13 Best Home Gym Machines of 2024, Approved by Experts

There are many perks to working out at home: You can eliminate gym commute time, save on gas money, and blast your favorite workout music aloud. That said, if you want to recreate your gym experience, the best home gyms can offer everything you need, including a cable machine, squat rack, or workout mirror, depending on your home gym of choice. 

Our team of BarBend experts, including personal trainers and athletes, put more than 20 home gym machines to the test. Now, we’ve found our favorites for all kinds of athletes, whether you’re looking to prep for a bodybuilding competition or accommodate space constraints. Read on to find the best home gym for you.

The 13 Best Home Gyms of 2024

• Best Home Gym Overall: REP FT-2000 2.0
• Best Home Gym for Streaming: Speediance Gym Monster
• Best Home Gym for Bodybuilding: Force USA G12 All-in-One Trainer
• Best Smart Home Gym: Tonal
• Best Budget Home Gym: Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower
• Best Cable Machine for Home Gym: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer
• Best Home Gym for Powerlifting: Giant Lifting GGPR 2.0 with Low Row
• Best Home Gym for Full-Body Workouts: BOWFLEX Xtreme 2 SE
• Best Home Gym Design: GMWD Multi Gym Station with Weight Stack HGS
• Best Home Gym for CrossFit: MAJOR Fitness All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack F22
• Best Portable Home Gym: TRX Training Pro4
• Best Home Gym for Beginners: WalkingPad KingSmith Workout Bench
• Best Home Gym for Small Spaces: Beyond Voltra

Best All-in-One Home Gym: REP FT-2000 2.0

Pros

Features 21 cable positions for a wide range of workouts

Aluminum pulleys operate more smoothly than plastic components

Comes with four 2.75-pound incremental weights for micro-adjustments

Cons

Weight stacks aren’t in rounded increments like 5 or 10 pounds

Additional attachments can cost upwards of $249

Included polymer D-handles are underwhelming in terms of grip and feel

Need a one-stop-shop for your home fitness needs? The FT-5000 2.0 from REP Fitness features dual weight stacks that combine for a total of 448 pounds and the two columns boast 21 different attachment positions for a slew of intense, efficient workouts. Plus, there are multiple pull-up grip positions that give you access to bodyweight training, too. Without a doubt, this is one of our best home gym machines.

We also like this all-in-one fitness equipment for its compact footprint — no need to brainstorm an entire floor plan when one machine does the job of many. Our tester, a former Olympian, scored the footprint at 4.5 out of 5, stating, “It’s still a functional trainer, so it’s not pocket-sized. However, I feel it’s far more compact than other machines I’ve tested and feel it could fit comfortably in most garage gyms or basements with low ceilings around 7 feet, 6 inches.”

That said, the FT-5000 2.0 does have a total height of 85.5 inches, meaning taller athletes may need to adjust their positioning to perform pull-ups or lat pulldowns.

As far as durability is concerned, we scored this REP Fitness profile at 4 out of 5 thanks to its sturdy 11-gauge steel frame and aluminum pulleys. These more structurally-sound components help the cables glide easily during sessions, eliminating any hangup or resistance you may experience with lesser quality plastic pulleys. For these reasons, we also rated the operation at 4.5 out of 5.

There are multiple conveniences built into this machine, too. There are multiple storage pins for all your workout attachments — we recommend upgrading from the included polymer D-handles if possible, and REP offers two packages at $114 and $249, respectively — as well as laser-etched markings along the columns for easier alignment during dual-arm exercises. The lock pins across the pulley systems also feature a small magnet at their base, meaning there’s no question when they’re set into position.

[Related: REP Fitness Discount Code]

Best Home Gym for Streaming: Speediance Gym Monster

Whether you’re a beginner in need of some virtual guidance or an athlete who loves streaming workout classes, we recommend the Speediance Gym Monster.

This high-tech home gym comes with a large touch screen where you can browse the system’s movement library, customizable workout programs, or personalized training plans. The machine also connects to the company’s phone app, so you can track your stats and progress. All that being said, it should be no surprise that we gave this one a 5 out of 5 rating when it comes to tech.

You also get a free lifetime membership to the Speediance streaming platform when you buy the Gym Monster. Most other streaming services involve a monthly fee of around $30 but here, you get to omit that cost.

Speediance also combines eight different exercise machines in one, including a cable machine, ski machine, squat rack, barbell, dumbbell, and more. Given the broad variety of exercises and modalities available with this one, we gave the versatility a 4.5 out of 5.

One downside is that this home gym only provides 220 pounds of resistance. For most athletes, this is probably plenty of resistance. However, more advanced athletes may want higher weight options.

While you do get free lifetime streaming with a Gym Monster purchase, it’s not the cheapest machine on the market. This machine starts at $2,999, which isn’t ideal for everyone’s budget. However, given the versatility, we still gave the value a 4 out of 5.

Best Home Gym for Bodybuilding: Force USA G12 All-In-One Trainer

Pros

The setup can replace an entire gym’s worth of equipment

The cable machines have two 220-pound weight stacks

It includes a built-in Smith machine

Cons

This does not include a barbell or bench

There are cheaper home gym options

The ideal home gym offers plenty of versatility and customization options, making it perfect for bodybuilders looking to build strength and achieve fitness goals. Given the seemingly endless exercise options you get with the Force USA G12, we thought this unit made a great fit. When it comes to overall performance and workout experience, this is among the best home gym equipment we’ve tested, earning a 5 out of 5.

The G12 comes with a dual pulley cable machine with two 220-pound weight stacks. These stacks have a 1:1 pulley ratio, though our tester does wish it had the ability to convert to a 2:1 ratio as well. It has a built-in Smith machine, six weight plate holders and 21 included attachments, like J-hooks, spotter arms, a lat pull-down bar, landmine, pulldown rope, and much more. Needless to say, for versatility, the G12 earned a 5 out of 5.

We also found that this system offers plenty of adjustability. “The weight stacks are definitely enough for most home gym athletes,” according to our tester. In total, the machine has 440 pounds but you can also load plates onto the smith machine. We did give a 4 out of 5 in this category, though, because we thought the pull pin wasn’t quite as smooth as some other home gyms, like the REP Ares.

Durability shouldn’t be a big concern with this machine, earning a 4.5 out of 5 in that category. It has a heavy-duty steel structure and steel tubing throughout. Any rubber parts are made with thick, durable pieces and it has a commercial-grade powder coat to prevent rust and corrosion.

Given the diverse optionality here, it’s a pretty heavy machine. We do wish the company specified the unit weight, though. It’s safe to assume that it won’t be portable once in its place, as the weight stacks alone are 440 pounds. So, for portability, our testers gave this pick a 3 out of 5.

Unfortunately, the G12 isn’t the cheapest home gym out there at $4,499.99. That being said, there’s so much optionality here, we think it’s worth the cost if it falls within your budget. We do wish the company threw in a barbell and bench at this price, though. Without those two pieces of equipment, you can’t really use the power rack feature but you need to buy them separately.

Best Smart Home Gym: Tonal

Pros

Tonal has a screen where you can steam workouts for all levels

With Tonal’s technology, you can track your fitness progress

The workout library has hundreds of videos for all training needs

Cons

You need to pay extra for attachments

It only has 200 pounds of resistance, which may be too little for some athletes

There are no free weights involved with this system

There’s no shortage of high-tech gym machines these days. Whether you’re a beginner or avid stat tracker, a smart home gym can certainly make your training experience more interactive. If you fall into one of those categories (or just want a high-tech workout), Tonal is an ideal all-in-one home gym. When it comes to overall experience, this one earned a 5 out of 5. 

“Tonal is very fun to use,” according to our tester and BarBend editorial member Rosie Borchert. “I think it’s ideal for heavier compound exercises, like deadlifts, because it really minimizes the time spent setting up the weights in a standard gym. Tonal’s design makes it easy to go from one exercise to the next.” 

Unlike a more traditional home gym machine, though, Tonal is a little more fragile. For durability, our testers gave this machine a 3 out of 5. “I haven’t had problems with my own Tonal breaking but I’ve seen plenty of online reviews that discuss broken parts,” Borchert said. “I also have a friend whose Tonal also got damaged after a few uses.” For those who don’t want the risk of breaking equipment, a more traditional home gym may be better.

We did give this machine a 5 out of 5 for assembly, though. Tonal actually sends out installers and it only takes about 20 minutes to set up, according to our tester. All you have to do is make sure you have studs in your walls that align with Tonal’s specifications.

For overall value, we gave this machine a 3.5 out of 5. It’s among the most expensive smart gym machines at $3,995 but it isn’t quite as durable as more traditional options. Plus, you only get 200 pounds of resistance, which is considerably less than other picks on this list. But if you’re someone who loves high-tech equipment and wants a smart home gym, the Tonal is a good fit.

Read our full Tonal Review.

Best Budget Home Gym: Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower

Pros

At only $349.99, this is one of the most budget-friendly home gyms

There’s a long list of attachments and exercises you can perform with this machine

This is a pretty space-friendly machine

Cons

This machine is plate loaded, so you need your own weight plates

Aside from a few included accessories, the attachments are sold separate

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a solid home gym. This plate-loaded cable tower is only $349.99 and allows for plenty of exercises and attachments, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for overall value. 

Just because this home gym is budget-friendly, doesn’t mean it’s cheap. This tower has a max cable capacity of 250 pounds and it’s made of high-quality steel, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. 

And while this unit may look a little more minimal than some of our other picks, it’s actually really versatile. You get 33 height settings for the pulleys and it’s compatible with a number of rack attachments, including the belt squat rack and Y-dip bar. You can also buy additional plate pegs or a barbell holder. It’s not as versatile as some other picks, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in that department. But given the price, you still get decent options.

We also enjoy the space-saving design. When assembled, it only takes up a few feet of space and it’s only 85 pounds without added plates. For footprint and portability, we gave this one a 5 out of 5, as it’s pretty easy to maneuver if needed.

The one downside with the Bells of Steel Cable Tower is that it doesn’t come with a weight stack. You need to manually load plates onto the machine in order to add resistance. This does mean you have to pay a little more but you won’t waste any money on weights you don’t need.

Best Cable Machine for Home Gym: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer

Pros

This versatile cable machine offers 1,000 different positions

This rack has two 200-pound weight stacks

It has a built-in pull-up bar

Cons

There are simpler cable machines for those who don’t need so many attachments

People on a budget may not like the price tag here

For those who want a classic cable machine for their home gym, we recommend the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer. This functional trainer machine offers 1,000 different adjustable positions and dual 200-pound weight stacks. Plus, it has a multi-grip pull-up bar, which you won’t get with every cable machine.

“I really enjoyed the cable pulley system on this machine,” our tester said, giving the overall performance a 4.5 out of 5. “I had a great training experience and enjoyed that all the pulleys swiveled, adding even more versatility.”

For versatility, our testers gave this functional trainer a 4.5 out of 5. This unit comes with a short bar, long bar, ankle strap, dual stirrup handles, rope handles, and single and double D-handles. As mentioned, we love that the pulleys swivel, too. “It would have earned a perfect five out of five, were it a little taller,” our tester said. At just over six and a half feet tall, some athletes may not be able to use the pull-up feature as comfortably as they’d like.

When it comes to footprint, we gave this cable machine a 5 out of 5, as it’s actually pretty space-friendly. The 64-inch width is more narrow than the 72-inch standard for dual cable machines. Plus, it’s relatively short, so it shouldn’t have any issue fitting in your home or garage.

For overall value, we gave this machine a 4 out of 5. You can find cheaper cable machines on the market for sure, however this one does have versatility that you may not find with less expensive models. 

One small note: Our testers did have to lubricate the aluminum guide rods. Once we took care of that, the machine was perfectly smooth.

Best Home Gym for Powerlifting: Giant Lifting GGPR 2.0 with Low Row

Pros

Comes with a lat/row tower capable of holding up to 450 pounds

Padded J-cups can be great for racking your barbell safely

Limited lifetime warranty for the power rack and lat/row attachment

Cons

14-gauge steel can be weaker than other materials used

2-inch spacing across entire rack — no “Bench Zone” with 1-inch spacing

Included lat/row handle feels cheap, according to our tester

For those looking to build a powerlifting home gym, this lat/row and power rack combo from Giant Fitness can be an excellent place to start. Not only do you get a sturdy rack for all your barbell-centric lifts, but the included lat/row tower opens up the possibility for cable training, too, up to the attachment’s listed 450-pound capacity.

We also rated this Giant Fitness package at 5 out of 5 for value. At just under $710, it’s quite the steal when compared to other best power racks. Plus, Giant Fitness offers a limited lifetime warranty for both the rack and lat/row attachment, which can help ensure that you’re constantly equipped with the best gear possible for your strength training sessions.

Construction-wise, Giant Fitness uses 2-inch by 2-inch 14-gauge steel across the frame, which helps the profile achieve a weight capacity of 700 pounds. This is lower than other squat racks we’ve trialed in the past, though, so we scored the durability at a conservative 3.5 out of 5.

Regarding the lat/row attachment, having this included in the bundle can be excellent for keeping training sessions fresh. According to our tester, a certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level-1 instructor, though, the attachments are in major need of an upgrade. “The metal bar included in this kit is constructed from a cheap metal, and the plastic along the grip areas is underwhelming,” they said in reference to their 3 out of 5 rating for the attachments. “Thankfully, though, the carabiner connection point means you can quickly upgrade your setup with sturdier gear.”

The rack itself features 2-inch spacing across the 1-inch holes, and the markings are laser-etched in for better readability. Be mindful, though, that this may lead to some uncomfortable setups during the bench press. We often prefer 1-inch spacing in the general “Bench Zone” so you aren’t straining your arms and shoulders to get the barbell off the included padded J-cups.

[Related: How to Build a Powerlifting Home Gym]

Best Home Gym for Full-Body Workouts: BOWFLEX Xtreme 2 SE

Pros

70+ exercises for total-body workouts

210 pounds of resistance

Includes squat station

Cons

Not ideal for advanced athletes

No free weights

Lat pull not ideal for taller people

The best home gym essentials include equipment that can train your entire body. However, we don’t all have tons of space for a squat rack, dumbbell stand, dip station, and more. Thanks to the BOWFLEX XTREME 2 SE, you can train your muscles from head to toe with only one home gym machine.

This unit allows more than 71 different strength-building exercises and includes a lat tower, squat station, lower pulley, leg extension, and more. When it comes to versatility, our testers gave this machine a 5 out of 5 rating.

“This machine is pretty straightforward to use,” they said. “There aren’t many other all-in-one machines out there, especially at this price point. Typically, they don’t offer quite as much exercise variety.”

However, we had to give this machine a 3 out of 5 rating for durability and construction. Our tester wasn’t too thrilled with the overall machine quality, saying there were a lot of plastic pieces and the leg extension foam wasn’t too comfortable. “It doesn’t seem that the company used very high-quality steel,” they said.

We do like the price point, though, as most other total-body machines cost well over $1,000. Our team still would have liked to see a little higher quality at this price, though, rating the value a 4 out of 5.

That being said, we do love the total-body-workout this machine can offer. So, if you want a machine that can hit all your major muscles, this is a great pick. Keep in mind, though, taller folks may not be able to get full range of motion with the lat pulldown function, our tester warned.

Best Home Gym Design: GMWD Multi Gym Station with Weight Stack HGS

Pros

Convenient design for most spaces

Allows total-body training

Adjustable seats and angles

Cons

No free weight options

Only up to 150 pounds resistance

Not suitable for taller athletes

Some home gym machines are bulky or just inconveniently designed for home use. But that’s not the case with the GMWD Multi Gym Station with Weight Stack HGS. This machine offers total-body exercises in one well-designed unit.

When it comes to durability, we were pretty pleased with the materials used. This home gym machine has a steel frame that comes with a lifetime warranty. However, the unit does include some plastic pieces, which can break over time. For that reason, we gave the durability a 4 out of 5 rating.

But where versatility is concerned, this multi gym station is pretty solid, earning a 5 out of 5 rating. It includes a lat pulldown station, chest press/pec fly, preacher curl bench, leg extension, horiontal leg press, and a mid row machine.

However, the weight stack only goes up to 150 pounds, which may not be suitable for more advanced athletes looking to gain strength. This station also has a six-foot, three-inch height max, which may be too short for taller folks.

Our team was pretty impressed with the price point, though, giving the value a 4 out of 5 rating. At $649.99, this one is a lot cheaper than other full-body machines on the market. However, it does have a lower weight max than other options, too.

Best Home Gym for CrossFit: Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack F22

Pros

Suitable for CF exercises

Customizable

Cable pulley system included

Cons

No niche CrossFit equipment

Heavy unit

Having one home gym profile for CrossFit training can be tricky. But the All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack F22 from Major Fitness combines a power rack, 360-degree landmine, cable pulley system, and multi-grip pull-up station.

There are so many fun attachments that let you do just about whatever exercise you want,” our tester said, giving the versatility a 5 out of 5. We also love that you can choose from plenty of add-ons for your WODs, including a bench, barbell, bumper plate set, and more.

Where durability is concerned, this unit got a 5 out of 5 rating, too. For CrossFit, you want a rack that can withstand plenty of wear and tear. The durable, 14-gauge steel frame has a 1200-pound weight capacity, so you can feel free to load up your barbell.

When it comes to design, we were pretty pleased with the relatively space-friendly design. This power rack has a 26.56-square-foot footprint, which should be able to fit in most spaces. However, this one gets a 2 out of 5 for portability, as the rack weighs 243 pounds, which isn’t the lightest.

“One thing to keep in mind is that this rack is a little shorter than others I’ve tried,” our tester said. “I’m about five feet, five inches tall and I didn’t have to hop up to reach the pull-up bar.” So, larger athletes may prefer a taller unit.

Best Portable Home Gym: TRX Training Pro4

Pros

Portable

Lightweight

Easy to set up

Cons

No weights included

Need an anchor point

Want a home gym that you can use in (just about) any room and take on-the-go? Our team recommends you try the TRX Training Pro4. As someone who has tried the TRX suspension system in the past, it’s definitely worth considering if you travel often.

When it comes to portability and footprint, I’d give this unit a 5 out of 5 rating. It doesn’t weigh more than a pound or two. And I love that the TRX comes with a mesh carry case, making it easy to toss in a gym bag or suitcase.

This is pretty versatile, which is great for a quick total-body workout. TRX has an entire digital library of workouts and exercises, so you’ll never run out of ideas. I’d give the versatility a 4 out of 5 rating.

However, it’s not your typical gym machine set-up. As a suspension trainer, there are no weights involved — just your bodyweight. So, if you’re an athlete looking to build a ton of muscle, this may not be ideal.

You do need to anchor the system to a doorway or high, stable structure, though. This is how you hang the straps you need to train. The anchor system is easy to use, though, and only takes a few moments.

For overall value, our team rates the TRX Pro4 a 4 out of 5. It’s a pretty budget-friendly option for those who want a total-body workout that’s space-friendly.

Best Home Gym for Beginners: WalkingPad KingSmith Workout Bench

Pros

Approachable starting weights across the four included resistance bands

Single bench offers storage for all accessories

Adjustable angles for inclined and straight-back workouts

Cons

Resistance only up to 66 pounds across the included bands

Seat only has two adjustment angles

Bar and free weights not available in Basic Package

Curious about owning a home gym yet feel intimidated by large functional trainers or burly squat racks? This KingSmith Workout Bench from WalkingPad looks more like an ottoman than a fitness tool, yet has the power to give every workout a heightened sense of performance and challenge. This all-in-one bench uses the included 11- and 22-pound resistance bands to help you press and pull toward your next fitness goals.

We’ve yet to get hands-on with this profile from WalkingPad, but we’ve had experience with similar products. For one, we cannot ignore the storage components built into this silhouette. Everything can be housed within the single profile, keeping all attachments and bands organized neatly in-between workouts. Plus, the 66-pound weight can be easy to maneuver when trying to rearrange your training space. As such, we rated the available storage at 4.5 out of 5.

In terms of versatility, this is one of the more complex workout benches out there. Yes, you can perform your standard free weight workouts atop this KingSmith silhouette, but the included bands attach at multiple points for low, mid, and high pulls, too. The bench itself is also adjustable for incline and straight-back workouts.

We scored the versatility at 4 out of 5, too, given that there’s room to expand your kit with added accessories including a leg brace for crunches, speed bag for boxing, long bars for pulls, and more. However, these kits can add to the total price, so be sure your budget can withstand the extra costs before planning out which accessories you prefer.

The KingSmith Workout Bench can support up to 330 pounds, which isn’t a standout measurable in comparison to other best weight benches. While we rated the durability at 3 out of 5 for this home gym equipment, we still feel it can be useful in some abodes, especially for athletes just getting started in their fitness journey.

Best Home Gym for Small Spaces: Beyond Voltra

Pros

The Beyond Voltra is super compact, making it suitable for practically any space limitations

This machine has streamable workouts for all fitness levels

You can use the Voltra in your home or your gym

Cons

You only get up to 200 pounds of resistance

Some athletes may want a more traditional cable system

Not everyone has an enormous home gym setup. Power racks and cable machines are awesome but they do take up a lot of space. The Beyond Power Voltra I makes it possible to strength train with just a few feet of space with their ultra-portable cable machine.

For portability and footprint, the Voltra gets a 5 out of 5. This device is extremely compact and can fit right in your gym bag or backpack. It works by attaching to a bannister or power rack (any sturdy structure). Then, all you have to do is turn the machine on and select your desired resistance to the built-in cable.

Like other smart home gyms, the Voltra connects to the Beyond + app, enabling you to choose from different workouts or track your progress. For customization and versatility, we gave the Voltra a 4 out of 5. You can also choose from different bundles on the website, which include more accessories, like a straight bar, travel platform, and sliding rack mount. 

The Voltra allows you to choose different resistance types, including eccentric and concentric resistance, which a standard cable machine can’t do. But there’s only a max resistance of 200 pounds, which may not be enough for some athletes. Standard cable machines tend to have two stacks of 200 pounds each.

Our team gave this device a 3.5 out of 5 for overall value. It starts at $2,099, which is pretty pricey, especially since accessories are sold separately. Also, for this price, there are plenty of standard cable machines that offer way more weight. For athletes who want to focus purely on strength gain, a traditional cable machine is probably ideal. But if space-friendly workout equipment is a must, this is among the smallest home gyms you’ll find.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Home Gyms

Home gyms come in many different designs, sizes, and prices. While testing and considering different home gyms (we actually tried more than 20 models), we paid close attention to performance and took these factors into consideration:

• Versatility: Generally, you’re not going to have unlimited space in your home, which means each piece of home gym equipment has to do double duty (or more). That’s why we tried each home gym with a number of different exercises that different athletes may prefer.
• Value: Outfitting a full home gym can be expensive, which is why we place a premium on products that offer the most bang for your buck. The value a piece of equipment offers is also weighted heavily here and stems quite often from the quality and durability of a product.
• Durability: If you’re going to spend hundreds of dollars on a piece of gym equipment, you want durable, high-quality materials. As we tried different machines, we made sure to look at the components, prioritizing sturdy, steel materials, as opposed to plastic.
• Functionality: The functionality of your equipment is essential to setting up a space that works for your training needs. In order for us to recommend something, it has to do what it is intended to and do it exceptionally well.

Benefits of the Best Home Gyms

Not sold on shelling out for your own iron paradise? Aside from the fact that building strength can help improve your body composition and help increase bone density (and fight age-related bone loss), there are quite a few benefits of a home gym. (1)

• Convenience: You’ll never have to wait for the curl bro to get out of the squat rack, nor will you have to wipe another person’s sweat off the rower. Because of this convenience factor, it’s safe to assume that you’ll be more dedicated to your workout program.
• Customizable: “I’d say the greatest benefit in this category of equipment is the incredible breadth,” says BarBend expert contributor and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. “There are so many options to suit so many different needs and budgets, and I think that exemplifies what’s so great about having a home gym: It’s yours, and you get to choose what you want in it so that it is affordable for you and leads you to your goals.”
• Cheaper in the Long Run: Home gym equipment’s price can be high, but it’s an investment. Over a long period of time, owning your own equipment can save you money, whether that’s the cost of your gym membership or the cost of driving 20 minutes to the gym.

How Much Do the Best Home Gyms Cost?

For the home gyms on this list, you’ll see a fairly wide range from around $300 to $500 on the lower end to between $2,000 and $5,000 on the high end. More comprehensive equipment that serves multiple purposes or can act as a home gym on its own — like one of the best functional trainers — tends to be more expensive, while simpler pieces that require additional equipment to make use of them — such as squat racks — may be cheaper. Check out our chart below to compare the prices of our top picks.

Best Home Gym Overall	REP FT-2000 2.0	$2,499.99
Best Home Gym for Streaming	Speediance Gym Monster	$2,999
Best Home Gym for Bodybuilding	Force USA G12 All-in-One Trainer	$4,499.99
Best Smart Home Gym	Tonal	$3,995
Best Budget Home Gym	Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower	$349.99
Best Cable Machine for Home Gym	Titan Fitness Functional Trainer	$2,499.99
Best Home Gym for Powerlifting	Giant Lifting GGPR 2.0 with Low Row	$709.98
Best Home Gym for Full-Body Workouts	BOWFLEX Xtreme 2 SE	$999
Best Home Gym Design	GMWD Multi Gym Station with Weight Stack HGS	$649.99
Best Home Gym for CrossFit	Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack F22	$929.99
Best Portable Home Gym	TRX Training Pro4	$217.46
Best Home Gym for Beginners	WalkingPad KingSmith Workout Bench	$599
Best Home Gym for Small Spaces	Beyond Voltra	$2,099

How to Pick the Best Home Gym Machine for You

The questions below will help you decide if investing in home workout machines or building your own gym is a wise, financially savvy choice. Take time to think about your strength goals, the space you have, and your budget before taking the plunge.

Goals

“The best place to start is with your needs and fitness goals. What are you trying to accomplish? How will you use your home gym machine? Are you looking for a monstrous all-in-one trainer with every imaginable attachment, or something simple and portable you can take with you when you travel,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “Your answers to these questions will drive you to the right purchase.”

Before you buy just any home gym machine, consider your personal fitness and/or cardio goals. Look for a unit that accommodates all the exercises you might need, leaving some room for growth.

Space

This question should help guide you to what equipment will be best for not only your goals but your lifestyle, too. If you’re living in a one-bedroom apartment, then maybe an option like a smart home gym or suspension trainer is better for now. On the other hand, a two-car garage or large basement affords you a lot more space to build a complete set-up. The vertical height is also a big consideration. It depends on your height and goals, but generally, you’ll want at least 92 inches from floor to ceiling to allow for pull-ups with any rack though that may vary. 

Budget

This question is simple and will vary from person to person. Before investing in home gyms, we recommend realistically calculating your current gym expenses, considering the price of equipment and how much you’re willing to put into a home gym. Of course, you don’t need to buy everything at once.

You can start with a squat stand, barbell, some weights, and a weight bench, and then go from there. Heck, you can start out with just a pair of dumbbells and grow as you go. Rewarding yourself with new pieces of equipment for important milestones is a great way to stay on track.

Versatility

With a home gym, you want as much versatility as you might find in a typical commercial gym (or at least enough versatility for your fitness goals). After all, four or five exercises can get tedious with constant repetition. So, consider a home gym machine that allows for various total-body movements. Or, consider adding some equipment, like resistance bands and exercise mats.

Best Home Gym FAQs

References

1. Thomas MH, Burns SP. Increasing Lean Mass and Strength: A Comparison of High Frequency Strength Training to Lower Frequency Strength Training. Int J Exerc Sci. 2016 Apr 1;9(2):159-167. PMID: 27182422; PMCID: PMC4836564.

More Home Gym Training Content

Pumped to get your own home gym going? Great. Now you should check out these other home gym-related articles from BarBend to make the most out of your training.

• 5 Steps to Building Your Dream Home Gym
• 9 Undeniable Benefits of Owning a Home Gym
• The 8 Best Home Exercises for More Muscle and Strength