Schwinn 470 vs Nautilus E618 – Comparing Mid-priced Home Elliptical Machines 

Schwinn 470 vs Nautilus E618 comparison

March 20, 2020

One of the most sought-after exercise equipment in gyms is the elliptical machine. It's also one of the popular choices for home exercise equipment.

The elliptical machine offers a low-impact workout while giving your upper and lower body exercises. If you’re having joint trouble, the elliptical machine can still give you a good amount of aerobic exercise. And with the advent of home exercise equipment, you can now say goodbye to waiting in line at the gym and do your workouts at home.

Elliptical Machine Benefits

  • Low impact exercise – reduces the stress and strain on your legs
  • Stamina and cardio – strengthens your heart, lungs, and muscles 
  • Weight loss – burns 270–400 calories per 30 minutes on the machine (depends on weight)

With the number of ellipticals out in the market today, it’s quite a challenge to find the best elliptical machine that suits your needs. With this in mind, we’ve narrowed down your choices to two of the best machines available today. Let's see how the Schwinn 470 Elliptical compares with the Nautilus E618.

Quick Answer:

The Schwinn 470 and Nautilus E618 are both great ellipticals at different price points. If your budget is limited, then the Schwinn 470 is the best choice although you will be giving up some features such as reduced incline options and the Schwinn 470 has a shorter warranty. If you have the extra money the Nautilus E618 is the better choice.

Schwinn 470

The Schwinn 470 packs a lot of features with its above-average resistance system, Bluetooth data export, and 20” footpath—features normally found in higher-priced counterparts. It also has heart rate controlled workouts, among others, which allow you to customize your exercise routine as you see fit.

This quiet, smooth machine lets you download your performance data by way of the Schwinn Connect program. It also features 25 computer-controlled resistance settings so you can adjust the intensity of your workout. The Schwinn 470 also boasts of a 10-degree motorized adjustable ramp that allows you to control the incline to suit your workout needs.

Nautilus E618

The Nautilus E618 features footplates that can be set at different angles to give the pedals customized heel support. Its multi-position handlebars are equipped with built-in controls that let you adjust the incline and resistance during your exercise.

Weighing In

While both machines have almost similar features, especially their integration with the Explore the World app, which lets you travel the world from the comfort of your home gym, the Nautilus E618 takes the cake as it gives you better value for money.

It features a 30-pound flywheel weight that helps the machine run smoothly and gives you more options for reaching your fitness goals. The E618 has 25 levels of resistance, and other features that let it hold its own against higher-priced machines. The Nautilus E618 is built for all types of users with different ability levels, albeit at a higher price than the Schwinn 470.

Comparing Side-by-side

Schwinn 470

Nautilus E618

Schwinn 470
Nautilus E618

Compatible fitness apps:

Schwinn Trainer App

Compatible fitness apps:

Nautilus Trainer 2 app

Workout Programs:

29

Workout Programs:

29

Heart Rate Monitoring:

handles and chest strap (chest strap not included)

Heart Rate Monitoring:

handles and chest strap (chest strap included)

Integrated cooling fan:

yes

Integrated cooling fan:

yes

Integrated speakers:

yes

Integrated speakers:

yes

Stride length:

20"

Stride length:

22"

Incline/Decline Functions:
10°

Incline/Decline Functions:
15°

Dimensions:

70.1” L x 28.2” W x 63.2” H

Dimensions:

73” L x 27” W x 67” H

Weight Limits:
300 lbs

Weight Limits:
350 lbs

Price:

$$

Price:

$$$

Features

Both elliptical machines make use of the Bluetooth technology and have a media shelf available for users. Aside from this, both are also similar when it comes to their ability to sync with other apps for fitness tracking. The Schwinn 470 elliptical syncs with the Schwinn Trainer App for fitness tracking, while the Nautilus E618 syncs with the Nautilus Trainer 2 app.

The Nautilus model comes with a cooling fan and integrated speakers. The Schwinn 470, on the other hand, has built-in speakers with an MP3 input port and an adjustable fan. And as added perks, it even features dual-track LCDs and a USB charging station.

When it comes to strides, the Schwinn 470 has a 20” stride equipped with Precision Path™ Foot Motion Technology, while the Nautilus E618 features a 22” Precision Path™ stride. This feature allows both machines to simulate a natural running motion.

Number of Workout Programs

The Schwinn and Nautilus models both have 29 preset workout programs. The Schwinn 470 has nine heart rate control workouts, four customs, two fitness tests, and one quick start workout. Meanwhile, the Nautilus E618 has four heart rate control heart rate control workouts, one fitness test, and one recovery program.

Dimensions

The Nautilus E618 is bulkier than the Schwinn 470. The Nautilus measures 73” L x 27” W x 67” H and weighs around 231 pounds, while the Schwinn measures 70.1” L x 28.2” W x 63.2” H and weighs approximately 189 pounds.

Warranty

Nautilus gives its users a longer warranty for its frame (15 years), parts (5 years), electronics (5 years), and labor (2 years). The Schwinn 470’s warranty lasts 10 years for its frame, 2 years for mechanics, 1 year for electrical matters, and 90 days for labor.

Weight Limits

The Nautilus E618 has a greater maximum weight: 350 pounds. The Schwinn, on the other hand, has a weight limit of 300 pounds.

Integration with Explore the World™ App

The Explore the World™ app immerses users in a variety of virtual settings, from races to trails in different parts of the world. Both machines can be integrated with the said app.

Heart Rate Monitoring Functions

The Schwinn 470’s handles have pulse grips for heart rate monitoring. A separate chest strap can be bought to enable you to use the telemetry heart rate monitoring. The Nautilus monitors your heart rate as well and even comes with its chest strap.

Incline/Decline Functions

The Nautilus has greater incline settings at up to 15 degrees. The Schwinn’s incline can be adjusted at only 10 degrees.

Build Quality

The Schwinn 470 elliptical is made of steel tubing with a scratch-and-corrosion-resistant finish. The Nautilus E618 is heavily constructed and has a sturdy frame.

Price

More affordable of the two, the Schwinn 470 will cost you about $800-$900. The Nautilus E618 costs around $1000-$1500.

Reviews

One of the main drawbacks to the Schwinn 470 is its 90-day labor policy. However, most users find it to be sturdy and maneuverable.

For Nautilus E618, users love the range of motion that the model offers. Aside from its sturdiness, most reviewers love the heavy flywheel and wide resistance range.

Takeaway

The elliptical is a great piece of aerobic equipment to have at home. With its numerous health benefits, from better cardio and more exercise options to help you lose weight and maintain your fitness, the elliptical is a versatile machine that gives you a lot of value for money.

Both the Schwinn 470 and Nautilus E618 are good choices and if you have the extra money we recommend the Nautilus E618.

About the author 

Kevin Lee

Health and fitness have always been a passion for me; whether its being in the weight room, going for a run before work or even participating in a half iron man triathlon. ShapeJunkie was created to share to knowledge and love of fitness with others.

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