Horizon Studio Treadmill Review: 7.0 vs. 7.4 vs. 7.8 (2024 Update)

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Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or a long-time enthusiast shopping for a new machine, there is a treadmill out there for you. You just need to make sure the size, price and additional features align with your needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we take a close look at three treadmills from the Horizon Fitness Studio Series. The Horizon 7.0, Horizon 7.4 AT and Horizon 7.8 AT, which are all engineered for high performance to suit various workout regimens.

So, how do you choose the right Horizon Studio Treadmill in 2024? Follow along as we look at each model’s features, pros and cons and prices. We also explore if the treadmills work with accessories and high-end technology for even more fun and effective workouts. 

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

The Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill has all you can ask for in a machine without the flashiness that drives up the price. It has a powerful 3.0 HP motor, which is perfect for runners. If you prefer to work out with added entertainment, it has advanced Bluetooth technology that connects multiple devices and blasts audio through integrated speakers.

It has a durable, rugged steel frame that remains steady even in the highest settings. It has a 20 inch by 60 inch deck with three-zone variable response cushioning for maximum comfort no matter what running shoes you have on.

For more in-depth information about this treadmill, check out our Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill review. 

Other features include in/out jack for audio, custom interval keys, energy saver mode, QuickDial controls, tablet rack, USB charging port and a water bottle holder. The built-in programs are 5k, calorie, distance, fat burn, hill climb, manual and maximum heart rate. The seven-inch LCD screen is quite small and is not a touchscreen.

All of these features add up to a solid option that is especially well-suited to runners. Plus, its fairly reasonable price point makes it a good choice for home fitness enthusiasts looking to add a cardio machine to their home gym. 

Key features:

• $999
• Compatible with several training apps
• Multi-position device holders
• QuickDial controls
• Bluetooth FTMS connectivity
• 7 built-in programs
• Integrated speaker and fan
• Foldable

Dimensions:

76.5 inches x 36 inches x 59 inches

Who it is best for:

Beginners who are looking to start serious training without breaking the bank

Pros:

• Budget-friendly Horizon treadmill that has top-notch features
• Three-zone variable cushioning protect knees and hips from injuries
• Compatible with various fitness apps: Peloton, Zwift, Under Armour Record, FitBit
• QuickDial controls allow users to quickly change the speed (up to 12 miles per hour) and incline (up to 15%)

Cons:

• Small seven-inch screen that is not a touchscreen
• Automated control is not available for third-party apps

Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill

The Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill has an expanded deck of 22 inches by 60 inches. Complemented with three-zone variable response cushioning, serious runners can enjoy a more comfortable experience.

More apps are compatible with this treadmill, allowing users to choose from various online training programs like Aaptiv, Daily Burn, Studio and Treo. That means you can plug in to your favorite programs directly with the machine instead of using your phone or tablet. It also comes with a built-in Sprint 8 training program for high-intensity interval training, which the 3.5 HP motor easily accommodates. The other built-in programs include 5K, calorie, custom, custom HR, distance, fat burn, heart rate, hill climb and manual.

Like the 7.0, the 7.4 has the following extra features: in/out jack for audio, Bluetooth speakers, custom interval keys, energy saver mode, fan, QuickDial controls, USB charging port and a water bottle holder. It also has a multi-position tablet holder for easy streaming of training apps.

Its screen is medium-size (8.25 inches) and is not a touchscreen.

Key features:

• $1,599
• 3.5 HP motor
• Expanded deck
• Compatible with many training apps
• Bluetooth chest strap
• QuickDial controls
• Integrated speaker and fan
• 10 built-in programs
• Foldable

Dimensions:

76 inches x 37 inches x 63 inches

Who it is best for:

Fitness enthusiasts who want more flexibility in terms of apps and workouts

Pros:

• Expanded (22 inches by 60 inches) and thicker (20millimeter) deck
• 10 built-in programs
• Compatible with more online training programs
• Bluetooth chest strap to monitor heart rate
• Integrated with HIIT training programs

Cons:

• Only has one fan, which may not be adequate for HIIT workouts
• Needs a separate device for streaming because the 8.25 inch screen is just for workout data

Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

Catering to the higher-end of the Horizon market and serious runners or marathoners, the Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill is powered by a 4.0 HP motor with fast acceleration and deceleration. The QuickDial controls on the grip let users change speed and incline in a flash.

The treadmill can carry a maximum weight of 330 pounds with its expanded deck at 22 inches by 60 inches and 20 millimeter thickness. The impact of heavier footfalls will be absorbed by three-zone variable response cushioning. It’s not too noisy, generating around 65 decibels at 3 miles per hour.

This machine comes with an updated 9.3-inch screen with a full-color LED display. The built-in programs are similar to the 7.4: 5K, calorie, custom, custom HR, distance, fat burn, heart rate, hill climb, manual and Sprint 8, which is great for HIIT workouts.

There are more extra features on this treadmill, such as the accessory tray in front, aluminum side rails and media control. The basic Horizon Studio treadmill features are also included: in/out jack for audio, Bluetooth speakers, energy saver mode, fan, multi-position tablet holders, QuickDial controls, USB charging port and a water bottle holder.

This treadmill does not have a streaming device. You will need your own tablet to enjoy your training apps.

Key features:

• $1,999
• 4.0 HP motor
• Expanded deck
• Compatible with many training apps
• Accessory tray
• Bluetooth chest strap
• QuickDial controls
• Integrated speaker and fan
• 10 built-in programs
• Quiet
• Foldable

Dimensions:

76 inches x 37 inches x 64 inches

Who it is best for:

Runners and more serious distance or competitive athletes such as marathoners who need hours of training every day

Pros:

• Powerful 4.0 HP motor for extreme HIIT with faster acceleration and deceleration
• Large, high-contrast color TFT LED screen
• Maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds
• Extra features like the accessory tray and aluminum side rails
• Despite the power, it’s very quiet

Cons:

• Expensive
• No integrated screen for streaming training apps—users need their own tablet
• Only has one fan and 10 built-in programs, not much of an upgrade from the Horizon 7.4

Comparing the Horizon Studio Series Models: 7.0 vs 7.4 vs 7.8

Why Buy a Treadmill for Your Home Gym

There are many advantages to having a treadmill, the first of which is the physical presence. Seeing the imposing presence of your investment—even budget treadmills on the market—should motivate you to work out.

Here are good reasons why you should get a treadmill:

• Flexible schedule - You can work out at any time you want and you are not limited by factors such as the weather or lockdowns.

• Budget-friendly in the long run - A treadmill is a one-time investment you can benefit from for many years.

• Great for monitoring - Treadmills can allow you to monitor speed, distance and heart rate. More sophisticated treadmills allow you to monitor more health metrics.

• Sync with training apps - Modern treadmills allow you to sync your favorite training apps so you can follow the instructor’s fitness regimen.

• Reduced impact on your feet - Treadmills have cushioning, which is better for your legs than jogging or running on concrete.

• Control - You have complete control over how light or intense you want your workout to be.

• Safe and private - Not everyone is comfortable working out around other people. Having a home gym treadmill provides privacy and safety. 

Horizon Treadmills vs Peloton

At first glance, the Peloton Tread has a much sleeker design with a prominent 32 inch HD touchscreen. Peloton Interactive is explicitly designed to connect to the internet so users can participate in workout classes via streaming. Horizon Studio Treadmills, on the other hand, have much smaller screens. Those who want to stream workouts need their own tablet—Horizon Treadmills have multi-position device holders.

The Peloton Tread is much more expensive than the highest-end Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill and the price difference is enough to buy the tablet necessary for streaming workouts. Horizon is compatible with the Peloton app and has the necessary features for integration: in/out audio jack, speakers and advanced Bluetooth technology.

As far as the actual treadmill is concerned, Horizon is more powerful. Peloton Tread matches the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill’s motor at 3 HP. The 7.4 AT has a 3.5 HP motor, while the 7.8 AT is at 4.0 HP. There is also a wider workout area for the Horizon treadmills, with a minimum 20 inch x 60 inch deck—the 7.4 AT and 7.8 AT have 22-inch decks. Peloton’s deck is only 20 inches x 59 inches.

For small spaces, all models in the Horizon Series are foldable for easy storage, while the Peloton Thread is not. 

FAQs

Do the Horizon Studio Treadmills work with Zwift?

Yes, all Horizon Studio Treadmills work with the Zwift app. However, you need your own tablet to stream.

How do I connect Bluetooth to my Horizon Studio treadmill?

Turn on the Bluetooth of your phone or tablet and pair it with the Horizon Studio Treadmill. Some apps like Zwift connect directly to any of the Horizon Studio Series treadmills through Bluetooth FTMS technology. FTMS technology essentially allows your Horizon Studio treadmill to receive “training-related data in the sports and fitness environment”.

How do I connect my heart rate monitor to my Horizon treadmill?

First, put the Horizon treadmill’s Bluetooth on heart rate monitor mode by holding down the button on the treadmill console for a few seconds. When the display says: "HEART RATE MONITOR ONLY," it means you are connected.

Do the Horizon Studio treadmills connect to Apple Watch or FitBit?

Yes, Horizon Studio treadmills connect to Apple Watch and FitBit. For the Apple Watch, you can monitor calories burned, distance, heart rate, incline, speed and time with the Horizon treadmill. With FitBit, you can monitor heart rate, incline and speed. You can also use the speakers and media center controls with FitBit.

Are the Horizon Studio treadmills quiet?

Yes, the Horizon Series are some of the quietest treadmills on the market. The 7.8 AT treadmill has the strongest motor but only generates 65 decibels when running at 3 miles per hour.

What apps work with the Horizon Studio treadmills?

Many fitness and entertainment apps work with Horizon Studio treadmills. For training, you can use Zwift, Peloton, Daily Burn and Nike. For entertainment, you can use Spotify, Netflix, YouTube and Hulu.

How do I reset my Horizon 7.0, 7.4 and 7.8 treadmills?

Press and hold the stop/pause button for at least three seconds until you hear a beep, which indicates the treadmill has been reset. 

Final Thoughts

The Horizon Studio treadmills from the Studio Series are top-notch machines that can help you with your home workout regimen. Each has its positive points and downsides. The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill, for example, is easy on the pocket. It’s affordable and has all the basic features you need in a modern treadmill.

The Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill is the most practical option for fitness enthusiasts that want to level up to serious training. It’s not as expensive as the 7.8 but has similar features. They have the same deck size and the same 10 built-in programs.

The 7.8 AT has an extra accessory tray and a larger and better display screen. It is the most powerful of the lot, with a 4.0 HP motor.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.