The Best Home Gym Machines in 2026: Tested for Versatility, Durability, and Performance

At a Glance

• Functional trainer cable rack attachment 
• The 260-pound weight stacks can be upgraded to 310 pounds
• Priced higher than the average cable machine
• Lifetime warranty is higher than the standard

One of the most important qualities of any home gym setup is versatility. You don’t want to buy an expensive centerpiece for your garage gym, only to find you can’t add extra accessories and functionality as your training routine evolves. 

With the REP Ares 2.0 cable machine attachment, you can add a top-tier functional trainer to an existing REP PR-4000 or PR-5000 power rack to create a veritable all-in-one home gym that can accommodate a range of different workout styles. 

When taken together, the Ares 2.0 allows for everything, from bodybuilding-focused isolation training to meat-and-potatoes powerlifting options, all in a durable package that earns a 5 out of 5 for versatility.

Footprint: 4/5

Weight Limit: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like the REP Ares 2.0

All of the features in the world wouldn’t make a difference if the Ares 2.0 wasn’t built to withstand your training style. Thankfully, our tester, GGR founder Coop Mitchell, found little to nitpick in terms of the trainer’s construction.

REP Fitness aimed for the Ares 2.0 to be tough, and its aluminum pulleys and plastic-lined trolleys were enough for Coop to award a 5 out of 5 in our construction and durability category. 

“The durability gets top marks from me,” Coop said. “This feels solid, and the cables were smooth and quiet. I didn’t notice any catching during my pull or release.”

Stability is another category where the Ares 2.0 earned a perfect score from Coop. Our founder lauded the 2.0’s revamped low pulleys, saying they feel “much better” than what was offered on the 1.0.

The Ares 2.0 is a solid enough functional trainer on its own with dual 260-pound weight stacks and dual low and high pulleys that provide a smooth training experience, but attaching it to the REP PR-4000 or PR-5000 power racks puts it over the top. This allows you to perform basics like barbell bench press, back squats, and shoulder presses, as well as add accessories to the racks such as landmine and belt squat add-ons. 

“This is who it’s worth it for: If you already have a REP rack and you want a functional trainer integrated,” Coop said. “I think this is actually in some ways better than a standalone functional trainer because you have the uprights where you can add a lot of future attachments.”

Alternatives

If you’re looking for a versatile home gym option that’s built tough, the REP Ares 2.0 is our top choice. That said, there are a few items to keep in mind. First is the fact that this is really geared toward people who either already have a REP PR-4000 or PR-5000 power rack, or are looking to buy the Ares and a rack all at once. 

With that comes the price. The Ares 2.0 alone is $2,999.99. If you buy the rack bundle, you’re looking at around $4,220. While we still give the Ares 2.0 a 4 out of 5 for its value, it’s important to understand that this is a big investment, especially if you don’t already have a REP rack to attach it to. 

Another knock, according to Coop, is that the highest pulley position is 93 inches, which he says is a little low and could impact your range of motion on certain movements, like triceps pushdowns. If you want a functional trainer that you can use without a power rack, we love the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer.

Testing Breakdown

The REP Ares 2.0 scored well across most of our categories, especially when it comes to the weight stacks and durability.

Vs. The Average

The REP Ares 2.0 has a high max resistance on its weight stacks, but that might not be worth the higher price point. Here’s how it compares to the average home gym.

Check out our full REP Ares 2.0 review.

At a Glance 

• Multi-gym machine using power rod resistance
• Budget-friendly price for a home gym machine
• Below-average construction
• Above-average warranty

For a machine that’ll train your delts a bit more than your hamstrings, we like the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym. The Xtreme 2 SE touts over 70 exercises in the space of one machine and has 210 pounds of resistance, which can be upgraded to 410 pounds of resistance for stronger lifters. With that much coming from one machine, it gets a 4-out-of-5 score for its versatility.

Versatility: 4/5

Value: 4/5

Durability: 3/5

Why We Like the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE

The main reason we recommend this home gym is its versatility, which scored a 4 out of 5. The 210 pounds of resistance is plenty for most people’s upper-body workouts, but it can be upgraded to a whopping 410 pounds. 

Adjusting resistance is as simple as shifting the cables from one power rod to another, but our tester also noted that it can be time-consuming. “I wouldn’t recommend doing supersets or circuit training with this machine, just because you’ll have to take a moment to change cables and pipes, depending on the exercises.” But even with this shortcoming, there are very few versatile machines priced at $1,500, so it earns a 4 out of 5 for its value.

People looking for top-tier customer policies should also know it’s backed by a seven-year warranty, and five years on the power rods—a warranty that’s above the standard.

Alternatives

Our product tester did notice that certain movements are limited—a common issue in all-in-one trainers. “Many movements had a little bit of a limiting factor, either because you’d have to adjust your seat position, or the range of motion was cut a bit short,” our product tester shared with me. 

While our product tester did like the abundance of exercises offered, they were less impressed by the construction and materials used in the Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym. I asked what felt off, and they replied, “There’s a lot of plastic, and the metal used doesn’t feel high-quality. The power rods creating resistance also tend to bow and stay bowed, even after I’ve disconnected them from the cables.” The lackluster construction leads to a rating of 3 out of 5.

Another versatile machine we like for training the upper body is the Bells of Steel Functional Trainer. Featuring smooth aluminum pulleys and dual 160-pound weight stacks, it’s one of the better-priced functional trainers on the market. 

Testing Breakdown

Although not the most durable machine, the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym still packs decent value. Here’s how it scored.

Vs. The Average

Using unique power rods to create resistance instead of traditional weight stacks or plates, this home gym comes in under the average price, but with a larger footprint.

For more information, check out our Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym review.

At a Glance 

• Budget-friendly all-in-one trainer
• Plate-loaded or weight stack variations
• Larger footprint than average
• Lifetime warranty is above the standard

Our top choice for the best piece of budget home gym equipment is the Bells of Steel All-in-One Home Gym since it combines two of the most versatile pieces of equipment into one cost-effective setup: a squat rack and a functional trainer. This combination unit allows you to lift heavy, whether you pick a plate-loaded trainer or one with a 210-pound weight stack. It also offers plenty of versatility and comes in at just over $1,900 at most, earning it a 4 out of 5 for value.

Smoothness: 4/5

Construction: 4.5/5

Accessories: 3.5/5

Why We Like the Bells of Steel All-In-One Home Gym

While it’s priced low for a functional trainer, the Bells of Stell All-In-One Home Gym is still built solidly. The trainer and rack combo uses 12-gauge steel throughout, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 for its construction and durability. Additionally, the company uses aluminum pulleys, which make for buttery smooth movements, whether you’re doing triceps pushdowns or cable flyes, earning a 4 out of 5 for cable travel and smoothness. 

You get a 2:1 pull ratio on the side pulleys (meaning 10 pounds really feels like 5) and a 1:1 ratio on the center pulley. “For something to be at the more budget end cost-wise for a stack version, to be able to have that feature is money,” says Coop Mitchell, founder of Garage Gym Reviews.

As mentioned, you have the choice between a traditional weight stack (similar to the type you’d see in a commercial gym) or a plate-loaded trainer. The cables have a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, so you could load these up with weight plates if you have a few extra lying around.

The footprint is a bit larger than other home gym machines, but the 81-inch height means it can fit into basement gyms or rooms with a lower ceiling. Coop adds, “It is a little bit deeper than some racks that are out there, but for what it actually does, I think it’s actually a decent size.” He rates the footprint at 4 out of 5.

Alternatives

While there might be some power rack attachments from other brands that will fit this, the proprietary 2.3-inch-by-2.3-inch upright sizing will make it difficult to find attachments outside of the ones built specifically for this all-in-one trainer. Thankfully, Bells of Steel has provided an ecosystem of about 15 attachments, including seal row pads, dip bars, and more. But fans of Rogue Fitness, REP, or Sorinex may need to consider another option.

And while the price is great, we understand that a $1,000+ purchase won’t fit everyone’s budget. We like the heavy-duty materials made at a budget price, but those who need something less expensive might need to look elsewhere.

You may also want to consider the Fitness Reality 810XLT. This budget-friendly squat rack can be outfitted with a cable attachment to give you even more versatility, and costs around $500 altogether.

Testing Breakdown

With solid construction and value, the Bells of Steel All-In-One Home Gym scored well in our testing in most categories.

Vs. The Average

At roughly $1,250 on the low end, the Bells of Steel All-In-One provides decent value compared to most other home gyms, although you’ll need space to accommodate its rather large footprint..

At a Glance

• Made from heavy-duty 11-gauge steel
• Can hold up to 1,000 pounds
• Above-average lifetime warranty
• Compatible with multiple attachments

We already touched on why we love the REP Ares 2.0, but we also have to talk about one of the power racks it attaches to: The REP PR-4000. Its placement on this list is a no-brainer, considering we already named it the best squat rack overall. 

At its core, this is a straightforward rack—no fuss, no muss. But therein lies the beauty. Not only is the PR-4000 made from durable 11-gauge steel, but it has no shortage of customization options, allowing you to deck it out with the right accessories for your training. 

“There are multiple pull-up grip options, three types of safeties, dip attachments, several J-cup options, and eight different colors,” GGR founder Coop Mitchell told me. “The best thing about this is you don’t pay for stuff you don’t want or need.” 

Construction: 5/5

Footprint: 4/5

Versatility: 4.5/5

Why We Like the REP PR-4000

Let’s get back to that 11-gauge steel. This is so important because you’ll want this rack to last a long, long time. And that’s exactly what you’re getting here. With a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, the PR-4000 is built to withstand heavy-duty barbell workouts day after day after day. 

The rack also touts 1-inch hole spacing, also known as Westside spacing, meaning you can get really precise when placing your J-cups for bench press, squats, and overhead presses. This is important for people who really need a specific feel when lifting in order to be comfortable. 

Another point in REP’s favor is the value—the PR-4000 starts at around $930 for the 80-inch-high version and a little over $1,030 for the more standard 93-inch-high model. Coop compared the PR-4000 to the similar Rogue Monster Lite (RML) 690C power rack, which starts at $2,072. While the GGR founder pointed out that Rogue had superior welding and coating, he also said, “most people probably won’t recognize or realize it.”

“All in all, the PR-4000 is an amazing rack at an amazing price and has probably put companies like Rogue Fitness and others on their toes due to the value provided,” Coop wrote.

This overall price helps the REP PR-4000 earn a 4.5 out of 5 for value.

Alternatives

As much as we love the value offered by the PR-4000, it’s important to note that the price will only increase as you add more accessories. Eventually, you will hit a point where it might be less expensive to purchase an all-in-one gym that comes with power racks, cables, pull-up bars, and more built into it. 

Another thing Coop noted is that you’ll likely want to bolt this power rack to the floor for the best stability. This isn’t unheard of for power racks, but it’s important to note if the thought of drilling holes into your gym’s floor gives you pause.

“When lifting outside the rack, there is a possibility that it can flip on you if you have heavy weight on the bar or drop it on the spotter arms,” Coop notes. “This isn’t specific to the PR-4000, but it’s something to keep in mind if deciding between this style or a flat-foot rack.”

For a simple rack with a smaller footprint, go with the PRx Profile PRO Squat Rack. This foldable model only sticks 4 inches off the wall when not in use, and is sturdy enough to hold up to 1,000 pounds.

Testing Breakdown

The REP PR-4000 scored well across the board, as you can see in our full breakdown below.

Vs. the Average

Though it costs more than an average power rack, the REP PR-4000 packs plenty of value in terms of durability and accessory potential. 

Go more in-depth with our full REP PR-4000 power rack review.

At a Glance 

• Budget smart home gym, but still a pricier option
• Compact footprint
• Mid-range digital weight resistance
• Below-average warranty

Editor’s note: Speediance has released the Gym Monster 2 with a few upgrades, but we’ve only tested the original so far, which is still available.

The Speediance Gym Monster will make it feel like you have an entire commercial gym in your home while taking up less space than a full-sized mattress. It packs so much versatility in a compact footprint by utilizing digital weight capable of generating up to 110 pounds of resistance per side, similar to Tonal but at a more affordable cost.

“This is a high-tech piece of equipment that’s offered at a lower cost,” says Cooper Mitchell, GGR founder, rating the value at a 4 out of 5. “I think that’s great.”

Footprint & Portability: 4/5

Smart Features: 4/5

Versatility: 5/5

Why We Like the Speediance Gym Monster

If you’ve never lifted with digital weights before, you may not realize how different the Gym Monster will feel, making 110 pounds for each arm feel heavier than your traditional free weights. You can also change up how the resistance feels in your hand by switching from barbell mode to chain mode. “You can feel a real difference between the two modes,” Sam Presley, former GGR operations manager and an expert product tester, told me after trying it out.

Along with digital resistance, the Speediance Gym Monster provides basic feedback during workouts in the form of tracking metrics—total weight, calories burned, and more. You also get access to Speediance’s online courses and programming, all without a subscription. The Gym Monster earns a 4 out of 5 for its smart features.

When it comes to versatility, we rate it a 5 out of 5 because it can be used for just about any type of exercise you want. The base package comes with a workout bench and a few attachments (such as an adjustable barbell, triceps rope, and D-handles), but you can also add a rowing bench. On top of that, the Speediance app—which you can stream on the included monitor—offers bodyweight, HIIT, and yoga classes.

Alternatives

Although this is a budget-friendly smart home gym, the $3,000 price tag is certainly nothing to scoff at. This will simply be out of some people’s price range, even with financing options available.

Coop also told me that since the Gym Monster is a more budget-friendly home gym compared to Tonal and other smart home gym equipment, the cables don’t feel as smooth. “They hitch, and the resistance can be uneven when using the barbell attachments,” Coop said, rating the construction a 3.5 out of 5 for this reason.

Working with limited space and a limited budget? The X3 Bar is a compact home gym solution that costs about one-fourth of a Speediance.

Testing Breakdown

Although the Speediance Gym Monster doesn’t have the best construction or accessories, it scored well in its smart features and versatility, as seen below.

Vs. The Average

Even at a “budget” price for smart home gyms, the Gym Monster is much pricier than your average home gym.

Check out our Speediance review for an in-depth look at this compact home gym.

At a Glance 

• 11-in-1 home gym machine
• Below-average home gym cost
• Can be stored vertically to reduce footprint
• Lifetime warranty is well above the average

If you want a compact solution to get plenty of lower body workouts in—including your lower back and posterior chain—you can’t go wrong with the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro. This machine boasts more than 20 exercises and converts into 11 different machines, with a definite emphasis on leg work. From a Nordic bench to a hip thrust station, this machine gets a solid 4-out-of-5 rating on its versatility.

Versatility: 4/5

Footprint: 4.5/5

Adjustments: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro

When I asked Coop Mitchell, GGR founder and fitness equipment guru, about the value of the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro, he said, “If you’re starting a home gym, this is a fantastic value. With everything that this can do, I’m a huge fan.” He rated the value a 4.5 out of 5, saying it’s a huge step up from their original Nordic Hyper GHD.

The functionality of each machine varies. Coop likes the Nordic bench most; it has the unique ability to not only incline the Nordic board, but also decline the board for those who need a greater challenge (although Nordic curls are plenty difficult enough). The back extension and GHD machines are decent as well. “They’re not as good as a standalone GHD, but it works quite well still,” Coop told me.

The upper-body trainer uses straps (not included) that allow for some functional trainer-like movements, like curls and seated rows. It won’t compare to the amount of upper-body exercises on a functional trainer, but it’s a nice addition if this is the only piece you have in your gym. “It’s definitely lower-body focused,” Coop adds. Still, it earns a 4 out of 5 for its versatility.

Alternatives

The main callout from Coop is that the construction isn’t the best. The steel construction is fine, but the powder coating and padding are OK at best, so the Hyper Pro gets a 3.5 out of 5 for construction and durability. Nevertheless, Coop notes that the machine is made to be more budget-priced, so at around $800 for 11 machines in one profile, it’s still a good value.

It’s also important to mention that the assembly process can be a bit burdensome, since the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro doesn’t come with a physical guide. “I wish there had been written instructions because I had to keep pausing the videos and rewinding them to make sure I was doing everything right,” adds GGR Managing Editor Amanda Dvorak, CNC, CPT. 

If you don’t need all those capabilities, the RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine is a cheaper, less complicated tool for training your lower body.

Testing Breakdown

Although the finish and padding are suboptimal, the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro is a solid machine with great value. Here’s how we scored it.

Vs. The Average

Although the machine is around $800, it converts into 11 machines, making it worth the cost already. Even after that, though, it still comes in at a lower cost than average home gyms.

You can read more in our Freak Athlete Hyper Pro review.

At a Glance 

• Lightweight cable machine
• Pricier home gym machine
• Smaller footprint than most home gyms
• Below-average warranty

The Voltra I from Beyond Power is a portable cable trainer that attaches to a squat rack and allows for customizable eccentric and concentric loads—or the lengthening and shortening of the muscles you’re training. With other mounting attachments, you can use this in virtually any area of your—or your friend’s—garage gym. At nearly 13 pounds and being smaller than a shoebox, it scores a 5 out of 5 for its footprint and portability.

“This is the smallest unit on the market that provides this much resistance,” says Coop Mitchell, GGR founder. “It’s also so fun to use and work into a modular garage gym system.”

Footprint & Portability: 5/5

Resistance: 4.5/5

Value: 3/5

Why We Like the Beyond Power Voltra I

The coolest part of this compact cable machine is that you can separately program the digital resistance between the concentric and eccentric movements—or the upward and downward movements of a deadlift—using the 4-inch LCD touchscreen. The small screen also enables you to track your reps, velocity, and power of each exercise. This feature is truly unique and something that can’t be replicated with resistance bands.

Coop says the Voltra is very durable, awarding it a 5 out of 5 in that category. “The design and engineering on this are top-notch,” he says. “The cable that comes with it is very sturdy, too. This is a synthetic cable that claims to be stronger than steel.”

If you don’t have a rack to attach the Voltra I to, there are other mounting attachments, including a floor platform you can deadlift or row from. We rate the cable machine’s versatility a 5 out of 5.

Alternatives

The basic package of the Voltra will set you back about $2,200. It comes with one cable, charging equipment, and a D-handle. Furthermore, you’ll have to purchase your desired mounting device separately, which will set you back another couple of hundred bucks.

We’re not fans of the price, especially compared to the lackluster warranty of one year. The high cost and fairly small set of accessories result in a value rating of 3 out of 5.

With such an expensive price tag, you may like knowing that you can operate a Voltra machine without any subscription fees.

For a more budget-friendly portable home gym, you can’t go wrong with the well-known TRX Home Suspension Trainer, which earned the top spot on our best portable home gym round-up.

Testing Breakdown

Although the Voltra I excelled in many aspects, the price left us questioning the value of the cable system at times. Here is how it scored.

Vs. The Average

The Beyond Power Voltra I is very compact and lightweight compared to your average home gym, even though the price is a bit higher than the typical range.

Read more in our in-depth Beyond Power Voltra review. 

At a Glance 

• Mid-range folding squat rack
• Compact footprint
• Above-average weight capacity
• Above-average warranty

The PRx Profile PRO Squat Rack is a foldable squat rack that has all the essentials an aspiring CrossFitter needs: a pull-up bar for kipping movements, a 1,000-pound weight capacity for heavy lifting, and a space-saving profile that earns a rating of 5 out of 5 for its footprint.

The rack can be ordered with one of three different pull-up bars—the multi-grip bar being at an additional cost—but we recommend the kipping bar for those who love CrossFit.

Footprint: 5/5

Stability: 5/5

Assembly: 3.5/5

Why We Like the PRx Profile PRO Squat Rack

We like a foldable squat rack for CrossFitters who may need more room in their home gyms for workouts. Coop Mitchell, GGR’s founder, has used the Profile series of racks before and told me it’s extremely easy to fold out and put away. “Very simply, you pull it down if you want to use it, and when you’re done, you put it back up,” he said. “The reason you purchase a rack like this is because this is the best portable, stowaway rack on the market.”

CrossFit athletes use squat racks for more than just back squats, but the squat has universal applications for just about every fitness medium. Plus, the kipping bar can be used for all types of bodyweight movements, from muscle-ups to toes-to-bar. It earns a 4 out of 5 for versatility.

RELATED: PRx Performance Profile Squat Rack and Bench Review

“There’s really no forward-and-back shake when you do CrossFit movements on this rack,” Coop let me know. “There’s only a little bit of side-to-side sway.” With 11-gauge steel, it’ll be a very stable rack, getting a 5 out of 5 for its construction and stability.

Plus, the 3-inch-by-3-inch tubing allows for plenty of attachments; PRx makes sure their accessories have UHMW plastic lining to protect your rack, too, as well as plastic feet to avoid any scratches on your home gym flooring.

Alternatives

Although we appreciate the value it brings, the $1,000-plus price tag of this folding rack may not fit everyone’s budget, earning it a 4 out of 5 rating in this category. Also, renters (and some homeowners) may not be able to mount a rack to their wall, so they’ll need a different option to maintain a compact squat rack and pull-up bar combo.

To avoid mounting a rack onto your wall, consider the Fringe Sport Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar. This free-standing rack includes a bar and can be bolted down for further stability.

Testing Breakdown

PRx is a trusted American brand in the fitness equipment industry. Here’s how the Profile PRO Folding Rack held up in our scoring.

Vs. The Average

While the PRx Profile PRO Folding Rack is a pricier option, it’s still affordable compared to your average home gym machine. Plus, it’s backed by a 10-year warranty—double the average.

Check out our PRx Profile Folding Full Cage review to see our thoughts on this similar product that folds out into a full four-post power rack.

At a Glance 

• Functional trainer with dual 200-lb weight stacks
• Above-average home gym price
• Smooth cable travel and good construction
• Below-average warranty

Our testers used the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer for full-body exercises covering the back, chest, and legs. It gets our nod as the best cable machine because of its smooth cable operation, earning a 4 out of 5 for smoothness. “I personally think it’s a great value for those looking to add a compact and high-quality functional trainer to their home gym,” GGR founder Coop Mitchell told me.

Construction & Durability: 4/5

Smoothness: 4/5

Footprint & Portability: 3.5/5

Why We Like the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer

The Titan Fitness Functional Trainer looks and feels similar to the cable machines we’ve seen in countless commercial and hotel gyms. While it feels durable and looks to be mostly made of steel, Titan doesn’t specify what gauge they use in their construction. Coop has had this for many years, though, and he hasn’t noticed anything too worrisome; plus, many of the customer reviews we’ve read through say the same.

On the bright side, the functional trainer uses aluminum pulleys that allow for smoother movements and are more durable compared to plastic nylon pulleys. “While there’s more affordable options out there, I think paying the extra money is worth it for a more high-quality machine,” Coop says, rating the construction and durability at 4 out of 5.

It’s also incredibly versatile, with 20 different height adjustments and dual 200-pound weight stacks that allow you to perform dozens of different exercises for a full-body workout. The weight stacks have a 2:1 ratio, meaning the max weight of 200 pounds actually only produces 100 pounds of force, but that should be enough for the movements you’d be doing with this machine. It gets a 4 out of 5 for its weight limit.

Alternatives

There’s a little bit of shaking or wobbling at heavier weights, but at 672 pounds, the functional trainer isn’t going to tip over, even without being bolted down to the floor.

Our main callout with this cable machine is the short 1-year warranty that Titan provides for all of their products. Although we’ve seen that this machine will last much longer, we’d love to see a longer coverage from Titan Fitness, especially for a home gym machine that costs nearly $3,000.

We’re also big fans of the similarly priced Gronk Fitness Functional Trainer, which offers 21 height adjustments and 200-pound dual weight stacks. Plus, it’s backed by a residential limited lifetime warranty.

Testing Breakdown

Although it’s a solid product, the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer has a lackluster warranty and assembly process. Here’s how it scored.

Vs. The Average

This is, without a doubt, a pricier piece of equipment compared to other home gyms. However, its higher weight limit due to dual weight stacks and versatility can make it worthwhile for many home gym setups.

Check out our Titan Fitness Functional Trainer review for more information.

At a Glance 

• Wall-mounted smart home gym
• Expensive compared to the average
• Above-average 250 lbs digital resistance
• Below-average warranty

The Tonal 2 takes what worked for the original Tonal and upgrades it. With an added camera to give real-time feedback and a new Aero feature for HIIT classes, we give the smart features a 5 out of 5. “The Aero feature works off of intensity instead of typical resistance, almost like a SkiErg,” Coop Mitchell, founder of Garage Gym Reviews, told me, adding, “I really liked the custom workouts because I could pick whatever I wanted to work on.”

Smart Features: 5/5

Construction: 4.5/5

Footprint: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Tonal 2

The Tonal 2 is a technology-driven home gym that has some of the best tech features we’ve seen in smart home gym equipment. It’s a wall-mounted screen with cable arms attached, turning this futuristic device into a full-body workout machine. As you exercise, a personal trainer puts you through a guided workout where you can see how the exercises should be performed. Additionally, Tonal uses AI to assess your form and adjust the weights as you go.

Measuring just over 4 feet high, the Tonal 2 won’t take up a lot of room and could potentially be great for small spaces, earning 4.5 out of 5 for its footprint. However, you need more than 7 feet around your machine in order to use the cables properly.

The Tonal 2 has been upgraded to provide up to 250 pounds of digital resistance, compared to the original Tonal’s 200-pound limit, which we love to see. The cables, which were an issue with users in the original model, have been upgraded to be stronger, and the new Tonal uses nylon pulleys to cause less wear on the cables, too. Coop rates the construction and durability at 4.5 out of 5.

Alternatives

Our biggest callout is the price; it’s expensive at $4,295 before purchasing the recommended accessories. There are ways to alleviate the cost, either through financing, finding a sale during Black Friday or other holidays, or checking for a Tonal coupon. 

If you own the original Tonal, you can also trade it in and receive $1,000 towards the purchase of the Tonal 2. However, Coop tells me, “If you have the original Tonal, I wouldn’t upgrade unless you need the extra resistance.”

Another thing that increases the price is that Tonal requires professional delivery and installation, which is not included in the original listed cost.

The Tonal 2 is relatively small and wall-mounted, making it compact when not in use; however, it’s recommended to have a 7-foot-by-7-foot space clear to use the unit safely and effectively.

If the Tonal is too expensive for your liking, the Echelon Strength Home is a more affordable smart home gym that offers up to 110 pounds of digital resistance per arm.

Testing Breakdown

While there are customer reviews available, they appear to be selected, so we didn’t include them in the scoring this time. But even with the high price, the Tonal 2 scored pretty well in our testing. Here’s the breakdown.

Vs. The Average

Compared to other home gyms, the Tonal 2 is much more expensive (largely due to its smart features), and its two-year warranty is below the average as well.

Read more on the original model—not too different from the Tonal 2—in our Tonal Smart Home Gym review.

At a Glance 

• Home gym machine using resistance bands
• Much smaller footprint compared to the average
• Below-average cost
• Backed by an average 5-year warranty (1 year on bands)

Strong things come in small packages, and if you don’t believe us, you’ve probably never tried out the X3 Bar before. The entire system weighs less than 20 pounds, and with the bar’s 21.5-inch length, it can still generate 300 pounds of resistance—600 pounds if you add on the X3 Elite Band. Its compact footprint and lightweight size easily earn the X3 a 4.5 out of 5 for its footprint and portability.

Construction: 4.5/5

Footprint & Portability: 4.5/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like the X3 Bar

I asked GGR founder Coop Mitchell how good the X3 Bar is after several workouts, and he simply replied, “Small kit. Big impact. Get some.” It can be taken just about anywhere, and Coop has done so on road trips. With 300 pounds of force capable with the X3 Bar, you’ll still be making gains while on the move, so the X3 Bar earns a 5 out of 5 for its maximum resistance.

Dr. John Jaquish invented the bar by combining the benefits of the best resistance bands with a barbell, which causes your body to recruit more muscle groups than a band or bar alone, leading to more effective muscle growth.

Some may balk at the nearly $550 price tag, and we understand that, but if you have the budget for it, we think it’s well worth it and give the value a 4 out of 5. The home gym system also comes with a 12-week workout program that shows you how to make the most of the X3 Bar, along with expert nutrition advice.

“The bar has some great knurling, better than some full-sized Olympic barbells,” Coop added. We also noticed in our testing that the bands are dipped in layered latex to prevent any breakage, earning this home gym a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 for durability.

Alternatives

The X3 has decent versatility, being advertised as having the same benefits as a squat rack (so you can do benches, back squats, and more with it). You can also perform moves that you’d typically do on any cable machine.

That said, some movements aren’t easily duplicated—we found it difficult to replicate a pull-up movement, for example. However, commenters on our YouTube review said that with some carabiners and creativity, it can be done.

Along the same vein, some folks just like lifting heavy weights, and resistance bands won’t feel the same, even though a 2019 review¹ concluded that resistance bands provide similar strength gains to free-weight training.

If you prefer free weights, get a pair of dumbbells to go with the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2, which allows for flat, incline, or decline bench training. It also has its own ecosystem of attachments, essentially making it another compact home gym system.

Testing Breakdown

Our product testers were solid fans of the X3 Bar, and the added programming was a nice touch for those needing it. Here’s how we scored this home gym.

Vs. The Average

At only $550, the X3 Bar is well under the average price for home gym machines and is an incredibly portable solution, too.

Get our full thoughts by reading our X3 Bar review.

At a Glance 

• Cable tower with a compact footprint
• Plate-loaded and weight stack versions available
• Budget-friendly price
• Backed by an above-average lifetime warranty

The Bells of Steel Cable Tower with Weight Stack can truly be used by people of all fitness levels, but we find it best for beginners because of its versatility and ideal weight range for people trying to get into a fitness routine. It’s available as a plate-loaded version or with weight stacks, but we like the value most on the plate-loaded version, especially for newer gym enthusiasts. We rate its value at 5 out of 5.

Smoothness: 4/5

Footprint: 5/5

Accessories: 3.5/5

Why We Like the Bells of Steel Cable Tower

We like the Bells of Steel Cable Tower because of its versatility and smoothness, which we rate at 4 out of 5. You can perform all types of the best cable machine workouts thanks to 33 height adjustments and two included handles. There are also a large number of attachments available, such as a Y-dip bar, belt squat, and a close grip attachment.

The versions of the cable work on a 2:1 pulley ratio (meaning 50 pounds will feel like 25), but with two exit points for cables, you can connect them and get a 1:1 ratio, meaning you can feel the actual weight. “This is great for low rows, lat pulldowns—anything where you’d want some heavier weight,” adds GGR founder Coop Mitchell, who rates the weight limits at 5 out of 5. The weight stacks work up to 210 pounds, while the plate-loaded cable supports up to 250 pounds.

Coop, who extensively tested the Bells of Steel Cable Tower, called it “a home gym owner’s dream product.” I asked him why, and he listed that it’s affordable, extremely versatile, and highly customizable. Not only can you do a lot of exercises with it, but it can be bolted onto your wall for extra support, or you can add an extra upright for $80. “You can even combine two units together and create a power rack,” Coop added.

Alternatives

There’s a lot to like about this cable tower, but one issue we have is the unique upright sizing. At 2.3 inches by 2.3 inches, it won’t be compatible with most attachments from major brands. We rate the accessories at 3.5 out of 5, though, because Bells of Steel has a decent attachment ecosystem that you can choose accessories from.

It’s also important to note that Bells of Steel recommends bolting down their cable tower to ensure it’s stable, and with its compact footprint and tall height, I’d recommend it, too. Without the back upright, it’d be ideal to bolt against a wall.

New trainees may also want to look into the Major Fitness PLM03 Multi-Functional Power Rack. This home gym provides excellent functionality and versatility for about $1,000.

Testing Breakdown

The Bells of Steel Cable Tower was a solid piece of equipment in our testing. Here’s how it scored.

Vs. The Average

The plate-loaded version of this cable tower is priced competitively, especially compared to other home gym machines. Plus, it has a pretty compact footprint.

For more, check out our Bells of Steel Cable Tower review.

At a Glance 

• Weight stacks can hold up to 260 lbs per side
• Can switch between 1:1 and 2:1 resistance during workouts
• J-hooks have a 1,500-pound weight capacity 
• Uprights use a mix of 12- and 14-gauge steel 

Sometimes, you just want a home gym machine to do it all. And while no machine can do everything, the Major Fitness B17 Flying Fortress All-In-One Functional Trainer comes awfully close. 

The B17 is a top-notch Smith machine at its heart, but that’s only part of the story. This one-stop shop also features dual cable pulleys that allow users to switch between a 1:1 and 2:1 ratio on a dime. And if the machine doesn’t already come with enough stuff to lift, you can deck it out further with accessories like a leg extension and lateral raise attachment. 

Make no mistake, at roughly $4,200, the B17 is an investment. Still, we had to give it a 4 out of 5 for value, considering everything you get in this package.“You’re essentially getting a Smith machine, a power rack, a pull-up bar, and a landmine training system in one,” GGR Senior Staff Writer Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC, said. “When you factor in all the compatible accessories and attachments, the B17 offers great value.”

Footprint: 4/5

Smoothness: 4/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like the Major Fitness Heritage Series B17 Flying Fortress All-In-One Functional Trainer with Smith Machine

Where the B17 shines is in its versatility. If you’re keen on bodybuilding training, the Smith machine and cables can allow you to isolate your muscles and get the pump you crave. The 1,500-pound weight capacity on the J-hooks can also help those looking to build pure strength through sets of rack pulls or overhead presses. Lastly, the dip attachment and pull-up handles should appeal to athletes with the functional fitness itch. 

“The level of adjustability is incredible,” Stephen said, adding that the B17 allows you to target specific body parts at specific angles for precise training. 

An all-in-one of this caliber needs to be built tough to withstand a heavy-duty workout. The B17 has a 1,500-pound weight limit on the J-cups, and the spotter arms can withstand a drop test of 1,000 pounds, making the gym suitable for barbells packed with plates. The dual weight stacks can also expand up to 260 pounds each and can be switched on the fly between a 2:1 and 1:1 ratio. This helps the B17 earn a 4.5 out of 5 for its weight limit.  

“The weight stacks are expandable up to 260 pounds with these built-in selector rods that allow you to load weight plates on here,” Stephen said. “This is a great feature you don’t ordinarily see on a functional trainer.”

Alternatives

All that said, our time with the B17 definitely ran into some turbulence along the way. While Stephen said the pulleys moved well, overall, it was far from the smoothest experience he’s had on such a machine.

“Is the B17 the smoothest system we’ve used? I wouldn’t go that far,” Stephen adds. “You may feel some extra tension in the cables that feels more like resistance than actual weight.” For that, we awarded the B17 a 4 out of 5 for smoothness. 

Stephen also remarked on Major Fitness’ decision to go with 12- and 14-gauge steel for the machine’s uprights, noting that they’re not as sturdy as 11-gauge steel. The B17 still earned a 4 out of 5 for construction and durability, but the steel is definitely something home gym veterans will notice. 

The construction might not sound like a deal-breaker until you find out that Major Fitness only offers a one-year warranty with the B17. While you have a 35-day window for returns, the short warranty is definitely something worth considering. 

If the Major Fitness B17 is out of your price range, consider the $1,900 Bells of Steel All-in-One Home Gym. Though it’s lacking the features of the B17, it offers solid value and a 300-pound cable capacity. 

Testing Breakdown

The Major Fitness B17 mostly sticks the landing, but a few issues with smoothness and construction hold it back from soaring to greater heights.

Vs. The Average

We love all of the features found in the B17, but the price might be too steep for the majority of lifters. Plus, the one-year warranty leaves a lot to be desired.