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Best home gym machines of 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Building a home gym can be game-changing, whether you’re newly trying to get fit or you’re sick and tired of your gym commute. Getting started can be challenging, but with all-in-one home gym rigs, you can replace multiple fitness machines at once to enjoy a comprehensive full-body workout.
In this guide, we’ve selected the best home gym setups. Our selection rivals the equipment you can find at a commercial gym, with different options to suit different needs, goals and fitness levels.
Home gyms overview
Consistent physical activity is the key to living a healthier life, lowering your risk of diseases and injuries later in life. There are endless ways to stay fit, but there are just as many barriers to regular exercise, including lack of time, cost and even feeling uneasy in a gym environment.
Having a home gym tailored to your workout style can help you stay consistent and eliminate many of the usual barriers to fitness.
“It comes down to convenience. You can just wake up and work out. Plus, some people are introverts or they don’t feel comfortable exercising around others,” said Sergio Pedemonte, certified personal trainer and CEO of Your House Fitness.
Pedemonte stressed, however, that not everyone needs an all-in-one gym. Those at the very beginning of their fitness journey might be better served by purchasing small home gym essentials, like a dumbbell set or resistance bands. Make sure to focus on healthy eating habits and incorporate protein shakes or meal replacement bars to keep yourself fueled up.
How we chose the best home gyms
To compile this list, we looked for home gym machines that could deliver on these key factors.
- All-in-one functionality: We looked for machines that could provide an effective full-body workout and functionally replace multiple gym machines and accessories in one.
- Construction quality: We looked for well-constructed machines built to last.
- Space-saving: We considered dimensions and only included machines that could reasonably fit in limited spaces.
Top home gyms
- Best budget: Synergee Power Rack With Pulley System
- Best pulley system: BowFlex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- Best for calisthenics: TRX Home2 System
- Best power rack: REP Fitness PR-1100 Power Rack
- Best all-in-one: Force USA G6 All-In-One Trainer
- Best smart home gym: Tonal
Best budget: Synergee Power Rack With Pulley System
- Power rack and pulley system in one
- Supports up to 750 lbs.
- 44.5 in. (W) x 51 in. (D) x 81 in. (H)
About Synergee Power Rack With Pulley System
This home gym setup from Synergee is a budget-friendly option for those wanting all-in-one functionalities. Like our top pick, it combines a power rack with a pulley system, so you can target muscles big and small in many different ways.
The kit comes with 11 attachments, including a dip station and pull-up bar to practice your bodyweight exercises. Once fully constructed, it stands 81 inches tall so it can fit into spaces with slightly lower ceilings. Since it’s a fairly minimalist design, the pulley system’s resistance is meant to come from weight plates, which are not included in the kit.
At under a thousand dollars, it’s an excellent deal, but keep in mind that the construction and durability may not be on par with pricier options like our pick from Force USA.
Why we like it
- Smaller footprint compared to similar systems
- Budget-friendly
- Very versatile
What to consider
- Construction and durability align with the lower price point
- Weights not included
Best pulley system: BowFlex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
- 70+ strength-building exercises
- 210 lbs of Power Rod® resistance, upgradeable to 410 lbs
- 53 in. (L) x 49 in. (W) x 83.25 in. (H)
About BowFlex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is one of the most popular all-in-one home gym machines, with an accessible design that offers plenty of challenges but won’t intimidate newcomers. It works based on a cable pulley system that allows for a full-body workout with over 70 different exercises.
Unlike former iterations of this machine, the Xtreme 2SE is effortless to adjust mid-workout thanks to a no-change pulley system. The lat tower and bench ensure a great upper body workout, while the leg curling set-up and squat station mean you won’t neglect your lower body.
As a pulley home gym machine, it’s a great entry point to fitness that allows users to exercise specific muscles in a very safe and stable manner. However, intermediate and advanced lifters may miss the added challenges that come with free weights. According to some reviewers, the listed level of resistance often feels lighter than equivalent free weights.
For a slightly more affordable option, the Bowflex Xceed is a solid buy that just lacks the quick change system.
Why we like it
- No-change cable pulley system for a seamless workout
- Reliable and durable build
- Non-intimidating introduction to resistance training
What to consider
- Exclusive pulley-style training may not satisfy advanced lifters
- Weight can feel lighter than listed
Best for calisthenics: TRX Home2 System
- Kit includes suspension strap, handles, door anchor, suspension anchor and carry bag
- Warranted to support up to 350 lbs.
- Compact and portable
About TRX Home2 System
This home gym kit is as small and portable as it gets, which is why it’s one of Pedemonte’s favorite accessories to bring along when training clients at home. It relies on the suspension and your own body weight to give an amazing workout.
The main accessory in the set is the suspension trainer strap, which attaches to doors, trees, or any other sturdy structure via one of the included anchors. Pedemonte suggested caution when using the door anchor, however, as not all doors can support the same maximum weight as the suspension trainer itself.
Compared to the other machines and setups on our list, the TRX system is best for those with an interest in functional fitness, mobility and calisthenics. It’s very different from machines that recreate the gym experience, but Pedemonte is actually a huge fan of many of the TRX variations on classic movements, which introduce additional challenges like core stability or explosiveness.
A purchase includes a 2-week trial to the TRX Training Club which has over 2000 workout videos, but you can also find free follow-along workouts on YouTube.
Why we like it
- Very small and portable
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for those with interest in calisthenics, mobility, or functional fitness
What to consider
- Different style of training that doesn’t mimic the gym experience
- Use door anchor with caution
Best power rack: REP Fitness PR-1100 Power Rack
- Power rack with pull-up bar, other add-ons available
- Supports up to 700 lbs.
- 58.1 in. (W) x 48.5 in. (D) x 85 in. (H)
About REP Fitness PR-1100 Power Rack
If your training style is all about those heavy-hitting barbell lifts, then you won’t need much more than the PR-1100 Power Rack. It comes from REP Fitness, a popular home gym brand with an incredible reputation for quality and durability.
This is one of REP Fitness’ most budget-friendly options, with a compact design that’ll fit in most home spaces. It doesn’t require any floor anchoring, so it’s easy to install or move around. That said, it does lack some stability. According to Pedemonte, users will be able to do regular pull-ups, but it’s best to avoid momentum-propelled movements like a Kipping pull-up.
REP Fitness takes a very modular approach to its home gym equipment, which is another thing we love – there are a lot of optional add-ons, including cables, so you can transform it into a more comprehensive machine should you wish.
Why we like it
- Perfect for barbell-focused training
- Budget-friendly
- Modular with a lot of upgrade options
What to consider
- Not as versatile as other options
- Barbell and plates not included
Best all-in-one: Force USA G6 All-In-One Trainer
- 11 machines in one, including a power rack and functional trainer
- Two 220 lb. weight stacks, rated to support up to 992 lbs.
- 72 in. (W) x 64 in. (D) x 91 in. (H)
About Force USA G6 All-In-One Trainer
If you’re looking for a home gym system that replaces nearly every machine at the gym, the G6 All-In-One Trainer delivers. This is the most comprehensive all-in-one on our list to satisfy the most experienced gym-goers.
As a power rack, it’ll serve you during your heaviest lifts. There’s a built-in Smith machine if you need additional stability. You can even work on your calisthenics by using the pull-up bar and suspension trainer attachments. It has two built-in 220-pound weight stacks with adjustable pulleys, which makes the machine more accessible for those with less gym experience.
In its entirety, the G6 will be overkill for most beginners, but it’s perfect for a household where everyone has different experience levels and training goals. Plus, 19 attachments and plenty of available upgrades make it easy to customize over time.
If you’re primarily interested in the power rack functions but still looking for an all-in-one, the Force USA G3 All-In-One Trainer is an excellent option. It lacks the weight stack but retails for significantly less.
Why we like it
- Comprehensive all-in-one gym replacement
- Power rack functionality for serious lifters
- Pulley system and additional equipment enhance versatility
What to consider
- Can be challenging to set up
- Barbells and weight plates sold separately
Best smart home gym: Tonal
- All-in-one home gym and AI-driven personal trainer
- Delivers up to 200 lbs. of resistance
- Wall-mounted design doesn’t require floor space
About Tonal
Tonal is a home gym setup that makes the most of the digital age by working as both your personal trainer and gym machine. It has a tiny footprint thanks to a wall-mounted design and foldable, adjustable arms that act like a pulley system. This combination is ideal for apartment living because it saves space and makes minimal noise when you train.
The magic comes from Tonal’s subscription software, which develops your workout plan for you with adaptive weight selection, guided workouts and more. An electromagnetic motor controls the resistance, ensuring even exertion during every part of a movement. It offers up to 200 pounds of resistance, which is sufficient for a challenging workout at most fitness levels.
As for drawbacks – Tonal is an expensive system with both an upfront cost for the device itself and a monthly subscription for the software. Without the subscription, Tonal retains its functionality as a “cable machine” but loses all smart features.
Why we like it
- Software tailors workout to user needs
- Tiny footprint and minimal noise perfect for apartments
- Even resistance thanks to magnetic force
What to consider
- Very expensive initial investment
- Monthly subscription required for almost all smart features
How to choose a home gym
To make sure you choose the best home gym setup for you, you need to consider your individual needs based on your training style, experience level and budget.
- Training style: Choose a home gym that will cater to your workout. If you’re training like a powerlifter, a power rack is imperative, whereas a bodybuilder might appreciate the isolation that’s possible with a functional trainer. A home gym system like our top pick from ForceUSA G6 is versatile enough to accommodate different household members' training styles.
- Experience level: All-in-one machines based on pulley systems like Tonal and Bowflex are often a safer and more accessible choice for beginners, while those with more experience may prefer the chance to lift heavy with a power rack.
- Budget: The more versatile or advanced a machine, the higher the cost will be. On the upper end, all-in-one gyms can retail for several thousands of dollars, while budget options tend to hover around $1000-$2000. Systems like the TRX Home2 provide a budget-friendly alternative using one’s own body weight.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top home gyms. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best machines and equipment for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
What is a good brand of home gym equipment?
The top home gym equipment brands are Force USA, REP Fitness and Bowflex. They make durable, well-made home gym systems and accessories and often supply products to commercial gyms.
Is a home gym a good investment?
It’s impossible to understate the value of investing in one’s health through regular exercise. If you’re passionate about your fitness but don’t enjoy commercial gyms, a home gym is an excellent investment that will allow you to save money on a gym membership.
What is the most used gym item?
According to Pedemonte, who often trains clients of various experience levels, the most popular home gym items are actually dumbbells, kettlebells and resistance bands – in other words, small home gym accessories rather than all-in-ones. Pedemonte added that at commercial gyms, the power racks are often in highest demand, so while he doesn’t recommend them for beginners, they’re a worthy investment for those looking to replace the gym.
References
Nikolajsen, H., Sandal, L. F., Juhl, C. B., Troelsen, J., & Juul-Kristensen, B. (2021). Barriers to, and Facilitators of, Exercising in Fitness Centres among Adults with and without Physical Disabilities: A Scoping Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(14), 7341. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147341 Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8304633/
