ProForm vs. Horizon Treadmills | Have They Met Their Match?

Dimensions/Storability

ProForm and Horizon both make foldable residential treadmills. They have hydraulic assistance for folding, allowing them to softly lower to the ground. They have a kick-release mechanism to unfold them.

The lightest and most portable treadmills are the Horizon Go series: the T101, 5.0 AT, and T202. They weigh under 200 lbs. All the ProForm treadmills are the next heaviest at around 200 lbs. The Horizon Studio series treadmills are the heaviest at around 300 lbs. This order is the same for how much space each treadmill series takes up.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

ProForm Content

ProForm offers iFIT with a subscription. iFIT is a complete training platform that offers indoor and outdoor trainer-led classes. The treadmill workouts feature walking, jogging, intervals, hiking, and running.

You can also take iFIT classes on other compatible equipment like ProForm’s ellipticals and exercise bikes. There are mat classes for yoga and strength training, too. All of iFIT’s classes are on-demand to take any time.

We love the outdoor content that iFit offers; they filmed on every continent.

You can also utilize the Google Map feature in iFIT to create your own workouts while being able to explore real-life locations on your own. The “Create” tab also allows runners and walkers to create distance, time, and calorie target programs or custom interval workouts with present speed and incline settings.

iFIT supports apps from Netflix, Prime Video, and Spotify. You can listen to music or stream TV shows and movies while in an iFIT class or manual workout.

iFIT does cost a monthly fee to use on ProForm’s treadmills. ProForm also has the ProForm+ Program which allows you to get their participating treadmill for free when you purchase a 3-year subscription to iFIT.

We recommend looking into iFIT if you want some guidance while using your treadmill. You can use all of ProForm’s treadmills without a subscription to iFIT. There is a free version where you get access to onboard workout programs and a free trainer-led iFIT video.

Horizon Content

Horizon’s treadmills don’t offer the ability to stream workout videos directly from the consoles. Instead, the included workout options are onboard workout programs. These are pretty standard and comparable to treadmills you’d find at your local gym. The treadmills have workout programs like hill climb, intervals, fat burn, distance, calorie, and manual mode.

Higher-end models in Horizon’s Studio Series of treadmills have a 5k, custom workout settings, and even the HIIT training program Sprint 8 built into the consoles.

You can also use your device on each of Horizon’s treadmills. There is a rack for your phone or tablet to stream whatever content you want. Some of Horizon’s treadmills pair with apps like Peloton and Zwift if you want to use a training app with your treadmill.

ProForm vs. Horizon Consoles

As far as their consoles are concerned, ProForms is a little bit more streamlined than Horizon. ProForm includes treadmills with touchscreens as well as some options with just LCD screens. All of Horizon’s treadmills come with LCD screens.

ProForm Consoles

The touchscreens are non-adjustable and offer streaming from iFit directly from the screen. The treadmills with LCD consoles provide the ability to stream iFIT, or other content, by using your device on the device racks. Some consoles have numbered adjustment buttons to quickly adjust each treadmill to specific speeds and incline settings.

At ProForm, you have the choice between 22”-7” touch screens on some of the models and basic LCD screens on others.

Most of the models have built-in fans, speakers, and cup holders for your water or whatever small item you need nearby.

Horizon Consoles

As far as functionality goes, though, they all have adjustment buttons on the console to select the different workout programs and to adjust the speed and incline. There are also numbered adjustment buttons to make quick speed and incline adjustments. I prefer the layout of these on Horizon treadmills versus ProForm because it’s a bit more intuitive to use.

Horizon’s treadmill consoles vary a little bit from LED windows to different-sized LCD screens.

Horizon’s treadmills have roller adjustment buttons that you turn to adjust them quickly. This brand’s models include pulse grips, speakers, fans, and device racks. Some of the speakers and fans on Horizon’s treadmills aren’t as powerful as ProForm’s; however, you can pair your device to the speakers to play audio.

Build Quality

As far as construction goes, both brands make high-quality, well-priced treadmills. They offer a range in size and price when it comes to their lineups.

ProForm vs. Horizon Frames

All of ProForm’s and Horizon’s treadmills feature steel frames that have two steel uprights that extend up from the frame to hold the consoles. Most of ProForm’s treadmills feature a steel frame with a folding deck. ProForm’s treadmills have a maximum user weight capacity between 300 and 350 lbs.

Horizon, on the other hand, has all models with decks that fold up. Each model varies in size and weight limit. The weight limits range from 300 lbs up to 375 lbs, depending on the model. The higher-end Horizon 7.4 AT and 7.8 AT treadmills also have additional steel crossbars mounted in between the uprights below the console to add even more support and stability.

These Horizon treadmills are also heavier in weight at over 300 lbs each, compared to the higher-end ProForm Carbon Pro 9000 and 2000 models that are lighter in weight. The premium models from ProForm are just as solid to use as the premium Horizon models, though.

ProForm vs. Horizon Motors

Just as the size and construction vary on each of these brands’ treadmill lineups, so do the motor sizes, training options, and use capabilities.

ProForm’s motors range pretty greatly in size from 1.6 HP to 3.6 HP from the lowest-end to high-end models.

The premium Carbon Pro 9000 has a 3.6 HP that’s great for walking, jogging, and running. Not only is this treadmill built for those activities, but it also offers a max speed of 12 mph and an incline of 12%.

The midrange ProForm Carbon Series Treadmills are best for lighter to moderate walking and jogging, as well as some running.

The Carbon Treadmills don’t offer a decline option, but they incline from 10% to 12%, depending on the model.

None of Horizon’s treadmills decline. The motors range in size from 2.5 to 4.0 HP, depending on the model. The entry-level Horizon T101 has the smallest motor at 2.5 HP. It’s best for walking and jogging, although some can run on it. Horizon’s other models can handle more running, with the Horizon 7.8 AT and 7.4 AT models handling heavier running with their 3.5 to 4.0 HP motors.

All Horizon Treadmills, besides the T101 and 5.0 AT, go up to 12 mph. They cap out at 10.0 mph.

The decks incline from 10% up to 15% depending on the model, too.

ProForm vs. Horizon Treadmill Decks

ProForm treadmills have 20” wide and 60” long decks for walking and running. These include the ProForm Carbon Pro 2000, Carbon Pro 9000, Carbon TLX, and Trainer 1000.

Horizon Treadmills vary less in deck size. Almost all of the models have 60” long decks that we have found in our testing to be the length that can support all running stride lengths. The Horizon 5.0 AT and the Horizon T101 are the only models with a 20” wide and 55” long deck. This deck is suitable for walking and jogging. Those with shorter strides should be able to run on it, too.

The Horizon T202 has a 20” wide and 60” long decks and accommodates most people while being a little more space-saving than some of Horizon’s higher-end models. The Horizon 7.0 AT also has a 20” wide and 60” long deck.

The 7.4 AT and 7.8 AT treadmills have the largest deck sizes we see on folding treadmills. The decks are 22” wide and 60” long, so these are the best options if you want the most room to move on a folding treadmill.

ProForm and Horizon Treadmills have similar step-up heights at around 9-10”.

Warranties

Horizon offers better warranties with its treadmills. Each model comes with a lifetime frame and motor warranty, and the parts and labor warranties vary from 1 to 5 years, depending on the model. ProForm includes its standard 10-year frame warranty, and the parts and labor warranties vary between 1 and 2 years, depending on the model you buy.

Should You Buy The ProForm or Horizon?

When it comes to ProForm vs. Horizon Treadmills, these brands offer folding treadmills that are a little lower in price than other popular brands. Being lower in price doesn’t mean either brand lacks quality. We’ve rated models from ProForm and Horizon very highly over the years; machines from these manufacturers are often some of our most recommended treadmills.

ProForm Treadmills have more integrated tech with an iFIT subscription. Many have touchscreens for streaming iFIT’s trainer-led workouts, while others have LCD screens. ProForm offers a premium model for high-intensity running workouts, some midrange walking and jogging treadmills, and a compact treadmill that folds flat and is best for mainly walking.

Horizon’s treadmills are quieter and have quick-adjusting motors, so we love them for interval training. They have simple LCD consoles with tablet racks and on-board workout programs. The higher-end models are larger, heavier, and harder to move but great for long-distance running, while the other models are best for lighter amounts of jogging and running.

With either brand of treadmill you decide, you’re getting a well-built design and the ability to choose a treadmill that aligns best with your home and training goals.

ProForm vs. Horizon Q&A / FAQ

What is the difference between ProForm and Horizon treadmills?

ProForm and Horizon are similar brands with folding frames and more affordable prices, but they differ in their training content. ProForm supports the iFIT fitness platform with thousands of trainer-led classes, automatic incline and speed adjustments, and even more onscreen tech features. Horizon treadmills have simple onboard programs without subscriptions.

Is ProForm a good brand?

ProForm is a good brand with excellent training features, sturdy folding frames, and nice performance capabilities. ProForm offers the same features as NordicTrack at a lower price.

Do ProForm treadmills last?

ProForm treadmills typically have a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor. We have seen ProForm treadmills last 10+ years, but it largely depends on the type of use the machine sees. Proper maintenance and use will help a treadmill last longer.

Who makes Horizon Fitness?

Johnson Health Tech owns Horizon Fitness. They also own Bowflex, Schwinn, Vision Fitness, and Matrix.