SOLE vs. Spirit: Which Elliptical is Better in 2024?

Woman exercising on the SOLE E98 elliptical, positioned in a bright, minimalistic room.

Key Takeaways

  • SOLE ellipticals have advanced features like adjustable pedals, larger touchscreens, and adjustable incline.
  • Spirit ellipticals prioritize simplicity and compact designs with good warranties.
  • SOLE models like the E95 and E98 have heavier flywheels and a more durable build.
  • The Spirit XE395ENT provides entertainment options and advanced tracking but is more expensive.
  • SOLE ellipticals provide excellent value with lifetime frame warranties—a great long-term investment for home gyms.

SOLE vs Spirit Elliptical Comparison | Features, Pros & Cons

SOLE or Spirit—with both brands offering high-quality equipment, it can be hard to choose. SOLE offers commercial-grade equipment for home use, while Spirit focuses on comfort with a variety of options for different budgets.

Let’s break down their key features, pros, and cons so you can choose the right one for your workout routine.


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.

    Woman using the SOLE E95 elliptical, focusing on the pedals, in a modern home gym setting.
    Enjoy ergonomic comfort with the SOLE E95’s oversized, cushioned pedals, reducing strain on joints.

    Stride Length & Resistance

    Model

    Stride Length

    Resistance Level

    Incline Level

    SOLE E35

    20”

    20 levels

    20 levels

    SOLE E95

    20”

    20 levels

    20 levels

    SOLE E98

    20”

    40 levels

    20 levels

    Spirit XE195

    20”

    20 levels

    N/A

    Spirit XE295

    20”

    20 levels

    N/A

    Spirit XE395ENT

    20”

    20 levels

    20 levels

    SOLE ellipticals have a consistent 20-inch stride length across all models. The higher-end E98 has 40 resistance levels—double that of most ellipticals, allowing for greater intensity adjustments. SOLE ellipticals also have 20 levels of incline to help you target different muscle groups during your workout.

    Spirit ellipticals also have a 20-inch stride length. Models like the XE195 and XE295 focus more on simplicity, with 20 resistance levels and no incline adjustments, but the XE395ENT has both resistance and incline adjustments.

    Comfort & Stability

    Model

    Flywheel

    Handles

    Pedals

    SOLE E35

    25 lbs

    Multi-grip, rubber-coated; integrated incline/resistance controls and pulse sensors

    Oversized, cushioned, 2° inward tilt; 3 levels of adjustment

    SOLE E95

    27 lbs

    Multi-grip, rubber-coated; integrated incline/resistance controls and pulse sensors

    Oversized, cushioned, 2° inward tilt; 10 levels of adjustment

    SOLE E98

    32 lbs

    Multi-position, rubber-coated; integrated incline/resistance controls

    Oversized, cushioned, 2° inward tilt

    Spirit XE195

    24 lbs

    Foam-padded, with handlebar controls and pulse sensors

    Oversized, non-adjustable

    Spirit XE295

    30 lbs

    Multi-position grip, with remote resistance controls and pulse sensors

    Oversized, cushioned, 3 levels of adjustment

    Spirit XE395ENT

    30 lbs

    Multi-position grip, with remote incline/resistance controls

    Oversized, cushioned, 3 levels of adjustment

    SOLE ellipticals are known for their comfort, thanks to heavier flywheels, cushioned pedals, and a dual-rail system for added stability. The 2° inward tilt on the pedals reduces strain on the knees and ankles, and the adjustable pedals on models like the E35 and E95 also improve comfort.

    Spirit ellipticals also have oversized pedals and multi-position handles but lack the same level of cushioning and adjustability as SOLE. Models like the XE295 and XE395ENT have pedal adjustments and additional comfort features, but they’re basic compared to SOLE’s models.

    Woman exercises on SOLE E35 Elliptical machine, focusing on cardio in a home fitness space.
    The SOLE E35’s intuitive 10.1” touchscreen provides easy access to custom workout programs.

    Display & Programs

    Model

    Display

    Metrics Tracked

    Programs

    SOLE E35

    10.1” touchscreen

    Time, distance, calories, RPM, level, laps, heart rate % graph, pulse, watts, program

    10 pre-programmed, 12 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

    SOLE E98

    13.3” touchscreen

    Time, distance, calories, RPM, level, laps, heart rate % graph, pulse, watts, program

    10 pre-programmed, 12 user-defined

    Spirit XE195

    7.5” backlit LCD

    Time, distance, calories, laps, level, watts, heart rate, pulse

    6 pre-programmed, 2 heart rate, manual

    Spirit XE295

    7.5” backlit LCD

    Time, distance, calories, laps, level, watts, heart rate, pulse

    6 pre-programmed, 2 heart rate, custom

    Spirit XE395ENT

    10.1” touchscreen

    Time, distance, calories, pace, heart rate, watts, incline, speed

    10 pre-programmed, 12 custom, 2 heart rate

    SOLE ellipticals offer an excellent combination of large, user-friendly touchscreens and a variety of programs. With the E95 and E98, you get a 13.3” display and the ability to track a wide range of metrics. These models also come with 10 pre-programmed workouts and 12 user-defined options.

    Spirit ellipticals have simpler displays on their entry-level models, with the XE195 and XE295 equipped with a 7.5” backlit LCD. The XE395ENT has a 10.1” touchscreen and extra tracking features, but Spirit machines generally have fewer customization options compared to SOLE.

    General Considerations

    Model

    Price

    Size

    Warranty

    SOLE E35

    $1,599.99

    70” L x 31” W x 70” H

    Lifetime frame, 2 years parts

    SOLE E95

    $2,099.99

    83” L x 34” W x 70” H

    Lifetime frame, 3 years parts

    SOLE E98

    $2,899.99

    83” L x 34” W x 70” H

    Lifetime frame, 3 years parts

    Spirit XE195

    $1,699.00

    71” L x 22” W x 64.5” H

    Lifetime frame, 5 years parts

    Spirit XE295

    $2,099.00

    71” L x 29” W x 64.5” H

    Lifetime frame, 10 years parts

    Spirit XE395ENT

    $2,999.00

    76” L x 29” W x 64.5” H

    Lifetime frame, 10 years parts, 2 years console

    SOLE ellipticals offer excellent value for the price, especially considering their larger size and solid build quality. Plus, they come with a lifetime frame warranty.

    Spirit ellipticals are slightly smaller, which may be a better fit for those with limited space. Spirit offers good warranty—especially for parts—with up to 10 years on some models. But, they are generally more expensive.

    SOLE vs Spirit: Which Elliptical Should You Choose?

    For value and customization: Go with SOLE ellipticals for a perfect blend of advanced features, durability, and value. With a lifetime frame warranty, adjustable pedals, and power incline, they’re an excellent choice for anyone who wants a high-performance machine at a fair price.

    For compact options with good warranties: Spirit ellipticals are a bit smaller and have longer parts warranties. The XE295 and XE395ENT have advanced tracking and entertainment options, but tend to be more expensive and less customizable than SOLE models.

    Find the Best SOLE Ellipticals for You

    Want value without compromise? The SOLE E35 offers smooth performance, cushioned pedals, and multiple program options—all at an affordable price, perfect for your everyday workouts.

    If you want a more premium option, the SOLE E95 will deliver. With a larger touchscreen, adjustable pedals, and a heavy flywheel, it’s designed for users who want intense, customizable routines.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What are the key differences between SOLE and Spirit ellipticals?
    SOLE ellipticals are commercial-grade equipment for home use, with features like heavy flywheels, power incline, and ergonomic adjustments. Spirit ellipticals are more compact, with fewer customization options​.

    Which brand offers better resistance and incline options?
    SOLE ellipticals have up to 40 resistance levels (in models like the E98) and 20 incline levels across all models. Spirit ellipticals also have 20 resistance levels but fewer models have incline adjustments.

    How does the warranty compare between SOLE and Spirit ellipticals?
    SOLE ellipticals have a lifetime frame warranty, with parts warranties ranging from 2-3 years. Spirit ellipticals also have a lifetime frame warranty, but offer longer parts warranties—up to 10 years on certain models​.

    Which elliptical brand offers better customization options for workouts?
    SOLE ellipticals provide more customization options with user-defined programs and adjustable pedals. Spirit ellipticals are more basic in comparison, though the XE395ENT does include some customizable features​.

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