Horizon T202 Treadmill Review (2024): Big Value, High-Quality

If you’re on the hunt for a good home treadmill at an affordable price, Horizon Fitness is a brand worth a look. Known for its budget-friendly prices, Horizon has a line of running machines that are all under $1,100: the Go Series.

Here, we’ll be taking a look at one of those machines, the Horizon T202. While we haven’t gotten our feet on this machine just yet, we know enough about the brand and treadmills to provide an in-depth Horizon T202 Treadmill review.

We Know Budget Treadmills

Our team of expert product testers has run (and jogged, and walked!) on more than a dozen of the best budget treadmills on the market as well as countless additional running machines at higher price points. 

We know that you can’t expect an affordable treadmill to have all the features and performance of machines two and three times their price; but we also know that going too cheap on the manufacturing ends up hurting you, the consumer, in the end. Our unbiased reviews weigh price point, functionality, durability, user experience, and more to paint a clear picture of what you can expect before you buy.

Horizon T202 Treadmill

Horizon Fitness T202

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Product Highlights

• Foldable design
• 325 lb user weight capacity
• 60″ running surface
• Incline training up to 12%
• Deck cushioning
• Bluetooth speakers

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Integrated Bluetooth speakers
• One-touch keys
• One-step hydraulic folding system
• Free app to control workout and sync data with fitness apps
• Device holder
• Financing available
• 60-inch deck
• 3-zone cushioning
• Users report easy assembly

Cons

• Will not support long distance or intense runs
• 1-ply best not as durable as 2-ply belts

Bottom Line

Overall, the Horizon T202 provides the same quality that we know and love in the Horizon line. If you are looking to keep your price down but still want a treadmill with solid features, this is an option you want to explore.

A Quick Look at the Horizon Fitness T202 Treadmill

The T202 is the second in Horizon’s Go Series, sandwiched between the super-affordable T101 and the top-of-the-series model, the T303. Horizon also offers the Studio Series, which includes the Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill, which we have tested and reviewed. 

Our experience with Horizon treadmills and ellipticals is how we know that the brand makes budget-friendly home fitness equipment that might sacrifice a little in the way of technology but doesn’t eschew quality.

Is the Horizon T202 Worth It?

As a treadmill under $1,000, the T202 offers a lot of perks. First, you don’t always find reasonably priced machines that offer large running surfaces and generous speed and incline ranges. Also, there are some nice add-ons, like a fan, device holder, and USB charging port.

Where the T202 lacks is in technology. It doesn’t have a native streaming app like iFIT treadmills do, and it doesn’t have a pretty touchscreen to look at. Also, the 2.75 CHP motor might not sustain your workouts if you’re an advanced runner.

Here’s who we think might love the T202, and who might want to look elsewhere:

Horizon T202 Specs

Customer Reviews

The Horizon T202 has a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating based on 405 reviews on the brand’s website. Most people find the machine to be a great addition to their home gym based on ease of use and the ability to connect their own devices to the Bluetooth speakers.

Reviewers who rated the machine unfavorably mostly complained about the limited technology or mechanical breakdowns. It does appear, however, that Horizon is very responsive to any negative reviews on the website, reaching out to customers in an effort to help resolve issues.

Breaking Down the T202

We haven’t yet used the Horizon T202 Treadmill, but there is a lot we can already assume based on our extensive knowledge of treadmills as well as our own experience with Horizon machines.

Motor

We don’t know exactly what kind of treadmill motor is on the T202 because Horizon does not disclose that information. However, based on our research, it appears that there is a 2.75 CHP (continuous horsepower) motor on this machine. That’s just shy of the 3.0 CHP we like to see on a machine built for frequent use. Weaker motors tend to need more maintenance more often, or they may not support the level of activity you need. 

That said, if you aren’t planning on using the T202 to train for a marathon, or you won’t have multiple users on it daily, a 2.75 CHP motor should support your activity just fine. If you want a machine from Horizon built better for runners, check out our Horizon 7.0 Treadmill review.

Keep in mind that there is a lifetime warranty on the motor on the T202. Now, if you use the treadmill in a way it isn’t intended, you could void that warranty. However, if the motor wears out over time, its replacement should be covered.

The brand also claims that this is an “ultra-quiet” motor. We haven’t personally been able to verify this, though many customer reviews suggest it’s true.

Running Surface

With a belt that measures 20 inches wide and 60 inches long, the T202 is an ideal treadmill for running. It meets the standard for what we look for when evaluating whether taller athletes would be able to use the machine, given their longer stride.

The running tread on the T202 is 1.4 millimeters, which means that it falls short of being a 2-ply belt. Having a thinner belt could mean that it will wear faster or be more susceptible to becoming misaligned. While this isn’t really a deal-breaker, it may be worth noting if you plan on using this machine frequently. 

RELATED: How to Adjust a Treadmill Belt

Speed and Incline Ranges

It’s impressive that a machine that costs less than $800 has an incline range of up to 12% and a top speed of 12 MPH. Those are the specs we see on some of the best treadmills in higher price ranges on the market. 

One feature on the T202 that we have used on the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill are the “EasyDial” knobs near the handles that enable you to easily change either the speed or the incline of the machine. Our testers stated that the machine responds quickly to the adjustments.

In other words, whether you’re doing speedwork or incline training, you’re all set here. 

Workout Programs

There are only six on-board workout programs on the T202, including a “Manual” mode in which the user controls speed and incline. The other programs are Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Incline, and Speed. For the Heart Rate program, you can use the pulse sensors on the handles, or connect a Bluetooth-enabled chest strap. 

I think only having six on-board workouts is a little limiting. However, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity on the machine, you can stream workouts on apps like Zwift, Peloton, and iFIT as you use your treadmill. 

Note: These fitness apps will not control your machine the way they might on, say, the Peloton Tread or the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. However, you would still get a guided workout. 

Size and Portability

The T202 is not a compact machine. It’s a little over 6 feet long and 3 feet wide, so you’ll need plenty of space for it. Keep in mind that for safety concerns, you should tack on about 24 inches to the width of the machine and a few feet to the length. This gives you room to get on and off the treadmill.

This is a foldable treadmill that uses one-step hydraulic folding to lift and lock the deck into place. We have tested this exact feature on the Horizon 7.4 AT, and our reviewers noted that it is an easy and smooth process.

At 187 pounds, the T202 is on the heavier side. It does have transport wheels to make it a little easier to move the treadmill. We do love the 325-pound user weight capacity. You don’t often see that high of a weight limit on machines in this price range.

The Ergonomics

Horizon uses what it calls a “3-zone variable response cushioning system” on its treadmills, and we had the chance to feel this out when our team tested the Horizon 7.4 AT. Our reviewers reported that the running deck did feel comfortable while in use. 

RELATED: Best Cushioned Treadmill

Technology and Conveniences

The display on the T202 is a backlit LCD screen that shows your workout progress, along with three smaller windows that display metrics like time, distance, and speed. There are built-in speakers that are Bluetooth-compatible, so you can connect your own smart device, place it on the tablet rack, and go. 

This treadmill does have the capability to push your workout data to certain apps like MyFitnessPal. Another feature the T202 has that may be handy for home gym owners is the “energy-saver mode,” which will shut off the treadmill if you happen to leave it on accidentally.

The other extras you’ll find on the T202 include the following:

• Water bottle holder
• Device holder
• Bluetooth speakers
• Fan
• A “rapid charge” USB port
• Heart rate monitoring via pulse grips in the handles

Horizon T202 vs ProForm City L6

ProForm City L6

ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Foldable treadmill 
• 0-8 MPH
• 125-lb product weight 
• 250-lb user weight capacity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Foldable design
• iFIT programming with trainer-controlled speed
• Tablet holder
• Free shipping
• Bluetooth-enabled
• 0-8 MPH speed

Cons

• No built in screen for iFIT programming
• 30-day return policy with $250 shipping + 10% restocking fee
• User weight capacity 250 lbs
• No incline or decline ability

Bottom Line

The ProForm City L6 folding treadmill is an affordable and compact treadmill to add to your home even if you don’t have a dedicated home gym.

It’s worth taking a look at other treadmills in this price range to see how the T202 stacks up. The ProForm City L6 is priced very similarly, but as you can see in the chart below, don’t offer quite the caliber of features the T202 does.

However, the best machine for you really depends on your fitness goals. For example, as we note in our ProForm City L6 review, the L6 is compatible with iFIT, which means you get hundreds, if not thousands, of streaming workouts you can do on and off the machine (if you’re willing to pay the subscription, that is).  

If you are someone who wants to work out at higher speeds with a good incline range on a very durable machine, then the T202 is the way to go.

Customer Experience 

Here’s a quick look at Horizon’s policies.

Warranty

The warranty on the T202 is probably one of the best in the industry, as you have a lifetime frame warranty and a lifetime motor warranty. Also, there is a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. There is an option to get an extended warranty if you want longer coverage on parts and labor, with those options ranging from about $120 to $150.

Returns

We have evaluated many cardio-machine return policies and can confidently say that Horizon has a great one. You are allowed to try out the machine, and if you don’t like it, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund, though you may have to pay a restocking fee. By comparison, most big brands only accept returns of unused equipment.

Financing

Even though Horizon’s treadmills are affordable, you may still choose to finance the treadmill with Citizens Pay. Your options include six-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month plans.

Ordering and Assembling the Horizon T202

You can purchase the T202 directly from Horizon, which offers free shipping on cardio machines. This is a huge plus. The cost of shipping a product that weighs hundreds of pounds is daunting. 

However, keep in mind that free shipping means that the treadmill will be delivered outside your home, not in it, and the shipping weight of the T202 is over 200 pounds. If you want, you can opt for Horizon’s white glove assembly, which means someone will put the treadmill in the room you want it in and assemble it for you. However, this costs an additional $300. 

According to reviewers, doing the assembly on your own is possible and may take around an hour, if you have help. Keep in mind that this is a heavy machine, so tackling it yourself will require quite a bit of lifting.

Final Verdict of Our Horizon T202 Treadmill Review

The T202 is a really great treadmill that offers durability and great functionality for recreational runners. For the price, you get a lot of value. If you want something more technologically advanced, keep in mind that the price tag will increase by hundreds of dollars, at the very least.

Horizon Fitness T202 Treadmill Rating

Horizon Fitness T202 Treadmill

Our Horizon T202 Treadmill Review takes an in-depth look at this affordable, high-quality machine.

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 1299

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.83

Horizon T202 Treadmill FAQs

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Kate has nearly two decades of experience working in both the fitness and content industries. On the fitness side, she has worked in a number of settings: youth athletics, owned a CrossFit affiliate, personal training, weightlifting coach, CrossFit coach, and fitness floor consultant at a YMCA. Personally, Kate enjoys competing in weightlifting and stores her barbell in her bedroom.On the content side, Kate’s background is in newspaper journalism. She branched into public relations for the American Red Cross for about five years and then moving into content marketing.Today, her work at Garage Gym Reviews blends her excitement for fitness and love of writing. If she isn’t reviewing fitness equipment, you can find her working out or spending time with her two children.Certifications:NASM Certified Personal Trainer CrossFit Level 1 Trainer USA Weightlifting Level 1 Trainer

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