Sole F63 vs Horizon 7.0 (2024): The Clash of Two Affordable Treadmills

The treadmill buying process can get complicated with all the specs, high-tech screens, and varying price ranges. The thing is, buying a treadmill shouldn’t have to feel like such a chore. I’d even like to take a moment to congratulate you for starting your journey to better cardiovascular health! 

That said, you’ve probably stumbled on this comparison because you’ve been shopping for a while and you’ve finally narrowed it down to two models: Sole F63 vs Horizon 7.0. 

Both the Sole F63 and Horizon 7.0 are relatively affordable and offer a lot of power for a home treadmill. Neither machine offers a touchscreen display, however that doesn’t mean either machine is archaic—you’ll still have the option to use your smartphone or tablet to connect to popular fitness apps. 

Sole F63

Sole F63

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Folding treadmill
• Costs around $1,000
• Heart rate chest strap included
• Bluetooth speakers, USB port, and cooling fan
• Powerful 3.0 HP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Financing is available
• Bluetooth speakers
• USB port
• Device holder
• 15 different levels of incline
• Cushioned deck
• 20" W x 60" L belt
• 325-lb weight capacity
• Lifetime frame and motor warranty

Cons

• Heavy machine
• No touchscreen

Bottom Line

The Sole F63 Treadmill is an affordable option for people who want a powerful, reliable machine without breaking their budget.

Horizon 7.0

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.0

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Product Highlights

• Priced under $1,000
• Spacious 60-inch running deck
• Bluetooth connectivity
• QuickDial controls for both the speed and incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60” running surface
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Bluetooth connectivity with apps like Zwift, Peloton, and Nike Running Club
• 325 lb weight limit

Cons

• Heavy machine at over 250 lbs
• No included touchscreen
• 3-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranties are less than the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill

Bottom Line

For under $1,000, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option for people who want to use their treadmill to run.

Sole F63 vs Horizon 7.0 Comparison Chart

Quick Look: Sole F63 vs Horizon 7.0

Sole Fitness and Horizon Fitness cater to budget-conscious shoppers who are willing to omit high-tech features for more affordable prices. Both machines are suitable for runners, reach top speeds of 12 mph, and feature incline training—all features we see in some of the best treadmills for home use. 

Additionally, the Sole F63 and Horizon 7.0 AT have similar qualities—neither model features a touchscreen, both brands offer a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, and the tread belts are 60 inches long, which will be suitable for short and tall runners alike.

Our expert product testers here at GGR have tested and written in-depth reviews on both the Sole F63 and the Horizon 7.0 AT. Both treadmills offer a solid option for beginners, folks who are not super tech-savvy, and anyone whose budget is right around $1,000. Be sure to check out our detailed reviews on either treadmill before you click add to cart.

Key Similarities Between Sole F63 and Horizon 7.0

• 12 mph top speeds
• 15 levels of incline
• 325-lb user weight capacity 
• Basic LCD displays
• Built-in programs 
• Built-in cooling fans
• Bluetooth speakers
• Lifetime frame and motor warranties
• Foldable
• 60″ running decks
• Both can connect to Studio fitness app
• Comes with chest strap heart rate monitor 

Important Differences Between Horizon 7.0 and Sole F63

• Motor horsepower is not disclosed on the Horizon 7.0, while the Sole F63 features a 3.0 CHP motor
• Horizon 7.0 has a unique rolling dial for speed and incline changes called QuickDial
• The Sole F63 has a slightly larger footprint than the Horizon 7.0 (about 6″ longer)
• The LCD screen on the Horizon is a half inch larger than the Sole F63
• Tablet holder on the F63 does not cover workout metrics
• Horizon 7.0 AT features deck cushioning, while the Sole F63 does not

Horizon 7.0 vs Sole F63 Tech Comparison

Here’s the thing: Neither the Sole F63 or the Horizon 7.0 offer a built-in touchscreen, on-demand classes, jovial personal trainers, and perfectly synced metrics like you might see on an iFIT-enabled machine like NordicTrack or ProForm. 

That said, neither of these machines are completely void of tech—you will just be required to use your own device. The Horizon Studio series treadmills (which includes the 7.0 AT model) are engineered to connect with popular fitness apps like Peloton, Daily Burn, Apple Fitness, and Nike Running Club. 

However, not all apps have the same connectivity options—some apps will be able to use the Bluetooth connection for audio and media center controls, while other apps will be able to do more (like transmit more data like speed, distance traveled, elapsed time, and heart rate). If you have a preferred app, it’s worth checking to see if it’s fully compatible with the Horizon Studio series treadmills.

The Sole F63 comes with a 90-day trial to STUDIO fitness app, which features over 3,000  on-demand cardio workouts for treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, exercise bikes, and even strength training sessions. After the trial, the membership for STUDIO will cost about $20 per month. 

It’s also worth noting both treadmills have a handful of built-in workout programs you can cycle through like fat burning runs, hill climbs, and target heart rate sessions.

Sole F63 vs Horizon 7.0 Construction

Both treadmills offer spacious, 60-inch-long and 20-inch-wide running decks that can accommodate anyone with a long stride. They also both feature 325-pound user weight capacities, which makes both machines suitable options for heavier folks. 

In our Sole F63 treadmill review, OG product tester and founder of Garage Gym Reviews, Coop Mitchell, notes that the F63 does shake slightly at running speeds. Coop also notes that for the price, some amount of shaking is to be expected. 

However, a former GGR product tester who put the Horizon 7.0 to the test did not have any trouble with shaking but did notice the construction on the 7.0 features a lot of plastic. I mention this because Coop is not a fan of plastic sheathing and counterparts and often calls out plastic and its inability to stand up to heavy wear and tear.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Horizon website does not disclose the horsepower of the motor in the 7.0 treadmill, which I find a bit odd. Sole Fitness, on the other hand, boasts about the 3.0 CHP motor in the F63, which is powerful enough for continuous running. 

Company Policies

Here is an overview of the policies you want be aware of when buying a treadmill and a breakdown of what to expect with both brands:

Treadmill Warranty 

Both machines have exceptional warranty policies, offering you extra peace of mind with a lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor. For reference, the industry standard for warranties typically does not exceed 15 years on the frame. 

You’ll also be covered with a 3-year warranty on parts and 1-year warranty on labor with either brand. It’s worth noting that Horizon Fitness does allow you to purchase warranty boosts to enhance your coverage on parts and labor for up to five years for an additional fee.

Additionally, it’s important to mention that both brands will require you to register your treadmill on the website in order to make a warranty claim if an issue arises. 

Treadmill Return Policies

Both Sole and Horizon offer a 30-day guarantee window from the date of delivery. That means if you are not fully satisfied with your treadmill you’ll have 30 days to contact the manufacturer and get your return in motion. It’s important to note that each brand has a different method of requesting return authorization (Sole requires email contact and Horizon has a specific form to fill out). 

If you need to return your treadmill, both brands only accept returns during the first 30 days after delivery. Horizon Fitness requires you, the customer, to return the treadmill in the original packaging, in like-new condition, and pay for shipping and handling fees back to the manufacturer. You may even be on the hook for a restocking fee. 

Sole Fitness has a slightly different method and (in most cases) will pick up treadmills in the same method as they were delivered, so you won’t be on the hook for all the hassles of shipping it back, which we find is pretty uncommon. 

Financing Your Treadmill

Before we get into the financing options, I think it’s worth mentioning that I have seen both the Sole F63 and the Horizon 7.0 fluctuate a little in price, which is usually related to a holiday sale.  That said, both machines are around $1,000 but if you head over to one of the websites and see a different price tag, just remember I’m giving you a ballpark!

All that said, both brands offer 0% financing options if you qualify. Sole offers financing with a Citizens Pay Line of Credit with Citizens Bank. If you qualify, you can receive the first 12 months at 0% APR, while the standard rate is 29.99% APR. Your rate depends on your credit score. 

Horizon also uses Citizens Bank for lending options and allows you to have 0% APR with terms ranging from 6 to 36 months if you qualify, with the same 29.99% as the standard purchase rate. 

Final Thoughts

If you read through this comparison, you may have noticed the Sole F63 and Horizon 7.0 AT are nearly identical treadmills. They have the same deck size, weight capacity,  price range, and top speeds. 

If you’re still on the fence, here is a quick rundown on the difference between the Sole F63 and the Horizon 7.0 AT:

• The Horizon 7.0 AT features QuickDial controls, which are unique controls that look like vertical handlebars off the console with dials for rapid speed and incline changes. 
• Horizon Fitness does not disclose the motor horsepower of the 7.0 AT treadmill. 
• While nearly the same in width and height, the footprint of the Sole F63 is about 6 inches longer in length. 
• The Sole F63 does not feature deck cushioning, while the Horizon 7.0 has a three-zone cushioned deck. 
• The LCD screen is slightly larger on the Horizon 7.0, but the Sole F63 features a tablet holder that does not cover up the display. 

FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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