Updated: December 6, 2023
New runners trying to establish a home running routine will probably come across the Horizon 7.0 AT and Sole F63 in their treadmill search. Both treadmills are highly praised and perfect for users who don’t need subscription training content. They are budget-friendly, folding, and designed for light to moderate running. So, how do you choose between them? This comparison of the Horizon 7.0 AT vs Sole F63 treadmill should help your decision-making process. I have personally run and walked on both of these treadmills, so I can provide firsthand knowledge of what it is like to train on them.
Horizon 7.0 AT Highlights
- The Horizon 7.0 AT has 3-zone variable cushioning for a soft landing and firm push-off.
- The 7.0 AT has a compact folded footprint.
- The incline reaches a maximum of 15%, and the deck adjusts quickly.
- The QuickDial controls are intuitive and great for interval training
- The 7.0 AT’s screen is 7.5 inches and backlit.
Sole F63 Highlights
- The F63’s firm running deck is smooth and prepares you for outdoor training.
- The Sole F63’s four transport wheels make it easier to roll around.
- The Sole F63 has loud Bluetooth speakers.
- The F63 can connect to Bluetooth Low Energy and 5 kHZ heart rate monitors.
- The Sole F63 has extensive storage options.
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Specs
- Footprint: 76” L x 35” W x 66” H
- Deck Size: 20” W x 60” L; 8 ?” step-up height
- Motor Size: 3.0 HP
- Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
- Product Weight: 277 lbs; 364 lbs in box
- Speed Range: 0 to 12 MPH
- Incline/Decline Range: 0% to 15%
- Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning; Moderate
- Rollers: 2.4”/1.8” tapered
- Warranty: lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor; options to extend at time of purchase
- Ceiling Height Requirement: User height + 19”
Sole F63 Treadmill Specs
- Footprint: 77” x 35” x 67”
- Deck Size: 20” x 60”
- Motor Size: 3.0 HP
- Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
- Product Weight: 267 lbs
- Speed Range: 0 to 12 MPH
- Incline/Decline Range: 0 to 15%
- Cushioning: Cushion Flex Whisper Deck; firm
- Warranty: lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 2-year deck, 2-year electronics/parts, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic
Treadmill Comparison of The Horizon 7.0 AT vs Sole F63
Build Quality
Frame
When it comes to the frame, the Horizon 7.0 AT and Sole F63 have more things in common than they do different. Both treadmills’ frames are covered by lifetime warranties. They have two stable uprights, but the F63 has a crossbar for reinforcement. The F63 has my vote as the more stable frame, but the 7.0 AT is a close second.
Motor
The 7.0 AT and the F63 have 3.0 HP motors. Both are covered by lifetime warranties. Without more details on their performance (flywheel weight, physical size, etc.), I’m going to choose the 7.0 AT. The Horizon 7.0 AT’s motor supports the treadmill’s faster speed and incline changes.
Running Surface
Both treadmills have 20” x 60” running decks. The 7.0 AT has three-zone variable cushioning that provides a soft impact zone and a firm push-off zone. The F63’s cushioning is pretty firm. The 7.0 AT is better for more shock absorption, but the F63 feels more stable underfoot and road-like. It’s a draw and up to your personal preference here.
Folding/Storage
These treadmills fold. The Sole F63’s folded dimensions are 50” x 35” x 66” whereas the Horizon 7.0 AT’s folded dimensions are 44” x 35” x 68”. I’m going with the 7.0 AT treadmill for being more compact, but both treadmills use assisted folded. Their decks softly lower to the ground. The F63 does have four transport wheels, so if you need to move the treadmill often (though I don’t recommend it) the F63 is the right choice.
Incline/Decline
The Horizon 7.0 AT inclines to a 15% grade. The Sole F63 inclines up to 15 level, but this is not the same as 15% grade. The Horizon’s deck inclines faster than the Sole’s, so I am solidly in the 7.0 AT’s camp on this one. Neither treadmill has decline capabilities.
Features & Accessories
The Horizon 7.0 AT and the Sole F63 treadmills use low-tech features to give runners and walkers plenty of training options without forcing them into a subscription training platform. These treadmills have old school consoles that provide the typical features you might expect on a treadmill plus Bluetooth and a few other smart features.
Console Overview
Taking a look at the buttons and speed/incline controls, I have to give it to the Horizon 7.0 AT’s design. The 7.0 AT has QuickDial controls that scroll up and down to adjust incline and speed. The quick adjust buttons are small but represent every available speed/incline level. This is one of the Sole F63’s weakest features. The quick adjust buttons on the F63 do not represent every level. The plus and minus speed and incline buttons are very old school and don’t have the intuitiveness of the 7.0 AT.
Screen
The Sole F63 has a 6.5” LCD backlit display. The Horizon 7.0 AT has a 7.25 LCD screen and 4 LED windows. The F63’s display is busy for its size. I think I have to go with the 7.0 AT again, but neither screen offers content that’s intriguing or innovative enough to be a determining factor in a purchase decision. Users with vision impairments may be better off with the 7.0 AT.
Speakers
Both treadmills have Bluetooth speakers. The Sole F63 is the winner. I would actually hook up my smartphone to the F63 for listening to music, but the 7.0 AT is hardly better than my phone’s built-in speakers.
Heart Rate
These treadmills have EKG pulse grips. The Sole F63 keeps your hands in a horizontal position while the 7.0 AT positions your hands more horizontally. I don’t have a preference, and neither of these pulse grips has a clear advantage. The Sole F63 has 5 kHz and Bluetooth low energy connectivity. The Horizon 7.0 AT has Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Which treadmill wins in this category may be up to the device you own and your preferred training method.
Storage
The Sole F63 has more storage options with a storage tray on the crossbar. Both treadmills have two tablet racks and cup holders on the console.
Fan
This may sound a little harsh, but these treadmills might as well not have a fan. You are going to need a floor fan for either treadmill if you need a cooling breeze during your training.
App Connectivity
The Sole F63 can pair with the Sole Plus app. This app can connect with your Garmin Connect account to store all of your training metrics in the Sole Plus app. Sole has recently added training content to the Sole Plus app (for free!). This is a new feature that should improve its compatibility with Sole’s fitness equipment over time. The Horizon 7.0 AT doesn’t have its own app, but its QuickDial controls and Bluetooth connectivity make it a decent option for training with Peloton, Kinomap, Zwift, and more. I lean toward the 7.0 AT, but your personal preference may steer you toward the Sole F63.
USB Charging
It’s not going to help you make a decision, but both treadmills have USB charging. Yay!
Performance
Either of these treadmills is going to hold up for low to moderate running mileage. Their unique advantages come down to the particular types of runs that you want to do.
The Sole F63’s underfoot feel feels smoother to me than the Horizon 7.0 AT. I’m partial to its performance for low-tech long runs and steady-state runs. The treadmill feels supportive, and I like it for the long haul. The storage compartments keep all my nutrition and hydration in place for this sort of training. I like the F63 for long or medium distance runs.
The Horizon 7.0 AT knocks it out of the park when it comes to training along with third-party content or completing interval workouts. The speed and incline changes on the 7.0 AT are superior to those of the F63. The QuickDials are second only to the Peloton Tread’s speed and incline knobs. They are intuitive to use. So, for the interval runner, this is the treadmill I would pick. Its softer deck may also be the better option for runners whose indoor runs are easy and for recovery.
Subscription & Content Options
Horizon 7.0 AT Content
The Horizon 7.0 AT has onboard training content. The programs include 5k, calorie, custom, distance, fat burn, hill climb, manual, and target heart rate. The Horizon 7.0 AT also pairs very well with training content viewed on your smart device.
Sole F63 Content
The Sole F63 has onboard training programs: manual, hill, fat burn, cardio, strength, HIIT, two user-defined programs, and two heart rate programs. The Sole F63 can be paired with Sole’s training content on the Sole Plus app.
Bottom Line Review: Horizon 7.0 AT vs Sole F63
I can’t declare an obvious winner when it comes to these two treadmills. I can reiterate my position that the Horizon 7.0 AT is better for interval training and the Sole F63 is better for steady-state training. Yet, both treadmills can handle your entire running routine if you do a little bit of everything. With impressive lifetime warranties on their frames and motors, great training options, and no required subscription, the benefits of the 7.0 AT and Sole F63 are clear. I hope this gave you insight into how these treadmills compare, and best of luck to you in making your decision! Check out their individual reviews (linked below) for more information.
