Horizon 7.4 AT Review

Horizon Fitness makes an impressive array of gym-quality fitness equipment, including two different lines of treadmills. The 7.4AT is the mid-range of their Studio Series machines designed with streaming classes in mind. Horizons Studio Series machines feature larger decks, more powerful motors, and longer warranties than the less expensive Go Series treadmills. The latest version of this popular model has a relatively modern interface but leaves the touch screen as the user's responsibility. It provides an excellent exercise quality suitable for any fitness level or training plan thanks to its robust tread surface, 12 mph top speed, .7% to 14.7% incline, and app integration. The treadmill is large, bulky, and fairly expensive but delivers on performance and allows the user to use a wide array of fitness apps.

Performance Comparison

Exercise Quality

The Horizon 7.4 AT is amongst the best we tested in terms of its exercise quality. Due in large part to its rapid response to input and its generous deck surface. The speed and incline range is about standard for a machine of this caliber, but its ergonomic and easy-to-use controls make it one of our favorites. The deck cushioning feels natural yet muted and, even at low speeds, provides a subtle cushion to our steps.

Horizon claims the 7.4 AT has a 60-inch long by 22-inch wide running surface, and our measurements confirm their accuracy. Even at a 12mph sprint, the deck never felt too small, and we could stretch our stride pretty wide for walking cooldowns. The deck features 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning engineered to work like a running shoe. The elastomer-based system provides three distinct zones of cushioning: the landing zone, the transition zone, and the push-off zone. In the front, there are softer elastomers where your foot strikes the treadmill deck, transitioning to a moderate elastomer as you move through your stride, and firmer elastomers at the back in your push-off zone. The three zones should provide the proper level of support at each phase of your stride. In practice, this doesn't feel pronounced, but a subtle flex underfoot left us feeling (maybe) less fatigued. Other treadmills we've tested use similar elastomers to support their decks but typically with uniform hardness.

With a tested top speed of 12.2 mph, this model can satisfy users of almost any fitness level, from weekend warriors to serious runners training for distance events. We found that the 7.4 AT was fairly accurate regarding belt speed. Using a rolling measuring wheel, we performed several speed-accuracy tests with the belt running at six mph for one minute each time. In these tests, we got an average measurement of 537 feet, about 9 feet over what it should have been. While this isn't a critical metric for most people, some other models tested were more than twice as accurate. In these tests, consistency is far more important than accuracy. Maybe less important for casual fitness runners, those training for speed events might appreciate more exact readings.

The incline adjustment starts at .7%, approaching zero when compensating for deck flex and up to 14.7% at terminal height. Other models specifically designed for incline training offer significantly more adjustment range, but we found this range more than adequate for our training needs. What is notable about this treadmill is how fast it adjusts the incline, and that may be helpful for users wanting to transition rapidly in high-intensity training sessions.

Companion App/Connectivity

What we liked about the 7.4 AT was the ability to get on and go; there's no Wi-Fi connection to worry about, no class to sign into, and no bootup period. While fitness apps and classes provide a huge value for many users, it's nice to have a machine that isn't reliant upon them (and your internet connection) to provide a workout. That said, the machine isn't devoid of technology. The treadmill features advanced FTMS Bluetooth, which stands for Fitness Machine Service protocol and allows the treadmill to communicate with enabled apps. Apps like Zwift and Peloton will pair directly to the treadmill using the Bluetooth FTMS, allowing data to flow seamlessly between machine and tablet. Most streaming workouts, like Apple Fitness + and Nike Run Club, do not require any treadmill connectivity; you can use them as standalone workouts, which can still be quite enjoyable. This treadmill is not compatible with the iFit app.

Features

While not devoid of features, the Horizon 7.4AT is decidedly low on tech features. The machine provides an excellent workout but is not heavy on technological integration. Apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Nike Run Club work with the machine but don't adjust your speed or incline while running. The apps will prompt you to make adjustments and display your speed, incline, and heart rate in the app. The motor on this treadmill generates 3.5 CHP, which means constant horsepower; that's more than a treadmill generating 3.5Hp. It accelerates quickly while raising and lowering faster than any other tested machine.

The treadmill console has two speakers, a small fan, quick access controls for incline and speed, and dual recesses for water bottles. Handlebars that uniquely turn upwards extend from the console's center with Quick Dial controls that we find exceptionally user-friendly. The right dial rolls forward to increase speed and back to decrease speed, and the left rolls forward to go uphill and back to go downhill. This feature makes adjustments intuitive and prevents you from having to push buttons repeatedly. Additionally, the handlebar has contacts that measure your pulse with just a light grip. Tablets can be stowed high in line with your gaze or lower over the 8.25" LED screen. When using an integrated app, all of the info on the treadmill's display will show up in the app, so covering it doesn't deprive you of any pertinent information. The remainder of the console is smooth and easy to wipe down post-workout.

The machine's Bluetooth is also useful for connecting to the included heart rate strap or playing music through the console speakers. There is an included 3.5mm cable to plug in other types of audio playback devices as well. The sound quality was what we expected from the treadmill console. If you're a stickler for good sound quality, you can find the best wireless headphones/earbuds here. There is also a USB-A jack that provides power for your phone or tablet while you stride.

Ease of assembly

For starters, this treadmill will appear in a semi-truck with a liftgate; it's moved via pallet jack but barely. The size of the 386 lb box is intimidating and a struggle for even the experienced trucker delivering it. This is a treadmill that you will want to set up once in a permanent location that is at least mostly dedicated to its footprint.

Assembly of this treadmill took 81 minutes, and while not incredibly arduous, it does require pulling cables and connections through the support struts and some fancy finger work to not pinch those cables. Every piece of this treadmill is heavy, translating to a solid, commercial-feeling workout experience, but assembly isn't easy. There were several steps that the factory could have taken to make final assembly easier; that said, it was an incentive to only assemble this treadmill once in its final location.

Storability

This treadmill features a pneumatic assist to help it fold. While its footprint gets smaller, you don't realistically gain much space. The 66" long footprint is reduced to 46" due to the deck's overhang while its actual footprint on the floor is 33". While it's not the largest of the folded treadmills we've tested, its 69" folded height is imposing in most spaces. The bottom of the treadmill features two wheels that, while not easy to utilize, make moving the treadmill on a hard surface possible. Unlike other treadmills we've tested, the entire treadmill rocks back onto two centrally located wheels, allowing you to move it like a dolly.

Noise

One of the metrics we decided to test with treadmills is the noise they produce. To capture and compare the amount of noise, we measured the decibel output of each machine at several different settings from a fixed distance. At one mph, the AT7.4 makes 45 dB without a user on its track and 49 dB with a walker. At 4.5 mph, 57db and 61 dB with a jogger on the belt. Sped up to 7.5 mph, the machine makes 64 dB, and with a runner, it registers 67 dB.

Most of the sound from the treadmill isn't generated by the motor or belt but by the runner's footfalls. With that in mind, experimenting with different shoes made the most difference in noise level. If you want to reduce the noise of your workout, try experimenting with different types of shoes and ensure your treadmill belt is properly lubricated.

Should You Buy the Horizon 7.4 AT?

Those wanting to commit seriously to indoor running instead of an app with a monthly fee should consider this machine at the top of their list. This treadmill provides a solid workout experience, nice ergonomics, and the ability to bring your entertainment to the console. If this treadmill fits your budget and you have the space, we wholeheartedly recommend it.

What Other Treadmills Should You Consider?