.
Both of the ellipticals provide you with a 20-inch stride length. They both take about the same length of time to put together and both offer a similar warranty. Both also have a 300-pound weight limit and are sturdily built.
The two machines also provide a similar high quality of exercise movement.
Based on its higher functionality, we believe that the Schwinn 470 provides the best investment.
Final Thoughts
Both the Schwinn 470 and the Nautilus E614 represent good value for money in a mid-level elliptical. Based on its higher performance specs, including more programs, more resistance levels, and better display features, we consider the Schwinn 470 to be the best buy!