Precor Elliptical Reviews (7 Best Models Rated & Compared)

Precor Elliptical Comparison Table

Why Choose The Precor Brand Of Elliptical Trainers?

Converging CrossRamp Technology

Precor has incorporated converging cross ramp tech into their ellipticals, which allows you to alter the stride and include for a fully customizable workout. This technology is unique to their brand and really sets them apart.

Commercial-Quality Frame For Cardio and Muscle Toning Trainer

Home equipment can be less sturdy than models in the gym, but Precor uses commercial quality frames that allow you to workout without any risk of damage to the machine or you.

Dynamic Console Options & Heart Rate Monitoring

Precor helps support intelligent workouts by giving you access to all the data. The console options let you select a variety of different workouts to choose from, let you track your time, calories burned, and even monitor your heart rate so you can get the intensity just right.

Active Status Light

The active status light has been integrated to help you maintain your elliptical. It lights up when somebody uses it to let you know if there are any issues or if the device needs to be serviced.

Integrated Entertainment Options

To make workouts more enjoyable, Precor has incorporated several entertainment options into their ellipticals. This includes global video streaming with closed captions, a mobile phone charger, a book rack, and it has inputs for HDMI or VGA so you can plug in other devices. This is all designed to make your workout easier and more fun.

Great Product & Parts Warranty

Precor stands behind their products with a solid warranty. They offer between 5 and 10 years of coverage on all their equipment and parts to help protect your investment and give you better value for money.

Premium Sealed Bearings

Precor uses oversized axles and premium sealed bearings on the wheels underneath the foot pedals. This allows them to grind with no unwanted resistance giving a perfectly balanced load-- smoother than competitor brands.

Oversized, Polypropylene Foot Pedals

To ensure a smooth and unimpeded experience, Precor uses oversized polypropylene foot pedals. These allow those with even very large feet to use them, and the material helps prevent any slippage or injury. They're also easy to clean and maintain.

1. Precor EFX 833

The Precor EFX 833 is a popular elliptical that's one of the best commercial options available. It's designed to focus on lower body exercises rather than full body and has a motion that's gentle on joints and perfect for rehabilitation and strength building.

The Precor EFX 833, much like all Precor products, has a lot of functionality. There are 20 different options, and the incline can be set between 13 and 40 degrees.

Precor's patented elliptical motion technology is built-in, which reduces friction between the pedal and the machine and means the glide is as smooth as possible. The pedals can be used in both directions, and there's a full visual display so you can easily see your heart rate, power level, and other vital stats in one place.

The Precor EFX 833 is a great commercial model. It is completely wireless with no power cord, so it can be placed anywhere. It's lightweight but still has a full range of functions to meet most user's needs.

It's competitively priced for a Precor product and has the protection of a robust warranty to limit any risk to the investment. If you're looking for an effective commercial elliptical, then the EFX 833 is definitely one to consider.

2. Precor 576i

The Precor 576i is perfectly designed for home use, but don't let that put you off; it still has all the features you would expect from a high end elliptical. It's designed for a full-body workout, and while it doesn't have as much resistance as commercial units, it still has 20 different levels and 14 preset workout programs.

The Precor 576i has all the usual features you would expect from a Precor elliptical, including their patented motion technology. The cross ramp can be adjusted between 15 and 40 degrees, and it has moving handles to work your upper and lower body simultaneously. It also has a full display, which lets you see how hard you're working and allows you to monitor your heart rate easily.

The Precor 576i is suitable for all fitness levels, so whether you are a complete beginner or advanced user, it should work for you. It's small enough to fit in most home gyms or garages, and it's lightweight for easy moving.

The Precor 576i is quite expensive, but most Precor products are. However, it's well built and should stand up to heavy wear and tear—definitely one to consider if you want an elliptical at home.

3. Precor EFX 835

The Precor EFX 835 is an excellent commercial elliptical for whole body workouts. It's one of the heavier models on our list, which shows it is better for commercial use, but it does come with wheels for easy transportation. The main feature of this elliptical is that it is incredibly durable, and customer feedback all shows that it is best suited for experienced elliptical users.

The Precor EFX 835 is built to last. It's made almost entirely from stainless steel and has cushioning in the handlebars and foot pedals for comfort. It has the Precor motion technology built-in, which allows it to run quietly on 20 different resistance settings. There are 15 different custom workouts built into the Precor EFX 835, focusing on different goals and parts of the body.

The design and features mean it can take the strain of heavy use. It's a great model for advanced users who need a challenging workout. It's commercial quality, and while you may opt for it in the home, you're more likely to find it in a gym. It's an expensive but durable elliptical that is one to consider if it's likely to see a lot of use.

4. Precor EFX 576i Premium Commercial Series

The Precor EFX 576i is probably the most powerful elliptical on the list. As the name suggests, this is primarily a commercial model, and most homes won't have room for it. It's heavy, weighing around 350 pounds, and it's quite large. However, all that size and weight give you a lot of power, functionality, and durability. This is an elliptical built to last.

The EFX 576i has all the standard Precor Motion Technology built-in but stands out by being fully configurable. It has 14 different preset workouts, but you can also set your own based on your goals. It has double polyurethane wheels and large axles to give a smooth glide when using it.

It also has enhanced media options for entertainment while you work out, connections for headphones, and a full display monitor for heart rate. This lets you workout effectively and relax at the same time.

This is a really complete, well-rounded elliptical. The built-in features and workout programs allow you to target specific areas of your body to get the most from your workout. It isn't the most elegant on the market, and it is expensive, but for advanced users looking for a commercial model, this ticks a lot of the boxes.

5. Precor AMT100i

In direct comparison to the EFX 576i, the Precor AMT100i is perfect for home use. It's comparatively lightweight and very portable, so you can get it in and out of a home setting with ease. It's considered one of the most popular ellipticals, and it's regarded as one of the best for burning calories quickly. 

The AMT100i has moving arms and cushioned handholds so you can work out your upper and lower body with ease. It's demanding and will allow you to push yourself with 10 different preset routines to follow.

The smooth motion technology limits any impacts on your joints, and it comes with a headphone attachment to listen to music while you exercise. It's one of the more affordable Precor models that focuses on performance above style. This makes it accessible to all budgets, and the solid build quality offers some good value.

The AMT100i is an elliptical for everyone. It allows for total body workouts, but actually, it's great for rehab if you're recovering from a specific injury. The variable stride motion means it can be customized for all shapes and sizes, and it's the perfect machine for losing weight fast.

If you want to add a practical piece of equipment into your routine at home, then this is definitely one to consider.

6. Precor EFX 546i

The Precor EFX 546i is a great all-rounder that works in both commercial or home settings. Ellipticals have grown in popularity in recent years because people are looking for low impact alternatives, and you can't get much lower impact than the EFX 546i.

The cushioning and adaptive technology mean you can get a solid workout with no risk of injury. This makes it a great model for users of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

The Precor EFX 546i has 20 different resistance settings and offers up to a 40-degree incline. There are 10 preset workouts and it all starts up at the touch of a button, making it one of the simplest ellipticals to use. It has a water bottle holder, a media station, and a full display screen showing your workout stats and heart rate.

The Precor EFX 546i doesn't have just one stand out quality; it's more a combination of great components and features that come together in one solid elliptical. The features and functionality make it well suited for everyone, but most appropriate for beginners or intermediate users.

Given the price, durability, and warranty, it offers some excellent quality—definitely one to look over for home use.

7. Precor EFX 447

The Precor EFX 447 is the last on our list but actually has some of the most positive user feedback. This elliptical is designed to be a luxury home gym model that works in a smaller space. It's comparatively lightweight and fairly maneuverable so you can move it around within your home as needed.

Despite being a home model, it lacks none of the functionality or durability of a commercial elliptical. It has 20 levels of resistance and up to 40 degrees of incline. It also has 10 different workout programs with the option of creating your own bespoke versions.

A full touch screen display module allows you to track your progress and a built-in entertainment station compatible with WIFI. This means you can work hard and relax at the same time.

The EFX 447 is a luxury model and comes with a luxury price tag. However, when you look at the build quality and components, you can see it's built to last and that the money spent is an investment. With the smooth glide and easy user interface, it's clear why it's so popular with customers. If you can afford it, then this is an elliptical to consider.

Pros & Cons Of Precor Ellipticals

Precor Elliptical Series Compared

Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT) Series

The Precor Amt Series offers multiple different workouts in one piece of equipment. You can move the handles and pedals to customize the angles and isolate different muscle groups for focused exercises.

These are perfect for those with more experience who want more versatility in their fitness routine. The AMT Series are slightly more expensive at around $4000-$9000, but they do offer a relatively wide range of workouts.

Energy Series

The Precor Energy Series is the most affordable range, and they cost between $2000 and $4000. They have all the useful features of the Precor brand but are designed to be much more compact. This makes them well suited for home use or garage gyms as they take up around 50-70% of the space that traditional ellipticals do.

Precision Series

The Precor Precisions Series is all about performance. There are 5 different models, and each of them has 20 different levels of resistance with up to 40 degrees of elevation. They also come with programmable workouts, which allow you to customize your workout.

If you're looking for tough training and intense cardio, then these are good for you. The Precision Series costs between $3000 and $7000, meaning they're the mid-range Precor models.

Experience Series

The Precor Experience Series, as the name suggests, focuses on the experience of the user. There are three different consoles to choose from with unique displays and options to make your exercise more fun. The Experience Series is probably the most customizable of Precor's ranges and is best for intense cardio and those who need constant entertainment while they train.

The Experience Series is the largest of the Precor ranges and has the most premium ellipticals. They're best suited for those with larger budgets and cost between $5000 and $10000.

Comparison To Other Popular Elliptical Brands

Precor Vs. Schwinn

Schwinn is a well-known brand and the customer feedback about their ellipticals is pretty good. They have a more limited range than Precor, but they are cheaper (ranging between $500-1200).

They're well known for their home fitness goods, which are reliable and quiet, but much less premium than Precor. Precor is probably stronger overall, but if you just want a simple home elliptical, Schwinn may be preferable.

Precor Vs. Sole

Sole and Precor are both premium brands that are on the more expensive side. Sole ellipticals are more likely to be found in a gym than a home, but they are quality machines. Precor prides themselves on build quality, but Sole products are definitely built to last.

Overall, customer satisfaction is higher with Sole products purely because of the longevity of the elliptical. If you want a big, powerful elliptical, then Sole is probably preferable to Precor.

Precor Vs. Bowflex

Bowflex has a pretty strong reputation for home gym equipment, and they're most well known for their stair climbers. Their ellipticals also have a good reputation with customers for being affordable but effective.

Precor has much more sophisticated ellipticals with more features, but Bowflex machines are much cheaper. If you're on a more limited budget, then Bowflex may be a better brand for you.

Precor Vs. NordicTrack

NordicTrack is another well-known brand, but often for the wrong reasons. They have a wide range of home fitness equipment, but their quality is not the best. This means that even though they are affordable (between $800 and $2000), certain products are hit or miss. Precor is more expensive but is overall a more reliable brand for ellipticals.

Precor Vs. Life Fitness

Life Fitness is an extremely recognizable brand, and you'll find them in many gyms. Their home range is also quite impressive, with a good amount of variety available. Both Precor and Life Fitness are premium elliptical manufacturers, and they charge a reasonably high price.

For us, Precor just edges this competition because their machines are more intelligent and better suited for home use.

How To Assemble & Use Precor Ellipticals

Your Precor elliptical should come ready to use. Most of the models are self-powered, but if not, then you will need to attach the power cable. The display screen should come on once you start using the device, and you'll be able to set the resistance level and view your workout.

Every model is slightly different, so make sure you follow the guidelines and instructions that come with it. The video below also provides a guide. 

How To Disassemble Precor Elliptical

Ensure you keep track of all the bolts and pieces, or you won't be able to reassemble it in the future.

How to Replace Battery on Precor Elliptical

To replace the battery on a Precor elliptical, you should first disconnect the power sources completely. You should then locate the battery hatch (usually on the back of the head) and use a screwdriver to open it up.

You should then be able to replace the battery and do the hatch back up. Make sure you refer to the instruction manual before you undertake any work, as it may impact your warranty.

How to Reset Precor Elliptical

Resetting a Precor elliptical is needed occasionally to reboot the system. A notification on the screen should come up when it's required. You can do this by quickly entering the Start, Enter, and Reset buttons. There is also often a direct reset button located within the battery hatch at the back of the device.

How to Use Precor Elliptical

To use a Precor elliptical safely, you should first test each pedal from a standing position to ensure it moves smoothly. Make sure you grasp both handlebars as you move onto the device and ensure you balance your weight in the middle of the foot pedals.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How many strides are in a mile on a Precor elliptical?

The average stride length is just over 28 inches meaning there are 2241 strides in a mile.

How much does a Precor elliptical cost on average? Why is Precor so expensive?

A Precor elliptical will cost on average $4000 plus depending on the exact model and specifications. Precor is a more expensive brand because their ellipticals have more features than others and a much higher build quality than competitor brands.

How accurate are Precor elliptical calorie counters?

The Precor calorie calculator is one of the most accurate but may not be 100% correct as the number of calories burned is specific to each individual. It should be accurate within 10% either way.

Where is the best place to buy Precor elliptical machines?

Precor is a well-known brand that can be found in many different stores. Shopping online will generally get you the best price, and you should look on the Precor website or a marketplace like Amazon, which has the greatest variety.

What is the history of the Precor brand?

Precor has been operating since 1980. They are a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation, which is the biggest sports equipment company in the world, and who are known for Wilson, Atomic, and Salomon, to name a few.

Their history is littered with innovation. They were responsible for creating the first cushioned treadmill, the first elliptical fitness cross-trainer, and their patented Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT), which really sets them apart.

Precor hasn't followed the outsourcing model that other competitors have, and all of their products are designed and produced in the USA. This does mean they are more expensive but adds to the overall quality of their ellipticals.

Conclusion

Precor is a premium brand, and they do cost a bit more, but for that, you get a very technologically advanced elliptical and increased durability. The Precor EFX 833 is one of the best ellipticals for commercial use with a frictionless glide and a wide variety of preset workouts. If you are keen on a Precor elliptical, then this is one you should consider first.