Best Home Gym Machines of 2026, Approved by Experts

Why We Like It

If there were ever a brand more synonymous with the best home gym essentials, it may very well be Bowflex. In addition to the brand’s available treadmills, exercise bikes, and adjustable kettlebells and dumbbells, the Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym serves as a great example of home gym machinery, especially when it comes to total-body workouts. Thanks to the included Power Rod system and multiple pulleys along the silhouette, you can quickly tackle upper and lower body exercises across one machine.

Our tester scored the versatility at 4 out of 5, stating they enjoyed how expansive the exercise library was across the Bowflex profile. “While range of motion can be limited at times, you’re still able to facilitate high-quality movements,” they add. However, we do note that your workout pace can be strained if you’re planning on circuit training. “Switching your resistance across the Power Rods is less intuitive than a pin or plate-loaded system,” states our tester. “I wouldn’t recommend this machine for HIIT workouts.” For more streamlined weight changes, consider a silhouette like the REP Fitness Arcadia or Force USA G12.

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym features a metal construction with a variety of plastic components. In trials, we had no issues regarding durability, but the heavy emphasis on plastic does give us concern regarding extended use. Accordingly, we score the durability at a conservative 3 out of 5. Thankfully, though, the brand does warranty the machine for seven years and offers five-year protection for the included Power Rods.

This total-body home gym may also be too compact for taller athletes. The listed height is 83.25 inches, meaning the top lat pulldown carabiners may be too close to your shoulders for an effective range of motion. You can drop the seat for a more accommodating setup, though.

Finally, we rate the value of this Bowflex home gym at 4 out of 5. While the $1,499 price tag is not the cheapest from our testing pool, we do feel the versatility makes up for the heightened cost.

Good for: Individuals wanting an all-in-one home gym machine for full-body workouts.

Read our full Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE review.

Why We Like It

Bodybuilding is one of the most popular fitness disciplines, but you don’t need a dedicated gym membership to get in on the action. For tackling bodybuilding workouts at home, the Major Fitness F22 All-in-One Home Gym Power Rack can be a great solution given its power rack-functional trainer design and impressive 1,200-pound weight capacity. We also appreciate the abundance of attachments available for this machine, which can be perfect for adding accessories in the future.

Rosie Borchert, NASM-CPT, tested this home gym machine and rates her overall experience at a perfect 5 out of 5. “I really like the accessibility of each component and the shorter height means the pull-up handles are easier to reach (a real perk for shorter athletes),” she states. “The brand also offers bundled packages which include a weight bench, barbell, and weight plates, so your entire home gym can be outfitted in one single purchase.”

The F22 power rack can support weights up to 1,200 pounds, which is above the average 1,000-pound rating we’ve seen with other squat racks. This can be helpful for one-rep maxes and high-intensity training, but we do caution that the 14-gauge steel does have us questioning how Major Fitness is able to accomplish such durability. We typically recommend a higher gauge steel in power racks, as the thicker material can be more suitable for heavier loads. (4) While we rate the F22’s durability at 4 out of 5, we do recommend something like the REP Fitness PR-5000 for a sturdier at-home setup.

This Major Fitness rack is hefty at 277.8 pounds, which Borchert notes in her low 2-out-of-5 portability rating. “Where you set this machine up is where it’ll likely live for its lifespan, so choose your area wisely.” If you’re in need of a lighter setup, check out the Speediance Gym Monster or Beyond Power Voltra I.

Finally, this impressive setup features dual cable pulley towers, a low row station, landmine attachment, and pull-up handles in addition to the power rack framing. Accessories are available for added modalities, which may appeal to athletes looking for extra versatility, but we recommend sticking with Major Fitness-branded add-ons given the less-than-universal 2-inch by 3-inch upright dimensions.

Good for: Anyone who needs access to high-quality cables and a power rack to maintain a bodybuilding training style.

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a standalone home gym machine capable of full-body cable workouts, we can’t recommend the REP Fitness Ares 2.0 functional trainer enough. This trainer is sturdy, designed for a variety of fitness goals, and comes with numerous customization options to tailor it to your liking. 

To start, the Ares 2.0 features dual 260-pound weight stacks that can be upgraded to 310 pounds for heavier training. The swiveling pulleys allow you to perform moves at multiple angles so you’re not locked into a fixed plane. The trainer is also compatible with the REP PR-4000 and PR-5000 racks, allowing you to integrate heavy-duty strength training movements like squats and the bench press. 

Despite all these features, REP made sure there’s enough breathing room in the Ares 2.0 to allow you to exercise comfortably. 

“REP raised the lower pulleys for a more comfortable range of motion during certain exercises,” our tester notes. “I especially enjoy the dual cable attachments at the top that give you the opportunity to use both 260-pound weight stacks in tandem during workouts. Plus, the brand raised the lower pulleys for a more comfortable range of motion during certain exercises.”

This helped earn the Ares 2.0 a 4.5 out of 5 for its training experience. 

As for its footprint, the trainer measures 57.6 inches wide by 80 to 93 inches high, depending on the accessories you purchase. It’s not a huge space killer; in the end, our tester gave it a 4 out of 5 for its dimensions. Still, be sure to take the added size of the accessories into account before making any purchasing decisions. Thankfully, REP’s website makes the whole process extremely clear and offers great customer support, which our tester rated 4.5 out of 5. (It’s a far cry from a faceless Amazon seller.)

So, what about the price? Well, the Ares 2.0 will set you back $2,999.99 on its own. For that, you get the cables, pulleys, lat pulldown bar, and four D-handle attachments. From there, you can add a cable package for $174.99 or bundle the whole thing with a rack for $4,199.92. 

Your mileage may vary on the value, but if you’re looking to invest in a high-quality centerpiece for your home gym beyond the standard pair of dumbbells, you won’t do much better than the REP Fitness Ares 2.0 functional trainer. For a less expensive, more pared-down option at $929.99, try the Major Fitness F22 All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack. 

Good for: Athletes looking for a home gym setup that’s a one-stop shop for cable-oriented strength training.

Why We Like It

Sometimes, the name of the game for home gyms is versatility — i.e., getting the most exercise and workout options from a single piece of equipment. This is where the Bells of Steel Functional Trainer shines, offering a full cable machine experience with dual weight stacks that have a 400-pound capacity (plate-loaded), and a compact, corner design to help you maximize your space.

Our expert tester said, “I did feel like there was enough versatility in weight, height options, and pull points. You can pull from any height and direction with no problem.” They also added that the cables operated smoothly from all angles without snagging or catching. As such, we awarded the Bells of Steel Functional Trainer a 4.5 out of 5 for overall performance. “The weight was more than enough,” notes our tester. “The cables are very smooth and I like the grip options for pull-ups.”

This functional trainer machine is also a space-saver with a 29.44-square-foot footprint that is built to fit in a corner to maximize space. As such, this compact design earned a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint. Additionally, despite the compact size, our tester noted that the Bells of Steel Functional Trainer is durable and sturdy. “It has thick metal and bolts all over the machine,” they said. “I did not notice any wobbling, regardless of the movement being performed.” 

The Bells of Steel Functional Trainer retails for up to $2,145, depending on the model you choose. However, you can often catch a sale, where we’ve seen the price range drop as low as $1,900 for the weight stack model. Regardless, this machine offers excellent versatility, strong durability, and lifetime warranty, which earns a 4.5 out of 5 for value. 

The main drawbacks our tester found with this trainer were having to purchase your own weight plates (for the plate-loaded model), and the cable height adjustment mechanism. “You can adjust it to the desired height,” they said, “But you need two hands because the mechanism is a screw instead of a clasp. It’s not the easiest or quickest to screw in and adjust.” 

If manual adjustments during your workout sound like a deal-breaker, we recommend the Tonal 2, which automatically adjusts to accommodate your intended exercise.

Good for: People who need a single machine that offers versatility with a compact footprint.

Why We Like It

Not everyone needs all of the accoutrements sported by some of the home gym equipment on this list — some people just need a sturdy squat rack that can help them build muscle without a fuss. That’s where this $349 squat rack from Fringe Sport excels. If you have a barebones CrossFit training style — think front squats, barbell thrusters, and weightlifting moves — this piece of equipment gives you plenty of options for your fitness goals. And with the additional pull-up bar, you’ll be able to perfect your bodyweight movements during a home workout. 

In terms of weight capacity, the squat rack holds up to 450 pounds. While not the heaviest capacity on the market, it can be more than enough for most people. More importantly, our tester gave the squat rack a 4 out of 5 for stability, saying, “I didn’t load it up too heavy but it still felt pretty stable.” However, they did add that, “I do recommend mounting it to the floor for the utmost safety.”

There’s a great value here, which is why we awarded the rack a 4 out of 5 for price. Here’s what you need to keep in mind, though: If you want more out of this squat rack — spotter arms, a landmine station, a belt squat attachment, etc. — you’ll have to pay extra for each accessory. That’s why we awarded the rack a 3.5 out of 5 for accessories. You can do a lot with it, but you’ll need to buy everything yourself. For a squat rack with even more accessory potential, try the REP Fitness PR-5000.

In short, if you’re a CrossFitter on the lookout for a solid rack for front squats and a sturdy pull-up bar, you’re not going to do much better than what Fringe offers. It’s an even better buy if you already have equipment like some of the best dumbbells, kettlebells, and anything else geared toward your fitness goals. The price is more than reasonable, and the quality is up to the task.

Good for: CrossFitters looking for a dependable, moderately-priced squat rack with a pull-up bar for home workouts.

Why We Like It

The Force USA G3 is a slam dunk for the best cable machine for your home gym, but it offers much more than that. It also features a Smith machine, chin-up station, core trainer, and suspension trainer station. Plus, you can always purchase add-ons from Force USA to pack even more options onto this beast, such as jammer arms and a leg press attachment for lower body days. This array of options earns the G3 a ​​4.75 out of 5 for versatility and our title as the best all-in-one home gym setup. 

“This is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment, and it’s well-made, too,” says our tester.

In terms of logistics, the G3 has a pulley ratio of 2:1 and 16 height positions on the trainer, so you can use cables from various angles to hit specific body parts. This is perfect for anyone on a bodybuilding training regimen, and it’s especially useful if you have a bench to help you hit even more angles. 

The addition of a Smith machine — and a high-quality one at that — is another huge plus. Our tester notes that they didn’t notice any “hitches or unevenness when using the Smith machine,” but did remark that the knurling on the bar was a little lackluster.

Still, we awarded the G3 with a 5 out of 5 for value, due to the sheer amount of training options you get for $1,999. Just note that you may need to purchase some additional accessories to fully tailor this all-in-one trainer to your needs, including weight plates and barbells. 

For durability, we give the G3 a 4 out of 5. Our testers praised the sturdiness of the power rack and the overall build of the machine, but did note some “wobbliness” when utilizing the chin-up station. Also, while the machine is solid overall, especially for the money, just be aware that the G3 packs a lot into a relatively small space. As a result, things can feel a bit cramped. For something a little beefier, try the Force USA G15 All-in-One Trainer.

Good for: People who prioritize strength training using cable machines and are looking for a relatively budget-friendly option for home workouts. 

Read our full Force USA G3 review.

Why We Like It

How does a seemingly ordinary bench end up as our pick for the best budget home gym? By offering an extraordinary amount of options to get full workouts in a limited space. With a few pieces of extra equipment — namely dumbbells, kettlebells, and/or a barbell and some plates — you can utilize the bench’s 11 lock-out angles to do everything from incline bench press and seated shoulder presses to decline chest flyers and Bulgarian split squats. 

“Weight benches are more versatile than they seem on the surface, and for that, they’re a great buy in my book,” says BarBend expert contributor and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto.

The bench itself has a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds when flat and 600 pounds at an incline, while only weighing 60 pounds on its own. That earns the bench a 5 out of 5 for portability. On top of that, Ironmaster offers a range of different accessories for the bench that can help you get even more out of your home workouts. These add-ons include a leg extension attachment, dip handles, a full chin-up bar, and more, earning the bench a 5 out of 5 for its attachments.

Though we haven’t tested the Ironmaster Super Bench Adjustable Utility Bench ourselves, we have tested the brand’s Super Bench Pro V2, which has similar specs and offers nearly identical attachments. Our tester noted that the accessories offered by Ironmaster help you target multiple muscle groups with ease. And while the accessories add to the total cost, the bench’s $399 price tag makes it a relatively budget-friendly foundation for anyone looking to approximate a commercial gym in their home. If you just want a no-frills weight bench, we recommend the Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench.

In terms of the warranty, Ironmaster offers 10 years for the frame and functional components, and one year for normal wear items like surface finishes, rubber, and stitched and upholstered materials. That’s a comprehensive plan for any piece of equipment, and we give this warranty a 4.5 out of 5.

Good for: Anyone looking for a budget-friendly weight bench that can turn into something more, thanks to a range of strength-training accessories.

Why We Like It

There’s no escaping it — the digital age has taken over fitness, too. Like the best smart treadmills and screen-equipped exercise bikes, home gym machines can have a litany of tech features, as well. For our money, the redesigned Tonal 2 is the best of the bunch thanks to its compact, wall-mounted profile and new Smart View coaching tools providing real-time feedback on form and performance.

We’ve yet to train with this recently updated Tonal silhouette, but we do have plenty of logged workouts with its predecessor. Our tester states, “The cabled resistance is smooth yet challenging enough for a workout, and I like that the unit is mounted to your wall for compact storage when not in use.” According to the brand, though, you’ll need roughly 64 square feet of available space to perform the programmed workouts, so we rate the footprint at 4.75 out of 5.

The Tonal 2 operates through the brand’s companion app, which costs $59.95 monthly. Unfortunately, though, the brand does not offer a free trial period — a perk often available with some of the best online workout programs. Given this added cost, along with the base machine price of $4,295, we rate the value at 4 out of 5. Thankfully, though, our tester does say that the programming is engaging and worthwhile.

“The on-demand workouts are led by high-energy trainers, so there’s no shortage of motivation,” they note in reference to their 4.75-out-of-5 programming score. “I also appreciate the range of available sessions between custom workouts, coach-guided programming, partner workouts, and on-demand classes.”

The Tonal 2 can also offer data tracking capabilities through the brand’s Smart Accessories, which is an extra investment prior to checkout. This new profile also features a built-in camera, which unlocks Smart View — a digital coaching tool that can offer real-time cues to help you train effectively and safely. Of course, though, we understand that some athletes may be skeptical of adding a camera into their abode. For these individuals, it may be best to opt for smart exercise equipment like the Vitruvian Trainer+ or Speediance Gym Monster.

Good for: People wanting the best home gym equipment with digital interfaces for training and data tracking.

Why We Like It

Not everyone has the space (or the cash) for a fully kitted-out garage home gym with all the bells and whistles. Sometimes, you need to prioritize space-saving equipment over purchasing the biggest, baddest rack you can find. If that’s your situation, we highly recommend the PRx Profile PRO Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar.

This lean, mean pull-up machine mounts directly to your wall of choice, and the 4-inch depth profile folds nearly flush against the wall once your workout is over. Yes, there is some assembly required; you’ll need the wall brackets mounted to 16 or 24 inches on center studs, and a ceiling height between 78 inches (for the shortest model) and 113 inches for the (for the tallest model). However, setup is a pretty easy process overall — just attach the main frame to the studs, then connect all other parts using the included washers and screws.

Overall, we rate the assembly a 4.5 out of 5 for relative ease (although if you want an even more compact home gym with zero setup required, we’d recommend the TRX Training Pro 4).

The biggest question we had regarding this small home gym was its durability. Would it wobble during bodyweight exercises like pull-ups? Could it handle a barbell loaded with the best weight plates? After all, the Profile PRO Squat Rack isn’t bolted to the ground, and its footplates are plastic.

We’re pleased to report that this home gym was sturdy, reliable, and mostly movement-free during our workouts. The squat rack boasts a 1,000-pound weight capacity, and during our kipping pull-ups, we barely noticed any movement (no matter how much we kicked our feet during the struggle to hoist ourselves up).

We did notice a bit of instability during side-to-side movements, but that didn’t deter us from rating the Profile PRO a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. We do wish, though, that the footplates were coated in rubber versus plastic to add more floor protection and stability.

The fold-up motion was fluid, thanks to the four 100-pound gas shocks — we could even fold the rack up one-handed. However, bear in mind that this rack’s petite nature means there’s no built-in storage. You’ll also have to pay extra for add-ons such as spotter arms or a dip station. Still, at under $1,100, the PRx Profile PRO Squat Rack is still on the lower end of options we tested, so we’d rate the value of this home gym at 4 out of 5 (just know you’ll have to budget for attachments and more).

Good for: Minimalist athletes with little space to spare for bulky home gym equipment and workout machines.