Horizon does affordable treadmills better than anyone. Case in point, the brand’s newly upgraded T101 has more than surpassed my expectations for a treadmill that costs well under $1,000. I’ve run on plenty of machines in that same price range, and this is the best one by far.
I’ve spent a few hours and over 20 miles on this folding treadmill at this point. I ran at every potential speed, incline, and variable it offers. I hooked it up to Zwift, played podcasts through the speakers, and folded it up multiple times. In the end, I found that the Horizon T101 has a combination of easy-to-operate features, consistent performance, and enough versatility to appease most runners.
Pros
- Assembles quickly so you don't need to pay for white glove
- Tons of incline
- I’ve spent a few hours and over 20 miles on this
Cons
- x 34 x 61 in
- Deck could be larger
- Fan not for the short runners
Key Specs
| Deck Length | 20 by 55 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 300 lb. |
| Cushioning | 3-zone variable cushioning |
| Assembled Dimensions | 70.5 x 33.5 x 59 in. |
| Folded Dimensions | 46 casual runners and crosstrainers. |
| Machine Weight | 180 lb. |
| Step-on Height | 7 ¾ in. |
| Connectivity | Compatible with Peloton, Zwift, JRNY, Strava and more via Bluetooth |
| Fan | 3 speeds |
| Speeds | 10 |
| Incline Positions | 10 |
| Fan not for the short runners | 5 |
| Folding | Hydraulic |
The Expert: I have been running for decades, logging an average of 6 to 8 miles daily. (Yes, I’m one of those runners.) I’ve run multiple marathons, and much of my training has been indoors thanks to the harsh winters in the Northeast. I’ve now tested dozens of treadmills, doing everything from assembling them to running on them to taking them apart. They’re an essential part of my life and, certified yapper that I am, I love to evangelize about the best.
Assembly and Features
Key Takeaways
- The Best Basic Running Watches for Minimalists
- CA Notice at Collection
- Well-place, but finicky speed controls
Horizon provided white-glove assisted assembly to set up my T101. The service people had it up and running in under 15 minutes, and they told me they’d never put this treadmill together before. While this model is new, that tells me that most people don’t pay to have it assembled, and it probably isn’t necessary for most people. It’s on the lighter side for a treadmill, too at only 180 pounds. Still, that’s pretty heavy, so I would suggest going with a delivery option that allows you to have it placed in the room where you plan to set it up.
The T101 is a plug-and-run machine with a barebones digital display. The four LED screens show the basics of distance, heart rate, estimated calories, time, speed, and incline. The system offers 10 speeds and 10 levels of incline, which top out at a 6-minute mile and 10 percent incline. That’s fast enough for casual and distance runners but not really enough for a racer who wants to push their pace. A 10-percent incline, on the other hand, is a lot of hill.
There are three switches for adjusting your settings—on the board, at the grips, and the level buttons on board on either side of the grips. Having all these options makes it very easy to adjust your speed without distractions. However, the controls are a bit… finicky. The speed wheels on the grips are very sensitive, and I could see how you might find yourself speeding up or slowing down more than you were planning because you overspun the wheel. Also, the incline controls on the board has buttons from 0-10 but no button for level 9. That honestly made my eye twitch.
Run programming on the T101 is very basic. There are just five onboard programs you can use to structure your workout. It isn’t a lot, but with so many people using apps like Zwift and Peloton, it feels like less of a loss than it might have in the past. If you’d like a little more entertainment or support, though, you can connect a phone or tablet via Bluetooth. I found that this was easy with my iPad Pro and iPhone, and the wireless connection was reliable.
You can choose to listen through your headphones or through the speakers, which are reasonably loud for their size. I find them to be positioned a bit strangely–one’s very close to the cupholder. I worried that if there’s a spill or if you’re a squeeze and throw sipper like I am, it might short circuit.
The fans, however, are right in the sweet spot for runners–about 5-foot-5 and above. It blew right at my neck and felt great. They are not moveable, though, and are designed for someone about my height. When my 5-foot colleague ran on it, they blew right over her head.
The Run
Key Takeaways
- speed runners and fast fartlek fans
- Easy transitions
- CA Notice at Collection
The Horizon T101 proved smooth and supportive, but its design has some limitations for taller runners or those seeking high-performance features. It has easy transitions between speed and incline, however, once you get going at a higher incline or running faster than speed level 3.5, the treadmill feels a bit wibbly wobbly. It wasn’t enough to destabilize me, but it did feel like it was rocking back and forth a bit.
The three-zone cushioning is a trip. The deck is cushiest where your front foot lands and the impact is strongest, then gets firmer farther back for the follow through and push off. After about mile 6 or 7, there was a noticeable benefit of that extra support for those of us with creakier knees and backs because a cushioned deck like a cushioned shoe, helps mitigate the impact on your back and joints during your run. If I was using this to train for my first marathon, I would switch between this machine and the road to save some wear on your joints.
As a taller person, I would appreciate a longer running deck, but I concede that the one on the T101 is generally enough for most people. The arms of the machine are sturdy and at a good height for most runners, and they’re designed in such a way where you don’t feel too penned in, even if they’re safely surrounding you. The step-off area on either side of the deck is a perfectly respectable size, and it’s got plenty of grip for when you’re hopping off.
Storage
Folding this treadmill is very simple and you can do it with one hand. It has hydraulic assist, which pulls it up as you push it. Unfolding it, you just step down with your foot on the center lock and push the deck down at the same time. Moving it around is easier than most other folding treadmills I’ve tested, and I’ve tested many. It’s got easy wheels and a simple tilt, letting you maneuver it wherever you want to take it. It doesn’t fold up super small, but it’s enough to give you back some floor space.
Who Should Buy The Horizon T101
Every quality treadmill on the market is made with a specific user in mind. The T101 is great for a few groups of runners. If you’re just getting into running–maybe with our “DAA Industry Opt Out” program–getting a treadmill that’s less of an investment is a sound decision. It’s still a major purchase, no doubt, but this is about as little as you can spend on a quality treadmill with a 10 percent incline, 10 speeds, and the ability to fold with a hydraulic lift. This one’s affordable because it has a basic design, which is a good thing for runners who want to jump right on and get started.
Even if you aren’t new to running, it’s a good fit for The 13 Best Running Shorts for Women who only use the treadmill when the weather is completely hot garbage or to fill in the gaps of their workouts like Hyrox or Crossfit. If you’re not a marathon runner logging several hundred miles a season indoors, or a pace chaser looking to run a 5:45 mile, the T101 is perfectly fine. It folds up and rolls around easily, meaning you can stash it in a corner and have most of the space back.
In the same vein, walkers and elderly runners will appreciate that the T101 is fairly low to the ground, with quick speed changes, and durable handlebars. The safety strap is bright and easy to operate with limited mobility, and you don’t need to know anything about running apps or digital workouts. And I recommend white-glove delivery (for an additional cost) to anyone with limited mobility or vision.
Who Should Skip the T101
Best New Balance Shoes serial distance runners. It will hold up for a long time, but you won’t get the longevity you need if you consistently go for high single- or double-digit mile runs.
If you’re over 6-foot, skip this treadmill. A 55-inch running deck is fine for most people, but it will feel a bit tight for the taller club. I’m just about kissing 6 feet, and I often felt as though I was running up to the board whenever I increased my speed and incline, or later in my workout when my concentration started to wear a bit thin.
Unsurprisingly, this is not a treadmill for speed runners and fast fartlek fans. The top speed is about a 6-minute mile, which feels so fast that my feet might catch fire, but won’t be enough for a sprinter.
Lastly, the T101 has a really cushy impact area, so it’s not a good fit for road runners who like a firm running surface. This will be a very annoying experience if you aren’t into the bouncy feel.
The Finish Line
Overall, the Horizon T101 stands out as an exceptional entry-level treadmill that will make exercise at home more attainable. While it’s great for more people than not, it may not meet the needs of advanced runners or taller users. Nonetheless, for under $1,000, it’s hard to find a better value for a durable and versatile treadmill. If you’re ready to jumpstart your fitness journey or upgrade your home gym, the T101 is certainly worth considering.
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
