Sole E35 Elliptical Review (2024): Mirror, Mirror on the Screen

With so many app-connected cardio machines out there, many of the best ellipticals are now equipped with built-in HD touchscreens. Until 2023, the Sole E35 Elliptical didn’t even offer a touchscreen, but 2024 is a different story. Not only does its new 10.1-inch HD display come preloaded with 12 different apps — including Netflix and Amazon Prime — but it can also seamlessly mirror compatible iOS devices. Thanks to that perk, anything you can see and hear on your mobile device can be seen and heard on your elliptical, from fitness apps like iFIT to social media platforms like Instagram. 

After owning and testing more than 20 ellipticals over the years, our team of certified personal trainers, gym owners, and marathoners knows how to spot a premium elliptical. With its 20 levels of resistance and incline to ramp up the intensity, we think the E35 is a great machine for anyone looking for a heavy-duty elliptical with a myriad of streaming options. Check out what our fitness pros had to say in our Sole E35 Elliptical Review.

Main Takeaways

• This elliptical’s 10.1-inch HD touchscreen includes 12 built-in apps and allows athletes to mirror the screen of a compatible iOS device.
• A hefty steel frame, 231-pound overall weight, and large footprint provide plenty of stability — but also limit this machine’s portability.
• Having 20 levels of both resistance and incline can bring ample variety to your training.

Sole E35 Elliptical Highlights

Elliptical machines are a commercial and home gym staple for a reason. They offer low-impact cardio exercise that, according to our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, can be easier on your back than even the best exercise bikes or rowing machines. “Compared to other forms of low-impact cardio, like cycling and rowing, ellipticals keep the user in the upright position, making them ideal for individuals who struggle with back pain.”

On the Sole E35, your feet never lift from the oversized and angled foot pedals, plus you can grip the fixed handles or pump the moving arms to get some upper-body work in. “In addition to being low impact, ellipticals (at least the ones with moving arms) provide a whole-body workout, so they’re an excellent option for people who need to maximize their exercise time,” Capritto adds. 

The updated model that we tested features a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen that offers the unique (among home fitness equipment brands) ability to mirror your iOS devices. This opens up endless training and entertainment possibilities because whatever you can pull up on your device can be streamed through the display. Popular streamers like Netflix and Disney+ come preloaded, but with mirroring capability, you’re limited only by the app store.

If you choose to mirror subscription-based (like iFIT) or free (like Nike Training Club) workouts, the 20 levels of incline and resistance should be enough to ensure you can match their intensity. The wireless charging pad, meanwhile, can help prevent devices from dying mid-sweat.

[Related: iFit Review – Is Virtual Coaching The New Normal?]

No matter how you prefer to train, its heavy-duty build and large — maybe too large — footprint can support athletes up to 350 pounds, which is 50 pounds more than the industry standard for ellipticals. Our tester, a marathon runner, brought over 15 years of running experience to their assessment of the Sole E35, and they were especially floored by how quietly and smoothly it operates.

Training With the Sole E35 Elliptical

After completing a full-body workout on the Sole E35, our tester rated their overall workout experience a 5 out of 5. “I’ve been an avid runner for 15 years, so I mean it when I say it was a killer workout for my legs,” they said. When any member of our team takes an elliptical for a spin, they score it on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in different 13 categories, including durability, tech capabilities, customizations, and more.  

[Related: BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology]

Tech Capabilities

Until Sole released the updated model of the Sole E35, its console was, in a word, unremarkable. That was then — now this elliptical has a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen with screen mirroring capabilities and earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester for its technology. We think the freedom afforded by the mirroring capabilities sets it apart from other high-end options — like NordicTrack’s FS10i or AirGlide 14i — because, unlike them, the content you can stream isn’t limited to just one fitness app. 

If the E35’s 12 preloaded apps — including YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Spotify — aren’t enough, you can also mirror the screen of your iOS device on the display, thus opening up an endless array of streaming options, including from fitness apps like iFIT or Peloton (though you’ll still need your own subscription). You will, however, want to make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection to ensure a smooth streaming experience. 

Our tester had no problems, highlighting just how smoothly the tech operated during their workout. “Navigating the content on the screen was very intuitive,” they remarked. 

Along with preset programs like Fat Burn and Intervals, they also liked that you have the ability to create your own workout program via the display. “Being able to customize a workout was a huge plus,” they said. “I could set the duration and intensity of a custom workout however I wanted.”

Durability

Apartment-dwellers beware, because the Sole E35 is going to gobble up your floor space. Its footprint of 15.07 square feet is about the size of the average loveseat and 2 to 4 square feet larger than most ellipticals we’ve tested. (1) Combine that with its 231-pound overall weight and its 25-pound flywheel and the E35 is a beast of a machine. However, our tester credited that size and weight with how sturdy it felt and smoothly it operated.

“I felt zero shaking the entire time, even as I adjusted the resistance and incline,” they pointed out, rating its durability 4 out of 5. “I felt the resistance change, but otherwise wouldn’t have even noticed because it was ultra silent.” 

Usually on ellipticals, exercise bikes, or treadmills with screens, there will be some wobbling in the console or screen itself due to the added weight, but not so on the E35. “The console can tilt up and down, so I was expecting some wobbling from the screen or backlit LCD, but it remained solid for the entire workout.”

In addition to the steel frame, the dual rails on each side of the machine work to provide even more stability. Many ellipticals operate by either running wheels on a narrow ramp beneath each leg or along a rail at the base of the machine. While budget models like the Horizon EX-59 use a single rail, the E35 utilizes dual rails and dual wheels under each leg and pedal for added stability as you move. “It was just super stable and that really added to my experience,” said our tester.

Customizations

Many ellipticals in this price range offer roughly 20 to 26 resistance levels, so while the E35 is at the low end of that range, it does feature a rare capability: incline. We usually only see an incline range on heavy-duty machines and the E35 is no exception. To change both of these settings, you can either use the buttons built into the handles on the moving arms or on the touchscreen. 

[Related: The 5 Best Ellipticals with Incline]

Its customizations earned a 4 out of 5 from our tester, but they noted that making adjustments on the move was tough. “Setting the resistance was easy enough before I started moving, but trying to adjust it mid-workout was a little difficult,” they said.

Conveniences

While the razzle dazzle of HD screens can garner a lot of attention, conveniences like the E35’s cooling fan and wireless charging pad also make for a comfortable workout. We also like its set of Bluetooth speakers, which produced pristine audio when linked with a mobile device. If you opt for the fixed handles as you rock out to your favorite tunes, you can use the pulse sensors as a convenient heart rate monitor.

Our tester took advantage of the fan during their workout, but noted the water bottle holder leaves a bit to be desired. “I really worked up a sweat, so even though it just has one speed, I definitely appreciated the fan. Unlike some other machines, it actually cooled me down,” they reported. “The ‘bottle holder’ is more like a cup holder and tall or even average-sized bottles would probably flop out of it.”

What to Consider Before Buying the Sole E35 Elliptical

The Sole E35 is a luxury machine with plenty of technology and a heavy-duty steel build. As our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC lays out, knowing what features are common for the price tag you see is key when you start looking for a new elliptical. “Ellipticals, even the simpler, budget-friendly models, are machines with many components, so potential buyers should be aware of what’s considered standard, better, and best when it comes to elliptical specifications,” she says. 

Preferred Training

As Capritto explains, when you look over the specs and features of the E35, make sure that it aligns with how you plan to use it. The ability to mirror iOS devices is a hallmark feature for this elliptical because it can let you stream workouts from any fitness app that you can access via a mobile device. However, if you aren’t interested in streaming or virtual workouts, you can save a few extra bucks with one of the best ellipticals under $1,000.

“Check the specs for tech features that match your nonnegotiables, like Bluetooth compatibility or a touchscreen display. Many ellipticals integrate with fitness programming, too. NordicTrack and ProForm ellipticals, for instance, can stream iFIT programming,” she says. “If you don’t want to pay for a fitness subscription, you may want to look for an elliptical that has built-in workouts.”

With the free Sole+ app, you can access over 3,000 workouts that also stream through the 10.1-inch HD touchscreen. Or maybe you’re planning to just “Netflix and elliptical,” in which case it may be nice to have streaming apps preloaded on the console. Take a look at the technology and training possibilities it provides to get an idea of whether it’s a good investment for you.

Resistance and Incline

A lot of high-end ellipticals feature around 20 to 26 resistance levels, so the 20 levels on the E35 is on par with machines in this price range. However, it stands out for its 20 levels of incline, a rare feature on ellipticals. As our tester experienced, incline training can help target different muscle groups in your legs. “Adjusting the incline was so quiet — I only noticed the change when I could feel it in my legs.”

[Related: What Muscles Does An Elliptical Work?]

“These features will impact your workout experience,” Capritto says of a cardio machine’s resistance and incline levels. “If you want something that can provide you with a way to do high-intensity interval workouts and slow, steady cardio, look for models with more resistance and incline levels. If you only intend to do steady-state cardio, you can get away with fewer of each.”

Footprint and Portability

Depending on your situation, the outsized footprint and weight of the Sole E35 could be a positive or a negative. For instance, if you can easily spare 15.07 square feet — about the size of a loveseat — you may appreciate the stability provided by its large footprint. (1) 

On the other hand, if you’re tight on space and are thinking you could just wheel it around, our tester would like to have a word with you. “It weighs 231 pounds, so raising up one end of it to use the wheels would be a pretty heavy deadlift,” they said, rating its portability just 1 out of 5. 

Step one, says Capritto, is measuring the spot you intend on setting up your elliptical. “This is a good place to start, because you’ll be really frustrated if you buy an elliptical that doesn’t fit in your intended space or — if you need to be flexible with your space — isn’t easy to move,” she says. “Ellipticals come in a wide range of sizes; higher-end models typically weigh more and are harder to move.”

[Related: The Best Compact Exercise Equipment]

Comfort

A major factor for comfort on ellipticals is the stride length — the length between the pedals when they are at their furthest distance from each other. Less expensive and more compact ellipticals feature stride lengths anywhere from 15 to 18 inches. According to Sunny Health & Fitness, the 20-inch stride length on the E35 should be comfortable for users from 5 feet 4 inches to over 6 feet tall. (2)

Our tester stands 5 feet 3 inches tall, but still rated their comfort level with the stride length a 5 out of 5. “The stride length was perfect for me and it was just as easy to pedal backward as it was to go forward,” they said.

Along with their ergonomic inward slope, the vertical angle of the adjustable pedals can move between three different positions. If you’re trying to figure out how comfortable using the E35 or any elliptical will be just by looking at the specs, Capritto says to check the pedals. “[I] recommend buying an elliptical that has adjustable footrests and handlebars, so you can maximize comfort.”

Sole E35 Elliptical Vs. The Competition

Checking spec after spec can be disorienting after sifting through so many measurements and features. As our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, makes clear, there are myriad factors that determine an elliptical’s number one specification: its price. “You’ll pay a lot of money to get top-tier features on an elliptical, just like you will for any other big piece of cardio equipment.”

[Related: The 8 Best Commercial Ellipticals]

To help give you a sense of how the Sole E35 stacks up against other models, we compared it to another of our favorites, the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, along with a more budget-friendly option, the Horizon EX-59.

	Sole E35	NordicTrack AirGlide 14i	Horizon EX-59
Price	$1,599.99	$1,799	$699
Resistance Levels	20	26	10
Stride Length	20”	17.8″ to 18.5″ auto-adjustable stride	18”
Display	10.1” HD touchscreen	14” HD touchscreen	4.5” LCD display
Weight Capacity	350lbs	300lbs	300lbs
Weight	231lbs	244lbs	145lbs
Dimensions	70″ L x 31″ W x 70″ H	69″ L x 25″ W x 71″ H	74″ L x 25” W x 64.5″ H
Flywheel Weight	25lbs	32lbs	14lbs
Warranty	Lifetime frame and flywheel, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	Lifetime frame, 1-year parts and labor

As you can see, the E35 comes in at $200 less than the AirGlide 14i and, while it doesn’t match its resistance levels, or display size, it’s pretty close. Both of these machines offer some of the tech capabilities that the Horizon EX-59 eschews, like built-in speakers. While a small LCD screen may be plenty for users who just want to track their metrics without all the fuss of a huge touchscreen, more tech-incline athletes may prefer the iFIT integration of the AirGlide 14i or freedom of the E35’s mirroring capabilities.

[Related: The 7 Best Compact Ellipticals]

When it comes to their footprints and durability, the E35 and AirGlide 14i both have robust (to put it mildly) overall weights, but all three offer lengthy warranties (often an indication of how much the company believes in its products). Only the E35 supports users heavier than the 300-pound industry standard. Capritto noted a few common differences across price ranges, as well.

“While there are plenty of budget-friendly ellipticals available, they won’t check all of the boxes for a lot of people,” she adds. “Additionally, higher-end models are generally very heavy and can be unsafe for one person to move on their own. White glove delivery and assembly, which costs extra, might be required.”

Places to Buy the Sole E35 Elliptical

You can purchase the Sole E35 Elliptical through the Sole Fitness website, on Amazon, or via third-party retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Customer Experience

Sole Fitness includes free shipping to your door for all orders, but also offers Room of Choice delivery for an additional $199 or Room of Choice with Assembly for $350. The Sole E35 Elliptical includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel, two years on parts, and one year on labor.

Company Information

Sole Fitness is known for manufacturing quality fitness equipment like ellipticals, treadmills, and exercise bikes. With your purchase, you’ll receive a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied, you’ll be eligible for a full refund. To reach the customer care team member, you can call 877-441-8433 or visit their contact us page.

Final Word

If you’ve spent time checking out high-end, app-connected ellipticals with the biggest and brightest displays, you may have noticed a common footnote — access requires monthly subscription. While many of these ellipticals only support that company’s fitness content, the Sole E35 Elliptical can mirror iOS devices, putting you in charge of your workout. Whether you prefer the engagement and motivation of subscription-based fitness apps like iFIT or just want to scroll TikTok, the E35 lets you choose your destiny.

After taking the E35 for a spin, we think it is ideal for users who want a heavy-duty and tech-forward machine. Its above-average user weight capacity makes low-impact cardio more accessible for heavier users, while its ultra-smooth operation can help you forget you’re gliding 14 inches off the ground. If you’re in the market for a high-end elliptical that grants you the freedom to stream as you please, the E35 may be for you. 

FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
2. Bueckert, S. (2021, May 19). What is the ideal elliptical stride length to best fit you?. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/best-elliptical-stride-length