Horizon T101 vs Sole F63 – One Is Better for Runners

Dimensions/Storability

When unfolded, the Horizon T101 measures 71″ x 34″ x 57″. It is a folding treadmill that is quite compact, measuring 46″ x 34″ x 61″ when folded. It weighs 180 lbs, so it’s fairly easy to roll—you just have to tilt it back. There are transport wheels, but it does not have handles. The deck is a little tricky to hold onto, but one person should be able to do it alone.

The Horizon T101’s deck wobbles slightly when it rolls, but it is manageable.

The Sole F63 is also a folding treadmill. Its unfolded dimensions are 77″ x 35″ x 72″, and it folds to 50″ x 35″ x 72″. It does not have to be tilted back like the T101, so even though it weighs more at 224 lbs, it is easier to move. You can push the F63 across a flat, hard surface.

The Sole F63 uses a gas shock folding mechanism, while the Horizon T101 uses a hydraulic folding mechanism.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

These treadmills appeal most to users looking for low-tech treadmills. The Sole F63 and Horizon T101 eschew the touchscreen for simple digital displays. While this limits their training option, it also ensures you aren’t forced to pay for a subscription with either treadmill.

The Horizon T101 has six built-in programs, including Calorie, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Intervals, and a manual program. These programs have preset speed and incline levels. You can also use the T101 in quick-start mode if you don’t want to set up a workout.

Like the T101, the Sole F63 has built-in training programs. These workouts are similar to the T101 with preset speed and incline intervals. Two slots are available for user-defined (custom) workouts.

The Sole F63 Treadmill’s programs are a little more customizable than the Horizon T101’s programs.

The Sole+ app provides additional workouts at no added cost. You just have to download the app to your phone or tablet, create an account, and input your Sole F63’s serial number. Sole’s coaches lead hundreds of video workouts available on this app. The speed and incline won’t automatically adjust, but you can manually follow the instructor’s cues.

The Sole F63 uses FTMS, a protocol that allows treadmills to communicate with third-party apps. I like using this connectivity to pair the Sole F63 with the Zwift app for more running training and entertainment. These features are not available on the Horizon T101.

Consoles

The consoles are fairly low-tech. However, there is a lot to evaluate regarding treadmill buttons and controls. I like the Horizon T101’s EasyDial controls more than the F63’s buttons. I find it faster to jump to the speed or incline level I want with the dials than with buttons that skip around randomly.

The dials are conveniently placed next to the heart rate sensors on the front handles.

The speed buttons skip over some of the most popular speed levels, like 6 and 8 mph.

Features

The Sole F63 and Horizon T101 have many similar features. They both include pulse grips for tracking your heart rate, storage pockets for small items and water bottles, Bluetooth speakers, and fans. Unfortunately, the Sole F63’s fan is super weak, and the Horizon T101’s speakers are weak, too.

The Sole F63 also supports Bluetooth heart rate monitors, which the Horizon T101 does not. Generally, Bluetooth connectivity is better on the Sole F63, considering its support of the Sole+ app and FTMS apps.

The storage on the Horizon T101 is very shallow, but it fits a decent-sized water bottle.

Build Quality

Sole and Horizon are both good at making affordable products that are still very functional for their price. The Horizon T101 and Sole F63 aren’t without flaws, considering their budget price, but I find them to be forgivable for the value.

Overall, these are two really nice entry-level machines. However, some differences make the Horizon better for only walking, while the Sole F63 can handle light to moderate running in addition to walking.

Frame

The Horizon T101 and the Sole F63 have steel frames.

The T101 is simplistic, which keeps its price super low, but it doesn’t make the best high-impact treadmill for running.

The Horizon T101 isn’t quite as steady as the Sole F63 because there is no crossbar between the two uprights. I like that it has supportive handles on the sides.

The underside of the Horizon T101 has some reinforcement, and the frame keeps it very stable when folded.

The Sole F63’s frame is sturdy. It has a crossbar under its storage tray for extra reinforcement. The only negative to the design is that the frame lifts the front of the deck too far off the ground for the short feet in the back, keeping the treadmill at a slight incline even when it is supposed to be flat.

The Sole F63 has robust uprights and nice supportive handles.

The underside of the Horizon T101 has some reinforcement, and the frame keeps it very stable when folded.

Deck

One of the most impactful differences between the Horizon T101 and the Sole F63 is their deck sizes. The T101’s deck size is more compact, at 20″ x 55″. This length helps the treadmill take up less space, but it is not quite long enough for everyone to run on. You might have to use a shorter stride if you are moving at a quick pace.

Matthew’s long stride doesn’t fit on the T101 well when jogging or running.

The Sole F63 has a 20″ x 60″ running surface, which is much more suitable for faster speeds. We had no problem stretching out our strides and sprinting.

Sydney doesn’t feel like she is running out of room on the Sole F63 (pun intended).

Both machines have good step-up heights. The Sole F63 has an 8-inch step-up height to the belt, while the Horizon T101 has a step-up height of just over 7 inches.

Regarding cushioning, the T101 is softer than the Sole F63. The 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning gives Horizon treadmills a soft landing zone and firmer push-off zone. Meanwhile, the Sole F63 feels much more akin to running on the pavement outside. This could help prepare road racers for their event.

Motor

Motor size is the second factor that makes the Sole F63 better for running than the Horizon T101. The Sole F63 sports a 3.0 HP motor, while the T101 has only a 2.5 HP motor. Both are DC motors, which are more common on residential treadmills than the AC motors found in commercial machines.

Don’t count the Horizon T101 out yet! It has a more responsive motor and changes the speed and incline level faster than the Sole F63. We timed their adjustments and took their different speed and incline ranges into account.

The Sole F63 has a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour. The Horizon T101 is capped at only 10 miles per hour, which seems appropriate for its weaker motor.

Incline

The Horizon T101 has a stated incline range of 0 to 10%, but we measured the top level at 11% and 0.9% at its flattest. The Sole F63, on the other hand, has a stated 15 levels of incline. We measured the actual grade of the Sole F63’s incline. Our treadmill measured at 11.6% when inclined to level 15. It was at a 3% incline at level 0.

The F63’s maximum height is greater, but they are pretty close. Again, the Horizon T101’s incline is much faster to adjust. However, the Sole F63 feels more stable to run on while the treadmill is inclining.

We like the roller wheels that help the T101’s deck incline smoothly.

Warranty

Lifetime warranties cover the frames and motors on the Sole F63 and the Horizon T101. The Horizon T101 has a 1-year warranty for labor and parts. The Sole F63 has a 2-year warranty on its deck, parts, and wear items. Labor for the Sole F63 is covered for one year, while cosmetic items are covered for 90 days. Neither of these machines is covered for commercial use.

Overall, the warranties are quite similar. Remember that a “lifetime warranty” does not mean for your lifetime but for the product’s lifetime. It is hard to know exactly how long either brand will cover their respective products.

Should You Buy The Horizon T101 or Sole F63

The Horizon T101 and Sole F63 are two top treadmills at reasonable prices, but the Horizon T101 is considerably more affordable. Yet, with the increase in the price of the Sole F63, you get better support for running and heavier training.

The Sole F63 has a better speed range at 12.0 mph, while the Horizon T101’s speed max is 10.0 mph, which is more appropriate for its weaker motor. The F63 has a 3.0 HP motor, suitable for light to moderate running. Both treadmills have a comparable incline range.

To summarize, the Horizon T101 is a better option for walkers and anyone on a strict budget. The Sole F63 is our recommendation for exercisers who plan to increase the pace or share the treadmill with more users.

Horizon T101 vs. Sole F63 Q&A / FAQ

Can you run on a Horizon T101?

The Horizon T101 can be used for running thanks to its speed range of 0 to 10.0 mph. However, Horizon’s studio series treadmills are better suited for running because of their more powerful motors and spacious running decks.

What is the top speed of the T101 treadmill?

The Horizon T101 has a maximum speed of ten miles per hour.

Which is better, Sole or Horizon?

The Sole F63 is a better running treadmill, while the Horizon T101 is a better value for walking. Overall, the two brands each have strengths and weaknesses. Sole treadmills have more built-in training features and entertainment options, while the Horizon treadmills are fast and accurate.

Can you use the Sole F63 without a subscription?

The Sole F63 does not require a subscription. The Sole+ app is free with your Sole equipment.