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For most older adults who can stand through a session, the Sole E25 is the elliptical to buy: a 20-inch stride, a 20 lb flywheel for a smooth stroke, a 350 lb rating and a lifetime frame warranty, typically for $999 to $1,299.
Ellipticals take the impact out of cardio, and physical therapists often suggest them after knee or hip work, so ask yours. For an older user, the questions are how high the pedals sit off the floor, whether there's a rail to hold while stepping on, and whether the stride stays smooth at a slow pace. If standing for 30 minutes isn't realistic, a recumbent elliptical with a seat is the better tool, though we haven't added recumbent models to our database yet. The Horizon EX-59 is the cheaper pick, and the Sole E35 suits larger users with a 375 lb rating.
Nothing under $1,300 matches its stride and build. The console is plain, and that's fine.
The compact Horizon: an 18-inch stride, a 300 lb rating and a lifetime frame warranty for under $800.
The E25 with a heavier 25 lb flywheel, a 375 lb rating and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.
Product photos are representative stock images, not the exact models, until our own test photos replace them.
Prices are typical ranges, not today's. Tap a column heading to sort.
| Model | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole E25Sole · 4.2/5 | $999–1,299 | 20 in | 20 lb | 350 lb | 70 × 24 in | Not yet tested |
| Horizon EX-59Horizon · 3.6/5 | $599–799 | 18 in | 14.3 lb | 300 lb | 74 × 25 in | Not yet tested |
| Sole E35Sole · 4.3/5 | $1,499–1,899 | 20 in | 25 lb | 375 lb | 82 × 31 in | Not yet tested |
Tap a column to sort. Ratings come from published specs until we bench test a machine; specs are the manufacturer's unless a review says we measured them. Noise shows once we've measured that machine.
If you want arm work and a walking-like motion while seated, yes. A recumbent bike is simpler, cheaper and easier to get on and off. If getting onto the machine is the hard part, start with the bike.