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The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill blends high-tech app integration with a low-tech, user-friendly console. This review of the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is for treadmill lovers who want to jump on and go or dive deep into the 7.0 AT’s features. Keep reading for my impression of this budget-friendly treadmill from Horizon.
Updated: August 22, 2023
Horizon designed their Studio series treadmills with runners in mind, with the 7.0 AT as the entry-point model. For a treadmill listed at under a thousand dollars, the 7.0 AT has some impressive offerings. My review of the Horizon 7.0 AT reflects my experience walking, running, and getting really sweaty after testing out all of this treadmill’s features.
As a budget-friendly runner-oriented treadmill, I love this treadmill for new runners. Regardless of how you like to train, the Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill tries to meet you where you are at. If you prioritize affordability and functionality over a sleek appearance and subscription content, this treadmill will match your needs.
The steel frame of the Horizon 7.0 AT is sturdy, ensuring there is minimal shake to the console. The plastic components of the build leave something to be desired aesthetically, but keep in mind, this is a budget-friendly treadmill. For this reason, I would consider the frame and overall build quality quite satisfactory.
The 3.0 HP motor excels at being quiet. As Horizon has designed this treadmill’s series with runners in mind, the 7.0 AT can definitely support running. However, if you plan to train for longer events, like marathon distances, I recommend checking out the 7.0 AT’s sister machine, the 7.8 AT.
The running surface is 20” W x 60” L. This should be suitable for most stride lengths, even at higher speeds. The groove in the motor hood helped prevent me from hitting the hood while I was running.
At 277 lbs, the 7.0 AT is foldable and portable, but I recommend moving it as little as possible. Don’t think you have to lift that entire weight; there is hydraulic assistance to the folding mechanism and wheels to assist in transportation.
The 0 to 15% incline range is impressive at this price point, and for a folding treadmill, 12% tends to be the standard incline maximum. There is no decline option, so it is not suited to downhill race training or replicating the full road running/trail running experience.
Horizon has impressed me with its various features in a budget-friendly running treadmill. The 7.0 AT effectively balances the appeal to quick-start, low-tech training and higher-tech app integration with entertainment options. The 7.0 AT gives you multiple ways to train in a simplified manner.
The console of the Horizon 7.0 AT is simplistic, relying on large tactile buttons. Some of the buttons are programmable. The console is large and a bit busy but great for low-tech users. I tend to be cautious about touchscreens or buttons since I am a heavy sweater, which can affect my ability to use high-tech equipment while exercising. With the design of the 7.0 AT, I am relieved to find this is not a concern. That’s a big plus in my book.
This treadmill has a 7.25” LCD screen and 4 LED metric windows. There are eight pre-set program indicator lights, which I thought were buttons. These are only indicators to demonstrate which program you have selected with the QuickDial controls. Save yourself some time trying to press the indicators–unlike me–and get accustomed to using the dials.
The 7.0 AT treadmill has some novelty to it with its QuickDial controls located on the PulseGrip handles. While there are quick adjust buttons, I tended to ignore them in favor of these dials. The buttons skipped over some single increments, which isn’t ideal. The dials adjust the incline by 0.5% and the speed by 0.1 mph, so this was my preferred method. It might take some time to get used to the dial’s sensitivity. This can be accomplished within a few minutes of your first activity on this treadmill. I admit that I hit the dials a few times while running and unintentionally changed my speed and incline. Hitting the dials may be more of a problem if you drift from the center while exercising like I do.
A bonus feature that makes the treadmill friendly for runners following a training program is the interval buttons below the QuickDial controls. You can program these two interval buttons to transition between two interval settings. Horizon considered all the different ways walkers and runners like to train.
Turn this low-tech appearing treadmill into a higher-tech machine with Bluetooth connectivity. It was easy to pair my smartphone to play audio through the speakers and use the buttons on the console to control my audio and video content settings. Horizon’s Studio series is compatible with tons of different apps. I even used a music app (Pandora) not listed as compatible on Horizon’s website.
The speakers can play your music after connecting via Bluetooth or the aux cord. At the highest volume, the speakers are audible over the quiet motor and loud running. There are much stronger speakers available on and off treadmills, and I couldn’t tell a big difference between using the treadmill’s speakers and my phone’s speaker.
There is a fan without adjustable speed. The single setting is unimpressive. You may need a separate fan to cool off if you get hot while exercising. The angle of the fan is alright; the rare moments I felt it, it hit my face and neck.
The heart rate sensor built into the handles is inaccurate, as most similar designs are. When the treadmill detected my heart rate, it was off by about 50%. If you prefer to train in heart rate zones, using the included heart rate monitor or your own device is recommended.
There are two device racks. Regardless of which rack you use to store your device, you can view content without fretting over it falling and breaking even though the console shakes some while running. With two different height options to place your device, this treadmill is suitable for a large user height range.
There are two cup holders. While they are very shallow, I was impressed by the stability of the console. I placed my phone in one of them for testing. It did not rattle or move. With as much room as the cup holders provide, I would prefer something a little deeper, mostly for extra reassurance if I use a larger water bottle.
Horizon 7.0 AT states that they designed the Studio series with runners in mind, so I wanted to put this treadmill to the test. I was impressed with how it performed, especially how quiet it stayed while running over 9 mph. The speed and incline adjustments are fast. If you do a lot of interval training, this is a must. I noticed this while I was doing the built-in incline workout. With any treadmill workout program, I like being able to anticipate when the intensity is going to increase. This was possible on the 7.0 AT through the progress bars displayed on the LCD screen. You can also override the incline and speed settings to customize the workout.
The underfoot feel is firmer than a NordicTrack. I noticed some strange bouncing when I first encountered Horizon’s 3-zone variable training, but either I adjusted to it quickly, or it was a fluke. My overall impression of the cushioning is positive. I like something a bit firmer, and I would place this treadmill between NordicTrack (soft) and Sole (firm) treadmills.
While the steel construction was sufficiently sturdy to balance my stored belongings, I noticed the console shook while I ran. Since I was not focused on a built-in HD screen, this did not matter much to me. In fact, it was sturdier than other consoles with large touchscreens at higher price points. I was not a fan of the metal handrails. There was not enough grip, and my hands slid when I got sweatier. Additionally, there was no easy way to steady myself at a 15% incline, as all the handles were awkwardly low. To summarize, the 7.0 AT’s build has pros and cons to be expected in the budget-friendly category, but it comes out favorably.
I love deciding what type of run or walk I want to do. Other treadmills are designed to draw you into their subscription content, manual activity only, or a few preset programs. With the Horizon 7.0 AT, I felt like the choice was in my hands, and the treadmill would facilitate whatever I decided. I like to read on my Kindle or watch Netflix when I use a treadmill, which is possible on this treadmill, unlike the steeply-priced NordicTrack Commercial 2450. I love the options presented by this treadmill.
Training indoors can be tedious–there’s a reason some runners call it the “dreadmill,” but Horizon helps you switch things up. This treadmill has plenty to offer whether you are new to running, have been around the track more times than you can count, or want to up the ante on your daily walk.
The Horizon 7.0 AT does not come with preprogrammed content. You can train alongside many different training apps like Peloton, Nike Running Club, or STUDIO through a Bluetooth connection with your smart device. The QuickDial controls make it easy to adjust your speed and incline to match the program’s recommendations.
If you prefer to work out without app integration, no problem! The Horizon 7.0 AT’s functionality and features are not restricted by a subscription to any platform. This keeps the treadmill truly affordable by eliminating any ongoing costs.
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill lets you train how you want to. The features may not be as impressive as a high-end treadmill, but Horizon has maximized this treadmill's features at a budget-friendly price point. Runners logging a ton of miles might be happier with the 7.8 AT’s performance, but the 7.0 AT provides a solid entry-level experience for most users. Skip the touchscreen and monthly cost of subscription content by using the 7.0 AT treadmill to work out how you prefer.
