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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
Product Highlights
- Elliptical trainer
- Easy-to-use console
- Features a media shelf
- 25 levels of resistance
- 10 levels of incline
- 20-inch stride length
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Schwinn 430
Schwinn 430 Elliptical
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
| Schwinn 430 | Schwinn 470 | |
| Price | About $960 on Amazon | About $1,100 on Amazon |
| Footprint | 70.1″ L x 28.2″ W x 63.2″ H | 70.1″ L x 28.2″ W x 63.2″ H |
| Weight | 168.7 lbs | 164 lbs |
| User weight capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Display | Dual LCD display windows | Dualtrack blue backlit LCD windows |
| Incline | 10 degrees with 6 manually adjustable positions | 10 degrees, power-adjustable |
| Drive | Front | Front |
| Flywheel | High-speed high-inertia perimeter-weighted flywheel | High-speed high-inertia perimeter-weighted flywheel |
| Resistance levels | 20 levels of magnetic resistance | 25 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Stride length | 20” | 20” |
| Preset workouts | 22 | 29 |
| User profiles | 2 | 4 |
| Bluetooth capability | No | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Grip contact | Grip/telemetry-enabled console |
| Fan | 3-speed fan | 3-speed fan |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor |
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
How much does the Schwinn 470 weigh?
The Schwinn 470 elliptical weighs 164 pounds. The 430 elliptical weighs 168.7 pounds.
Where does the Schwinn 430 elliptical plug in?
The outlet is at the front of the machine toward the base of the drive system.
Does Schwinn 430 have an incline?
The Schwinn 430 elliptical has a manual incline up to 10 degrees. The Schwinn 470 has automatic incline settings.
Does the Schwinn 430 have wheels?
Yes, the Schwinn 430 has transport wheels. The 470 elliptical does too.
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