Schwinn manufactures some of the best consumer-grade elliptical trainers available. In this article, we take an in-depth look at two of their most popular models, the Schwinn 430 vs 470.
If you are looking for an elliptical trainer to use at home, there are many factors to consider, including these:
- Physical size of the machine
- Number of built-in workout programs
- Number of resistance levels
- Size & technology of the display
- Extra features (e.g. heart rate monitoring)
- Warranty length
How well do these two ellipticals address these factors, and which one is the best for you? Read on to find out…
Quick Summary
Both machines seem similar at first glance. The Schwinn 470 Elliptical is significantly more expensive, but offers several advantages over the 430:
- More resistance levels
- More built-in workout programs
- More user profiles
- Motorized incline
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Backlit LCD console
- Chest strap heart rate monitor
To see how these ellipticals fare against the competition, check out our review of the best elliptical trainers.
Schwinn 430 vs 470 Elliptical – Specifications
| Schwinn 430 | Schwinn 470 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Type | Cross Trainer | Cross Trainer |
| Method | Magnetic Resistance | Magnetic Resistance |
| Flywheel Weight | 20lbs | 20lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 20 | 25 |
| Incline Range | 0-10 degrees | 0-10 degrees |
| Incline Adjustment | Manual | Powered |
| Display | LCD Console | Backlit LCD Console |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Heart Rate | No | Yes |
| Workout Programs | 22 | 29 |
| Max User Weight | 300lbs | 300lbs |
| Machine Weight | 169lbs | 187lbs |
| Dimensions | 70.1"L x 28.2"W x 63.2"H | 70.1"L x 28.2"W x 63.2"H |
| Tablet / Book Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Stride Length | 20" | 20" |
| Built-in Fan | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Water Bottle Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Pedals | No | No |
| User Profiles | 2 | 4 |
| Warranty (Frame) | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Warranty (Mechanical) | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Warranty (Electronics) | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Warranty (Labor) | 90 days | 90 day |
| Cost (amazon.com) |
Schwinn 430 vs 470 Elliptical – 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.
- The resistance is adjusted using magnetism (see this article for a technical description).
Both ellipticals have the same flywheel weight
- Both of these machines have a 20lb flywheel – this is about average for residential / light commercial elliptical trainers.
Both elliptical trainers offer an incline range of 0-10 degrees
- Other ellipticals are available with a wider range of inclines (e.g. some NordicTrack models offer -10 to 20 degrees), but a range of 0-10 degrees should be enough for all but the most extreme training regimes.
Both feature a built-in LCD display
- Some lower-end ellipticals don’t have any built-in display, while at the higher end of the market, ellipticals are available with the latest touch-screen technology.
The Schwinn 430 and Schwinn 470 both have USB charging ports
- This allows you to plug in your smartphone or tablet, and recharge them while you exercise. Please note that these ports are for charging only, not data transfer.
You can connect your smart device to either elliptical using Bluetooth
- Both the 430 and 470 ellipticals are compatible with apps such as Explore the World, MyFitnessPal, UA Record & others. In addition, there is a free Schwinn app you can use to record your workouts.
The maximum user weight is 300lb for both machines
- Some other ellipticals offer weight capacities up to 400lb; alternatively, some cheaper alternatives are only rated up to 250lb.
A tablet or book holder is included in both cases
- Ideal if you want to watch a video, catch up with your emails, or immerse yourself in the latest novel, to take your mind off the “pain” side of the “no pain, no gain” equation.
Both ellipticals have a stride length of 20″
- 18″-20″ is recommended for most people, though if you’re short or tall in stature, you may need either a shorter or longer stride length, in which case you should look at another model.
Both feature a built-in fan
- The fan keeps you cool while you exercise – not to be confused with fan-style exercise bikes & rowing machines, which use a large fan to create resistance.
The Schwinn 430 and Schwinn 470 both have built-in speakers & a water bottle holder
- In theory, the speakers make your iPod or smart device sound better. In practice, your home theatre system will not feel challenged by the sound quality of the speakers included with either elliptical.
The warranty is identical in both cases
- Both elliptical machines come with a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2 years on the mechanical components, 1 year on the electronics, and 90 days’ labor coverage.
Schwinn 430 vs 470 Elliptical – Differences
The Schwinn 430 elliptical offers 20 resistance levels, while the Schwinn 470 has 25 resistance levels
- In reality, this just means the difference between levels is slightly smaller in the case of the Schwinn 470, than it is with the 430. We wouldn’t expect most users (elite athletes excepted) to find the higher resistance settings unchallenging.
Incline adjustment on the Schwinn 430 is manual, on the 470 it is done electrically
- In both cases you can adjust the incline between 0-10 degrees, however, the 430 requires you to stop your exercise routine, get off the elliptical & make the adjustment manually. The motorized ramp on the 470 allows you to make as many changes as you want using the console.
The LCD console on the 470 elliptical is backlit, the 430 doesn’t have this feature
- The backlit console of the 470 looks a bit more modern, and is easier to view in low light, than the non-backlit version on the 430. However, to be honest both models’ displays look a bit old-fashioned & in need of an update.
A heart rate monitor chest strap can be connected to the Schwinn 470, but you’ll need to rely on external devices (such as a smartwatch) to record your beats per minute with the Schwinn 430
- Both devices can measure your heart rate using sensors built into the handles, but only the 470 allows you to connect a chest strap, which allows you to store a record of your BPM over time.
The 430 has a total of 22 workout programs built in, but the 470 tops this with 7 more, for a total of 29 workout programs
- More workout programs may help alleviate boredom & switch things up.
The Schwinn 470 can save profiles for 4 separate users, while the 430 is limited to 2 users
- More user profiles could be handy if you have a few family members who want to use the treadmill regularly.
Conclusion
The Schwinn 470 elliptical costs a little more than the 430 (usually around 20% more, but prices change). For the extra money, it offers quite a few advantages over the 430:
- More resistance levels, more workouts, and more user profiles.
- Motorized incline
- Backlit LCD
- Bluetooth & app
- Pulse monitor chest strap connection
It’s up to you to decide if these additional features are worth paying the extra money for.
