Sole vs. Horizon Treadmills | Slow and Steady or Intervals?

Dimensions/Storability

Sole is slightly better for larger users since its treadmills have higher weight limits, but not by much. Sole’s weight limits range from 325 to 400 lbs, depending on the treadmill. Horizon’s treadmills handle a good amount of weight, ranging from 300 to 375 lbs. 400 lbs is usually the highest limit we see on home motorized treadmills.

Though most of Sole’s treadmills are heavier than Horizon’s, they are fairly easy to move. All the folding models have four transportation wheels, so you can push them around when folded. The Sole TT8 and ST90 require the back of the decks to be lifted to engage the wheels and, due to their heavy weights, are much harder to move in comparison.

All Horizon Treadmills have two transport wheels, so you have to tilt them back when folded to move them. It’s much easier to do this with the lighter-weight, lower-end models, but the 7.4 AT and 7.8 AT treadmills can be moved when needed.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

As far as content goes, Sole and Horizon both include standard workout programs with all of their treadmill models. These are similar to what you can find on treadmills at your local gym. Each brand offers different entertainment options that I’ll get into.

Sole Content

Entry-level models from Sole, which include the F63 and F65, have LCD screens that include onboard workout programs. All of the other models, such as the F80, F85, F89, TT8, and ST90, have touchscreens that have integrated onboard workout programs and 12 preloaded streaming apps that include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+, Spotify, Max, Audible, Peacock, ESPN, CNN, and Kinomap.

All you have to do to use these apps is to log into your account for each and start streaming.

You can also screen mirror your device to these treadmills’ touchscreens to stream content outside of the preloaded apps. You can also stream directly from your device by using the device rack that comes on every one of Sole’s treadmills.

Horizon Content

Horizon treadmills have less tech. They each include onboard workouts, and the higher-end Horizon 7.4 AT and 7.8 AT models have the HIIT training program Sprint 8 integrated into them, too. Horizon lets you stream content from your phone or tablet while using their treadmills.

Each model comes with a device rack, and some of the models pair through Bluetooth to apps like Zwift and Peloton.

Sole vs Horizon Consoles

Horizon Treadmills are less tech-savvy than Sole’s higher-end models, but they still have good functionality. Sole Treadmills have LCD or touchscreens, depending on the model, and the layout of the consoles varies depending on what’s included, from budget treadmills to midrange and high-end machines.

Sole Consoles

The Sole F63 and F65 are the lowest-end models in Sole’s lineup. They include LCD screens with adjustment buttons for selecting the different programs and adjusting the treadmills’ speed and incline settings. All other Sole Treadmills have touchscreens.

The F80 has the smallest screen, 10.1”, while the F85, TT8, and ST90 all have 15.6” touchscreens. Both sizes have good visibility. However, none of the touchscreens are adjustable, which can make them a little harder to reach and adjust for some while running.

All of Sole’s treadmills have numbered quick-adjusting buttons that allow you to switch between different speed and incline levels quickly.

They skip levels, making them less seamless than Horizon’s treadmills. They include nice additions on the consoles, though. The low-end models with LCD screens have extra storage for your water and other items.

All Sole treadmills with touchscreens have wireless charging pads to charge your compatible phone and cup holders for your water. Sole’s treadmill fans aren’t very powerful, so you’ll probably want to plug in your own. They also have pulse grips to read your heart rate, and each treadmill pairs with a Garmin Watch to track your heart rate more accurately.

Horizon Consoles

Horizon consoles have less tech and features than Sole’s higher-end models. All Horizon treadmills have LCD or LED screens to display your workout metrics.

They include additional buttons to access the onboard workouts. Horizon’s treadmills also have quick-adjusting buttons that are numbered to adjust to specific speeds and inclines. I like the layout of these a little better than Sole’s.

I also like that each treadmill has roller adjustment knobs that let you adjust the treadmill quickly, too.

Every Horizon Treadmill has a device rack to put your phone or tablet on. Since no subscription content is available to stream from these treadmills, this is nice. Every model has cup holders, pulse grips, speakers, and fans. The speakers and fans on some of the models are weak, though, so keep this in mind.

Build Quality

Both Sole and Horizon make high-quality treadmills. We have multiple models from each brand on our best treadmills list for a reason. They’re well-constructed, come with great warranties, and are pretty well-priced overall for their quality.

Sole vs. Horizon Frames

Every model from these brands has a steel frame and uprights. They feel stable and solid to use. All of Horizon’s models have decks that fold up, while only two Sole models don’t. The folding treadmills from each brand have a lift assist that helps you lift the decks and slowly lower the decks to the floor when unlocked from the folding position.

Horizon’s treadmills fold up to save space.

Sole folding treadmills fold up to be compact, too.

The non-folding treadmills from Sole include the TT8 and ST90. These treadmills are large and pretty heavy at 326 lbs each, so they require a designated space. We also recommend having a space for the higher-end Sole F80 and F85 treadmills and the Horizon 7.4 AT and 7.8 AT models because they’re heavier and larger.

Sole vs Horizon Motors

Both brands make quiet treadmills appropriate for most homes. Sole’s treadmills have motors that are higher-powered than those of Horizon’s treadmills in general.

Even the entry-level F63 has a 3.0 HP motor, which is usually the lowest-end we recommend for running.

The entry-level Horizon T101, on the other hand, has a 2.5 HP motor, which is best for walking and some jogging. Horizon treadmill motors continue to increase horsepower through their midrange all the way up to their premium models. The 7.0 AT has a 3.0 HP motor, while the Horizon 7.8 AT has a 4.0 HP motor and is best for heavy use like distance running.

Sole treadmills’ motor power increases as their price increases. The Sole F80 has a 3.5 HP motor, and the Sole F89 and TT8 have 4.0 HP motors. The Sole ST90 has a 2.0 HP AC motor. AC motors are commonly found on commercial treadmills and are built to handle the foot traffic that public gyms see. All other Sole and Horizon machines have DC motors.

Both Horizon and Sole’s treadmills offer a good speed range. All Sole and Horizon treadmills go up to 12 mph, except the affordable Horizon T101 and 5.0 AT. Horizon treadmills incline up to 10, 12, or 15%, depending on the treadmill. None of them decline.

Sole has all inclining treadmills and a couple of declining models. Each model inclines fifteen levels, and the Sole TT8 and F85 decline six levels. These two treadmills have two separate motors, one in the front and one under the rear of the deck for the decline.

Sole vs Horizon Decks

For size, Sole’s treadmills overall are a bit larger because they each have 60” long decks. This means that all of Sole’s treadmills can handle most running strides. Horizon’s treadmills vary slightly on their deck size, which is helpful if you need a more compact treadmill. The Horizon T101 is best for walking and has a 55” long deck.

I’m able to run on the Horizon T101 because I have a fairly short running stride.

Some of our reviewers are only able to walk and jog. All other treadmills from Horizon have 60” long decks.

Horizon also has more treadmills with 20” wide decks than 22” wide decks. A slightly narrower deck side doesn’t inhibit your ability to walk and run comfortably but can help the treadmill fit better in your home.

The only treadmills from Sole with 20” wide decks are the F63 and the ST90, although the ST90 is a large, non-folding treadmill with a flat slat belt. The ST90 is a unique treadmill because of this, compared to all other treadmills from Sole and Horizon.

The slat belt has rubber slats instead of a regular belt. This treadmill is motorized, so the motor controls and moves the belt, but the motor can be disengaged, so you can also move the belt manually.

One aspect of the decks that we’ve noticed is that Sole’s cushioning is some of the firmest that we’ve tested.

Sole’s treadmills have low step-up heights at only 8” high (from the floor to the top of the side rails at a flat grade). The ST90, however, has a taller step-up height than all other Sole Treadmills, as well as Horizon’s. Horizon’s treadmills have a 9-10” high step-up height.

Overall, Sole and Horizon Treadmills are well-built and have nice functionality and features. Each model feels stable and solid to use. I think from a brand standpoint overall, Sole Treadmills feel a tiny bit more stable, mainly due to their solid and heavy decks.

This makes the ST90 very versatile and comparable to other flat-slat belt treadmills on the market.

This translates to a hard feeling underfoot. Deck cushioning is the amount of give in the deck when each foot lands while running. The less give, the firmer the deck cushioning feels. This makes Sole’s treadmills great if you’re a road runner who wants a treadmill that resembles running on concrete. They don’t feel bouncy or soft.

The Sole ST90’s slat belt goes a step further. The rubber slats are shock-absorbing but make this treadmill feel more challenging to run, to the point that it kind of feels similar intensity-wise to running in sand.

Horizon’s treadmills have more shock absorption so they feel a bit softer to run on.

I would consider a Horizon Treadmill if you have joint issues or are looking for a well-cushioned surface to run on.

Warranties

Horizon and Sole include impressive lifetime frames and motor warranties for each of their treadmills. The parts and labor vary from model to model from Horizon. Sole’s other warranties, such as the deck, parts, and wear items, also vary. We love that both brands stand by their treadmills with extensive coverage.

Should You Buy a Sole or Horizon Treadmill?

We love both Sole and Horizon Treadmills for different reasons. Sole’s treadmills are slightly larger and provide firmer cushioning, making them great for outdoor runners. The higher-end models also include touchscreens that stream from apps like Netflix, so they’re a good option if you want to stream content on your treadmill.

Sole has a broader range of models to choose from, including simple LCD consoles or touchscreens and folding and non-folding options. The Sole ST90 differs from other treadmills because it has a flat, slat belt that makes for a more versatile and challenging workout than regular motorized, belted treadmills.

Horizon Treadmills, on the other hand, all fold, have softer deck cushioning, and all come with LCD and LED screens with onboard workouts and the option to stream content from your phone or tablet. These treadmills have fast-adjusting motors that also make them great for HIIT training.

These brands have different models for varying budgets and goals. You can expect different features from Horizon and Sole, as well. Whichever treadmill brand you go with, you’re getting a quiet, well-constructed machine.

Sole vs. Horizon Q&A / FAQ

Which is better, Horizon or Sole?

Sole is better for walkers and runners who want entertainment on a touchscreen display, built-in trainer-led content, and other high-tech features. Horizon treadmills are better for walkers and runners who want cushioned, fast-adjusting treadmills without touchscreens.

What is the warranty on Horizon vs. Sole?

Horizon and Sole both cover their treadmills with a lifetime frame and motor warranty. Parts and labor warranties differ from model to model.

Who makes Sole treadmills?

Dyaco is Sole’s parent company. They also own Spirit and XTERRA Fitness.

Are Horizon treadmills quiet?

Horizon treadmills are reasonably quiet. However, Sole treadmills are quieter at their top speed on average.