Key Takeaways
- SOLE ellipticals provide durability, simplicity, and affordability, making them great for buyers seeking reliability without subscription costs.
- Echelon ellipticals are designed for tech-driven users, offering HD touchscreens and app-based workouts, but at a higher price.
- The E25 and E95—like all SOLE models—feature ergonomic design elements, including cushioned, inward-tilt pedals, which help reduce joint strain.
- The EL-5 and EL-8s emphasize tech integration and come with subscription-based programs for live and on-demand classes.
- SOLE ellipticals offer a lifetime frame warranty, while Echelon provides a one-year warranty with an option to extend through membership.
SOLE vs Echelon Elliptical Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons
If you’re in the market for an elliptical, chances are you’ve come across SOLE and Echelon. Whether you’re after simplicity or tech-driven workouts, understanding the differences can help you make the right choice.
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At SOLE Fitness, we’re proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes. Featured Products SOLE Ellipticals: Priced from $1,199.99, SOLE ellipticals are known for their ergonomic design, durability, and affordability. They provide a quiet, smooth workout with intuitive consoles, adjustable stride lengths, incline options, and heart rate monitoring, ensuring a comprehensive exercise experience. |
The ergonomic design of SOLE ellipticals reduces joint strain—offering a more comfortable workout.
Stride Length & Resistance
|
Model |
Stride Length |
Resistance Level |
Incline Level |
|
SOLE E25 |
20” |
20 levels |
20 levels |
|
SOLE E95 |
20” |
20 levels |
20 levels |
|
Echelon EL-5 |
20” |
32 levels |
15 levels |
|
Echelon EL-8s |
20” |
32 levels |
15 levels |
SOLE ellipticals like the E25 and E95 feature 20 resistance levels, offering a solid range for users at various fitness levels. Echelon ellipticals take resistance a step further with 32 levels of motorized magnetic resistance.
Both the E25 and E95 models come with 20 levels of power incline—giving you the flexibility to adjust the incline for targeted lower body workouts. In comparison, the Echelon EL-5 and EL-8s offer 15 incline levels—which still provide a good range, though fewer than SOLE’s.
Comfort & Stability
|
Model |
Flywheel |
Handles |
Pedals |
|
SOLE E25 |
20 lbs |
Straight, foam-coated; Dual-action with integrated incline/resistance controls and pulse sensors |
Oversized, cushioned, with 2° inward tilt |
|
SOLE E95 |
27 lbs |
D-type, multi-grip, rubber-coated; Dual-action with integrated incline/resistance controls and pulse sensors |
Oversized, cushioned, with 2° inward tilt; Adjustable pedals with 10 positions |
|
Echelon EL-5 |
Info N/A |
Multi-grip handles with heart rate sensors |
Oversized pedals, no cushioning |
|
Echelon EL-8s |
Info N/A |
Multi-grip handles with heart rate sensors and incline controls |
Adjustable foot pedals for heel adjustment, no cushioning |
The SOLE E25 features a 20-pound flywheel, while the E95 has a heavier 27-pound flywheel—providing smoother and more stable performance. The Echelon EL-5 and EL-8s lack the heavier flywheels found in Sole models, which means they don’t provide the same fluidity and resistance consistency.
Both SOLE models prioritize comfort with multi-grip, coated handles and dual-action controls for easy resistance and incline adjustments. Echelon ellipticals, such as the EL-5 and EL-8s, also feature multi-grip handles with heart rate sensors, but their focus on tech integration can reduce comfort during longer sessions.
Additionally, SOLE ellipticals include ergonomically designed pedals with a 2° inward tilt to reduce joint stress, with the E95 offering adjustable pedals for a more customized fit. Echelon’s adjustable foot pedals lack the same ergonomic design, which may impact comfort during extended workouts.
Dual-action handles on SOLE ellipticals allow for easy resistance and incline adjustments mid-workout.
Display & Programs
|
Model |
Display |
Metrics Tracked |
Programs |
|
SOLE E25 |
7.5” backlit LCD |
Time, distance, calories, RPM, level, laps, heart rate % graph, pulse, watts |
7 pre-programmed, 2 user-defined |
|
SOLE E95 |
13.3” touchscreen |
Time, distance, calories, RPM, level, laps, heart rate % graph, pulse, watts, program |
10 pre-programmed, 12 user-defined |
|
Echelon EL-5 |
5.5” backlit LCD |
Time, distance, calories, heart rate |
App-based programs |
|
Echelon EL-8s |
22” HD touchscreen |
Time, distance, calories, heart rate |
App-based programs |
Both SOLE and Echelon ellipticals track essential metrics like time, distance, calories, and heart rate. While SOLE provides a variety of pre-programmed and user-defined workouts (7 on the E25 and 10 on the E95), Echelon ellipticals focus on app-based programs—offering live and on-demand classes, though these require a subscription for full access.
General Considerations
When choosing an elliptical, it’s essential to consider factors like price, warranty, and the overall size of the machine, especially if space is limited. Here’s how SOLE and Matrix ellipticals compare:
|
Model |
Price |
Size |
Warranty |
|
SOLE E25 |
$1,199.99 |
70” L x 24” W x 70” H |
Lifetime on frame, 2 years on parts |
|
SOLE E95 |
$2,099.99 |
83” L x 34” W x 70” H |
Lifetime on frame, 3 years on parts |
|
Echelon EL-5 |
$1,199.99 |
81” L x 27” W x 67” H |
1 year standard, extendable with membership |
|
Echelon EL-8s |
$1,999.99 |
81” L x 27” W x 67” H |
1 year standard, extendable with membership |
The SOLE E25 is priced at $1,199.99, while the E95 comes in at $2,099.99. The Echelon EL-5 and EL-8s are priced at $1,199.99 and $1,999.99 respectively.
Warranty is another key difference—SOLE offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel. On the other hand, Echelon provides only a 1-year warranty with an option to extend via their Premier Membership.
SOLE vs Echelon: Which Has the Best Elliptical?
When deciding between SOLE and Echelon ellipticals, it boils down to what you value more—durability or advanced features.
For a reliable, practical experience: SOLE ellipticals offer solid construction, joint-friendly design, and a lifetime frame warranty, all at a competitive price. They are ideal if you want a durable machine without extra tech requirements or subscription fees.
For a tech-driven workout: Echelon ellipticals come with features like HD touchscreens and app connectivity. If you enjoy interactive workouts and are willing to invest in subscription services, Echelon may be a good fit.
SOLE E95: Experience Premium Performance
Ready to boost your fitness? The SOLE E95 elliptical offers great performance, comfort, and durability. It features adjustable cushioned pedals, a whisper-quiet system, and has a strong 27 lbs flywheel for a smooth, challenging workout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main differences between SOLE and Echelon ellipticals?
SOLE ellipticals emphasize durability, ergonomic design, and affordability, with features like 20 resistance levels, heavy flywheels, and adjustable inclines. Echelon ellipticals focus on tech-driven workouts—offering 32 resistance levels and app-based programs with live and on-demand classes.
Which brand offers better value for money—SOLE or Echelon?
SOLE ellipticals are more budget-friendly, with prices starting at $1,099.99 for the E25 and $1,999.99 for the E95—offering a lifetime warranty on the frame. Echelon’s are pricier and focus more on tech features.
How do SOLE and Echelon compare in terms of resistance levels?
SOLE ellipticals—like the E25 and E95—offer 20 resistance levels, while Echelon models provide 32 resistance levels.
Does Echelon require a subscription for full functionality?
Yes, Echelon ellipticals rely on app-based programs that offer live and on-demand classes, requiring a subscription for full access.
What are the warranty differences between SOLE and Echelon?
SOLE ellipticals offer a lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel, while Echelon provides a 1-year standard warranty (with the option to extend through their Premier Membership).
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