Matrix Steppers Comparison Chart
Matrix steppers are built for commercial environments where durability, smooth motion, and clear workout feedback matter. The S7xi and S7xe sit at the top of the line with 16 inch touch screens, extensive metrics, and strong connectivity, while the S3x keeps the same mechanical stepping platform with a simpler LED console and self powered option. All three models share a 12.2 inch step range, comfortable 3.3 inch pedal spacing, ergonomic handlebars, and a 400 pound max user weight rating. Where they differ is in display technology, entertainment, networking, Virtual Active support, and whether the unit is powered from mains or can run on self generated power. This comparison breaks down those differences so you can quickly decide which Matrix stepper best fits your facility, members, and budget.
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Matrix S7xi Stepper
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Matrix S7xe Stepper
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Matrix S3x Stepper
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|
|---|---|---|---|
| Step Range | 31 cm / 12.2" |
31 cm / 12.2" |
31 cm / 12.2" |
| Contact & Telemetric HR | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Pedal Spacing | 8.4 cm / 3.3" |
8.4 cm / 3.3" |
8.4 cm / 3.3" |
| Handlebar Design | Ergonomically designed handrails and ergo form grips |
Ergonomically designed handrails and ergo form grips |
Ergonomically designed handrails and ergo form grips |
| Remote Buttons | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Display Type | 41 cm / 16" class projective capacitive touchscreen LCD |
41 cm / 16" class touchscreen LCD |
Dot-matrix LED with profile display |
| Display Feedback | Time of Day, Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Total Program Time, Total Steps, Floors Climbed, Calories, Calories per Hour, Level, Speed, SPM, Average SPM, Heart Rate, Peak Heart Rate, METs, Watts, Dynamic Profile Display, Static Profile Display |
Time of Day, Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Total Program Time, Total Steps, Floors Climbed, Calories, Calories per Hour, Level, Speed, SPM, Average SPM, Heart Rate, Peak Heart Rate, METs, Watts, Dynamic Profile Display, Static Profile Display |
Time of Day, Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Total Program Time, Speed, Floors Climbed, Calories, METs, Watts, SPM, Heart Rate, Level, Workout Profile |
| Secondary Data Display | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| User-defined Multi-language Display | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese (s), Chinese (t), Japanese, Korean, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Polish, Welsh, Basque, Vietnamese, Somali, Danish |
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese (s), Chinese (t), Japanese, Korean, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Polish, Welsh, Basque, Vietnamese, Somali, Danish |
Accessible only through Manager Menu: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Swedish, Finnish, Turkish, Polish |
| Resistance Range | 1–25 |
1–25 |
1–25 |
| Workouts | Manual, Rolling Hills, Target HR, Interval Training, Fat Burn, Stepper Fitness Test, Time Goal, Calorie Goal, Floor Goal, Landmarks, Virtual Active |
Manual, Rolling Hills, Target HR, Interval Training, Fat Burn, Stepper Fitness Test, Time Goal, Calorie Goal, Floor Goal, Landmarks |
Manual, Target HR, Interval Training, Constant Watts, Fat Burn, Fitness Test |
| CSAFE Ready | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| IPTV Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Pro:Idiom Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
Optional – add-on TV |
| FitTouch Technology | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Instant On Technology | N/A: Powered |
N/A: Powered |
Yes |
| One-button Start | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| On-the-fly Program Change | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Integrated Vista Clear Television Technology | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| FITCONNEXION Ready | No |
No |
Yes |
| Ethernet Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| WiFi Enabled | Yes |
Yes |
Optional |
| Bluetooth Enabled | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Connects to Apple Watch | Included with RFID |
Included with RFID |
No |
| iPod/iPhone Compatible | Made for iPod, iPhone |
Made for iPod, iPhone |
Charging only |
| Multimedia Playback | Compatible with most tablets and smartphones |
Compatible with most tablets and smartphones |
No |
| Personal Fan | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Personal Trainer Portal Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| USB Port | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Virtual Active Compatible | Included |
Yes |
No |
| Asset Management Compatible | Included |
Yes |
Yes |
| Workout Tracking Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Web Connectivity | Custom app interface in addition to web browser |
Optional |
No |
| Facility Communication Portal / Calendar | Programmed through Asset Management |
Optional |
No |
| RFID Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Pause Function | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Reading Rack | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Resistance Technology | Hybrid generator |
Hybrid generator |
Hybrid generator |
| Power Requirements | Powered 100v-240v – 50/60Hz AC |
Powered 100v-240v – 50/60Hz AC |
Self-powered / powered 100v-240v – 50/60Hz AC* |
| Minimum Watts | 18 powered |
18 powered |
18 powered / 18 self-powered |
| Assembled Dimensions | 115 x 83 x 178 cm / 45.1" x 32.7" x 70.2" |
115 x 83 x 178 cm / 45.1" x 32.7" x 70.2" |
115 x 83 x 176 cm / 45.1" x 32.7" x 69.4" |
| Max User Weight | 182 kg / 400 lbs. |
182 kg / 400 lbs. |
182 kg / 400 lbs. |
| Assembled Weight | 117.7 kg / 259 lbs. |
117.7 kg / 259 lbs. |
117.2 kg / 258 lbs. |
Which Matrix Stepper Should You Buy?
When choosing a Matrix stepper, focus on how much tech and connectivity you really need on top of the shared mechanical platform.
- Best Premium Connected Experience: Pick the Matrix S7xi if you want the most advanced console, 16 inch HD touchscreen, Virtual Active included, full web browser, app style interface, Bluetooth, WiFi, IPTV, and RFID. Ideal for flagship health clubs and performance gyms that emphasize tech and entertainment.
- Best High End Screen Without Full Web Focus: Choose the Matrix S7xe if you want a large 16 inch touchscreen, Virtual Active, and strong connectivity but can live without the full xi web experience. It still feels premium on the floor but saves some cost versus the S7xi.
- Best Value Workhorse: The Matrix S3x is the right call if you care more about reliable step performance and less about rich entertainment. It delivers the same step range, pedal spacing, and weight capacity with a simpler LED console and self powered option, which can reduce operating costs and simplify installation.
For tech focused clubs, S7xi is the obvious flagship. For facilities balancing budget and experience, S7xe lands in the sweet spot. For budget conscious or high traffic locations that just need a durable stepper, S3x is the most practical option.
FAQs
Do all Matrix steppers use the same step motion?
Yes. The S7xi, S7xe, and S3x all share a 12.2 inch step range, 3.3 inch pedal spacing, and the same ergonomic handlebar design, so the basic feel is consistent across models.
Which Matrix stepper is best for entertainment and apps?
The S7xi is the most advanced option, with a 16 inch touchscreen, Virtual Active content included, web browser, IPTV support, Bluetooth, WiFi, and full multimedia playback.
Does the Matrix S3x need to be plugged in?
The S3x is self powered with an optional external power connection. It can run on user generated power for normal operation, which helps reduce power consumption.
Are all three Matrix steppers suitable for heavy commercial use?
Yes. S7xi, S7xe, and S3x are all rated for up to 400 pounds and built around the same commercial frame and hybrid generator resistance, making them suitable for busy gyms.
How do S7xi and S7xe differ from each other?
Both share the same mechanics and basic metrics. The main differences are in console and connectivity, with S7xi offering the richer HD interface, stronger web integration, and slightly more advanced software features.