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With a powerful 3.5 horsepower motor and a 22” x 60” deck, the Horizon 7.4 AT is ready to run without breaking the bank. Continue reading this review of the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill to learn more about this affordable cardio machine.
Updated: September 15, 2023
The Horizon 7.4 AT is sandwiched between an affordable treadmill (the 7.0 AT) and a very powerful treadmill (the 7.8 AT) in Horizon’s Studio Series. But don’t think of the 7.4 AT as the awkward middle child. Instead, it is the perfect compromise between your wallet and your training needs. The Horizon 7.4 AT was designed for runners whether you have a long run or interval workout queued up for the day. The Horizon 7.4 AT has a reasonable balance between training and comfort features while still maintaining a beginner-friendly interface. My review of the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill takes a closer look at its build and features.
The Horizon 7.4 AT has a burly steel frame. The deck is reinforced to provide plenty of stability for running. Horizon designed this treadmill series with runners in mind, so you can rest assured it will see you through miles and miles of training. The substantial uprights are supported by a crossbar to add even more stability to this treadmill. Unfortunately, the robust design comes with one con: a high product weight.
The motor is rated at 3.5 horsepower. This is a great strength for one really dedicated runner or multiple runners doing lower mileage. The motor is located in the front of the treadmill under the motor hood. The motor hood appears very minimal, so you are less likely to catch your foot on it while running.
The Horizon 7.4 AT is a definite upgrade from the 7.0 when it comes to belt width. The 7.4 AT has a 22-inch belt width to complement a 60-inch length. This size is about the maximum you will find on most running treadmills. For some users that extra 2 inches of width on the 7.4 AT versus most other running treadmills may make a lot of difference. If you require a wider belt to accommodate your step width or comfortability, the 7.4 AT is a great choice.
Runners should have plenty of room to lengthen their strides, and most users should find the 8 ¾” step-up height doable. The belt is textured to prevent you from slipping, and the deck has 3-zone variable response cushioning to create a smooth underfoot feel throughout your stride. The front of the deck is designed to be softer while the deck grows firmer toward the back. On the Horizon treadmills I have used, the zones are not distinguishable because they are so subtle.
The Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill is a folding treadmill that uses hydraulic assistance to lower the belt softly to the ground. The hydraulic even provides a little assistance when lifting the deck, so it doesn’t feel quite as heavy as you might expect.
I don’t recommend storing the 7.4 AT somewhere other than the location you will use it. The treadmill weighs 318 lbs, which is heavy even for a treadmill. I recommend assembling the 7.4 AT where it will be kept long-term. If you do need to move it, the 7.4 AT can be tilted onto its two transport wheels when in the folded position.
The Horizon 7.4 AT has an incline range of 0 to 15%. Unfortunately, it does not have the ability to decline. None of Horizon’s treadmills do, at this time. However, a 15% maximum incline should feel pretty steep to most users and offers great training variability. We have come to expect fast incline and speed adjustments from Horizon treadmills. Though I have not tested the 7.4 AT yet, I would expect the same from it. If I learn more information, I will update this review.
The Horizon 7.4 AT may not have a smart touchscreen display, but it has just about everything else you could want on a running treadmill. Horizon’s focus has been on maximizing performance features like the sturdiness of the treadmill’s build and performance features like speed and incline rather than maximizing features. This decision is counter to most other brands, but it makes sense. Most users have smartphones or tablets that they can use in conjunction with their treadmill to replace a screen. The Horizon 7.4 AT proves you don’t need to pay for yet another screen when you probably already have multiple that will work just fine.
The Horizon 7.4 AT has a user-friendly design. By that I mean it has plenty of large, easy-to-read buttons with an intuitive interface. You won’t need to study the manual before using the 7.4 AT.
There are quick adjust buttons for the speed and incline or arrow buttons for more refined selections. The only tricky part of the 7.4 AT is the program indicators located right above the start button. These are not buttons. They are simply there to help you visualize which program you are selecting. There are buttons for starting and stopping the treadmill, establishing a Bluetooth connection, and turning the fan on.
The Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill has both an LCD and LED windows. Thus, you can keep track of your metrics no matter what. The LCD screen shows a bar graph of your workout program progress with all of your metrics arranged around the graph. The LCD screen has a blue background with white numbering while the LED windows are blue on a black background.
Horizon really has my heart when it comes to speed and incline adjustments. Not only are they prompt, but they are easy to do with the dials. The QuickDials can be spun quickly to keep up with your planned interval workout, latest whim, or trainer-led third-party content. There are also interval keys on the underside of the QuickDial handles, just within reach if your hands are resting on the heart rate grips. These interval keys can be programmed in three seconds to adjust your speed and incline. With two interval keys, you can hop from your rest to work interval super fast.
Two large, shallow pockets act as water bottle holders on the 7.4 AT. These pockets should be roomy enough to accommodate a large water bottle and almost any other item you could need on a walk or run.
There are two device racks to ensure you have adequate viewing options. This is also the purpose of the dual LED and LDC metrics. If you use the lower tablet rack, you will obscure the LCD screen. I really appreciate Horizon’s support of third-party training and entertainment content. Many treadmill brands have streamlined their consoles, eliminating tablet or phone racks.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to test out the speaker quality for myself, but the 7.4 AT does have front-facing speakers. These tend to be much clearer than side or rear-facing speakers. The Horizon 7.4 AT has Bluetooth and an audio jack to provide the audio option you need. This feature further supports using third-party streaming content.
There are pulse grip sensors on the curved handles that support the QuickDial controls. These sensors are not as accurate as fitness wearables or other heart rate monitors. The 7.4 AT can be paired with a compatible heart rate monitor for more precise training.
The Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill is your go-to for intervals and long runs. It is ideal for the runner who wants the freedom to determine their own training. If your training plans tend to be freeform or programmed by yourself or a coach, the Horizon 7.4 AT is a good fit. It doesn’t tie you into a subscription training program.
The Horizon 7.4 AT has a moderate to firm underfoot feel, based on our impression of Horizon’s other Studio treadmills. This cushioning feels more forgiving than the road without feeling overly plush or bouncy. I like this type of cushioning because it will suit a wider variety of runners and their goals. It is a good middle ground between recovery and training hard. Overall, the Horizon 7.4 AT is not only a good middle ground in the Horizon’s Studio series, but it is also a great compromise in home treadmill design. You get just the right amount of features and performance variables without anything going to waste.
The Horizon 7.4 AT does not have trainer-led video content built into the console. It does not require a subscription to use any of its onboard features. But, it does have a few different preset training programs such as intervals, hill repeats, and user-determined target workouts. These low-tech training options are best for users on a budget and beginners.
The Horizon 7.4 AT can be used with third-party subscription training content if you prefer to train that way. It has some integration with apps like Zwift and Peloton to keep your walks and runs going smoothly. You will need to supply your own phone or tablet to perform these types of workouts. While the 7.4 AT does not require a subscription, you may need a subscription to any third-party apps you would like to use with the treadmill.
Horizon’s Studio series was designed for runners. As the mid-range option in the lineup, the 7.4 AT is the perfect choice for a runner wanting to save a little money but in need of a powerful running treadmill. The 22” x 60” running belt and the 3.5 HP motor provide excellent support for every runner’s stride. The quick speed and incline changes and support of third-party training or entertainment content allow runners to execute almost any workout they would like with ease. The Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, promising a durable build that will last you for miles to come.
