Updated: February 14, 2024
The differences between NordicTrack and Horizon can be seen at a glance. If you’ve stumbled onto this comparison, there’s a chance that you are torn between the sleek aesthetic of the NordicTrack and the affordability of the Horizon treadmills. I’ve run on and reviewed just about every treadmill each brand offers, so I’m ready to give my honest take on them. Whether you are a walker, runner, or somewhere in between, find out whether NordicTrack or Horizon is right for you in this in-depth Horizon vs NordicTrack treadmills comparison.
The History of NordicTrack and Horizon
NordicTrack’s start can be traced to 1976 while Horizon is a bit younger, first stepping onto the scene in 1998. NordicTrack was the brainchild of Ed Pauls and blossomed into a family enterprise that lasted until 1986 when it was first sold. NordicTrack landed in the hands of ICON, now iFIT, in 1998. Horizon was created by Johnson Health Tech, and it remains a part of the fitness and wellness conglomerate. NordicTrack is headquartered in Logan, Utah and is manufactured in the US and other countries. Horizon finds its home and is manufactured in Taiwan.
Who Horizon Is Best For:
- Budget Shoppers: Horizon treadmills are incredibly affordable for their performance specs and features. They have excellent warranties that are perfect for the budget shopper looking for a quality machine.
- Runners with Training Plans: If you don’t need a lot of guidance for your workout, the Horizon is the perfect treadmill to mold to your training plans in manual training mode.
- Unsubscribers: Horizon treadmills do not require a subscription, but they work well when paired with third-party subscriptions. If you can’t stay loyal to one service or want to save money, Horizon is a great pick.
- No-Frills Walkers: Horizon treadmills slim down on features to stay affordable. If you want to hop on and get right to a workout, try one out.
- Peloton Members on a Budget: If you want a treadmill that can follow along with Peloton content easily, the Horizon treadmills have Quick and Easy Dial controls that make it simple.
Who NordicTrack Is Best For
What They Have In Common
NordicTrack and Horizon have a few key features in common, which I have highlighted below. These similarities may not be apparent at first glance, but take it from us here at Treadmill Reviews, we have run and walked on these machines for countless miles.
Fast Incline and Speed Adjustments
Both NordicTrack and Horizon machines make their incline and speed adjustments quickly. Horizon is slightly faster in most cases than NordicTrack, but exercisers doing HIIT will be satisfied with either treadmill. Both brands make adjusting your speed and incline easy. NordicTrack’s iFIT content specializes in automatic adjustments while Horizon uses speed and incline dials as well as interval keys to get you from one setting to the other fluidly.
Storage and Transportation
NordicTrack and Horizon treadmills fold with the exception of NordicTrack’s incline trainer series. These treadmills also have soft drop folding which allows the decks to fall gently to the ground when they are kick-released from their upright position. These treadmills also use two transport wheels that require you to tilt and roll them. NordicTrack’s EXP series and Horizon’s Go series are smaller and compact, making them easier to transport.
Soft Cushioning
NordicTrack treadmills have well-cushioned and bouncy running decks. They are perfect for runners who want to increase their mileage or speed. They are also great for anyone who wants to reduce the impact of their cardio training with the decks’ shock absorption. Horizon treadmills are also cushioned. They use 3-zone variable cushioning that provides a soft landing zone, a moderately firm transition area, and a firm push-off zone. Horizon is also a good choice for exercisers trying to improve their comfort when running or walking.
Powerful Motors
Horizon has a motor range of 2.5 HP to 4.0 HP. NordicTrack has motors of 2.6 CHP to 4.25 CHP. Both brands have treadmills with motors suitable for walking which are under 3.0 HP and treadmills above 3.0 HP. Horizon’s walking treadmills are the T101 and the T202. The T303 is a part of the same series but may be used for light, occasional running. NordicTrack’s EXP 7i and EXP 10i are great iFIT-enabled walking options from NordicTrack.
Where the NordicTrack and Horizon Treadmills Differ
If you are trying to pick between the NordicTrack and Horizon brands, these differences may help you find the right direction. We’ve identified the top differences that may push you toward one treadmill or another.
Training Options
The NordicTrack brand falls under the iFIT umbrella. All NordicTrack treadmills are better when paired with an active iFIT subscription. This service provides thousands of training classes for subscribers, but the training options are very limited without iFIT. Only the NordicTrack EXP series has a tablet rack, which further limits your content to just iFIT.
Horizon does not require a subscription. Horizon does not have their own training service. Instead, Horizon treadmills are designed to work with third-party training apps, or you can follow along with the simple onboard programs. I enjoy training with Peloton and Zwift on Horizon treadmills. The speed and incline dials make it super easy to stay on pace with the training content. All Horizon treadmills have tablet racks to make viewing content on a phone or tablet even easier.
Consoles
NordicTrack has a very streamlined console that is usually dominated by a touchscreen. NordicTrack touchscreens range from 7 inches to 32 inches. Many of NordicTrack’s screens tilt and pivot for improved off-treadmill viewing. NordicTrack’s screens are designed to create an immersive experience with the iFIT training content which is filmed outdoors all over the world.
Horizon consoles are dated in appearance. They are perhaps the biggest weakness of Horizon treadmills, but they are also very easy for users to navigate. If you are looking for a simple treadmill that helps you get into a workout faster and doesn’t require updates, Horizon treadmills make sense. The horizon screens are simple LED or LCD screens. You can see all of your necessary metrics.
Frame Design
NordicTrack and Horizon’s respective frame designs continue the trend of the sleek and modern vs the tried and true. NordicTrack uses a z-shaped frame on most of its treadmills with a floating console design. These frames are sleek but not quite as sturdy as they might be with a reinforcing crossbar. As for Horizon, this affordable brand sticks to a silhouette that treadmill brands have been using for a very long time–two slightly angled uprights, a console on top, and traditional handlebars. The 7.4 AT and 7.8 AT have crossbars between their uprights to further reinforce their consoles to reduce shaking during running.
Affordability
NordicTrack has some amazing tech, but it comes with a higher sticker price. NordicTrack’s most affordable treadmill is well over $1000, and their most expensive treadmill is several thousand dollars. Horizon, on the other hand, starts well below $1000 and ends at about $2000. You should also consider the cost of subscribing to a service like iFIT. While we really like the training content iFIT offers, a membership is $39/month to unlock all of your treadmill’s features. You can subscribe annually or for multiple years for a discount.
Warranty
Horizon typically offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, 1 to 5 years for parts, and 2 years for labor. NordicTrack’s standard warranty is a 10-year warranty on the frame, a 2-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty for labor. Both warranty policies may differ slightly by treadmill. These are just the most common warranties each brand offers. We are definitely more impressed with the warranties offered on the Horizon treadmills, but NordicTrack at least reaches the industry standard for its price point.
Neither treadmill is designed for commercial or light-commercial use and should not be used in either setting. These warranties only cover residential use.
Horizon Treadmills Overview
Horizon treadmills are divided into two series: the Go series and the Studio series. Go series treadmills are best for walking while the Studio series treadmills are better for running. Studio series treadmills are larger and have more powerful motors.
Additionally, the higher the number in the name of the treadmill, the more powerful it is. For example, the 7.8 AT is much more powerful than the 7.0 AT.
Go Series Treadmills (Best for Walking)
Studio Series Treadmills (Best for Running)
NordicTrack Treadmill Overview
NordicTrack divides their treadmills into three series. The EXP series is compact and affordable. They are the only NordicTrack treadmills with tablet rack. EXP treadmills are great for walkers or runners who seldom train indoors and only for a few easy miles at a time.
Commercial series treadmills are running treadmills with -3% to 12% incline ranges. They are great for dedicated runners and have soft cushioning.
The Incline Trainer series has an incline range of -6% to 40%. These powerful treadmills are perfect for trail runners, hikers, and anyone who wants a truly challenging workout. The incline treadmills have soft and bouncy cushioning.
EXP Series Treadmills (Best for Walking)
Commercial Series Treadmills (Best for Running)
- NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
Incline Series Treadmills (Best Incline and Decline)
Horizon vs NordicTrack Treadmills Bottom Line
These treadmill brands have quite a few differences. To summarize, NordicTrack has high-tech features that pair with the immersive iFIT training content while Horizon focuses on excellent performance at an affordable price. NordicTrack is the bigger investment, but choosing Horizon sacrifices aesthetics and smart training adjustments.
Generally, I recommend NordicTrack for walkers and runners who train indoors almost exclusively and will get the most out of iFIT’s training. Horizon treadmills are best for walkers and runners who train outside primarily or mix their training up frequently because Horizon treadmills are affordable but ready to meet your needs at any fitness level.
Walkers and runners will enjoy either brand, but NordicTrack and Horizon represent different ends of the home treadmill space.
Horizon vs NordicTrack Frequently Asked Questions
Is Horizon a good brand?
Horizon treadmills are good quality. Their frames and motors are covered by lifetime warranties, and they have impressive builds for their price. Horizon prioritizes being affordable over appearances. These treadmills are great options for walkers and runners on a budget who need a quality machine.
Is Horizon owned by NordicTrack?
Horizon is not owned by NordicTrack. Johnson Health Tech owns Horizon. Johnson Health Tech also owns Matrix which offers iFIT content even though Matrix is not owned by iFIT.
What treadmill is equivalent to NordicTrack?
ProForm is NordicTrack’s sister brand and offers many of the same features at a more affordable price. Other treadmill brands worth considering along with NordicTrack and Horizon include Sole and Bowflex. NordicTrack is also a rival to Peloton but specializes in outdoor content instead of indoor studio classes.
Which treadmill brand is best?
Out of NordicTrack and Horizon, more customers tend to choose NordicTrack. That doesn’t mean Horizon isn’t a good treadmill brand. However, we find that NordicTrack matches users’ needs better. Horizon is unbeatable when it comes to quality and affordability for a truly high-value machine.
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