Sole E35 Review: Is This Elliptical Right for Your 2024 Home Gym?

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here

Sole Fitness is a tried-and-true name in the realm of cardio equipment known for its high-quality components, exceptional engineering and remarkable warranty. Producing stationary bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, climbers, rowers and now strength equipment, Sole continues to impress consumers with high-performing cardio machines available at every price point. When it comes to ellipticals, Sole teamed up with leading physical therapists to develop the Sole E35. Sole engineers produced a high-quality, efficient and dependable machine.

If you're considering adding the Sole E35 elliptical to your home gym, you're in the right place. This 2024 review will cover the ins and outs of the Sole E35, including a comprehensive comparison with other models in Sole's line.

Key Features:

• 25-pound flywheel with a high gear ratio
• 20 levels of power adjustable incline
• Integrated tablet holder and built in Bluetooth speakers
• Three-position adjustable foot pedals and a 20-inch stride length

What Is the Sole E35 Elliptical?

The Sole E35 is the big sister to Sole’s entry-level elliptical, the E25. Featuring a USB charging port, integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth connectivity and Bluetooth audio speakers, the E35 offers some conveniences not often seen at this price point. 

Featuring a heavy 25-pound flywheel, high gear ratio and several levels of power incline, the E35 provides a smooth ride for beginners and advanced cardio junkies alike. This machine combines 20 levels of resistance with 20 levels of incline, making for a challenging workout.

Sole E35 Elliptical Specs

Performance 

In terms of performance capabilities, the Sole E35 offers a low impact but high intensity cardio workout for those looking to minimize impact on joints. Sole has taken this a step further and teamed up with top physical therapists when creating the unique pedals to ensure comfort and a pedal that is ergonomically sound to minimize stress on joints. The pedals feature a two-degree inward slope which, according to Sole, reportedly reduces ankle and knee stress. The pedals also offer three positions of adjustability which enables each user to find a position that best suits their body so there is no rocking when in use.

Footprint and adjustability

Being that the footprint of the Sole E35 is 71 inches x 82 inches x 31 inches, it's not exactly suitable for a small, tight room. If you decide to use one of the 20 levels of incline, this might make you feel even more cramped. 

The Sole E35 does not have an adjustable stride length, but it does measure 20 inches, which should be adequate for most people, except for those with very short or very tall strides. The 14-inch step up height makes it easy for users of varied heights to get on and off. When using the E35, you will notice that there are both stationary and moving handles which, because it recruits both upper body and lower body muscle groups, contributes to improved cardio endurance. The handlebars and adjustable pedals function in both forward and reverse to further add variability to your training.

Training Options

In terms of programming, the Sole E25 elliptical comes with 10 onboard workout programs which use an automatic control to change the resistance and incline level. Choose between the pulse monitor on the static handlebars or the included chest strap which more accurately tracks heart rate all while viewing basic stats on this display. If you are interested in more programming options, Sole has an online fitness platform called Studio. With a paid membership you can access thousands of workouts that vary in type, length and intensity. The Studio app can be downloaded to your smart device where you can stream classes on-demand. The Studio fitness platform also gives you access to leaderboards, new workouts released daily, metric monitoring and some well-liked playlists.

Display

While the 7.5-inch monitor with a white backlit LCD display is basic, it is easy enough to pop your phone or tablet on the E35 throughout the workout. You can also pair the heart sensors on your handlebars with the display. There are no video classes or subscription content offered on the display. 

Storage and portability

The front-drive configuration makes this machine more compact than some other Sole models, but it is certainly not space-saving. It still carries a decent footprint measuring 71 inches high, 82 inches long and 31 inches wide. Even with the integrated transport wheels, you will want a dedicated spot for it so be sure you have enough floor real estate to house it. You won’t have to worry about it being on a second floor or disturbing neighbors thanks to its whisper-quiet drive system which creates a fluid and, as you can extrapolate from the name, quiet motion.

Warranty

In terms of warranty, Sole really shines. The E35 is backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame, five-years on the electronics and parts, and an impressive two-year warranty on labor. This is almost unheard of in the industry which is a testament to how strongly it stands behind its fitness equipment.

Pros:

• Premium construction
• High 375-pound weight capacity
• Heavy 25-pound flywheel
• Variable resistance and incline
• Can use in forward and reverse motion
• Adjustable pedals

Cons:

• Large footprint
• Programming is basic
• Non-adjustable stride length

What are the Differences between Sole E35 and the E25, E55 and E95?

E35 vs E25

The Sole E25 is Sole’s entry-level elliptical offering the same exceptional construction that Sole is known and loved for. Both the E35 and the E25 come equipped with 20 levels of power incline and a high gear ratio producing a wide range of variable resistance to spice up your training. The flywheel weight on the E25 is 20 pounds, about five pounds less than that of the E35, so the resistance will feel slightly less intense.

Other than that, the E35 and the E25 share a lot of features in common. Both boast built-in audio speakers, an integrated tablet holder, a 20-inch stride length, a USB charging port, water bottle holder, built-in cooling fan and oversized pedals with a two-degree inward slope that move in both forward and reverse. Similarly, both elliptical machines have stationary and moving handles with pulse grips on the static bars to monitor heart rate. Or, both can be synced up with included heart rate chest strap for more accurate heart rate readings.

Check out our in-depth Sole E25 Elliptical review for more information! 

Both machines are equipped with more basic monitors than those found on higher-end models. The E25 has an electronic 6.5-inch white backlit display while the E35’s measures 7.5 inches. Other variance can be found in the max user weight which differs by just 25 pounds. The overall footprint is slightly more compact on the E25 but not so much as to make a huge difference in the space required to house it.

There is a little difference in the warranties. While both come with a lifetime warranty on frames, the E25 has only three years on parts and electronics and one year for labor whereas the E35 has five years and two years, respectively.

E35 vs E55

With the Sole E55, you get a bigger monitor, adjustable pedals and an overall smaller footprint than the E35. The E55 features a nine-inch white backlit LCD monitor that closely resembles the ones you see on commercial ellipticals offering the same features of a health club model. It is slightly larger than the E35 which measures 7.5-inches. Like the E35, it houses 10 pre-programmed workouts and, for an extra monthly membership, users can access Studio classes via the Sole Fitness app.

Unlike the E25 and E35, the pedals on the E55 use a dial adjustment to angle the pedal in a way that feels most comfortable to you. The adjustment occurs in the heel to toe angle and, according to Sole Fitness, is designed to reduce the numb toe effects and sore Achilles tendons sometimes seen with regular elliptical use.

Both Sole elliptical models share similar conveniences and specs including an integrated tablet holder, water bottle holder, built-in cooling fans, built-in Bluetooth audio speakers, 20 levels of power adjustable incline, forward and reverse pedal motion, stationary and static handlebars, pulse monitors, included chest strap heart rate monitors and a high gear ratio. Interestingly, the lesser expensive model, the E35, has a five-pound heavier flywheel.

Both models are backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame, five-year warranty on electronics and parts and two years on labor. Again, this is above what most manufacturers offer.

E35 vs E95

While the E35 and the E95 differ in several areas, they do share some commonalities all centered around Sole’s quality construction. Common to both models are the following features: built-in cooling fan, a dial adjustable pedal angle, water bottle holder, built-in speakers audio speakers, a whisper quiet drive system, moving and stationary handlebars, 20 levels of power incline, forward and reverse motion functionality, built-in pulse sensors, an included heart rate chest strap and 10 onboard workout programs in addition to the optional Studio membership.

Where the major differences lie are in the display, flywheel and hand grips. The E95 comes with a 10.1-inch display which is noticeably larger than that of the Sole Fitness E35. The flywheel is only slightly heavier (27 pounds vs 25 pounds on the E35). As an added convenience, the E55 comes equipped with incline and resistance controls integrated on the handles for quick adjustment. As with all Sole products, both are backed by a lifetime frame warranty and share the same five-year warranty on electronics and parts with a two-year warranty on the handlebars.

Who the Sole E35 Elliptical is Best For

For the most part, the Sole E35 is a great choice for both new and experienced elliptical users. It is easy to use, not overly intimidating with high-tech features and enables users to get some intense workouts. More importantly, it is built like a tank with premium components such as a hefty 25-pound flywheel, 20 levels of incline and a solid steel frame with sleek black powder coating. Probably the most attractive aspect is its affordable price which makes it an especially great choice for those on a budget.

Who the Sole E35 Elliptical is Not Best For

Anyone who is looking for an immersive training experience with high tech screens and features would likely be disappointed in the Sole E35. It may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a high-tech elliptical since it lacks the frills and thrills of some tech-heavy machines, such as touchscreen monitors.

Sole E35 Customer Reviews

Reviews on Amazon are overwhelmingly positive with an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars by well over 300 customers. Described by some as the “perfect elliptical,” users seem to most appreciate the durable build and variable incline plus resistance. Another common theme found in Amazon reviews is how quiet the Sole E35 is when in use.

Reviewers rarely have nothing but praise for this product, but there are some complaints. Customers on Amazon found assembly to be difficult and time consuming. There are a few reviewers on Trustpilot who stated customer service was lacking which, considering the brand's warranty and quality assurance, was surprising.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Sole E35 Elliptical

Specs

Before you buy the Sole E35, you should consider the specs, specifically the dimensions and weight. In other words, if you don't have the space to house the Sole E35, it won't work. When considering the dimensions, you need to look at both the footprint and height closely. The E35 measures 82 inches long and 31 inches wide, so it does require a decent chunk of floor space. The height measures 71 inches, so you should consider the tallest user to ensure you have enough clearance. The pedals rise between 18 and 24 inches off the floor when in use so add your height to this to determine clearance requirements.

Durability

Sole produces some of the most durable cardio machines on the market. Constructed with a solid steel frame, the E35 is built to last. Sole included a 25-pound flywheel and heavy-duty rails to support the four rear wheels; the machine weighs a respectable 231 pounds. And, as you now know by now, Sole backs all of its products with a lifetime warranty on the frame which is indicative of its solid construction.

Usage

Knowing the intended use for the Sole E35 is important to decide before making the purchase. If you are looking to use it for an immersive training experience, then it may not be the right fit for you. But if your goals are focused on getting challenging workouts on a solid machine, the E35 likely fits the bill. It should be noted that while this elliptical trainer is durable, it is not intended to support commercial usage.

Features

When shopping for any piece of fitness equipment, we recommend having a list of the features you want and/or need in a product. While the Sole E35 is not one of the most feature-rich ellipticals decked out with high-tech bells and whistles, it does still offer some respectable features. These include a built-in cooling fan, an integrated tablet holder, a water bottle holder, a USB charging port and built-in speakers which allow you to enjoy music directly from your media device. 

Warranty

Sole Fitness’ E35 is backed by an impressive lifetime warranty on the frame, five year warranty on electronics and parts, and two years on labor.

Return policy

Sole backs the E35 with a 30-day money back guarantee if the product was purchased directly through Sole. Once a return authorization form is created, the elliptical will be picked up in the same method it was delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Sole E35 weigh?

The E35 weighs 231 pounds and supports weights up to 375 pounds.

Does the Sole E35 incline?

Yes! The Sole E35 is equipped with 20 levels of power adjustable incline making for some challenging workouts.

How long does a Sole E35 last?

The Sole E35 is designed to last, constructed with premium components and an all-steel frame. It is backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame.

What year did the Sole E35 come out?

The Sole E35 was released in 2012.

Is the Sole E35 worth it?

The answer here really depends on your wants/needs. However, we do feel it is absolutely worth it. Given the affordable price and premium construction, the Sole E35 is definitely a value purchase.

Final Thoughts

For those who priority a quality machine, the E35 will not disappoint—it's Sole's most popular elliptical for a reason. Constructed with a steel frame, the E35 is built like a tank and can support weights up to 375 pounds. With 20 levels of resistance and 20 incline levels, you can prepare your own workout program for full-body training or specific muscle groups if you're looking to get a nice pump. The E35 elliptical is a simple, quiet and easy to use trainer.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.