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Horizon Fitness Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Treadmill Reviews

Horizon Fitness Review 1.5 Star Rating

Horizon Fitness

1.5 Star Rating
  • Prices from $649 to $1,999
  • 5 models
  • Lifetime warranty on frame
  • 1- to 2-year warranty on labor
  • 30-day return policy

Horizon Fitness is a brand name that's well-known in the fitness world. Providing various at-home workout machines, Horizon Fitness appears to have a competitive variety.

Decline in popularity

Despite its initial popularity, our recent research indicates a decline in the brand's performance over time. With updates to their policies taking away free shipping and more, Horizon Fitness has fallen significantly and is no longer a highly-rated treadmill brand. If you're wondering more about the specific reasons behind our concerns for Horizon Fitness, read on.

Equipment Overview:

  • Type of treadmills: Traditional LCD
  • Price range: $649 to $1,999
  • Different models: 5
  • Can stream live/pre-recorded workouts: No
  • Financing: Yes
  • Level of incline: Up to 15% (depends on model)
  • Return policy: 30 days, 20% restocking fee, and return shipping costs paid by the customer
  • Warranty: Frame: lifetime, Mechanical parts: 1-5 years, Electronics: not listed, and Labor: 1-2 years
  • Shipping: Depends on machine

Basic model: T101 Treadmill

This basic model is part of Horizon Fitness' GO Series, which are their cheaper and less advanced treadmills. Starting at $649, the T101 Treadmill is about as basic as it gets. This treadmill model offers a speed range of 0 to 10 mph and an incline range of 0% to 10%. The T101 offers "EasyDial" speed and incline controls to allow you to adjust your incline during the workout. However, the workout variety is pretty slim. The T101 offers only six pre-set workout programs. Despite the low-end tech, there are a few bonuses like Bluetooth speakers and a tablet holder. The treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame and motor, which is impressive, but there is only a one-year warranty for parts and labor, which is well below the standard set by competing brands.

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Top-tier model: 7.8AT Treadmill

The top-tier model is part of Horizon Fitness' STUDIO Series. There are three treadmills in this series, all meant to be much more "high-end" than those found in the GO Series. This is certainly reflected in the price. The 7.8AT cost $1,999 at the time of our most recent site visit, though this appeared to be a sale. The site doesn't say if the sale is limited to a certain time frame. Regularly priced, the 7.8AT costs $2,699, which may change customers' minds about the value when it's not on sale. This treadmill offers a few improvements over the base model. For example:

  • The 7.8AT has a speed capability of 0 to 12 mph (an additional 2 mph compared to the base model) and an incline range of 0% to 15%
  • "QuickDial" controls and the "RapidSync" drive system helps the machine transition more smoothly between settings
  • The 7.8AT has 4 more pre-set workout programs (for a total of 10) with access to free on-demand classes and scenic routes
  • The model's advanced Bluetooth package encompasses a heart rate monitor, media controls, speakers, and data connectivity to apps, providing you with comprehensive technological support

However, without a touchscreen included, it's farther behind in tech than many competitors, especially at this price point. On the bright side, the 7.8AT has a lifetime warranty for the frame and motor, 5 years for parts, and 2 years for labor, which isn't a bad warranty policy overall.

Shipping and tax make it too expensive

While the lifetime warranty is a positive, you may want to be careful when you make your purchase as Horizon Fitness does not have free shipping. Considering the already high costs of their items and the common practice of many treadmill brands offering free shipping, Horizon Fitness takes a hit on its score for the costly shipping. If you don't manage to score a sale, you could be looking at a very high price. For example, in our area, the shipping cost for the 7.8AT was estimated at $129.00 on top of the price of the item. There was also the addition of $138.32 in sales tax. So, at the time of purchase, you could be looking at around $2,966 total if the 7.8AT isn't on sale. Ouch!

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Returns aren't customer-friendly

Another point to keep in mind is that even though Horizon Fitness promotes a lifetime warranty on its treadmills, the fine print tells a different story. You do get a 30-day trial period to figure out if the treadmill suits your workout and space, but you'll be on the hook for the shipping costs in both directions. In the unfortunate event of a return, you'll be hit with return shipping fees of around $155 and a restocking fee that could go up to 20% of your treadmill's cost. At that point, if you really hate it, you might be better off reselling the treadmill to a neighbor rather than dealing with the fees from Horizon Fitness.

Horizon doesn't put customers first

During our review, we discovered that Horizon Fitness's parent company, Johnson Health Tech North America, has a somewhat disappointing "B-'' rating from the Better Business Bureau. On top of this, the BBB has received various complaints, with customers specifically noting that they had challenges in getting help from Horizon's customer service. Some customers noticed that problems with customer service persisted for weeks rather than actually getting resolved. On the other hand, Horizon Fitness has a 3.8-star average rating on review sites like Trustpilot, but even those reviews show ongoing concerns like extremely long shipping times and instances of products arriving damaged.

Not competitive enough in any category

At the end of the day, Horizon Fitness treadmills come with high costs, along with a variety of problems. Despite being offered some impressive warranties, customers struggle to get a hold of customer service to resolve issues even on in-warranty machines. If you add in the high costs of shipping and the less-than-friendly return policy, Horizon Fitness falls toward the bottom of the pack.

Where Can You Find the Best Brand of Treadmills Out There Today?

With a rising interest in health and fitness, treadmills have become very popular in recent years. A treadmill is a traditional but reliable piece of equipment, offering a way to bring the jogging track (or your favorite uphill hikes) into your personal home gym. Putting in even a half-hour on a treadmill can promote heart health and aid in weight management.

Treadmills allow you to control the intensity of your workout, adjusting speed and incline according to your fitness level. The convenience of having a treadmill at home eliminates weather constraints or time limitations, making it easier to maintain a consistent exercise routine right in the comfort of your home. And buying a treadmill online has become easier than ever before.

The Best Treadmills Compare Treadmills Compare Treadmill Reviews What are the best Treadmills Best Treadmill Reviews

Treadmill FAQ

As one of the most commonly-used pieces of gym equipment, treadmills are usually the first machine people think of when setting up a workout space at home. Whatever your level of fitness, a treadmill can help you make progress: from low-intensity walking to running intervals on an incline, the possibilities are endless (and they don't depend on the weather).
It depends on the model you choose. Some machines allow you to fold the tread surface up towards the console, similar to a Murphy bed. But, with the higher-end machines that come with plenty of features like live-coached workouts or sky-high incline capabilities, you're likely to need a reasonable amount of floor space. Check the dimensions of any treadmills you're considering and compare them against the places you're thinking of keeping your machine.
You might be surprised to learn that you can get a basic treadmill for under $600. On the other end of the spectrum, you'll see prices in the $9,000 and up range for models exactly like what you'd use at a fitness center or gym. Fortunately, there are plenty of mid-range options that give you good features, top-notch tech and durability without breaking your budget.
Yes. Coverage varies, and most manufacturers have different timeframes of warranty protection for the frame, electronics, and any labor costs. You may also be able to add an extended warranty and/or maintenance plan, to keep your treadmill in good shape for longer.
How does "free" sound? Many retailers of treadmills give you no-cost delivery. Just be aware that if you return your treadmill, you're likely to be on the hook for the shipment costs to get it back to the store (and your refund may have their original shipping costs deducted from it).
Check the retailer's policies. Many offer return periods of 30-60 days, but some provide none at all. You may have to pay restocking fees of up to 25% too, in addition to the return shipping costs (which could get expensive on such a heavy piece of equipment).
Yes, though not all retailers offer it as an add-on service with your treadmill purchase. Look for that option during the checkout process. Otherwise, the company might be able to recommend an installer in your area. If all else fails, it might be worth it to call a fitness center or sporting goods store near you to get the name of a professional they trust.
There's no better way to get the world's widest selection of treadmills - at the best prices. Shopping online makes it easy and even fun to check out all of the latest features and see what customers say about the machines once they're in home use. And, there's no need to rent a truck or try to fit your treadmill in the back of your car with so many retailers offering free delivery right to your doorstep.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Instead of driving to different exercise equipment stores, and listening to various sales pitches, you can shop right from the comfort of you own home. You can explore a wide variety of brands, models, and pricepoints. And many companies even offer free shipping, right to your door.

Treadmills are a popular choice for many due to their advantages. Treadmills offer a predictable and cushioned surface, reducing the impact on joints. So, for joggers looking for an option that's lower-impact than running outside or on a track, treadmills can create a perfect solution. The machines offer a range of fitness levels, from walking for beginners to high-intensity sprints for advanced workouts. Whether you're getting started on your home gym journey or you're a seasoned athlete, a treadmill is a great addition to your workout routine.

As you explore various treadmill brands, you'll discover a wide array of options on the market. Modern treadmills come equipped with features like built-in screens for virtual classes, fitness app connectivity, and even virtual jogging tracks like mountainscapes that make it feel more realistic for runners who prefer the challenges of outdoor exercise. Even if you've been to the gym in the last few years, you may be impressed with some of the major technological improvements in today's treadmills.

Today, treadmills are more than just a simple cardio tool. They can serve as your personal fitness cheerleader, providing stats to track your progress and celebrate fitness milestones. Whether you pick one with a touchscreen or just the usual LCD stat trackers, you can rest assured that you'll get a full rundown of your fitness and performance whenever you need it.

Choosing the right treadmill can be daunting with the number of treadmill brands available. Some of the models and brands look so similar you might be asking: "What's the difference?" Don't worry. To help you navigate the choices and find the perfect fit, we've sifted through the best options and put together a checklist to help you narrow your search.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Number of treadmill styles. The more treadmill models a brand has in its inventory, the better your chances are of finding your perfect match. Also, keep an eye on what's in stock or not. If a brand doesn't keep its machines in stock, it might be a good idea to check somewhere else.
  • Features. What features are on your must-have list? Do you want your treadmill to connect with your smartwatch or fitness apps? Do you need a machine with steep incline capabilities? Do you want a touchscreen or interactive display? Checking out the brands that offer the most features can help you find your ideal treadmill.
  • Price vs. value. While some lower-end treadmill models provide significant features, you can also find some pricier options may not deliver as expected. So, make sure you get the perfect balance for your budget. The most expensive model might not actually be the best, whereas the cheapest out there might be missing some features you need for your fitness. So, make sure that you're getting the value you deserve for what you're paying.
  • Customer-friendly policies. Not all brands offer the same benefits. You'll want to check on things like return policies and whether or not the delivery includes professional setup. You'll want to make sure the brand you choose will have your back during and after purchase.
  • Reputation. Along with customer policies, you'll want to see how well different brands actually perform by checking shopper reviews and Better Business Bureau scores. Even if the warranty is promising, it's best to make sure you'll get real help if something goes wrong. Checking on reviews from customers just like you can help you see the full picture.

Are you ready to get a running start on your fitness? Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best treadmill brands available online today to help you feel confident in your newest addition to your home gym. We hope this helps you get a head start on your fitness journey and start enjoying your cardio. Ready? Set? Sprint!

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