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Horizon

#1 Horizon Elliptical Review

Chris L.
February 25, 2021

Horizon ellipticals come with practically everything you need for a solid cardio workout. They're easy to put together, come with great ergonomics, and are backed by exceptional customer service. Horizon has numerous models available, so there's bound to be one within your price range.

Is the Horizon Elliptical best for you?

There are many different Horizon ellipticals out there. While the features may differ slightly from one model to the next, there are a few things you can always be confident in. For starters, Horizon doesn't charge an arm and a leg. Their trainers are reasonably priced, so you end up ultimately saving money in the long run compared to paying for a gym membership.

You also know you're getting one of the smoothest rides around. These machines come with ECB magnetic brake resistance systems. You can move your legs in tandem with your arms to get a full-body regimen. Some of the more recent machines come with tablet racks, speakers, and more.

Consider Horizon Elliptical if...

  • You need reliable frames. The elliptical you buy should be built to last. Horizon uses SixStar certified frames, so you can be confident nothing's going to go wrong.
  • You want options. Some Horizon models come with ViaFit connectivity. This gives you access to an array of trainer-led workout programs.
  • You like good value. Horizon prices its ellipticals competitively. Plus, they're backed by lifetime warranties on the frames.

Avoid Horizon Elliptical if...

  • You don't like a front-drive design. A lot of reviewers seem to think that front-drive designs are uncomfortable. It may not feel as natural as a rear-drive.
  • You want a touchscreen. Horizon doesn't make its ellipticals with touchscreens. It may not be as convenient for some users.
  • You need storage. Only some Horizon ellipticals come with folding capabilities. If you live in a particularly cramped space, then folding may be a necessity for you.

Horizon Elliptical pros & cons

Pros

  • 20 resistance levels
  • Rapid-charge USB port
  • Compatibility with apps ranging from Spotify to Netflix
  • Flywheels up to 30 pounds

Cons

  • Basic design
  • Instructions sometimes unclear

Construction and design

  • Flywheel: Flywheels on Horizon ellipticals range in weight from 14.3 to 30 pounds. The heavier the flywheel, the more expensive the unit is going to be.
  • Pedals: Pedals tend to be lower on these models, which is great if you have lower ceilings.
  • Handlebars: The handlebars move with your strides, so your arms get as much of a workout as your legs.
  • Console: There are a variety of consoles to choose from. Some come with a bunch of bonus features, including speakers and a water bottle holder.
  • Resistance: The high-end models come with 20 resistance levels you can gradually move up on.
  • Built-in Programs/Features: Lower-end Horizon ellipticals don't come with any preset programs. On the higher-end of the scale, they come with over 40.

Key Horizon Elliptical Specs

Pedals
Narrow-spaced
Stride Length
20"
Heart/Pulse Sensor?
Yes
Resistance
Up to 20 levels
Built-in Programs?
40+
Max Weight Capacity
300 pounds
Size (Dimensions)
74” x 25” x 64.5”
Foldable?
No
Warranty
Lifetime on frame, 2 years on parts

Reasons to buy Horizon Elliptical?

  1. You want your tablet handy. Horizon ellipticals come with easy-to-access tablet holders. That means you can watch movies, read, or listen to music with ease while you exercise.
  2. You prefer OneTouch controls. With a single push of a button, you're on your way to better health.
  3. You want to push yourself to the limit. Some higher-end Horizon ellipticals allow for advanced power inclines. This allows you to better target your calves, hamstrings, and glutes.

Reasons to avoid Horizon Elliptical?

  1. You want something with its own screen. You can access an array of workouts from your tablet. But some people just want everything in one device. If you have money to splurge, then you may want to consider a top-of-the-line machine that has everything you could possibly need.

What real Horizon Elliptical reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Horizon ellipticals receive high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.8 (across several hundred reviews). Horizon ellipticals scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

  1. "Smooth glide and sturdy."
  2. "It has good workouts you can use or manually do your own thing."
  3. "I weigh 180 and the machine seems very sturdy."
  4. "It is very quiet. It is durable. The speakers work great to listen to music."
  5. "Simple to use, offers plenty of resistance and very smooth functions."

What reviewers dislike

  1. "Display is basic but more than I need."
  2. "The heart rate feature is not accurate."
  3. "Assembly was easy, except for the weight of the parts."
  4. "Putting together was kind of confusing but I figured it out and I'm not really a handyman."
  5. "Poor directions on using it is our big complaint."

Our verdict

Horizon ellipticals are some of the best around, similar in quality to what you might get with ProForm or NordicTrack ellipticals. These models come with an array of options from resistance levels to preset programs. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you're going to find a way to make this machine work ideally for you.

The drawbacks are minor. Folding capabilities would be nice, but if you have a big enough space, then it should be a moot point. If you want an exceptional piece of equipment without spending thousands of dollars like what you might get elsewhere, then it's a meaningful investment.

Where to buy Horizon Elliptical

You can find a good selection of Horizon ellipticals on Amazon. They're priced affordably and often come with Amazon's fast, free shipping!