Best Home Gyms (2024) | BarBend (2024)

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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 12 Best Home Gyms of 2024

• BestHome GymOverall: Force USA G12All-in-OneTrainer
• BestCable MachineforHome Gym: Titan FitnessFunctional Trainer
• BestAll-in-OneHome Gym:REP FT-2000 2.0
• Best BudgetHome Gym: Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower
• Best SmartHome Gym: Tonal
• BestHome Gymfor Powerlifting:Giant Fitness GGPR 2.0 with Low Row
• Best PortableHome Gym:X3 CompleteHome GymX3 Bar
• BestHome GymforBeginners:WalkingPad KingSmith Workout Bench
• BestHome GymforBodybuilding: NordicTrackFusion CST Studio
• BestHome Gymfor CrossFit: PRx Performance Couple’s Prime Package
• BestHome GymforSmall Spaces: Beyond Voltra
• BestHome Gymfor Streaming Workouts: Vitruvian Trainer+

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 equipmenthas to do double duty (or more). The more types of exercises or purposes that a piece of equipment can serve, the better it will rank on this list because of that. That’s why we tried each home gym with a number of different exercises that different athletes may prefer. We also made sure testers with different bodies tried each machine, too, to give a well-rounded review.

Value

We get it: Outfitting a full home gym can be quite 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.

That said, we don’t simply select exercise equipment based on price, as you’ll find some expensive items on this list. The price reflects what they bring to the table, or more accurately, what they bring to the garage, basem*nt, or spare room. Oftentimes, the more expensive items are selected due to their exceptional quality, and we expect them to last a lifetime with proper care.

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. Over time, plastic can bend and break, especially if you’re planning on pushing some weight.

Functionality

Some items sound great in theory until you get them in your home gym, and they don’t quite function the way you expected. 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. Otherwise, that product may not make our list.

So, we kept different sports and fitness goals in mind while trying out different home gyms. Would this machine work for a CrossFit athlete as well as a bodybuilder or fitness newbie? Does it train all the main muscle groups or just your lower body? That way, we made sure to offer something for everyone.

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

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Force USA G12 All-In-One Trainer

Force USA G12 All-In-One Trainer

This robust home gym replaces eight pieces of equipment, including a power rack, Smith machine, cable pulley, and leg press. Considering how much you get, the price is fair, and the footprint is relatively minimal.

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The ideal home gym offers plenty of versatility and customization options, making it possible for any athlete to reach their 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, our testers gave this one 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.“Theweight stacksare definitely enough for mosthome gymathletes,”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 barbelland 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 Cable Machine for Home Gym: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer

Titan Fitness Functional Trainer

Titan Fitness Functional Trainer

The Titan Fitness Functional Trainer is a well-built home gym that comes standard with accessories that other home gyms would sell as extras, like dual stirrup handles and a long bar.

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For those who want a classic cable machine for their home gym, we recommend the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer. This functional trainermachine 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 cablepulleysystem 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 thepulleysswiveled, adding even moreversatility.”

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

REP Fitness FT-2000 2.0

REP Fitness FT-2000 2.0

If you need quick, easy, and stable adjustments up to 224 pounds per side in a functional trainer, the REP Fitness FT-2000 2.0 comes with more height options and a smaller footprint than the original. It's got a chip-resistance, 11-gauge frame to support your toughest workouts.

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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.

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 afunctional 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 mostgarage gymsor basem*nts 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 Budget Home Gym: Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower

Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower 2.0

Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower 2.0

The Bells of Steel Plate-Loaded Cable Tower 2.o is a great budget-friendly cable machine. This one is compatible with plenty of attachments and you can load your own plates for customized resistance.

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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 Smart Home Gym: Tonal

Tonal

Tonal

The Tonal is an interactive home gym that delivers up to 200 lbs of total electromagnetic resistance with the use of two maneuverable pulleys. What's most impressive is that it adapts as you progresses, which means you'll always be pushing closer to your fitness goals.

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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 the right choice. When it comes to overall experience, this one earned a 5 out of 5.

“Tonalwas very fun to use,”according to our tester and BarBend editorial member Rosie Borchert.“I think it’s ideal for heavier compound exercises, likedeadlifts, 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 ownTonalbreaking but I’ve seen plenty of online reviews that discuss broken parts,”Borchert said.“I also have a friend whoseTonalalso 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 TonalReview.

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

Giant Fitness GGRP 2.0 With Low Row

Giant Fitness GGRP 2.0 With Low Row

This budget-friendly power rack has a weight capacity of 700 static pounds and it even has a built-in pull-up bar and a low-row attachment, offering a wider exercise variety for you home gym.

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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 otherbest power racks. Plus, Giant Fitness offers a limited lifetime warranty forboththe 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 PowerliftingHome Gym]

Best Portable Home Gym: X3 Complete Home Gym X3 Bar

X3 Complete Home Gym X3 Bar

X3 Complete Home Gym X3 Bar

This home gym takes variable resistance training to the next level. This system has two different resistance max options, including 300 and 600 pounds. It also comes with an easy-to-follow program.

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The best home gym equipment oftentimes comes with a, let’s say, static build composition. You can’t exactly tote your favorite squat rack or barbell with you without some planning (and an open trailer). Thankfully, thebest portable home gymsoffer up compact silhouettes with loads of performance. In our opinion, X3 Bar is one of the best options out there, especially for those looking for a travel-ready compromise to their regular barbell workouts.

We rated the portability at 4.5 out of 5 for this bundle that includes a ground plate, knurled bar, and three resistance bands capable of providing up to 300 pounds of training intensity. Plus, the entire package weighs just 17 pounds meaning it won’t be too much of a burden to toss it in your gym bag or carry-on during extended stays away from your own iron paradise.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, also scored the overall construction at 4 out of 5 and praised the design of the included bar.“The knurling is right on-par with some of my favoritebarbells, and I really appreciate the included bearing that allow the bar to rotate smoothly during lifts.”However, the ground plate that holds the resistance bands in place during lifts does not feature any rollers for less friction between the metal and bands.

This X3 Bar bundle can help you perform a wide range of traditional lifts including squats, presses, pulls, and more. As such, we rated the versatility at 4.5 out of 5. This can be great for those hesitant to opt for a portable home gym that may or may not feel as if they’re using their go-to assortment of racks, barbells, and weight plates.

While this X3 Bar kit can be a high-quality solution for a variety of athletes, we do want to point out its price point. The $549 cost may be too much for more budget-minded individuals. Plus, the “Elite” band that offers up to 600 pounds of resistance is sold separately, meaning an extra purchase is required if you want to push this bundle to its maximum capabilities.

Best Home Gym for Beginners: WalkingPad KingSmith Workout Bench

WalkingPad KingSmith Workout Bench

WalkingPad KingSmith Workout Bench

No garage gym? No problem. The WalkingPad KingSmith Workout Bench brings everything from bench presses to biceps curls directly to your living room, with no loss in homey aesthetics. You can use between 22 and 66 pounds of resistance with two seat-back adjustment levels.

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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 otherbest 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 Bodybuilding: NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

This machine is an elite, quiet, smooth, and modern version of a home gym that’s packed with tech to enhance your home workout experience. It features a modest footprint for space-savings and hands-free weight adjustments with seemingly endless class options and daily workout suggestions.

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Knowing where to start is one of the most challenging aspects of beginning a new workout routine. What exercises should you do each workout? What equipment is needed? And given you’re trying something new, all these unknown factors can feel overwhelming.

We want to pair beginners with equipment that truly guides through the experience, making workouts as seamless as possible. As a beginner, you should be concerned with exercise form and injury prevention, not workout programming. That’s why the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio is our top pick for beginners.

This at-home resistance machine is equipped with a built-in 10-inch display that allows you to stream workout videos for all levels. The Fusion CST is equipped with iFIT, earning a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming. You can track all your fitness progress and your trainer is even able to remotely adjust your resistance during your training session.

This machine also includes all the equipment you’ll need built right in, so you don’t have to worry about separate purchases. It has 20 levels of magnetic resistance, providing 10 to 100 pounds of resistance per arm. And thanks to the six different cable ends, this machine offers plenty of versatility. However, we did give this machine a 3.75 out of 5 in this category, as it only has cable resistance.

Unfortunately, the NordicTrack Fusion CST is a bit of an investment at $1,799. Plus, you do have to pay for iFIT after the free trial is up, which is an additional cost you may not want. However, if you’re a beginner, we think this is a safe, easy-to-use home gym option.

[Related: The Best SmartHome GymsForFree Weights,Small Spaces, And More]

Best Home Gym for CrossFit: PRx Performance Couple’s Prime Package

PRx Performance Couple’s Prime Package

PRx Performance Couple’s Prime Package

The PRx Couple’s Prime Package home gym is a CrossFit athlete's ideal setup. This includes all must-have equipment for just about any WOD.

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Most CrossFit athletes don’t need a ton of high-tech equipment. A barbell, bumper plates, rack, bench, and some resistance bands should do the trick. This package from PRx comes with all that equipment and more, making it an excellent fit for a CrossFit lover, weightlifting fan, or functional fitness enthusiast.

When it comes to versatility, there’s pretty much endless exercise capabilities with this home gym package. It comes with a squat rack, folding bench, a 20 kilogram olympic bar, a 15 kilogram olympic bar, medicine balls, a plyo box, a jump rope, bumper plates, and more. This pick certainly earns a 5 out of 5 for versatility.

Considering it includes so many pieces of equipment, you actually do need quite a bit of space for this home gym. It’s also not the most mobile, as you need to drill the squat rack and bench to your garage gym wall. For these reasons, our team gave the footprint and portability a 2 out of 5. If you’re an athlete who doesn’t have a ton of free space, this probably isn’t the best choice.

Durability shouldn’t be a big concern with any of the equipment here. Our team gave PRx a 4 out of 5 in that category, as the squat rackis made with 11-gauge steel. The steel equipment also has a powder coat to help prevent corrosion and rust. However, we do wish PRx gave a little more information on the other items in this package.

At $3,851.94, this gym certainly isn’t the cheapest option. That being said, CrossFit gym memberships tend to run around $150 to $200 per month, which can add up quickly. So, if you’re an athlete who wants to do some of their WODs right at home, we think this package is a solid pick.

Read our full PRxHome GymReview.

Best Home Gym for Small Spaces: Beyond Voltra

Beyond Power Voltra I

Beyond Power Voltra I

The Beyond Power is one of the smallest, most portable cable machines you'll find on the market. This device is compatible with the Beyond+ app so you can stream workouts or track your progress.

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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.

Best Home Gym for Streaming Workouts: Vitruvian Trainer+

Vitruvian+

Vitruvian+

This is among the most compact and portable home gyms. You can track your own progress with this machine and set attainable fitness goals right on the device app.

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For those who love to stream workout classes, the Vitruvian Trainer+ may be a good fit. This home gym comes with more than 300 streamable classes and fitness goal-focused programs. You can track all your data in the app and set personal challenges, earning the Vitruvian a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming.

Unlike free weights, this machine uses magnetic resistance.“What makes the Vitruvian unique is that it offers up to 440 pounds of resistance,”our tester said, giving a 4 out of 5 for versatility.“On a magnetic-resistance device this is challenging and you can increase the load however you’d like.”It also comes with a number of accessories, which are easy to lock into the machine. However, the Vitruvian is only compatible with its own accessories.

For footprint and portability, this one gets a 4.5 out of 5. It’s smaller than most other home gyms and it has wheels for easy portability. It’s also only five inches tall, which means you can easily store it under your bed when not in use.

Unlike the NordicTrack Fusion CST or Tonal, this smart home gym has resistance cables that come from the floor, rather than adjustable arms.“You don’t need to adjust this machine during your workout as you would with the arms of another smarthome gym,”according to our tester.“There’s less likelihood it will break.”

Given the nature of the design, there are some exercises you can’t do, likelat pulldowns. There’s no pulling that you can do from above, which some athletes may not love. However, this machine is more durable than some of the other tech-forward home gyms we’ve tested, earning a 4.5 out of 5 in that category. There are few plastic parts and less potential for damage.

While we think the technology and design is hard to match, it does come with a high price tag of $2,990. This isn’t the cheapest smart home gym, so if you’re shopping on a budget, you may prefer the NordicTrack Fusion CST.

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)

Home Gyms Are Convenient

Above all else, convenience is probably one of the major benefits of owning a home gym. You wake up in the morning, have your pre-workout, and then walk 15 steps to your garage to start clanging and banging. 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. Even if not, it’s a lot easier to get under the barbell for 45 minutes when you don’t have a 20-minute drive ahead of you.

You Can Customize It

The beauty of owning your own home gym is that it’s yours. All yours. Into CrossFit? Buy a simple squat stand, a plyo box, some rings, and a few kettlebells. More into powerlifting? Then opt for a more robust power rack, a quality barbell, and lots of plates. See where we’re going with this? Or, maybe you want a piece of equipment that can do everything you want (with the option to add more to it).

“I’d say the greatest benefit in this category of equipment is the incredible breadth,”according to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC.“There are so many options to suit so many different needs and budgets, and I think that exemplifies what’s so great about having ahome 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.”

It’s Cheaper in the Long Run

The final major home gym benefit is long-term savings. 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 in two ways. First, you can probably drop your gym membership fee, which can add up over time. Second, it saves you the time you’d take driving to and from the gym, along with the time you have to wait for equipment. For most, this extra time can turn into energy and time invested in other areas of their life.

How Much Do the Best Home Gyms Cost?

Home workout machines can cost as much or as little as you are willing to spend. You can be extremely thrifty and scour the internet for free or extremely cheap offerings and spend very little. On the other hand, you can also order custom, engraved, or color-coordinated equipment from a high-end equipment manufacturer and spend tens of thousands of dollars. Most people will fall somewhere in between these options, making a few budget buys and some splurge purchases for items that will receive heavy use.

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.

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 andfitness goals. What are you trying to accomplish? How will you use yourhome gym machine? Are you looking for a monstrousall-in-onetrainer 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 basem*nt 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