The Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine is an entry-level cross-fit trainer, and cements Sole's reputation as one of the best elliptical machines brands in the world. The E25 features 10 workout programs, 20 incline levels, and a 20lb flywheel, all packaged up in a heavy duty steel frame.
The Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine is a relatively affordable piece of exercise equipment that would compliment the best home gyms, with plenty of features to satisfy the beginner and intermediate fitness fanatic.
But with so many great cross trainers already on the market, is the E25 where you should spend your money? Let's dig deep and give our brain muscles a workout to see if this elliptical machine deserves a spot in your home...
Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine review: Overview
The Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine is the brand's most affordable elliptical trainer, combining a 20lb flywheel and a high gear ratio with a smooth feel and plenty of resistance to give you a challenging workout.
There’s also a fully adjustable power incline feature that enables you to raise the ramp to work all your lower muscle groups, with a double set of moving and stationary handlebars taking care of your biceps and triceps. It doesn't come with its own app, so take a look at our guide to the best online fitness programs for home work
The Sole Fitness E25 has plenty of other bells and whistles too, with Bluetooth connectivity to the Sole Fitness App enabling you to store and share your fitness stats. There's also built-in pulse sensors and wireless chest strap compatibility, and a clear and simple console with integrated tablet holder to display your stats.
Though, as with any piece of home exercise equipment, from the best treadmills to the best exercise bikes, we recommend tracking your workouts, and how many calories you've burned, with one of the best fitness trackers. For a cheap tracker, take a look at our guide to the best Amazon Prime Day Fitbit deals.
As with all Sole products, you get the usual impressive warranty: a lifetime on the frame and a three-year warranty on parts and electronics.
Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine review: Design
The E25 is a solid, high-quality elliptical machine with a whisper-quiet drive system that functions in both forward and reverse and produces a fluid and natural motion.
Oversized foot pedals offer a comfortable workout experience and were designed in conjunction with a physical therapist to reduce the pressure on your knees and ankles. The result is a 2-degree inward slope with articulating footbeds for the best possible performance.
The stationary handlebars offer great stability for beginners and also come with built-in pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate. If you want a more accurate reading, the included chest strap provides excellent wireless monitoring.
Stability isn’t an issue with this machine with the four rear wheels riding on heavy- duty rails which reduce sway and keep the elliptical steady during even the most vigorous of workouts.
Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine review: Features
If goodies are your thing, then the E25 has plenty of those on offer. While many ellipticals offer a forward and backward motion, Sole literally ramps things up a notch and throws in 20 power incline levels to help you target specific muscle groups and really get your burn on. And the best thing? You can operate it from the stationary handlebars so you don’t have to stop and start your workout.
The Bluetooth speakers mean you can jam to your favorite tunes while you exercise and Bluetooth connectivity lets you download and track your data on the Sole Fitness App or export it to other apps like Apple Health.
The integrated tablet holder is perfect if you want to lose yourself in the world of Netflix and even better, it doesn’t obscure the 6.5-inch LCD screen so you can keep an eye on your stats at the same time. Plus, there’s a handy USB port so you don’t have to worry about your iPod or tablet dying on you mid-music or movie.
Throw in an accessory tray, water bottle holder, and cooling fan and you’ve got yourself a feature and value-packed elliptical machine.
Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine review: Performance
The E25 gives a great full-body, low-impact workout. The 20-inch stride path makes it suitable for just about anyone and there’s enough force in the 20lb flywheel to challenge most trainees.
There are 10 built-in programs, two of which are customizable so you can design and save your own routines to support your fitness goals. The other eight feature all the usual suspects from cardio and burn to hill, strength, and interval.
Ten programs is standard for Sole Fitness, so you’re getting the same amount as you would with one of their more expensive models. That said, if you’re after more options, we'd recommend checking out the ProForm Cardio HIIT H7, which gives a unique and immersive experience.
The E25 sets itself apart when it comes to their 20 different incline levels that range from 0 to 30 degrees and you can adjust the intensity without having to pause your workout. This is a great way of targeting different muscle groups and amping up the challenge level of your workout.
Should you buy the Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine?
If you have a $1,000 budget for an elliptical trainer, the E25 won’t disappoint. You’re getting a lot of the features you’d get in a more advanced machine, like power adjustable incline levels, wireless heart rate monitoring, and Bluetooth but at a much more affordable price.
This is a great option if you’re at the beginning or intermediate levels of your cardio training and want a solid, high-quality machine from a reputable brand that you can trust will go the distance.
For more fitness content, take a look at our guides to the best bike trainers for converting your road or mountain bike into an indoor fitness bike. You may also like our round-up of the best online fitness training programs that don't require any bulky equipment.
