A Review of Each of the Horizon Elliptical Machines: Which One is Best for You in 2024?

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Horizon Fitness manufactures and retails budget-friendly exercise equipment designed for at-home workouts. Horizon treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical machines are among the most popular products in the company’s lineup of cardio machines and fitness accessories. Within each product type, there are several models ranging in price point, features and functions, so choosing the best Horizon Fitness home exercise equipment requires comparing the products and considering your needs, budget and fitness goals.

When choosing the best Horizon elliptical machine, there are four models to choose from: the Horizon EX-59, the Horizon Evolve 3, the Horizon Evolve 5 and Horizon 7.0 AE. All are front-drive ellipticals. In this article, we review and compare all of the Horizon elliptical machines to help you choose the best elliptical machine for your specific needs in 2024.

The Best Horizon Fitness Ellipticals of 2024:

• EX-59 Elliptical
• Evolve 3 Elliptical
• Evolve 5 Elliptical
• 7.0 AE Elliptical

EX-59 Horizon Elliptical

Key info

• Incline: None
• Stride: 18 inches
• Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
• Product Weight: 145 pounds
• Resistance: 10 levels of magnetic resistance
• Assembled dimensions: 74 inches long (front to back), 25 inches wide (side to side) and 64.5 inches tall
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes, for built-in speakers only, not chest strap heart rate monitors
• Display: 4.5-inch Yellow-Green LCD
• Flywheel: 14.3 pounds
• Frame: SixStar™ non-folding frame
• Programs: Calorie, distance, intervals, manual and weight loss
• Price: $699

The Horizon Fitness EX-59 is Horizon’s entry-level elliptical. With a budget-friendly price point, the EX-59 model is ideal for anyone looking for an accessible, yet durable elliptical machine for home use. Given its more limited functionality and stripped down features, the EX-59 is best for beginners who do not plan on doing particularly vigorous workouts, but want a comfortable, ergonomic and reliable elliptical trainer for low-impact, lower-intensity cardio workouts.

One of the primary differences between the budget EX-59 versus the higher-end Horizon 7.0 AE elliptical machine is that there is no incline capabilities on this unit. However, there are 10 levels of digitally-controlled silent magnetic resistance, so beginners and intermediate athletes can still get a challenging workout.

Compared to many of the entry-level elliptical machines from competitors, the EX-59 features a full 18-inch stride, which is as long, or nearly as long, as many commercial ellipticals found in gyms. This is a real boon considering that budget ellipticals almost always make sacrifices in the stride length, affording somewhere in the 14-inch range (or 16-inch stride length if you’re lucky!), which can feel more like a stepper machine than a smooth, natural elliptical exercise stride. Particularly for taller users with long legs, you’ll want an elliptical machine to have a minimum of an 18-inch stride length so you don’t feel restricted and awkward as you exercise.

The Horizon EX-59 elliptical also has a relatively small console, measuring 4.5 inches with a yellow-green LCD display. The premium Horizon ellipticals have larger displays. The LCD display provides workout metrics including calories burned, distance, heart rate, resistance level, speed, workout time and watts. Watts is a measure of your power output and is calculated by considering your resistance level and speed.

One nice feature of the EX-59 is that it comes with 5 preloaded workout programs right on the console. You can input your target Calories or Distance, and then there is an Interval, Manual option and Weight Loss program.

Another nice feature of the EX-59 is that the foot pedals are closer together than on most commercial and home treadmills. Horizon reports that this better replicates the natural foot spread used during walking, and reduces the Q-angle between the hips and knees, potentially reducing hip and knee strain.

One additional benefit of the EX-59 is that it is enabled with Bluetooth-connected speakers so you can play your music through the machine. There are other little comfort and convenience features like a built-in device holder to hold your phone or tablet, water bottle holder and USB port to charge your device while you are using the elliptical.

One potential downside of the EX-59 is that compared to other budget elliptical machines, is that it is not a particularly compact elliptical. The footprint measures 74 inches long (front to back) by 25 inches wide (side by side). This is largely due to the longer stride length compared to other inexpensive ellipticals for home use. The unit stands 64.5 inches tall.

The elliptical has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, but the flywheel is only 14 pounds, so the machine may be a little less stable and durable over time. The SixStar non-folding frame is sturdy though, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. There’s just a one-year parts and labor warranty.

Overall, the EX-59 is a surprisingly feature-packed machine compared to competitors in the same price range and is a great option for beginners looking to get a good value for a home elliptical.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Great entry level machine for those looking for a good value
• 10 levels of quiet magnetic resistance
• 18-inch stride is longer than most budget ellipticals, according a more natural stride
• Narrow foot pedal placement reduces hip and knee stress
• Easy assembly in 30 minutes or less
• Built-in speakers for Bluetooth music streaming from your device
• Lifetime warranty on the SixStar non-foldable frame

Cons

• No incline adjustability
• 18-inch stride is shorter than some commercial grade ellipticals
• Does not fold
• Shorter warranty compared to other Horizon ellipticals

Evolve 3 Elliptical

Key info

• Incline: None
• Stride: 20 inches
• Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
• Product Weight: 175 pounds
• Resistance: 20 levels of electronically-adjustable magnetic resistance
• Assembled dimensions: 69 inches long (front to back), 28 inches wide (side to side) and 69 inches tall
• Folded dimensions: 41 inches long (front to back), 28 inches wide (side to side) and 69 inches tall
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes for built-in speakers only, not chest strap heart rate monitors
• Display: 5.5-inch Yellow-Green LCD screen
• Flywheel: 18 pounds
• Frame: FeatherLight™ Folding Frame
• Programs: Calorie, Custom, Distance, Intervals, Manual, Performance and Step Count
• Price: $1399

Both the Horizon Evolve 3 and Evolve 5 ellipticals feature the Horizon SixStar folding frame design using a one step easy-lift hydraulic mechanism. This makes the Evolve series ideal for users with smaller spaces for their home gym equipment. The price point of these machines is higher than the budget EX-59 and the Horizon 7.0 AE ellipticals, but there are more technology features integrated into the machine and they have the FeatherLight™ Folding Frame, both of which increase the cost. The dimensions during use measures 69 long (front to back), 28 inches wide (side to side) and 69 inches tall, but the length decreases to 41 inches when folded up. The other dimensions remain the same.

Like the Evolve 5, the Evolve 3 elliptical has 20 levels of electronically adjustable quiet magnetic resistance and a natural-feeling 20-inch stride. This stride length is equivalent to most commercial elliptical machines, so you shouldn’t feel too confined or stilted in your movement as you work out, even if you’re accustomed to a commercial-grade elliptical.

The Evolve 3 has a fairly basic 5.5-inch yellow-green LCD display, which is smaller and less attractive than the 6.25-inch blue backlit LCD display on the Evolve 5 machine. With that said, the Evolve 3 console has seven built-in workout programs: Calorie, Custom, Distance, Intervals, Manual, Performance and Step Count.

In addition to the built-in workout programs, the both ellipticals in the Horizon Evolve series are Passport ready. If you purchase a Passport Player with Virtual Active, the Passport-enabled ellipticals will allow you to train interactively. User reviews note that using a Passport Media player with the Evolve ellipticals greatly increases the enjoyment of the workout because like Explore the World, iFit and some of the other virtual training fitness apps, you can do your elliptical exercise in different virtual locations around the world. Plus, the Passport-ready Evolve 3 and Evolve 5 allow for hands-free interactive training, meaning that the incline or resistance on the elliptical will automatically sync with the natural terrain in the virtual location, creating a realistic, varied and engaging workout.

In addition to a more basic display, the other major difference between the lower-priced Evolve 3 and the upgraded Evolve 5 is the flywheel. Although both machines feature a high-quality inertia driven flywheel, the Evolve 3 flywheel is only 18 pounds whereas the Evolve 5 flywheel weighs 23 pounds. With a heavier flywheel, you will get a smoother stride. Petite users and beginners working out at a low intensity may not notice any difference, but if you are a heavier user or plan to perform high-intensity, vigorous workouts at a high resistance level, you might want to upgrade to the heavier flywheel with the Evolve 5.

The major performance and functional difference between the Horizon Fitness Evolve ellipticals and the 7.0 AE elliptical trainer is that even though these foldable ellipticals are more expensive, they do not have adjustable inclines. You can only increase the difficulty of the workout by changing the resistance level. With that said, the range of resistance provided by the 20 levels of electronically-controlled resistance seems to satisfy users of nearly all fitness levels, according to customer reviews.

Pros

• One-step folding frame to save space
• 20-inch stride feels natural
• ViaFit™ connectivity
• Passport ready for virtual interactive training
• Easy assembly only requires three steps
• Cardio Compass™ in the console
• Good warranty

Cons

• No incline
• Lighter flywheel may be less smooth at high intensities
• No USB port
• No Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitoring
• Less robust console than on the Evolve 5

Evolve 5 Elliptical

Key info

• Incline: None
• Stride: 20 inches
• Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
• Product Weight: 181 pounds
• Resistance: 20 levels of magnetic resistance
• Assembled dimensions: 69 inches long (front to back), 28 inches wide (side to side) and 69 inches tall
• Folded dimensions: 41 inches long (front to back), 28 inches wide (side to side) and 69 inches tall
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes for speakers only, not chest strap heart rate monitors
• Display: 6.25-inch Blue Backlit LCD screen
• Flywheel: 23 pounds
• Frame: FeatherLight™ Folding Frame
• Programs: Calorie, Custom, Distance, Intervals, Manual, Performance and Step Count
• Price: $1599

The Evolve 5 is the top-of-the-line Horizon elliptical machine. It features the Horizon SixStar FeatherLight™ Folding Frame design. When expanded for use, the Evolve 5 has a large footprint, measuring 69 long (front to back) by 28 inches wide (side to side). Like other ellipticals, you will need additional room in front of and behind the machine to accommodate the moving foot pedals as you work out. However, one of the benefits of the Horizon Evolve elliptical machines is that they are foldable when not in use. This decreases the length dimension to just 41 inches. However, unlike the 7.0 AE, the Evolve 5 elliptical does not allow you to adjust the incline.

Like the Evolve 3, the Evolve 3 elliptical has 20 levels of electronically adjustable silent magnetic resistance and a 20-inch stride for a natural, comfortable movement pattern.

One of the best features of the Evolve 5 is the heavy 23-pound inertia-driven flywheel. Most elliptical machines for home gyms have a flywheel that weighs around 18-20 pounds, but a heavier flywheel helps the machine operate more smoothly. This is a nice upgrade compared to the 18-pound flywheel on the Evolve 3 machine. Additionally, because this machine weighs 181 pounds, it remains stable and doesn’t wobble, even with high-intensity interval training workouts. The unit supports a maximum user weight of 300 pounds.

Like the Evolve 3, the Evolve 5 console has built-in workout programs including Calorie, Custom, Distance, Intervals, Manual, Performance and Step Count. The display is upgraded in this premium model to a 6.25-inch Blue Backlit LCD. It shows workout data like calories burned, distance, heart rate (there is heart rate monitoring built into the handles of the machine), speed, resistance level, workout time, RPMs, watts (power) and a Cardio Compass™, which provides feedback about your workout intensity.

As with the Evolve 3, the upgraded Evolve 5 elliptical is Passport ready to enable inactive virtual training with a Passport Media Player. It also has ViaFit app integration so that you can track your workout metrics and history.

Other comfort and convenience features of the Evolve 5 are the built-in Bluetooth-connected speakers so you can play your music through the machine as you work out, a tablet rack, ViaFit app technology for tracking your workout history, a water bottle holder and an energy saver mode.

However, there is no USB charging port, so if you are going to use your tablet to stream Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime or other video that eats up battery life, you’ll want access to an outlet and connect a charging cable to your device.

Pros

• Upgraded display
• One-step folding frame to save space
• Heavy 23-pound inertia-driven flywheel for smooth performance
• 20-inch stride feels natural
• ViaFit™ connectivity
• Passport ready for virtual interactive training
• Easy assembly only requires three steps
• Cardio Compass™ in the console

Cons

• No incline
• More expensive
• No USB port
• No Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitoring

7.0 AE Elliptical

Key info

• Incline: 20 levels, 0-100 percent
• Stride: 20 inches
• Maximum user weight: 325 pounds
• Product Weight: 194 pounds
• Resistance: 20 levels of magnetic resistance
• Assembled dimensions: 76 inches long (front to back), 24 inches wide (side to side) and 65.5 inches tall
• Bluetooth connectivity: Yes for built-in speakers only, does not support chest strap heart rate monitors
• Display: 16 Digit Alphanumeric LED with a 7-inch LCD Screen
• Flywheel: 23 pounds
• Frame: SixStar™ non-folding frame
• Programs: 5K, Calorie, Custom, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Manual and Target Heart Rate
• Price: $849

The Horizon 7.0 AE elliptical machine is a premium home elliptical machine with impressive performance specs compared to most other ellipticals in the same price range. The elliptical itself has a 20-inch stride, which is on par with most commercial ellipticals, and should feel comfortable for most users.

The 7.0 AE is designed for performance and can support high intensity workouts, making it appropriate for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. There are 20 levels of automatically adjustable incline as well as 20 levels of silent magnetic resistance, giving users the option to vary the difficulty of their workouts and target different muscles.

This Horizon elliptical model features the Certified SixStar non-folding frame, which is backed by a lifetime warranty. Users report that the machine feels extremely sturdy and stable, with no rocking or wobbling detected even for heavier users working out at a high intensity.

The console has a 7-inch, 16-digit alphanumeric LED display. The 7.0 AE comes with eight pre-programmed workouts on the console. The included programs are Target Heart Rate, Fat Burning, Distance, Calorie Burn, Manual, 5K, Custom and Hill Climb.

However, because there is no built-in tablet, you can’t stream interactive workout classes through iFit, as you can with NordicTrack ellipticals and ProForm ellipticals. With the smart elliptical machines from these companies, the iFit compatibility not only gives you access to thousands of live and on-demand workout classes, but the exercise machine automatically adjusts the incline and resistance in accordance to the trainers specifications in the workout. This can be more engaging and motivating for some users, and allows for hands-free training.

While the Horizon 7.0 AE doesn’t have a touchscreen or tablet, you can use your own tablet and there is an integrated media shelf and USB charging port right on the console. From there, if you choose not to do one of the pre-programmed workouts, you can subscribe to fitness apps like iFit and follow the workouts on your own. Of course, you will need to adjust your machine manually, but you will still have a relatively immersive experience and access to guided workouts for all types of fitness levels and goals.

This will enable you to have the high-performance specs of the 7.0 AE and workout instruction and variability of trainer-led classes at a lower price point than buying some of the NordicTrack ellipticals. Note that if you use your own tablet, it will cover up the built-in console.

Although the 7.0 AE Elliptical does not include a built-in touchscreen, it does have the AFG Pro Fitness App, which can track your workout metrics and history. However, the AFG Pro Fitness App is fairly rudimentary. Some users report difficulty syncing the app to the machine and it certainly doesn’t provide the functionality you’d get with the Peloton app or even workout tracking apps like Strava.

The 7.0 AE has a 23-pound inertia-driven flywheel that users report provides a smooth, stable ride. The unit weighs 220 pounds and has a 325 pound maximum use or weight capacity, so it is a hefty machine. Although there are transport wheels in the front, this is far from a compact elliptical and it doesn’t fold. The footprint measures 76 inches long (front to back) by 24 inches wide (side to side). You will need additional room in front of and behind the machine to accommodate the moving foot pedals as you stride along. It stands 65.5 inches tall.

One of the perks of the Horizon 7.0 AE is the Bluetooth-connected speakers. You can connect your iPhone or Android and blast your own motivating Spotify, Apple Music or other self-curated playlists. There is also heart rate monitoring in the handles.

Lastly, another benefit of the Horizon 7.0 AE is that it is backed by a great warranty. In addition to the lifetime frame warranty, you get a 3-year parts warranty and 1-year flywheel and labor warranty. This is the best warranty package for any of the Horizon elliptical machines.

At a price point of under $1000, the 7.0 AE is ideal for anyone looking for a high-quality elliptical machine who prioritizes the performance of the machine over some of the technological features, like an integrated tablet and interactive training, available on some other premium home ellipticals.

Pros

• 20 levels of automatic incline to target different muscles and provide workouts variety
• 20 levels of magnetic resistance
• Heavy 23-pound flywheel for smooth operation
• Stable, sturdy Certified SixStar frame
• Lifetime frame and brake warranty and good parts, labor and flywheel warranty
• Easy control of resistance and incline with one-touch keys and handlebar controls
• Excellent value for the cost
• Device holder and rapid-charge USB port

Cons

• Difficult assembly
• Non-folding frame
• Large and heavy, hard to move around
• No touchscreen and does not support interactive training or streaming workouts

Which Horizon Elliptical is Right for Me?

Choosing which Horizon elliptical machine is best for you involves considering your budget, space availability, fitness level and style of training.

If you are looking for an entry-level, affordable home elliptical, and don’t need a lot of bells and whistles, the EX-59 is a good budget-friendly option. Keep in mind that you won’t have incline capabilities and the lighter flywheel and shorter stride may feel slightly less smooth and natural than higher-end models, especially if you’re used to commercial-grade ellipticals.

If you want a budget elliptical that performs like a gym-quality machine, the 7.0 AE is ideal. It has 20 levels of incline and 20 levels of resistance to keep you challenged and provide variety to your workouts, a heavy flywheel and long stride for smooth and comfortable operation and a nice LCD display. As the only Horizon elliptical machine with incline, buying the 7.0 AE is an easy choice for anyone looking to have the ability to adjust the incline of the ramp and target different leg muscles. The price point of less than $1000 makes the 7.0 AE a moderately-priced elliptical with impressive performance specs. However, you won’t be able to do interactive training and it is not a foldable unit.

If you want a space-saving elliptical and have more money to spend, you should consider the Horizon Evolve ellipticals. In addition to being foldable, these premium machines also have the interactive training option through Passport Media. If you’d like to save money, the Evolve 3 will give you these features but you’ll also have a lighter flywheel and a smaller display compared to the Evolve 5. The major downside to the Horizon Evolve series ellipticals is that they do not have any incline, so if you’re looking to target different muscles in your workouts and vary your workouts in terms of incline, the 7.0 AE is your only option. With that said, the Evolve 3 and Evolve 5 both still have 20 levels of electronically-controlled magnetic resistance, so users of nearly all fitness levels can still get a challenging, low-impact workout.

Although the Horizon Fitness Evolve machines fold, if you have limited space, a cardio machine like the Bowflex M6 Max Trainer, with its more vertical movement pattern, may be a better option, or an under-desk elliptical if you are just looking to be more active but aren’t expecting a total-body workout.

Horizon Elliptical FAQs

How do you lubricate a Horizon elliptical?

Horizon elliptical maintenance is fairly simple. Unlike Horizon treadmills, which require you to lubricate the belt periodically, you do not need to lubricate a Horizon elliptical. For elliptical maintenance, you should wipe down the machine after each use with a damp cloth (water only, no solvents). Once a week, clean underneath the elliptical by unplugging the machine and moving it out of its normal position on the floor. Vacuum or mop up any dust or debris where the machine sits and then return it to its position. Once a month, inspect the assembly bolts and pedals and make sure they are properly tightened and clean off any debris from the guide rails.

How long is the Horizon warranty on ellipticals?

The warranty for Horizon ellipticals depends on the model. The EX-59 model has a lifetime frame warranty and 1-year warranty on brakes, parts and labor. The E3 and E5 both have a lifetime frame warranty, 3-year warranty on brakes and parts and 1-year labor warranty. The 7.0 AE elliptical has a lifetime frame and brakes warranty, 3-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranty. There is also a 1-year flywheel warranty with the 7.0 AE model. None of the other Horizon elliptical models include a flywheel warranty.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Horizon Fitness ellipticals span the gamut from very basic machines to those with impressive performance features and technology support. Compared to many home elliptical trainers, the Horizon Fitness machines are budget friendly, and have a durable SixStar frame with a lifetime warranty, making any of the units a good value for customers looking for reliable fitness equipment for low-impact, joint-friendly at-home cardio workouts. Comparing the Horizon elliptical features relative to your needs, budget and fitness goals will help you choose the best elliptical to buy.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.