Horizon vs. NordicTrack Treadmills | BarBend

Owning a treadmill is a great way to get in some cardio workouts from the comfort of your own home. It’s perfect as a supplemental option for days you just can’t get to the gym, or as your go-to standard if you’re not a gymgoer. 

Maybe you’re new to the treadmill world and are ready to start your research on the best treadmills for your home gym. Even if you’re not a treadmill world newbie, choosing the right home treadmill requires a little research with all the options on the market.

To help you in your search, we’ve picked two reputable treadmill brands — the NordicTrack treadmill and the Horizon treadmill — to compare price ranges, cushioning, footprints, tech features, and more. With the help of our team of fitness experts, we’ll break down the differences in the Horizon vs. NordicTrack treadmill ecosystem to see which one is right for you.

What Is Horizon Fitness?

Horizon Fitness is known for producing affordable and high-quality fitness equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes. Because of Horizon’s wide array of treadmills with different price ranges, not every model is equipped with all the bells and whistles.

Their wide range of products caters to multiple fitness levels, making them a great brand for both entry-level and serious runners. Horizon produces some of the best budget treadmills, but just because they’re budget-friendly, doesn’t mean the quality is lacking. Horizon’s quality assurance is reflected in its lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. (More on that later.)

What Is NordicTrack?

Even if you know nothing about treadmills, chances are, you know the strong reputation of NordicTrack treadmills. “NordicTrack is one of the most well-known brands in the treadmill game, and they’ve earned that,” points out our expert, Amanda Capritto, CPT. “They produce some of the very best treadmills for home use, and do so at different price points with different features to satisfy most needs and budgets.”

Their standout features include high-end technology and a sturdy build. Many NordicTrack machines, like the NordicTrack 1750 treadmill, come with interactive features, including iFit, a subscription-based platform that offers workout programs, virtual coaching, and scenic routes.

Horizon vs. NordicTrack Treadmills: At a Glance

We’ve picked two of our favorite models from each brand to highlight some important features that can help you choose the right treadmill for your needs.

Horizon vs. NordicTrack Treadmills: The Nitty Gritty

Little details can make a big difference in fitness equipment. Now that we’ve looked at these brands from a broad view, let’s get into the details of how they compare. 

Price

When it comes to pricing, these two brands are in line with their value. Some Horizon models don’t come equipped with the technology and luxuries of models like the NordicTrack x22i treadmill, but their pricing reflects that. If you’re looking for a solid home treadmill with features like Bluetooth connectivity, durability, superb cushioning, and basic technology at an affordable price, Horizon treadmills tick all those boxes. 

It’s important to note that the studio series (Horizon 7.0 AT, 7.4 AT, and 7.8 AT) comes with a higher price tag than their basic model. You’ll find features like Quick Dial controls that allow for fast changes in speed and incline, and an advanced Bluetooth package that includes a heart rate monitor, media controls, and data connectivity to apps.

In our Horizon T101 treadmill review — the basic Horizon model — our tester notes that, “Treadmills that have similar features to the T101 tend to cost about the same, if not $100 more or less. However, the thing that puts the T101 ahead of the competition is this deck’s cushioning.” (We’ll zero in on cushioning a little later.)

The specs on NordicTrack treadmills leave many serious runners drooling — however, those extra features come at a cost. High-end brands like Proform and NordicTrack have features like superior running surfaces, impressive top speeds, and even incline ranges and speeds that automatically adjust on some models. If you’re a sucker for flash and frills, you might as well tell the NordicTrack 1750 to take your money.

However, Horizon wins on price because it offers a great product at a great price. The best NordicTrack treadmills are impressive, but the features aren’t necessary for every user. (It’s also notable that the iFit subscription that enables many of the NordicTrack features tacks on an additional monthly fee.) 

The Winner: Horizon

Horizon T101 Treadmill

The T101 from Horizon has a solid mix of tech and running features. Whether you’re looking for integrated bluetooth speakers, or a reliable motor to keep you moving, the T101 has something for everyone. 

Footprint

If space is tight, a folding treadmill is the best way to go and both brands offer foldable models.  “If you have a smaller space, you’ll want to look into NordicTrack’s EXP series, which are the most compact out of the three lines,” BarBend expert reviewer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto advises. “The Commercial and Incline series treadmills require more space.”

If you don’t need the extra features, the Horizon T101 treadmill is a great option for those who are tight on space. In general, treadmills with less frills will come with a smaller footprint. Take note of the size of the running surface as some compact treadmills won’t accommodate taller runners. The best treadmills for running will offer a running deck at least 60 inches in length, according to Capritto.

Both brands offer compact treadmills, but NordicTrack wins because of its options that offer a smaller footprint without sacrificing features. 

The Winner: NordicTrack

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is made for the tech-loving runner. This high-tech treadmill features a touchscreen monitor that can tilt and rotate, and offers automatic incline, decline, and speed adjustments based on the workout you choose. 

Cushioning

Even on the Horizon T101 — Horizon’s basic model — their treadmills come standard with a 3-zone variable response cushioning system. The cushioning system is so good that multiple Horizon models have made it to our best cushioned treadmills list.

NordicTrack offers different cushioning depending on which model you purchase. Their FlexSelect and Runner’s Flex cushioning systems are tailored to how you train, offering the right support and shock absorption. 

The right cushioning, especially at top speeds and inclines, can be a game-changer. For that reason, NordicTrack wins for cushioning by offering a range of preferences, whether you prioritize shock absorption, stability, or a more natural running feel.

The Winner: NordicTrack

Programming

Basic built-in programs like interval training, speed training, and hill climbs can offer a killer cardio session. But let’s be honest — no one is ooh-ing and ahh-ing over these standard features anymore. Let’s talk about the programs that drive motivation and results that are sometimes hard to obtain outside of the studio.

Horizon offers a tablet holder for streaming the best workout apps from your own device through Bluetooth FTMS in their studio series models. FTMS (Fitness Machine Service) is a Bluetooth protocol that allows fitness equipment, like treadmills and stationary bikes, to communicate with apps and devices. This enables users to track their workouts, monitor performance metrics, and connect with fitness apps for a more integrated experience.

While there is no built-in screen, Horizon doesn’t consider this a bad thing. In fact, they market it as being free from “built-in screens and subscriptions that lock you in.” With Bluetooth connectivity, you can integrate your favorite fitness apps, like Zwift and Peloton, straight from your device on models from their studio series models. 

NordicTrack’s built-in screens allow the user to utilize the touchscreen without using their own device. “In addition to quality equipment, NordicTrack is also known for its integration with iFIT programming, which is some of the best interactive fitness programming available, especially for cardio,” Capritto notes. We want to mention again that an iFit subscription is an added cost of $15 to $39 per month, depending on the membership, but we think it’s worth the motivation. You can check out all the details in our iFit review.

The Winner: NordicTrack

NordicTrack X22i Treadmill

NordicTrack X22i Treadmill

The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is built for those who want to climb. The machine inclines up to 40 percent and declines down to -6 percent. It features a Sled Push option where you can power the belt with your own leg drive, and it has a 22-inch touchscreen display where you can follow your workout and take iFit classes.

Warranty

Both brands offer some of the best warranties in the industry so rest assured, you’ll be better protected against defects, repairs, and replacements.

“NordicTrack offers industry-leading specifications on their treadmills as well as industry-standard warranties (10 years frame, 2 years parts, 1 year labor),” says Capritto. “You’re buying into a brand that has served tens of thousands of customers and remains a reputable brand.” Notably, NordicTrack has changed the motor warranty on the NordicTrack Commerical 1750 from a 2-year warranty to a lifetime warranty. (1) (Most models still reflect the 2-year motor warranty.)

Whether you’re buying one of the best high-end treadmills or going the budget route, a good warranty can be an assuring indicator that the manufacturer stands behind its product.

NordicTrack’s warranties are impressive but that makes Horizon’s even more impressive as they offer a lifetime warranty on their frames and motors across all models. Parts and labor vary depending on the model but are consistent with industry standards.

Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

Despite the lack of an integrated HD display, this impressive treadmill is still a worthwhile pick for streaming enthusiasts. There are multiple media shelves to store your devices mid-training, and the Bluetooth connectivity allows you to listen to your favorite programs and training courses without the need for headphones.

The Winner: Horizon

FAQs: Horizon vs. NordicTrack Treadmills

References

1. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill. (n.d.). https://www.nordictrack.com/treadmills/commercial-1750-treadmill