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The Horizon T101 and T202 have a few small differences. You may wonder if these are enough to invest the extra amount into the T202.
Some of the main differences between the Horizon T101 and T202 are that the Horizon T202 is slightly better in terms of weight limit, motor power, speed range, running surface length, and incline options.
The main benefit of the Horizon T101 is that it is a decent amount more budget-friendly.
Two things to note first are that both treadmills are mostly for walking and will likely not last longer than 10 years.
If you have a relatively low body weight and want to do some short light jogging sessions (but nothing more intense), you want to go for the Horizon T202.
Additionally, tall individuals with big strides may prefer/need the longer “running” surface of the Horizon T202.
After these things, your choice becomes a question of how much you value the extra incline options, the sturdier frame, and the motor that should last longer.
Individuals who want to walk intensely, walk a lot, and/or have an above-average body weight, want to lean towards the Horizon T202. At the same time, the Horizon T101 can still be a solid pick that can save you some money.
Most important differences Horizon T101 vs T202
The Horizon T101 and T202 are somewhat similar but the T202 has small upgrades in a variety of areas. This makes one or the other treadmill better for certain situations.
That being said, not all differences are equally important. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to influence your choice.
| Feature | Horizon T101 | Horizon T202 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 300 Pounds (136 kg) | 325 Pounds (147.4 kg) |
| Motor Power | 2.5 HP | 2.75 HP |
| Speed Range | 0.5-10 mph (16.09 kmh) | 0-12 mph (19.31 kmh) |
| Running Surface | 20″ x 55″ | 20″ x 60″ |
| Recommended User Height | Users Under 74″ (188 cm) | Not Mentioned But Likely Taller Due To Longer Belt |
| Incline Options | 0% to 10% | 0% to 12% |
| Price Category* | $$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Other features Horizon T101 and T202
Before choosing either the Horizon T101 or T202 you may also want to know about the smaller differences and common features.
| Feature | Horizon T101 | Horizon T202 |
|---|---|---|
| Rollers | 46mm/42mm (1.8″/1.65″) Tapered Rollers | 46mm/42mm (1.8″/1.65″) Tapered Rollers |
| Dimensions | 70” L x 34” W x 55” H | 75” L x 34” W x 58” H |
| Weight | 180 Pounds (81.7 kg) | 172 Pounds (78 kg) |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Screen | Three Small LED Windows | Three LED Windows And Backlit LCD Screen |
| Screen Mobility | Static | Static |
| Device Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Functionality | Only Audio | Only Audio |
| Bluetooth Audio Capabilities | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Programs | 5 Preset Programs | 5 Preset Programs |
| Automatic Speed & Incline Control | With Certain Of The Preset Workouts | With Certain Of The Preset Workouts |
| Screen Entertainment Options | Through Your Own Device | Through Your Own Device |
| Shock Absorption | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Contact Grips | Contact Grips |
| Color Screen | No | No |
| Workout Fans | Yes | Yes |
| Warranties* | Lifetime Frame And Motor Warranty And 1 Year Parts And Labor Warranty | Lifetime Frame And Motor Warranty And 1 Year Parts And Labor Warranty |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences Horizon T101 vs T202 explained in detail
Individuals who are more experienced with treadmill features and know what they want in them can likely choose between the Horizon T101 and T202 by looking at the table of differences and the prices.
On the other hand, at this point, many people still wonder what certain features mean, why they are important, and/or to what extent they make a difference.
If that is the case, you can find some of the most important and confusing differences explained in more detail below.
Weight limit
The weight limit of a treadmill is a relatively straightforward feature but it matters in more ways than one.
First of all, the Horizon T101 has a weight limit of 300 pounds (136 kg). The Horizon T202 is slightly sturdier with a weight limit of 325 pounds (147.4 kg).
The first reason why you want to respect these numbers is that the treadmills can simply break down if you go over them.
Even if they don’t break down, going over the weight limit can void your warranties and speed up wear and tear.
Lastly, you and any other users may be nowhere near these weight limits. In a situation like that, the weight limits are at least some indication of how sturdy the materials used, construction, and motors are.
The Horizon T202 does slightly better overall than the Horizon T101 when it comes to the weight limit.
Winner: Horizon T202
Motor power
Another important feature of a treadmill is the motor and more specifically, how much power this motor can generate. This component makes the belt move at the right speed, hopefully for a long time to come.
The Horizon T101 has a motor power of 2.5 HP (Horizon does not mention this very clearly but I contacted support). Similarly, the Horizon T202 has a motor power of 2.75 HP.
Without anything to compare to, these numbers likely don’t mean much to you. A general recommendation is that you want at least a motor power of 3 CHP for fast running.
Continuous horsepower is stronger than the same number of maximum horsepower.
That means both the Horizon T101 and T202 are definitely not suited for fast running. You generally don’t even want to use the Horizon T101 for something more intense than a vigorous walk.
The Horizon T202 will be somewhat better but even with that in mind, you generally want to stick to walking. Lightweight users could consider light jogging on the Horizon T202 but even this is not recommended.
In short, both the Horizon T101 and T202 seem to be mostly for walking in terms of motor power. The T202 should last just a bit longer both over time and in individual workouts.
Winner: Horizon T202
Running surface
The running surface of a treadmill is basically the surface area of the part of the belt that can be used. This can vary between models as is the case in the Horizon T101 and T202.
More specifically, the T101 has a “running” surface of 20″ x 55″. The Horizon T202 is a bit longer at 20″ x 60″. This may not sound and is not that much but it makes a difference.
A rough guideline is that to jog on a 20″ x 55″ running surface, you want to be under 6 foot 2 (74″ = 188 cm). For walking, you can generally be somewhat taller since your strides tend to be shorter.
Both the Horizon T101 and T202 seem to be mostly for walking so this shorter running surface is likely not that much of an issue.
However, very tall individuals who are considering the T101 may want to measure their strides first.
Winner: Horizon T202
Incline options
Many treadmills allow you to change the angle of the deck. The same goes for the Horizon T101 and T202.
Both treadmills allow you to put their running surfaces at different incline levels. However, these models vary to what extent this is possible.
The Horizon T101 can be put in incline levels ranging from 0% to 10%. The Horizon T202 can go a bit steeper with levels ranging from 0% to 12%.
Putting your treadmill in an incline mode engages your muscles in a different ratio, burns more calories, and offers some variety.
The Horizon T202 offers a slightly steeper incline but whether and to what extent this matters depends on your training goals and personal preferences.
Winner: Horizon T202
Price
In terms of features, the Horizon T202 is better than the T101 in basically any important way. However, something to keep in mind is that the price is also relevant when choosing a treadmill.
The exact difference will depend on where you get your machine and can change over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the Horizon T101 is a decent amount more budget-friendly than the Horizon T202.
Winner: Horizon T101
User reviews
When comparing two similar treadmills from the same brand like the Horizon T101 and T202, the feature and price differences often give you a good idea about what model is the best choice.
Even so, customer reviews sometimes uncover unexpected downsides or trends in quality issuers. In the case of the Horizon T101 vs the T202, the reviews are very similar.
There are some cases of quality control issues and fast wear and tear. Customer support could be a bit faster in these situations.
That being said, since the customers are still relatively happy overall, it looks like these issues are the exception, not the rule.
Is the Horizon T101 or T202 better for you?
In short, the Horizon T202 has small improvements in terms of weight limit, motor power, speed range, running surface, and incline options.
On the other side, the Horizon T101 is a decent amount more budget-friendly.
Both treadmills are mostly built for walking and not really made for 10’s of years of use.
If you are on the lighter side and want to be able to do some short sessions of light jogging, you want to go for the Horizon T202.
Additionally, tall individuals with big strides may prefer/need the longer “running” surface of the Horizon T202.
Besides these things, it is a question of how much you value a few extra incline options, a sturdier frame, and a motor that should last longer.
The more intense your walking sessions and the heavier you are, the more you want to lean towards the Horizon T202. Many people will still find the Horizon T101 a solid pick that can save them some money.
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