Magnetic resistance is generated by way of a 20-pound flywheel, and you’ll get 20 levels of that in addition to 20 levels of incline. To ensure comfort, Sole ellipticals also feature a unique foot pedal design that simply isn’t found on other cross trainers. The pedals even have a two-degree inward slope, as recommended by physical therapists to reduce the likelihood of ankle or knee stress. 

The E25 features seven built-in workouts in addition to Bluetooth connectivity designed to sync with the cost-free Sole+ fitness app. The default display is a 7.5-inch LCD, but trainees can dock their tablet or smartphone on the integrated tablet holder to set up workouts and track their progress too. The E25’s compatibility with the means users can sync their treadmill workout data with their favorite fitness app such as FitBit, MyFitnessPal or Apple Health. 

A compact model with a footprint of 70″ x 24″ and 350-pound user weight maximum, the Sole E25 has an MSRP of $1,799, but sells online for as little $1,099. With this price, it’s easily one of the best ellipticals on the market under $1,200. When purchased directly from Sole Fitness, the E25 is shipped with a warranty package including lifetime coverage for the frame and flywheel, two years on parts and electronics, and one year of in-home labor. Sole ellipticals also come with an excellent 30-day money back guarantee. This warranty package demonstrates that Sole has built these machines to last. 

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Sole E25

At EllipticalReviews.com, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise equipment so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the ellipticals we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every elliptical we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the machine, try out all aspects of the console and try the machine’s features.

Every elliptical we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.

Our reviewers are fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert when it comes to ellipticals, has been on this elliptical, and you can trust his opinion on all of the machines he reviews.

In Brief

The Sole E25 is an entry-level compact elliptical priced for budget-minded folks. Equipped with a 7.5″ LCD screen and tablet holder, it syncs easily with the free Sole+ app and comes with seven built-in workout routines. Priced at $1,099.99 against an MSRP of $1,799.99, the machine sports a 20-pound flywheel, 20 levels of magnetic resistance, and 20 levels of incline. One of the things I noticed about this unit is the unique design of the foot pedals which sport a 2-degree inward slope. The design also includes four rear wheels which ride on heavy-duty rails to help provide a smoother and more stable ride. Measuring 70″ x 24″ x 70″ at a machine weight of 209 pounds, the unit sports up to 350-pound users. In my experience, the user weight is a good indicator of overall machine stability, and when on the E25, I can tell this unit is solid.

Sole E25 Elliptical (2024) - Notable Specs:

In-Depth Review of the Sole E25

Why We Like It

The Sole E25 brings a lot of great features for a relative low price. With 20 levels of resistance, there’s no question you can get a solid workout on this unit. In my experience, shoppers looking for budget-friendly ellipticals aren’t all that jazzed about big fancy screens. The good news about the E25 is you have seven built-in programs as well as compatibility with the cost-free Sole+ app. A nice compact unit, you won’t have to build out a new room to use it.

It Has A Handy Media Shelf

The Sole brand of machines, including treadmills, is known for its terrific media shelves. Decidedly built for users not interested in big flashy screens, the Sole machines put their emphasis on the parts and bring built-in programs. I have to say, it’s refreshing to see ellipticals with built-in programs as opposed to a reliance on a paid app. What I like about the media shelf is how solid it is. When I place a tablet into this fixture, there’s neither wiggle nor waggle. It also works great for smartphones. This allows you so many different options in terms of exercise entertainment, or even work-related emails while exercising.

Ergonomical Foot Pedals

One of the reasons ellipticals are so popular is they provide a lower-impact workout relative to treadmills. With this in mind, the E25 features great oversized pedals with a 2-degree inward slope. This offers your feet a more natural motion as they glide forward and upward throughout the workout. Designed with the help of a physical therapist, this helps reduce stress on the ankles and knees. When I’m using these pedals, I can feel the difference particularly when compared to the flat steps taken on a treadmill.

User-Friendly Console

Sole definitely makes the E25 easy to use. Equipped with a 7.5″ LCD screen which provides workout data. Easy to reach controls are right beneath the screen. This elliptical has Bluetooth speakers and the Sole+ app is designed to sync with the screen. What I like about this console is how easy it is to use. You won’t need a high-level of computer literacy to use this elliptical.

Sole+ Fitness App

Sole definitely makes the E25 easy to use. With a great cost-free app like the Sole+ as well as seven built-in programs, you’re all set once you’ve purchased the machine. The Sole+ app provides more than 3,000 on-demand workout routines that range from 10 to 60 minutes. With the elliptical’s built-in heart rate sensors and Bluetooth capabilities, the machine can transfer your cardio numbers to the Sole+ app for workout integration. Workout categories run the gamut from cardio to strength and professional trainers serve as instructors. From my perspective, the Sole+ app is one of the best free programs around. Nowhere as dynamic as some of the paid apps, let’s face it, it’s free. But the fact the app syncs with your machine is a big plus. Overall, I’d say this is a big value-added bonus.

Sole E25 Dimensions

The dimensions of the Sole E25 measure 70″ x 24″ x 70″ and the machine comes with a step-up height of 14″. Given the motion of the elliptical when in use, I’d recommend placement in a room with at least 8-foot ceilings.

Sole E25 Machine Weight

The Sole E25 weighs 209 pounds and can support up to 350 pounds.

What We Like:

• Cost-Free Workout Programming

  Given that the Sole+ app is free and the unit comes with seven built-in programs, you won’t have to spend a lot of money to get your cardio fix here.

• Budget-Friendly Price

  Priced online at $1,099.99 against an MSRP of $1,799.99, the Sole E25 brings top-quality features at a bargain price.

• Heart Rate Monitoring

  The Sole E25 features contact grips in the handlebars for heart rate monitoring. As a Bluetooth-enabled unit, you can also use other monitors if you want.

• Solid User Weight Max

  I use the user weight maximum as an indicator of overall stability. At 350 pounds, this unit is demonstrably stable.

• Great Warranty

  The Sole brand offers great warranties. The E25 offers a lifetime guarantee on the frame and flywheel, two years for parts, and one year for labor.

What We Don’t Like:

• In-Home Assembly Costs

  Sole will deliver the treadmill to your home for free, but having it taken to the room of your choice is an additional $199, with in-home assembly running $350. That’s higher than the norm.

This Elliptical Could Be For You If You Want:

• A budget-friendly elliptical
• 20 levels of silent magnetic resistance
• Built-in workout programs
• A 7.5″ LCD screen
• A lifetime guarantee on the fame and flywheel

Our Verdict:

We rank the E25 as a top buy for the Under-$1,200 category. The lifetime warranty alone is a good indicator of quality, but when you add up the other features, from built-in programs to 20 levels of resistance, it’s just tough to beat. If you’re looking for a big interactive high-definition screen, clearly this isn’t for you. But I’ve found a lot of users actually like bring their own tablet instead. If that sounds like something you’d want, then I’d highly recommend the Sole E25.