The Horizon T101 Treadmill – One of the Best Models in the Under-$700 Category

The entry-level Horizon T101 treadmill has been a Best Buy award winner and favorite among customers for many years now.  This is due to the fact that for the price, now less than $700 on sale, you just can't beat it in terms of quality and features.

It has remained quite popular over the years, and recent improvements have just made this treadmill even more desirable.

The Machine

The Horizon T101 treadmill is easy to set up and even easier to operate. The intuitive console was recently redesigned and includes 3 red LED windows showing time, distance, speed, incline, heart rate and calories.  There is advanced cushioning, easy folding and an array of interesting workouts.

Let's take a look at some of the best features...

• 2.5 CHP Motor
• 0.5 - 10 mph Speed
• 0 - 10% Power Incline
• 20" x 55" walking area
• Built in Workout Programs
• Contact Heart Rate Monitor
• Bluetooth Audio
• 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
• COOLfit™ fitness fan
• FeatherLight lift system for fold-up storage
• 300-lb. User Capacity
• Wt / Dimensions: 180 lbs / 70" x 34" x 55"
• Warranty: Lifetime frame & motor, 1-year parts & labor

The Buzz

As we mentioned above, the Horizon T101 continues to be the company's flagship treadmill, fast outselling the other models.  This is because it is the best treadmill on the market under $700, hands down.

You get a lot more than you would expect to get, especially if you looked at the competition first.  For starters, you get the company's patented 3-Zone Variable Cushioning that you also find on their higher end series.  This gives you the ideal amount of give and support at all points during your stride, reducing impact on your joints signficantly.

The T101 also gives you a high max user weight limit of 300 lbs. and FeatherLight Folding, one of the easiest to use folding systems on the market.

One of the newest features is Bluetooth audio, which allows you to listen to your music, podcasts or anything else wirelessly instead of having to plug your phone or tablet into the treadmill.  It's a nice extra feature to have.

You get a strong 2.5 CHP motor, a step up from the 2.25 CHP motor on the previous model. You also get up to 10 mph speed and up to 10% incline.

The Horizon T101 is definitely more of a walking treadmill, so if you want a little more speed and/or a little more incline, take a look at the up-level T202 model, which gives you up to 12 mph and 12% incline, as well as a few additional features.

Both of these models are better suited for walkers or light joggers.  

If you're more of a runner, your best bet is one of the Studio models, which consists of the new 7.0 AT, the 7.4 AT and the top of the line 7.8 AT.  Those models have larger decks, more powerful motors, more incline and a larger selection of built in workouts.

Horizon is serious about staying competitive against Proform and NordicTrack models and it shows in the well thought-out design of this effort.  Their customer service is definitely a cut above, so if you need help troubleshooting, assistance with lubricating or anything else you can't find in the manual, you can reach someone to help you out.

Treadmill reviews have been mostly positive on the Horizon T101, and there is more good news; the quality for the entire line of Horizon treadmills has improved substantially.

The T101 is a solid unit, easy to assemble, and is of better quality than the machines made by ICON Fitness, which is the other leading budget fitness equipment manufacturer. 

Horizon treadmills are made by Johnson Health Tech which also makes Matrix, AFG and Vision brands. The warranty is good and the Horizon T101 doesn’t have many downsides for being a budget model.

Anything we didn't love?  It's hard to complain about a treadmill that costs less than $700, but you do have to keep in mind that this is an entry level treadmill.  It's for light use and walking, so if you plan on doing anything more, this is not the machine for you.

It definitely does not feel as solid as some of the other models, but we didn't expect it to.  The new three window display is a tad small, as we are used to the larger displays, and even some touch screens, on some of the other treadmills we've reviewed.

But all in all, none of these things is a deal killer, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better treadmill for the price.

How Does the T101 Compare to the Competition?

The Horizon T101 doesn't really have much competition, which is the main reason why it has become so popular over the last few years.  At under $700 on sale, there are very few if any similarly priced treadmills that are worth considering.

You could make a comparison to the new ProForm City L6, but only as far as price. The Horizon T101 has better incline, stronger motor, and higher speeds. The City L6 does have iFit, however, which gives you much more of a workout selection. But we'd definitely lean toward the T101 as it is much more substantial.

You could also compare the Horizon T101 to the Compact Series offered by Xterra Fitness. These are in the $500 to $550 range, and the upper end TRX1000 is probably the closest spec wise. But while it does have a few more built in workout programs, it pales in comparison as far as its motor, warranty, incline and running deck

So comparing the T101 to the competition, you can see how it's a great entry level option for you and definitely worth considering.  Its variable response cushioning is a bit more advanced that the other brands offer, and the Feather Light folding is a breeze.  And the Horizon motors are known to be both durable and quiet.

Bottom Line on the Horizon T101

As we mentioned above, the Horizon T101 is definitely more of a walker’s treadmill than anything else. While it is sturdy, the T101 weighs just 165 pounds, a little more than half the weight of a treadmill you'd find in your local health club. It’s a good machine for light workouts or walking on a regular basis, but don’t plan to run it into the ground.

Still, it's our Best Treadmill for Walkers as well as our Best Cheap Treadmill, and with so many machines on the market today, that's a pretty nice distinction. We don't give out awards easily here.

Runners should upgrade to at least the 7.0 AT if you plan to run 30 miles or more every week. The Studio Series was built with runners in mind.

Overall, the Horizon T101 treadmill is a very good machine and one of the best treadmills under $700 you'll find out there.  If you're just getting started, like to walk or jog slow, elderly, rehabbing or just don't plan on doing any heavy running, this one is the perfect treadmill for you.