The Horizon T101 is a budget-friendly treadmill at the crossroads where cost and quality meet. At less than $700, some might worry that this treadmill isn’t built to last. Most ”quality” machines range from $1500 to $3000 and up, so why should you take home a treadmill far below that range?
Imagine buying an expensive treadmill that doesn’t meet your expectations or stops working after six months. That fear alone can deter people from making the purchase altogether. Unfortunately, this fear is common and can put a big speed bump in your fitness journey.
Don’t worry; we’re here to help you reach your fitness goals! We’ve put miles and miles on the T101 to determine if this treadmill should earn a space in your home. Despite its compact size, the Horizon T101’s performance has continually impressed us and become a standout in the Horizon treadmill lineup. Keep reading to learn why we love it and how it stacks up against similar treadmills.
Horizon T101 Treadmill Review: The Bottom Line
Horizon T101 Treadmill vs Similar Treadmills
Here’s a quick comparison chart of the Horizon T101 vs other treadmills in its class.
 Horizon T101 |  Sole F63 |  NordicTrack EXP 10i |  ProForm Carbon TLX |  Horizon 7.0 AT | |
| Price (MSRP) | $2,299 | $2,299 | $2,499 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The Horizon T101 is one of the best-selling models in its price range and is a great option if you are looking for a treadmill for walking or light jogging. | 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. | A compact, budget-friendly running treadmill with a foldable deck, simple design, and connectivity options. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | Horizon T101 | Sole F63 | NordicTrack EXP 10i | ProForm Carbon TLX | Horizon 7.0 AT |
| Workout Experience | 6 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Specs / Features | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 6 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
| Build Quality | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Overall Score | 64 | 64 | 70 | 68 | 68 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 6 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| 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 | 3 LED windows | 6.5″ backlit LCD | 10″ HD touchscreen | 7″ high-contrast digital screen | 7.25″ LCD screen, 4 LED windows |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 71″ L x 34″ W x 57″ 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 35″ W x 67″ H |
| Deck Size | 20“ x 55” | 20″ x 60″ | 22″ x 55″ | 20″ x 60″ | 20″ x 60″ |
| Treadmill Weight | 180 lbs | 224 lbs | 230 lbs (in box) | 249 lbs (in box) | 277 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 325 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 325 lbs |
| Motor Size | 2.5 HP | 3.0 CHP | 2.75 CHP | 3.0 CHP | 3.0 HP |
| Max Speed | 10 MPH | 12 mph | 10 MPH | 12 mph | 12 mph |
| Incline/Decline | 0% to 10% | 15 incline levels | 0% to 12% | 0 to 12% | 0% to 15% |
| Warranty | lifetime frame & motor, 1-year parts & 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, 3-year parts, 1-year labor |
| Additional Features | Bluetooth speakers, EasyDial controls, device rack | Bluetooth speakers, storage, USB-A charging | AutoAdjust, dual speakers, OneTouch controls | AutoAdjust, storage, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Quick Dial controls, Gymkit Technology |
Dimensions/Storability
The Horizon T101 is a compact foldable treadmill. When unfolded it is 71” L x 34” W x 57” H. When the deck is folded up, this treadmill is only 46” long. This feature helps to save a lot of floor space.
The folding mechanism uses a hydraulic system that assists when folding and unfolding the deck. You push the spring under the deck when it’s folded with your foot to unlock it and from there the deck will slowly lower to the floor. When lifting the deck up, you’ll feel the hydraulic assist kick in so you don’t feel the entire weight of the deck.
This system makes the T101 relatively easy for most people to fold and unfold.
You do have to tilt back the deck when it’s folded to engage the wheels, but once you do, the T101 can be wheeled around. It would be nice to have a handle below the back of the deck for lifting and transporting, but all of our team is still able to move it without one. The T101 weighs 180 lbs, which is a good amount of weight, but folding and moving it is pretty easy for most.
The two transport wheels make it convenient to move when needed.
Even with its compact size, the Horizon T101 still needs some extra floor space beyond its total footprint. We recommend factoring in a few feet of additional space surrounding the deck for this treadmill and any other treadmills. This will help you use it safely.
Your ceiling height is also important to consider. The T101 has a pretty low profile at around 8” high. This is the height of the deck to the top of the side rails when it’s at a flat 0% grade. For someone who is 6 feet tall, we recommend having at least an 8.5-foot tall ceiling to ensure plenty of head clearance. Check out our article on proper ceiling heights for treadmills to determine if your ceiling and your height will work for the T101.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
The majority of motorized treadmills that get delivered to our studio nowadays come with touch screens embedded into the console. Most often, subscription content is on the touch screen, which you must pay a monthly fee to access. We didn’t expect the Horizon T101 to have a touch screen or offer subscription training content; it doesn’t make sense for a treadmill priced below $1000. We also don’t really see touch screens on treadmills in this price range.
Onboard Workouts
The T101 has a simple console that includes workout programs. It is a great option if you just want a treadmill that you can hop on and go and do your own thing. When creating this Horizon T101 review, we were pleased by how simple this console is to use.
As far as technology is concerned, the T101 has less than most models – even the ones that just have preprogrammed workouts.
For basic functions and included programs, the T101 does just fine. Included on the console are six different workout modes: manual, fat burn, intervals, distance, calories, and hill climb. In most of these modes, you can customize the time, speed, and incline. In several of them, you also have different levels to choose from with preset settings to follow along with. Preprogrammed workouts are all generally standard.
If you do want a treadmill with subscription training content and a touch screen, like the NordicTrack EXP 7i, you’re going to pay more than what the T101 costs.
The T101 also includes the basics for tracking metrics. These consist of calories, distance, heart rate, incline, speed, and time. Something to keep in mind, though, is that your heart rate is only tracked by the pulse grips on the front handles. The Horizon T101 doesn’t connect to a heart rate monitor for more accurate tracking. The pulse grips only work when you’re holding onto both.
Related: Treadmill vs Rowing Machine: Which Is Better for Your Fitness Goals?
Console
The Horizon T101 doesn’t include a touch screen or even an LCD screen. Instead, there are 3 LED windows to see your metrics. The far left window displays time and calories, the middle displays speed and incline settings, and the right window shows your distance and heart rate. As far as updates to the tech in the console from the previous version, there hasn’t been much.
The windows are bright to easily see.
Navigating the console is pretty straightforward, but overall, the console doesn’t have many buttons. The icons for the programs aren’t buttons. Instead, you must use the speed and incline arrowed buttons, “change display,” and “enter” buttons to select and change the settings of the preprogrammed workouts. This is all fine and fairly intuitive.
There are a good number of buttons to adjust the speed and incline of the treadmill, though. Beyond the arrowed speed and incline buttons and the start and stop buttons in the middle/lower portion of the console, there are quick-touch buttons on either side. These are numbered, with the right side being for speed and the left for incline. When you press, for example, six on the right, the treadmill adjusts to 6 mph.
These are easy to reach and appreciated for quickly adjusting the treadmill.
There are blue roller adjustment dials on the front handles. You can simply use your hand to roll the dial forward or back to increase and decrease the speed and incline. The right side is for the speed, and the left is for the incline. These are fun to use and similar in function to the Peloton Tread. They don’t feel as smooth to roll as the Horizon 7.0 and 7.8, but they work well to get to specific increments like, 4.7 mph, quickly.
The speakers are small but front-facing to project at you. We wish they were a little more powerful, though. The speakers are Bluetooth enabled, so you can pair them with your device to play your own audio through the speakers. This is an appreciated feature, but for the sound, my iPhone speaker is louder. I would recommend using your own speaker for music. This is a small con, though, considering how well-priced the T101 is.
The fan is small but pretty effective. I’m about 5’1”, and it hits my neck when I’m using the T101. It’s obviously not the most powerful fan, but for its size and that it’s built into the console, it works great.
Finally, for storage, there are two pockets for items like your water bottle and whatever else you need nearby.
My iPhone fits in them, but there’s a device rack that’s convenient when you’re streaming content from your phone or tablet. This way, you can take trainer-led content from platforms like iFit and Peloton while using the T101 if that’s your thing. You could also just put the treadmill in front of a TV. The console is certainly low enough to watch a TV screen.
Build Quality
The Horizon T101 Treadmill is a steal at well under $1000, especially considering its size, training capabilities, and overall construction. If you were to buy a treadmill at a similar price point of around $500-$700 from brands that only sell treadmills on Amazon, you’d most likely get a treadmill that’s a fraction of the size and quality of the T101.
Typical treadmills in this price range have stature and capabilities similar to those of the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Strider, for instance. This treadmill has a similar price tag but, overall, is a much more compact and less powerful treadmill than the T101.
The Smart Strider has a 250 lb capacity versus the 300 lb limit the T101 is rated with. This means that the T101 can handle users up to this limit, which is a pretty nice capacity considering its size and price.
Related: Treadmill Safety: Protect Yourself with These Expert Tips
Frame
The frame makes the T101 really sturdy to use.
The steel frame is typical for treadmills of this size. On a lot of cheaper models, we like to see steel crossbars mounted in between the uprights under the console to help add stability to the machine. The T101 does just fine without one! There’s minimal movement in the console, even when running at high speeds.
To be honest, I only noticed the movement because my giant 40 oz Stanley Cup started to shake a little bit when I got up to 9 mph. My water bottle and hydration needs are a bit extra compared to most, though, so it’s understandable this happened. Regular water bottles should work better.
The frame makes the Horizon T101 feel incredibly stable and solid. The new model actually feels more solid than the previous one, which was already pretty hearty. It’s gained about 15 lbs of pure muscle (or steel), so we’re waiting for its diet and workout regime to drop any day now.
The handles are sufficient and easy to grab when you need them. The front handles are separated by the console and multi-functional with pulse grips and roller-dial adjustments. The side handles have a nice foam coating that doesn’t feel slippery.
Motor
The motor is 2.5 CHP. For this motor size, we recommend primarily walking and light jogging. The T101 performs well and can handle both. It isn’t appropriate for intense training. As far as noise, the drive motor is pretty quiet. When we tested the sound at 3, 6, 9, and 10 mph, it ranged from just 49.6 dB up to 66 dB at its max speed.
This sound range is comparable to having low music in the background when at a walking pace and a window fan on high at a running pace.
For training options, the T101 goes up to 10 mph and has a 10% incline.
The incline makes a small amount of noise on top of the drive motor when the deck is being adjusted. At 3 and 6 mph, the decibels ranged from 56.5 to 61 dB.
For a budget treadmill, this is a great deal of speed and incline. Ten mph is a 6-minute mile running pace. Comparable models that are priced slightly more, like NordicTrack EXP 7i, have similar training capabilities. When we measured the accuracy of the incline range, the Horizon T101 inclines up to 11% versus the listed 10%.
The deck, when flat, is at a 0.9% grade. Most treadmills we’ve measured are actually at around a 1 to 1.5% incline, so the T101 is pretty accurate. When you’re walking and running on the deck, it feels flat so you won’t notice the very slight incline when the treadmill is set to level 0.
Something else surprising about the Horizon T101 is that the motor is quick to get up to speed. It’s actually very comparable with how responsive the Horizon 7.8 AT is. The T101 takes around 20 seconds to go from 1 mph to 10 mph and only 16 seconds to fully incline.
Horizon Treadmills are some of the fastest adjusting that we’ve tested so we’re pleased to see they incorporate that efficiency even in their lowest-end model.
Related: Is Running Barefoot on a Treadmill Safe?
Deck
The deck is 20” x 55”. All users should have plenty of room for walking. Some with shorter running strides will be able to jog and even run. I have a fairly short running stride and am 5’1”, so I can run on the T101 at its highest speeds. Our team’s tallest reviewer, Matt, who is 6’5”, can walk and jog at lower speeds on the deck.
He isn’t able to fully run, however, he doesn’t have a very long stride length when jogging.
This deck size is similar to the EXP 7i. For cushioning, it feels more similar to the Horizon 7.0 AT than the NordicTrack EXP 7i and Sole F63. The EXP 7i is slightly softer underfoot. It is, however, much more cushioned than the Sole F63, which is firm to run on. The Horizon T101 feels comfortable, and the cushioning absorbs the impact of running and walking. We are impressed with how cushioned the deck is for such an inexpensive machine.
We’re impressed with how comfortable this deck is.
Overall, we are really pleased with the Horizon T101 Treadmill. Horizon continues to keep the integrity of the T101 as well as the affordable price point, through upgraded models. The build quality, construction, usability, and training capabilities of the T101 are comparable to higher-end machines. Plus, it’s worth noting again how solid this treadmill feels to walk and run on.
Warranty
To complement and instill confidence in the construction, Horizon includes a lifetime frame and motor warranty, which we really appreciate. A 1-year warranty for parts and labor is included too. Assembling the T101 is pretty straightforward, and the manual takes you through the process step-by-step. We suggest having two people for set up to keep the process smooth.
Should You Buy The Horizon T101 Treadmill
For an entry-level treadmill, the Horizon T101 is a very impressive and hearty machine. It is a compact treadmill that folds up, so it’s a good option if you need a smaller treadmill for your home. We love the T101 for walking and jogging. It’s our pick as the best treadmill for walking because of its quality, ease of use, and comfortability. The deck handles most users’ walking and jogging strides. Those with shorter running strides should be able to run on the deck, too.
If you’re looking for an affordable treadmill to walk and jog on, the T101 is one of our top recommendations. It is stable to use, quiet, and simple. For its price, the Horizon T101 is everything you could ask for in a compact treadmill and more.
Still unsure? Here are the most popular Horizon treadmills you should consider
Horizon T101 Treadmill Review FAQs / Q&As
Is the Horizon T101 good for running?
We recommend the Horizon T101 for mainly walking and jogging. Users with shorter running strides will be able to run on the 55” long deck, too. We prefer 60” in length when recommending treadmills for running, so some runners might not have enough space to run at the T101’s higher speeds. Those who do have enough room on the deck should find the Horizon T101 to be good for light amounts of running.
Does the Horizon T101 fold up?
The Horizon T101 has a deck that folds up. It uses a hydraulic assist so when you lift the back end of the deck, you don’t have to lift its entire weight. The deck locks in place once folded and slowly lowers to the floor when unfolded. It also has two front transport wheels to move it around when it’s folded.
Are Horizon Treadmills reliable?
In our testing, we’ve found Horizon Treadmills to be reliable, quiet, and stable to use. We’ve had some models for years and found that they hold up well with regular use. With proper usage and regular maintenance, your Horizon treadmill should last and be reliable.
Is our Horizon T101 Treadmill review a paid review?
Our review of the Horizon T101 isn’t paid for by Horizon Fitness. This review reflects our unbiased opinion based on our testing process and regular use of the T101. Horizon, along with other brands, send us their treadmills and other fitness equipment to test and compile reviews of.
Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed buying decisions when it comes to finding the best treadmill for you. We work to test all kinds of brands and treadmills, so when we recommend models, we do so because we have found them to be the absolute best on the market.
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I live in the 13760 postal in central New York. Where can I find this machine to try?
How much would it cost? Would the company deliver and install it”
Patricia,
In your area, Dicks Sporting Goods sells the Horizon treadmills. Due to COVID, Dicks is currently closed in most locations (I don’t know about yours), but stores are slowly opening and you may find a Horizon T101 at your local Dicks if they reopen in the next few weeks. If you don’t want to wait, you can order one directly from Horizon. They will deliver, but not assemble the treadmill. We’ve assembled many treadmills here at Guru and they aren’t as complicated as it would seem. Either way, the Horizon T101 is a good option for at-home walking. Good luck!
Hello, I really enjoyed reading your research on each treadmill! It really helps customers get a broad view of the top 10 treadmills! I would like to know where can I find info about Horizon T303? I understand this is the most current model? Do you have any reviews on this particular model? Thank you for this platform!
Thanks Linda! The Horizon T303 is currently out of stock, but Horizon is working to get it in again soon. We don’t have a review of that model, but we have been impressed with Horizon’s treadmills and the T303 is the highest model in their Go-Series lineup. We may be able to review that one in the future, but currently we don’t have that model in our studio. Good luck in your search!
Would you recommend this treadmill for moderate intervals? I’m looking for a treadmill that I can use 3-5 times per week for 30-45 min at a time. I usually do 5 min intervals where I walk for 4 min (4 mph) and run for 1 min (max 6.5-7.5 mph). I am short (5’2″ and 135 lbs). I keep seeing that the T101 is a walking treadmill and not sure if it’s worth it to upgrade based on what I need.
Hanna,
If you’re only running for one minute with four minutes of walking, you’ll be fine. Especially since you are a lighter person. We don’t recommend the T101 for long, fast distances, but for short sprints and/or slower speeds, it should handle it just fine.
I am 180lbs, 5’9″ and run 3 times a week for 30 mins. I run at a moderate pace there 10 MPH will be more than enough speed. Would the T101 be too entry level or should I consider the next model up T202? I see the T202 is slightly bigger but still compact but does have a larger jogging area. It is 2 inches wider than the T101. You expert opinion will really help me decide. The T202 is about $400 more. Thank you.
Phil,
That’s a good question. For running we usually recommend a motor that is close to 3.0 horsepower if possible. The T202 will probably be a better choice based on your weight and projected usage. The larger deck offers more room as well. A slightly stronger motor helps maintain higher speeds for longer distances without overheating or premature failure. If you can manage the price jump, we would recommend the T202. Right now the T202 is only $150 more (USD), which is a really good deal. However, Lifetime backs up all their treadmills with a full lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, so you could opt for the T101 with the warranty as backup should you have any issues. We are consistently impressed with Horizon’s treadmills so it’s hard to go wrong with either one. Good luck!
Wow, You really seem to know what you are talking about. I am looking at the Horizon T101 (5’11’, 170 lbs)), We live in Nanuet, NY in Rockland County. . Dicks Is less expensive than from the manufacturer actually . Dicks will curbside it only due to COVID. . The big 2 issues I have are getting it up 13 stairs and then assembly. Do you know if there is a local place that might do this for a fee of course? Thank you.
Steven,
Due to Covid restrictions, most delivery companies won’t carry your treadmill into your house beyond the front entryway. We recommend assembling the treadmill in the room you plan to use it. It’s much easier to carry a large box upstairs than a huge treadmill. We’ve put together all our treadmills here and while it does take a bit of time, you can easily do it with two people. None of the parts is heavy or hard to lift. You just need two people so one person can hold the part while the other screws it in. All assembly tools are included.
Getting the box up the stairs could be accomplished by four large friends if you have anyone on hand who would walk it up for you. We don’t recommend using delivery/assembly services because we find there are more mistakes when machines are assembled by a third party. Owners tend to be more careful.
Hi, Your reviews and videos are so helpful! I log about 10-15 miles per week usually done in run/walk intervals with paces around 11-13 mins per mile. My long runs are about 5 miles but will be training for a half over the summer and may need to do longer runs on a treadmill. Again the pace is pretty slow. Is the Horizon 101 too entry-level? Was also looking at the 7.0 AT and the NordicTrack 1750, though the latter may be more than I need. I am in a condo with limited space so trying to weigh my options. Thanks!
Kate,
I think you’ll be fine with the T101. It should support your pace easily. It’s also compact and would work well in an apartment. Good luck!
Hi, love reading your reviews and watching your youtube videos. I’ve been researching for a week and I think this machine would be perfect for me 5’5 120 lbs. However, my husband is 6’1 & 190lbs. Neither one of us runs, maybe a light jog. We both prefer to walk and use the incline. Would this machine work for him? Thank you!
Devenie,
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoy our channel. The T101 is a hearty little treadmill. It will support you fine and your husband should be good too. My only concern is at 6’1″ he may find the deck a bit small. The T202 is only $100 more and it is 60″ long rather than 55″. For our taller users over 6 feet we usually recommend a minimum length of 60″. Either one should have enough power. Good luck!
Hi there! Thanks for your great review. I am in an apartment so I’m looking for a quiet treadmill. I am a bit over the 250 lbs you recommend for the T101. Would the T202 be as quiet, or a quiet option? I mostly want it for walking.
Vicky,
I wouldn’t recommend the T101 for you. The T202 or even T303 would be better. It is quiet and great for walking.
Hello!
Thank you for your thorough reviews. They are very helpful.
I’m 5’9” and 125lbs. I run at a 8MPH pace and I’ll be running between 3-7miles for most workouts. Is the T101 a good fit for me? Thank you!
At 125lbs you’ll be fine. You could also look at the T202. It has a slightly larger motor that may work better for your intended pace. But it’s often out of stock. Good luck!
I recently purchased the T101 and discovered that it is incompatible with GFCI outlets. In my garage, where I store the treadmill, I have a GFCI port. What should I do to keep my power from going out when the treadmill reaches speed 5?
Correna,
You could look into getting an adapter that modifies the power being conducted through the outlet. This may provide enough power to the machine without overloading the circuit.
Hi Kristen! Tqsm for your awesome review on the T101. I’m considering between getting the TR5 or T101. The TR5 sounds good because of its compact size, but then again am concerned about the available walking surface & other features. I’m 158 cm tall & weigh 47 kg. It is for light use (am 60+). I live in an apartment, so would like a quiet treadmill. Would really appreciate any advice/tips to help me decide between the 2 models. Thanks again.
Faizah,
We don’t have the TR5 in our studio, so we don’t have a review for that one. The T101 is the most basic Horizon treadmill we have. If you’re looking for something really compact, you could check out the Echelon Stride or ProForm City L6. Both are designed for use in small spaces.
The length of the Horizon T101 would work so well in my space. I’m 5’3″ and weigh 120 lbs. I run 5 miles 3x times a week at 6mph. Would this treadmill work for me? I’ll be happy camper if the answer is yes.
Susan,
For your size, the T101 should work great. The console can’t be modified and the calorie meter is based on a 150lb person, so the calories will be inaccurate. I recommend using a Garmin or Apple watch for accurate calorie count.
I am 5’10” 275 I will be using it mainly for walking. I am also thinking about the sole f63. What would you recommend.
Mike,
The Sole F63 is bigger and heartier than the Horizon T101. For your size, you’ll find the Sole F63 offers more space and is more powerful than the T101.
Thanks for video. Best one I’ve found but still unable to find the answer to my question.
How do I change levels once I determine which program I want.
P2 level 2 for example.
I press the up arrow for P2 then the 30 minutes flash
I press start and Then it counts down from 3, 2 then 1 and starts me at level one (speed 0.5).
I don’t want level one. I want level 3.
The manual tells me what the levels And corresponding speeds are but not how to get there.
Any help is appreciated.
I
Will it hold up if I run daily for 20 minutes at 5mph?
170lb
I’m quite interested in buying this treadmill. In her review, Sydney mentioned the “updated” model, but I’m not finding information on how it is updated. I have the option to buy an older model and the 2023 model, but not sure if the added cost is worth it.