Horizon T101 Treadmill Review

Being called “basic” can be a slap in the face these days, but some of the best treadmills carry this slight with pride, offering beginners simple and affordable access to cardio exercise. The Horizon T101 treadmill is the best-selling and most cost-friendly treadmill in Horizon Fitness’s Go Series lineup, providing basic features that are nevertheless efficient and reliable. Sometimes that’s all you need. 

While you won’t find high-tech features like app compatibility or a touchscreen to stream programming, the T101 has everything you need to spike your heart rate and work up a sweat. This treadmill features a max speed of 10 miles per hour, up to 10-percent incline training, and a whopping 30 built-in programs to help you build a routine. Read our Horizon T101 treadmill review to see why we recommend it for those just starting their fitness journey.

Main Takeaways

• The Horizon T101 has 30 beginner-friendly programs built into the console that vary based on distance, time, calories burned, and more.
• The 20-inch by 55-inch running deck is suitable for smaller gaits and shorter strides, though it may be a little small for those with longer strides.
• Horizon’s proprietary shock-absorbing cushioning provides a sturdy push-off from the back of the deck and a more cushioned landing zone in the front.

Horizon T101 Treadmill Highlights

The Horizon T101 takes up 16.76 square feet of floor space — about the same size as a typical two-seater sofa, which tends to measure around 16.63 square feet. (1) Since some treadmills can gobble up more than 20 square feet of floor space, we think it’s one of the best compact treadmills. It can also fold up when not in use, saving you an extra 6 square feet of floor space. 

This compact frame can still support a wide range of users with its 300-pound user weight capacity. In total, the treadmill weighs 180 pounds, but can roll around when tilted back on its built-in transport wheels. “I didn’t have a problem moving this from room to room. In fact, compared to most of the treadmills I’ve tested, this one was one of the easiest to maneuver,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. 

The T101 can reach a max speed of 10 miles per hour and a 10-percent incline, which is solid for a treadmill under $1,000, but it’s 2.5 HP motor does leave something to be desired. “For the motor, continuous horsepower (CHP) is ideal, and runners who train at a high volume will want to look for a CHP of 3.0,” says our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto. “However, that may be really tough to find in a budget lineup.” 

If you’re concerned about the T101’s motor, you can rest easy thanks to the lifetime frame and motor warranty provided by Horizon. If it craps out on you, you’ll have no trouble getting a replacement. 

We also like that it has a whopping 30 pre-programmed workouts available on the center console. This variety of training programs is ideal for beginners looking to start a cardio routine.   

On the console, you’ll find three LED alphanumeric windows, which can track workout metrics like calories, speed, time, distance, incline, and heart rate. There’s also a small cooling fan and Bluetooth speaker connectivity so you can play some tunes through the on-board speakers. “The device holder gives you a place to set your phone, so you can stream shows or workouts from any fitness apps you’re into,” said our tester.

The 20-inch by 55-inch running deck is shy of the 60-inch belt decks we tend to recommend for runners, but it should be fine for the average runner. If you’re taller than 6 feet, however, you may want to take a test run on a similarly-sized belt to ensure it can accommodate your stride.

Due to the limited motor power and shorter belt deck, this treadmill isn’t designed for seasoned runners looking to do high-intensity interval training, but we would definitely name it one of the best treadmills for beginners. 

Training With the Horizon T101 Treadmill

Our team has gotten our hands — okay, feet — on nearly 50 treadmills over the years, including budget-friendly models like the Horizon T101. Our tester took the T101 to its highest speed and incline, walking, jogging, and running atop this treadmill for multiple weeks to get a sense of what this machine has to offer. 

Using the BarBend equipment testing methodology, they scored the T101 on a scale of 1(yikes) to 5 (oooooh, that’s nice) in categories such as workout experience, durability, ergonomics, and warranty. Below are some of our tester’s takeaways after running on the Horizon T101 treadmill.

Workout Programs

“Interval training, speedwork, hill work, fat burning, and a ton of other programs are accessible from the center console,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. There are 30 available programs on the T101, though they lack the dynamism and motivational power of the best fitness apps. Dynamic programming scored a 3 out of 5.

Bluetooth is marketed as one of this treadmill’s key features, but you can only use it to connect your mobile device’s audio to the speakers. You won’t be able to pair this treadmill with apps like Zwift, iFIT, or Peloton, though nothing is stopping you from streaming content from your own device, which you can rest on the integrated tablet holder.

Running Deck

“Treadmills that have similar features to the T101 tend to cost about the same, if not $100 more or less,” said our tester, “However, the thing that puts the T101 ahead of the competition is this deck’s cushioning.” 

The T101 is one of the best cushioned treadmills we’ve tested thanks to the 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning System, which provides more cushioning towards the front of the deck and firmness near the back. This allows you to have a stable push off and a cushioned landing with each stride.

“You’ll want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride. [However], shorter individuals may be able to get away with a shorter deck,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. 

The 20-inch by 55-inch running deck falls slightly below that recommendation, but our tester thinks it’s enough for the type of training this treadmill best supports. “When used primarily for walking, jogging, and a little bit of running, I think most users will be fine with this deck length,” they said.

Speed and Incline

The T101’s 10-miles-per-hour top speed can have you hitting a 6-minute-mile pace, and taking advantage of the the 10-percent incline can help intensify workouts, protect your knees from cartilage degeneration, and better target your calves, quads, and derriere. (2)(3) 

“It’s really impressive to have a treadmill with 10-percent incline at a price under $1,000,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. Some budget treadmills with incline force the user to make adjustments manually, but the T101’s incline can be adjusted during running workouts. 

To adjust the speed and incline, simply press the up or down arrow buttons, hit the one-touch keys on either side of the dashboard, or spin the blue EasyDial controls that sit beside the heart rate pulse sensors on the innermost handlebars. 

”I love the EasyDial controls. All I do is use my thumb to spin these knobs and my speed and incline adjusts super quick,” said our tester, who scored adjustability a 4 out of 5.

Foldable Running Deck

Horizon Fitness prides itself on its treadmill’s “featherlight” hydraulic folding functionality. This one-step hydraulic assist helps to lift and lower the running deck so you won’t have to worry about the deck crashing down and scuffing up your floors. When folded, the footprint shrinks from 16.76 square feet down to just 10.86 square feet. 

With a weight of 180 pounds and built-in transport wheels on the front, our tester thought that this was one of the easiest treadmills they’ve ever moved around. Footprint and portability scored a 4 out of 5.

What to Consider Before Buying the Horizon T101 Treadmill

According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, budget treadmills are best for “people who don’t have a ton of money to spend but are ready to prioritize their health, [and] people who plan to walk or jog a few times per week.” 

Even if this is you, you’ll need to decide if the Horizon T101 treadmill is right for you and the training you want to do.Our team has tested almost 50 treadmills, and these are the points to consider based on our hands-on experience.

Fitness Goals

Most importantly, what are you looking to do with a treadmill and what fitness goals are you working towards? If you’re looking to improve your mile time, choose a treadmill with a high max speed and a capable CHP motor that can keep up with your sprint. If you’re looking to train for an outdoor hike that has some serious elevation gain, you’ll want to check out the best treadmills with incline. Or maybe you just want a reliable machine you can hop on to log some steps during your lunch break.

The T101 has a 2.5 HP motor, a max speed of 10 miles per hour, and a 10-percent incline. Our tester thinks this treadmill is best suited for athletes looking to do a lot of walking, some jogging, and a little bit of running, due to the 2.5 HP motor and the 55-inch belt deck, which is 5 inches shorter than we typically recommend for runners. 

Footprint

Even if you find the treadmill that feels like it was built just for you, if it doesn’t fit within your home, there’s not much you can do besides move — I’m not going to say that’s crazy, but that’s a lot of work just for a treadmill! Before you even start your search, take note of the floor space you have available. “Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position if applicable. And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit,” says Capritto.

We think the compact T101 is one of the best treadmills for apartments thanks to its footprint of 16.76 square feet. When folded, you’ll also save an additional 6 square feet, as the footprint shrinks down to 10.86 square feet.

Warranty

“From an equipment perspective, budget treadmills are likely to break down sooner than higher-end, more expensive models. It’s very true that you get what you pay for when it comes to home gym equipment,” says Capritto. 

To save on cost, low-priced equipment can lack sturdy builds or durable components, which means you might be left with machinery that’s inoperable if something goes wrong.

Horizon Fitness provides a warranty that can put your fears to bed. With a lifetime frame and motor warranty, you’ll have assistance no matter when your frame or motor needs some upkeep. Additionally, while there’s only a one-year warranty on parts and labor, you can pay between $120 and $150 to boost this coverage to three or five years.

User Weight Capacity

Consider the max user weight on the treadmill you’ve got your eye on. While you’ll obviously want it to support your weight, it’s also a good idea to allow for a slight buffer if you plan on running, since you’ll be placing additional ground force on the deck with your strides. (4)

The T101 has a max user weight of 300 pounds, which Capritto notes is in line with the industry standard. If that still isn’t enough — no shame in the thick game — take a look through our list of the best treadmills for heavy people, which provide weight limits up to 400 pounds.

Horizon T101 Treadmill Vs. the Competition

We’ve tested nearly 50 treadmills over the years, and have logged our fair share of miles on treadmills comparable to the Horizon T101. While treadmills under $1,000 won’t often feature impressive tech capabilities or touchscreens to stream programming, there are still some worthwhile options to consider if you’re looking for incline training and a compact footprint. The chart below puts the Horizon T101 against some of its top competitors. 

	Horizon T101	ProForm Carbon TLX	Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400	Sole F63
Price	$999	$999	$499.99	$1,199.99
Incline Range	10%	12%	3 manual levels	15%
Max Speed	10mph	12mph	9mph	12mph
Weight Capacity	300lbs	300lbs	220lbs	325lbs
Product Dimensions	57” H x 71” L x 34” W	59.1” H x 74.3” L x 35.1” W	50″ H x 62″ L x 25.5″ W	67” H x 77” L x 35” W
Running Deck Dimensions	55” L x 20” W	60” L x 20” W	49” L x 15.5” W	60” L x 20” W
Display	LCD	LCD	LCD	LCD
Motor	2.5 HP	3.0 CHP	2.2 HP	3.0HP
Warranty	Lifetime frame and motor, one year parts and labor	10-year frame, one-year parts, and labor	Three-year frame, 180-day parts	Lifetime frame and motor, two-year deck, parts, and wear, one-year labor, 90-day cosmetics

The Horizon T101’s closest competitor is the ProForm Carbon TLX. Both feature a $999 price tag and support users up to 300 pounds. The Carbon TLX impresses when it comes to its 3.0 CHP motor, 12-percent incline, and 12 miles per hour max speed — suitable for more serious running than what’s capable on the T101.

However, where the Horizon T101 wins out is with its warranty, footprint, and cushioning. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, didn’t find the Carbon TLX to be very comfortable. “The ProShox cushioning didn’t provide a lot in terms of cushioning,” they said. Whereas, the Horizon T101’s 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning System felt comfortable underfoot in testing.

If you’re interested in incline training but want to save some cash, the Sunny Health & Fitness T4400 provides three levels of manual incline and a max speed of 9 miles per hour, with a price tag half the cost of T101. However, the three-year frame warranty doesn’t even compare to the T101’s lifetime frame and motor warranties — we’d be worried about the T4400 treadmill breaking down after the warranty expired.

Lastly, the Sole F63 treadmill also has its perks. It has a similar warranty to the T101, but the F63 has a 15-percent incline, a 12 miles per hour max speed, a 60-inch running deck, and a 3.0 HP motor. Each of these specs is slightly better than what’s offered on the T101, though it costs $200 more than the T101. 

While all of these models are worthy of your consideration, I’d recommend the ProForm Carbon TLX for experienced runners looking to log more time on the tread, the Sunny Health & Fitness T4400 for those on a tight budget, and the Horizon T101 for beginners looking for an entry-level treadmill. 

Places to Buy the Horizon T101 Treadmill

You can purchase the Horizon T101 from Horizon Fitness, Amazon, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Customer Experience

“This treadmill arrived well packaged, and setup was super easy,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. Horizon Fitness has a range of delivery options to provide you with what you need.

• Standard Delivery ($139): The treadmill is delivered to your front porch, garage, main entrance, or driveway. 
• In-Room Delivery ($219): The treadmill is delivered to your room of choice — however, they will only climb one flight of stairs.
• White Glove Delivery & Assembly ($299): Handlers will deliver your treadmill to your room of choice (but will only climb one flight of stairs), assemble the treadmill, and remove all the packaging materials with them when they leave.

Regardless of your delivery choice, you’ll also be able to choose a delivery window with a signature upon delivery for added security. While you’re free to opt for whatever delivery you’re most comfortable with, our team thinks this treadmill is light enough for two people to easily move inside and build — you can probably save your high-intensity training for once you’re on the treadmill — so standard delivery should be suitable for most users with a little help.

Warranties

Where the Horizon T101 sets itself apart from other budget treadmills is in the included warranty package. The frame and motor are covered by a generous lifetime warranty, but parts and labor are only covered for up to a year. These warranties only apply for residential home use and not commercial use.

If you’d like to extend your parts and labor warranties, you can boost these warranties by adding three or five years of coverage. This will cost $120 or $150, respectively. Warranty scored a 4 out of 5.

Company Information

Founded in 1999, Horizon Fitness is a subsidiary of Johnson Health Tech. In addition to treadmills, the company is known for its ellipticals and indoor cycles. You can reach Horizon Fitness’s customer service at 1-800-335-4348.

In Conclusion

If you search for budget treadmills on the internet, you’re sure to find countless options with alluring price tags. However, there aren’t many low-priced machines out there that offer a lifetime frame and motor warranty like you’ll find here. While the Horizon T101 isn’t the most powerful machine, it covers the basics with a 10-percent incline, 10 miles per hour max speed, and 30 built-in workout programs to keep your training on track. We also think it’s one of the best portable treadmills due to its compact footprint and foldability.

If you’re interested in a treadmill to support more intense running workouts, we’d recommend looking for a machine with a CHP motor and a 60-inch belt deck instead. However, if you’re looking to kickstart a moderate cardio routine, this machine could be just the ticket. 

FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/ 
2. Haggerty, M., Dickin, D. C., Popp, J., & Wang, H. (2014). The influence of incline walking on joint mechanics. Gait & posture, 39(4), 1017–1021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.12.027
3. Sloniger, M. A., Cureton, K. J., Prior, B. M., & Evans, E. M. (1997). Lower extremity muscle activation during horizontal and uphill running. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 83(6), 2073–2079. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1997.83.6.2073
4. Nilsson, J., & Thorstensson, A. (1989). Ground reaction forces at different speeds of human walking and running. Acta physiologica Scandinavica, 136(2), 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1716.1989.tb08655.x