Short answer
Choose Sole if you want the strongest running decks, 4 HP flagships, decline on the F89 and TT8 and a free brand app. Choose Horizon if you want fast QuickDial controls, open third-party app support and the best value at each step, led by the 7.4 AT and 7.0 AT. Both list lifetime frame and motor coverage.
Key takeaways
- Sole and Horizon both list lifetime frame and motor coverage on every model we reviewed.
- Sole wins at the top: 4 HP motors, 6% decline, up to 400 lb and large touchscreens.
- Horizon wins on consistency and value, with parts and labor coverage that grows steadily by model.
- Neither brand requires a membership; Sole adds a free app and Horizon relies on third-party apps.
- Best picks: Sole TT8 or F89 for runners, Horizon 7.4 AT for simple running, Horizon 7.0 AT for most homes.
Sole and Horizon Fitness are the two brands we recommend most often to people who want a home treadmill that runs like a gym machine without a mandatory membership. Both build full-size 20 × 60 and 22 × 60-inch decks, both list lifetime frame and motor coverage on every model we reviewed, and both rank near the top of our best treadmill for running guide.
The differences are in the details: motor size at the top of each range, decline, console style, how each brand handles apps, and how parts and labor coverage scale from entry-level to flagship. Below, we use the specs and FitScores from our reviews to show where each brand wins and name the best model of each by need. For the wider market, see our best treadmill brands guide.
Sole vs Horizon at a Glance
The table compares the two brands across the criteria that decide most purchases. It is based on the five Sole and four Horizon treadmills we reviewed, so it describes the models you are likely to shop rather than every product either brand has ever sold.
In short, Sole stretches further at the top, while Horizon is more consistent across the middle of the range. Our treadmill brands guide places both in the same tier.
| Criteria | Sole | Horizon Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Models we reviewed | TT8, F89, F80, F65, F50 | 7.4 AT, 7.0 AT, T202, T101 |
| Motor range | 2 HP (F50) to 4 HP (F89, TT8) | 2.5 HP (T101) to 3.5 CHP (7.4 AT) |
| Deck sizes | 20 × 55 in (F50); 22 × 60 in on F65 and up | 20 × 55 in (T101); 20 × 60 in (T202, 7.0 AT); 22 × 60 in (7.4 AT) |
| Max incline | 12% (F50) to 15% | 10% (T101) to 15% |
| Decline | 6% on F89 and TT8 | None on models we reviewed |
| Max user weight | 300 to 400 lb | 300 to 350 lb |
| Consoles | LED and LCD on F50/F65; touchscreens on F80, TT8 and F89 | LED and LCD consoles on all models |
| Apps | Free SOLE+ app on F-series; third-party apps on F89 and TT8 | Third-party apps; app subscriptions not included |
| Warranty pattern | Lifetime frame and motor; parts 1 to 3 years; labor 90 days to 1 year | Lifetime frame and motor; parts 1 to 5 years; labor 1 to 2 years |
| Top FitScore | Sole TT8: 93.8 | Horizon 7.4 AT: 89.9 |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Lineup: Who Each Brand Builds For
Sole builds mostly for runners. Four of the five Sole models we reviewed use a 22 × 60-inch deck, which is the size we recommend for tall runners and anyone who runs fast intervals. The Sole F50 (FitScore 74.6) is the entry point, the Sole F65 (80.9) and Sole F80 (82.7) are the mid-range folding models, the Sole F89 (90.1) is the folding flagship and the Sole TT8 (93.8) is a non-folding, light-commercial machine with the highest FitScore of any treadmill we have reviewed.
Horizon Fitness spreads its range more evenly between walkers and runners. The Horizon T101 (71.8) is a compact 10 mph walker and jogger, the Horizon T202 (76.7) leads our best budget treadmill guide, the Horizon 7.0 AT (80.7) is the all-rounder and the Horizon 7.4 AT (89.9) is the runner’s model. Horizon is part of Johnson Health Tech, which also owns BowFlex, Schwinn and Matrix.
At the entry level, Horizon gives you more deck (20 × 60 inches on the T202 against 20 × 55 on the Sole F50). At the top, Sole gives you more machine.
Motors and Decks
Motor ratings climb faster at Sole. The F65 starts at 3.0 HP, the F80 has 3.5 HP and both the F89 and TT8 use 4.0 HP motors. Horizon tops out at the 3.5 CHP motor in the 7.4 AT, with 3.0 HP in the 7.0 AT and 2.75 HP in the T202. For walking, jogging and steady runs, both brands have enough. For daily hard running, the extra headroom of the Sole flagships helps, which is partly why the F89 and TT8 rank #1 and #2 in our best treadmill for marathon training guide.
Deck width is closer than motor size suggests. Both brands offer a 22 × 60-inch deck at the running end of their ranges: Sole on the F65, F80, F89 and TT8, Horizon on the 7.4 AT. Horizon’s 7.0 AT and T202 use 20 × 60 inches, which is a full running length with a slightly narrower belt.
Cushioning philosophy differs. Horizon uses 3-Zone Variable Response cushioning across its range, softer under the landing zone and firmer at push-off. Sole lists a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck on the F89 and TT8 and cushioned decks on the F-series. If joint comfort comes first, see our best treadmill for bad knees guide, where the Horizon 7.4 AT ranks #2 and the Sole TT8 ranks #4.
Pro tip: Heavier runners should compare weight limits, not only motors. The Sole TT8 lists 400 lb and the F89 375 lb, while the Horizon 7.4 AT lists 350 lb. The 7.4 AT still ranks #1 in our best treadmill for heavy runners guide thanks to its deck and warranty.
Incline, Decline and Programs
Both brands reach 15% incline on their mid-range and flagship models: the Sole F65, F80, F89 and TT8, and the Horizon 7.0 AT and 7.4 AT. The entry models are shallower, with 12% on the Sole F50 and Horizon T202 and 10% on the Horizon T101. For incline walking, any of the 15% models is a good fit; our best treadmill with incline guide is led by three Sole models (F89, TT8 and F65).
Decline is the clearest technical difference. The Sole F89 and TT8 add 6% decline, which lets runners rehearse downhill sections and adds variety for hikers. None of the Horizon models we reviewed has decline. If downhill training matters to you, the choice is made: pick one of those two Sole models.
Programs are similar: 10 on the Horizon 7.4 AT and Sole F65, 8 on the 7.0 AT. The Sole F80 adds 2 heart rate control programs, and Horizon includes a chest strap with the 7.0 AT.
Consoles, Apps and Subscriptions
Neither brand requires a membership, which is a big part of their appeal. Horizon has no proprietary class platform at all. Its 7.0 AT is designed to work with apps such as Peloton, Zwift and STUDIO, the 7.4 AT is built to pair with running apps such as Zwift, and Horizon notes that some third-party apps need a monthly subscription that is not included with the treadmill. Its consoles are simple LCD or LED screens, and the 7.0 AT and 7.4 AT use dial-style controls for quick speed and incline changes.
Sole takes a middle path. According to Sole, the SOLE+ app is free and included permanently with its equipment, with no trial period or premium tier. Sole also supports FTMS, the Bluetooth standard that lets apps such as Zwift and Kinomap control speed and incline. On the hardware side, Sole goes further than Horizon: the F80 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, the TT8 a 15.6-inch touchscreen and the F89 a 21.5-inch touchscreen, which is why the F89 ranks #3 in our best treadmill with screen guide.
For a large screen without a required plan, choose Sole; for a simple console and your own tablet, choose Horizon. Both appear in our best treadmill without subscription guide, with the Horizon 7.0 AT at #2 and the Sole F65 at #4.
Warranty Patterns, Build and Support
Both brands list a lifetime frame and motor warranty on every model we reviewed, so the headline is a tie. The real difference is parts and labor. At Horizon, coverage grows steadily with the model: 1 year of parts and labor on the T101 and T202, 3 years of parts and 1 year of labor on the 7.0 AT, and 5 years of parts and 2 years of labor on the 7.4 AT.
Sole is more uneven. The TT8 and F89 list 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor, short of the 7.4 AT’s 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor. The F65 and F80, however, list 1 year on parts and only 90 days on labor, which is shorter than the comparable Horizon 7.0 AT. The F50 lists 1 year on parts and labor.
On build, both flagships are heavy, stable machines: about 296 lb for the TT8, 314 lb for the F89 and 318 lb for the 7.4 AT. Warranty terms can differ between the manufacturer and a marketplace listing, so check the current warranty on the product page before you order.
| Model | Frame and motor | Parts | Labor | FitScore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole TT8 | Lifetime | 3 years | 1 year | 93.8 |
| Sole F89 | Lifetime | 3 years | 1 year | 90.1 |
| Sole F80 | Lifetime | 1 year | 90 days | 82.7 |
| Sole F65 | Lifetime | 1 year | 90 days | 80.9 |
| Sole F50 | Lifetime | 1 year | 1 year | 74.6 |
| Horizon 7.4 AT | Lifetime | 5 years | 2 years | 89.9 |
| Horizon 7.0 AT | Lifetime | 3 years | 1 year | 80.7 |
| Horizon T202 | Lifetime | 1 year | 1 year | 76.7 |
| Horizon T101 | Lifetime | 1 year | 1 year | 71.8 |
Best Model From Each Brand by Need
Running and high mileage. The Sole TT8 is the best Sole for serious runners, with a 4 HP motor, 15% incline, 6% decline and a 400 lb capacity, but it does not fold. The Horizon 7.4 AT is the best Horizon for running and ranks #1 in our best treadmill for running guide, with a 22 × 60-inch deck, 15% incline and 5 years on parts.
All-round home use and value. The Horizon 7.0 AT ranks #1 in our best treadmill for home, best quiet treadmill and best value treadmill guides. The best Sole for the same buyer is the F65, which ranks #2 in the value guide and #2 in our best treadmill for jogging guide with a wider 22 × 60-inch deck, at the cost of shorter labor coverage.
Tighter budgets and smaller rooms. The Horizon T202 is the best entry-level choice of either brand, with a 20 × 60-inch deck and 12% incline. The Horizon T101 suits shared spaces and walkers. The Sole F50 is Sole’s entry point, but its 20 × 55-inch deck and 2 HP motor make it a walking and light jogging machine.
Best Sole for Runners
Sole TT8
FitScore 93.8/100
A 4 HP motor, 22 × 60-inch deck, 15% incline and 6% decline in a non-folding build rated for 400 lb.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill for Marathon Training guide
Check Price on AmazonBest Folding Sole
Sole F89
FitScore 94.6/100
The same 4 HP motor and incline-decline range as the TT8, plus a 21.5-inch touchscreen, in a folding frame.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill for Marathon Training guide
Check Price on AmazonBest Horizon for Runners
Horizon 7.4 AT
FitScore 93/100
A 3.5 CHP motor, 22 × 60-inch deck and 5-year parts coverage, with no membership needed.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill for Marathon Training guide
Check Price on AmazonEveryday Picks: Walking, Jogging and Entry-Level
Most buyers do not need a flagship. If you walk or jog a few times a week, the mid-range and entry models of both brands cover you well.
Among these three, the Horizon 7.0 AT is the safest all-round choice, the Sole F65 suits joggers who want a wider deck, and the Horizon T202 is the best value starting point. For more options at this level, see our best treadmill under 1000 and best treadmill for walking guides.
Best All-Round Home
Horizon 7.0 AT
FitScore 79.5/100
A 3.0 HP motor, 20 × 60-inch deck, 15% incline, a chest strap in the box and 3 years on parts.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill for Home guide
Check Price on AmazonBest Sole for Jogging
Sole F65
FitScore 82.1/100
A 22 × 60-inch deck, 3.0 HP motor and 15% incline, with the free SOLE+ app and a 350 lb capacity.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill for Jogging guide
Check Price on AmazonBest Entry-Level
Horizon T202
FitScore 77.3/100
A full 20 × 60-inch deck, 12% incline and lifetime frame and motor coverage at the entry level.
Ranked in our Best Budget Treadmill guide
Check Price on AmazonWhich Should You Choose?
Decline, a 4 HP motor, a 400 lb capacity or a large touchscreen without a required plan point to Sole. Simple controls, consistent parts and labor coverage and value at each step point to Horizon.
- Serious runner, non-folding is fine: Sole TT8. See our Sole TT8 review.
- Runner who needs a folding treadmill: Sole F89 for decline and a big screen, Horizon 7.4 AT for simplicity and 5-year parts coverage.
- All-round home use: Horizon 7.0 AT. See our Horizon 7.0 AT review.
- Jogger who wants a wide deck: Sole F65.
- Heart rate training: Sole F80, #1 in our best treadmill with heart rate monitor guide.
- Tight budget: Horizon T202. Small shared space: Horizon T101.
- Heavier users: Horizon 7.4 AT or Sole TT8. See best treadmill for heavy people.
Checklist Before You Choose Sole or Horizon
- Decide whether you will mostly walk, jog or run.
- Choose a 22 × 60-inch deck if you are tall or run fast intervals.
- Decide whether you need decline; only the Sole F89 and TT8 offer it here.
- Check the weight limit with a margin above your body weight.
- Compare parts and labor coverage, not just the lifetime frame and motor.
- Decide whether you want a touchscreen (Sole F80, F89, TT8) or a simple console.
- List the third-party apps you already use and confirm compatibility.
- Confirm the warranty on the exact product page before ordering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming a lifetime warranty covers parts and labor; on both brands it covers the frame and motor.
- Buying the Sole F50 for running; its 20 × 55-inch deck and 2 HP motor suit walking and light jogging.
- Expecting decline on a Horizon; none of the models we reviewed has it.
- Choosing the TT8 without checking floor space; it does not fold.
- Overlooking the 90-day labor term on the Sole F65 and F80.
- Paying for flagship power when you mainly walk.
The Bottom Line
- Every Sole and Horizon treadmill we reviewed lists a lifetime frame and motor warranty; parts and labor terms are what separate models.
- Sole is the only one of the two with decline: the F89 and TT8 add 6% decline to 15% incline.
- Horizon has no proprietary class platform; Sole offers the free SOLE+ app on its F-series models.
- Top FitScores: Sole TT8 (93.8) and Sole F89 (90.1) vs Horizon 7.4 AT (89.9) and Horizon 7.0 AT (80.7).
- Horizon is part of Johnson Health Tech, the same group that owns BowFlex and Matrix.
Our Top Picks
Best Sole for RunnersSole TT8FitScore93.8/100Check on Amazon- Best Folding SoleSole F89FitScore94.6/100Check on Amazon
- Best Horizon for RunnersHorizon 7.4 ATFitScore93/100Check on Amazon
- Best All-Round HomeHorizon 7.0 ATFitScore79.5/100Check on Amazon
- Best Sole for JoggingSole F65FitScore82.1/100Check on Amazon
- Best Entry-LevelHorizon T202FitScore77.3/100Check on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Sole is better for serious runners who want 4 HP motors, decline and large touchscreens. Horizon is better for most homes thanks to simple controls, consistent warranties and strong value, led by the 7.0 AT and 7.4 AT.
The F80 has a stronger 3.5 HP motor, a 22 × 60-inch deck and a touchscreen, and scores 82.7 to the 7.0 AT’s 80.7. The 7.0 AT has longer parts and labor coverage and a simpler console.
Both rank in the top two of our running guide. The F89 adds a 4 HP motor, 6% decline and a 21.5-inch touchscreen; the 7.4 AT is simpler and lists 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor.
No. Sole offers the free SOLE+ app and supports apps like Zwift and Kinomap, and Horizon works with third-party apps. Any app subscription you choose is separate.
Both list lifetime frame and motor coverage. Horizon’s parts and labor coverage grows steadily by model; Sole’s TT8 and F89 list 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor, short of the 7.4 AT’s 5 and 2 years, and the F65 and F80 list only 90 days of labor.
None of the Horizon models we reviewed has decline. The Sole F89 and TT8 offer 6% decline.
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