Comparison: Horizon T303 vs. Sole F63

It’s a battle of the budget-level treadmills brought to you by two of the best manufacturers in the game, and as always, it’s a close call. The Horizon T303 and the Sole F63 both offer consumers a well-made exercise unit for $999, but even at that price, the quality still shines through. The first thing consumers will notice though is a difference in the walking experience as the T303 offers a 12% maximum incline compared to the 15% offered by the F63. This can make a difference depending on the user’s level of experience and need as the incline increases workout intensity, heart rate, and ultimately caloric burn. The And the F63 is a bigger machine, at 82” long against the T303 with a 75” length, and 66” as opposed to 58” in height. In terms of width and height both are comparable, but unique offerings come to light in terms of integrated exercise programs and screens. Check out the side-by-side cost spec analysis for a consumer-friendly comparison-contrast.

Horizon T303 Vs. Sole F63 Comparison Chart

	Horizon T303	Sole F63
Price:	$999	$999
Drive System:	3.0 Continuous-Duty Horsepower motor	3.0 DC
Weight capacity:	325 lbs.	325 lbs.
Display:	Three LED Windows, Backlit LCD Screen	6.5” LCD
Interactive Training:	Manual, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, My First 5K, Distance, Heart Rate, Calories, Interval, and included Pro App which is compatible with on-demand apps	10 Loaded programs and Sole Fitness App
Entertainment Options:	Accessory Tray, Audio In/Out Jack, Bluetooth Speakers, Customized Interval Keys, multi-position tablet holders	Bluetooth Speakers, USB charging, integrated tablet holder
Workout Programs:	7 plus Pro App	10 Preset programs and Sole Fitness App
Heart-rate monitoring:	Bluetooth 4.0 compatible receiver and contact grips	Included wireless chest straps and pulse monitors which interact with machine speed/resistance
Speed:	0-12 mph	0-12 mph
Incline:	0 – 12%	0 – 15%
Dimensions:	75” L x 34” W x 58” H	82” L x 35” W x 66” H
Deck:	20″ x 60″	20″ x 60″
Shock Absorption:	3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning	Cushion Flex Whisper Deck
Folding:	Yes	Yes
Warranty:	Lifetime frame/motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor	Lifetime frame/motor, 3-year deck, 3-year parts, 1-year labor
	View Horizon T303	View Sole F63

Horizon T303 Vs. Sole Fitness F63

Engineering-wise, aside from the 9-inch difference in length, the Horizon T303 and the Sole Fitness F63 are quite similar, hence the price. The T303 brings a 3.0 Continuous-Duty Horsepower motor to match the F63 and its 3.0 DC. At 3.0 HP both motors are sufficient to keep the tread rolling under even the swiftest of feet without chugging. Both machines offer a folding frame and running area of 20” x 60” with a maximum user weight of 325 pounds. The T303 unit measures 75” L x 34” W x 58” H at a machine weight of 194 pounds, with the larger F63 coming in at 82” L x 35” W x 66” H and 254 pounds. This difference in unit weight and length is a factor to consider when deciding between the two as the F63 might take up more space but would certainly offer a longer stride. Irrespective of machine size, both treadmills offer a 20” x 60” running surface with the F63 using 2.5” rollers and the T303 with 46mm/42mm tapered rollers. The T303 utilizes the Horizon Fitness 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning system for shock absorption, with the F63 bringing the Cushion Flex Whisper deck. Warranty-wise, both treadmills offer a lifetime guarantee on the frame and motor.

Aside from size, the biggest differences between the two treadmills really come down to the company’s styling of workout and entertainment options. The T303 offers an incline potential of 12% compared to the F63 and its maximum reach of 15% which, to the novice might seem insignificant, but advanced users will find this as important as the length. Heart-rate monitoring features for the T303 include the Bluetooth 4.0 compatible receiver and contact grips on the handles, while the F63 utilizes its wireless chest straps and pulse monitors which interact dynamically with the machine in terms of speed and resistance. The T303 offers pre-loaded workout programs including: Manual, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, My First 5K, Distance, Heart Rate, Calories, Interval, as well as the Pro App which is compatible with most on-demand apps and exercise programs. The included Interval Training program affords easy-to-use controls designed for quick changes in intensity simply by holding down the “Interval 1” or “Interval 2” key to save the preferred speed and incline settings for HIIT workouts. Meanwhile, the F63 brings 10 preset programs and the Sole Fitness App which is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and can communicate with other apps such as FitBit and MyFitnessPal. When checking out the basic console layout, consumers will also notice a difference in styles. The T303 has a three-LED window with backlit LCD screen that provides each touch-controls to read out calories burned, distance moved, heart rate, incline, segment time, speed, and total time. The F63 treadmill offers a 6.5” LED screen with a unique SOLE-style integrated message board with an alphanumeric text center which sends scrolling messages to the user as a workout guide. One advantage the F63 has over its peer is the integrated tablet holder at the top of the display screen. As is the case with many budget-level models, neither machine comes with a tablet included. The T303 does offer space holders for drinks or perhaps a smart phone below the screen area, but it appears a little small for a tablet.

Both treadmills are well reviewed and customers indicate that, for the money, you’re getting a sturdy and well-built machine. The advantage we see in the F63 is that the bigger machine offers a superior incline max for the same money, and also an interactive heart rate monitoring system which works with the machine’s resistance. So, for the money, we’d give a thumbs up to the Sole unit ever bearing in mind that if a customer really needs a smaller unit for their home, that might be a point to reconsider.