Horizon T101 Treadmill Review – 2018

If you are looking for a budget-friendly machine to help you ease back into regular exercise, then the Horizon T101 is a great option. Its price point is under $700 with a top speed of 10 MPH and incline range from 0% - 10%, which will provide plenty of challenge for beginners and those returning to exercising after time off. Here at Treadmill Reviews, we recommend the T101 treadmill for walkers and very light joggers who are looking for a quiet, low-cost treadmill. It is not made for those who have more strenuous workout needs. If you do need a treadmill for tougher runs, a treadmill around $1,500 is more likely to suit you.

Price

The T101 is listed between $600-$700, depending on current promotions.

The T101 Is Built For Users who:

• Want a compact and light treadmill - The T101 is a surprisingly light machine, making it easy to move if you need to roll in and out of position when you need to use it. This treadmill also folds up into a compact unit when not in use. With its compact size, the T101 treadmill fits easily into most closets. For users who need a space-friendly machine, this is a good option.
• Need a smooth and quiet machine - With a 2.5 CHP motor, the T101 runs quietly, with its fan making more noise at the lower speeds than the motor itself. However, this doesn’t impede the treadmill’s ability to smoothly transition between different speeds and inclines while in use. Even when jogging and going from 0% incline to 10% incline, there was very little difference in the noise level as the motor had to work under strain.
• Prefer a simple console - While we love the tech-heavy consoles which come with higher-end treadmills, the Horizon T101 proves useful for those looking for a very simplified interface. All the buttons are clearly labeled, and it is easy to scroll through the workout options. Once you select a workout, you only need to input a couple of numbers and then you are all set to work out. It is even easier to use than more expensive Horizon treadmills, like the Elite T7.

Why The T101 earned our Best Buy Budget Treadmill Award

Between the excellent budget price and the understanding that this treadmill was built with walkers and joggers in mind, the T101 was able to snag our Best Buy budget treadmill award.

• Best of all budget treadmills - There is a massive number of budget treadmills on the market, but most of them aren’t worth considering bringing into your home. Even treadmills like the ProForm Performance 400i can’t match the overall quality of the T101.
• Good build quality - While the treadmill is lightweight, the T101 has a good, quality frame which can accommodate a user who weighs up to 300 lbs. Though the T101 is not meant for runners, it is great for daily walkers and light jogging.
• Fits into most households - Not everyone has room for a large treadmill, especially if they are looking for a budget treadmill. The T101 can fold up easily with hydraulic lift assistance and can be rolled without much effort.

So, if you are looking for a quality budget treadmill for walking, then the T101 should be at the top of your list.

Main Specs - 7/10

Specs “Quick Review”:

• Motor Size: 2.5 CHP
• Running Area: 20” W x 55” L
• Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
• Folding: Yes
• Footprint In Use (W, L, H): 34” x 70” x 55”
• Footprint Folded (W, L, H): 34” x 46” x 61
• Incline Range: 0%-10%
• Max Speed: 10 MPH
• Noise Level: 51 dB to 73 dB (background noise at 48 dB when measured)
• Treadmill Best For: Walkers, light joggers
• Electrical Requirements: 120V

Motor Size - As mentioned before, the 2.55 CHP motor in the T101 is best suited for walkers and minimal-use joggers. With the smaller motor, the T101 treadmill operates quietly and has a low-profile motor hood that takes up less space than treadmills with large motors. Running Area - This treadmill has a slightly shorter belt than other Horizon treadmills, with the running surface only measuring 20” wide and 55” long. This likely won’t trouble runners under 6’0”, but if you are over 6’2”, then the T101 may be a little short for your stride. However, if you stick to walking, then you likely will not have any problems, no matter your height. Weight Capacity - The T101 has a max weight capacity of 300 lbs. Folding - With an easy lock hydraulic lift system, you can raise the deck of the T101 with just one hand. It is a slender machine when folded up and can be rolled into a closet for storage. To release the folded treadmill deck, all you have to do is press the lever with your foot and allow the deck to lower itself hands-free. Space / Footprint - When the T101 is in use, it is 34” wide, 70” long, and 55” high. The T101 is 34” wide, 46” long and 61” tall when in the folded position. It is one of the most compact treadmills we have ever tested, and it would be great for homes which are low on space. Noise Level - The quietness of the T101 is one of our favorite features. At its highest operating level of 10 MPH, the treadmill doesn’t rise above 73 dB. As 5 MPH is jogging speed for many people, users will be happy to see the T101 runs at a remarkably quiet 59 dB at this speed. As for the console buttons, the first time you start the treadmill the buttons are at volume 7. This is a very shrill level, so you will want to turn it down significantly. The volume can range from 1-16. Treadmill running at (baseline room noise of 48 dB):

• 10 MPH, w/fans: 73 dB
• 5 MPH, w/fans: 59 dB
• 1 MPH, w/fans: 51 dB
• Noise output from button sounds: Depends on volume level

Max Speed - You can go from 0.5 MPH to 10 MPH on the T101. You can either increase your speed by whole miles per hour (ex - 1,2,3, etc.) by using the main console buttons, or by increments (ex - 3.1,3.2,3.3, etc.) with the up/down arrows. For those who want a bit more speed but still an affordable machine, the SOLE F63 or NordicTrack C990 would be good treadmills to try as they can reach 12 MPH. Incline - The T101 can go from 0% to 10% incline, with 0.5% intervals available if you use the console’s up/down arrows. The treadmill is quiet even while transitioning between different incline levels and is smooth with no stutter in movement.

Features - 7/10

Features “Quick Review”

• Display: Backlit LCD
• PreInstalled Workout Apps: 40
• Speakers: Yes
• Fans: Yes
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Handlebar grip pulse
• USB port: Yes
• Audio Jack: Yes
• Water bottle cubbies: Yes
• Device holder: Shelf-only

Workout Apps - Below are the 5 categorized programs you will find on the T101. They are simple and easy to use, with clear instructions on what information you need to input before starting a workout.

• Manual Training - Allows you to select what speed, incline, and time duration for your workout.steps
• StepsTraining - The steps programs range from 1000-10,000, allowing users to pick speed, and incline as they work toward their desired step goal.calories
• Calories Training - You can select a calorie burn program from 100-600 calories on the T101. After you’ve chosen your calorie burn program, you can pick your speed and incline then press start. Your program will end as you hit your targeted calorie burn.
• Distance Training - There are 10 different distance programs on the T101: 1 mile, 2 mile, 5K, 5 miles, 10K, 8 miles, 15K, 10 miles, 20K, and half marathon. You pick the program, select your speed and incline, and then you are set to run that distance.
• Interval Training - Challenge yourself with the T101 hills and speed interval programs. There are 10 different interval programs to choose from, ranging in intensity. If you find a program too challenging, you can adjust the speed and incline mid-program.

Display - The backlit LCD screen is not the fanciest screen out there, but if you are looking for a simple, low-tech screen that won’t distract as you run, then this treadmill will be just fine. The console display has a lower overall height than other brand competitors, so it is easier to see over if you are watching T.V. as you run. Speakers - There are Bluetooth speakers built into the T101, so you can easily sync your Bluetooth-enabled device with the treadmill. You can also use the audio jack to connect with the speakers. The speakers are decent quality. Fans - The T101 comes with 1 built-in fan. It is louder than the motor at walking speeds but doesn’t put out much of a cooling breeze. If you are walking and using the fan, the low output will be enough to keep you cool, but you won’t feel much if you are jogging. Heart Rate Monitoring - There are two heart rate monitoring handlebar pulse grips, but we have found across the board these handgrips are notoriously inaccurate. Other Tech Features

• Small shelf to place tablet or smartphone
• Bluetooth-enabled
• USB port

Build Quality - 7/10

T101 Review: Build Quality

• Warranties - Lifetime frame and motor, 1-year parts, labor, and cushioning
• Belt - 1.4mm
• Roller Size - Front - 1.8”, 1.66”
• Cushioning - 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
• Customer Support - Email, phone
• Return Policy - 30-day satisfaction guarantee

Overall, the T101 is a budget treadmill, which means it is not the highest build quality. While you can jog at a 10% incline and feel secure, it doesn’t have as much flexibility as a slightly more expensive treadmill. We did like the sturdy metal frame of the treadmill, making the T101 sturdier than your average budget treadmill while still being light and easy to move. The ease in moving the treadmill is a nice bonus, as it is clear the T101 features and build are focused on both space and budget-friendliness. It has an easy lift and release system, with hydraulics to slow the descent of the treadmill deck. It also has 4 wheels for easier movement so you can move it around without lifting up the running deck if needed.

Bottom Line Review Of The Horizon T101 Treadmill

Overall, we liked the Horizon T101 treadmill for what it was: a budget treadmill from a good brand. It has a simple and clean interface for users who aren’t interested in the latest workout technology while providing options when it comes to workout program variations. The T101 is inexpensive and light, allowing users who need a smaller and affordable machine consider this machine a good option. It isn’t up for anything more than light jogging, as the motor is only 2.5 CHP and the belt is 1-ply. So, if you need a mobile, light and inexpensive machine to help you fit in some light exercising, the T101 is a good choice.

Best Place To Buy The Horizon T101 Treadmill

We recommend you buy directly from the manufacturer if you would like to purchase the Horizon T101 treadmill, as it will save you money and ensure you receive the latest model. This will also be a benefit if you’re ever in need of customer service or have warranty issues you need addressed, as you will have a clear paper trail showing your proof of purchase.

Still considering your budget-friendly treadmill options? Read more reviews!

ProForm Performance 400i Review 2018 ProForm Power 995i Review 2018 NordicTrack C990 Treadmill Review 2018 Sole F63 Treadmill Review 2018