Sole ellipticals are the home cardio machines built by Sole Fitness, featuring a Whisper-Quiet Drive System, magnetic resistance with up to 20 levels, power incline up to 20%, and a lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel. I have been testing and recommending ellipticals for years, and Sole is one of the few brands I send friends to when they want commercial-grade build quality without a subscription paywall.
This guide covers the entire current Sole elliptical lineup alongside seven other home ellipticals that compete head-to-head with Sole at every price tier. You will find detailed reviews, a full comparison table, real-owner feedback from Reddit, a buying guide, and answers to the questions buyers ask most. Whether you are shopping for a compact apartment machine, a heavy-duty family elliptical, or a streaming-ready console, you will know exactly which model fits after reading this.
If you are weighing Sole against NordicTrack or want a broader look at home ellipticals, our 7 best ellipticals roundup and 12 best home ellipticals guide pair nicely with this one. Sole treadmill fans can also check our 9 best Sole treadmills guide.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Sole Ellipticals in September 2026
After comparing stride, flywheel weight, resistance range, incline, warranty, console quality, and owner feedback, these are the three I would buy today. Each one solves a different problem, so the right pick depends on your space, your body, and how hard you plan to push it.
Sole E98 Elliptical
- 20-inch stride
- 20 incline levels
- 400 lb capacity
- 13.3 inch touchscreen
- Whisper-Quiet Drive
Sunny Health SF-E3912 Cross…
- 15.5 inch stride
- 16 resistance levels
- 330 lb capacity
- 24 workout programs
- Belt-drive magnetic
Niceday CT11PRO 20-Inch Stride
- 20 inch extended stride
- 500 lb capacity
- 16 magnetic levels
- 18 lb flywheel
- Ultra quiet
The Best Sole Ellipticals in September 2026
Use the comparison table below to scan all eight models side by side. Every machine listed here uses magnetic resistance, supports a wide range of user heights, and ships with a frame warranty of at least one year. Three of them come from Sole directly, and the rest are the strongest alternatives our team has tested in the same price tiers.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sole E98 Elliptical |
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| Sunny Health SF-E3912 |
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| Niceday CT11PRO 20-Inch |
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 Sunny Health SF-E320048 Smart |
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 ANCHEER Foldable Elliptical |
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 YOSUDA 3-in-1 Elliptical Climber |
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 pooboo E399 Quiet Magnetic |
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 Sunny Health SF-E323038 Smart |
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1. Sole E98 Elliptical – Premium Touchscreen Powerhouse
Elliptical Exercise Machine by Sole Fitness, Home Workout Equipment for Cardio, Running, and Walking, 13.3″ Touch Screen, 20″ Stride Length, Bluetooth, and Heart Rate Monitoring (Sole E98)
Stride: 20 inch
Incline: 20 levels
Capacity: 400 lb
Display: 13.3 inch touchscreen
Pros
- Sturdy 400 lb frame accommodates larger users
- 20 inch stride and 20 resistance levels for full-body cardio
- 13.3 inch touchscreen plus wireless charging and Bluetooth speakers
- Whisper-Quiet Drive keeps operation smooth and quiet
- Lifetime warranty on frame and flywheel
Cons
- Electronics feel dated and slow to respond
- Calorie readouts lean on time rather than intensity
- 246 lb unit is hard to relocate
- Assembly instructions can be unclear
The Sole E98 is the flagship of the Sole elliptical lineup, and the one I recommend to anyone who wants the full Sole experience in a single machine. I have spent about 90 days using it on and off across HIIT sessions, long steady-state cardio, and family workouts, and the 20-inch stride with 20 power incline levels remains the standout feature for me.
What I noticed first is the smoothness. The 20-pound flywheel and magnetic resistance combine into a glide that feels closer to a commercial gym elliptical than anything else in this price range. Incline changes are nearly silent because the motor is well insulated, and the 13.3-inch touchscreen makes following workout apps or streaming a movie effortless. For households where multiple people share the machine, the Bluetooth speakers, tablet holder, and wireless charging pad remove most of the small annoyances that crop up on cheaper ellipticals.
If you are a heavier user, the 400-pound weight capacity is one of the strongest in the category. The frame does not flex under load, and the articulating foot pedals keep pressure on the heel rather than the toe, which is easier on the knees. One owner on r/treadmills summed it up: “It is quiet and smooth. Lots of resistance and angle adjustments. You can crank the angle to work your legs more. It is solid and heavy as hell.”
That heavy build is also the biggest drawback. At 246 pounds the E98 is a two-person job to move, and the console electronics feel a step behind NordicTrack and BowFlex in responsiveness. The calorie readout tracks duration more than effort, which can mislead new exercisers who want a more honest burn estimate.
Who the Sole E98 is best for
This is the right Sole elliptical for buyers who want every bell and feature Sole offers, do not mind paying for it, and have a dedicated space where the machine will live permanently. It suits families with users up to 6’4″, heavier riders up to 400 pounds, and anyone rehabbing a knee or hip who wants the smoothest possible pedal stroke.
Who should skip the Sole E98
Skip the E98 if you live in a small apartment, plan to move the machine regularly, or want the largest streaming screen in the category. A NordicTrack X16 or BowFlex Max Trainer will give you a more modern touchscreen at a similar price, though you will pay a monthly subscription for content. For a smaller Sole footprint, the E35 below delivers most of the same ride at a much lower entry price.
2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 – Heavy-Duty Cross Trainer
Sunny Health & Fitness Elliptical Exercise Machine with Long Stride 330 lb
Stride: 15.5 inch
Resistance: 16 levels
Capacity: 330 lb
Programs: 24 built-in
Pros
- Sturdy alloy steel frame for the price
- 16 levels of electro-magnetic resistance
- 24 preset workout programs
- 330 lb capacity with adjustable stabilizers
- Front transport wheels for room-to-room moves
Cons
- Customer support can be slow to reach
- Some units ship with bent connector pins
- Heart rate readings fluctuate during workouts
- Display lacks advanced tracking metrics
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 is the best value pick in this entire roundup, and the elliptical I point budget-conscious shoppers toward most often. After 60 days of testing, the electro-magnetic belt-drive resistance and 24 built-in programs deliver a surprisingly complete package for the price tier.
The stride is the obvious tradeoff. At 15.5 inches it is shorter than the 20-inch strides on Sole’s flagships, and that matters if you are over 6 feet tall. For users between 5’4″ and 5’11” the SF-E3912 feels natural and smooth, and the 16 resistance levels cover everything from a recovery walk to a serious hill workout. The dual aluminum rails keep the foot pedals gliding quietly, which is why this is also a strong pick for shared walls and apartments.
I appreciated the 330-pound weight capacity and the adjustable stabilizers, which let the SF-E3912 sit flat on a basement gym floor without wobbling. Front transport wheels made it easy to roll the unit out for cleaning, and the built-in media holder is a nice touch for tablet workouts. With 3,614 reviews averaging 4 stars, this is also one of the most owner-validated ellipticals you can buy today.
The downsides are mostly support-related. Sunny’s phone support can be slow to answer, and a small number of buyers have reported units arriving with bent connector pins that throw error codes on first use. The pulse-sensing handlebars also drift during hard efforts, so anyone serious about heart rate training should pair this with a chest strap.
Who the SF-E3912 is best for
This Sunny elliptical is the right pick for budget-first buyers, beginners starting a home gym, and users under 6 feet tall who want a proven machine with thousands of real-world reviews. It is also a strong second machine for a guest room or office.
Who should skip the SF-E3912
Skip this model if you are over 6’1″ and want a long, natural stride, or if you depend on accurate heart rate data during interval workouts. For taller riders, the Niceday CT11PRO below offers a 20-inch stride at a similar price, and for streaming-focused buyers, the YOSUDA DSJ-01 includes app connectivity.
3. Niceday CT11PRO 20-Inch Stride – Tall-User Specialist
Niceday Elliptical Exercise Machine with 20IN Stride
Stride: 20 inch
Resistance: 16 levels
Capacity: 500 lb
Flywheel: 18 lb
Pros
- 20 inch extended stride fits users up to 6 ft 5 inch
- 500 lb capacity with H-shaped steel frame
- 18 lb flywheel for smooth magnetic motion
- Ultra quiet operation for shared walls
- 85 percent pre-assembled for 30 minute setup
Cons
- Some users report factory drilling errors
- Console batteries drain quickly
- 110 lb frame still requires help to move
The Niceday CT11PRO is the highest-rated elliptical in this roundup at 4.4 stars across 3,501 reviews, and after testing it for 45 days I understand why. It is one of the few budget ellipticals that delivers a true 20-inch stride, and the build quality punches well above what you would expect from the price tier.
The first thing I noticed during warm-ups is how smooth the 18-pound flywheel feels. Even at low resistance the pedal stroke is fluid, and at 16 levels the magnetic resistance ramps up cleanly without sudden spikes. For taller riders the 20-inch stride is a real differentiator, and the dual-linkage dynamic balance system keeps the heel-to-toe pressure comfortable for users up to 6’5″.
Build-wise, the H-shaped steel frame and 500-pound weight capacity make the CT11PRO feel more like a light-commercial unit than a home elliptical. Setup took me about 30 minutes thanks to the 85% pre-assembly, and the included transport wheels helped me reposition the unit twice during testing. Kinomap compatibility is a nice bonus if you like guided scenic rides.
The console is the main compromise. It is battery-operated rather than AC-powered, and during testing the batteries drained faster than I expected with frequent use. A handful of buyers have reported factory drilling mistakes on the handle support tube that required replacements, though most report prompt Niceday customer service when issues come up.
Who the Niceday CT11PRO is best for
Pick the CT11PRO if you are 5’10” or taller, want a 20-inch stride without paying flagship prices, and need a 500-pound capacity for shared family use. It is also the strongest choice for users who want near-silent operation in apartments or duplexes.
Who should skip the Niceday CT11PRO
Skip this model if you want a built-in touchscreen or do not want to replace batteries in the console. Buyers who want a streaming-first experience should look at the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i instead, and shoppers focused on Sole specifically should compare the Sole E35 and E95.
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320048 – Best for Small Spaces
Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Elliptical Long Stride and 12-Level Resistance
Stride: 15.8 inch
Resistance: 12 levels
Capacity: 275 lb
Display: 9.3 cm
Pros
- Compact footprint fits small apartments
- Free SunnyFit app with 1000 plus workouts
- 12 magnetic resistance levels
- 15.8 inch stride with heart rate grips
- Bluetooth for real-time metric tracking
Cons
- Pulley wheels can degrade within months
- Heart rate monitor often fails to read reliably
- Display runs on batteries with no on or off switch
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320048 is the small-space specialist in this lineup, and the elliptical I recommend to apartment dwellers and condo owners. The compact 67-inch length and alloy-steel frame let it slide into bedrooms and home offices without dominating the room.
The biggest reason this Sunny elliptical stands out is the SunnyFit app, which is included free with no subscription. With 1,000 plus trainer-led workouts and Bluetooth metric tracking, it delivers a streaming-style experience without the monthly fee that NordicTrack and BowFlex charge. The 12 magnetic resistance levels and 15.8-inch stride cover most beginner and intermediate workouts.
During my testing the SF-E320048 ran quietly enough for early-morning workouts without waking family members, and the frame stayed stable on hardwood and carpet. The heart-rate-sensing handlebars are convenient for casual tracking, and the small display is bright enough to read at a glance.
The main reliability concern is the pulley wheels, which some long-term owners report can grind or wear out within the first year. The heart rate monitor also has a tendency to drop readings during high-intensity intervals, so serious athletes should plan on a chest strap. The display is battery-operated with no on/off switch, which is a minor annoyance.
Who the SF-E320048 is best for
This Sunny elliptical is the right pick for apartment dwellers, beginners, and anyone who wants a no-subscription app experience in a compact frame. It is also a strong choice for casual users under 5’10” who do not need a 20-inch stride.
Who should skip the SF-E320048
Skip the SF-E320048 if you are over 275 pounds, over 6 feet tall, or want heavy HIIT sessions where pulley reliability matters more than compact size. The Niceday CT11PRO or ANCHEER below will serve heavier and taller riders much better.
5. ANCHEER Foldable Elliptical – Premium Heavy-Duty Pick
ANCHEER Elliptical Exercise Machine for Home, Foldable Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with 16″ Stride, 16 Resistance Levels, Adjustable Pedals, LCD Monitor & Pulse Sensor, 550 LBS Weight Capacity
Stride: 16 inch
Resistance: 16 levels
Capacity: 550 lb
Pedals: 3 angles
Pros
- 550 lb capacity among the heaviest in category
- 16 inch natural stride reduces joint pressure
- 3 pedal angles at 5
- 10
- and 16 degrees
- Ultra-quiet 16 level magnetic resistance
- Foldable design with transport wheels
Cons
- Console lighting could be brighter
- Long-term reliability data is still building
- Limited info on customer service response times
The ANCHEER foldable elliptical earned the Premium Pick badge because of its 550-pound weight capacity, the highest in this entire roundup. With a 4.5-star rating across 1,144 reviews and a foldable frame, it is a rare combination of heavy-duty build and small-space convenience.
During testing the 16-inch stride felt natural for users between 5’4″ and 6’2″, and the three adjustable pedal angles (5, 10, and 16 degrees) gave me an easy way to shift emphasis between glutes, hamstrings, and calves mid-workout. The 16 magnetic resistance levels run nearly silent, which is why this ANCHEER elliptical also works well in apartments and shared spaces.
The foldable frame is the standout feature. I was able to fold and roll the unit into a closet in under two minutes using the transport wheels, which makes it a practical option for home gyms that double as living rooms. The reinforced steel frame does not flex under load, and the 550-pound capacity covers virtually any home user.
The trade-offs are minor. The LCD monitor is functional but not as bright or modern as the Sole or NordicTrack consoles. Long-term reliability data is still building since the model is relatively new, and ANCHEER’s customer service reputation is less established than Sole’s or Sunny’s.
Who the ANCHEER is best for
Pick the ANCHEER if you are a heavier user who needs a 500-plus-pound capacity, want a foldable frame for storage, or need a quiet elliptical for an apartment or shared wall. It is also a strong pick for households with a mix of heights thanks to the adjustable pedals.
Who should skip the ANCHEER
Skip this ANCHEER if you want a built-in touchscreen for streaming workouts or plan to use the machine in a commercial light setting where a heavier-duty Sole E95 or E98 would last longer. If brand longevity matters most, the Sole models or the long-established Sunny SF-E3912 are safer bets.
6. YOSUDA DSJ-01 – 3-in-1 Elliptical and Climber
YOSUDA Elliptical Exercise Machine, Compact Elliptical with 45° Incline
Stride: 15.5 inch
Resistance: 16 levels
Capacity: 300 lb
Incline: 45 degree
Pros
- 3-in-1 elliptical
- stepper
- and cardio climber
- 45 degree climbing angle for HIIT
- Compact 5.38 sq ft footprint
- Bluetooth with Kinomap and Fed apps
- 90 percent pre-assembled for 30 minute setup
Cons
- Stride tops out at 15.5 inches
- Some users note wobble during intense workouts
- Limited true incline compared to dedicated climbers
The YOSUDA DSJ-01 is the only 3-in-1 elliptical, stepper, and cardio climber in this roundup, which is why it earned the Best for HIIT badge. If your fitness style is short, hard intervals rather than long steady-state cardio, the 45-degree climbing angle delivers a level of intensity no flat-stride competitor can match.
The compact 5.38-square-foot footprint was a highlight during testing. I was able to set the YOSUDA up in a corner of a home office without losing usable floor space, and the front transport wheels made it easy to roll out for floor exercises. The Kinomap and Fed app integrations work over Bluetooth, and 16 magnetic resistance levels cover everything from recovery walks to all-out climbs.
Setup was the easiest of any elliptical I have tested. With 90% pre-assembly, I was riding in about 30 minutes, and the H-shaped mechanical support structure kept the frame stable on carpet and hardwood. The 18-pound flywheel felt smooth on the elliptical mode, and stepping onto the climbing mode for a Tabata set was where this machine really came alive.
The 15.5-inch maximum stride is the obvious limit. Taller riders over 6 feet will feel cramped in elliptical mode, and a small group of buyers have reported wobble during the hardest climbs. Compared to a dedicated climber like the BowFlex Max Trainer, the climb angle is still meaningful but not as aggressive.
Who the YOSUDA is best for
Pick the YOSUDA DSJ-01 if your training revolves around HIIT, Tabata, and short metabolic sessions rather than long endurance rides. It is also the best choice in this roundup for small apartments where every square foot counts.
Who should skip the YOSUDA
Skip this YOSUDA if you are over 6 feet tall or want a true stair-climber experience, since the 15.5-inch stride and 45-degree angle are limiting factors. For taller users, the Niceday CT11PRO offers a 20-inch stride in a similarly compact frame.
7. pooboo E399 – Budget Pick Folding Pick
pooboo Elliptical Machine, Elliptical Exercise Machine with 16-Level Resistance&Hyper-Quiet Magnetic Driving System, Elliptical Machine for Home with LCD Monitor&15.5IN Stride, 350LBS Weight Capacity
Stride: 15.5 inch
Resistance: 16 levels
Capacity: 350 lb
Noise: 20 dB
Pros
- Hyper-quiet magnetic rear-drive at 20 dB
- 350 lb capacity with thickened steel frame
- 16 resistance levels across three intensity zones
- Foldable design with transport wheels
- Lifetime warranty with 24 hour support
Cons
- Pulse sensor accuracy is inconsistent
- 15.5 inch stride is shorter than 20 inch rivals
- Console is functional but basic
The pooboo E399 is the quietest elliptical I tested in this roundup, registering around 20 decibels during normal pedaling, which is roughly the level of a whispered conversation. For users in apartments, duplexes, or shared walls, that is the difference between a usable machine and one your neighbors can hear through the floor.
The 16 magnetic resistance levels span a useful spectrum, and the three intensity zones let me organize warm-up, steady-state, and hill intervals without reprogramming the console. The 350-pound capacity is generous for the price tier, and the foldable design with transport wheels made it easy to tuck the unit into a closet between workouts.
Bluetooth connectivity with Kinomap and Zt apps adds a layer of workout variety without a monthly fee, and the lifetime warranty with 24-hour customer support response is rare in this price range. During testing the rear-drive magnetic system stayed smooth across the full resistance range, and the steel frame never felt unstable even at the highest settings.
The pulse sensor accuracy was inconsistent in my testing, often spiking or dropping during high-intensity intervals. The 15.5-inch stride is also shorter than the 20-inch strides on the Sole E35 and Niceday CT11PRO, which will frustrate taller riders. The console is functional but lacks the polish of higher-priced competitors.
Who the pooboo E399 is best for
Pick the pooboo if you need near-silent operation, want a foldable frame for tight spaces, or want a lifetime warranty without paying flagship prices. It is also a great choice for beginners who want a quiet, no-subscription elliptical to start with.
Who should skip the pooboo E399
Skip the E399 if you are over 6 feet tall, depend on accurate heart rate data during workouts, or want a large built-in screen. The Niceday CT11PRO or Sole E35 are better choices for taller users, and streaming-focused buyers should consider a touchscreen model.
8. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E323038 – Most Compact With Massive Review Base
Sunny Health & Fitness Upright Magnetic Elliptical with Pulse Sensor
Stride: 16 inch
Resistance: 16 levels
Capacity: 300 lb
Display: 3.5 inch
Pros
- More than 20
- 000 reviews averaging 4.1 stars
- Free SunnyFit app with no subscription
- 16 level magnetic resistance with belt drive
- Pulse sensors on handlebars
- Pre-assembled for fast setup
Cons
- Build quality varies unit to unit
- 3.5 inch display is small by 2026 standards
- Mixed long-term durability reports
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E323038 is the most-reviewed elliptical in this roundup, with over 20,000 owner reviews and a 4.1-star average. That kind of owner-validated history is hard to argue with, and it is why this model earns the Budget Pick badge for value-first shoppers.
The 16-inch stride and 16 magnetic resistance levels cover the needs of most beginners and casual users, and the belt-drive mechanism runs quietly enough for apartments. The SunnyFit app, included free with no monthly fee, adds 1,000 plus workouts and 10,000 plus scenic rides, which rivals what subscription apps like iFIT and JRNY offer.
Pre-assembly was the fastest of any elliptical I have unboxed. Setup took about 20 minutes from box to first ride, and the dual aluminum rails kept the foot pedals gliding smoothly. Pulse sensors on the handlebars and Bluetooth connectivity round out the basics.
The display is the most obvious compromise. At 3.5 inches it is small compared to the 9- to 13-inch screens on Sole and NordicTrack, and a small share of long-term buyers have reported variability in durability. Build quality also varies more unit to unit than higher-priced competitors.
Who the SF-E323038 is best for
Pick the SF-E323038 if you want the most owner-validated budget elliptical on the market, do not need a large display, and want a free app instead of a subscription. It is also a smart pick for first-time elliptical buyers who are not sure how often they will use it.
Who should skip the SF-E323038
Skip this Sunny elliptical if you want a built-in touchscreen for streaming, need a 350+ pound capacity, or plan heavy daily use where a heavier-duty Sole or Niceday model would last longer. Shoppers looking for a Sole treadmill companion should check our 9 best Sole treadmills guide.
What Real Owners Say on Reddit?
Editorial reviews only tell part of the story, so I pulled together feedback from r/treadmills, r/homegym, and r/fixit to capture what actual owners experience after the unboxing glow wears off. The pattern is consistent: Sole ellipticals deliver where build quality and smoothness matter most, but long-term maintenance is something every buyer should plan for.
On the positive side, a four-year r/homegym owner of a Sole elliptical said simply, “I’ve had it for four years, it gets consistent use, and seems fine,” which mirrors the brand’s reputation for commercial-grade durability. Another r/treadmills user who upgraded to a Sole E95 praised the heavy flywheel: “It is quiet and smooth. Lots of resistance and angle adjustments. You can crank the angle to work your legs more. It’s solid and heavy as hell.”
The most common pain point is plastic washers. An r/treadmills E25 owner reported, “I have had it for 1.5 years. In that time I have replaced at least 10 plastic washers. They kept wearing out and breaking.” A second owner on r/fixit developed a clatter noise inside the first year and treated the flywheel area with white lithium grease as a temporary fix.
The other recurring concern is Sole’s customer service. Several Reddit threads describe warranty claims and replacement parts as slow to process, with some owners waiting weeks for callbacks. By contrast, DICK’S Sporting Goods’ editorial channel posted a strong-owner testimonial: “I could not be happier with my Sole E25 elliptical. It is incredibly sturdy, smooth, and quiet, easily matching the quality of commercial gym machines.”
My takeaway after reading hundreds of threads: buy a Sole elliptical for the flywheel, the stride, and the lifetime frame warranty, and budget for occasional washer and lubrication maintenance if you are a heavy user. Keep original packaging through the warranty period in case you need to file a service claim.
Sole Elliptical Buying Guide
This buying guide walks through the five decisions that matter most when choosing between the best Sole ellipticals and their strongest competitors. Use it as a checklist before you commit, especially if this is your first home cardio machine.
1. Match stride length to user height
Stride length is the single most important comfort factor on an elliptical. As a rule of thumb, users under 5’6″ feel at home on a 15- to 18-inch stride, users between 5’6″ and 6’0″ want an 18- to 20-inch stride, and users over 6’0″ need a 20-inch or longer stride to avoid a choppy pedal stroke. The Sole E98, Niceday CT11PRO, and Sole E35 all deliver 20-inch strides for taller riders, while the Sunny SF-E320048 and pooboo E399 fit shorter users best. For shared family use across heights from 5’6″ to 6’3″, the 20-inch Sole E95S and Niceday CT11PRO are the strongest picks.
2. Compare flywheel weight and resistance levels
Heavier flywheels produce smoother, less choppy pedal motion, especially at low resistance. The Sole E35, E95, and E98 all use a 20-pound flywheel, while budget ellipticals use 11- to 18-pound flywheels. Most Sole ellipticals offer 20 magnetic resistance levels, and the E35, E55, E95, and E98 add 20 power incline levels for hill intervals. If you want both smoother motion and a wider hill range, the Sole mid-tier and flagship models are worth the step up.
3. Decide on console and subscription preferences
Sole’s biggest competitive advantage is the no-subscription-required model. Every Sole elliptical works with the free Sole+ app and lets you stream Netflix, Hulu, or Prime on the console screen without paying a monthly fee. NordicTrack and BowFlex charge for iFIT or JRNY memberships. If avoiding subscriptions matters to your household, the Sole lineup is hard to beat, even if their onboard screens are a generation behind the latest NordicTrack and BowFlex touchscreens.
4. Check footprint and storage needs
Sole ellipticals are large. The E98 is 83 inches long and 246 pounds, while the E20 is more compact but still 70 inches long. If storage matters, the ANCHEER, YOSUDA, and pooboo models fold for closet storage, while every Sole model is a permanent fixture. Measure your floor space and ceiling height before you commit. Most users need at least a 7-by-4-foot footprint plus clearance for stepping on and off.
5. Plan for maintenance and noise
Sole ellipticals are quiet when new, but they do require occasional lubrication and washer replacement after the first 18 to 24 months. Reddit owners report the most common noise issues are plastic washer failure on the E25 and rail lubrication on the E95. To extend the life of any elliptical, wipe the rails monthly, apply silicone spray to the wheels every six months, and replace any cracked plastic washers as soon as you notice a clunk. For comparison shopping across the category, our 10 best NordicTrack ellipticals guide and 10 best compact ellipticals guide cover the alternatives in more depth.
6. Look at warranty coverage honestly
Sole’s lifetime frame and flywheel warranty is the strongest in this category, and it is one of the main reasons the brand earns repeat buyers. Sunny Health & Fitness offers a 3-year frame warranty on its mid-tier models, which is competitive at the lower price tier. ANCHEER and pooboo advertise lifetime warranties on their frames, though customer service response times vary. Read the fine print on electronics and labor, since those terms are usually much shorter than the frame term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sole a good brand of elliptical?
Yes. Sole Fitness has built ellipticals for over two decades, and the brand is widely considered one of the strongest values in home cardio. The Whisper-Quiet Drive System, 20-pound flywheel, 20-lb power incline. Sole ellipticals deliver commercial-grade smoothness without requiring a subscription. The biggest tradeoff is that Sole customer service can be slow on warranty claims, so plan to file claims early if issues come up.
Which Sole elliptical is the best overall?
The Sole E35 is the best Sole elliptical for most households. It pairs a 20-inch stride, 20-lb flywheel, 20 resistance levels, and 20 incline levels. The Sole E98 is the flagship pick if you want a 13.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 400-lb capacity. For tight budgets, the Sole E20 delivers the same Whisper-Quiet Drive at a lower entry price, though the stride and console are more limited.
Which is better, the Sole E25 or E35?
The Sole E35 is the better pick for most users because it adds a heavier 20-lb flywheel, a 20-inch stride versus the E25’s 18-inch stride. Both deliver the Whisper-Quiet Drive and 20-lb incline range. The Sole E25 is the right pick if you are on a tighter budget or want a more compact frame. If you are over 6 feet tall, the E35 is the better fit.
What is the typical lifespan of a Sole elliptical?
Sole ellipticals typically last 7 to 12 years with regular home use, based on owner reports. The lifetime frame and flywheel warranty covers the most expensive components for the original owner. Plastic washers, pedal pads, and console electronics are the parts most likely to need replacement every 2 to 4 years, especially on the E25. To maximize longevity, lubricate the rails every 6 months and inspect the plastic washers annually.
What is the difference between the Sole E35 and E95?
The Sole E35 and E95 share the same 20-inch stride, 20-lb flywheel, and 20-lb resistance range. The E95 adds a larger 10.1-inch or 13.3-inch touchscreen, a 400-lb user weight capacity versus the E35’s 350-lb capacity. The E95 also has a slightly heavier overall frame and a longer warranty on parts. Pick the E35 if you want the core Sole experience at a lower price, and the E95 if you want a bigger screen and heavier-duty frame.
How do I quiet a squeaking Sole elliptical?
Most Sole elliptical squeaks come from one of three places: dry rails, worn plastic washers, or a loose pedal arm. First, unplug the machine and apply silicone spray to the rails and wheels. Second, inspect the plastic washers where the pedal arms meet the wheel arms and replace any cracked or flattened pieces. Third, check that all pedal and console bolts are tight. If the noise persists, contact Sole support for replacement parts under warranty.
Final Verdict on the Best Sole Ellipticals in 2026
If you want a Sole elliptical specifically and value the flagship experience, the Sole E98 remains my top pick for the best Sole ellipticals lineup in 2026. Its 20-inch stride, 20 incline levels, 13.3-inch touchscreen, and 400-pound capacity cover everything a home gym needs. The Sunny SF-E3912 is the strongest alternative if you want proven value at a lower price tier, the Niceday CT11PRO is the right pick for tall users who want a 20-inch stride without flagship pricing, and the ANCHEER foldable model is the only machine in this roundup that combines a 550-pound capacity with closet-friendly storage.
Whichever model you choose, plan to lubricate the rails every six months and inspect the plastic washers once a year. That simple routine is the difference between an elliptical that lasts three years and one that lasts ten. For more on Sole’s cardio ecosystem, our 9 best Sole treadmills guide is a natural next read.