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Sole E55 Review

Quick Summary

As the most compact Sole elliptical, the new Sole E55 measures about 6-feet long x 2-feet wide.

Packed into its space-saving frame are high quality performance components and Sole’s latest suite of tech-friendly features: an integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth audio speakers, and a USB charging port.

The E55 is now sale priced at $1,499 (down from $2,599) and carries a competitive warranty for home use.

Learn more from our complete Sole E55 review below.

Specifications

Model Sole E55
Rating

Our custom rating considers all of the elliptical's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!

94.1%
List Price

Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.

$2,799
Best Price

Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the best price we've found.

$1499
Resistance

Resistance is what determines calories burned per stride. The more levels, the more precisely you can control the difficulty.

20 Levels
Resistance Type

The type of resistance affects the performance of your elliptical. Magnetic and Eddy-Current are the most common types.

Eddy Current Braking
Stride Length

Stride Length is important for comfort and smooth strides. A stride length of 18-21 inches is ideal for most heights (5'3 - 6'7).

20"
Pedals

Elliptical pedals can be cushioned and adjustable for maximum comfort and minimum impact on joints for injury prevention.

Cushioned & Adjustable
Incline

Some elliptical trainers can be set at an incline to increase difficulty and burn more calories.

20 levels
Flywheel

The flywheel controls the smoothness and resistance of your workout. In general, the higher the better.

20 lbs
Programs

Elliptical Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.

10
User Profiles

For each profile the elliptical allows, you can create a custom user account with saved programs and goal settings.

2 Users
Heart Rate

Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.

Pulse Grips & Chest Belt
(2 Programs)
Display

Elliptical Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.

9" LCD
Max. Weight

Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.

375 lbs
Dimensions

Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this elliptical will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).

71" x 71" x 27"
Weight: 214 lbs
Upper Body

Most ellipticals have handles to hold while you're working out that provide an upper body workout.

Accessory Tray

Some ellipticals include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.

Speakers

Ellipticals that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (without headphones).

Cooling Fans

Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout on your elliptical.

Folding?

Some ellipticals are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.

Quick Controls

Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).

Warranty

The warranty is an important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs.

Frame: Lifetime
Parts: 5 Years
Electronics: 5 Years
Labor: 2 Years (In-Home)

Rating: 94.1%

Our Rating

Rating: 94.1/100. The compact but powerful Sole E55 Elliptical is a top recommendation for shoppers with smaller workout spaces. While this cardio trainer can hold up to 375 pounds, it has a mere 27″ x 71″ footprint. A handle and transport wheels are built in for easy storage and repositioning too. Key performance specs include a 20-pound flywheel, a 20″ stride, and an incline offering a choice of 20 ergonomic elliptical paths. Each incline setting helps recruit different muscle fibers in the lower body, making the E55 and other Sole ellipticals much more effective at muscle sculpting when compared with more basic elliptical trainers. Upper body training is supported too with moving arm bars.

Programming can be shown on the console’s impressive 9-inch screen or on the user’s own mobile device using the Sole Fitness app. The app can run in the background while others are used during exercise. It can share workout data with iHealth, MyFitnessPal and other mobile fitness apps. Just like the best commercial cardio trainers, the E55 also has iPod compatibility, a water bottle holder, cooling fans and a storage tray. Here are pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

  • Light commercial quality
  • Competitive home warranty
  • Natural 20-inch stride
  • 20 incline levels
  • 20-pound flywheel
  • Silent magnetic resistance
  • 10 workout programs
  • Heart rate control
  • Compatible with wireless chest straps
  • 9″ data screen
  • Bluetooth connection for tablet integration, data syncing
  • Integrated tablet holder
  • Bluetooth audio speakers
  • USB charging port
  • Cooling fans
  • Water bottle holder
  • Accessory tray
  • Great customer support

Cons:

  • Can’t download new workouts

Introduction

The Sole E55 lets you accomplish big workouts even with limited room. With a 20-pound drive plus the added resistance of incline training, it’s an ideal cardio trainer and muscle toner built for joint-friendly motion.

The E55 also features the most common stride length chosen for commercial ellipticals, 20 inches, to accommodate the natural stride length of most trainees. Here are details about workouts, the addition of Bluetooth, and other features on the Sole E55.

Workout Programs

The E55 and all Sole ellipticals have 10-item workout menus. Each workout can control the elliptical machine’s resistance and incline. The choices are manual mode, five standard elliptical workout programs (Cardio, Fat Burn, Hill, Interval and Strength), two heart rate controlled workouts, and two programs created and saved by the user. Any trainee using the Sole Fitness App can set up a user profile to benefit from custom programming.

Sole E55 Features

A key feature of the Sole E55 is its power incline with 20 settings. With a choice of 20 elliptical paths, trainees can accomplish impressive muscle toning that’s not possible with other elliptical trainers. For convenience there are incline controls built into the moving arm bars.

The default control center for workouts is a high contrast 9″ LCD. The Sole E55 can also accept a tablet computer or smartphone as its monitor. With Bluetooth you can set up a workout through your mobile device, use favorite apps for entertainment or multitasking, and then export your workout stats to any compatible fitness app. The Sole Fitness App can also store session data locally too.

The new E55 console has an improved tablet computer holder and is adjustable to ensure a just-right view.

For heart rate monitoring the elliptical is compatible with a wireless chest strap. It also has contact pulse sensors.

Warranty & Guarantee

The Sole E55 Elliptical warranty provides the following coverage:

– Frame: Lifetime
– Parts: 5 Years
– Electronics: 5 Years
– Labor: 2 Years

Sole provides in-home servicing for all repairs.

Conclusion

The Sole E55 Elliptical is among the best cross trainers available under $1,500 with a great warranty. For most adults it offers an ideal physical fit and just-right resistance.

Recent Updates

October 17, 2022: Updated specifications to most current model. Added FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to assemble the Sole E55 elliptical?

Assembling the Sole E55 isn’t too difficult, but the process will be quicker if you have an extra pair of hands.

Is the Sole E55 foldable?

No, the Sole E55 elliptical doesn’t fold.

Does the Sole E55 have an adjustable stride?

Yes – the stride length is adjustable up to a maximum of 20″.

Is the Sole E55 heavy?

The Sole E55 elliptical weighs 214 lbs and has a max. user weight capacity of 375 lbs.

Is the Sole E55 elliptical worth it?

If you’re at a beginner/intermediate level and are looking for an elliptical with varied resistance levels at a reasonable price, the Sole E55 is a great option.

6 Comments

  • Patrick September 28, 2020 at 9:24 am from Connecticut
    Other than size, can you tell me the difference between the E35 and E55? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
    • FitRated September 29, 2020 at 2:44 pm
      Hi Patrick, other than the size, there is minimal difference between the 2 ellipticals. The E35 does have adjustable pedals in 3 positions, which the E55 is not equipped with. Here's our review of the E35 if you haven't seen it yet: https://www.fitrated.com/ellipticals/sole-e35-elliptical-review/
  • Mike May 27, 2020 at 4:11 pm from Oak Park, IL
    My wife is 5'4" and I am 5'8". What stride length would be good for us? Can we get by with 20 inches?
    • FitRated May 28, 2020 at 11:12 am
      Hi Mike, a stride length of 20 inches is perfect for the both of you. We recommend sticking to 18"-20" to accommodate both you and your wife.
  • Keith Abbott January 17, 2020 at 5:44 pm
    I am interested in the E55 Elliptical. I live in Pensacola, FL. Can you deliver and set up? Thank you
    • FitRated February 18, 2020 at 12:04 pm
      Hi Keith, Sole offers an at home assembly service for an additional price. Click the "see best price" button to go to the product page and purchase it from Sole. At checkout, you will be asked to select your preferred delivery / assembly method.

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