If you’re familiar with my reviews, you’ll see one of my favorite aspects of the Horizon machines across all boards is their bang-for-the-buck value. And if your goal is to get the most exercise capacity for your money, then the Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 is certainly a great consideration right alongside the slightly smaller Evolve 3. Placed at the top of the Horizon elliptical’s smaller Go Series, the Evolve 5 is a top-flight version of the entry-level elliptical trainer. What that means is I see this as the best of the entry-level units before going into the “Cadillac” models. And yes, it’s a folding model, which is a big selling point for me in terms of convenience given those units are just so much friendlier in the home as they’re easier to move and clean. Built with a whopping 23-pound flywheel, my experience on the machine has been smooth and steady. As a rule, the heavier the flywheel, the more stable the machine is as you increase resistance. The market range for elliptical flywheels runs between 18 and 20 pounds, with a 23-pounder more than enough to stabilize even larger users. What’s more, you’ll get a 20″ stride length that is sufficient for taller users as well as those with shorter legs.

That also gives you an electronic resistance range of up to 20 levels, with a 6.25″ blue backlit LCD screen for data readout. The machine comes with seven built-in programs, including: Calorie, Custom, Distance, Intervals, Manual, Performance, and Step. Data readout on the screen includes, calories burned, a cardio compass, distance moved, heart rate, resistance level, RPM, speed, time, and watts used. The machine does come with a tablet holder but compared to other machines I’ve used I wasn’t quite as impressed with this one. My recommendation is if you’re looking at this model be a person that likes built-in workouts, or be prepared to use a smart television or music as your background. The Evolve 5 does feature ViaFit technology which allows you to connect wirelessly to other fitness apps and workout devices, but it’s neither Bluetooth nor does it have a USB port. Since it’s not Bluetooth, your heart rate monitoring will be done via the handlebar sensors instead of a Bluetooth band.

Priced online at $1,599, this isn’t exactly a low-price model. It’s brand mates are the Evolve 3 at $1,399 and the EX-59 is $699. The difference is primarily the flywheel weight and screen size. Measuring 69″ x 28″ x 69″ when assembled, the unit folds up to 41″ x 28″ x 69″ and weighs 181 pounds. It can support up to 300 pounds in user weight. One of the biggest plusses for the Horizon lineup as a whole is in their strong warranty, which is lifetime for the frame, three years for the brake and parts, and one year for labor.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Elliptical

At EllipticalReviews.com, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise equipment so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the ellipticals we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every elliptical we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the machine, try out all aspects of the console and try the machine’s features.

Every elliptical we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.

Our reviewers are fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert when it comes to ellipticals, has been on this elliptical, and you can trust his opinion on all of the machines he reviews.

In Brief

The Horizon Evolve 5 can help anyone burn off calories, without a question. In my experience, ellipticals with flywheels over 20 pounds are stable to enough to pedal your belly into six-pack. The other big benefit here is the 20″ stride, meaning even taller users can get the full stretch here. And that’s what I’m seeing in terms of this unit’s pricing. The biggest downside I can see here is the unit isn’t Bluetooth, however it does make up for that with ViaFit technology and ability to access other apps. I’ll be frank, there are those who like streaming workouts and big connected screens, and then there are those who would trend toward this Evolve 5 and its built-in workouts and relatively simple interface. I feel 20 levels of resistance is enough tax anyone irrespective of their cardio level, and since it’s a folding unit you won’t have a hard time wheeling this about the home. With a lifetime warranty for the frame and a 300-pound user weight maximum, you can rest assured this is a solid machine which can support your workouts.

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Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Elliptical (2024) - Notable Specs:

Overall Rating:	5-stars
Compact / Folding:	Yes, patented front drive, rear-folding
Incline:	None
Stride Length:	20 inches
Flywheel:	23 LBS
Programs:	7 programs
Fan:	No
Weight Capacity:	300 LBS
Dimensions:	69" L x 28" W x 69" H

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In-Depth Review of the Horizon Evolve 5 Elliptical

Why We Like It

The Horizon Evolve 5 is a “best of the budget class” elliptical, with a 23-pound flywheel and 20 levels of resistance. If you’re a bigger user and want the stability of a solid machine, but don’t all the flashy extras that go along with Bluetooth-enabling and attached screens, this could be for you. With ViaFit technology you’ll be able to access other workout apps to supplement the seven built-in routines. Equipped with a 6.25″ LCD screen, you’ll get workout data sufficient to measure your workout performance as you pedal to a fitter you.

It Has A Great but Simple Console

As I’ve been watching the fitness industry over the last few years it’s become clear there are two paths being offered, one with large high-definition touchscreens and another, such as this model, where you’ll get a very durable LCD screen with data workout. In my experience with both clients and customers, there’s a lot to be said for simplicity here. For starters, this console is so easy to use anyone can just hop on and figure it out. You won’t have to pay for a monthly app and it provides all the information you’ll need in terms of watts, speed, RPMs and distance to get the job done.

Free Workouts and Connectivity

Instead of being Bluetooth-enabled, the Evolve 5 uses ViaFit technology along with seven built-in programs. The ViaFit app is free to download onto any device and allows to share workout data with other apps. So even though you might have access to your own running or jogging apps while using this machine, you’ll be able to store and share that data nonetheless. I think this makes the most sense for those who use ellipticals to cross-train for cycling and running. The shared data makes for a complete workout profile, and one which in this case won’t cost you extra money.

Compct Size

Having moved a few units around the house over the years, I see a great value in folding units with compact measurements. In the case of this unit, you might even be able to roll it in and out of a particular room depending on the door sizes. But if you’re in an apartment or smaller home with other people, then this unit’s foot print of 3’6″ x 2’4″ will certainly go a long way to convincing them it’s not a both.

Horizon Evolve 5 Dimensions

The Horizon Evolve 5 measures 69″ x 28″ x 69″ and has a step-on height of 10″. When folded, the unit measures 41″ x 28″ x 69″.

Horizon Evovle 5 Weight

The Horizon Evolve 5 weighs 181 pounds and can support up to 300 pounds.

What We Like:

• 20 Levels of Resistance

  Honestly, the total body nature of an elliptical can wind me pretty quickly using even five or six levels. You won’t have to worry about outgrowing this machine. The fluid motion of an elliptical combines the movements of stepping with the glide of skiing, so your own body weight is a big part of the resistance. With 20 levels at your disposal, even a gifted athlete will be able to earn the burn here

• Folding Machine Media Shelf

  Folding machines are great in terms of storage and you’re ability to clean around them. You won’t have to worry about this unit takin over your home.

• 23-Pound Flywheel

  This is a top-tier elliptical in terms of flywheel weight. The heavier the flywheel, the more stable the ride. Most good ellipticals range from 18 to 20, so you’re in good stead here. In my experience this is particularly important if your taller or heavier than the average user.

• 20″ Stride

  Like the flywheel weight, a longer stride is better for taller and heavier users. I see the 18″ stride as a threshhold for use in homes. But even if you’re 6’4″ or taller this machine’s stride should be able to handle your workouts.

• Easy Set Up

  I must say, this unit sets up like a dream in three simple steps. The company does offer paid in-home set-up, but you won’t likely need it in this case.

What We Don’t Like:

• Not Bluetooth

  I understand Horizon is making up for this with the ViaFit app, but in this day and age I’m just surprised it’s not Bluetooth. This means you won’t be able to sync a Bluetooth heart rate monitor to it, but rather will use the handlebar sensors.

This Elliptical Could Be For You If You Want:

• A sturdy folding elliptical
• Seven built-in workouts
• 20″ stride
• 20 levels of resistance

Our Verdict:

Just to give you a comparison, the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is priced at $1,999 and also comes with 20 levels of resistance. The biggest difference is the 10″ dynamic touchscreen on that model versus the 6.25″ LCD screen here. It’s also Bluetooth. Price tends to go up with screen size and flywheel weight and Bluetooth is great for interactive workouts. If what you’re wanting is all the same specs in terms of performance and don’t really care about interactive programming, then the Evolve 5 is certainly a top pick for my workout.