5 Best Lat Pulldown Machines for Home Gyms [Buying Guide]

Hi, I’m Steve, and I’ve been a personal trainer and a gym owner for over two decades.

I remember the days when you’d be fed to the lions if you couldn’t do a pull-up.

I also remember how the Tri-tech machines changed the game in the late 90s.

I remember too much stuff now that I mention it…

Anyway… that’s not my point.

This is – I was there for every step of the evolution. I know a lot about these machines.

Not everything, but a lot…

And over the last two weeks or so, I’ve created a database of 66 machines and a system to rate them in 18 quality categories.

If you’re in a rush, here’s the skinny – the Xmark XM-7618 is the top value for your buck, and Rogue Monster is the best if money is not an object.

But you shouldn’t be choosing a machine like this in a rush.

So, let’s take it down a notch and start from the beginning.

Budget Option

Bells of Steel Lat Pulldown Low Row

Check the price here

Best Overall

Xmark XM-7618

Check the price here

Premium Option

Rogue Monster

Check the price here

5 best lat pulldown machines

1 – Best lat pulldown machine overall – XMark Lat Pull Down machine (Low Row Cable Combo)

Rating: 74 out of 100

Who it’s for: For most buyer’s looking for value instead of perfection.

Pros:

• Thick, burly build – 11 gauge and 3×3 frame
• Value – cheaper than similar machines
• Good geometry – allows for proper mechanics
• Great cables for the price range

Cons:

• Padding could be more generous
• It’s too light for some exercises
• Cables could be better – you’ll likely see some drag in the long run

Summary

The XMark 7618 takes the label of “best” back to Louisiana. Some of that praise should probably travel back to China or wherever their stuff is made these days.

When the value delivered is this good, I have zero issues with where it’s made.

Here’s why…

Looking at the rating categories as I type this, the reasons can be boiled down to 4:

1. It’s much heftier than the machines in its price range.
2. The better machines cost way more.
3. The geometry works well for different body types – it’s deep and high. (even the tall can get a full range of motion).
4. You can use it with both standard and Olympic weight plates.

The first point deserves to be dug into (..if only my English teacher could hear me now).

It’s the Blac Chyna of lat pulldown machines – thick and cheap.

The steel is as thick as that used by Rogue for the Monster and the LP-2 – machines that cost 5-6 times as much.

The beefy frame translates to stability on lat pulls and high weight capacity.

I intentionally say, “stability on lat pulls.” 

Here’s why…

Because the low pulley stations on lighter machines lose some of their functionality. And that’s not unique to this XMark.

If a biceps cable curl is a staple for you, skip the basics machines like this one.

You don’t typically get 11 gauge in this price range – it’s usually 13 or 14.

With that in mind, the only real competition to the XM-7618 is the second version of the Titan Tower.

The two machines are very similar:

• They have a similar footprint.
• The steel of the frame is of the same thickness.
• They have the same listed weight capacity (400 lbs).

With that in mind, the choice comes down to the warranty terms. And the Lifetime warranty of the XMark blows Titan out of the water.

If I learned anything over the long years of writing about this stuff, it’s this – the warranty is a tell-all – it speaks to how well the whole thing is put together.

Bottom line

This is the machine for you if you’re looking for value, durability, and correct geometry. It’s not perfect, but nobody expects it to be in this price range.

2 – Money-no-object pick – Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown Low Row Machine

Rating: 69 out of 100

Who it’s for: For those looking for the absolute best lat machine that still doesn’t break the bank as a commercial unit would.

Pros:

• Premium build
• Bigger pulley wheels translate to smoother motion
• Top-notch stainless steel lat bar
• Heavy enough for full functionality on the low row

Cons:

• The cable on the low-row station should be longer
• Stack stickers are far too basic for a premium product

Summary

Rogue Monster is the best lat pulldown machine for homes that want to avoid splurging on commercial-grade machines.

And you shouldn’t splurge more than this if you ask me.

The money-no-object pick was always gonna be one of two Rogue machines – either the Monster or the LP-2.

Ultimately, our value-oriented rating model gave the Monster an edge because it costs less.

Let’s focus on the Monster…

It’s significantly better – both compared to the competition from other brands and the previous version of the machine.

To be specific:

1. The frame is big and thick.
2. The oversized pulleys are smoother and gentler on the cables.
3. The selectorized mechanism is precise and seamless.
4. It’s stable as a lat machine gets.
5. The materials and finishes are premium.

Allow me to elaborate on the first and second points…the rest are pretty self-explanatory.

The 11-gauge steel and a 9-square-inch cross-section of the frame are a more substantial advantage here than on the plate-loaded machines.

Why?

Because they DIRECTLY translate to stability and full functionality.

Does that mean that’s not the case with the plate-loaded models?

That’s exactly what it means.

No matter how thick the frame is, the center of mass on a plate-loaded lat machine is shifted towards the back.

That’s not a problem for the lat pulls, but it is for the low pull stations.

On units like the Rogue Monster, the weight stack sits close to the middle of the base, making the machine as stable as can be.

Rogue went from 3.5 to 6 inches in this version of the machine.

The bigger diameter means a longer contact surface between the cable and the wheel.

That translates to a smoother motion and less stress for the cables.

The former you can feel from the get-go.

The latter is a long-run advantage because it means no splitting or wear.

Bottom line – Rogue Monster is hand down the most well-rounded machine on the list.

If you’re a no-compromise kinda guy, go with this tall stunner.

3 – Best budget selectorized lat machine – Bells of Steel Lat Pulldown & Low Row

Rating: 69 out of 100

Who it’s for: For the conservative buyer that wants the convenience of selectorized weight stacks without paying a premium price.

Pros:

• Solid value for money
• Strong aluminum pulleys
• Awesome lat bar (stainless steel, second best here)
• High resistance capacity – listed and beyond that

Cons:

• Fairly fresh to the market – yet to stand the full test of time
• Assembly instructions should be more straightforward (just labeling the bolts would go a long way)

Summary

This machine is a perfect example of why staying on top of the market and looking out for new arrivals is essential.

Going into this guide, I expected to see the Titan Lat Tower as the budget pick in the selectorized category.

It ain’t happening.

Bells of Steel got the market positioning just right with this one:

1. It’s made to do everything Rogue Monster can at a significantly lower price (like…over a grand ower).
2. It’s made and advertised to beat the Titan lat tower in several key aspects – the warranty terms above all.

And they did it.

The value proposal is pretty clear here:

“You compromise on the premium feel that comes with the Rogue logo, and we’ll give you a similar machine. We’ll spruce the deal up with a Lifetime warranty and a few unique tweaks.”

By “tweaks,” I mean stuff like this:

• 10 more pounds in the stack
• Extra weight sleeve that allows you to add a 20-lbs Olympic plate, effectively making the capacity 330 lbs (10% more than Rogue Monster).
• The enclosed design of the seat area that adds a premium vibe.

I don’t care about this stuff all that much…neither does our rating formula.

However, both the formula and I care about the excellent steel lat bar and the lifetime warranty.

Bottom line – if you’re looking for value among selectorized machines, it doesn’t get better than this.

4 – Runner-up among plate-loaded lat machines – Titan Fitness Lat Tower V2

Rating: 66 out of 100

Who it’s for: For anyone on a budget that’s OK with a 1-year warranty.

Pros:

• Thick frame
• Fixed footplate for low rows
• Angled sleeves – no rattle

Cons:

• The seat should be a peg bigger
• Cables aren’t the most durable
• Basic lat bar

Summary

What we have here is a machine that’s very similar to the top overall pick (the XM-7618).

From the thick frame (11 gauge) and the high weight capacity to the price, it checks most of the same boxes.

The construction differences are subtle, and only two pop out – the black powder coating and the angled sleeves.

The former is about taste, and the latter can be either a plus or a minus, depending on how you look at it:

• On the minus side – angled sleeves are peskier to unload.
• On the minus side – angled sleeves stabilize the weight plates so they won’t spin or rattle.

The more important part is the warranty.

And I keep hoping that someone from Titan will read my stuff at some point and react.

A 1-year warranty on a machine like this is too short. It’s beefy 11-gauge steel, and I don’t see the frame bending, no matter how you abuse it.

At this point, the unchanged terms feel more like inertia than anything else.

I’ll give them this, though…

The 1 year extends to parts and upholstery, which is better than most products in the price range.

You could argue that a split cable and a broken seam are more likely to happen than a damaged frame…so there’s that.

And they improved the customer service massively over the past few years.

Bottom line – if you’re looking for a budget machine, the second version of the Titan Lat Bar is right up there with the best. In some ways, it’s better.

5 – Best cheap lat pulldown machine – GDLF

Rating: 66 out of 100

Pros:

• Cheap
• Solid warranty for the price
• Compact – small footprint
• Works with standard and Olympic plates

Cons:

• Basic construction, finish, and padding
• Very light – unstable for some exercises
• Cables might fray over time

Summary

This fragile-looking thing has the highest number of reviews out of the Top 5.

Based on that, it’s fair to label it as the most popular lat machine out there, however strange that sounds.

I’d put it like this – it’s the most you can cheap out and still get a usable, standalone unit.

Yeah, the cables will fray in time…yeah, it squeaks…yeah, you might need extra screws to put it together…I get all that.

It’s why you should skip it if you’re looking for a serious lat machine.

But it costs about 16 times less than the Rogue Monster…that is a 1 and a 6… freakin’ 1600%.

I don’t know how the Chinese do it, honestly.

Bottom line – if you’re on the tightest of budgets, consider the GDLF.

Buyer’s guide to choosing a lat pulldown machine

Below is a guide for those looking to learn about lat pulldown machines before they buy and those seeking to understand how we chose the Top 5.

10 factors that make or break a lat machine

1 – Type of lat pulldown machine

(no specific # of points in our ratings)

On the top level, your choice comes down to the plate-loaded vs. selectorized lat pulldown machine. It’s a crucial factor, so we’ll take our time here.

I say “top-level” because there are sub-types in both groups (like wall-mounted)…more on that in a second.

The differences between the two main types are not subtle.

The plate-loaded machines are cheaper, and the selectorized ones are more convenient.

To simplify things, below are my rules of thumb.

Go with a plate-loaded machine: 

1. If the budget is tight.
2. If you have a bunch of plates, so you don’t have to load and unload every time.

Note that, for the price difference, you can buy the extra plates….so there’s that.

3. If you’re old-school and have no problems loading and unloading weight.

Go with a weight-stack machine if:

1. You have the extra money.
2. You’re all about convenience.
3. You do a lot of drop sets.
4. You’re used to just popping a pin to select the weight.
5. You don’t have the space to maneuver around the machine – load and unload.

There’s a massive overlooked factor to choosing a lat pulldown machine – the psychology/dynamics of the “pull-day.”

In other words – what you like and hate when training back and biceps.

If you’re doing a conventional split, you probably have a pull day – that is, back and biceps. 

You’re also probably working the back first.

For most people, the biceps is right up there, with pecs as the most fun to work.

Too many of those people just go through the moves when working the back because it’s not as fun, and you can’t see the veins popping.

If you stopped to look in a public gym, you’d see these guys.

If you don’t see them, here’s a hard pill to swallow…it’s probably you.

This is what I mean by “go through the moves.”

It’s just a few sloppy pull-ups and pulldowns on the machine, and it’s off to the Scott bench to preach those curls.

I’ve seen it way too often, and it’s a real problem.

And I get it, too…so I’m not judging…

Here’s my point – if this sounds like you, go for the selectorized machines.

They’re less pesky.

No machine is worth it if it means you won’t actually do the work.

Bottom line – if I was putting together a home gym today and the money was not a huge factor, I’d go with a selectorized machine.

And yes…I understand that it contradicts my top pick, but the picks result from an objective rating.

The ratings are top-heavy on the value side.

This is just what I’d do.

2 – Size/footprint of a lat pulldown machine

(0 to 8 points in our ratings)

You’ll need at least 20 square feet to fit a good lat machine.

The size differences between the classic models aren’t massive – you can see a comparison graph of the footprints below.

If it’s a plate-loaded machine, add 1-2 feet on each side to maneuver around and load the weight.

If you have less space than that, things get more complicated, and you’ll have to get creative.

These are your two main options:

1. Go for an attachment lat tower (like the PowerTec, which is designed to work with their Workbench).
2. DIY with a wall-mounted cable machine.

A wall-mounted cable machine has the smallest footprint of any unit that can be used for lat pulldowns.

Some great cable stations, like the Archon, take up less than 4 square feet of space.

However, these aren’t designed for lat pulldowns.

You face two major problems here:

1. You’ll need to stabilize your legs – a good adjustable bench with a leg station can do the trick.
2. You’ll need to get directly under the pulley – this part calls for some savviness, but it can be done.

The video below is an example of what I’m talking about.

Again, setups like the one in the video are not perfect, but versatility is the name of the game in small home gyms.

If you go down that route, I recommend the Archon cable station over similar units from Titan and Valor…primarily because of the linear bearings.

You can improvise and pair that with a simple pulley system like this Korikham and Bob’s your uncle.

3 – Height and geometry of lat pull machines

(no specific # of points in our ratings)

Let’s look at these two together because they interlock.

Geometry-wise, you’re looking for a machine that does 3 things well:

1. Allows you to get directly under the pulley.
2. Gives you a full range of motion.
3. Stabilizes your legs.

These translate to 2 features/characteristics:

1. Adjustable height of the thigh pad.
2. A main tower that’s not too short for you and not too tall for your space (you can see the graph comparing the height of the top p[icks below).

What about our picks?

The only machine among our top picks that can be a problem for the tall is the GLDF, which tops out at 77 inches.

This is 7 inches lower than the XMark and full 19 inches than the Rogue Monster.

4 – Overall build of a lat machine- gauge, cross-section of the frame, and finish

(0 to 10 points in our ratings)

You want at least 13-gauge steel on the mainframe of your lat pulldown machine.

The best ones are made using thick 11-gauge steel (lower is thicker with gauge).

The other part of that equation is the cross-section of the frame and how well it’s put together (welds and bolts).

Finally, there’s the finish. Nine out of ten lat pulldown machines are powder-coated. I don’t have hard data to support this, but I’d say that all but two of our picks use a B-class powder coat.

Based on my experience, Rogue Monster seems like an A-class, and I’d guess the cheap GLDF to be C-class.

Build-wise, the best lat pulldown machine that’s still in the home-gym price range is the Rogue Monster.

No two ways about it – 11 gauge, 3×3 mainframe, precise tolerances, and a top-notch finish.

Hence the spicy price tag.

The graph overviews the steel thicknesses used for the top 5 machines.

5 – Load-to-weight aka. pull ratio – typically 1-to-1

If you’re reading this, you probably already understand the concept of load-to-weight ratio.

If you don’t, fret not – it’s just a fancy way to describe how much of the loaded weight you’re lifting on your end.

In most lat pulldown machines, it will be either 1-to-1 or close to that.

It’s more important in the weight-stack units because you’re limited by the actual stack. If you get a 2-to-1 ratio with a 300 stack, you could max it out.

With a 1-to-1, it ain’t happening.

Since the same load is used for the top and bottom pulley stations, these machines might appear as 2-to-1s.

That’s because of the extra pulleys that direct the weight.

But that’s all they are – directors. They don’t split the load.

Without getting into the physics of it, here’s a rule of thumb – locate the moving pulley and count the number of cables attached to it.

That number is your pull ratio.

The floating pulley on the pulldown machine does what the name suggests – floats and directs the load.

Bottom line – all the best lat pulldown machines in our top 5 have a 1:1 pull ratio.

6 – How good is the included lat bar

(no specific points in our ratings)

Most intermediate and advanced lifters will want knurled stainless steel lat bar on their machine.

Among the top 5, that’s the case with the Rogue Monster and the Bells of Steel (with Rogue’s bar being the superior of the two).

The rest are pretty basic – a curved pipe with handles.

The lat bar is not a deal-breaker either way because you can always get a good one for under $50. If you want to learn more about this, check out our best lat pulldown bar attachment in-depth guide.

I decided against awarding points here because some people might prefer handles, which means knurling is not “better” for everyone. I did award bonuses for good bars, though.

7 – Wheel pulley system – geometry, material, and size

(no specific points in our ratings)

These are the five key points of a good cable system:

1. The wheels are either aluminum or high-grade nylon.
2. The build tolerances are precise – the pulleys are lined-up to a fraction of an inch, and the frame doesn’t “work” (loosens over time).
3. Cables are tight and travel straight with little to no sagging and drag.
4. The lining of the cable is durable and doesn’t wear or split.
5. The wheels are big enough to distribute the forces well.

Aluminum or nylon wheel pulleys

If I was writing this ten years ago, I’d side with aluminum pulleys.

Today, the mechanical properties of nylon and UHMW* plastic have caught up.

*Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene

Which one is better?

You could argue either side of that argument.

Sure, aluminum is stronger, and that will always be the case.

On the other hand, nylon is lighter, quieter, and absorbs shock better.

This translates to a smooth cable glide, especially when paired with bigger wheels like those on the Rogue Monster.

It’s the diameter of the pulleys that makes creates the most separation among our top picks.

The longer contact surface paired with premium materials of both the pulley and cable makes Rogue Monster superior in this aspect.

8 – Guiding mechanism of a lat pulldown machine – typically nylon bushings

(no specific points in our ratings)

With nine out of ten lat pulldown machines, you get nylon bushings.

The modern polymers used by the better lat-pulldown brands like Rogue dampen the vibration and lower the friction in ways superior to metal.

More importantly, ball bearings have a “minimal travel distance” at which they start to rotate. That means you’ll feel a drag at the beginning of the lift.

It’s also a myth that ball bearings don’t wear.

The ball bearing accelerates fast over a short pivot at the beginning of a lat-pulldown movement. In this scenario, the ball skids over the guide rod’s oily surface instead of rolling.

This is my point – in the long run, there will be some flattening and wear.

This is also my point – nylon bushings are just what the doctor ordered for lat pulldown machines.

9 – Other stations and attachments – low pulley station, triceps pushdowns, and seated rows

(no specific points in our ratings)

All the best lat pulldown machines for a home gym have similar functionality.

They all have a low pulley station for seated rows and biceps curls, allowing for some triceps work.

On paper.

In reality, not all low-pulley systems are created equal.

An excellent example is the lifting seat of the XMark, which makes extra room for triceps pushdowns. That’s the kind of attention to detail that you don’t expect in the low price ranges…so kudos.

For curls and rows, Rogue Monster and Bells of Steel will do the best job because of the dual-wheel systems.

That means the lower pulley is “trapped” on all sides and stabilized by the ball guide. It results in a smoother movement compared to the basic mechanisms of the XMark and Titan.

To be fair to Titan, the fixed footplate for the low rows is a nice touch.

Bottom line – the low row station is a perfect example of the “you-get-what-you-pay-for.”

10 – Price and warranty terms

I typically look at these two together because they’re two sides of the same coin – indicators of value.

Here are my 4 guidelines for getting good bounce for the ounce:

1. Expect to pay around $200-100 for a good plate-loaded machine.
2. The best value is currently at around $600.
3. Expect to pay $1.2-4K for a selectorized machine.
4. The budget options that are top value are around 2K.
5. Shoot for a Lifetime warranty on the frame. If it’s less than a year, skip it (unless it’s ultra-cheap).
6. Don’t pay more than 4K for ANY lat pulldown machine for a home gym.

Below is a graph comparing the prices of our top picks.

Methodology – how we review and rate a lat pulldown machine

Below is an overview of how asses whether a lat pulldown machine is worth your money…and how much of it exactly.

Value and data-over-opinion are our core values, which separates us from “similar” sites. We actually do the work, the rating, the testing…and none of our picks are there because they bring more in affiliate fees.

Yeah, I said it….because I know the industry, and I know it happens.

Anyway, this was our process for this piece:

1. We created a massive database with all the lat pulldown machines we deemed potential candidates for the top spots.
2. This sounds arbitrary, but the only machines not in that database are the cheap Chinese models we know for a fact aren’t good enough.
3. We talked to industry experts and owners about what’s important on a lat pulldown machine.
4. We combined that with our in-house knowledge to define the rating criteria – the factor we judge the machines against.
5. It all boiled down to 18 of them.
6. We awarded gravity to each criterion. “Gravity” is a number between 1 and 25 and describes a particular aspect’s importance.
7. For example, the “Price” factor accounts for 23% of the total maximum points. Something minor, like storage holders, carries about 1% of the ratings.
8. We created the rating formula, tweaked it through multiple iterations, and consulted with industry experts on whether it was fair and accurate.
9. The gravities applied to each machine and plugged into the rating formula give us ratings and pinpoint the best lat pulldown machines.
10. We decided on the number of picks to present. The goal here is to make a list comprehensive by type and budget without overwhelming you with choices.
11. This time around, there are 5 winners in the “best lat pulldown machine” guide.
12. Finally, we stay on top of things and update the ratings with new information, and test and rate new arrivals against the 18 criteria.
13. For you, this means that the information presented here is always relevant.

FAQs about lat pulldown machines

Other lat pulldown machines – close-but-no-cigar

Listed below are the 10 lat machines that didn’t make it to the top 5.

1. Rogue LP-2 Lat Pull / Low Row – a great machine with awesome design elements from the Reflex series. Still, it does little to justify a 15% price bump over the Monster, which is expensive as it is. It’s too good not to mention it as an honorary pick, which is what we did.
2. Titan Fitness Lat Tower – good selectorized machine, short warranty.
3. Pro Clubline Leverage Lat pulldown machine – nothing substantially wrong with this one… it’s just that leverage machines aren’t a good balance between space, functionality, and cost for home gyms. In other words, cables are better.
4. Prodigy Single Stack – a cracking unit with a price to match. You’d have to build it up and get a separate bench to use as a lat pulldown machine. We’ll likely talk more about it in the guide on cable machines.
5. Body-Solid S2LAT-2 Pro Clubline Series – good for commercial gyms, too expensive for homes.
6. Body Solid lat pulldown machines – two solid candidates (GLM83 and PLM180X)  that fell a tad short in build and functionality. 
7. Valor Fitness CB-12 – too basic, fragile-looking, and low weight capacity. It is cheap, though.
8. Deltech Fitness Lat Pull – another decent (read: cheap) unit that has little chance in competition with the husky XMark lat pulldown machine.
9. Powertech lat pulldown attachment for the Workbench – a very nice setup if you already own the Workbench. Choosing it as “best” in any category would help a few people and take up too much prime “real estate” in the guide.
10. Synergree home lat pulldown machine – met a similar destiny as Valor and Deltech.

Best lat pulldown machine – resume and key takeaways

The elbow grease was worth it.

Not only did we find some clear winners, but we pinpointed a few popular machines that are best avoided.

Here’s a quick resume:

The best value for money among lat pulldown machines is the XMark XM-7618. It combined a burly frame, high weight capacity, and a conservative price.

If you’re looking for a selectorized machine, go for a budget-friendly option like the Bells of Steel or splurge on Rogue Monster or the Rogue LP-2.

None of those four will disappoint.

To reassess your options, click here and skip back to the table with all the top picks.