Horizon Elliptical Review: Expect The Best, Pay Less With This Machine

I expect the best out of everyone (but mainly myself) and feel frustrated when these ideals don’t come to fruition. Although both you and I will likely feel this way again (we’re human, after all), the best ellipticals on the market shouldn’t disappoint you. 

Enter our Horizon elliptical review. I’ll go over the ins and outs of the current elliptical lineup on the Horizon website (spoiler alert: It’s a short list). There is actually just one model available for purchase at this time on the Horizon Fitness website. Several ellipticals were recently discontinued, but I’m going to include the specs because you may still be able to score some of the discontinued models in-person at select third-party retailers.

Great Workouts are on Your Horizon

Look! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a Horizon elliptical peeking over the clouds! Although this scenario reads more like a feverish thought than real life, finding a great Horizon elliptical won’t be but a dream. I, alongside the expert product testers and reviewers from Garage Gym Reviews, am poised and ready to share gobs of fitness knowledge with you. 

After all, we’re certified personal trainers, former college athletes, and nutrition coaches. Fitness is what we do and what we’re passionate about. To help lead you in this quest, we’ll examine the current Horizon elliptical (plus machines of years past, RIP) to help you decide which is the right option for you.

Low-Impact Horizon Ellipticals

• Horizon EX-59 Elliptical
• Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical (Out of stock: No longer available for purchase online)
• Horizon Evolve 3 (Out of stock: No longer available for purchase online)
• Horizon Evolve 5 (Out of stock: No longer available for purchase online)

For context, the Horizon Evolve 3 and Evolve 5, and 7.0 AE cannot be purchased on the Horizon website, although the product page is still visible. The site states that these machines can only be purchased in-store at select retailers, which leads me to believe that they are phasing them out/getting rid of the last bit of inventory. 

The Horizon EX-59 elliptical is excellent an option available for purchase directly from the brand’s website. However, if you’re looking for a comparable foldable elliptical like the Evolve 3 and 5, I recommend either the NordicTrack SE9i or the SE7i.

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

Good for: The budget-conscious elliptical shopper

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

GGR Score: 3.75

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Product Highlights

• Elliptical with Bluetooth connectivity
• 18-inch stride length
• 14-pound flywheel
• 10 levels of magnetic resistance 
• 300-pound max user weight capacity 
• Has a built-in device holder and USB port 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Price
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 18-inch stride length
• Lifetime frame warranty
• 5 preset programs
• Textured foot pedals
• 10 resistance levels
• Bluetooth speakers

Cons

• Lighter flywheel
• User weight capacity is on the lighter side
• No touchscreen display
• 10-inch step-up is high
• No incline options
• No flywheel warranty

Bottom Line

The Horizon EX-59 is a budget-friendly elliptical with an 18-inch stride length and five preset programs to choose from. What it lacks in tech capabilities (mostly just the Bluetooth speakers) it makes up for in stability. This elliptical has a locked-down feel for a budget price-point.

Although the Horizon EX-59 elliptical has gone up in price slightly within the last year, it is still an affordable cardio machine. Clocking in at around $700, the EX-59 is a budget-friendly machine that still has the durability shoppers want. Horizon offers a stellar lifetime frame warranty, which is better than a variety of ellipticals I can think of that are double the price (no shade).

The Horizon EX-59 also has a 300-pound user weight capacity, which is higher than the industry standard by 25 pounds. Plus, if you’re a taller person, you’ll appreciate the 18-inch stride length, as it makes the machine feel like a true elliptical versus a step machine. 

Although the EX-59 doesn’t have a touchscreen display, you can enjoy the five preset programs: calorie-based, intervals, weight loss, manual, and distance workouts. If you’re more into interactive programming like iFIT, you can still watch your classes on your own device. The EX-59 has a handy tablet holder and Bluetooth connectivity, which makes viewing programming a breeze.

For the price, it is hard not to like the EX-59. However, there are still a few things to be aware of before purchasing. One, you’ll need to know that the step-up height is pretty high. If you’re someone with balance issues, this might not be the right choice for you.

I’m also not crazy about the 14-pound flywheel. For reference, we generally expect to see between 16 to 20 pounds for an elliptical flywheel. This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but a lighter flywheel does mean the EX-59 is slightly less smooth than those with heavier flywheels.

Check out our full Horizon EX-59 elliptical review.

Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical

Editor’s Note: The Horizon 7.0 AE is no longer in production. At this time, we think the Horizon EX-59 is the best alternative. Additionally, we have a roundup of the best ellipticals if you’re looking for more options.

It’s unfortunate the Horizon 7.0 AE was discontinued from the brand’s elliptical lineup. There were a lot of things to like including a price tag under $1,000, heavy 23-pound flywheel, and a generous 325-pound user weight capacity.

Unlike the EX-59, the 7.0 AE featured incline settings, and 20 of them at that. Plus it had 20 different resistance levels compared to the EX-59’s 10. This opens up a world of possibilities for different types of elliptical workouts.

It is worth noting that this machine is difficult to assemble solo. I should know––I did it by myself! If you want to avoid frustration, grab a friend or family member to help with certain components, like wiring the display and screwing on the pedals. 

I’d also recommend utilizing another person (or two) to help with the moving process. I was a silly goose and tried to do it myself–I can deadlift more than the machine weighs, so it should have been fine (or so I thought). Although I can deadlift a significant amount, that is not the same as attempting to carry this machine solo up a flight of stairs. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 

Read more with our entire Horizon 7.0 AE elliptical review.

RELATED: Deadlift Muscles Worked

Other Discontinued Horizon Fitness Ellipticals

Horizon EX-57: The Horizon EX-57 is the little brother to the currently produced EX-59. According to reviews, this was the least-expensive model produced by Horizon and the specs reflected the price. 

Horizon AT1501 Ascent Trainer: The AT1501 Ascent Trainer is a front-drive elliptical trainer with good-looking specs. With an 18-pound flywheel and pivoting pedals, the only apparent downside (besides it being discontinued) is the massive footprint. 

Horizon Syros 2.0 Elliptical: This machine appears to be a rear-drive elliptical with the flywheel clocking it at 15.5 pounds (or 7 kg). You can’t currently purchase the Syros 2.0 elliptical online, but you may have luck finding it on Facebook marketplace or Play it Again Sports.

Horizon Elite E7: The Elite E7 doesn’t have a USB charging port or Bluetooth connectivity, so you’re not missing much by not having this machine. However, you can input your zip code on the Horizon site to see if any in-person retailers are carrying the E7 if you’re really wanting it. 

Horizon Elite E9: Horizon isn’t really known for making expensive cardio machines, but the Elite E9 appeared to be one of their only offerings that was over $1,600 (besides the decked-out Evolve). Sadly, you won’t be able to order this online––secondhand is your only option.

How We Evaluate Ellipticals 

When examining ellipticals, we ask ourselves a variety of important questions. Although this is by no means all-encompassing, here are a few of the things we consider: 

• Stride length: What is the stride length? Is it between 18 and 20 inches?
• Flywheel: How heavy is the flywheel? Is it between 16 and 20 pounds?
• Display: Does this elliptical have a touchscreen? If not, does it have an LCD screen, LED display, or another type of screen? What metrics or workout data are you able to view? Can you view any fitness apps on the screen?
• Price: Is this machine considered a budget, mid-range, or expensive elliptical based on the price range?
• Extras: Is there a cooling fan, a tablet holder, or a water bottle holder? Does this elliptical come with a heart rate monitor? Does this machine have built-in speakers, a USB port, or a USB charging spot?
• Handlebars: Is there more than one set of handlebars? Are they cushioned for comfort?
• Programming: Can programming be viewed on this machine or hooked up via Bluetooth connectivity? If not, does it have preset workout programs?
• Pedals: Are the pedals comfortable for a variety of users? Do they have texture? Are they well-cushioned pedals?
• Dimensions: Will this elliptical machine fit in most home gyms? Can it be folded or compacted in any way? 
• Step-up height: How tall is the step-up height? Will it be easy for someone with balance issues to mount and dismount?
• Levels of resistance: How many levels of resistance does this machine have? Is it magnetic resistance? 
• Incline: Does this elliptical have incline options? 
• Weight: How heavy is this machine? Can it be moved by one person or do you need another set of hands? Are there transport wheels to make the process easier?
• User weight capacity: What is the weight capacity? Does it exceed the industry standard of 275 pounds?
• Warranty: Does this machine have a lifetime warranty on the frame? If not, how does it stack up to the industry standard?

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Review FAQs

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

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