7 Best Smith Machines For Your Home Gym (With Cables)

The hardest part about writing this piece wasn’t choosing the best Smith machine.

We have a precise, data-based system for that.

It was navigating around the minefield that is proper Smith machine use.

I could’ve gone one of two ways here:

1. Write with a singular focus on the products.
2. Try balancing quality analysis with my takes on how to use the machines.

I chose to do the former because it’s “cleaner.”

It means I won’t get into what you should or shouldn’t be doing on a Smith machine. As a personal trainer for 20 years, I have my opinions and have read a ton of research about Smith Machines. 

For example, a unit might make it onto this list because it’s better for bench pressing.

That doesn’t mean I recommend bench pressing on a Smith machine.

You catch my drift…

It means I’m aware of what brought you here – the pursuit of top value for your money.

My goal today is to help you find that.

After 40 hours of research and tests – the top-rated Smith machine is the Force USA G9. This rugged behemoth is not cheap, but it’s the best value.

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7 best Smith machines for a home gym

Category: Top multi-purpose picks

Machine	Label within category	Rating (out of 100)	Price	What defines it?
1. Force USA G9	Best overall	87	$$	Great value
2. Force USA G15	Money no object	80	$$$$$	Functional trainer with selectorized weight stacks
3. Marcy Smith Cage (SM-4008)	Best budget	63	$	Low-cost

Category: Standalone Smith machines

Machine	Label within category	Rating (out of 100)	Price	What defines it?
4. Body-Solid Pro Clubline	Best overall	85	$$$$	Thick frame and angled bar path
5. Valor Fitness BE-11BCB	Budget pick	82	$$	Good value
6. Deltech Smith machine	Top cheap pick	79	$	Low-cost
7. Hammer Strength Smith Machine	Top splurge	73	$$$$$	High-end craftsmanship, commercial-grade materials

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1 – Best Smith machine for home – Force USA G9

(multipurpose category)

Rating: 87 out of 100

Summary

Force USA G9 is the best Smith machine for most people because it lives at the intersection of three “roads”: 

• Premium mechanism and materials (guide rails, premium safety catch & counterbalanced)
• Versatility beyond the Smith Machine (eight training machines in one)
• And the price (you can pay a lot more than this for just a Smith Machine)

In a word – it’s the top value… by far!

The main competitors for the top spot were all Force USA machines.

The G3 costs less but uses a basic wheel-bearing combo for the mechanism, which has a bit of drag.

The G10 comes with more attachments but the Smith Machine is not “counterbalanced”. 

A counterbalanced Smith Machine means that you lift the exact weight of the plates you load onto it. Effectively the bar weighs nothing. 

This is a big deal if you are new to lifting as you can work with much lighter weight… plus it saves you from having to do quick math every time you load the bar!

With a footprint of only 29 square feet, G9 is the second smallest Force USA unit with a Smith machine (the “G” models), which makes it a good choice when every foot matters.

The two bones I have to pick with the G9 have nothing to do with the Smith bar.

#1 – the 1-to-1 pulley ratio on the functional trainer. The cables are not as long so it makes certain exercises such as a kneeling row a tad trickier than a 2-to-1 ratio.

#2 – spacing on the uprights is not Westside – this mainly affects the barbell bench press if you are lifting alone- as it’s harder to position the spotter arms at the exact right height. However, the Smith Machine has safety lock so you can do this safely using the Smith Machine instead. 

Fact sheet of the G9

Dimensions in inches (Height x Weight x Depth)	87 x 80 x 73
Weight Capacity (lbs)	992
Number of stations	8
Number of attachments	11
Counterbalanced	yes
# of lockout positions	12

Pros

• Premium linear bearings on the Smith machine – smooth motion with no drag. Don’t underestimate the importance of this – it transforms the user experience. 
• Counter-balanced – the bar is easier to move and lock in place, and the math in your workout plan will be simpler since there’s no bar weight to account for.
• Versatile – you can use it for a full-body workout. With 8 stations, it does a decent job of mimicking free weights.
• It features safety stops – the stops will catch the bar if you drop it. It’s also massive safety plus on failed lifts.
• Compact – it will be a good fit for smaller home gyms.

Cons

• 1-to-1 pulley ratio on the functional trainer – the cables are not as long, the increments aren’t as small, and the motion can be “jerky” on heavier weights.
• No selectorized weight stacks – going from weight to weight on the functional trainer is not as fast as with the selectorized models. Also, it means buying extra plates if you don’t already have them.

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2 – Money-no-object pick among multi-use Smith machines – Force USA G15

(multipurpose category)

Rating: 81 out of 100

Summary

As the label (money-no-object) suggests, the G15 isn’t cheap.

It costs about 60% more than the G9, which is a big reason the G9 gets our top pick.

If convenience is a priority, the extra cost is definitely worth it.

You can buy this machine and never need to get another piece of gym equipment again.

The Smith machine is also counterbalanced and has all of the good features of the G9. However, it comes with more potential stations and if you get the upgrade kit it combines 11 stations in one machine.

This category is about splurging on convenience, and that’s why the G15 is the top pick.

Fact sheet of the G15

Dimensions in inches (Height x Weight x Depth)	87 x 80 x 53
Weight Capacity (lbs)	992
Number of stations	8
Number of attachments	18
Counterbalanced	no
# of lockout positions	13

Pros

• Selectorized weight – it’s more precise and easier to change weights, which is a plus if you do a lot of drop-sets and prioritize convenience.
• Dual pulley system – the two ratios (2-to-1 and 4-to-1) are more beginner friendly and a big plus for families.
• Versatile – if you get the upgraded version, the number of stations becomes 11.
• Jammer arms included – you can simulate hammer-style lifts, which adds to your chest workouts.
• Compact – it will take up less space than most machines in its price and versatility range.

Cons

• It’s expensive – costs about 50% more than the G10, which features the same guiding mechanism without the counterbalance. Whether that’s worth the price bump is up to you.
• J-hooks aren’t fully lined – the exposed back means metal-to-metal contact when racking, which can damage your bar. It’s easily solvable with a piece of sponge or tape, but again, I hate fixing things that I just bought.

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3 – Best budget Smith machine for home use – Marcy Smith SM-4008

(multipurpose category)

Rating: 67 out of 100

Summary

As you move up the price ranges in the Marcy Smith lineup, this machine stands out as the top value.

The two machines that cost less don’t have a linear bearing system, which is a deal-breaker for me.

The old connectors are gone.

They’ve also corrected the one thing that used to bug me about Marcy Smith – the replacement connectors on the pulleys.

They used to have those God-awful screw-ons that took forever. It wasn’t a big deal because you always had the option to replace them with regular carabiners.

I just hate buying a thing and having to get extra stuff to use it.

It’s a detail that 90% of people wouldn’t notice (or talk about in reviews), but for me, it’s a significant upgrade.

Fact sheet

Dimensions in inches (Height x Weight x Depth)	85 x 79 x 70
Weight Capacity (lbs)	300 on the bar, 600 on the bench
Number of stations	6
Number of attachments	6
Counterbalanced	yes
# of lockout positions	9

Pros

• Reliable linear bearings on the Smith machine – yield smooth motion that won’t change much over time.
• Good value for money – getting this one will leave you with more money for creating a versatile home gym.
• Comes with a well-padded bench and a preacher curl station – this is a significant money-saver if you don’t already own a bench.

Cons

• The plastic lining of the cables is not great – they tend to split open, which looks messy over time.
• Sub-par pulley wheels – if these fail, you’ll have to go through the hassle of replacing them.
• The cable system is complicated to assemble – the whole thing will likely take a day. And it’s a two-person job.

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4 – Best home Smith machine among standalones – Pro Clubline by Body-Solid

Rating: 85 out of 100

Summary

The Pro Clubline is our top pick among the standalones for three main reasons:

• It’s the “beefiest.”
• The mechanism is reliable.
• It’s the most robust you can go without straying into the commercial-price territory.

It also has the most lock-out positions making it ideal to catch the bar at the right height for you…

Many of the cheaper Smith machines have one thing in common – they make the commercial-grade claim.

I’ve seen it repeatedly in the past two decades, especially with the expansion of the Chinese stuff.

The threshold for that claim seems low because it sounds good, and no gym owner would put these sub-par machines in their space to test it.

So, they live rent-free in that no man’s land.

That’s not the case with this Smith machine – it’s small enough for a home gym but would stand tall in a commercial environment.

The you-specific decision point here is the 12-degree angle.

If you’re unsure about that, I’ll go into more detail in the guide after the picks. To skip to that part, click here.

Fact sheet of the Pro Clubline

Dimensions in inches (Height x Weight x Depth)	84 x 86 x 50
Weight Capacity (lbs)	1000
Pitch angle (degrees)	12
Counterbalanced	yes, to 6 lbs
# of lockout positions	16

Pros

• Robust and heavy build – the extra heft means it can handle more weight and it will feel more stable. From a safety point of view, this is huge. Smith machines are often surprisingly easy to tip over.
• 16 lockout positions – makes racking easier, and it’s safer on failed lifts.
• Counterbalanced to 6 lbs – this makes the bar light, but it won’t feel like it’s floating (which is the case with many counterbalanced models).
• Modern arched design – it’s eye-catching and stands out in a sea of right angles that is the Smith machine market.

Cons

• It’s expensive – it doesn’t cost as much as a high-end commercial Smith machine, but it does cost more than your average home model.
• The instructions are unclear at points – if you’re not handy, this can make the assembly a real pain.

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5 – Best budget Smith machine for homes – Valor Fitness BE-11BCB

Rating: 82 out of 100

Summary

The Valor BE-11 is one of the most popular Smith machines for homes because of the quality vs. price ratio. This version is an upgrade to that because it includes a counterbalance.

However, the counterbalance on the basic version is optional and sold separately.

That might be a plus for some people, but it means extra money and hassle for most.

That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to see they made this nifty thing.

Fact sheet of the machine

Dimensions in inches (Height x Weight x Depth)	80 x 55 x 53
Weight Capacity (lbs)	500
Pitch angle (degrees)	3
Counterbalanced	yes
# of lockout positions	14

Pros

• The counterbalance is included – it’s cheaper and less of a hassle than getting it separately.
• 12 gauge steel – it will wobble less than most Smith machines.
• The carriage is guided with double linear bearings – the movement will feel similar to that of more expensive machines.
• Safeties with a spring top – the spring absorbs the impact if you drop the bar, which prevents long-term damage to both the stopper and the bar.

Cons

• Lower capacity – the maximum weight you can pack is 500 lbs. It’s not a deal-breaker per se, but it indicates how it’s put together, especially with the thick 12-gauge steel in mind.
• Shipping problems – you might not get all the parts. I’ve seen reports of this happening. Also, when it does happen, their customer service is not the fastest in solving the problems.
• The instructions are basic and unclear – putting it together can be frustrating since there’s no video or detailed instructions.

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6 – Best cheap Smith machine – Deltech Fitness with linear bearings

Rating: 79 out of 100

Summary

You rarely find a good Smith machine for less than a grand. This Deltech is one of those rare finds (at least at the time of writing this).

The bearings are built around precision rollers, and the bars (Smith and pull-up) are solid. The footprint is the smallest here, and it still packs a punch in terms of weight capacity.

At this price range, you can’t ask for more.

Facts

Dimensions in inches (Height x Width x Depth)	81 x 49.25 x 49
Weight Capacity (lbs)	700
Pitch angle (degrees)	0 (vertical)
Counterbalanced	no
# of lockout positions	14

Pros

• It’s cheap – it costs about 4 times less than the top standalone pick, which is a significant saving.
• Compactly packaged – it will take up less space. Footprint-wise, it’s the smallest machine here (16.76 square feet).
• High weight capacity for the size and price (700 lbs) – great if you’re lifting heavy but are short on space and cash.
• Features precision roller bearings – these would stand tall against machines twice or thrice the price.

Cons

• You rack the bar by extending your wrist backward – compared to wrist flexion, this type of racking doesn’t feel as natural or safe, especially with heavier weights.
• Not as stable as the bigger machines – it will wobble more because of the small footprint. Again, a concern when the weights get heavier. If you’re pushing big numbers, this will need some serious thought.

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7 – Best “splurge” – Hammer Strength Smith Machine

Rating: 79 out of 100

Summary

This beastly looker from Hammer Strength weighs a whopping 570 lbs.

It’s our “splurge” pick because of the thick frame, the luxurious platinum coating, and the extra weight storage space.

You might see weight storage referred to as “horns.”

There are 8 horns on this bad boy, each 7 inches long.

For you, this means two things:

1. More storage space (and a potential cost-saver because you won’t need to buy additional plate storage)
2. More stability on heavy lifts – a big deal for the stronger guys out there

Fact sheet of the Hammer Strength

Dimensions in inches (Height x Width x Depth)	93 x 49.5 x 86.5
Weight Capacity (lbs)	650
Pitch angle (degrees)	7
Counterbalanced	yes
# of lockout positions	14

Pros

• It’s heavy – it won’t move or rattle, even on heavy lifts.
• Greater cross-section surface of the frameless lateral wobble.
• It has more storage space – this means more room for your weights and a heavier unit, which translates to stability.

Cons

• It’s expensive – you’ll be paying a premium price for the brand name.
• It’s a Smith machine; since there are no holes for j-hooks, you can’t use it as a rack.
• Surprisingly low weight capacity for the price – you can get higher rated machines for much less money

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Buyer’s guide to the best home Smith machine

Below outlined are the primary factors of choosing a good home Smith machine.

Some of them can be quantified – those are included in our ratings. Some of them, like overall build quality, can’t be put directly into numbers. The points for those are distributed across a few quality categories.

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10 primary factors of choosing the right Smith machine

1 – Type of the Smith machine – standalone or multi-use

(no specific points in our ratings)

We did not award points in this category because no machine is inherently better just because of the type.

There is, however, a better type FOR YOU.

If you have an existing space and gear and want to add a Smith machine, go for a standalone.

If you’re just starting out with your home gym project and want to use limited space efficiently, an all-one machine like the G9 is the way to go. It might also offer you more workout versatility at a lower price point than buying all of the additional items individually.

Compared to the multi-use units, there aren’t as many moving parts, both metaphorically and literally.

The three things that can ruin it for you are:

1. Bar’s angle
2. Build quality
3. Type of mechanism

We’ll cover all that in more detail below.

If you’re reading this, your priority is probably a good Smith machine, so make that your starting point, even when looking at all-in-ones.

From there, make a list of stations paramount for you (like a pull-up bar leg extension, leg press, etc.).

Use that as an elimination checklist.

2 – Size of a Smith machine – footprint and height

(0 to 6.3 points in our ratings)

The footprint range for the standalone machines starts at just below 17 square feet and goes up to about 30.

For the multi-use models, that range is 26-41

The height ranges from 80 to 93 inches.

If height is the limiting factor, there are outliers like the MiM USA compact home Smith machine. It’s not the best, but it’s great for basements and attics with lower-than-average ceilings.

The two graphs below compare our top picks in size – footprint, and height.

Leave room to move around with weights

As a rule of thumb, I advise people to leave at least 35 inches on either side of a Smith machine. 

That will give you enough space to pack weights without propping up or twisting, which is risky for your back.

On the sides, the extra space should naturally be measured from the end of the bar and not the frame.

Bonus tip: If you’re tall and do standing presses, you’ll want to pay special attention to the highest lockout position of the Smith bar.

3 – Overall build quality of a Smith machine

(combined total of 31.4 points in our ratings)

Overall build quality is a tricky category because there’s no way to measure it directly.

That’s why we’ve broken it down into chunks.

Below is a list of what we rated and what you should be looking at:

1. Weight capacity
2. Gauge of the steel
3. Cross-section of the frame

4 – Weight capacity

(0 to 13 points in our ratings)

For most people, the weight capacity of the Smith machine is more significant as an indicator of quality than an actual limitation.

Higher weight capacity means thicker steel, wider frame, and better joining.

For you, it means a Smith machine that will not wobble or feel unsafe.

Below is a graph comparing the weight capacities of our top picks.

Gauge of the steel used for the machine

(0 to 9 points in our ratings)

The gauge of the steel used for Smith machines is in the 11-14″ range (the lower the gauge, the thicker the steel).

It becomes more of a factor if you go outside the list of our top picks because the machines we’ve chosen are made using 11 or 12-gauge steel. The exception is the budget Marcy Smith Cage, which is 14-gauge.

Cross-section of the uprights

(0 to 9 points in our ratings)

The cross-section of the frame tells the story of durability and stability, but only when paired with the gauge.

The cross-section surface should go below four square inches.

5 – Type of Smith machine mechanism – bushings vs. bearings

(0 to 12.5 points in our ratings)

A good Smith machine uses linear bearings; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Period.

Compared to bushings, linear bearings make for a much smoother, glide-like movement. Having used both types, I’ll be honest – I wouldn’t even consider a Smith machine that didn’t use linear bearings, regardless of the money saved.

Oh- and yes every model you see above uses bearings (you’re welcome!)

It’s night and day in terms of user experience. Bushings will always have a bit of a drag. As time goes by, you’ll probably see it getting worse and “spotty.”

By “spotty,” I mean not uniform – some parts of the guiding bar will create more friction.

You might temporarily fix it by oiling the mechanism.

It will undoubtedly worsen in time, especially if the guiding bar is not stainless steel.

As rust particles combine with the oil, they create gunk that builds up. Ultimately, that renders the machine useless.

Linear bearings mechanisms use a series of bearings that rotate, which minimizes the contact surface and results in that glide we know and love.

6 – Angled vs. upright Smith machine

(no specific points in our ratings)

The angled-versus-upright is a needlessly complicated debate that’s been going on for ages.

Let’s simplify it.

First of all, let me ensure that we’re on the same page.The angle we’re talking about here is between an imaginary vertical line and the path of the Smith bar (image below). You might also see it referred to as “pitch” or “reverse pitch.”

It can be anywhere from 0 to 12 degrees. That path is biomechanically closer to bench pressing with free weights and better for adding squat variations (like hack squats).

That’s it. Those are the two advantages. On the other hand, a pitch of over 10 degrees makes the bar a peg less versatile because some exercises (like shrugs or hip thrusts) will feel awkward.

The reasons for choosing one type over the other will need to be ultra-specific.

For a vertical bar path, those ultra-specific reasons can be something like facing either way when in the machine.

For an angled bar path, bench pressing follows a more natural plane of movement.

The bottom line is that, for 95% of exercises, you can mimic the angles either way.

Once you understand what works for you and adjust, either machine type will do just fine.

Click here to skip back to the Pro Clubline review.

7 – Number of lockout positions

The higher number of lockout positions, the more control you have over the range of motion. You’ll also feel safer on failed lifts.

The latter is valid up to a point.

If you pack 25 lockout positions onto an 85-inch frame, the racking slots will be too close together. You don’t want racking to feel like darts.

How close is too close?

That depends on the racking mechanism – the simpler, the better.

The distance sweet spot is 5-6.5 inches, which is where all our picks are.

The graph below compares the number of lockout positions on the top-rated Smith machines from our list.

8 – Safety of a Smith machine – catches are a must

Smith machines with safety catches have pretty much become the standard of the industry.

It’s just a question of the type of safeties.

On most machines, the safeties use the same mechanism as the carriage, only fixed.

You hook the safety, and it catches the bar on failed lifts.

Simple enough, right?

Well, yes and no.

The problem here is safeties limit the range of motion – especially on squats and deadlifts.

They say that a Smith machine “eliminates the need for a spotter.”

For that to be true, you’d have to get one that tracks the bar and moves the safeties to make way.

Mechatronic systems like that already exist, but it will be years before they’re cheap enough for mass production.

As is, just make sure the safety catches exist.

More important for safety than catches – reliable carriage and racking

Most injuries in a Smith machine happen when the rotating mechanism or the carriage gets stuck.

I have no statistics to speak of, but if I were a betting man, I’d guess the number to be no less 90%.

Bottom line – get a machine with a good carriage and rotation system. It’s a more significant safety factor than the type of catches.

9 – Versatility of a Smith machine – number of stations and attachments

(0 to 21.9 points in our ratings)

“Versatility” is only a factor for the Smith machines that are part of multipurpose units.

For simplicity, we split this category into the number of stations (as the primary indicator) and the number of attachments (as the secondary).

You can see those two graphs below.

Look for specific stations – do you need a pull-up bar or a leg press?

For the nerdier and more patient among, I’m linking to a study on leg press vs. Smith machine quadriceps activation.

My advice here is to prioritize and not be dazzled by the numbers.

More important than the spec-sheet numbers are the stations that you’ll actually be using. Make a list of those and choose your Smith machine through an elimination process.

10 – Price and warranty terms of a Smith machine

(0 to 20 points in our ratings)

A good Smith machine will set you back anywhere from 1-7 grand.

Naturally, the all-in-ones cost more because they bring more than just a Smith machine.

My advice here is not to save on the carriage mechanism. Go for the machines that explicitly list linear bearings in the specs. That’s one of the rules we applied to our picks.

If that means giving up a station or two, so be it.

The graph below is a price comparison of top picks in the categories – of multi-use and standalone Smith machines.

Warranty terms

My 3 rule of thumb here are:

1. Don’t settle for anything less than a Lifetime Warranty if you’re spending over 2k on a Smith machine.
2. Anything less than a year is unacceptable, no matter the price.
3. A 1-year warranty is only acceptable if the machine costs less than $1,500. That rules out some popular machines like Titan.

If possible, look for units you can return without jumping through hoops.

That especially goes if this is your first Smith machine – it’s not for everyone.

I know that Force USA has a good customer policy regarding returns. It’s only natural when you’re paying that kind of money.

Also important – Pulley ratio and Westside spacing

Out of the factors that go beyond the Smith bar, these two are crucial.

The pulley ratio refers to the cable pulley system. Specifically – how weight is transferred to the functional trainer.

A 2-to-1 ratio means that a weight of 50 lbs will “become” 25 lbs on your end of the pulley.

That means two things:

• You can increase the weight in smaller increments.
• The cable is longer.

A 2-to-1 ratio is a sweet spot for most people, and an optional 4-to-1 is a nice plus but not a must-have.

The machine that scored highest in categories directly related to the Smith bar (the G9) features a 1-to-1 pulley ratio, which is less than ideal.

I could either way on the side of the pulley ratio or prioritize the Smith machine.

I did the latter.

This is the guide on “best Smith machines,” after all.

If this sounds like it might be a problem for you, skip the G9 and go for G10, which has a dual pulley system.

There is a trade-off here – the G10 is not counterbalanced and costs a peg more, but features a dual-pulley system.

Westside spacing refers to a specific distribution of the holes on the uprights.

Basic spacing is uniform – the holes are two inches apart.

Westside starts with a 1-inch spacing for the lower section and moves to 2-inches towards the top. It gives you more control over j-hooks and safety placement.

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Methodology – how we assess and rate Smith machines

I’ll take a moment here to outline the steps we took to compile this list.

I’m not doing it to brag but so that you can get insight into our guesswork-free process.

1. We created the initial list of Smith machines – this combines the machines we know are good and have used with the most popular models.
2. We went through all fitness gear manufacturers’ websites to check if we were missing anything. This step was about hunting down those new arrivals that would otherwise slip through the cracks.
3. We went through all the machines listed on Amazon and chose the ones that might be candidates for “best” in any category. Our rule here was that a solid Smith machine would have at least a 4-star rating.
4. We separated the complete list into two groups – standalones and multi-use. We did this because comparing the two types directly is a sloppy apple-to-orange comparison.
   
   Yet, most sites do it…make of that what you will.
5. We asked industry experts and users what they’re looking for in a good Smith machine.
6. We created data categories and populated the list with every bit of information we found on the machines. We contact the manufacturers if it’s crucial and we can’t find it.
7. We combined what we learned in #5 with our experience to develop the rating formula. We tweaked that to make it more accurate and include EVERYTHING that matters.
8. This includes everything from the basics, like footprint and height, to the more nuanced stuff, like the type of bearings and number of lockout positions.
9. We tweaked the formula through multiple iterations. This made it more accurate.
10. We chose the best smith machines to present. The goal was to compile a list that’s comprehensive but not overwhelming.
11. We analyzed each top pick in more depth. The goal here is to make the mini-reviews “richer” and more helpful. We try out as many of the machines as possible in person & compare them to a variety of Smith machines we’ve used.
12. We stay on top of things and regularly update this guide to keep the information fresh and relevant.

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FAQs about Smith machines

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Other products – close but no cigar

Machines from Force USA that didn’t make the cut:

Since the Smith machines on the Force USA units are the same, differentiating between the models came down to versatility beyond the Smith machine and the price.

• G10 – locked as the runner-up in the multipurpose category. I decided to go with the G15 to make a more versatile list. The G10 is similar to the G3 (both with weight plates).
• The G3 costs less but uses a basic wheel-bearing combo for the mechanism, which has a bit of drag.
• G6 – stack and weight combo with good value.
  
  It’s rated a point lower than the G15 and G10 because there’s no optional ratio on the pulleys. It’s slightly less versatile and a peg bigger. These are all details, and getting the G6 instead of the G15 (and saving 30% in the process) isn’t a mistake.
• G20 – since it came out, they’re pushing it as the flagship model. The 1-to-1 pulley paired with a high price tag pushed it below the line of top picks.
• G12 – popular and highly rated, this one dropped the most points in two main aspects – the number of attachments vs. price and the pulley ratio.

Force USA provides some of the best all-in-one home gym machines. You can learn more about each of the best Force USA all in one trainers here.

Other multipurpose models:

• Commercial Home Gym Smith machine – a good machine with a confusing name and solid, sealed-bearing pulleys. In many ways, the design is similar to Force USA.
• Altas Strength Smith machine – good-looking machine with a lower max load than cheaper models. It’s one of the few on our list with safety catches on the Smith.
• MiM USA Hercules 1001 – short warranty for the price tag.

Standalone Smith machines that deserve a mention:

• Other Body-Solid Smith machines – out of the five-machine lineup, the GS348Q is probably the top value, but the SCB1000 (Pro Clubline) is the only one with a counterbalanced Smith bar. Both versions of the entry-level PSM144X are too flimsy.

The upgraded version of the GS348Q doesn’t stand a chance against top multipurpose models.

• Valor Fitness BE-11 – this is one of the most popular out there. It is counterbalanced version is the top budget pick. Getting the counterbalance built-in makes more sense than buying and installing it separately.
• Titan Fitness Smith machine – good overall, but a basic Smith machine for a not-so-basic price. It should have more than 8 lockout positions, for one.
• Signature Series Smith machine by Life Fitness – Objectively, we’re missing a lot of information to rate this durable Smith machine. Subjectively, we prefer the “chunky” design of the Hammer Strength.
• MiM USA Compact Smith Machine – this low unit is an interesting take on a Smith bar. That’s about it – it’s only an option if your space is minimal, and you won’t be squatting in it (it should cost less, too).
• Eleiko Prestera Half Rack with Smith machine system (attachment) – this one is everything we’ve come to expect from Eleiko. It’s robust and gorgeous, with impeccable attention to detail. We’re missing information to rate it…perhaps in the next update.
• York STS Counter-Balanced Smith Machine – a solid, medium-range machine.
• Nautilus Leverage Smith machine – an incline machine that doesn’t allow for full use of the angle when bench-pressing.
• Powerline Smith machine – cheap but too basic to compete with the Deltech. Even at this range, we’re not looking for the cheapest Smith machine, but the best among the cheap.

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Resume and key takeaways

This page is the fruit of 100+ work hours.

The elbow grease is worth it because the result is a concise but versatile list of the best Smith machines.

Force USA G9 is the best value for the money among the multipurpose units. It’s not cheap, but it’s much more than a Smith bar.

The G15 is the “money-no-object” pick, while the Marcy Smith SM-4008 is the budget option.

Among standalone Smith machines, Body-Solid Pro Clubline stands out. It’s not the only one to make the “commercial-grade” claim, but it is the only one to deliver it well below commercial-gym prices.

If none of these fit the bill, click here to skip back to the table with the top picks.