Sole E25 Elliptical Reviews (Is It A Good Budget Machine?)

Pros & Cons Of The Sole E25 Elliptical Machine 

Before diving into the details on what the Sole E25 elliptical machine can bring to your home gym, let’s cover the basics, starting with this model’s pros and cons:  

Unique Features Of The Sole E25  

Like most Sole equipment, the heavy-duty frame of the E25 is backed by a lifetime warranty. This feature alone shows that Sole takes a lot of pride in its products, and the strong warranty policy speaks volumes about this model’s overall build and durability. 

A lifetime warranty isn’t all that this model has to offer - not by a long shot. Here are a few more unique features of the Sole E25:

20 Resistance Levels & Power Incline

Cheaper ellipticals have anywhere from 8 to 16 levels of resistance, but this machine has 20 different levels of tension that can be easily adjusted using either the console or the handlebar buttons.

No matter which level you choose, resistance is smooth, thanks to the heavy front-driven 25-pound flywheel.

In addition to 20 resistance levels, this elliptical has power incline settings that can be adjusted from 0 to 30 degrees.

Changing the incline allows you to target specific muscle groups, and Sole makes it easy to adjust with up/down buttons on both the console and handlebars. 

Related Article - Front Drive Vs Rear Drive Ellipticals

Quiet Drive System & Heavy Flywheel 

The heavy flywheel design doesn't just create a smooth ride; it also means that this machine is quieter than most of the competition at this price point.

So even at the highest resistance and incline, your workout won’t disturb others in your home or your neighbors.

Read Also - How To Lubricate An Elliptical

Advanced Sensor Systems For Heart Rate Monitoring 

The E25’s stationary handlebars come with built-in pulse sensors for keeping track of your heart rate, but you’ll also receive an included heart rate chest strap for even more accurate pulse readings.

No matter how you choose to monitor your heart rate, you can use the elliptical’s interactive heart rate programs for staying on target.

Custom Foot Pedals With Adjustable Stride

See Also - Elliptical Stride Length By Height

6.5” LCD Console With Added Features 

While 6.5” may not sound like the largest display ever, the E25’s LCD is perfectly capable of delivering easy-to-read fitness stats as well as simple workout adjustments. In addition to 10 preset workout programs, the console comes equipped with extra features, including:

Also Check Out - What Muscles Does An Elliptical Machine Work?

Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine Reviewed 

Design & Features

Using The Console  

Perhaps you see this as a drawback, but I personally like that the console isn’t filled with repetitive workout programs that I’ll probably never use. The preset workouts include some standard options, like fat burn, cardio, and interval. There are also 2 heart rate workouts and 2 custom user options that allow you to create and save workouts. 

I don’t love that the LCD doesn’t allow you to stream workouts directly from the console; all you can really do is monitor your progress, select from preset workouts, and make adjustments to resistance/incline.

But thanks to modern tablets and advanced fitness applications, it’s easy enough to stream live and on-demand workouts from a smart device nowadays. 

Sure, the console is simple and basic, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in any way. In addition to the necessities, it comes with lots of extra features, like Bluetooth speakers and a cooling fan.

Your purchase even includes a wireless chest strap so that you can more accurately monitor your pulse if you prefer to track it through Bluetooth, which I see as a major selling point (these devices often cost $100+).

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Price & Warranty  

The MSRP of the E25 is about $1800, but you can often find the machine on sale for less than $1000.

Plus, Sole offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied, so there’s really no risk in buying this model. 

Compared to similar fitness brands, Sole’s warranty is one of the best in the business. Other companies of this caliber typically offer a 10-year frame warranty (which is still really great), but Sole includes a lifetime warranty on the E25's frame. Your purchase will also get you 5 years of coverage on the electronics and machine parts.

For similar machines, check out our guide on the best ellipticals under $1000!

Comparing The E25 With Other Sole Ellipticals 

When the company first started out, Sole Fitness mainly focused on producing commercial-grade treadmills for hotel gyms. Over the years, they have expanded into high-quality residential cardio equipment, and that includes elliptical machines.  

All of the Sole ellipticals have something in common: the use of commercial-grade materials and machine construction that is built to last, even with frequent use.

Sole offers a few options for every budget, ranging from less than $1000 to over $2000. Here’s how other popular models compare to the E25:  

Sole E25 Vs E35  

The most significant difference between the E25 and E35 models is that the E35 has a weight limit that’s 25 pounds more than the E25’s max user weight.

It costs slightly more, but if you’re closer to 375 pounds than you are to 350, the E35 is the better option for you. 

Read More - Sole E35 Elliptical Complete Review

Sole E25 Vs E95  

Sole’s E95 model is one of the brand’s most advanced ellipticals right now. It has a 400  pound weight limit, lots of cool tech features, and a 27-pound flywheel that creates a smooth, quiet motion.

It’s definitely the higher-end choice when compared to the E25, but it will also cost you quite a bit more.  

Related Article - Sole E95 Elliptical Review

Comparing Sole E25 Elliptical With Similar Brands 

Before deciding that a Sole elliptical is right for you, you must consider other fitness brands as well.

There are a lot of them, and while not many compare to Sole in terms of quality construction and durability of their machines, there are a few ellipticals from other brands that are worth considering, like: 

Sole E25 Vs Schwinn 470

If you want a quality machine but aren’t willing to spend more than $1000, you might consider Sole’s E25 model, or you could go with the Schwinn 470.

This is one of Schwinn’s best-rated pieces of cardio equipment, offering everything from 25 resistance levels to app-based tracking tools.  

Also Check Out - Best Schwinn Ellipticals Reviewed

Sole E25 Vs Nautilus E618  

The E618 from Nautilus is another top-of-the-line option that offers a lot of the same features and functions as the E25. Just like the E25, it has a max user weight of 350 pounds and Bluetooth connectivity.

But while the E25 has only 10 preset programs, this one has 29, so if you like having lots of preset options, the E618 may be the better option for you.  

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is the Sole E25 quiet? 

Yep! The E25 elliptical has a fluid, natural motion in both forward and reverse at every resistance level, and this motion is not only smooth but also quiet. This is thanks to the combination of a heavy, 25-pound flywheel and high gear ratio.  

Does the Sole E25 have an adjustable stride? What about power incline? 

Yes to both; Sole has designed the E25 with a power-adjustable stride that can be changed between 20 and 22” in length. It also offers a power incline system, and the ramp angle is fully adjustable from 0 to 30 degrees, allowing you to target and individually work all major lower body muscle groups.

Why won't my Sole E25 turn on?  

There are a few explanations for why a Sole E25 elliptical won't turn on, but the most likely one is a faulty power source. Check that the plug you're using is compatible with the machine and that the power supply does, in fact, work.  

If that's not the issue, there are many resources for Sole E25 troubleshooting, so start by referring to your manual, or feel free to get in touch with Sole Fitness directly. 

How do you turn off the Sole E25 elliptical machine? 

Here’s what the Sole E25 elliptical manual has to say about turning the machine off:  

Where is the best place to buy a used Sole E25 elliptical for sale? 

You can either purchase your E25 elliptical directly from the Sole website or from a third-party retailer like Amazon or Walmart. If you prefer a used elliptical, you can also search for gently used E25 machines on eBay or other resale sites. 

Conclusion

All in all, the E25 is a highly recommended elliptical if your budget is about $1000. Although $1000 may seem a bit steep for a piece of cardio equipment, this machine offers a lot of value for money, and this is one of Sole’s most affordable options for elliptical training.  

Although there’s a lot to love about the Sole Fitness E25 elliptical, like its sturdy frame and lifetime warranty, it isn’t for everyone. 

Because of its high-quality construction, the E25 isn’t the cheapest option on the market, so if it’s a more budget-friendly model you’re after, check out our guide to the best affordable ellipticals.