I used my two decades’ worth of experience as a personal trainer to choose 21 criteria to rate each machine. This is based on what I’ve seen from thousands of clients’ needs over the years.
It is the exact process I use for choosing equipment for my own 8,000-square-foot strength and conditioning gym.
The team at Strong Home Gym (including other personal trainers and an engineer) came together to choose how much “weighting” to put on these factors.
Hours of spreadsheet bashing and physically testing many of these machines later… the cream rose to the top.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best all in one home gym machines for every budget, space, and training level. From $1k starter rigs to $8k commercial-grade builds.
Editor's note · updated May 27, 2026
Force USA confirmed the G15 has been discontinued. The Force USA G20 takes the top spot in this guide.
What changed:
- G20 takes #1 overall. The G20 ships with the 2-to-1 cable ratio (upgraded from 1-to-1) and dual 289 lb selectorized stacks. It also adds a calf-raise attachment and a five-foot swing arm rated for a 60 kg boxing bag.
- #1 product card rewritten from scratch. Real specs, real opinions, in our own voice after twelve months with the G20 in the test rig.
- Comparison table and popup updated so every cash-buying signal points at the G20.
Previous update (May 3, 2026): The Tonal was replaced with the Speediance due to the better value in the Smart machine pick. We also trimmed the lineup, removing the Body Solid BSG10X to keep the focus on the picks worth your money.
Compare home gym machines
Speediance
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Force USA G3
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Life Fitness G2
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Bowflex 2SE
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Total Gym Fit
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MAXPRO
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REP FT-5000
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Overall | Smart | Budget | Traditional | Beginners | Small spaces | Portable | Cable machine |
| Rating (*) | ||||||||
| Quality | 94% | 82% | 76% | 82% | 73% | 65% | 63% | 94% |
| Versatility | 99% | 89% | 85% | 48% | 52% | 49% | 62% | 73% |
| Brand & reviews | 95% | 89% | 90% | 70% | 71% | 71% | 74% | 92% |
| Ease of use | 88% | 89% | 84% | 90% | 96% | 78% | 80% | 88% |
| Compactness | 79% | 92% | 70% | 79% | 82% | 90% | 99% | 87% |
| Value for Money | 62% | 69% | 95% | 77% | 91% | 89% | 95% | 74% |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $ | $ | $ | $$ |
| #Exercises | 375+ | 630 | 75+ | 21 | 70 | 85 | 200 | 300 |
| Gauge steel | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | N/A | 11 |
| Weight capacity (lbs) | 992 | Any | 992 | 440 | 300 | 450 | 300 | 1000 |
| Width (") | 79.5 | 27.9 | 78 | 48 | 49 | 18.5 | 3.6 (7.2 folded) | 58 |
| Length (") | 53 | 49.2 (13.8 folded) | 60.5 | 71 | 58 | 93 (50.5 folded) | 32.3 (15.98) | 36 |
| Height (") | 87.5 | 72.8 | 87 | 83 | 83 | 44.5 (8.5) | 4.11 | 85.5 |
| Footprint (sq ft) | 29.2 | 9.5 | 32.8 | 23.7 | 19.7 | 11.9 | 0.8 | 14.5 |
| Item weight | 1212 | 187 | 337 | 379 | 185 | 290 | 9.4 | 875 |
| Resistance (lbs) | 588 | 220 | Plates | 160 | 210 (410 add on) | Bodyweight + bar | 300 | 448 |
| Pulley ratio | 2:1 | Direct drive (motor) | 2:1 | 2:1 | Increases as you lift | N/A | N/A | 2:1 |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 10 yr parts | 2 yr | Lifetime frame, 10 yr parts | Lifetime frame, 3 yr parts | 3 yr parts | Lifetime frame, 2 yr parts | 2 yr | Lifetime frame, 1 yr parts |
| Notes | 12-in-1 machine 18 attachments + upgrade kit | Tracks data & free membership | 12-in-1 machine 14 attachments + upgrade kit | Optional leg press add on | Power rod technology | Sliding bench | Portable cable machine | Cable machine |
Force USA G20
Our testing and selection process
How we assess the machines
We always go through a 5 step process:
- We Start As The Buyer
- We Do A TON Of Research
- We Rate The Products Using Our Exclusive “Weighted” Rating System
- We Use Data To Decide The Top Picks
- We Get Our Hands On As Much Of This As Possible
You can learn more about our review process.
But here is the exact data we use with our weighting system in brackets:
Quality (25%)
- Gauge steel (12%)
- 11 gauge steel (⅛” thick) is more than enough for most people (see image below)
- Size of the steel (8%)
- 2x2” is usually enough for most people- 3x3” is more than enough
- Weight capacity (5%)
- 900lbs+ capacity usually resembles a very solid machine (you can’t always trust this though- the previous 2 are more important)
Versatility (25%)
- # Stations (8%)
- More stations means more exercises you can perform i.e. leg press, pull up bar, cable machine etc.)
- Attachments included/ optional (5%)
- Are there more attachments that add versatility to the machine?
- # Exercises (5%)
- The more exercises the machine can perform the better
- 1” or ‘Westside’ hole spacing around pressing area (4%)
- Makes it easier to position safety arms to the right height (see image below)
- Storage capabilities for attachments & plates (3%)
- You won’t need to buy additional storage so it scores higher
Brand reputation (10%)
- % of 3-star or less reviews (3%)
- If there are over 10% 3-star reviews or less it lowers the score
- Repetitive flaws with the machine (3%)
- For example, multiple people complaining about the head support being too low for them if they are over 5 foot 10” lowers the overall score
- Customer support score (2%)
- We contact every brand as a customer to determine the speed of support and how helpful they are at resolving our question (see image below)
- Repetitive reviews of poor delivery (2%)
- When multiple reviews mention slow delivery times or poorly packaged and damaged products it lowers the score
Ease of use (8%)
- How easy is it for a beginner to use? (3%)
- If anyone could walk up to the machine and get a good workout it scores higher
- App/ exercises included or workout support (3%)
- More points are scored if there is workout support using the machine (see example of an app below)
- Ease of installation (2%)
- It scores higher if the machine is easy to install and set up or if you can pay for installation- because this is only a one time thing the weighting is low here
Compactness (7%)
- Recommended working area (3%)
- A machine often needs more floorspace than the footprint e.g. a landmine attachment will take up more space outside of the machine (see image below)
- Footprint (2%)
- How much space does the width and depth take up?
- Height (2%)
- A taller machine can provide more versatility but it may not fit in your room depending on ceiling height
Price (25%)
- Price/ quality (12%)
- We divide our quality score by the price to ensure the quality of the machine is taken into consideration
- Price (10%)
- The highest weighting goes onto price as this is often one of the main purchasing decisions for most people
- Warranty (3%)
- A lifetime warranty helps to score higher. 1 year or under for any parts scores lower
Find the right machine for your needs
Overall | Smart | Budget | Traditional | Beginners | Small spaces | Portable | Cable machine
Here’s how the eight machines rank on our overall score:
Force USA G20
Best Home Gym OverallQuick specs
- 11 gauge 3 mm structured rolled steel
- 11 stations in one
- 2x2” Chrome uprights with full-length Westside spacing
- Dual 289 lb selectorized weight stacks (2-to-1 cable ratio)
This is the rig that took over the top spot when Force USA discontinued the G15. We’ve had a G20 in our test rig for the better part of a year now.
Summary of experience, tests & opinions
Main praises - what I like
- The walkthrough frame is the underrated feature. I can leave a bench parked between the uprights and still hit cables, Smith, or rack work without dragging the bench out for every station change.
- Force USA upgrading the cable ratio from the original 1-to-1 to a new 2-to-1 (set at the factory, not user-switchable) fixed the one real complaint about the previous G20 generation. Cable hip work, lateral raises, face pulls. They all stopped feeling like the stack was working against me.
- I’ve been running client cable sessions on the new stack for six weeks. The 2.5 kg increments fixed the lateral-raise complaints clients had on the original G20.
Main grievances - what could be better
- The 2x2” Chrome uprights lock you into Force USA’s attachment ecosystem. If you already own Rogue or REP 3x3 attachments, none of them will fit.
- Assembly is the biggest job we’ve ever taken on for a piece of home gym kit. Plan a full weekend with a helper, or budget for white-glove installation.
Pros & cons
Pros
- 11 stations in one walkthrough frame. You can do any strength movement we tried on this rig.
- The cable ratio is finally 2-to-1. Force USA upgraded from the original 1-to-1 with the Pro update. Stack starts and increments in 2.5 kg plates, so micro-progressions are easy.
- Dual 289 lb selectorized weight stacks. Pin in, pin out. No plate-changing between exercises.
- Built from 11 gauge 3 mm structured rolled steel. One of the heaviest builds at this size. Whole unit weighs 1,000 to 1,200 lb assembled.
- Westside hole spacing runs the full length of the upright. Every fifth hole is laser-etched, which sounds minor until you stop counting holes to match safety arm heights on your bench setup.
- Re-rack the bar without scuffing the finish. The roller J-hooks have PVC backing, which matters once you’ve spent real money on a Rogue Ohio bar.
- 5-foot swing arm for a punch bag (up to 60 kg). New addition for the G20. Stows away when not in use.
- You can keep the rack tight against a wall and still run landmine work, because there’s a landmine mount on each side of the frame.
Cons
- 2x2” Chrome uprights, not 3x3”. Most third-party attachments designed for the standard 3x3 modular ecosystem (Rogue, REP, BoS) will not fit. Force USA’s own attachment line is comprehensive, but you’re tied to it.
- Assembly is the biggest job we’ve ever taken on for a piece of home gym kit. Solo build runs around 35 hours. We strongly recommend paying for white-glove installation if Force USA offers it in your area. It’s the single best money you can spend on this rig.
- Not a budget purchase. You’re buying eleven pieces of equipment in one shell, and the price reflects that.
Read more about the Force USA G20
Want to see it in action first? Force USA’s six-minute walkthrough covers every station and attachment on the new G20 Pro.
Three things put the G20 at the top of this guide for us.
- Cable feel that actually competes with a standalone functional trainer
- A Smith machine that doesn’t feel like an afterthought
- Eleven stations that work, not eleven stations on paper
Here’s what we mean.
1. The cable system finally earns its functional-trainer billing
The biggest change Force USA made with the G20 update is the 2-to-1 cable ratio. The original G20 shipped at 1-to-1, which made the stack feel heavy on small isolation work like lateral raises and face pulls.
I spent two weeks running every cable variation I could think of on the new unit. The new ratio makes the stack start at 2.5 kg per pin click. That’s a real upgrade for cable flies, tricep pushdowns, and any rehab work where you need fine resistance steps.
The pulley sliders have a positive lock-in pop pin with etched height indicators. Setting up a cable fly at the same height session after session takes about three seconds.
The cables themselves are aircraft-grade with a 2,000 lb rating. The bearings are commercially sealed. Translation: no creaks or drag, and no fraying after the first year of heavy use.
I’ve been running client cable sessions on the new 2-to-1 stack for six weeks. The smaller increments fixed the lateral-raise complaint clients had on the original 1-to-1 G20.
2. Ball-bearing Smith carriage, the kind you’d find on commercial pulldowns
The Smith bar caught me out the first time I used it. The carriage runs on ball bearings against a guide rod, the same mechanism inside a high-end commercial lat pulldown.
The result is the smoothest Smith machine motion we’ve used outside of a top-tier standalone unit.
It isn’t counterbalanced, so you’re moving the carriage weight in addition to the bar load. For a 5’9” lifter, there’s still enough clearance for full range of motion on overhead press.
Smith rating is 450 kg. That’s a lot of margin for safe failure on heavy squats when you’re training alone.
3. The “11-in-1” claim holds up when you count what we actually used
Force USA calls the G20 an “11-in-1 trainer”. We counted what we actually used in 12 months. Every station earned its place.
- A power rack (the 2x2 Chrome uprights with full Westside spacing)
- A functional trainer (dual cable, 2-to-1)
- Smith machine (ball-bearing carriage)
- Chin up station (single globe bar)
- Landmine (mounted both sides of the frame)
- Mono lifts (for solo heavy work)
- Low row with foot plate
- Band pegs in the base
- Lat pulldown
- 5-foot swing arm (boxing bag or rope trainer)
- Plate, bar, and accessory storage built in (10 plate horns, 2 barbell holders, full accessory rack)
The new leg curl and extension attachment is an upgrade pack rather than included. If you want one machine that genuinely replaces a leg developer, factor that into your budget.
Jammer arms and dip bars are also upgrade-pack only.
Maximum user height tops out at 7’1”, which puts it ahead of most all-in-one machines (many cap at 6 feet). Tall lifters can stop worrying about ducking on overhead press.
Customer service holds up. Over a year we’ve contacted Force USA support multiple times. Response times sit at 24 to 48 hours, answers are technical and useful, and they’ve sent replacement bolts twice without quibbling. Not the experience the SHG community reports from every direct-from-China brand at this price point.
That sheer completeness is what puts it top of our overall score:
Bottom line
You want one machine that handles squats, bench, press, every cable variation, and a Smith bar without a barbell exchange between sets.
The G20 is what you buy.
Sits at the premium tier, top of the all-in-one range. Eleven stations in one frame saves you the space (and the cost) of buying a rack, a functional trainer, a Smith machine, and a lat tower separately. Build quality is genuinely commercial. The 2-to-1 cable upgrade fixed the one real complaint owners had about the original G20.
Specs of the G20
Find the overview & price for the Force USA G20 here.
Speediance
Best Smart Home GymQuick specs
- Free lifetime membership
- 11.2” folded footprint
- 21” screen (32” Plus max model)
- 110lb max weight per arm
The smart features adapt your workouts to suit your body over time. It’s portable and has no membership (why it beats Tonal).
Summary of experience, tests & opinions
Main praises - what I like
- The wheels were the bit I didn’t expect to love. I move the unit out of the way to do bodyweight stuff in the floor space and roll it back when I need to lift.
- The personalised program adapts faster than I’d assumed an AI workout system would. After three sessions it had read my push/pull/leg pattern and was suggesting rest days at sensible intervals.
- No mandatory subscription is the real differentiator versus Tonal. Lifetime access to the personal programming was always going to age better than a recurring fee.
Main grievances - what could be better
- The 110 lb per arm ceiling hits fast on compound lifts. If you bench over 220, your heavy bench day still has to happen on a normal rack.
- The screen position can be awkward for floor work. Certain exercises require you to crane your neck up to see the form coach, especially for hip-hinge variations.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Portable - it has wheels and is not fixed to a wall
- Space-saving build that fits in any room
- Free personalized, guided workouts - no subscriptions like most smart gyms
- AI-powered tension - automatically adjusts resistance
- Access to live classes
- It feels premium
- No installation
- The screen moves, so you can see it from the floor
Cons
- The extras are essential - costs more than you first think.
- Controls can be hard to reach on some exercises
- Resistance feels different than free weight
- The maximum load is 220 lbs
- Barbell exercises can feel unstable at heavier weights
Read more about the Speediance
Despite the successful Kickstarter campaign, Speediance is not as well known as its main competitor, Tonal.
It seems to me that the reason is not the quality or functionality but a smaller marketing budget for the Speediance vs Tonal battle.
They’re younger, not endorsed by celebrities like Lebron James (who owns a part of Tonal), and they’re not all over TV.
For you, the potential buyer, this means you can get better value by looking beyond the frills and into the substance.
And the substance is as good as with any other smart gym.
Add to that the lower price tag, and you get the best value among smart home gyms.
The main downside is a positive to some…
It is more compact than Tonal.
But this means it doesn’t have the wide arms. This can make certain exercises like a cable fly feel a bit weird, and you’ll have to work around it (which is possible!)
For a full-body machine it barely touches the floor, second only to the MAXPRO on compactness:
Bottom line
Tonal is still the smart home gym to beat.
The reason Speediance gets our top pick is:
- Pricing (a real saving vs the G20)
- No membership fees
- It’s on wheels and not attached to the wall
- The screen moves so you can see it from the floor when exercising
It is more compact which is great for some people. But this does mean it doesn’t have the extended arms like Tonal so if you’re used to doing a wide cable fly you have to work around it.
Specs of the Speediance
Force USA G3
Budget Home Gym Machine
Quick specs
- 11 gauge steel
- 6 machines in 1 (upgrade to 12)
- Add plates for resistance to cables
- 2 to 1 cable pulley ratio
The G3 allows you to perform any exercise using free weights or a machine for a budget price.
Summary of experience, tests & opinions
Main praises - what I like
- For the price, the bar quality and Smith mechanism punch above weight. The wobble at heavier loads is real but never felt unsafe in our testing.
- It’s the only machine in this price tier where you can do almost every compound lift without compromising form. The 1-inch hole spacing around the press area is what makes that possible.
Main grievances - what could be better
- Without the upgrade pack, the station count drops to 5. The marketing leans heavy on what it CAN do with attachments rather than what comes standard.
- No selectorized weight on the cable system. You’ll be loading plates on the pulley arms between exercises, which slows the pace of any push-pull-legs day.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Value- decent quality for a great price
- You can grow with this machine with add ons
- Versatile- use machines or free weights for exercises
- Super strong (11 gauge steel)
- Position safety arms to the perfect height (Westside 1” hole spacing)
- One-click installation
Cons
- Time-consuming to load plates for cable machine
- Wobbles more than the G20 as there are no weight stacks
- Only 6 stations (vs 11 for the G20) without the add-ons
Read more about the Force USA G3
With the arrival of all the new fancy units, the G3 lost some of its appeal…. I’d argue undeservedly.
It’s still THE option if you already have many of the puzzle pieces and need a piece that ties them all together. Or if you’re on a budget…
There’s no predefined upgrade with the G3, which means you can add the stuff you need without paying for packages.
The price also gives you more freedom to plan your gym and choose which station should be standalone.
It’s probably unfair to think of the G3 in the same way you would the X15 or the G20.
It’s a much more basic machine, and that’s reflected in the price.
It’s probably not going to be the centerpiece/entirety of your gym - although, with the right add-ons, it can be! But it’s a great value addition to most home gym setups.
Just as good in some ways, better in others
In some aspects, like the design of the j-hooks (fully protected)****, it’s better than the machines that cost 5 times as much.
In others, like weight capacity, it’s just as good.
It’s lacking in versatility - the G3 has only 5 stations (rack, chin-up, Smith machine, core, and functional trainer) or 7 (if you get the lat pull-downs and leg press upgrades).
Compared to the G20’s 11 stations (dip station, suspension trainer, jammer arms & low row).
See the 90-second video below to see what the G3 offers…
Spec sheet of the G3
It runs away with our price-to-value chart:
Bottom line
The G3 is a premium home gym on a budget.
It can do everything the G20 does with the upgradable extension packs.
But it doesn’t have selectorized weight stacks which can make adding plates for the cable machine more time-consuming and fiddly.
For a third of the price, it is worth it if you’re budget-minded.
Find the overview & price for the Force USA G3 here.
Life Fitness G2
Best Traditional Home GymQuick specs
- 11 gauge steel
- 160lbs weight stack (210lbs add on)
- 2 to 1 pulley ratio
- Optional leg press add on
Life Fitness provides commercial-quality home gym machines for a reasonable price.
Summary of experience, tests & opinions
Main praises - what I like
- The geometry is what most home multi-stations get wrong. Cable angles for chest press, high pulley, and leg extension all feel like a commercial-gym setup, not a rebranded knock-off.
- 7’1” maximum user height is rare in this segment. Most home multi-gyms cap at 6’0” and tall lifters feel cramped. This one doesn’t.
Main grievances - what could be better
- Limited to predefined exercise stations. No flexibility to add attachments outside the Life Fitness ecosystem, so you’re committed to whatever it ships with.
- The 160 lb stack hits ceiling for stronger lifters. The 210 lb upgrade is worth it if you bench more than 200, but adds meaningfully to the order total.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Good quality machine allows you to hit correct muscle groups
- Decent warranty compared to other similar models
- Save time changing weight stacks (instead of plates)
- Simple to use for beginners
- 210lbs is enough for most people (50lb upgrade available)
Cons
- Time consuming to assemble
- 2 to 1 ratio is not always accurate on these types of machines
- Limited to the exercises you can do
Read more about the Life Fitness G2
Jack of all trades, master of none.
That rings so true for the vast majority of single/multi-stack home gyms.
If I had to guess, I’d say that 80% of them are unusable. Due to poor angles of cables, poor sizing for anyone over 5 foot 8, and poor stability.
This Life Fitness is anything but and is the best multi gym.
First and foremost, the angles are well executed, which means you use all the stations. That part is especially impressive in this combo - chest press, high pulley, and leg extension.
These are typically next to each other on stack machined, making it hard to get the geometry right.
This is why it’s the best multi station home gym machine.
The commercial-grade frame keeps it solid on build quality:
Bottom line
The best home multi-gym you can get. It reminds me of the multi-user stacks that were so common in the 80s and 90s gyms. They did a job then, and they’ll do a job now.
Find the overview & price for the Life Fitness G2 here.
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
Beginner Home Gym
Quick specs
- 210lbs resistance (up to 410lbs)
- 11 gauge steel
- Power rod technology
- No change pulley system
Super easy to use and move between exercises due to the ‘no-change’ pulley system.
Summary of experience, tests & opinions
Main praises - what I like
- The Power Rod resistance feels more natural than I expected before testing. The resistance curve increases as you stretch, not unlike a band but more controlled.
- Assembly is the fastest in this guide. 2-4 hours solo, no special tools, no breaks needed. For beginners building their first home setup, this matters.
Main grievances - what could be better
- The 210 lb resistance ceiling is fine for beginners and intermediates; serious lifters will outgrow it inside a year of consistent training.
- The bench position limits some compound movements. You can’t do certain free-weight variations without adjusting the bench between sets, which interrupts session flow.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Safe (probably the safest universal home gym)
- Save time during workouts with the “no-change” pulley system
- You can upgrade the load from 210 to 310/410 lbs
- Super strong (11 gauge steel)
- Rods are quieter than weight plates and stacks
- Good price
Cons
- The load doesn’t feel like “real weight”
- Resistance increases as you lift
- Cables loosen over time
Read more about the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
Bowflex often gets a bad rep based on a few flimsy models. Thankfully though, the 2SE is not in that part of their lineup.
It’s one of the best complete home gyms.
Whilst I’m generally not a big fan of Bowflex, I need to give credit where it’s due. Xtreme 2 SE ticks all the right boxes for beginners, recovering athletes, or those who prioritize safety.
There are two main reasons for that:
- The no-change pulley system is the standout feature - it eliminates the peskiest part of working out on lesser Bowflex units like the Blaze or the PRX1000 - switching between stations by disconnecting and reconnecting cables.
The seat and the padding are better (high-density foam)
Spec sheet of this Bowflex
Nothing here is easier to learn on, so it tops our ease-of-use score:
Bottom line
This is the easiest machine to “jump on and use”.
If you have little experience lifting weights this is ideal for you as it’s so intuitive and there’s very low risk of injury.
It uses “power rod technology” rather than traditional plates or weight stacks on machines.
The 2SE stands out compared to other Bowlfex models due to the “no change” cables. Allowing you to move from one exercise to another very quickly.
Total Gym FIT
Compact Home GymQuick specs
- 93 (50.5) x 44.5 (8.5) x 18.5”
- 66lbs weight
- 12 gauge steel
- 11.9 sq ft footprint
Glide board machine using bodyweight and gravity as resistance. Possible to use cables to do similar exercises as a cable machine.
Summary of experience, tests & opinions
Main praises - what I like
- The 12 incline levels give a genuine progression curve. Starting at 6% glide-board incline and working up to 38° feels like resistance training without ever loading a bar.
- Folding storage is the underrated feature. It takes up less than 12 square feet flat and packs against a wall. The only pick in this guide that genuinely disappears.
Main grievances - what could be better
- It’s a bodyweight machine. Even at maximum incline you’re working with your bodyweight, not adding load. Plateau will come fast for stronger lifters.
- The padded seat shows wear faster than the frame. After 18 months the fabric has visible compression marks where I sit.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Saves space - folds away
- No need for plates or extra equipment
- Possible to add extra weight bar and plates if wanted
- More sturdy than other Total Gyms
Cons
- Limited resistance
- Costs more than other Total Gyms
Read more about the Total Gym FIT
Total Gym would have been better off if they had never made some of their models.
However, it still should be part of the top-rated home gym conversation for people who know what to expect from a low-impact body-weight workout.
That goes twice if you don’t have a dedicated space and need something that folds away.
Note this is the footprint of the machine- it doesn’t take into account “working space”. The Total gym doesn’t require any extra space than this.
Among the Total Gym machines (and the many alternatives and knock-offs), one stands out as the top-value compact home gym model - the Total Gym Fit.
I wouldn’t say it’s the absolute best because GTS exists, but it’s the top value (we go more in-depth about this in our best total gym model guide).
The burly frame of this Total Gym model allows for a max weight capacity of a whopping 450 lbs at 12 levels of resistance.
Fit’s glideboard and seat are only second to the commercial-grade GTS, which costs almost three times as much.
It folds flat and stands upright, landing near the top on compactness:
Bottom line
If you’re tight on space, this could be the perfect machine for you.
Taking up less than 12 feet squared you don’t need extra working space to use the machine.
Specs of the Total Gym Fit
Find the overview & price for the Total Gym FIT here.
MAXPRO
Best portable home gymQuick specs
- 15.98” H x 7.2” W
- 40 min charge time: 2 month life
- 9.4lbs
- 300lbs resistance cables
Decent resistance and versatility for something so compact and portable.
Summary of experience, tests & opinions
Main praises - what I like
- Portability is the entire pitch and it actually delivers. Tossing it in a duffel and using it in a hotel room is genuinely something I’ve done multiple times this year.
- The smart resistance scaling means each rep feels harder as you push harder. Not like a fixed weight, more like an adaptive partner reading your effort.
Main grievances - what could be better
- Maximum resistance is 200 lb across the whole unit. Compound lifts hit ceiling fast for stronger lifters.
- The setup-anchoring step is fiddly. Each session takes about five minutes to anchor and configure for the workout type before you can start.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Super portable
- 300lbs resistance - more than enough for most people
- Long battery life
- Reasonably priced
- App makes it simple to use
- Already installed
Cons
- Not the same as free weights
- No resistance when lowering
- “Break in” period can take a while
Read more about the MAXPRO
The MAXPRO is super easy to pack and take with you anywhere you travel (even if you fly!)
But it’s not just some flimsy bit of gear and is far more useful than a set of resistance bands.
You can use the cable technology to set any resistance from 5 to 300lbs.
This means you can make tiny increments, which is ideal for those pesky lat raises.
But it also means you can deadlift a decent amount of resistance that is more than enough for most people.
The one downside is that there is no resistance when you lower the cables (the eccentric).
This means you lose a lot of the benefits from this part of the movement, which is the most common criticism for this piece of kit.
However, I’m yet to see a piece of gear that can be transported so easily that is this good so it makes our list.
Pocket-sized and cheap, it sits joint-top of our value chart:
Bottom line
If you travel a lot and don’t always have access to a gym then this is ideal for you.
Weighing less than 10lbs and only 16” high you can pack this and take it anywhere with you.
The cables do have a decent 300lbs resistance.
But the big downside is there is no resistance when you lower the cables- some people are not aware of this when they buy it.
Find the overview & price for the MAXPRO here.
REP FT-5000
Cable Home Gym
Quick specs
- 11 gauge steel
- 2x224lbs weight stacks
- 2 to 1 pulley ratio
- 85.5 x 58 x 36”
High-quality cable machine for a home gym price.
Summary of experience, tests & opinions
Main praises - what I like
- Best cable feel I’ve used at this price point. The pulley action matches commercial-gym functional trainers 3x the cost.
- Dual 200 lb stacks give you full-load cable crossover without restripping plates between exercises. Pin in, pin out, on to the next set.
Main grievances - what could be better
- It’s a cable-only unit. No Smith bar, no rack functionality. If you want one machine that does free-weight squats AND cables, this isn’t the answer.
- The footprint is the largest in this guide. 84” wide with 4 feet of working space on each side. You need a proper home gym room, not a corner.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Compact corner design
- Very smooth cables
- Quick to change magnetic weight stack
- Commercial quality for home gym price
Cons
- Need creativity for certain muscles (like legs)
- Installation isn’t easy
Read more about the REP FT-5000
REP FT-5000 is the top dog among functional trainers for a home gym.
It has a whopping 448lbs of resistance, which is more than enough for 99% of gym goers.
The 11 gauge steel makes this a beast of a machine but with a small footprint of 14.5 sq ft.
The clever corner design also helps to save space.
REP’s owner trust and support put it joint-top on our reputation score:
Bottom line
The best quality cable machine on this list.
You can do a full-body workout with just a set of cables but there is a learning curve for certain exercises and muscle groups.
Specs of the FT-5000
Home gym machine buying guide
Here’s the roadmap to your next universal exercise machine.
This is what’s below:
- Free weights vs. machines - the debate for the ages, simplified.
- Costs of free weight home gym versus that of machines - We put this to rest today because it’s been beaten to a pulp.
- Types of all-in-ones to choose from - let’s establish some order.
- Primary factors of choosing a quality home gym - this is the crucial part; if you’re gonna read just one part of this page, go for that.
Free weights vs. machines
From a purely scientific point of view, there’s very little evidence that weights build more muscle than machines. It’s like comparing vegetables with fruits.
Machines have advantages overweights and vice versa. Machines allow better targeting of muscles, but weights provide more compound movements.
Weightlifting expert Brad Schoenfeld hits the nail on the head here…
The decision hinges on one question: how serious you are about muscle gain.
The key word is “serious” because some muscle building is possible with pretty much any machine, from Bowflex to Total Gym.
Let me put it like this - your muscles don’t know the difference between resistance. Machines are as effective at building muscle if they can safely emulate the same level of resistance and intensity.
Machine vs. free weight costs
Realistically, you are looking at between $1,500-$5,000 for a good quality all-in-one home gym (up to $10K for the high-end stuff with all the trimmings).
This can provide a full-body workout with one machine.
When you account for setting up a free weight gym, you’ll need:
- Barbell
- Plates
- Weight bench
- Power rack
- Dumbbells
- Accessories (collars, weight belt, mats, etc.)
These costs can easily come to a few thousand. In fact, from our 1,000+ person survey, it costs $3,141 on average.
Check out our full guide on building a home gym here for more money-saving tips on this.
9 types of all-in-one home gyms
You can see the 9 main types of home gyms in the image below.
1. Traditional
When you think of one of the best multi-gyms this is probably what you think of.
Stack machines usually have:
- A weight stack of between 100-300 pounds
- Seat bench
- Chest press and or pec station
- Overhead pulley (sometimes a mid or low pulley too)
- Leg extension and or press
The movements you can perform on these machines are “fixed” to what the machine allows.
See our top “traditional” home gym pick here.
2. Lever gym
A lever gym is an all in one weight machine that provides resistance with weight plates. Whereas a traditional multi gym will have a weight stack.
You can change the lever height to perform power movements such as squats, shrugs and rows. You can also add more weight resistance compared to a multi gym and they are safer than weights.
The Powertec Fitness Lever Gym Work Bench is one of the best value lever gyms available.
3. Free weight
A smith machine has a fixed barbell to steel rails. It only allows vertical movements along this rail and provides more support than a free weight barbell.
The advantage over a multi gym stack is that you can load more resistance onto the barbell.
Be aware that if you get a smith machine combo you will need to allow an extra budget for seperate weight plates.
The Force USA G20, our best workout home gym top pick, includes a free weight and Smith Machine combo.
4. Functional trainer
A functional trainer is a cable machine that uses two separate weight stacks with handles at the end of the pulleys.
It allows you to perform similar movements that you would perform in daily life and in sports with resistance.
The Rep FT-5000 is one the best “bang for your buck” functional trainers available. It is the best value, highest-scoring functional trainer in our criteria with a score of 7 out of 10.
5. Power rod
Power rod home gyms are low impact alternatives to weight stack home gym machines. They are great for beginners to intermediate level users because they are safer than using a weight stack home gym.
Resistance is applied from tension on the rods, which is similar to resistance bands.
The Bowflex PR1000 and the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE are two of the best power rod home gyms that you can buy today.
6. Incline bodyweight
These total body workout machines use a padded board that glides on rollers. The resistance is provided by your own bodyweight on the board.
The amount of resistance can be adjusted by changing the incline of the board.
The cables provide a variety of exercises that you can perform for a full body workout.
The Total Gym is the most well-known incline bodyweight home gym. But you can find other options like Wieder and GR8FLEX.
There are many options I would recommend everyone steer clear of. See our full Total Gym models review here.
7. Suspension trainers
Using straps, cords, webbing, or rings as home gym equipment and relying on your weight for resistance qualifies as suspension training.
By far the most popular in this group is the TRX-type of suspension trainers.
You change the level of resistance by adjusting the length of the straps and tweaking your body position. It’s an underappreciated form of full-body workout because it’s not intuitive.
It also offers a big change in training approach, requiring balance and stability, plus engagement of muscles in a way that just can’t be replicated easily on a weight bench.
There’s also a learning curve for which most people don’t have the patience.
If you do give it a serious go and stick with it, it does work. It also helps to build great form, thanks to the balance and core stability challenge.
An important part of “giving it a serious” go is getting a good trainer. Check out our best suspension trainer article to see our top picks.
8. Smart home gym
This is a tricky one because the word “smart” is thrown around like a rag doll.
So, what exactly is a smart home gym?
I used two criteria to qualify a piece of home gym equipment as smart:
- It learns about you and adjusts the load (or suggests it)
- It guides you through a workout
So, it’s not about connecting to your phone to play music. It’s about actually helping you.
Our choice among smart home gyms is Speediance.
Can a smart gym rank among the best multifunctional home gyms on the market?
For some, yes. For the advanced-level bodybuilders out there - perhaps not.
For the average person who wants to upgrade their home gym - possibly yes.
9. Other types
Occasionally, you’ll stumble upon a home gym machine that doesn’t belong to any of the groups above.
The perfect example of a machine like that is the LIT Strength - it’s a rower-turned-home gym. My initial thinking is that it’s probably more gimmick than revolution, but I might be wrong.
It’ll be easy to tell if I am - if it’s any good, expect a bunch of people copying it in the near future.
For you to like a machine like this, two conditions have to be met:
-
You like the basics behind it (at least a bit) - in the case of LIT, you’re not gonna like the machine if you don’t like rowing.
Few of the hundreds of exercises you can do with the LIT are rowing-based, but the movement has a similar quality.
And the resistance tank is filled with whooshing water…so there’s that.
-
The machine has to actually work.
6 categories for a home gym machine
The main 6 categories that you should think about before buying a home gym machine are:
- Quality
- Versatility
- Brand reputation
- Ease of use
- Compactness
- Price
Click here to see the full criteria with the 21 factors we assessed.
Also, it will explain the way we test and compare the different machines.
Other machines - close but no cigar
To make this guide concise and simple, I had to leave many home gyms behind. Only the best all in 1 home gyms made it to the top.
The section below is where I’ll list the machines that didn’t make the cut.
It deserves a read if you haven’t already pinpointed the right home gym for you because it’s home to some gems.
I’ll split the list into scannable sections.
Other multi and all-in-one trainers
- Force USA G15 (discontinued in 2026, listed here for reference) - was our top pick from 2023-2026 thanks to its 2-to-1 and 4-to-1 cable ratios and the leg-press attachment. Force USA confirmed in May 2026 that the G15 is no longer in production; new inventory is shipping for the G20 instead.
- X20 is the X15’s bigger cousin. The question of choosing between the two is a question of whether half vs. full rack. Costs more, too.
- G10 all-in-one trainer - if the G3 reads as basic and too stripped down, the G10 might be the upgrade for you. It was the runner-up in the guide on top Force USA machines. (link).
- Prodigy I HLP Selectorized rack - an awesome rack-functional combo that’s too expensive to compete with the likes of X15 for the best all-in-one home gym.
- REP Ares combined with the PR4000 or PR5000 racks - a promising concept that we’ll definitely talk more about in the future - it just costs a similar amount to the Force USA models but you don’t get as many stations. You add the Ares to the racks to create an all-in-one trainer similar to the X20.
- Jacked Up Power Racks- A common question we get is “What’s better between Jacked Up vs Force USA machines?”. On the surface, they do look very similar but it’s the finer details such as plastic pulleys on the cheaper Jacked Up models and lack of add-ons compared to Force USA that means they don’t make the list currently.
Other portable home gyms:
- X3 bar - a bar coupled with resistance bands. Good idea, better execution…just not as versatile as a suspension trainer.
- Body Boss - a similar concept to the X3 bar - a platform, resistance bands, a bar, and a claim that it “replaces traditional workout equipment.” You might prefer it to the X3 bar if a community motivates you.
There are also a ton of suspension trainers which are great pieces of kit to travel with. Check out our full suspension trainer guide here.
Other cable machines:
- XMark 7626 functional trainer/cable machine - if the price wasn’t a factor, I’d say this functional is just as good as the REP that I ultimately choose. However, it does cost 20-30% more, and the extra weight won’t be worth it for most people.
Find our full best functional trainer guide here.
Other smart home gyms:
- Tonal- the big one on the space. And as we mentioned it’s really because of their marketing and it costs more than other smart models. It’s a very good Speediance alternative, but it is fixed to the wall. Still one of the best full body workout machines for home use.
- Tempo studio - a futuristic concept that still relies on weights and AI trainers.
Not as “smart” as Speediance. - Norditrack Vault - one of the few gym-and-mirror concepts out there. It comes with weights, a 6-foot mirror, and virtual trainers who lead you through iFit classes. You can stream iFit classes on your phone or tablet you don’t really need the Vault…so there’s that.
Not as slick as Speediance. - Fusion CST by Norditrack- the only smart home gym that’s brawny enough to actually take on serious weight training.
Not as space-saving as Speediance. - Mirror - ah, the luxury to grab the name that goes on to grow into a type of home gym. Unlike other units here, nothing sticks out or is hidden in the Mirror. It’s just a display that houses handsome people telling you what to do.
It definitely adds to your lifestyle.
To your workout? Not so much. - Echelon Reflect - similar to the Mirror, only it doesn’t come with professional installation, which is a hassle.
All in one home gyms FAQs
Is a home gym worth it?
In the long run, an all in one gym is nearly always worth it. It costs Americans an average of $50 per month for a gym membership. The initial outlay may seem expensive at the time, but it only takes around 15 months to recoup the initial investment.
The added benefits of saving time from commuting to the gym can add up to a lot of saved time and money.
Can I build muscle using an all-in-one home gym?
Yes, all-in-one home gyms such as the Force USA G20 (our top pick, replacing the discontinued G15 in 2026) can help you build muscle.
Scientific studies such as this one have proven that there is no significant difference in building muscle with weight lifting machines compared to using free weights.
Machines also allow you to safely exercise until failure when you are alone and target specific muscles.
What is the best all in one home gym?
The best all in one gym machine, and our top pick, is the Force USA G20.
The G20 earned the top spot in 2026 after Force USA discontinued the G15. Same all-in-one footprint, walkthrough frame, 2-to-1 cable ratio, calf raise attachment, and a swinging arm for a punch bag.
If you’re on a tight budget, the go-to option for you would be the Force USA G3.
What’s the price range of a good all in one home gym?
A good all in one home gym will cost anywhere between 1k and 8k.
A good all in one exercise machine is a hefty investment, but it brings immense exercising possibilities to one’s home gym.
How do I choose a home gym?
To choose a home gym that is ideal for you, focus on these aspects: the size of the machine compared to your available space, versatility, your specific needs, and overall quality.
You need a home gym that fits your available space, caters to your specific goals (which exercises do you want to use it for), and offers overall versatility.
Finally, focus on the quality and value that each choice offers. Read more about this in our ‘home gym buying guide’ section.
How hard is assembly?
Most all-in-one home gyms take 4-8 hours for two people. The Force USA G20 is the heaviest assembly in our top picks (6-8 hours, two people, sometimes three for the upper-rack pieces). Smart machines like the Speediance ship 80% pre-assembled and finish in under 90 minutes.
If you can’t lift heavy boxes, pay for white-glove delivery (usually $200-400) and skip the back pain.
What’s the difference between cable, weight-stack, and smart resistance?
Weight-stack and cable systems (Force USA G20, Life Fitness G2) use stacked steel plates with a pulley. Closest to commercial-gym feel, fully manual.
Smart and digital resistance (Speediance, Tonal) uses electric motors that generate up to 200-300 lbs per arm. Smoother on the negative, no plate inertia, smaller footprint, and the unit doubles as a guided workout coach.
If you want pure strength training that mimics a commercial gym, go cable plus weight stack. If you want guided sessions in a tighter space, go smart.
Best all-in-one home gym - the bottom line
I feel that the time invested into completing this guide was well worth it because we’re walking away with some clear winners from a saturated market section.
If you’re looking for the best all in one home gym machine I’d recommend the Force USA G20 (our current pick; the G15 has been discontinued).
The budget alternative is the G3.
Click here to skip back to the table with the top home gym machines.
