Nautilus and Schwinn are two of the best-known makers of high-end consumer-grade & light commercial elliptical trainers. We have an in-depth look at 2 of their most popular models, the Nautilus E614 vs the Schwinn 430 – which is the best for you?
Nautilus E614 vs Schwinn 430 – Specifications
Nautilus E614 vs Schwinn 430 – Similarities
These are both Elliptical Trainers, using the Magnetic Resistance principle
- An elliptical trainer (also known as a cross-trainer) is a stationary exercise machine. It can be used to simulate stair climbing, walking, or running, and offers a lower-impact method of carrying out these exercises.
- An elliptical trainer offers both upper body and lower body workouts.
- The resistance is adjusted using magnetism (see this article for a technical description).
Each elliptical trainer offers 20 resistance levels
- Both the Nautilus E614 and Schwinn 430 offer 20 resistance levels, enough to provide a challenging workout for anyone.
Both offer a manual incline adjustment
- To adjust your elliptical’s incline, you need to stop your workout, get off the machine, and manually change the incline setting. More expensive ellipticals generally offer the ability to adjust the incline from the console, without stopping your workout.
Both have a built-in LCD Display
- It is common nowadays for ellipticals to have a built-in LCD display, to help you monitor your workouts.
Both the Nautilus E614 and Schwinn 430 have USB charging ports
- Charging your smartphone or tablet while exercising on the elliptical is easy, as both machines have a USB port. However, it is important to note that the ports are only used solely for charging your devices.
Both the Nautilus E614 and Schwinn 430 offer a total of 22 built-in workout programs
- Both Elliptical trainers offer 22 integrated workout programs you can choose from, to ramp up your exercises daily.
Both machines have a maximum user weight of 300lbs
- Both have a maximum weight of 300 lbs per user.
There is a built-in Tablet/Book Holder for both machines
- Depending on your mood and need, both machines have a tablet/book holder, which helps you multi-task while exercising.
Both machines have a stride length of 20”
- 18” to 20” stride length is a standard recommendation. However, both offer up to 20” stride length for the short and tall stature.
Both ellipticals can measure your heart rate via their handles
- You can measure your heart rate through metal contact plates on the handles, however, you’ll need to look higher in the range of either manufacturer for contactless heart rate monitoring options.
Both machines have Built-in Fans
- Both the Nautilus E614 and Schwinn 430 elliptical have built-in fans for proper ventilation while exercising.
Built-in Speakers and Water Bottle Holder
- Both machines offer built-in speakers so that you can spice up your workout through music. Aside from that, both the Nautilus E614 and Schwinn 430 have built-in water bottles for your convenience.
Both offer 2 User Profiles
- Both the Nautilus E614 and Schwinn 430 can save up to 2 profiles, perfect for couples who exercise extensively using the Elliptical.
The warranty in both elliptical machines is identical
- Both come with a 10-year warranty for the frame, a two-year warranty on the mechanical components, and one year for the electronics.
Nautilus E614 vs Schwinn 430 – Differences
Both ellipticals have slightly different flywheel weights
- The 430’s 20lb flywheel is heavier than the Nautilus E614’s 18lb version.
The Nautilus E614 has an incline range of 6 positions, while the Schwinn 430 elliptical offers an incline range of 0-10 degrees
- The 430’s 0-10 degrees range of inclines is adequate, while the Nautilus E614 elliptical offers six fixed incline positions, but the manufacturer doesn’t quote the range in terms of degrees.
Only the Schwinn 430 has Bluetooth
- Your smart devices cannot be connected to the Nautilus E614, whereas the Schwinn 430 elliptical has a Bluetooth option.
Conclusion
The Nautilus E614 Elliptical and Schwinn 430 have very similar specifications and features. This is not surprising, as Nautilus owns Schwinn.
The Bluetooth connection available with the current model year Schwinn 430 may be enough to give it the edge (there was no Bluetooth connectivity on older versions of the Schwinn 430 either, so make sure you get a current model).
In our opinion, the choice comes down to whichever is 1) available and 2) cheaper on the day.