Schwinn 430 vs 470 (2023): Battle of the Ellipticals  

You may be landing on this comparison between Schwinn 430 vs 470 because you’ve decided you want to invest in the best elliptical machine you can afford. Enter the Schwinn elliptical models 430 and 470. Both are no-frills cardio machines with a lot to offer for low-impact cardio enthusiasts. 

In this comparison we’ll cover each machine’s specs, pros, and cons. But why trust us to compare these two affordable elliptical trainers? We’ve had hands-on experience with the Schwinn 470 and the brand as a whole, testing the best Schwinn exercise bikes and treadmills. Plus, we even have extensive testing experience with Schwinn’s sister company Bowflex. 

Schwinn 470

Schwinn 470 Elliptical

GGR Score: 2.9

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Product Highlights

• Elliptical trainer
• Easy-to-use console
• Features a media shelf
• 25 levels of resistance
• 10 levels of incline
• 20-inch stride length

Schwinn 430

Schwinn 430 Elliptical

GGR Score: 3.2

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Product Highlights

• Front-drive elliptical
• 20” stride 
• 20 levels of resistance 
• 6 levels of incline
• 22 built-in programs 
• Dual LCD screens

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 20 levels of magnetic ressistance
• Cheaper entry price compared to other similar ellipticals
• Longer stride length compared to other ellipticals in this price range
• Manually adjustable incline levels

Cons

• No Bluetooth connectivity
• Big footprint

Bottom Line

If you're looking for an economical option for an elliptical, this could be a good choice. While it does not have all the bells and whistles of the higher-tech ellipticals, you’ll still get a good workout in.

Schwinn 430 vs Schwinn 470 Comparison Spec Chart

Quick Look: Schwinn 430 vs 470

While Schwinn is known for outdoor bicycles, it’s also an OG brand in the cardio market. The brand manufactures exercise bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals for all your cardio needs. 

Neither the Schwinn 430 or 470 is going to knock your socks off with technology features (like the machine we wrote about in our NordicTrack AriGlide 14i review) but both elliptical trainers are solid entry-level machines with price ranges around $1,000. While these may be entry-level machines, neither offers a compact footprint, so you’ll want to measure your space before deciding on either machine. 

RELATED: Best Compact Elliptical 

You won’t find fancy touchscreen displays on either elliptical, but you will have easy-to-read LCD displays to show basic workout data. Both have USB ports for charging devices or playing music through the built-in sounds system. The main difference in the consoles is the 470 has a blue backlight and limited Bluetooth capabilities (like exporting workout data to fitness apps like MyFitnessPal and Apple Health).  

RELATED: Best Workout Apps

You may notice the specs are pretty similar on the 430 and 470, but one major difference is the incline capabilities. While both machines have the ability to incline up to 10 degrees, the Schwinn 430 can only be set manually (while off the machine) and the Schwinn 470 can be set automatically from the console. You’ll also find the 470 has more levels of magnetic resistance and seven more preset workout programs to choose from. 

It’s worth mentioning that at the time of writing this comparison, both machines are exclusively available on Amazon. You won’t find either available to purchase on the Schwinn website. 

RELATED: Best Place to Buy an Elliptical 

Who Should Buy The Schwinn 430 Elliptical 

• People who want a low-impact cardio machine
• Folks looking for an entry-level elliptical trainer 
• Anyone looking for a 20-inch stride length

We cover more aspects of this machine (and reasons you might want to buy) in our Schwinn 430 elliptical review. 

Who Should Buy The Schwinn 470 Elliptical 

• Folks who want automatic incline settings
• Anyone looking to train in their target heart rate zone 
• Exercisers who will benefits from 29 preset workouts 

For a look at our hands-on testing experience and the full list of pros and cons, read our Schwinn 470 elliptical review. 

Key Similarities Between Schwinn 430 and 470

• Big footprints, both measuring nearly 6 feet long
• Front-drive ellipticals
• Built-in sound system, workout fan, water bottle holder, and a media shelf
• Built-in workout programs and fitness tests 
• 20” precision path stride length 
• Transport wheels 
• Two sets of handlebars: one moving, one stationary 
• Oversized footplates
• USB charging ports and ability to play music through speakers 
• Neither offer direct connectivity to JRNY or Explore the World App

Important Differences Between Schwinn 430 and 470

• The 430 has manual incline settings; the 470 has automatic incline settings 
• Only the Schwinn 470 features Bluetooth connectivity
• The 470 Bluetooth connectivity allows for compatible heart rate straps and monitors 
• Schwinn 430 display doesn’t have backlighting

Schwinn Brand Policies

Since both the 470 and 430 elliptical trainers are exclusively available on Amazon, the Schwinn’s return policies and financing options won’t be available. If you need to make returns, you’ll have to navigate to the returns and orders button at the top right corner of your Amazon browser within the first 30 days of receipt. Financing options through Affirm or Amazon may be available depending on which model you choose. 

That said, you can still expect to receive the manufacturer’s warranty of 10 years on the frame, 2 years on the parts, 1 year on electronics, and 90 days on parts.  

RELATED: Best Budget Elliptical 

Schwinn 430 vs 470: Final Thoughts

When comparing two models that are so similar, it may be hard to get to the bottom line on your decision. Both elliptical trainers have the same stride length, user weight capacity, incline capability, and similar footprints. They also both have an average 4-out-of-5-star rating from Amazon customer reviews. 

Here are some key differences to keep in mind when deciding between Schwinn 430 vs 470:

• The 470 elliptical has limited Bluetooth connectivity for metric tracking, while the 430 has none. 
• The Schwinn 430 elliptical has incline settings, but it has to be controlled manually while off the machine. 
• The Schwinn 470 offers more levels of resistance, power incline, and more preset workouts. 

Schwinn 430 vs 470: FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

Further reading

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