Horizon 7.0 AT vs NordicTrack T Series 10 – Which one is best?

My Comparison of the Horizon 7.0 AT and NordicTrack T Series 10

With any Horizon versus NordicTrack match-up you’re ultimately choosing between two different philosophies of workout programming. I typically focus on cost differences and budget space in these comparisons, but here another big difference is the two brands’ strategies in terms of pricing. So, depending on the day or the deal offered by the manufacturer, either one could be cheaper than the other as I’ve seen big swings throughout the year. What won’t change is the basic conundrum – To iFit or not iFit, that is indeed the question.

Here in the final weeks of November 2024, I see the Horizon 7.0 AT priced at the unbelievably low amount of $999, against a normal MSRP of $2,100. That’s a $1,101 discount, and I’ve seen that price dance all around that zone depending on the special. Meanwhile, the NordicTrack T Series 10 is new for 2024, but serves as a replacement for the outgoing EXP 10i, priced at $1,499. NordicTrack also offers big discounts throughout the year, so I’m calling these units roughly even in terms of the basic cost depending on the day.

The big difference is that the 7.0 AT features built-in workouts as well as compatibility with eight different apps you can use via your own tablet or smartphone, as well as an included Bluetooth heart rate monitor and handlebar sensors. The T Series 10 is an iFit-enabled machine meaning its 10″ touchscreen is designed to work with that $39 per month program, which includes access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Spotify. It also syncs with Strava, Garmin Connect, Apple Health, and Google Fit. You can use the treadmill in manual mode if you opt out of the iFit package but having used it for years on my own NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and 1250, I can tell you it’s the most unique program on the market. In addition to 10,000 on-demand workouts and live trainers, the iFit program features automatic trainer control where the machine can adjust the incline and speed to match the workout. This also works with their ActivePulse Technology which adjusts the treadmill to match your heart rate via the SmartBeat monitor.

In terms of size and performance, both are folding treadmills of roughly equal size, speed and incline offerings, with comfort features from tip to top. As usual, the Horizon machine has the better warranty, which is in keeping with just about every machine comparison I do. So how much do you like the admittedly awesome iFit package? It’s a superior program for sure and one which has no complaints, but as we compare further, you’ll see that’s ultimately the biggest difference here.

Feature Comparison between the Horizon 7.0 AT and the NordicTrack T Series 10

Here’s the specs side by side for each treadmill:

Entry-level treadmill workouts often come loaded into the machine. If not, they’re easy to find. Olexandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

Right off the bat, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a big seller for good cause. I’ve spent a lot of hours on these over the years, and there’s a reason the model hasn’t changed much. Depending on the day with Horizon, you may find this unit anywhere from $999 to $2,199. The entry-level option in the Horizon’s Studio series, it fronts for the 7.4 AT and 7.8 AT. These are mid-sized folding treadmills decked out for app connectivity. The point of these machines is you’ll be able to freely sync the machine with the programming of your choice, as opposed to one in particular.

Measuring 76″ x 35″ x 67″ when fully assembled, the unit folds up to 44″ x 35″ x 68″ with a step-up height of 8 5/8″, which I recommend accounting for when choosing a room for placement. Also, this treadmill weighs 277 pounds and can support up to 325 pounds, which is why I’d recommend checking out your flooring in advance as well. The running deck is 20″ x 60″ which is pretty much industry standard and should suit users within the normal span of heights even up to 6’5″.

The 7.0 AT has a 3.0 HP motor, and as I’ve outlined here in our piece on treadmill motors, that’s probably sufficient for most users. It also sports 2.36″ rollers, which helps explain the lifetime warranty on the frame. And as I’ve outlined in Treadmill Decks and Belts, the rollers are those steel cylinders at either end of the deck which pull the belt. As a rule, the home treadmill market has 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. I’d also note that when considering a Horizon product’s motor, they offer a lifetime guarantee and are well-known for their parts.

The 7.0 AT ramps up to a maximum speed of 12mph, which is a 5-minute mile pace, and 15% incline. The machine has eight built-in workouts: 5K, Calorie, Custom, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Manual, Target HRT. Data readout is displayed on the 7.25″ LCD screen. This unit though also automatically syncs with your Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. It also syncs with AtZone, Peloton, Kinomap, Zwift, Fitscope, Fitbit, Apple Health, and Google Fit. The 7.0 AT comes with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor, wireless receiver, and sensors built into the handlebars.

Other big benefits include the USB charging station, adjustable media rack, Bluetooth speakers, fan, and water bottle holder. And there’s the warranty. Lifetime guarantee on both frame and motor, three years for parts and one for labor.

The NordicTrack T Series 10 is sized well for most homes or apartments. Photo by NordicTrack

Over on the NordicTrack side of the universe, I find the new-for-2024 T Series 10 a terrific entry point to their lineup. All of the NordicTrack models this year come ready to roll with the iFit package, recently upgraded to include Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon Prime. They’re also flashing the new style of high-definition touchscreens, which unlike an LCD screen, are as interactive as a tablet smartphone. Priced at $1,499, it wouldn’t shock me if NordicTrack offered some discounts throughout the year, but I doubt they’re as wide a swings as you’ll find on the 7.0 AT.

Measuring 75.1″ x 34.3″ x 58.4″ with a step-up height of 8.3″, the T Series 10 weighs 250 pounds in-box and can support up to 325 pounds. This treadmill sports a 22″ x 60″ deck which is two inches wider than the average and great if you’re a larger user.

The T Series 10 has a great 10″ touchscreen which tilts for easy use, and it’s flat as a tablet and simple to use. All of your controls are found here. It brings a 3.0 CHP motor and speeds up to 12mph and 12% incline. Now, this unit features NordicTrack’s new SelectFlex cushioning system which allows you to adjust the deck’s level from soft to firm. It also has a great smart AutoBreeze fan which adjusts to match the intensity of your workout. Other features include two water bottle holders, a USB-C charging port, two 2″ speakers, and Bluetooth headphone and heart rate monitor compatibility.

The big deal here, as with any NordicTrack product up and down the catalogue, is iFit. Yes, you can operate the machine without the $39 per month program as the treadmill has a manual mode which features a giant walking track and basic tracking. But the value to iFit is the 10,000-plus on-demand videos which remind me of National Geographic specials. The treadmill syncs activity with Strava, Garmin Connect, Google Fit, and Apple Health, and you can also access Netlifx, Spotify, and Amazon Prime on the screen. I love how you can do this all at once, just like with Windows, you can have a movie on Netflix playing with music from Spotify and still operate the iFit workout program, all at the same time.

You also have Google Map workouts, and the now-famous automatic trainer control which changes the incline and speed to match your workout. These iFit videos and live trainers will take you to any of Earth’s continents and are the best I’ve seen in terms of video quality. It’s the smartest paid app on the market and it works with any NordicTrack, ProForm, or Freemotion equipment and one account can travel on any of your devices. The SmartBeat armband, sold separately, works with iFit’s ActivePulse technology. The ActivePulse program is a smart AI heart rate app that will automatically adjust the treadmill’s incline and decline to match your cardio zone.

In terms of warranty, frankly, I’m a bit disappointed. The NordicTrack T Series 10 only offers two years on the motor and a 10-year guarantee on the frame. That said, I’ve had NordicTrack products for years and have yet to have a problem.

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

So, what’s the difference? The style of workout programming is quite distinct. On the one hand you get built-in workouts and compatibility with different apps on the 7.0 AT, but you’ll need to bring your own tablet to the game to access most of those. You also have more built-in heart rate options including the monitor, receiver, and handlebar grips. Over on the NordicTrack side, it’s all about the smart programming and frankly the quality of the workout videos. It’s a premium program, but given the price here I’d say it’s at a bargain if that’s what you want. The 10″ touchscreen is certainly more dynamic than the Horizon’s LCD screen, but that’s the difference in their philosophy of machine design.

In terms of workout performance, you get 12mph max speed on both. That’s a 5-minute mile pace and in my experience sufficient for even hearty users. The T Series 10 offers a wider deck at 22″ than the Horizon’s 20″, but the Horizon model gives you 15% incline to the NordicTrack’s 12%. In my experience, you’ll not outgrow those incline ranges. If you’re looking for something bigger than that, check out the NordicTrack X24 Treadmill I’ve reviewed here.

Given the specs, what are the pro’s and cons between the two treadmills?

Horizon 7.0 AT’s QuickDial controls paired with the Rapid Sync technology is ideal for HIIT training. Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

Photo by NordicTrack

A More Detailed Comparison

Motor and Performance

The Horizon 7.0 AT brings a 3.0 HP (horsepower) motor compared to the NordicTrack T Series 10’s 3.0 CHP (continuous horsepower motor). You can read up on that more here with my piece, Treadmill Motors: What You Need to Know. Both motors are sufficient for even the heartiest user and both are warrantied for life

Running Surface

The Horizon 7.0 AT offers a 20″ x 60″ running surface with 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning. This means the deck’s cushioning varies with your foot placement from front to back. The NordicTrack T Series 10 offers a 22″ x 60″ deck with the new SelectFlex Cushioning System that allows you to adjust this feature from soft to firm. Cushioning is an important feature and can significantly reduce stress-related injuries.

Incline and Speed Range

The Horizon 7.0 AT offers 12mph and 15% incline. The NordicTrack T Series 10 ramps up to 12mph and 12% incline.

Display and Programs

The Horizon 7.0 AT has a 7.25″ LCD screen which is for data readout and built-in programs. It also has an adjustable media rack atop the screen. The NordicTrack T Series 10 has a 10″ high-definition touchscreen which works more like a tablet or smartphone screen. It’s designed to work with iFit videos, Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon Prime Videos. Both treadmills have USB ports.

Additional Features

Both treadmills come with Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate, headphones, speakers, and wireless charging stations. Both units have spots for water bottle holders. The Horizon 7.0 AT has built-in heart rate sensors in the handlebars, and purchase comes with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor. The NordicTrack T Series 10 is compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors but they’re sold separately.

Warranty and Dimensions

The 7.0 AT comes with a lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor, three years for parts, and one for labor. It measures 76″ x 35″ x 67″ when assembled with an 8 5/8″ step-up height. The unit weighs 277 pounds with a maximum user weight of 325 pounds. The NordicTrack T Series 10 offers a 10-year frame warranty with two years for the motor. It measures 75.1″ x 34.3″ x 58.4″ with an 8.3″ step-up height, machine weight of 250 pounds, and user weight max of 325 pounds.

Which would I recommend? They are both great treadmills!

If you’re on a budget, there’s really no comparison. The Horizon 7.0 AT is easier to get for less money and there’s no monthly app fee. The only real downside is you’re bringing your own screen. If you’re into connected training, then there’s no question the iFit package on the T Series 10 is simply da bomb. On a normal month the two treadmills are probably comparably priced, but with the NordicTrack model you’re hooked into a $39 per month fee if you want to continue the program as opposed to a simple manual screen.