Sole E98 Elliptical Review 2024 | Gym Quality for Less

Dimensions/Storability

As a light-commercial elliptical, the Sole E98 is quite large and heavy. Its dimensions are 83″ x 34″ x 70″, and it weighs 246 lbs. It is 275 lbs as it comes shipped in the box. While there are transport wheels for rolling it around, it is more convenient to have a permanent location for it. I suggest assembling it where you plan to store it long-term.

The pedals have a step-up height of 14″, and the treadmill has 20 incline levels. Factoring both of these qualities in, the minimum ceiling height for a 6′ elliptical user should be 8′. You need at least 1.5′ more than the tallest user’s height, and we like to factor in an additional 6″ for safety.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Unlike many home fitness brands, Sole equipment does not require a subscription to access training content or features. It provides access to subscription-based third-party apps, and there is a good chance you already subscribe to at least one of these services.

The E98’s onboard programs are similar to what you might find on a commercial machine in a gym. They include manual, hill, fatburn, cardio, strength, HIIT, heart rate, and a fitness test. You can also create a custom workout or save previous manual workouts as a template for future use.

Beyond the typical onboard programs, the Sole E98 has Sole+ workouts that do not require a subscription. These workouts are trainer-led in a studio on Sole equipment. The workouts do not automatically adjust your elliptical settings, but the coaches provide clear instructions on how to follow the workout.

The workouts include music, but it does not match the workout and can be a little jarring. The production is good for a free service but is not as refined as the elliptical classes through NordicTrack’s competing service, iFIT.

The Sole+ app, available on Android and Apple devices, offers more workouts. It pairs with your machine via Bluetooth. The Sole+ app can store your workout history and connect with third-party services like Garmin Connect. You can also set goals to track your progress.

The third-party apps on the E98 include YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap, and Peacock. You just need a membership to any of these apps that require one to access streaming content. Unlike most other brands with these services, you do not need a Sole+ subscription to use them.

The Kinomap app is a training app that interacts with the E98 elliptical. It provides structured workouts and outdoor route videos. A few features are free, but most require a subscription.

The Sole E98 offers many training options, and with even more features to cover, it doesn’t stop there.

Console

The Sole E98 Elliptical has a streamlined console with all tech features readily accessible during training. The console has a few essential buttons, including the start, stop, display (for toggling back and forth between screens), and fan buttons. There are arrow buttons for adjusting the resistance and incline on the moving handles—a more convenient location than on the console itself.

The whole console tilts up and down slightly, but it does not rotate. Tilting the console should help it work for more heights.

The touchscreen is 13.3″. It is good quality but may take longer to buffer than competitors like Peloton and NordicTrack. I didn’t mind it so much, as I was happy to have more onscreen options without a subscription. The screen size is nice based on my experience with the Sole E95, which has a similar screen.

The E98 has two tablet/phone holders. One sits at the top of the console and has an adjustable clip to keep your device secure. The second is at the bottom of the screen and holds a phone in place over a wireless charging pad.

The wireless charging feature is very convenient for keeping your device powered while connected to the speakers or console via Bluetooth. The E98 also has a screen mirroring feature where you can cast any content from your phone or tablet onto the screen. It draws a lot of power, so I like keeping my device on the wireless charger.

A fan sits at the top of the console. In my experience, Sole equipment fans are not very powerful. You may need a floor fan to provide extra cooling.

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Build Quality

While we haven’t tested the Sole E98 in person, I have plenty of experience using an older E95 and the latest E95. They are very impressive machines, only improved by the E98’s status as a light-commercial machine.

Frame

The frame is a sturdy steel construction with a 400-lb weight capacity. It has leveling feet for adjusting the E98 to your space if your floor isn’t even. Three stabilizers keep the E98 balanced and stable on the ground during your hardest training.

Pedals

The pedals are not adjustable. Though it is nice to have adjustable pedals for comfort, more moving components reduce durability. Thus, having non-adjustable pedals on a light commercial machine makes sense. Most users should be comfortable with these oversized pedals.

The E98’s pedals move along a dual-rail track. The stride length is not adjustable, but it is 20 inches long and should be comfortable for most users.

Handles

Two sets of handles offer multiple grip options on the E98. The central stationary handles are great for a targeted lower-body workout. They can also be used to steady yourself as you step onto the elliptical.

The moving handles are looped so you can grip the top, bottom, inside, or outside. This grip range makes the E98 suitable for multiple user statures. That means whether you are tall or short, the E98 should be suitable. I like the E25 and E35 Elliptical a little more for more petite users.

Flywheel and Resistance

The flywheel weighs 32 lbs and smooths the pedaling motion. The flywheel is located at the front of the machine, making the E98 a front-drive elliptical.

It has 40 levels of magnetic resistance. Magnets move closer or farther away from the flywheel to brake its movement. The resistance should be quiet and low maintenance.

Incline

There are 20 levels of incline. The E98 does not decline. The incline doesn’t create more resistance, but it targets your leg muscles at a different angle. An increased incline feels like it increases glute activation. It’s great for adding more variety to your workout.

Warranty

The E98 has a great warranty for a residential machine and also includes light commercial coverage. For residential use, the E98 has a lifetime frame and flywheel warranty. Parts and wear items are covered for three years, while labor is covered for one year. Cosmetic items are covered for only 90 days.

The light commercial warranty includes lifetime frame coverage. It covers parts for two years and labor for one.

I like the coverage for home and light commercial use. It makes the E98 a good pick for both types of use.

Should You Buy the Sole E98 Elliptical?

The Sole E98 is a step-up from the E95, the brand’s top residential elliptical. It is a light commercial elliptical designed for use at home or in settings like community centers, apartment complexes, and private training studio. The warranty covers the frame for its lifetime in both settings.

The E98’s other top features include 40 levels of magnetic resistance, 20 incline levels, and a 400-lb weight capacity. It also has oversized pedals with a 20-inch stride length, stationary handles, and moving handles. The Sole E98 should be suitable for most users with these solid features.

My personal favorite feature of the Sole E98 is the third-party apps included on the display. I can stream my shows and movies while training. The screen mirroring feature further unlocks content options on the Sole E98. You can really make your training on the Sole E98 your own.

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Sole E98 Elliptical Q&A / FAQ

Does Sole make good ellipticals?

Yes, Sole makes good ellipticals. My family has owned an E95 elliptical for over ten years, and we agree that we got our money’s worth from this machine. In addition to this anecdote, Sole equipment has also performed very well in our testing here at TRG.

What is the warranty on the Sole E98?

The Sole E98 has a residential and light commercial warranty. The residential warranty covers the frame and flywheel for a lifetime, the parts and wear items for three years, labor for one year, and the cosmetic items for 90 days. The light commercial warranty covers the frame for a lifetime, labor for one year, and parts for two years.

Do Sole ellipticals require a subscription?

No, Sole ellipticals do not require a subscription. The Sole+ app is free on the elliptical and your device for Sole equipment owners. You just need your equipment model number to register your account.

How big is the Sole E98 Elliptical?

The Sole E98 Elliptical’s dimensions are 83″ x 34″ x 70″.

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