Most of us turn to research and treadmill reviews before we purchase a treadmill. The right treadmill can make all the difference in someone’s fitness journey and no one wants to make the wrong choice. Yet, when there are two highly regarded and reviewed treadmills of similar price, it can be tough to decide between them.
Let’s compare the ProForm Pro 2000 and the Horizon Elite T7. These treadmills come from respected treadmill manufacturers and many consumers have posted rave reviews. After extensively testing both of these treadmills, we have put together a side by side comparison to determine which treadmill is the better buy. Our results were in favor of the Pro 2000 from ProForm. For more detailed specs, continue reading.
Pro 2000 & Elite T7 General Spec Comparison
| Elite T7 | Pro 2000 |
|---|---|
| Cost $1,000-$1,500 price range |
Cost $1,000-$1,500 price range |
| Weight Capacity 350 lbs |
Weight Capacity 350 lbs |
| Available Programs 42 |
Available Programs 32 |
| Dimensions 60” height, 77” length, 35” width |
Dimensions 70” height, 77.2” length, 39.5” width |
| Running Surface 20” wide by 60” long, 2-ply non-stretch commercial belt |
Running Surface 22” wide by 60” long, 1-ply non-stretch commercial belt |
| Folding Yes |
Folding Yes |
| Motor Size 3.0 CHP |
Motor Size 3.5 CHP |
| Incline Range 0% to 15% |
Incline Range -3% to 15% |
| Max Speed 12 mph |
Max Speed 12 mph |
| Fans Yes |
Fans Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitoring Pulse grip and chest strap |
Heart Rate Monitoring Pulse grip and chest strap |
| Treadmill Weight 227 lbs |
Treadmill Weight 320 lbs |
Cost – While both treadmills are in the $1,000-$1,500 treadmill price range, the Pro 2000 is slightly more affordable compared to the Elite T7. Rather than paying the $1,599 price for the Elite T7, the Pro 2000 comes off as more affordable, being priced for $1,299.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Weight Capacity – Thanks to an upgrade on ProForm’s part, the Pro 2000 now has the same 350 lb weight capacity as the Elite T7.
Category Winner – Tied
Available Programs – Upgrades to the Elite T7 has pushed it ahead of the Pro 2000, as the Elite T7 now has 42 workout programs available and the Pro 2000 only has 32 workout programs available for users. Both treadmills do have a good mix of incline, speed, and calorie burn workouts.
Category Winner – Horizon Elite T7
Dimensions – Surprisingly slim and compact, the Elite T7 measures 60” tall, 77” long, and 35” wide. These smaller dimensions help users who have limited space fit a treadmill into their homes. Somewhat bigger in dimensions is the Pro 2000, measuring 70” tall, 77.2” long, and 39.5” wide.
Category Winner – Horizon Elite T7
Running Surface – There are some pros and cons to consider when comparing the running surfaces of the Pro 2000 and the Elite T7. The treadmill belt thickness on the Elite T7 is 2-ply while the Pro 2000 has a 1-ply treadmill belt. However, the Elite T7 actual running area measures 20” wide by 60” long, while the Pro 2000 has a running area of 22” wide by 60” long. In the end, it makes sense to favor the Pro 2000, as users can replace a worn belt but nothing will give them extra running space.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Folding – There is a similar hydraulic folding mechanism on both the Elite T7 and the Pro 2000, located under each deck. This mechanism allows users to lower the treadmill deck hands-free. Also, the hydraulic folding mechanism makes raising the deck easier as it reduces the strain on the user.
The key difference between them is the position of the release lever. The release lever for the Elite T7 is farther under the treadmill, requiring users with shorter legs to duck under the deck to press the release with their foot. The Pro 2000 release lever is a little higher and more accessible so users don’t have to be so close to the deck as it is released. Which users end up prefers comes down to personal preference.
Category Winner – Tied
Motor Size – A 3.5 CHP motor is installed in the Pro 2000, superior in size and power to the 3.0 CHP motor in the Elite T7. The motor in the Elite T7 is slightly quieter than the Pro 2000, due to its smaller size. Yet, when it comes to overall functionality, users should not sacrifice a stronger motor for a slightly quieter noise output.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Incline Range – Users can find a greater incline range on the Pro 2000 as it is able to decline to -3% and incline to 15%. The Elite T7 does not have the ability to decline and its incline range goes from 0% to 15%. With a greater incline range, users can more accurately simulate outdoor running by changing incline levels.
Pro 2000
Elite T7
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Speed – Both treadmills come with a speed range of 0.5 MPH-12 MPH.
Category Winner – Tied
Fans – While both treadmills come equipped with fans, they do not have an equal output. The fans on the Elite T7 put out a very weak breeze. In contrast, the fans on the Pro 2000 can put out noticable breezes from gentle to vigorous.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Heart Rate Monitoring – Both of these treadmills come with pulse grip handlebars. Users also receive wireless Bluetooth chest straps for heart rate monitoring. The Elite T7 comes with a free Polar chest strap and the Pro 2000 comes with an iFit chest strap.
A noticeable difference between these chest straps is the Polar chest strap does not allow for the user to replace the battery when it dies. They have to order an entirely new chest strap or attempt to hack into the battery chamber. The iFit chest strap has a convenient screwback which allows users to easily replace a dead battery in their chest strap.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Treadmill Weight – The Elite T7 is considerably lighter than the Pro 2000, with the Elite T7 weighing 227 lbs. Almost 100 lbs heavier, the Pro 2000 weighs 320 lbs.
Category Winner – Horizon Elite T7
Look and Feel Of The Treadmill
Materials – Higher qualitymaterials are available on the Pro 2000 than on the Horizon Elite T7. Its commercial-grade steel frame is thicker than the metal frame of the Elite T7, improving the Pro 2000 durability. As for the molded plastic on these treadmills, the Elite T7 has thinner plastic which is more susceptible to damage.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Sturdiness – The Pro 2000 is an overall sturdier treadmill with its wider base, stabilizing feet, higher quality materials, and supportive crossbar which helps keep the console steady as users workout.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Moving the treadmill – One way the lighter materials which make up the Elite T7 are a bonus is when users need to move the treadmill. Thanks to its lighter frame, folding ability, and wheel positions, tilting and rolling this treadmill is easier to move than the the heavy Pro 2000.
Category Winner – Horizon Elite T7
Cushioning – Both of these treadmills have the standard patented cushioning of their manufacturers, with 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning on the Elite T7 and ProShox cushioning on the Pro 2000. Whether due to the cushioning or just the stiffness of the deck, the Elite T7 is as very flexible or comfortable as the Pro 2000.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Assembly – The lighter materials and simpler layout of the Elite T7 make it easier to assemble when compared to the heavier and more complicated Pro 2000. Assembly time for the Elite T7 averages around 1 ½ hours and users often report it takes over 2 hours to assemble the Pro 2000.
As you assemble either of these treadmills, be cautious not to pinch the wires when placing the console on the support bars. This is a common mistake many users make resulting in malfunctioning technical equipment and lots of frustration.
Category Winner – Horizon Elite T7
User Interface
Speed and Incline Controls – The speed and incline controls on the Pro 2000 are easy to both reach and use. Whole integers of speed and incline are readily available with the touch of a button, as well as incremental adjustment buttons below the console. Comparatively, the Elite T7 speed and incline controls have a more challenging learning curve for those who are not familiar with how they work.
To set either the speed or incline on the Elite T7, users will have to follow a series of steps which is more cumbersome compared to adjustments on the Pro 2000
Elite T7
Select “Set Incline/Set Speed”
Input desired integers (example “3”, “0” to change the speed or incline to “3.0”)
Total buttons pressed to adjust speed/incline = 3
Pro 2000
Select desired whole integer to adjust speed or incline
If a tenth of an increase/decrease is desired, use up/down arrows to adjust accordingly
Total buttons pressed to adjust speed/incline = 1
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Fan Controls – There is a single fan button on the Elite T7 though users can adjust it to two different speeds. As the air output is slight no matter what the fan is set at, it can be hard to tell when the user has managed to turn the fan on or off. On the Pro 2000, there are two fan speed controls and multiple levels to allow the user to set the air output easily to their preference.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Program Selection – Using the increment adjustment control, users can select a workout program on the Elite T7. These programs require users to input some parameters such as the user’s preferred speed, max incline, distance and more depending on the chosen workout. Its a little odd not to have all of that information preset but the larger frustration is that users cannot go back and edit a previously set metric. The program has to be completely exited out of then restart the process.
On the Pro 2000, the program selection is much easier. Users can press the “32 Fitness Apps” button and scroll through the 32 offered workout programs, using the “Enter” button to select their desired program.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Visual Display – The displays on both treadmills are similar as they are both blue, backlit LCD screens. However, the Pro 2000 is only a 7” display while the Elite T7 has a 8.5” display screen.
Category Winner – Horizon Elite T7
Entertainment Features
Speakers – Good quality sound can be produced from the Pro 2000. The sound remains crisp until the very last couple high volume levels, delivering balanced sound. Users just need to plug in their media device and enjoy. The speakers on the Elite T7 are also good, with clear sound quality except the quality of sound starts to degrade sooner as users increase the volume above the mid-range volume levels.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
USB Port – There is no USB port on the Pro 2000 but there is a USB port available on the Elite T7.
Category Winner- Horizon Elite T7
Other Entertainment Features – Neither of these treadmills offer much in the way of entertainment beyond the Pro 2000’s integrated tablet holder. The Elite T7 can use Passport Ready, a Horizon feature which syncs the user’s treadmill with a video of outdoor running. However, the Passport system costs extra and can become pricey if users want several outdoor modules.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Data Tracking
Data Display – Between these two treadmills, users who are interested in tracking more workout data will prefer more information available on the Pro 2000.
| Elite T7 | Pro 2000 |
|---|---|
| Current Incline x |
Current Incline x |
| Vertical Gain – |
Vertical Gain x |
| Vertical Loss – |
Vertical Loss – |
| Current Speed x |
Current Speed x |
| Current Pace x |
Current Pace x |
| Average Pace – |
Average Pace – |
| Lap Time – |
Lap Time – |
| Distance x |
Distance x |
| Time Elapsed x |
Time Elapsed x |
| Current Heart Rate x |
Current Heart Rate x |
| Average Heart Rate – |
Average Heart Rate x |
| Current Heart Rate Zone x |
Current Heart Rate Zone – |
| Total Calories Burned x |
Total Calories Burned x |
| Calories Burned per Hr – |
Calories Burned per Hr x |
| Data Graph – |
Data Graph x |
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
Fitness Apps – The Elite T7 can sync with the fitness app ViaFit from Horizon. It is a fairly basic, free fitness tracker which collects and stores a user’s workout information. Users can also set goals and join challenges from others in the ViaFit community. The app is limited compared to the fitness app offered for the Pro 2000.
On the Pro 2000, users can purchase an iFit membership for $39/month for up to 5 profiles. This membership will give users access to a huge range of new and continually updated workout programs, runs created by both iFit and other users, running challenges, and the ability to track their workouts, nutrition, and sleep habits. Along with these benefits, users can also use the huge iFit workout video library, filled with workouts to target different areas of the body. There are also livecast workouts led by world-class personal trainers which iFit members can follow from home.
Category Winner – ProForm Pro 2000
ProForm & Horizon Financing Options
Horizon Financing
- Goes through a third-party financing company called FuturePay.
- FuturePay charges a flat financing charge of $1.50/month for every $50 dollars in a carried balance of $50 or more.
- No money down purchases
- Minimum payments can be as low as $25/month
- You can pay off the balance at any time
- Subject to credit approval
ProForm Financing
- No money down, $39 per month, and 0% for 39 months.
- The ProForm Financing program account is issued and administered by TD Bank, N.A.
Category Winner- ProForm Pro 2000
Horizon and ProForm Warranties
Horizon Warranty
- 30-day trial and return period. Full refund minus freight and assembly charges.
- Returns need to be authorized through customer service (877-700-8730) and your account will be credited upon receipt of the item.
- Lifetime warranty on frame, motor, 2-year parts, with 1-year cushioning and labor.
- Parts will be shipped to your home, with labor repair provided for free for the first year.
ProForm Warranty
- A 30-day trial period for a full refund (minus shipping and restocking fees)
- 10-year warranty on the frame; 2 years for parts; 1 years for labor.
- The warranty extends only to the original purchaser.
- Repairs first need authorization. Shipping to service centers for repairs is at customers cost. Shipping for replacement parts sent to your home is also at your cost. For in-home service, the customer pays a minimal trip charge.
- If you receive a machine that is damaged beyond repair ProForm will be happy to send a replacement machine or give a full refund.
- All non-UPS shipments are curbside delivery and require a customer signature. Return shipping and a 10% restocking fee will apply.
- ProForm allows a 30-day trial period on all products. You pay return shipping and a 10% restocking fee.
- Products being returned must be disassembled and packaged in the original box or comparable package. If you do not have a box, we can provide one for you.
- You can expect a refund in the same form of payment originally used for the purchase within 30 days of our receiving your returned product.
Category Winner- Tied
Overall Favorite
The ProForm Pro 2000
__________
Total Categories Compared: 28
Total Ties Between the Elite T7 and the Pro 2000: 4
Total Horizon Favored Categories: 7
Total ProForm Favored Categories: 17
There were not many ties as we compared the Horizon Elite T7 to the ProForm Pro 2000, making it clear which treadmill was superior. While the Elite T7 is not necessarily a bad treadmill, it is not up to par with the Pro 2000, especially when you consider that the Pro 2000 is about $300 less expensive than the Elite T7 but has more desireable features.
To help you buy the Pro 2000 at a discounted price, Treadmill Reviews has exclusive coupon deals for our readers.
