I review a LOT of treadmills. It’s easy to get excited about a new product, but there are only a few that I return to months after I’m introduced to them. I dismissed the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill as a boring, low-tech treadmill at first sight, but over a year later, I’m running on it consistently.
The Horizon 7.0 AT has some of my favorite features for a smooth and enjoyable treadmill workout. The simple console is compatible with third-party apps without requiring a subscription. It’s budget-friendly and outperforms more expensive treadmills. My weekly schedule includes walks, intervals, long runs, and easy runs; the Horizon 7.0 AT is versatile enough to handle them all.
It’s not the best-looking treadmill, but I think I can convince you to overlook the aesthetic. Read this review to decide if you should give my top-rated underdog a chance.
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review: Bottom Line
Horizon 7.0 AT vs. Similar Treadmills
The Horizon 7.0 AT’s strengths and weaknesses are easy to see when compared to other treadmills in its category. We’ve tested them all, so check out this summary chart.
 Horizon 7.0 AT |  Sole F63 |  NordicTrack EXP 10i |  ProForm Carbon TLX |  Horizon 7.8 AT | |
| Price (MSRP) | $2,499 | $2,299 | $2,399 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A great budget treadmill for running that’s compact and easy to use with simple non-subscription workouts. | An entry-level treadmill with a high-quality build, impressive training options, and an easy-to-use design, all for an affordable price. | A compact, foldable treadmill with iFIT integration on the 10″ touch screen. | This budget treadmill is great for running and allows you to use it with or without iFIT on your device. | Horizon’s premium model features a quick-adjusting motor, roller dials, and Sprint 8 programming for the ultimate HIIT training treadmill. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Horizon 7.0 AT | Sole F63 | NordicTrack EXP 10i | ProForm Carbon TLX | Horizon 7.8 AT |
| Workout Experience | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Specs / Features | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 7 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
| Build Quality | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Overall Score | 68 | 64 | 70 | 68 | 79 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 8 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | N/A | Free | iFIT – $39/month | iFIT – $39/month | N/A |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | N/A | Netflix, Prime (Beta Testing) | N/A | N/A |
| Display | 7.25″ LCD screen, 4 LED windows | 6.5″ backlit LCD | 10″ HD touchscreen | 7″ high-contrast digital screen | 9.3" TFT LCD screen, 16-digit LED |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 76″ L x 35″ W x 66″ H | 77″L x 35″W x 67″H | 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H | 74.3″ L x 35.1″ W x 59.1″ | 76" L x 37" W x 64" H |
| Deck Size | 20″ x 60″ | 20″ x 60″ | 22″ x 55″ | 20″ x 60″ | 22" x 60" |
| Folding? | |||||
| Treadmill Weight | 277 lbs | 224 lbs | 230 lbs (in box) | 249 lbs (in box) | 330 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 325 lbs | 325 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 375 lbs |
| Motor Size | 3.0 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 2.75 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 4.0 HP |
| Max Speed | 12 mph | 12 mph | 10 MPH | 12 mph | 12 mph |
| Incline/Decline | 0% to 15% | 15 incline levels | 0% to 12% | 0 to 12% | 0 to 15% |
| Warranty | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 2-year deck, 2-year parts, 2-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 10-year frame, 1-year parts, 1-year labor | lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 5-year parts, 2-year labor |
| Additional Features | Bluetooth, Quick Dial controls, 3-zone cushioning | Bluetooth speakers, storage, USB-A charging | AutoAdjust, dual speakers, OneTouch controls | AutoAdjust, storage, Bluetooth | QuickDial controls, Bluetooth speakers, 3-zone cushioning |
Dimensions/Storability
The 7.0 is foldable, which really helps if you need a treadmill that stores. The folding mechanism uses a hydraulic assist, like most models, so you get assistance when lifting the deck. Plus, the deck lowers slowly to the floor itself when it’s unlocked. The Horizon 7.0 AT’s folded dimensions are 48” x 35” 66”. This shrinks the floor space that the 7.0 AT takes up by about 36%!
You press your foot to the metal lever to unlock the deck for unfolding.
For a treadmill capable of handling light to moderate running, it is pretty easy to move around. The wheels are a little small, but they work fine.
Once you tilt back the deck, the front wheels engage, so you can move it around fairly easily.
Unless you are fortunate enough to have a dedicated exercise room or gym in your home, you may be wondering where in the world you are going to fit the Horizon 7.0 AT if you decide to buy it. Unfolded, the Horizon 7.0 AT’s dimensions are 76” x 35” x 66”. You will also want to account for extra space around the treadmill for your safety and the operation of the treadmill.
You will also want to ensure that the ceiling height of the room is adequate for the treadmill. A 6’ runner will want at least 8.5’ ceilings to accommodate running at the highest incline on the 7.0 AT. Therefore, the 7.0 AT should work perfectly in a home with the typical 9’ ceilings (for most users).
Related: The Ultimate Treadmill Buying Guide: What to Look for Before You Invest
Onboard Workouts & Apps
One aspect that we really appreciate from Horizon is that their treadmills are simple to use, and they let you choose how you want to be entertained when running. In a world where it’s hard not to find a screen attached to a treadmill, we’re glad to see Horizon incorporates limited tech on their treadmills.
If you’re looking for a treadmill that offers streaming content on a touch screen, we have plenty of models to check out, like NordicTrack, ProForm, and Bowflex. If you want options from a treadmill’s console that functions more like a standard one you’d find in a gym, then you’re in the right place.
The Horizon 7.0 doesn’t require a monthly subscription and comes with preprogrammed workouts that are built in.
These workout modes include 5k, calories, distance, fat burn, hill climb, and target heart rate. The programs include preset speeds, inclines, and set times. You can customize these modes with specific speeds and grades, as well as use the custom mode to make your own workouts.
There is also a manual mode for doing your own thing. The treadmill will automatically adjust to the preset settings from the programmed workouts, but it doesn’t adjust automatically in manual mode since you’re able to control the treadmill as you go.
The Horizon 7.0 AT is Bluetooth-enabled to connect with apps like Peloton and Zwift. You can also watch whatever you want on your phone/tablet and listen to the content through the 7.0’s speakers. So, for entertainment, this treadmill gives you a good range to choose from.
You can see the treadmill’s speed reflected in the Zwift app when pairing the 7.0.
Console
The display on the console is a 7.25” LCD screen. There are also 4 LED windows below that. As far as visibility, these displays are bright and easy to read. Note: These aren’t touch screens, so you have to use the buttons to navigate through the programs.
The 7.0 feels more similar to an old-school commercial treadmill that you’d find at your local gym when it comes to using the console.
I’ll admit I had to peek at the manual to figure out how to get into the programmed modes. I think spending so much time using touch screens makes me a little inept on equipment that has lower tech.
Each workout program mode has an icon. These look like buttons, but they’re not. The round black button in between the stop and start is where you select the different programmed workouts. It would be nice if these were buttons, but clicking through to select a user and customize a mode is easy enough.
The console can save up to 5 profiles, so the entire family can have their own.
On the display, you’ll see all of your metrics, such as estimated calories, distance, incline, speed, time, and heart rate. Horizon includes a heart rate monitor chest strap so you can do heart rate tracking. There are also pulse grips on the front handles that will read your heart rate when you hold them, but it’s more accurate to use the chest strap.
The 7.25” LCD screen also shows a track to give you a visual motivator when tracking your distance and a bar chart to display where you are in the programmed workout. I think for metrics and visuals, this is all you really need on a basic display such as this one.
The console has a surprising amount of adjustment buttons. On the right and left-hand sides, there are quick-touch buttons. For instance, when you press 5 on the left side, the deck will incline to 5%, and when you press 8 on the right side, the belt will move at 8 mph.
We love using these buttons on treadmills that have them, but I’ve been enjoying using the blue roller adjustments on the front handles. I can quickly roll them with my thumbs to get to specific increments that I can’t adjust to with the quick-touch buttons. Plus, below these on the inside of each handle is another button that you can preset a specific speed and incline level.
The roller adjustments stand out and are well-placed.
The Horizon 7.0 AT connects to your device to play music or whatever content you’re streaming on your phone through the treadmill’s speakers. You can also use the play/pause, stop, next, and back buttons to skip through songs. The circular black button spins to adjust the volume. Unfortunately, the speakers aren’t very loud; my iPhone speaker is a lot louder.
The fan is small and pretty weak, too. I can feel the airflow when I put my hand in front of it, but it isn’t powerful enough to reach my face when I’m walking and running. The Horizon T101 is more powerful and actually effective. You’re better off plugging in your own fan if cardio leaves you in a pool of sweat as it does to me.
There is a pocket to put your water on each side of the display screen. It’s large enough to hold other smaller items you might need nearby, too. They don’t have a front ledge so I was nervous to place my large 40 oz Stanley Cup in them when I was running because the bottle leaks when it’s tipped upside down. Smaller water bottles should be fine though.
There are also two places to set your device for streaming. One is a small ledge below the LCD screen, and the other is at the top of the console, so your device can be closer to your eye level, depending on your height. If you’re like Matt, who’s 6’5”, you’ll be looking down regardless. That’s just the nature of most treadmills, especially more compact models like this one.
There is a small amount of shake, but it isn’t distracting, and my phone stays in place on both device racks.
Overall, the console stays pretty steady even when running.
Related: Treadmill vs Elliptical: Uncovering the Best Machine for Your Fitness Goals
Build Quality
Even though the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is budget-friendly, it’s still of great quality and actually pretty impressive. It’s fairly lightweight at 277 lbs and can handle a good amount of weight with a 325 lb capacity. This is the same as the Sole F63. Considering the 7.0 is priced at just under $1000, this limit indicates a good design.
Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Horizon backs the frame and motor with a lifetime warranty to instill confidence in the construction.
Frame
The Horizon 7.0 AT’s all-black steel frame looks sleeker than the previous version. It isn’t quite as hearty as the Horizon 7.8 AT, but it is about half the price. It’s also a little more compact, so if you’re looking for a treadmill that takes up less space, this is one to consider. The uprights are steel, and they connect to the frame under the deck.
The console fits on top of the uprights. The small amount of movement in the console that I mentioned is normal for treadmills in this price range. A steel crossbar under the console between the uprights would probably help prevent this. However, the shake is very minimal and only at higher speeds.
The handles are pretty standard on the 7.0. The side handles offer some balance assistance, but they aren’t very long, so if you have balance issues, you might want to look into a treadmill with longer handles. The front handles offer assistance. However, I use the blue roller knobs on them to adjust the treadmill more than actually holding them.
Related: Horizon 7.0 AT vs Sole F63: Which One Delivers More Bang for Your Buck?
Motor
The Horizon 7.0 AT has a 3.0 CHP motor. This is on the low end of motor sizes we recommend for running. I wouldn’t use the 7.0 AT for heavy training like running a marathon or even running for, say, 8+ miles per day because the motor isn’t built for it. Instead, it is better for light to moderate use, think around 3-7 miles a day. The maximum speed this treadmill reaches is 12.
This treadmill has a 15% max incline. When we measured the 7.0 AT’s maximum incline, we found this to be very accurate; the incline measured 14.99%. At its “flat” grade, this treadmill had a 0.9% incline, which is typical for a home treadmill. Almost every treadmill we’ve tested was inclined to 1-2% while flat. The 7.0 AT does not decline.
As far as training options, the Horizon 7.0 offers comparable training options to premium treadmills, like the 7.8 AT. The speed and incline range are higher than what we see on lower-end models like the NordicTrack EXP 7i. The motor is also more powerful than the EXP 7i, which only has a 2.6 CHP motor.
We are impressed with how powerful and quiet the motor is.
Horizon Treadmills are quick to adjust. The Horizon 7.0 AT takes 21 seconds to accelerate from 1 mph to 12 mph. It takes 18 seconds to incline from 0 to 15%. For comparison, the incline adjustment is about 50% faster than its competitors. As far as treadmills we’ve tested, Horizon treadmills are the fastest to adjust.
There is a slight delay from when you push a button to when the belt starts adjusting. This is only about 2-3 seconds or so, and even with this tiny lag, these treadmills are still some of the quickest to adjust. When we tested the 7.0, we were happy to see that it adjusts quickly and evenly. It’s actually really comparable to the 7.8 AT, even though it has a smaller motor.
The Horizon 7.0 AT is also very quiet. The motor generates a low amount of sound, and the incline feature hardly makes any noise when the deck is raised and lowered. We measured the noise level of the Horizon 7.0 AT at 3 mph, 6 mph, 9 mph, and 12 mph. The motor noise ranged from 51.5 dB to 67.9 dB.
This noise level is quieter than a washing machine at its loudest and about as loud as an HVAC at its quietest. The incline motor makes the treadmill a little louder, increasing from 51.1 dB to 52.8 dB at 3 mph. So, if you’re looking for a quiet treadmill, this one is an excellent choice. We’re really pleased with how quiet the motor is.
Deck
The running surface of the deck is 20” wide and 60” long.
This is the sweet spot when it comes to deck sizes. This deck has enough room to support long running strides, and the width makes this treadmill more compact. If you like a lot of room width-wise, you might want to look into a model with a 22” wide deck like the 7.4 and 7.8 models. For most people, this deck size is sufficient for everything from walking to sprinting.
Even though this is an affordable midrange model, it has a good amount of cushion in the deck. It isn’t quite as cushioned as the Commercial Series Treadmills from NordicTrack, but it is comfortable and helps reduce the impact that comes with running. It has more cushioning than the Sole F63.
The profile is also pretty low at about 9.5” high from the floor to the top of the side rails when the treadmill is at a 0% grade. When fully inclined, the step-up height, when measured from the floor to the top of the side rail at the front of the deck, is 15”.
This means if you have a lower ceiling, this treadmill could work. However, you’ll still need to factor in the 15% incline range.
Related: Horizon vs ProForm Treadmills: A Must-Read Comparison Before You Buy
Warranty
Horizon has an impressive warranty that’s included with the 7.0 AT Treadmill. Like the higher-end models in the Studio Series, this treadmill comes with a lifetime frame and motor warranty. The 7.0 also comes with 3-year parts and a 1-year labor warranty.
It requires some assembly but wasn’t difficult to set up. If you’ve put together treadmills before, you’ll probably be able to assemble the 7.0 yourself, but having two people for set up is recommended.
Should You Buy the Horizon 7.0 AT
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is an affordable model that performed well for us. It’s quiet, quick to adjust, and comfortable to run on. We recommend looking into the 7.0 if you’re in the market for an affordable treadmill capable of handling walking, jogging, and running.
It’s also great if you want a treadmill with a limited amount of tech. As far as the console and included workouts, this treadmill functions more like one you’d find in the gym. But it’s nice to have the choice of using your device for streaming.
The Horizon 7.0, though, comes with some features that we typically see on premium models, like a 12 mph max speed and 15% incline range. The cushioning is also pretty forgiving and helps lessen the impact that comes from running.
The 7.0 is also excellent if you like doing intervals because it is fast to adjust. I would look into the Horizon 7.8 AT if you want to do extensive training, though, since this model has a motor to support that.
Overall, this treadmill is foldable, fairly compact, easy to move, and comes with an impressive lifetime frame and motor warranty. If all of this sounds good and you like that the Horizon 7.0 AT doesn’t require subscription workout content, then we highly recommend checking it out!
Still unsure? Here are the best Horizon treadmills you need to see
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Q&A / FAQ
Is the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill good for running?
The Horizon 7.0 AT is designed for running as a part of Horizon’s studio series. The 7.0 AT has a 3.0 HP motor, a 0 to 15% incline range, a spacious running deck, and a speed range of 0 to 12 mph. It is great for runners who are training daily or need a backup option for their typical outdoor activities.
What is the speed range of the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill?
The Horizon 7.0 AT has a speed range of 0 to 12 miles per hour. The Quick Adjust Dial controls make the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill a really intuitive treadmill to use and adjust on the fly.
What is the weight capacity of the Horizon 7.0 AT?
The Horizon 7.0 AT supports a maximum user weight capacity of 325 lbs.
Is Horizon a good brand?
Horizon is a great treadmill brand that offers durable home treadmills at a reasonable price. The treadmills have lifetime motor and frame warranties. Horizon prioritizes affordability over high-tech features and sleek aesthetics.
Horizon treadmills do not require a subscription digital fitness platform and do not have touchscreen displays. Yet, Horizon treadmills connect via Bluetooth to many popular training apps. All in all, Horizon is a great treadmill brand that makes quality treadmills within reach of a wider range of budgets.
Is your Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill review a paid review?
We were not paid for this Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill review or our other treadmill reviews. We receive treadmills for free from brands or purchase them ourselves. Because we work with all major home treadmill brands like Horizon, NordicTrack, Sole, and ProForm, we keep our reviews as neutral as possible.
We want to ensure that you are matched to the best treadmill so you will continue to trust our recommendations and return to our expert resources when you are looking to expand your home gym again.
How do we make money if we aren’t paid for the reviews? We include affiliate links in each of our reviews. Whenever you make a purchase through one of these links, we are paid a commission. Your cost of purchasing the item is not affected by this process. We appreciate your support and encourage you to use our links if you found our reviews helpful!
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