The ProForm Carbon E7 is an excellent mid-tier elliptical loaded with training features. In this hands-on review, we detail the pros, cons and competitors of the Carbon E7 so you can buy with confidence.
The elliptical machine is one of my favorite ways to get my fat burnin’ on.
Even though it’s a low-impact machine, and maybe doesn’t get the respect that it deserves from more hardcore fitness enthusiasts, make no mistake—this cardio machine delivers when it comes to cardio and weight loss.
The ProForm Carbon E7 is an awesome choice for people looking to bring the benefits of ellipticals from the local gym to their home.
In this review, we take the ProForm Carbon E7 for a “stride” and break down the pros, cons, comparable machines, and more, so that you can make a confident decision about whether the Carbon E7 is the best elliptical machine for you.
Let’s jump right in.
Proform Carbon E7 Elliptical – Key Specs
ProForm makes a wide range of ellipticals, from the entry-level ProForm Carbon EL to the premium ProForm elliptical, the Carbon E10.
The Carbon E7 is the mid-range pure elliptical option, with a price that is between the EL and E10 and mixes the features of both.
Here is the Carbon E7 at a glance:
- Price: $1,099
- Stride length: 19”
- Resistance levels: 24
- Incline: 0-20 degrees
- 24 levels of magnetic resistance
- Flywheel: 25lb
- Console: 7” touchscreen
- Optional media tray
- Weight capacity: 325lb
- Machine weight: 225lb
- Dimensions: 68” L x 25” W x 67.75” H
Proform Carbon E7 Elliptical – The Pros
Alrighty, let’s get right into how the ProForm Carbon E7 performs and the things that stick out for me when using it.
They include:
✅ Sturdy ride.
The Carbon E7 is a mid-priced elliptical machine at around $1,000.
This is the price range where you start to see a significantly smoother and sturdier ride compared to cheap elliptical machines, and the Carbon E7 delivers on this thanks to a heavy 25lb flywheel and smooth front-drive system.
Even when going HAM on an HIIT workout on the Carbon E7, there was no wobbling or clanking from the drive.
At the end of the day, you want to be able to exercise without worrying about the elliptical coming apart at the bolts, and in this sense, the Carbon E7 delivers.
✅ Power incline for added difficulty.
While many users will be happy with an elliptical that has a purely horizontal stride path, I like injecting some difficulty (incline) into my sessions on the elliptical.
The Carbon E7 has a power incline that can be changed on-the-fly from the console, which is perfect for sweaty HIIT sessions when you want to get more from your workout in less time.
The incline can also be hooked up to your iFIT subscription, so that trainers leading online classes can crank up the incline to follow along with the workout. (This feature can be disabled, as well.)
✅ Adjustable foot pedals.
The Carbon E7 has manually adjustable foot pedals that allow you to find a comfy incline setting.
The pedals can be adjusted via a small handle on the back of the foot pedals for an optimal incline setting.
Why does this matter?
For people who find their toes and/or feet going numb when using the elliptical trainer, this is a game changer as the slight incline promotes better blood flow to your feet.
✅ Unlimited workout possibilities.
While the Carbon E7 comes with a robust workout library that has all of the standard types of workouts (HIIT, hills, manual mode, and so on), the machine can be hooked up to iFIT.
If you’ve never heard of iFIT before, it is like Peloton, with a whole bunch of trainer led classes, live classes, challenges, and so on.
Last time I checked, there was something like 17,000 different workouts and classes on iFIT.
The subscription (yes—it’s paid after the first month) also includes strength training workouts, stretching routines, and other workouts that can be done off of the elliptical trainer.
✅ Easy to use.
I really like using the Carbon E7—it’s quiet, rides smoothly, and the screen on it is simple and to the point.
The touchscreen loads very fast and there is a quick start function so that you can step on and go.
For people who don’t want to mess around and just get to work, the E7 is perfect.
✅ The Carbon E7 is a value pick.
Even though the Carbon E7 retails for about $1,000, I would still classify it as a value pick. (We’ll compare it to some other ellipticals that are in this price range in a minute.)
The fact that it has such a heavy flywheel, power incline, and a power adjustable stride are simply features that are not frequently seen at this price point.
Proform Carbon E7 Elliptical – The Cons
While the praises for the Carbon E7 are legit, there is one thing that comes up frequently in reviews online with this particular elliptical…
It’s difficult to put together.
Even though the assembly manual is relatively clear (which is in stark contrast to some other elliptical brands out there—looking at you Sole Fitness!), the Carbon E7 can be a pain in the butt to put together.
If you can, opt for the in-home assembly. It will save you a few hours of struggle and give you the peace of mind of having it put together by a tech familiar with the machine.
The difficulty of assembling the Carbon E7 comes up a lot with reviews online.
Proform Carbon E7 Elliptical vs Other ProForm Ellipticals
The Carbon E7 is ProForm’s mid-range elliptical.
Here is how it compares to its siblings, the EL and ProForm Carbon E10:
| EL | E7 | E10 | |
| Price | $799 | $1,099 | $1,403 |
| Flywheel | 15lbs | 25lbs | 25lbs |
| Screen | 5” LCD | 7” HD touchscreen | 10” HD touchscreen |
| Stride length | 19” | 19” power adjustable | 19” power adjustable |
| Incline | Manual | Power | Power |
| Resistance levels | 18 | 24 | 24 |
| User weight | 275lb | 325lb | 325lb |
ProForm also makes some awesome elliptical + stepper combos that are best suited for people who really like HIIT workouts and want the added difficulty of a stepper.
We’ve tested and published reviews on both the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 Elliptical and Stepper as well as the ProForm Carbon H10 Elliptical and Stepper.
Proform Carbon E7 Elliptical vs. The Competition
We’ve reviewed a ton of elliptical trainers over the years.
The Carbon E7’s closest competitors include the Sole Fitness E25, Horizon 7.0 AE, and the Nautilus E616.
The E7 has a heavier flywheel and better screen than all of them, giving you a more immersive workout experience and a sturdier striding experience.
Here is how the Carbon E7 stacks up against other elliptical machines in its price class:
| Carbon E7 | Sole E25 | Horizon 7.0 AE | Nautilus E616 | |
| Price | $1,099 | $1,099 | $849 | $799 |
| Flywheel | 25lbs | 20lb | 23lbs | 22lbs |
| Screen | 7” HD touchscreen | 10.1” LCD | 5” LCD | 5” LCD |
| Stride length | 19” power adjustable | 20” | 19” power adjustable | 20” |
| Incline | Power | None | Power | Power |
| User weight | 325lb | 350lb | 325lb | 300lb |
ProForm Carbon E7 Elliptical – FAQs
Do you have to use the iFIT subscription workout?
The Carbon E7 does not require an iFIT subscription workout. Go to the main menu on the console and there are options for programmed workouts in the workout library (HIIT, steady-state, etc) as well as a manual mode.
What is the weight limit on the ProForm Carbon E7?
The manufacturer’s recommended weight maximum for the ProForm Carbon E7 elliptical is 325lb. This is significantly sturdier than the entry-level ProForm elliptical, the Carbon EL (275lb) and the Carbon E10 (275lb).
The Bottom Line
Wrapping things up, the ProForm Carbon E7 is one of my favorite elliptical trainers that I’ve tested.
There are a lot of things that really stood out, including the sturdy ride, the power incline, and being able to change the positioning on the foot pedals, allowing for a custom and comfortable ride.
The price point is also obviously a big plus, making it a value pick compared to some other machines in the $1,000 range.
Overall, the ProForm Carbon E7 is the perfect elliptical for people who want a custom and challenging ride without breaking the bank.
| ✅ PROS | ❌ CONS |
| Power incline for added challenge | Hard to put together |
| Adjustable foot pedals | |
| Tons of workout options | |
| 7” HD touchscreen | |
| Solid value pick |
+ 7" HD touchscreen
+ Adjustable foot pedals
+ Tons of workout options
+ Heavy flywheel for excellent ride
More Elliptical Guides and Reviews
Elliptical Buying Guide – Everything You Need to Know to Buy with Confidence. Want to buy an elliptical but don’t know where to start? Arm yourself with the knowledge to choose the perfect elliptical for you and your workout goals.
ProForm Ellipticals Comparison – Which One is Best for Your Workouts? Wondering which ProForm elliptical is right for you and your home gym? We compare the full range of ProForm ellipticals so that you can buy with confidence.
