Updated: February 23, 2024
ProForm and Horizon are the most affordable treadmill options of their respective parent companies. As such, they are frequently chosen by budget shoppers who are looking for quality treadmills at an affordable price. ProForm tends to have smarter features than Horizon treadmills because it pairs with the iFIT training platform. Horizon feels more low-tech, but it still has a decent amount of connectivity to third-party apps. Both brands have a range of walking to running treadmills with consoles of varying styles.
The History of ProForm and Horizon
ProForm evolved from Weslo, a company initially focused on importing kitchenware. ProForm rose to success during the 1980s as fitness took off. Over two decades, ProForm changed hands several times. In 1999, ProForm was acquired by ICON which would eventually become iFIT. ProForm joined the ranks of NordicTrack and Freemotion as an iFIT treadmill brand.
Horizon is owned by Johnson Health Tech. This Taiwan-based fitness company also owns Matrix and Vision Fitness. Horizon is a bit newer than ProForm, starting in 1998. Horizon has prioritized sturdy builds and affordability by rarely increasing their prices.
Who ProForm Is Best For:
- iFIT Subscribers: ProForm treadmills are compatible with iFIT for trainer-led classes and automatic incline and speed adjustments that follow a virtual training route.
- Studio Classes on a Budget: The ProForm Plus program offers one piece of free exercise equipment in exchange for 3 years of iFIT. It’s a nice deal for a smart training service.
- New and Advanced Runners: ProForm makes great running and walking treadmills for wherever you are in your fitness journey.
- Exercisers with Small Spaces: ProForm created the SpaceSaver folding design. These folding frames help you store your treadmill compactly when they aren’t in use.
Who Horizon Is Best For
- Budget Shoppers: Horizon treadmills are some of the most affordable in their respective classes. The T101 is one of the most affordable large walking treadmills while the 7.0 AT is a super affordable running treadmill.
- Low-Tech Trainers: Horizon treadmills do not have touchscreen displays. These low-tech treadmills are great for runners and walkers who don’t want to be bogged down by unnecessary features.
- Runners Looking for an Affordable Peloton Alternative: Horizon treadmills have dials that allow walkers and runners to keep up with Peloton content smoothly. Horizon treadmills can also pair with Peloton via Bluetooth.
- Exercisers Who HIIT: Horizon has some of the fastest incline and speed transitions out of all the treadmills we have tested. This responsive design makes it perfect for HIIT.
What They Have In Common
ProForm and Horizon make quality walking and running treadmills. They fold compactly for storage when not in use. ProForm and Horizon have several other similarities, which I will highlight here.
Affordability
ProForm’s treadmills range from under $1000 to just over $2000. Horizon’s line starts at an even more affordable price of just over $500 and goes up to about $2000. Thus, the affordability of these two brands is quite similar. Additionally, both brands’ most affordable running treadmill costs about $1000. Either brand is a great option for budget shoppers.
Walking and Running
Horizon and ProForm treadmills have walking and running treadmills. Their walking treadmills have motors between 2 and 3 horsepower with shorter (55-inch) decks. Running treadmills have longer decks (60 inches) and motors of 3 HP or more. Both brands also limit their walking treadmills to 10 miles per hour compared to the 12-mile-per-hour maximum speed of their running treadmills. Thus, both brands have options for walkers and advanced runners. As a dedicated runner myself, I like the Horizon 7.8 AT and the ProForm Pro 9000.
Cushioning
ProForm and Horizon have moderate cushioning. They aren’t as soft as NordicTrack treadmills nor are they as firm as Sole treadmills. Horizon uses 3-zone variable cushioning to provide a soft landing zone and a firm push-off zone which sandwich a moderate transition zone. The ProForm treadmills have a similar cushioning system to NordicTrack but have stiffer shocks. These treadmills are a good compromise for runners torn between soft and firm cushioning.
Console Features
ProForm and Horizon have not adopted the z-shaped frames of Peloton, NordicTrack, or Sole. They have more traditional constructions with larger consoles. They have supportive treadmill arms, two cup holders, fans, safety keys, and physical quick-adjust buttons. The design of ProForm and Horizon treadmill consoles are for the maximalist exerciser who doesn’t mind a lot of chunky features and off-screen buttons.
Where the ProForm and Horizon Treadmills Differ
ProForm and Horizon treadmills differ largely when it comes to their content offerings. ProForm treadmills are designed to pair with iFIT’s training content. Horizon, on the other hand, offers onboard training programs and connections with third-party apps. ProForm has more smart features while Horizon is better for the exerciser who wants to hop on and go.
Training Content
ProForm’s subscription service, iFIT, is a smart training service with thousands of classes. iFIT content is filmed all over the world. These virtual training classes guide walkers and runners through structured workouts. iFIT also has training classes for off the treadmill. You can use your account with any other iFIT-compatible equipment or train with strength equipment.
Horizon has onboard training programs. These are very similar to what you would find on any low-tech gym treadmill: hill workouts, intervals, etc. But, Horizon treadmills also pair via Bluetooth with services like Peloton and Zwift for more content options. The dials and interval keys included on most Horizon treadmills make keeping up with the suggested speed and incline easier. Horizon treadmills are some of my favorites for use with third-party training services.
Screens and Smart Features
ProForm treadmills may or may not have touchscreens. The Pro series treadmills have touchscreens while two of the three Carbon series treadmills do not. When ProForm treadmills do not have smart screens, they can pair to a phone or tablet to view iFIT content. All of the treadmills make automatic speed and incline adjustments when paired with an iFIT workout. ProForm treadmills typically have an AutoBreeze fan feature that lets the fan speed adjust to you. ProForm’s touchscreen treadmills also have ActivePulse technology that adjusts the speed to keep you in the right heart rate zone as prescribed by the iFIT workout. ProForm treadmills may also have Bluetooth for audio and heart rate monitors.
Horizon’s features include Bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth heart rate. Horizon treadmills also have EKG pulse grips as an alternative to Bluetooth monitors. The Studio series treadmills have FTMS to connect with training apps. They have USB charging, media controls, and tablet racks to support viewing third-party content on a phone or tablet. Horizon treadmill tech features are there when you need them, but you can also just hop on and go without any apps or smart connectivity.
Warranty
Horizon has lifetime warranties on their frames and motors. Horizon’s parts warranties range from 1 to 5 years, and they have a 1-year labor warranty. ProForm offers a 10-year frame warranty, 1 to 2 years parts, and 1-year labor. Generally, Horizon is recognized as having a better warranty.
ProForm Treadmills Overview
ProForm has two treadmill series. The Carbon series is their more affordable and compact series. The Carbon series is best for walking and light running. The Pro series is designed for dedicated runners and has larger touchscreen displays. All ProForm treadmills pair with iFIT for trainer-led video workouts.
Carbon Series Treadmill (Best for Walking to Light Running)
Pro Series Treadmills (Best for Running)
Horizon Treadmills Overview
Horizon makes two treadmill series. The Go series are compact walking treadmills with incredibly affordable prices. The Go series is named for how quickly you can get on the treadmill and get straight into your workout. The Studio series treadmills are built for running. They have improved compatibility with third-party apps for all types of training.
Go Series Treadmills (Best for Walking)
Studio Series (Best for Running)
ProForm vs Horizon Treadmills Bottom Line
ProForm and Horizon are budget-friendly alternatives to their parent companies’ higher-end brands. That doesn’t mean they aren’t good quality. These treadmills have sturdy frames and impressive smart features for their budgets. Both ProForm and Horizon make treadmills for walking and running. They have moderate cushioning.
Despite their similarities, their content options are quite different. ProForm treadmills have very few onboard training options and rely on iFIT subscription content for training. The Horizon treadmills have onboard programs and connect with third-party apps for more training options. Walkers and runners on a budget do not have to miss out on smart training features with ProForm or Horizon.
ProForm vs Horizon Frequently Asked Questions
Are ProForm treadmills any good?
ProForm treadmills are built for walkers and runners. They have moderately cushioned decks and sturdy folding frames. ProForm treadmills support iFIT training content with instructor-led classes that follow virtual training routes. ProForm treadmills are powerful machines with some of the best training content available.
Is Horizon a good treadmill brand?
Horizon is an affordable treadmill brand with impressive constructions and features for their price points. Lifetime warranties cover Horizon treadmills on their frames and motors. Their Go series is great for walking while the more powerful Studio series is ideal for running.
Do ProForm treadmills last?
ProForm treadmills have a 10-year frame warranty, a 1 to 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty. We’ve known ProForm treadmills to last 10 years or more, but your experience may vary. To get the longest lifespan out of your treadmill, make sure to keep up with the maintenance. Parts like the belt or deck may need to be replaced. These replacements are normally more affordable than purchasing a new treadmill.
Do Horizon treadmills last?
Horizon treadmills have impressive lifetime warranties on their frames and motors. Horizon treadmills require routine maintenance like any other treadmill. Following this routine will help your treadmill last longer. Horizon treadmills may require replacement parts throughout their lifetimes, but this is generally more affordable than replacing the entire treadmill. This is a normal aspect of treadmill ownership.
Can I trust Horizon Fitness?
Yes, you can trust Horizon Fitness. Horizon is owned by Johnson Health Tech, a company with a long history of treadmill manufacturing. Johnson Health Tech also owns the treadmill brands Matrix and Vision Fitness. Horizon along with its associated brands are trustworthy fitness manufacturers.
Is ProForm owned by NordicTrack?
ProForm and NordicTrack are owned by the same parent company, iFIT. iFIT was formerly ICON Fitness. NordicTrack and ProForm have similar features and support iFIT’s premium training service.
