The best treadmill reviews you can trust
The Horizon 7.0 AT is even better than before and was already quiet, fast, and affordable. Runners on a budget should not overlook this treadmill!
Updated: December 30, 2024
A certain premium treadmill caught my eye years ago with its flashy subscription service and runner-centric design. I'm not going to name that treadmill (rhymes with "Beloton"), but if you are looking for a dupe of a high-end machine at a fraction of the cost, the Horizon 7.0 AT fits the bill and so much more. Yet, I don't want to reduce the 7.0 AT to just a knockoff; it's its own beast.
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a chameleon of a treadmill. It's a reliable option for serious runners who train outdoors, a daily trainer for a dedicated walker, and a runner looking for their first treadmill. Keep reading to learn what you get with the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill from someone (me) who has tested it extensively.
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is affordable for what it offers. The motor and frame lifetime warranties bode well for its longevity, but there are some concessions made to create a treadmill at this price point. The large plastic console is one such concession. It's not bad, but you can't expect the refined elegance of treadmills two, three, and several times its price.
I'm impressed with the Horizon 7.0 AT and can't wait to share why. This brand maximizes its treadmill features for their respective price points and gives you the training versatility you want. The Horizon 7.0 AT embodies that very well.
Steel is the go-to material for sturdy treadmill frames. The 7.0 AT's steel frame is everything it needs to be for walking, running, and training on an incline. Our studio has some spots where the floor is uneven. I hardly noticed until I inclined the treadmill, which is a testament to how supportive this frame is. Most cardio machines would be rocking back and forth when flat.
A 325-lb weight capacity is better than the industry standard of 300 lbs. The 7.0 AT feels sturdy enough. The deck thickness and frame stability align with this level of support. The motor is another factor we look at to verify a treadmill's weight capacity, and it looks pretty good!
What makes this treadmill motor good? It has a lifetime warranty, which I love to see! It's 3.0 HP, which is what we like to see in running treadmills. Horsepower doesn't tell the whole story, but there are other indications. The motor is fast. We timed the adjustment from 1 mph to 12 mph, and it came out to 18s. The incline adjustment from 0 to 15% took 13 seconds.
I also love how quiet the Horizon 7.0 AT's motor is. I measured the noise level to range from 48 to 65 dB. When we take these measurements, we do not have a runner or walker on the treadmill because foot noise varies greatly from one person to another.
These measurements indicate that the Horizon 7.0 AT is quieter than the average dishwasher and about as loud as a dryer or printer.
A cushioned running surface can make a huge difference in your training. The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill has 3-Zone Variable Cushioning that matches your biomechanical needs while running. I got up close and personal with the three different types of shocks, and I can vouch that they use different durometers or densities to achieve what Horizon promises.
What is that promise? A softer landing zone, a moderate transition zone, and a firm push-off zone.
The running surface is 20" x 60", giving you plenty of space to run up to the 12 mph speed limit. The Horizon 7.4 AT and the 7.8 AT have a wider deck (22") for anyone who needs a little extra space. The step-up height is 9.5" to the foot rails and just under 9" to the belt.
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a folding treadmill with a compact stored size. The unfolded dimensions are 76" x 35" x 67", and the folded dimensions are 44" x 35" x 68". It weighs 277 lbs but isn't too difficult to move around. I had no trouble relocating this treadmill on my own. It just requires you to tilt the treadmill onto its transport wheels and push or pull around.
The deck reaches a maximum incline height of 15". We recommend giving yourself an additional 6" of room to provide plenty of clearance for vertical movement while running. So, you will need about 21" more than the height of the tallest treadmill user in your household to accommodate the full incline range of the 7.0 AT. For a 6' runner, this would be a 7'10" ceiling.
The incline range is 0 to 15%. Unfortunately, Horizon does not offer a decline on their treadmills. However, the 15% incline is above the industry average, so we are pleased with it. The incline adjustments are fast and smooth, perfect for HIIT and hill intervals. A 15% incline is excellent for getting an intense workout, whether you are walking or running.
While the Horizon 7.0 AT is low-tech compared to many home treadmills, it still has much to offer. A weird paradox exists for home treadmills: the more tech features a treadmill typically offers, the fewer options you have. This paradox occurs because tech-forward treadmills are usually designed only for a specific training platform.
The Horizon 7.0 AT is not tied to any one subscription service, so you get a nice range of training options. The other features are pretty standard for a treadmill.
Horizon treadmill consoles are not the most modern-looking. They are busy and plastic, but they are very functional. The 7.0 AT may not seamlessly blend into your living room like more high-end treadmills, but it is worth it for the money saved!
The console functionality won me over. There are dials called QuickDial controls that adjust the speed and incline. Even though I occasionally punch these while running, they are convenient and easy to use. Since they are in my arms' path, they are super easy to adjust while training, but that also makes them easier to hit. However, I haven't moved the dials accidentally.
There are programmable interval keys under either dial. Hold either key for 3 seconds to set it to the current incline and speed settings. Then, when you press it later in your workout, it will adjust back to the level you were at when you set it. The keys are independent, so you can program them at two different intervals.
Speed and incline quick-adjust buttons are beneath the cup holders. These buttons allow you to toggle to a speed or distance quickly if you don't want to use the dials to scroll.
Finally, there are controls on the center of the console for setting a treadmill program, starting/stopping the treadmill, and controlling the media. The two remaining buttons are for the fan and Bluetooth.
Rejoice or despair—the Horizon 7.0 AT does not have a touchscreen display. The good news: you aren't roped into a subscription, it is one less part to break, and it keeps the cost down. The bad news: you have to provide your own device for video training content and entertainment if you want it, and training apps may not connect as smoothly.
The 7.0 AT has a 7.25" high-contrast LCD screen and four high-contrast LED windows. You can see all your metrics on the LCD screen, but if it gets covered up by a tablet on the tablet rack, you can see the most essential information in the windows. This information includes speed, incline, distance, times, calories, and heart rate.
The windows and screen are high-contrast, just as promised, so you can see them easily in bright or low-light conditions.
The speakers work with Bluetooth or an aux cord. The volume level is okay. I didn't have a problem hearing music over my foot noise or the motor while I was running. I wish the speakers went a little louder if I'm being picky, but in reality, I am far more likely to use headphones while working out.
As mentioned, Bluetooth allows you to connect your phone or tablet to the speakers to listen quietly. Bluetooth also allows you to pair a heart rate monitor. The new 7.0 AT specifically offers Apple Gym Kit and improved connectivity with Samsung Galaxy watches.
Connecting a different heart monitor is a little difficult because you have to put the console in only heart rate monitor mode. I've only been able to put the treadmill in this mode right after I turn it on. You cannot pair your phone to the treadmill in this mode. If I use a training app, I typically pair the heart rate monitor to the app instead of the treadmill.
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill connects with third-party FTMS apps via Bluetooth for more training options. I will talk more about this later.
There are two tablet racks on the Horizon 7.0 AT. I like having two options because you have a place for a tablet for a larger viewing option, and you can still keep your phone on hand. It also gives you two height options. The tablet racks feel stable. I had no problem keeping my phone on either of them while I ran.
In addition to the tablet racks, there are two cup holders on the 7.0 AT. These are shallow, making them more like cubbies than true cup holders. Still, they are stable enough to hold a water bottle and other small items.
The fan has one speed. It is rather weak. I suggest using a floor fan if you want to be cooled off.
This model of the Horizon 7.0 AT had very few alterations from the previous model I tested. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed using it. I've been busy reviewing other brands, but coming back to the 7.0 AT reminded me of how good this treadmill is.
The cushioning is surprisingly soft for such an affordable treadmill. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a budget-friendly running alternative to NordicTrack machines. It's also a great NordicTrack alternative for anyone who doesn't want an iFIT subscription.
Running fast is difficult on any treadmill. No matter how much I like a treadmill, I always feel nervous to run fast, but the 7.0 AT's fast speed and incline adjustment help assuage my fears. The QuickDials are easy to reach and bring the speed down quickly, giving me more security for HIIT workouts. You don't have to be precise when using the dials, which is part of my struggle when sprinting and using buttons.
The Horizon 7.0 AT is a great treadmill for new to intermediate runners. If you run up to 30 miles per week, I think this treadmill would be a great fit. If you are training for a marathon and logging substantially more mileage, I would consider the 7.8 AT, especially if you are training indoors primarily.
I also like the Horizon 7.0 AT for runners who train primarily outside and need a solid backup for indoor running days. For example, I run about 50 to 60 miles per week at the time of writing this review, but I run about 20 of those miles inside. The Horizon 7.0 AT would be a great option for me!
No subscription is required! Horizon does not have a training service equivalent to iFIT or Peloton. The 7.0 AT has onboard workouts like you might find in a gym on a commercial treadmill. These workouts include 5k, calorie, custom, distance, fat burn, hill climb, manual, and target heart rate.
The onboard programs are great. However, I prefer to train with a few other options on the 7.0 AT. The first is quick start or manual mode with the QuickDials and the interval keys. I'm usually following a training plan, so these controls make it easy to control my workout manually.
My favorite way to train on the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is with third-party apps. Bluetooth lets you connect to a variety of apps. My favorites are Peloton and Zwift. The 7.0 AT makes a nice Peloton dupe since you can scroll the QuickDials like the Peloton speed and incline knobs. Training with Zwift is also a lot of fun with the 7.0 AT. It's one of the best treadmills for apps.
I was super surprised to learn that Horizon has an app called AT Zone. It has trainer-led classes and scenic routes. The app automatically starts and stops the treadmill when the two are paired. The content isn't as refined as other treadmill fitness platforms, but it is a nice free option for Horizon customers. There's no pressure to use this app at all.
The biggest drawback to Horizon's fitness options is that you can't simultaneously connect a heart rate monitor and your phone to the 7.0 AT unless you have an Apple or Samsung Galaxy watch. I hope Horizon can improve this feature further in the future. However, you can connect a heart rate monitor with apps like Peloton or Zwift and then connect the app to the treadmill.
Overall, I am happy with the Horizon 7.0 AT's training options. This low-tech approach that encourages you to provide your own touchscreen via phone or tablet is way underrated. The 7.0 AT proves that a built-in touchscreen isn't necessary for a great treadmill workout.
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill remains a solid contender against other higher-end treadmills. It skips the non-essential features, like a built-in touchscreen and advanced tech features. Instead, it offers a responsive motor, soft cushioning, and enduring performance, which I'll take over the alternative any day!
If you want a treadmill that maximizes your value at a low cost, the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill might be the running treadmill for you. Its lifetime warranty on the frame and motor exceeds our expectations.
You can train with Zwift, Peloton, and more on this affordable running treadmill—just bring your own tablet. Improved connectivity is now available for Apple and Samsung watches, and we hope to see more improvements in Bluetooth connectivity for other monitors in the future.
