My Comparison of the ProForm TLX and Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmills
They both cost $999 and have nearly identical specs. Or do they? When I’m comparing any treadmill made by ProForm with a Horizon model the first thing I have to remind folks is these represent two completely different philosophies of machine design. At the end of the day, the question is do you want to buy into the iFit family of workout programming offered by ProForm, or would you rather have built-in workouts and a media rack to bring your own tablet or phone for a variety of different workout apps?
The Horizon 7.0 AT offers what I call 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 ProForm TLX offers you a more dynamic touchscreen 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.
Probably the dealbreaker here for a lot of people will be the difference in warranties, and as usual, the Horizon model comes out with one of the best on the market, guaranteeing lifetime coverage on the frame and motor. Meanwhile, the ProForm TLX offers 10 years on the frame and one year for parts. I’ll explain more on why this is below but rest assured both treadmills are high-quality machines and will do the job. To me the decision comes down to workout programming and whether you want to use the $15 to $39 per month iFit program or rely on built-in programs and a much larger variety of apps.
Feature Comparison between the ProForm TLX and the Horizon 7.0 AT
Here’s the specs side by side for each treadmill:
| Feature | ProForm TLX | Horizon 7.0 AT |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 3.0 CHP | 3.0 CHP |
| Running Surface | 20″ x 60″ | 20″ x 60″ |
| Incline Range | 0% -12% | 0% to 15% |
| Speed Range | 0.5 – 12 mph | 0.5 – 12 mph |
| Display | 7″ HD Touchscreen | 7.25″ LCD |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 325 lbs |
| Built-In Programs | iFIT | 8 |
| Folding Mechanism | SpaceSaver Design EasyLift Assist Folding | FeatherLight Folding |
| Cushioning System | ProShox | 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 74.3″ L x 35.1″ W x 59.1″ H | 76″ L x 35″ W x 66″ H |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 1 year parts, 1 year labor | Lifetime frame and motor, 3 years parts, 1 years labor |
| Best Price | Check Best Price | Check Best Price |
The ProForm Carbon TLX is a folding treadmill designed to fit in most homes. Photo provided by ProForm
Both the ProForm TLX and Horizon 7.0 AT are priced at $999 and represent a great deal when it comes to folding treadmills. But the difference here is ultimately going to come down to whether or not you want to use the ProForm model’s iFit app with its high-definition touchscreen, or you’d rather use the Horizon’s built-in workouts and bring your own screen to sync by way of Bluetooth with more than eight different apps, ranging from Apple Health to Peloton.
The ProForm TLX is a fair-sized folding treadmill which weighs 249 pounds in-box and can support up to 300 pounds in user weight. Measuring 74.3″ x 35.1″ x 59.1″ when fully assembled, it sports a relatively low step-up height of 7.75″. The deck measures 20″ x 60″ which in my experience is industry standard and satisfactory for running, jogging, and walking alike. Mechanically, the ProForm TLX offers a 3.0 CHP motor and 1.9″ rollers. As I’ve written 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 offers roller sizes ranging from 1.5″ to 3″ and as a rule, the larger 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 3.0 CHP is plenty powerful enough for jogging and running throughout the week.
The ProForm, NordicTrack, and Freemotion brands are all produced by iFit Inc., which offers a proprietary app of the same name, and these machines are all built to work with it. I’ve been using iFit for several years now and have seen it grow by leaps and bounds. What makes it different than the rest of the market is how its “smart adjust” technology lets the workout program control the incline and speed of the machine while you’re exercising. The ActivePulse Technology does the same thing with your Bluetooth heart rate monitor and can adjust the resistance to keep your heart rate exactly where you want it throughout the program. iFit lets you access live, trainer-led workouts, or 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 ProForm Carbon TLX features a high-quality 7″ screen. Photo provided by ProForm
Meanwhile, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a slightly larger machine measuring 76″ x 35″ x 66″ when fully assembled and 44″ x 35″ x 68″ when folded. The treadmill has a step-up height of 8 5/8″ and weighs 277 pounds while sporting a maximum user weight of 325 pounds. Like the ProForm TLX, it’s a folding unit, which means you can pop the deck up and secure it into place when not using it. Folding units are terrific in they allow you better access to cleaning and belt maintenance. The Horizon 7.0 AT features a 3.0 CHP motor and 2.36″ rollers and comes with a lifetime warranty on both the motor and the frame.
Other features include a Bluetooth heart rate monitor with purchase, as well as heart rate sensors built into the handlebars, a USB charging port, and audio jack. When it comes to workout metrics, you get a 7.25″ LCD screen for calories, distance, heart rate, incline, speed, and time. This treadmill is also 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. 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.
Meanwhile, the built-in workouts of the Horizon 7.0 AT include: 5K, Calorie, Custom, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Manual, and Target HRT. You can also sync by way of Bluetooth with AtZone, Peloton, KenoMap, Zwift, Fitscope, FitBit, AppleHealth, and Google Fit. You’ll have to bring your own device for the viewing, but there’s very little chance of getting bored here. One of the big advantages to the Horizon family of treadmills is they’re designed to be fee-free in terms of workout apps.
The Horizon 7.0 AT comes with a user friendly console and spot for your tablet or smartphone to serve as screen. Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net
When it comes to performance, the Horizon 7.0 AT offer up to 15% in incline and speeds of up to 12 mph. Meanwhile, the ProForm TLX offers inclines up to 12% and speeds up to 12mph. In my experience, you can get an outstanding workout using the incline and decline function of a treadmill. What’s interesting about the Horizon 7.0 AT is it comes with handy little resistance dials on the handlebars to control speed and resistance. Meanwhile, the ProForm TLX features buttons on the control panel.
So, at the end of the day, does programming matter and warranty? Absolutely. With the Horizon 7.0 AT you’re getting built-in workouts and the ability to sync with several popular apps by way of our own screen. Because it comes with a media rack for the device of your choice, you’ll be responsible for any additional app fees, or be free to use a cost-free one. Meanwhile, the ProForm TLX comes with automatic trainer control and Bluetooth ActivePulse Technology. The iFit program costs $39 per month for the family plan with up to five users, while the individual plan costs only $15 per month.
With the Horizon 7.0 AT you’re getting a slightly larger, heavier treadmill and this comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, as well as three years on parts and one year on labor. The ProForm TLX comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame, with one year for parts and 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?
| ProForm TLX | Horizon 7.0 AT |
|---|---|
| Pros: | Pros: |
| – iFit-enabled | – Integrated tablet holder |
| – Slightly lighter machine | – Lifetime warranty on frame and motor |
| – Slightly smaller unit | – More free workout options |
| – 30-day trial of iFit | – Heart rate monitor included |
| Cons: | Cons: |
| – Screen loses value without iFit | – Larger, heavier frame may be an issue |
| – Less incline | – No automatic trainer control |
| – Shorter warranty | – You’ll need your own screen for apps |
The ProForm Carbon TLX features an incline of up to 12%. Photo provided by ProForm
A More Detailed Comparison
Motor and Performance
Both the Horizon 7.0 AT and the ProForm TLX are equipped with a 3.0 CHP motor. As I outline in our piece here, Treadmill Motors: What You Need to Know, a 3.0 CHP is sufficient for running at speeds over 6mph multiple times per week.
Running Surface
Both the Horizon 7.0 AT and the ProForm TLX feature a spacious 22″ x 60″ running surface and 2-ply belt. The Horizon model features 2.36″ rollers, whereas the ProForm model has 1.9″ rollers.
Incline and Speed Range
The Horizon 7.0 AT offers an incline up to 0-15% and speeds up to 12mph, meanwhile the ProForm TLX goes up to 12% and 12mph.
Display and Programs
The Horizon 7.0 AT sports a 7.25″ LCD screen. With eight 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 ProForm TLX has a 7″ high-definition touchscreen and is designed to work with iFit.
Cushioning and Folding Mechanism
Both treadmills feature effective cushioning systems designed to reduce impact on joints. The Horizon 7.0 AT features a 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning whereas the ProForm TLX ProShox cushioning.
Additional Features
Both treadmills come with Bluetooth connectivity and speakers. The Horizon TLX comes with a heart rate monitor as well as USB charging port. Both models have fans and workout trays.
Warranty and Dimensions
The Horizon 7.0 AT provides lifetime coverage on the frame and motor, as well as three years on parts and one years for labor. Meanwhile, the ProForm TLX offers a 10-year warranty on the frame, one year for parts, and one year for labor.
Which would I recommend? They are both great treadmills!
The Horizon 7.0 AT is certainly the better buy for the money. It’s a bigger model with more workout programming options. My big plug for the ProForm TLX comes by way of iFit. If you’re a fan of the program and perhaps have other ProForm equipment like a rower or elliptical, then the iFit program makes sense. If you don’t like the program, you can always opt out and still use the machine in manual mode. But, what’s the point of that? The Horizon 7.0 AT has a superior warranty and better incline. I’d have to say that for most customers, the Horizon 7.0 AT is the better buy here for all intense purposes.