Horizon 5.0 AT Treadmill Review 2024: Upgraded Indoor Walks

Dimensions/Storability

The Horizon 5.0 AT is a compact and lightweight treadmill due to its size and weight. Its dimensions are 71” L x 33” W x 57” H. It weighs 180 lbs. Yes, there are more compact treadmills, like WalkingPads, but for a treadmill with a deck that folds up and locks into place, the 5.0 AT is small.

It should be simple to fold up. It’s the same weight and size as the Horizon T101 and this deck I can lift to fold with one hand. There is a system in the deck to help fold it and when unfolded, the deck slow lowers on its own.

There are two transportation wheels. When tipped back (while folded), the 5.0 can be moved around. It isn’t realistic to heave it up and down stairs, but from room to room occasionally, you can move this treadmill around.

For floor space, it’s a good idea to factor the overall dimensions plus a few feet surrounding the treadmill, especially at the rear of the deck, to ensure you have enough space. The deck height is fairly low, but when inclined I would recommend having at least an 8.5’ high ceiling if you’re 6’ tall.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

In a market that’s become oversaturated with treadmills with touchscreens, I appreciate Horizon’s treadmills, even if they all look rather outdated. You won’t find a touchscreen on the 5.0 AT. This means it doesn’t include any subscription content to stream directly from the treadmill.

If you’re looking for a treadmill with subscription training content, I would consider the NordicTrack EXP 7i, but if you want to use your budget treadmill with training apps, keep reading.

Onboard Workouts

The Horizon 5.0 AT has standard workout programs. These include calorie, distance, fatburn, hill climb, intervals, and manual. You should be able to customize your time, speed, and incline levels in each of these workout modes.

Your basic metrics such as calories, distance, heart rate, incline, speed, and time are tracked on the console during your workout.

What makes the 5.0 a step-up from the T101 is its Bluetooth connectivity. Not only can you wear a compatible heart rate tracker and track your heart rate on the console, but you can also pair the 5.0 AT with apps like Peloton, Kinomap, Zwift, and more. You can link your workout metrics with Strava and more.

So, if you like using different training apps, you can use this budget treadmill.

Related: 8 Running Benefits for your Body, Brain, and Well-Being

Console

The console has four LED window screens that display your workout metrics. You should be able to see and read everything clearly. The “Change Display” and “Enter” buttons are there to choose between the different workout programs. The arrowed adjustment buttons are for adjusting the speed and incline up and down.

You can also use the numbered buttons on either side of the console to adjust the speed (right) and incline. These make interval training easy because you can simply press a button to jump to specific speed and incline levels quickly.

The blue roller adjustment dials are for adjusting the treadmill quickly. These are meant to be right under your thumbs for fast adjustments. I like how they’re angled to hold onto more naturally when adjusting the treadmill. They also have pulse grips to hold onto to read your heart rate.

The console has a fan and Bluetooth-enabled speakers. The fan is small but should be fairly effective, like the T101’s. The speakers will play music from your device through them. They might be a little weak, but we won’t know for sure until we test the 5.0 AT.

I like that the cup holders are molded to hold your water more securely. They’re open shelves on Horizon’s other treadmills that hold your water, but these look like an upgrade. There is also a device rack at the top of the console.

You’ll need to use the device rack if you want to stream content and/or connect your phone to the treadmill.

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Build Quality

The overall construction specs indicate that the Horizon 5.0 AT is more similar to the Horizon T101 than the Horizon 7.0 AT. I wasn’t sure at first because of this treadmill’s name.

The 5.0 AT has a 300-lb weight limit. For its price, at well under $1000 (at the time of writing this), this is a good weight limit. It is also a good weight limit for the 5.0 AT’s size and weight.

Frame

The steel frame is like other treadmills with folding decks. The steel frame sits below the front part of the deck. From the frame on the floor, two steel uprights extend up to hold the console in place. There is also a metal crossbar mounted between the uprights, under the console, to help keep it steady and add stability to the treadmill.

Whenever I see a budget treadmill with a crossbar, I get excited because it usually means that the machine can handle a good amount of use for its size and price. It also means that the console most likely shakes considerably less than budget and small treadmills without crossbars.

The side handles and front handles with the roller dials and pulse grips should offer plenty of options when you need the support.

Motor

It’s unclear the exact size of the 5.0’s motor. Horizon doesn’t have it listed, but I’m here to speculate. I think it is a 2.5 CHP or 2.75 CHP motor. The T101 has a 2.5 CHP motor and the latter.

I doubt the motor is 3.0 or higher. Considering its size and price range, a 2.5-2.75 CHP makes sense. This is the size we see in most walking treadmills. 3.0 is what we like to see in treadmills we recommend for running, like the 7.0 AT.

The Horizon 5.0 AT should handle light to moderate training. This could mean walking for up to 5 (maybe more) miles per day or doing walking and jogging intervals for an hour or so every day. The usage of what a treadmill handles can vary depending on the type of use and weight of the user.

The 5.0 goes up to 10 mph which is a decent pace. It has 10% incline range, too. There’s plenty of speed and incline to choose from for challenging workouts.

We’ve had numerous Horizon treadmills in our studio, and pretty much all of them have been quiet. Horizon has some of the quietest treadmills that we’ve found in our testing. The brand also has quick-adjusting motors. Even the T101 is quicker to adjust than other brands.

I assume the 5.0 AT will be quiet and responsive to use in most homes and for interval training.

Related: Treadmill vs Rowing Machine: A Head-to-Head Comparison for Fitness Enthusiasts

Deck

The deck is 20” wide by 55” long. This is a compact deck size. For running, 60” in length is optimal. Folks will have plenty of room for walking, while individuals with shorter running strides will be able to jog and run at higher speeds on the 5.0.

Matt, who is 6’5”, can jog on the T101, which has the same deck size.

The Horizon 5.0 AT has Horizon’s 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning. It is designed to have different cushioning for when you land. You’ll probably be hard-pressed to notice the different cushioning zones in the deck, but overall it should feel fairly soft and absorbent underfoot.

Horizon doesn’t have the softest deck cushioning in their treadmills, but they’re more forgiving than many brands.

Warranty

Horizon includes a lifetime frame and deck warranty with the 5.0 AT. A 1-year parts and labor warranty is also included. We like seeing this kind of warranty with any treadmill, but we really appreciate it with a budget treadmill.

Should You Buy The Horizon 5.0 AT Treadmill?

If you’re looking for a treadmill for marathon training or to use for a few hours every day I would look into another treadmill. But if you’re looking for a compact treadmill to get some steps on each day, while saving some money, then the Horizon 5.0 AT is an excellent option.

This treadmill is simple with a straightforward design. Yeah, it isn’t as fancy as some treadmills, but for its price, the 5.0 AT makes up for its looks. Plus, with its size and weight, this treadmill can work in most homes. The deck folds up and it should be pretty easy for most people to move around from time to time.

The Horizon T101 has been around for years. It’s popular and has been a durable little treadmill for us. The 5.0 AT is a little different than the T101. It has a very similar construction, but the 5.0 has more Bluetooth connectivity to use with different training apps and a compatible heart rate tracker.

If training with an app like Peloton, Zwift, or using Strava while tracking your heart rate on the console is important to you, I would look into the Horizon 5.0 AT Treadmill.

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Looking for more options? Take a look at our list of top-rated Horizon treadmills

Horizon 5.0 AT Treadmill FAQ’s / Q&A’s

Can you run on the Horizon 5.0 AT Treadmill?

People with shorter running strides should be able to run on the 5.0 AT. It has a 55” long deck. For running, we recommend a 60” long deck for most people, but if you have a short stride, you’ll be able to run on 55”. The 5.0 AT is best for walking and some jogging overall, though.

How heavy is the Horizon 5.0 AT?

The Horizon 5.0 AT weighs 180 lbs.

Is this a paid review?

We were not paid to write this review of the Horizon 5.0. We work with Horizon and other brands to test equipment and write reviews. We make money through our affiliate links. This allows us to test and review equipment. By working with various brands, we can try out different machines to help consumers gain insight into which one they should buy.

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Related Articles:

• Horizon 7.4 AT Review: Discover the Key Features That Make It Stand Out
• Is the Horizon 7.8 AT Worth the Investment? Our In-Depth Review
• Horizon T101 Review: The Budget-Friendly Treadmill You’ve Been Waiting For