Proform 520 vs 720 Elliptical Comparison – Which is the Best For You?

 

Trying to decide between the Proform 520 vs 720 Elliptical trainers?

These are two very similar looking starter ellipticals that come in at very attractive price points.

 

 

They both give you generous 19 inch strides to help you more full work your leg muscles along with bright backlit LCD displays.

Both trainers are front-drive designs which many people prefer as they tend to be more compact and take up less room than rear-drive elliptical trainers.

Both trainers also come with tablet holders above the console and the option to get iFit Coach – so you can download new workouts or run different trails all over the world.

 

 

So what’s the difference between them? And which is the best option for you?

Well, if you’re trying to decide between the Proform 520 vs 720 ellipticals, there are a few things you should know. Here’s a rundown of the main differences to help you decide which is the best fit for you.

 

 

Proform 520 vs 720 Elliptical – Price

 

As of this writing, the Proform 520E is the more affordable of the two trainers – coming in around $599 with Free Shipping here. That makes it the more popular option if you’re on a strict budget.

However the Proform 720 elliptical is also pretty affordable. You can get it around $799 with Free Shipping here. So is it worth the extra $200 for the Proform 720? Let’s break it down:

 

 

 

Proform 520 vs 720 – Incline

 

Incline changes the slope of your elliptical trainer pathway – forcing your body to use different lower body muscle groups. It’s a fantastic way to crosstrain and build extra challenge into your workouts.

While incline is not a necessary feature to have in a crosstrainer – most people prefer to have it. The Proform 520 and 720 both give you from 0 – 20 degree incline – which is great.

However the 720 comes with POWER incline. This means you can change the incline settings from the console without having to get off the machine.

 

 

The Proform 520 on the other hand, comes with manual incline. You have to get off the machine to change the incline -which can be a little annoying when you’re in the middle of a workout.

From this perspective the Proform 720 incline is much more convenient since you can change incline settings from the console on the go without having to stop your workout and get off the trainer to adjust the incline ramp.

 

 

 

Proform 520 vs 720 – Flywheel

A heavier flywheel on a trainer is a plus because it helps to give you a smoother-feeling ride. It also helps to anchor the machine for a bit more stability.

The Proform 520 comes with a 16 pound flywheel – which isn’t bad. But the Proform 720 comes with a 20 pound flywheel – which is much better. So all things being equal, the Proform 720 is going to be a bit more stable – especially under heavier user.

 

 

 

 

Proform 520 vs 720 – Resistance Levels

The Proform 520 gives you 18 resistance levels whereas the 720 elliptical gives you 20. This isn’t a huge difference. But there is a bit more room to grow with the Proform 720 elliptical model.

 

 

 

 

Proform 520 vs 720 – Footpedals

The Proform 520 comes with oversized pedals. However the 720 gives you something new – pedals you can adjust. You can choose from 3 different toe-heel angles on the Proform 720 to find your most comfortable elliptical fit.

This is also a benefit for multiple-user families since everyone can find the right fit for them.

 

 

 

Proform 520 vs 720 – Workout Programs

You get a few more built-in workouts with the Proform 720 model – 24 vs 18 workouts on the Proform 520. So you have a few more ways to challenge yourself with these extra workouts on the Proform 720.

However to be fair, this may not mean a lot if you plan on getting iFit however as you can get unlimited new workouts with the iFit service.

 

 

 

Proform 520E vs 720E – Warranty

 

The warranty is also better on the 720E – giving you more protection on your investment. You get 2 years on parts for the 720 trainer vs 1 year on parts for the 520 model.

 

 

Bottom Line?

The Proform 520 is the more affordable trainer of the two – making it a better choice for budget-conscious buyers. And it does have a lot of great basics.

However the Proform 720 gives you a few more luxuries like power incline and adjustable footpedals that can make your workouts a bit more comfortable and convenient.

It also has a heavier flywheel and a higher weight capacity – which means it can take a bit more use and abuse than the 520 model.

So at the end of the day it boils down to what you’re looking for.

Want to Learn More?

 

Click Here for a Special Discount on the Proform 720E Elliptical

 

 

 

Click Here for Free Shipping on the Proform 520E Elliptical