Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical (2024) Review



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Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical (2024) Rating

Features
Display Console
Durability
Customer Service
Overall Rating

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Detailed Overview

Whatever it does, Horizon does well. I’ve been using Horizon equipment for years now, and the Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical is one of those pieces that proves lower costs don’t mean lower quality. Priced online at $999, this unit comes in as the top of two alternatives, with the other being the EX-59 at $699. This year’s 7.0 AE brings Bluetooth connectivity for mobile fitness apps and music, a USB charging port, as well eight great built-in workout programs. What I like is the 20 levels of silent magnetic resistance, 20 levels of incline, and 20-inch stride length, featured here. Not all ellipticals offer incline, and in my experience, it’s a big plus, particularly at this price. Points to consider here are the 23-pound flywheel which offer machine stability, as well as the 10.75″ step-on height. I feel like the upper body workout offered by way of the moving handlebars is also solid.

Measuring 76″ x 24″ x 65.5″ with a machine weight of 194 pounds, the unit features a user weight maximum of 325 pounds. When you’re placing this machine in your home, be sure to factor that into your room selection process, as well as the 10.75″ step-on height. As a rule, you’ll want to add 18″ to your own height to figure the ceiling needs. This is not a folding elliptical, so where you place it is likely to be where it stays.

Like a lot of Horizon products, this elliptical is designed to let you bring your own screen if you want it. My iPad fit perfectly and snug into the device holder which sets below the 7″ LCD screen. The machine’s own screen generates data pertaining to the eight built-in workouts: 5K, Calorie, Custom, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Manual, and Target HRT. Feedback generated includes calorie data, distance, heart rate, incline, speed, and of course time. Heart rate is measured with sensors on the handlebars, although the machine is Bluetooth so you can always bring your own monitor if you choose. The Bluetooth speakers are also a big plus and if you’re into workout music, this is a big benefit.

The Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical sports a rugged frame. You won’t wobble about on this one. With a lifetime warranty on the frame and brake, you also get a one-year guarantee on the flywheel and labor, and three years for the parts. As a rule, I consider the warranty and user weight maximum as indicators of machine stability. And for $999, it’s tough to find a much better frame than this.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Horizon 7.0 AE 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 7.0 AE Elliptical is the top of two units offered by the brand this year. Equipped with a 7″ LCD screen for data readout, the machine also comes with a great device holder for either tablets or smartphones. Measuring 76″ x 24″ x 65.5″ at a machine weight of 194 pounds, it can support up to 325 pounds in user weight. Built with a 23-pound flywheel, it offers 20 levels of magnetic resistance and 20 levels of incline with a 20-inch stride. Bluetooth-enabled for both its speakers as well as workout apps, the Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical features heart rate sensors built into the handlebars. At just $999, it carries a lifetime warranty on both the frame and brake.


Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical (2024) - Notable Specs:

Overall Rating:3-stars
Compact / Folding:No
Incline:20 degrees
Stride Length:20 inches
Flywheel:23 LBS
Programs:8
Fan:no
Weight Capacity:325 LBS
Dimensions:76" L x 24" W x 65.5" H

In-Depth Review of the Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical

Why We Like It

I’m a fan of bang-for-the-buck, and the Horizon 7.0 AE really brings it here. For users who simply want a great workout without a lot of fancy extras, this is hard to beat. The eight built-in workouts will be enough to keep users of any athletic level sweaty. With a big solid frame, it easily holds my own 200-pound body and can handle folks up into the 300+ club.

It Has A Great Console

If you’ve read my other reviews you’ll see that in my experience, people either like big, connected screens, or they don’t. Some ellipticals these days come with what look like television sets attached. If that’s not for you, the Horizon 7.0 AE might be. The 7″ LCD screen provides read-out for the built-in programs, or you can slide your own tablet or phone into the media tray right atop that. Bluetooth-enabled, the machine has great speakers and app connectivity.

Smooth Ride

The Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical is a front-drive machine with a 23-pound flywheel and 20 levels of silent magnetic resistance. I’m a fan of magnetic resistance which provides a silent workout and seamless transition between levels. As a rule, the heavier the flywheel, the more stable the ride. Even larger users will be able to use this machine without any drag as they move. Horizon certainly makes this a user-friendly experience with easy-to-use controls that anyone can figure out.

20 Challenging Levels of Incline

Not all ellipticals feature incline like this. The fact that the Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical does is a big plus. Let’s face it, elliptical workouts are plenty difficult as it is. When you add the incline function it’s a guarantee that you’ll never outgrow this machine in terms of conditioning. I feel like I’m skiing uphills when I use this, and it always works.

Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical Dimensions

The dimensions of the Horizon 7.0 AE measure 74″ x 25″ x 64.5″ and the machine comes with a step-up height of 10.75″.

Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical Machine Weight

The Horizon 7.0 AE weighs 194 pounds and can support up to 325 pounds.

What We Like:

  • Cost-Free Exercise Programming

    Given the built-in workouts and media shelf, there’s no reason you can’t hop on this and jog for free. If you do want a paid app that’s always available by using your own device, or as I like to do, place the machine in front of a smart television set.

  • Budget-Friendly Price

    Priced online at $999.99, it’s tough to beat in terms of bang for the buck.

  • Great Resistance

    With a 23-pound flywheel and 20 levels of incline and resistance, there’s no question you’ll never outgrow this model. Personally, I can get myself pretty worn out with even a few levels of magnetic resistance.

  • Bluetooth Speakers and Connectivity

    I had no problem syncing my devices with this machine in a matter of seconds.

  • Great Warranty

    The Horizon brand offers great warranties. The 7.0 AE offers a lifetime guarantee on the frame and brake, one year for flywheel and labor, three years for parts.

What We Don’t Like:

  • In-Home Assembly Costs

    Horizon offers a variety of options for in-home assembly, but they all cost money. If you want to put this together yourself you can, but I strongly advise having a few friends around to assist.

This Elliptical Could Be For You If You Want:

  • A very budget-friendly elliptical
  • To bring your own screen
  • Freedom to use different apps
  • 20 levels of silent magnetic resistance
  • Built-in workout programs
  • A lifetime guarantee on the fame and brake

Our Verdict:

There’s no question the Horizon 7.0 AE is one of the best under-$1,000 ellipticals you’ll find out there. If you’re into flashy extras you might want more, but in terms of getting a solid workout in and having lots of options in terms of programming, you can’t go wrong here. The lifetime warranty alone is a good indicator of quality, and 20 levels of magnetic resistance plus incline potential really seals the deal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Horizon 7.0 AE Elliptical easy to assemble?

Yes, this machine is designed for easy assembly.

Does this machine fold up for storage?

No, this is a non-folding elliptical?

Can I get a good workout on an elliptical?

Absolutely! By combining the movements of a stepper and a treadmill even this machine helps you earn the burn without causing joint pain.

Is this unit Bluetooth-enabled?

Yes, whether for heart rate training or entertainment, this unit helps you sync with other devices.

What's the top end of the weight maximum?

This unit tops out at 325 pounds.

4 Comments

  • Carly April 24, 2019 at 1:38 pm from Mi
    I would love to own this product! When I tried it out the glide was smooth and it gave me a great workout without hurting my joints. I give this machine a 5 star! I am participating in a contest to win this machine via Influenster.
    • Elliptical Reviews Pros April 26, 2019 at 2:06 pm
      Hi Carly, we are thrilled to hear you are interested in the horizon! We hope you win!
  • Lupita April 6, 2019 at 8:39 pm
    This machine seems an excellent option for people who do not have time to go to the gym or do not want to leave home after work, it is very easy to use and you can quickly change between 20 levels of resistance with just a touch, not to mention the connectivity, device holder and the rapid-charger USB port, is very complete, highly recommended, i'm participating on behalf of a contest from Influenster's.
    • Elliptical Reviews Pros April 8, 2019 at 8:57 pm
      Hi Lupita, we are so glad to hear that you are enjoying it!

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