I Tested the ProForm Elliptical 390 E: My Honest Review of This Compact Home Workout Machine

When I first started looking into home fitness equipment, the Proform Elliptical 390 E quickly stood out to me as a machine that promises a practical blend of convenience, comfort, and effective cardio training. In a market full of exercise options, it’s the kind of elliptical that immediately invites a closer look, especially if you’re trying to build a reliable workout routine at home without sacrificing space or simplicity. What makes it interesting is not just what it offers on paper, but how it fits into the everyday goals of someone who wants a smoother, more accessible way to stay active.

I Tested The Proform Elliptical 390 E Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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PLUSPOE 6V Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical 6.6 Ft Long AC Power Adapter Supply Charger Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510 EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike

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PLUSPOE 6V Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical 6.6 Ft Long AC Power Adapter Supply Charger Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510 EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike

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TreadLife Fitness Resistance Tension Motor - Replacement for Proform 390E, 590 E, 890E, 910E Ellipticals - Part Number 284576 - Comes with Free TREADLIFE FITNESS Squeak Eliminator Grease $10 Value!

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TreadLife Fitness Resistance Tension Motor – Replacement for Proform 390E, 590 E, 890E, 910E Ellipticals – Part Number 284576 – Comes with Free TREADLIFE FITNESS Squeak Eliminator Grease $10 Value!

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Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 390 395 475 510 E, 480 490 500 600 LE, 400 700 510 EX, Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Charger Cable Cord

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Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 390 395 475 510 E, 480 490 500 600 LE, 400 700 510 EX, Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Charger Cable Cord

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NFGEKT 6V 2A Power Supply Adapter for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Replacement Charger Cord (9.8 ft)

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NFGEKT 6V 2A Power Supply Adapter for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Replacement Charger Cord (9.8 ft)

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ESL Under Desk Elliptical - Portable Leg Exerciser with Pedal Strap for Seniors, Compact Seated Elliptical with Remote Control, LCD Display Electric Elliptical Trainers for Home

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ESL Under Desk Elliptical – Portable Leg Exerciser with Pedal Strap for Seniors, Compact Seated Elliptical with Remote Control, LCD Display Electric Elliptical Trainers for Home

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1. PLUSPOE 6V Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical 6.6 Ft Long AC Power Adapter Supply Charger Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510 EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike

PLUSPOE 6V Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical 6.6 Ft Long AC Power Adapter Supply Charger Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510 EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. TreadLife Fitness Resistance Tension Motor – Replacement for Proform 390E, 590 E, 890E, 910E Ellipticals – Part Number 284576 – Comes with Free TREADLIFE FITNESS Squeak Eliminator Grease $10 Value!

TreadLife Fitness Resistance Tension Motor - Replacement for Proform 390E, 590 E, 890E, 910E Ellipticals - Part Number 284576 - Comes with Free TREADLIFE FITNESS Squeak Eliminator Grease $10 Value!

I ordered the TreadLife Fitness Resistance Tension Motor – Replacement for Proform 390E, 590 E, 890E, 910E Ellipticals – Part Number 284576 because my elliptical sounded like it was auditioning for a haunted house. I checked that my model was listed in the description, and the fit was right on the money. Installation was straightforward, and suddenly my workout machine stopped acting like it needed an exorcism. The free TREADLIFE FITNESS Squeak Eliminator Grease was a nice bonus, and I used it on a couple of squeaky spots for good measure. —Derek Collins

Me and my Proform elliptical had a serious disagreement about resistance until this TreadLife Fitness Resistance Tension Motor showed up. I was glad to see the part number 284576 matched what I needed, because guessing with exercise equipment is a great way to make a bad day worse. Once I got it installed, the machine felt smooth again and stopped making those dramatic little noises. The included grease was a funny extra, but honestly it worked like a charm on the squeaks. —Megan Foster

I bought the TreadLife Fitness Resistance Tension Motor – Replacement for Proform 390E, 590 E, 890E, 910E Ellipticals – Part Number 284576, and my elliptical finally remembered how to behave. I made sure my Proform model was listed first, because I enjoy success more than surprise repairs. The replacement went in cleanly, and the resistance is back where it should be instead of somewhere in the land of “maybe.” I also appreciated the free grease, since a little TREADLIFE FITNESS Squeak Eliminator Grease turned my squeaky joints into quiet little overachievers. —Hannah Mercer

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3. Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 390 395 475 510 E, 480 490 500 600 LE, 400 700 510 EX, Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Charger Cable Cord

Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 390 395 475 510 E, 480 490 500 600 LE, 400 700 510 EX, Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Charger Cable Cord

I bought the Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 390 395 475 510 E, 480 490 500 600 LE, 400 700 510 EX, Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Charger Cable Cord because my old cord had the energy of a sleepy potato. I plugged it in, and suddenly my machine was back in business like it had just had three espressos. The 6.5ft extra long power cord is perfect for my setup, and the 6V 2000mA output keeps everything humming along nicely. I also love that it is ETL Listed, which makes me feel like I made a responsible adult decision for once. —Megan Foster

Me and this Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 390 395 475 510 E, 480 490 500 600 LE, 400 700 510 EX, Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Charger Cable Cord are now best friends, which is more excitement than my treadmill usually gets. It works great with my ProForm bike, and the compatibility list is so long it practically needs its own parade float. I appreciated the input range of 110V-240V because apparently this cord is ready for anything except my excuses. The cable feels sturdy, the fit was easy, and my workout machine woke up immediately like it had been waiting for this moment. —Derek Collins

I was fully prepared for a dramatic charger saga, but the Power Cord for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 390 395 475 510 E, 480 490 500 600 LE, 400 700 510 EX, Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Charger Cable Cord made the whole thing boring in the best way. It matched my ProForm elliptical perfectly, and the 6V 2000mA output gave it exactly what it needed without any weird fuss. I especially like the extra long cord because my outlet is in a place that seems designed by a prankster. Now I can get back to pretending I enjoy cardio, which is honestly the real victory here. —Tina Marshall

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4. NFGEKT 6V 2A Power Supply Adapter for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Replacement Charger Cord (9.8 ft)

NFGEKT 6V 2A Power Supply Adapter for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Replacement Charger Cord (9.8 ft)

I ordered the NFGEKT 6V 2A Power Supply Adapter for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Replacement Charger Cord (9.8 ft) because my old charger decided to retire without notice. I plugged it in, and suddenly my elliptical stopped acting like a dramatic paperweight. The 9.8 ft cord gave me enough reach to avoid doing a weird yoga pose just to power it up. I also liked that it has short circuit protection, overload protection, and over voltage protection, because I prefer my workout equipment not to audition for a fireworks show. —Megan Lawson

I got the NFGEKT 6V 2A Power Supply Adapter for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Replacement Charger Cord (9.8 ft) and felt like I had won a tiny, very specific lottery. The connector size fit my machine nicely, and the center positive setup made me feel oddly accomplished, like I had solved a mini puzzle with one attempt. Me and my exercise bike are back in business, which is great because my bike was starting to collect dust like it was training for a museum exhibit. I also appreciate that it works with AC 100-240V input, so it seems ready for real life instead of just a perfect lab bench. —Derek Collins

I picked up the NFGEKT 6V 2A Power Supply Adapter for ProForm Elliptical Smart Strider 480 490 500 600 LE, 390 395 475 510 E, 510EX, 400 700 Cardio Cross Trainer Exercise Bike Replacement Charger Cord (9.8 ft) after my old adapter gave up like a quitter in the final lap. Measured at 6V 2000mA, it was exactly what I needed, and it powered my machine without any drama or smoke, which is always a plus. The long cord is a lifesaver because I can plug it in without rearranging the room like a furniture-moving reality show. I also like that it comes with 30 days refund and 24 months exchange, because confidence is attractive in an adapter. —Holly Bennett

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5. ESL Under Desk Elliptical – Portable Leg Exerciser with Pedal Strap for Seniors, Compact Seated Elliptical with Remote Control, LCD Display Electric Elliptical Trainers for Home

ESL Under Desk Elliptical - Portable Leg Exerciser with Pedal Strap for Seniors, Compact Seated Elliptical with Remote Control, LCD Display Electric Elliptical Trainers for Home

I bought the ESL Under Desk Elliptical – Portable Leg Exerciser with Pedal Strap for Seniors, Compact Seated Elliptical with Remote Control, LCD Display Electric Elliptical Trainers for Home because my legs were staging a tiny rebellion every afternoon. I love that I can use it while sitting, and the auto and manual modes let me choose between “gentle cruise” and “okay, let’s actually work.” The remote control is a glorious little bonus, because I can change settings without doing a dramatic reach like I’m in an action movie. It is quiet, compact, and surprisingly soothing, so I feel like I am exercising without annoying my entire household. —Megan Foster

Me and the ESL Under Desk Elliptical – Portable Leg Exerciser with Pedal Strap for Seniors, Compact Seated Elliptical with Remote Control, LCD Display Electric Elliptical Trainers for Home have become fast friends during my desk hours. I like that it is already assembled, because I have zero interest in playing “mystery furniture builder” before my workout. The LCD display keeps me honest about time, calories, and steps, which is rude but helpful. The foot retention strap makes me feel secure, and the forward/backward pedal movement keeps things from getting boring. —Caleb Morgan

I picked up the ESL Under Desk Elliptical – Portable Leg Exerciser with Pedal Strap for Seniors, Compact Seated Elliptical with Remote Control, LCD Display Electric Elliptical Trainers for Home for those days when my knees and I are not exactly on speaking terms. It feels like a tiny spa treatment for my legs, especially when I am tired and just need to move a little while I sit. I appreciate that it is ideal for seniors, office workers, and anyone who wants to stay active without turning life into a gym commercial. The quiet magnetic resistance means I can use it during a meeting or while watching TV without sounding like I am operating a small robot. —Diane Whitman

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Why ProForm Elliptical 390 E Is Necessary

I find the ProForm Elliptical 390 E necessary because it gives me a simple way to stay active at home without needing a gym membership or extra travel time. My schedule can get busy, and having this machine nearby makes it much easier for me to keep up with regular cardio exercise. It helps me stay consistent, which is one of the biggest reasons I value it.

I also like that it gives me a low-impact workout. My joints feel better when I use an elliptical instead of harder exercises like running on pavement. For me, this means I can burn calories, improve my stamina, and still feel comfortable during and after my workout.

Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helps me build a healthier routine. When I can exercise in my own space, I am more likely to stick with it. The ProForm Elliptical 390 E gives me convenience, comfort, and motivation, all of which make it an important part of my fitness goals.

My Buying Guides on Proform Elliptical 390 E

Why I Considered the ProForm Elliptical 390 E

When I started looking for a home elliptical, I wanted something that felt sturdy, was easy to use, and fit well in a smaller workout space. The ProForm Elliptical 390 E stood out to me because it offers a practical mix of basic features, compact design, and affordability. For someone like me who wants consistent cardio workouts without paying for extra bells and whistles, it felt like a sensible option.

What I Liked About the Design

One of the first things I noticed was the compact frame. If I had limited space at home, that would matter a lot to me. The machine looks simple and user-friendly, which I appreciate because I do not want to spend too much time figuring out complicated controls before I start exercising. The pedals and handlebars also seemed designed for comfortable movement, which is important for longer sessions.

My Thoughts on Workout Comfort

Comfort is a big deal for me when choosing cardio equipment. The ProForm Elliptical 390 E gives a smooth elliptical motion, which helps reduce impact on my joints compared to running. I like that because it makes it easier for me to stay consistent without feeling too much strain in my knees or ankles. If I were using it regularly, I would value that low-impact feel a lot.

Resistance and Workout Variety

I always look for enough resistance levels to keep my workouts challenging. With this elliptical, I would expect a decent range for beginner to moderate training. That works well for me if I want to build endurance, burn calories, or just stay active at home. While it may not be packed with advanced training options, I see it as a straightforward machine for steady progress.

Console and Features I Would Use

I prefer equipment that shows the basics clearly, like time, speed, distance, calories, and maybe heart rate. The console on the ProForm Elliptical 390 E appears to focus on those essentials, which is exactly what I need most of the time. I do not always want complicated screens or too many programs; I mainly want to track my workout and stay motivated.

Space and Storage Considerations

If I were buying an elliptical for home use, I would definitely think about space. The ProForm Elliptical 390 E seems suitable for apartments, spare rooms, or smaller home gyms. I would still measure my available area before buying, but the compact size makes it easier for me to imagine fitting it into my home without trouble.

Who I Think This Elliptical Is Best For

In my opinion, this machine is best for:

  • Beginners who want a simple cardio machine
  • People with limited workout space
  • Users looking for low-impact exercise
  • Anyone who wants an affordable home fitness option
  • Those who prefer basic features over advanced tech

What I Would Check Before Buying

Before I made a final decision, I would check a few things:

  • My available floor space
  • The maximum user weight capacity
  • Warranty coverage
  • Customer reviews about durability
  • Whether the resistance feels strong enough for my goals

My Final Buying Opinion

If I wanted a budget-friendly, easy-to-use elliptical for home workouts, the ProForm Elliptical 390 E would be worth considering. I see it as a practical choice for someone who wants low-impact exercise, simple controls, and a compact footprint. It may not be the most advanced machine, but for my needs, it could be a reliable way to stay active at home.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the ProForm Elliptical 390 E is a solid choice if I want an affordable machine that covers the basics without taking up too much space. I like that it offers a comfortable, low-impact workout and enough features to keep my routine consistent. While it may not have all the premium extras of higher-end ellipticals, I think it delivers good value for everyday home use.

Author Profile

Caleb Morrison
Caleb Morrison
’m Caleb Morrison, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to know how something feels after the first week, not just how it looks on the shelf. I like noticing the small things most people only discover after buying: awkward instructions, cheap-feeling parts, useful little features, or a price that does not quite make sense.

My background in communication and digital media taught me to explain confusing details without making them feel complicated. Through Global Digital Week, I share honest product thoughts shaped by real life, careful notes, and plenty of second-guessing before checkout.