Best Home Gym Machines of 2025, Approved by Experts

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a standalone home gym machine capable of full-body 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 effective strength training.

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 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 $499 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

If you’re building out a garage gym, you’ll need a treadmill for some indoor cardio sessions (no matter how much you hate running). And while the market might be saturated with great options, the model we keep coming back to is the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. This all-around beauty can go from a -3% decline to a 12% incline without issue and features some top-of-the-line tech to ensure your cardio days are never boring. 

One of the key selling points of the 1750 is its built-in iFIT integration, which is displayed on a 16-inch touchscreen. With around 10,000 on-demand fitness courses at your disposal, the iFIT feature is perfect for people who want to feel like they’re in a workout studio without the gym membership.

“You can just sit there and scroll for hours at a time, honestly, and just find all these different workouts that are literally right there at your fingertips,” Jake Herod, BarBend tester, says. That, along with the treadmill’s other streaming features, earns the 1750 a 5 out of 5 for programming and tech. 

The 1750 is also well-built and ready to withstand the rigors of a daily workout program. With a 400-pound weight limit and sturdy construction, we rated it a 5 out of 5 for durability.

There are two drawbacks to be aware of. First, the treadmill has a sizable footprint, measuring 21.11 square feet and weighing 311 pounds. 

“The main drawback for this machine is its footprint. It’s large and heavy, so definitely ensure your space can fit it (and you have the capability to bring it into your desired space or can pay to have it done for you) before purchasing it,” says our expert reviewer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto..

Since you won’t be able to fit this in tight spaces or move it around too easily, we rated it a 3.5 out of 5 for its footprint. 

Next up is the $2,499 price tag, which increases with the monthly $39 iFIT subscription. For a more budget-friendly option, try the $2,100 Horizon 7.0 AT, which often goes on sale to around $1,000.

Good for: Anyone looking for a best-in-class treadmill that features studio-quality cardio classes like you’d find in a commercial gym.

Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 review.

Why We Like It

There are a lot of high-quality rowing machines out there, but the Aviron Strong Go Rower tops our list as the best for your home gym due to its reliable build and the brand’s unique, gamified approach to interactive workouts. 

To start, the Go Rower measures 84 inches long by 27 inches wide by 48 inches tall, which is significantly shorter than the standard 95-inch length of rowers. Its aluminum and plastic build is also highly durable, with a ​​weight capacity of 507 pounds. The rower itself offers 100 pounds of resistance broken out into 16 levels, which should pique the interest of anyone looking to test their strength-training mettle on cardio day. 

“I really liked the heavier levels for strength training,” our tester notes. “It’s an intensity I’ve rarely found available in home rowing machines.”

In terms of comfort, the Go Rower offers the ability to adjust the width of the footpads, as well as the length. This unique feature helped it earn a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics. 

The big standout, though, is Aviron’s media suite. This feature offers over 1,000 on-demand home workout options, including digital landscapes, virtual classes, and video game-like programs to make cardio feel more engaging and interactive. 

“For someone more interested in video games than working out, this might be a holy union,” our tester says, giving the dynamic programming a 3.75 out of 5.

The big difference between the Aviron Strong Go Rower and the standard Strong Rower is the Go’s lack of a 22-inch HD touchscreen display. This helps bring the price down to $1,599 and features a dedicated spot to use your own personal iPad. You still have access to the same media suite, but you can use your own technology to operate it. All of these offerings help the Strong Go Rower earn a 5 out of 5 for tech. 

If you want the screen built into your rower, just stick with the brand’s standard Strong Rower.

Good for: People who want an interactive home workout experience for more enjoyable cardio sessions.

Why We Like It

When looking for an all-in-one home gym, you want something that really offers full-body training options, and that’s what you get with the Force USA C10 All-in-One Trainer. We’re talking about a Smith machine, power rack, chin-up station, functional trainer, lat pulldown, and more, in a single piece of fitness equipment. 

Like Force USA’s other all-in-one trainers, we’re giving the C10 a 5 out of 5 for versatility. In addition to the equipment you get right out of the box, the company offers enough add-ons and accessories to replace 13 different workout machines, including jammer arms, leg curl attachments, a dip station, and a whole lot more, earning the trainer a 4.5 out of 5 for accessories. (Remember, you’re on the hook for buying weight plates, barbells, and all of the other fitness equipment staples.)

Among the many highlights is the C10’s 2:1 dual cable pulley ratio that tops out at a weight capacity of 220 pounds. You can swivel these upright pulleys up to 200 degrees, providing a wider range of angles to help you build muscle. These options are invaluable for anyone who prioritizes muscle development in their workouts, with BarBend expert and personal trainer Amanda Capritto saying, “Cables are ideal for slow-eccentric training, which has been suggested in clinical trial data to produce greater hypertrophy gains.” (5)

While our team hasn’t tested the C10 in person yet, Force USA stresses that anyone thinking of a purchase should have a ceiling height of at least 97 inches. This workout machine is also a little over six feet wide, so while it’s not the largest footprint on the market, you should definitely take that ceiling height seriously, especially if you’re going to use the chin-up feature.

The company also claims the entire thing should take six hours to assemble. While BarBend testers put together the Force USA X15 Pro in five hours with the company’s professional assembly help option, it took our team 35 hours to construct the Force USA G20 Pro without the company’s help. (And trust us, we’ve assembled a lot of exercise equipment over the years.) That earns the C10 a 3 out of 5 for assembly. Long story short, if you have the extra $799.99, go with the professional assembly. 

With a $4,499 price tag, the Force USA C10 All-In-One Trainer offers a lot of options. Whether it justifies the cost is in the eye of the beholder, but you won’t find many better all-in-one trainers on the market for your home workouts. For something cheaper, the Force USA G3 all-in-one is a solid alternative.

Good for: People looking to invest in a top-of-the-line trainer with a ton of strength training options in one spot.

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 ONE 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 of at least 94 inches (preferably 107-inch ceilings). However, it’s a pretty easy process overall; just attach the main frame to the studs, and 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 set-up 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 ONE 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 ONE a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. We do wish 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 $1,000, the PRx Profile ONE 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.

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. 

“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

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.