My Comparison of the NordicTrack EXP 10i and Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmills
This is a toughy of a match-up for sure. I’ve come to see the NordicTrack and Horizon brands as being of equal quality in terms of construction, but radically different in their philosophy when it comes to engineering, programming, and exercise styles offered. In a nutshell, the Horizon 7.4 AT offers what I’ve come to see as a machine-first philosophy in that you’ll get top quality parts from rollers to motor, built-in workouts, as well as a smaller screen and media rack for your own tablet or smartphone. The NordicTrack EXP 10i offers you a slightly larger screen which is designed to work with the most dynamic workout app on the market, iFit, which offers automatic trainer control and ActivePulse technology in terms of heart rate training.
At present, the NordicTrack EXP 10i is being offered for the near-free cost of a four-year commitment to iFit. The monthly fee of the iFit package is $39 per month, or $1,872 for the life of the contract, but the deal is you’re getting both the app and the machine for just one cost instead of paying for both. Meanwhile, the Horizon 7.4 AT is priced at $1,599. What you’re going to see by the end of this review is that the choice really comes down to how much you value the iFit app and its admittedly phenomenal artificial intelligence (AI) programming which allows both live trainers and pre-programmed routines to adjust the treadmill’s speed and incline to match any of the thousands of workouts offered. You’ll also get to download this program and take it with you anywhere you go and use it for workouts as varied as barbells to yoga.
The other big difference you’ll notice right off the bat is size. If you’re looking to do more running than walking or hiking, the Horizon 7.4 AT may be your better choice.
Feature Comparison between the NordicTrack EXP 10i and the Horizon 7.4 AT
Here’s the specs side by side for each treadmill:
| Feature | NordicTrack EXP 10i | Horizon 7.4 AT |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 2.75 CHP | 3.5 CHP |
| Running Surface | 20″ x 55″ | 22″ x 60″ |
| Incline Range | 0% -12% | 0% to 15% |
| Speed Range | 0.5 – 10 mph | 0.5 – 12 mph |
| Display | 10″ HD Touchscreen | 8.25″ LCD |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Built-In Programs | iFIT | 10 |
| Folding Mechanism | SpaceSaver Design EasyLift Assist Folding | FeatherLight Folding |
| Cushioning System | Runner Flex | 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 70.8″ L x 34.9″ W x 59.7″ H | 76″ L x 37″ W x 63″ H |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor | Lifetime frame and motor, 5 years parts, 2 years labor |
| Best Price | Check Best Price | Check Best Price |
The NordicTrack EXP 10i is a great, smaller treadmill you can have for free in exchange for a four-year contract with iFit. Photo by NordicTrack
This comparison really comes down to what you want in a treadmill and I see it as an either-or comparison. The Horizon 7.4 AT is priced at $1,599 against an MSRP of $2,399, whereas the NordicTrack EXP 10i comes cost-free when you purchase a four-year subscription to the iFit workout app. You can either pay that $39 per month or for the lump sum of $1,872. Here in the summer of 2024, NordicTrack is also offering a free SmartBeat heart rate monitor to go along with the purchase. Both manufacturers offer financing plans for qualified buyers, so you’re really looking at difference of less than $300.
The NordicTrack EXP 10i is a smaller, folding treadmill for sure. In my experience though it’s steady as a rock and you won’t have to worry about stability, even if you’re upwards of 300 pounds. It measures 70.8″ x 34.9″ x 59.7″ and weighs 230 pounds in-box but sports a 300-pound user weight maximum. The kicker here is it has a 20″ x 55″ tread deck, which means it’s awesome for all things related to walking and hiking but might not be suited for a runner with longer strides. Mechanically, this treadmill comes with a 2.75 CHP motor which again says long-distance running multiple times per week might be an issue, and it’s built with 1.9″ precision balanced rollers. As I’ve explained in Treadmill Decks and Belts, the rollers are the steel cylinders at either end of the deck which pull the belt. The market for home treadmills sees roller sizes ranging from 1.5″ to 3″ and as a rule, the bigger the better for smooth operation and motor longevity. Heavier rollers will better keep the belt in alignment and prevent stress from the motor. You’ll also see in my piece here on treadmill motors that 2.75 CHP is plenty powerful enough for jogging and running, but with less frequency than a motor over 3.0 CHP.
The big selling point to the NordicTrack EXP 10i is it’s not only Bluetooth for both speakers, headphones, and heart rate monitors, but it’s iFit-enabled. With iFit treadmills, the machine can control the workout from soup to nuts. I freely admit to being an iFit fan here. With this program you can access live, trainer-led workouts, or access any of more than 10,000 on-demand programs as ranging from cardio to weightlifting, meditation, nutrition, or use it with any of the other ProForm or NordicTrack machines, be they bikes or ellipticals. It’s the smartest program I’ve ever seen and yes you can download it onto any device and carry all of your personalized workout programming with you. If you’re looking to branch out and pick up an iFit-enabled bike or elliptical this same program will carry over by way of your profile. Unfortunately, the 10″ high-definition touchscreen only works with iFit, so no, you can’t watch Netflix on it. If you opt out of iFit at some point, you can always use the machine in its manual mode, but you lose access to the automatic trainer control functions.
The NordicTrack EXP 10i features an integrated 10″ high-definition touchscreen for use with iFit. Photo by NordicTrack
In the other corner is the Horizon 7.4 AT, which as you can see in the side-by-side is a larger unit. It measures 76″ x 37″ x 63″ when fully assembled and weighs 318 pounds and is able to support up to 350 pounds in user-weight. The folded dimensions are 42″ x 37″ x 71″ and the step-up height is 8.75″. It’s also a great folding unit, which means you can pop up the back of the deck and secure it tightly into place when you’re done. Folding units are terrific in they allow you better access to cleaning and belt maintenance. The Horizon 7.4 AT features a 3.5 CHP motor and 2.36″ rollers, and comes with a lifetime warranty on both the motor and the frame.
In terms of workout programming, this model is built with a handy media rack. I’ve used it and have yet to feel any shake when using the machine. You can attach a phone or tablet into the shelf and snap it securely into place there. As a Bluetooth treadmill, this allows you to access whatever programming you want with the flip of a switch. Meanwhile, it does come with 10 built-in workout programs. These built-in workouts have yet to disappoint me frankly and yes, they’re pretty much your standard mix of cardio workouts, including intervals, hill climbs, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and manually programmed. The LCD screen provides workout metrics and can sync with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor of your choice. You’ll view your metrics on the 8.25″ LCD screen.
Horizon skips the tech, allowing you to save money and bring your own smart device to the table. Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net
In considering the workout options here, I’ll tell you up front you can burn your calories on either one. I’m a big fan of hiking and hill-climbing workouts and at 5’10” tall, the 20″ x 55″ deck of the NordicTrack EXP 10i will suit me all day long. If I’m looking to jog or run however, the extra 5″ on the Horizon 7.4 AT’s 20″ x 60″ will make a difference. It’s also a larger framed treadmill and won’t wobble about as much when you pound the deck running. I’m a big fan of the iFit mountain hiking series on which I’ve strolled through Scotland, Italy, and the American Rockies. When used in conjunction with their SmartBeat armband you can use the ActivePulse technology to let your own heart rate control the resistance of the machine too. So if your heart rate is getting too high, a message alerting you to this will pop up on the screen and you can let it override the incline or speed to get you back where you want to be. You can be as active or passive as you want in interacting with these controls.
Meanwhile, the built-in workouts of the Horizon 7.4 AT include: 5K, Calorie, Custom, Custom HR, Distance, Fat Burn, Heart Rate, Hill Climb, Manual, and Sprint 8. You can also sync by way of Bluetooth with AtZone, Peloton, KenoMap, Zwift, Fitscope, FitBit, AppleHealth, and Google Fit. You’ll use your own device for the viewing, but there’s precious little chance of getting bored here. One of the big plusses to the Horizon family of treadmills is they’re designed to be fee-free in terms of workout apps.
When it comes to performance, the NordicTrack EXP 10i offers up to 12% incline and speeds maxxing at 10mph. The Horizon 7.4 AT goes up to 15% incline and tops out at 12mph. Again, what kinds of exercise you’re planning to do here makes a big difference, whether you’re training for longer distance running or perhaps want to focus on speed walking or mountain hiking. The NordicTrack model is smaller and lighter so I’m not particularly surprised here.
So, at the end of the day, does size matter? With the Horizon 7.4 AT you’re getting a slightly larger, heavier treadmill, with a smaller LCD screen, versus the smaller NordicTrack with a larger touchscreen. The cost is difference is about $300. The NordicTrack EXP 10i comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame and two-year guarantee on parts, with one year for labor. Admittedly this pales when compared to the Horizon 7.4 AT’s lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, fives year for parts and two years for labor. Horizon takes pride in its Johnson Digital Drive System’s Rapid Sync Motor which provides up to 500 pounds of thrust on the incline, and with slightly larger rollers, you can understand why they’re willing to offer a lifetime guarantee. Both manufacturers offer in-home placement and assembly for a cost which will vary based on preferences.
Given the specs, what are the pro’s and cons between the two treadmills?
| NordicTrack EXP 10i | Horizon 7.4 AT |
|---|---|
| Pros: | Pros: |
| – Larger 10″ tilting HD touchscreen | – Price of $1,599 |
| – iFit-enabled | – Lifetime warranty on frame and motor |
| – Machine comes free with 4-years of iFit | – More free workout options |
| – Smaller, lighter treadmill | – Larger 3.5 CHP motor |
| Cons: | Cons: |
| – Screen loses value without iFit | – Larger, heavier frame may be an issue |
| – Less incline and speed options | – Smaller 8.25″ LCD screen |
| – Shorter warranty | – You’ll need your own screen for apps |
A More Detailed Comparison
Motor and Performance
The Horizon 7.4 AT treadmills is equipped with a 3.5 CHP motor, whereas the the NordicTrack EXP 10i has a 2.75 CHP motor. As I outline in our piece here, Treadmill Motors: What You Need to Know, a 3.5 CHP is sufficient for running at speeds over 6mph multiple times per week. You can certainly run with a 2.75 CHP motor, but I wouldn’t recommend it for marathon training.
Running Surface
The Horizon 7.4 AT features a spacious 22″ x 60″ running surface, 2.36″ rollers, as well as a 2-ply belt. The NordicTrack EXP 10i sports a 20″ x 55″ deck and 1.9″ rollers, as well a 2-ply belt. Shorter and narrower, the NordicTrack model is simply a smaller unit.
Incline and Speed Range
The Horizon 7.4 AT offers an incline up to 0-15% and speeds up to 12mph, meanwhile the NordicTrack EXP 10i goes up to 12% and 10mph.
Display and Programs
The Horizon 7.4 AT sports an 8.25″ LCD screen. With 10 built-in workouts, it syncs by way of Bluetooth to several free apps that can be used with your own screen on the attached device holder. The NordicTrack EXP 10i has a 10″ high-definition touchscreen and is designed to work with iFit, which costs $39 per month as part of the purchase.
Cushioning and Folding Mechanism
Both treadmills feature effective cushioning systems designed to reduce impact on joints. The Horizon 7.4 AT features a 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning whereas the NordicTrack EXP 10i offers Runners Flex cushioning. Both models offer convenient folding mechanisms.
Additional Features
Both treadmills come with Bluetooth connectivity heart rate, headphones, and speakers. The Horizon 7.4 AT offers a USB charging port. Both models have fans, workout trays, and water bottle holders.
Warranty and Dimensions
The Horizon 7.4 AT provides lifetime coverage on the frame and motor, as well as five years on parts and two years for labor. Meanwhile, the NordicTrack EXP 10i offers a 10-year warranty on the frame, two years for parts, and one year for labor.
Which would I recommend? They are both great treadmills!
The Horizon 7.4 AT is certainly more bang for the buck. It’s a bigger model with more workout programming options. That said, with the NordicTrack EXP 10i you’re getting both the $39 iFit program and the treadmill for just one price, to that degree, nearly halving the cost. So just how much do you love iFit? The Horizon 7.4 AT has a superior warranty, better incline and speed options, and the only potential drawback is the smaller, less dynamic screen. But it is about $300 cheaper and you’re not locked into just one program. I’d have to say that for most customers, the Horizon 7.4 AT is the better buy here for all intense purposes.