Sole E98 vs E95 (2026): Which Sole Elliptical for Heavy Users?

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WinnerSole E95

Best for console programs

Sole E95

FitScore for Elliptical For Heavy People

  • InclinePower incline
  • ResistanceElectromagnetic, 20 levels
  • Max user weight400 lb
  • Warrantylifetime frame, 2 year p…

Choose it if you want the same 400-lb rating, stride and incline with a 13.3-inch screen and 2 built-in programs.

Read the Sole E95 review

Sole E98

Best for flywheel

Sole E98

FitScore for Elliptical For Heavy People

  • InclinePower incline
  • ResistanceElectromagnetic, 20 levels
  • Max user weight400 lb
  • Warrantylifetime frame, 2 year p…

Choose it if you want a 32-lb flywheel on a 400-lb-rated frame with a lifetime frame warranty.

Read the Sole E98 review

Overall winner for heavier users: Sole E95, by 0.4 points (76.6 against 76.2) with the weights of our best elliptical for heavy people guide. It leads on features.

  • Sole E95 wins 1 round
  • Sole E98 wins 0 rounds
  • =4 ties

Product photos from Amazon. FitScore weights are explained below.

Sole E98 vs E95: both are rated for 400 lb, with a 20-inch stride, 20 electromagnetic levels, a power incline and moving handlebars on an 83 by 34-inch footprint. The E98 has the heavier flywheel; the E95 adds console programs. Our FitScore puts the E95 just ahead for heavier users.

Head-to-Head Specs

Here are the two side by side. A check mark shows the stronger spec on each line. Check both warranties before you order: the FTC explains how to read a product warranty. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, which steady elliptical sessions count toward. Harvard Health Publishing lists about 324 calories in 30 minutes of general elliptical exercise for a 155 lb person.

Sole E95 vs Sole E98 head-to-head specifications
SpecificationSole E95FitScore 76.6Sole E98FitScore 76.2
TypeRear-drive (standing)Rear-drive (standing)
Stride length20 in20 in
ResistanceElectromagnetic, 20 levelsElectromagnetic, 20 levels
Flywheel27 lb32 lb✓
InclinePower inclinePower incline
Step-on heightNot statedNot stated
Max user weight400 lb400 lb
Size (length × width)83 × 34 in83 × 34 in
Product weight253 lb246 lb✓
HandlebarsMoving handlebars (arms work)Moving handlebars (arms work)
Console and programs13.3 in screen, 2 programs✓13.3 in screen
Bluetooth and appsBluetoothBluetooth
Heart ratePulse gripsPulse grips
MembershipNone neededNone needed
Storage and movingNo transport wheels listed, 253 lbNo transport wheels listed, 246 lb
Warrantylifetime frame, 2 year partslifetime frame, 2 year parts
Specs won1 of 162 of 16

Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.

FitScore Duel

Both scores use the weights of our best elliptical for heavy people guide (how we score). Durability (40%) counts most, then performance and comfort (20% each), affordability (10%) and practicality and features (5% each). The Sole E95 ranks #1 in that guide. The Sole E98 ranks #2 in that guide. The order flips with other weights: in our best compact elliptical guide the Sole E98 scores 53 against 51.3 for the Sole E95.

Sole E9576.6
FitScore for Elliptical For Heavy People
Sole E9876.2
97
Performanceweight 20%
97
95.78
Durabilityweight 40%
95.78
62
Comfortweight 20%
62
16
Practicalityweight 5%
16
77
Featuresweight 5%
70
18
Affordabilityweight 10%
18

Key Differences

  1. Flywheel: 27 lb on the Sole E95; 32 lb on the Sole E98.
  2. Product weight: 253 lb on the Sole E95; 246 lb on the Sole E98.
  3. Console and programs: 13.3 in screen, 2 programs on the Sole E95; 13.3 in screen on the Sole E98.
  4. Storage and moving: No transport wheels listed, 253 lb on the Sole E95; No transport wheels listed, 246 lb on the Sole E98.
Sole E98 vs E95: heavyset man training on a sturdy heavy-frame elliptical
A heavy frame and flywheel keep the stride steady. (Illustration, not an actual product photo.)

Round 1 of 5

Sole E98 vs E95: Stride and Resistance

Tie. Neither model has a clear edge here.

Stride length: both list 20 in.

Resistance: both list electromagnetic, 20 levels.

Flywheel: 27 lb on the Sole E95, 32 lb on the Sole E98.

Performance score in this comparison: Sole E95 97, Sole E98 97.

Round 2 of 5

Capacity, Build and Warranty

Tie. Neither model has a clear edge here.

Max user weight: both list 400 lb.

Warranty: both list lifetime frame, 2 year parts.

Both carry the same 400-lb rating and lifetime frame warranty, so for a heavier user the choice comes down to flywheel, console and feel.

Durability score in this comparison: Sole E95 95.78, Sole E98 95.78.

Round 3 of 5

Comfort and Fit

Tie. Neither model has a clear edge here.

Comfort comes down to fit and how you sit or stand.

Type: both list rear-drive (standing).

Handlebars: both list moving handlebars (arms work).

Comfort score in this comparison: Sole E95 62, Sole E98 62.

Round 4 of 5

Size, Weight and Storage

Tie. Neither model has a clear edge here.

Size (length × width): both list 83 × 34 in.

Product weight: 253 lb on the Sole E95, 246 lb on the Sole E98.

Storage and moving: No transport wheels listed, 253 lb on the Sole E95, No transport wheels listed, 246 lb on the Sole E98.

Practicality score in this comparison: Sole E95 16, Sole E98 16.

Round 5 of 5

Console and Extras

Sole E95 wins this round

Console and programs: 13.3 in screen, 2 programs on the Sole E95, 13.3 in screen on the Sole E98.

Bluetooth and apps: both list bluetooth.

Heart rate: both list pulse grips.

Features score in this comparison: Sole E95 77, Sole E98 70.

Who Should Buy Each

Heavier users who want programs

Pick the Sole E95 if you want programs on the console; owners describe a solid, smooth feel and a quiet drive, though some report a clicking noise.

Heavier users who want a steady stride

Pick the Sole E98 if a heavy flywheel feel matters most; reviewers describe a sturdy build but a large machine that is hard to move, so plan its spot before assembly.

Consider Instead

JOROTO JE50

JOROTO JE50

If neither fits, look at the JOROTO JE50: it offers a higher affordability and practicality score than the Sole E95. It ranks #3 in our best elliptical for heavy people guide.

Read the JOROTO JE50 review

Final Verdict

Overall winner for heavier users: Sole E95. Pick the Sole E95 for console programs on the same frame size and rating; pick the Sole E98 for the heavier 32-lb flywheel.

Sole E95Check price
Sole E98Check price

Sole E95 vs Sole E98 FAQ

With the weights of our best elliptical for heavy people guide, the Sole E95 scores higher: 76.6 against 76.2. It leads on features.

Both are rated for 400 lb and measure 83 by 34 inches. The E98 has a 32-lb flywheel against 27 lb and weighs 246 lb against 253 lb.

Yes: a lifetime frame warranty and 2 years on parts for both.

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