Horizon vs Nordictrack Treadmills: Which is Best For You?

Horizon Treadmill vs. NordicTrack – what is the best option for you? Are you a serious runner or a walker? Do you run, jog or walk daily, or a few times a week? What is your budget? Once you answer these questions then you will be better able to make your choice. Both companies are top world-wide treadmill manufacturers; but your lifestyle and a few facts below will determine the best practical choice for you.  

A Brief Overview

Choosing a Treadmill

Choosing the correct treadmill for home use, is dependent on your goals,  lifestyle and budget. The important things to consider :

• Are you a walker or a runner?
• How often will you use it – daily, three times/week?
• What’s your budget?
• How much space do you have?

Company Background

Horizon Fitness

Horizon Fitness, manufactures treadmills for home use. They are owned by Johnson Health Tech, who also make treadmills under the Matrix Fitness and Vision Fitness brands; Horizon is it’s less expensive alternative. Johnson Health Tech is headquartered in Taiwan and is one of the top manufacturers of fitness equipment worldwide.

NordicTrack

NordicTrack was launched in Minnesota, they began with cross country ski machines and grew to manufacturing ellipticals, treadmills etc. They are now part of  ICON Health and Fitness who also make Proform treadmills, and is the largest treadmill manufacturer in the world. The headquarter is located in Logan, Utah. As trends and society’s understanding of fitness and health evolves, so do the offerings of NordicTrack, evident in the expansion in the categories of machines: traditional treadmills, incline trainer treadmills and now treadmill desks. The brand has a good reputation for their workout machines however, the response from customers, on their customer service is a knock to the brand.

Models

Horizon Models

Their offering consists of  eight models, all foldable to fit in your home gym. They are a cheaper, economical brand, and best  for walkers and joggers.

T101 ( $699), Adventure 3 ($999), Adventure 5 ($1299), Elite T5 ($1199), Elite T7 ($1499),  Elite T9 ($1999), Elite T7-02 ($1599), Elite T9-02 ($1999).

NordicTrack Models

NordicTrack manufactures for various levels of activity, from walking to running. However the majority of their models are good for the more serious runner. The options include traditional treadmills, incline trainer treadmills and treadmill desks.

Incline Trainer Series (great for weight loss goals): Choose from three models (X22i, X11i and X9i) 40% incline, (MSRP $2499-$3999).  

Commercial: Choose from the following three models (Commercial 2950, Commercial 2450 and Commercial 1750), (MSRP $2299-$3599- but find them for 40-50% off)

Compact C Series (foldable, space saver design) Also has an option of three models to choose from (C700 (walkers), C1650 and C990) (MRSP $1599-$1999)

Desk Treadmills: Two models offered however the platinum version is the improved version of the Treadmill Desk.  Treadmill Desk and Treadmill Desk Platinum also fold to save space.

Workout Programs

Horizon

Most Horizon treadmills are Passport ready; a virtual reality workout that works with interactive videos on your T.V.  Videos offer various terrains from around the world from streets and mountains to coastlines and more. As your speed changes so will the video and audio.

NordicTrack

All recent models  have the option of using iFit Coach app (with a one year membership included) which allows you to virtually workout on terrains around the world along with workout programs that can be downloaded. Your speed and incline will automatically adjust to the elements of the area you are viewing on the app.

Costs/Horizon vs. NordicTrack

Horizon

Price range: $999-1,999

The Horizon’s price range is lower and more affordable, however, because the majority of their motors are in the 2.0 range, the durability is best suited to walking and jogging.

NordicTrack

Price range – $1599 – $3999; however it is possible to purchase for 40-50% of the MSRP, through NordicTrack and other retailers. The prices compared to the Horizon options are higher however, the grade of most of their treadmills as far as power, are of commercial standard which means it’s durable, making  it better for runners who are using on a frequent basis.

Motors/Horizon vs. NordicTrack

Treadmill power is measured in horsepower (HP) and continuous horsepower (CHP). CHP means the amount of power it can generate continuously not just at peak performance. The rule of thumb when choosing a treadmill for power and activities are as follows (for individual up to 200 lbs. ): Walking – 2.0 CHP or higher; jogging 2.5 CHP or higher; running 3.0 or higher.

Horizon

Horizon Fitness’s  continuous horsepowers (CHP) are predominantly 2.25 and 2.75 in most of its models with the exception of two,  the Horizon Elite T7-02 (3.0) and Horizon Elite T9-02 (3.25). Therefore based on the rule of thumb above, the majority of Horizon treadmills are made for walkers and joggers.  

NordicTrack

The least continuous horsepower is 2.6 CHP (Treadmill Desk) and 3.0 CHP (Platinum Treadmill Desk); while the rest range up to 4.25, commercial grade. Consequently, the NordicTrack treadmills are targeted at regular, serious  runners – the least being the desk treadmill and the higher CHP on the more traditional and incline machines – making for a more durable machine.

Warranties/Horizon vs. NordicTrack

Horizon Fitness

Warranties range and are dependent on the model chosen. The options include:

• Lifetime on frame and motor
• Two, three, five years on parts
• One to two years on labor

NordicTrack

The warranties also range on the NordicTrack selections.

• Lifetime on frame and motor
• One, three, five, six years on parts and electronics
• One, two, three years on labor
• 30-day money back guarantee

Top Sellers

Horizon Fitness

Horizon Elite T7

Horizon T101

Horizon Adventure 5

NordicTrack

NordicTrack Commercial 2950

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

X9i

Conclusion

NordicTrack vs. Horizon Fitness – what is best for you? Clearly what is best for you will depend on your needs and fitness goals. Both companies are leading fitness equipment manufacturers; however, as far as treadmill superiority, the award would go to NordicTrack. Most of the motors are commercial grade which means it’s durable and made for multiple, continued use. However having said that the Horizon Fitness treadmills are perfectly equipped for walkers or joggers, lighter usage; and more affordable. You really cannot go wrong with either choice.