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We Found and Tested the 11 Best Home Gyms to Save You Money on a Membership

Get a full-body workout with our favorite versatile, compact resistance training systems

A person exercising using the Gorilla Bow The Original.

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Sticking to a fitness plan can be difficult, especially if your gym's hours don't match your schedule. Enter a home gym, which provides flexibility, privacy, and customizable training that most traditional gyms can’t offer. The best home gyms allow you to get a full-body workout at home that's personalized to help you meet your fitness goals. It can be anything, from a simple adjustable weight bench to a more complex machine with accessories and attachments that allow for multiple exercises.

To find the best home gyms, we first spoke with fitness experts to learn which key features to look for. Then, we evaluated each piece of equipment's size, ease of use, and ability to provide a well-rounded workout with different resistance levels. We also tested our best barbell alternative and best high-tech picks at home and in The Verywell Testing Lab. When testing home gyms, we assess their quality, versatility, ease of use, grip, portability, and value. Another reason to trust our picks: We had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this list for accuracy, how to shop for a home gym that meets your needs, and how to use one safely.

Best Overall

Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym

Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym

Amazon

Pros
  • Easy transitions

  • Can perform over 50 exercises

  • Compact

Cons
  • Lighter maximum resistance

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 174 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 210 pounds | Size: 76 x 86 x 82 inches | Style: Cable pulley-based

Who It's For

Best for someone who has a small space but wants a durable, versatile piece of equipment with a wide range of weights.

Why We Love It

The overall value of Bowflex's PR3000 Home Gym makes it our top pick. It offers more than 50 different strength training exercises and has a resistance range of 5 to 210 pounds, with the option to upgrade up to 310 pounds using additional parts. We also like that it uses a power rod resistance system in addition to traditional cables and pulleys that allows for quick transitions from move to move.

Padded rollers make leg extensions a breeze, while multipurpose hand grips and ankle cuffs add both function and safety. Shop confidently with the help of Bowflex's warranties—up to one year for the frame, two months for most parts, and seven years for the power rods.

Although it's relatively compact compared to similar home gyms, the PR3000's size doesn’t impact its durability, since it's equipped with a heavy-duty steel frame construction that's built to last. Sleek and easy to use, we like it for beginner and intermediate exercisers alike.

Potential Flaws

  • Compared to other home gyms on our list, this one's maximum resistance is on the lighter side.

Best Investment

MiM USA Commercial Hercules 1001 Jumbo Trainer

MiM USA Commercial Hercules 1001 Jumbo Trainer

Amazon

Pros
  • Reinforced steel construction

  • Ideal for heavy lifters

  • Comes with accessories

Cons
  • Large footprint

  • Doesn't come with weight plates

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 586 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 335 pounds | Size: 60 x 80 x 87 inches | Style: All-in-one weightlifting machine

Who It's For

Best if you want an all-in-one weightlifting setup that comes with a full set of accessories.

Why We Love It

MiM USA's Commercial Hercules 1001 Jumbo Trainer is an all-in-one weightlifting rig that combines both cable and pulley systems with weight plates. It includes a Smith machine, functional trainer, power cage, vertical leg press, dip and chin-up station, and adjustable weight bench. You'll also get a full set of accessories that will allow you to expand your workout without needing to buy more equipment—making this machine well worth the high price tag.

This tough, durable machine is perfect for full-body workouts of all intensities and is also ideal for seasoned bodybuilders, thanks to the range of exercises it offers. Heavy lifters will appreciate its thoughtful design and sturdy steel frame.

Potential Flaws

  • This home gym has a large footprint and takes up a significant amount of space.
  • Although we recommend the Hercules for advanced lifters, note that you'll need to buy your own weight plates.

Best Design

Technogym Unica

Technogym Unica

Technogym

Pros
  • Sleek design

  • Free membership included

  • Comes with accessories

Cons
  • Lighter maximum resistance

  • Heavy and pricey

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 640 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 180 pounds | Size: 72 x 47 x 81 inches | Style: Multifunctional bench

Who It's For

Best for people with small spaces who enjoy following trainer-led workouts.

Why We Love It

Made in Italy, Technogym's Unica is sleek and multi-functional, making it our top pick for the home gym with the best design. It helps you work your full body with over 25 different exercises that you can find in the Technogym app. Another bonus? You'll also receive a Technogym Plus membership that never expires, giving you access to trainer-led workouts, guided meditations, and more.

The sleek weight stack core offers 180 pounds of resistance in 10-pound intervals, and the seat cushions are both plush and supportive. We like that this top-of-the-line pick also comes with multiple accessories, including a stretching mat, a workout ankle band, a workout handgrip, a workout pulley bar, and more. But our favorite part is that all of these features fit in just 16 square feet of space.

Potential Flaws

  • Due to the lower weight capacity, this home gym may not be ideal for advanced lifters.
  • This is one of our heavier and pricier picks, although we think the Unica's compact design and included membership are fair trade-offs.

Best Compact

Total Gym XLS Workout Machine

Total Gym XLS Workout Machine

Amazon

Pros
  • Folds for easy storage

  • Weight capacity of 400 pounds

  • Over 80 exercises

Cons
  • Setup may be complicated

  • Only uses bodyweight

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 90 pounds | Maximum Resistance: Your bodyweight | Size: 19 x 90 x 43 inches | Style: Universal cable pulley- and bodyweight-based home gym

Who It's For

Best for home gym spaces that serve double duty, since this gym can be folded up when you're not using it.

Why We Love It

With a sleek silhouette that's easily stowed away, Total Gym's XLS Workout Machine is our favorite compact home gym. While the equipment has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, it can also be folded to just 9 inches high to fit under your bed or in a closet when it’s not in use.

We love that the XLS's glide board can be set at six different incline options, allowing you to increase resistance with your own body weight instead of a bulky weight stack. The cable pulley mechanism also makes it easy to incorporate challenging exercises for your upper body. An ideal piece of exercise equipment for seniors and active athletes alike, we love that this Total Gym model supports more than 80 different exercises to give you an all-around good workout.

Potential Flaws

  • Some users have found that setting up this home gym can be challenging.
  • There aren't any weights—this machine uses bodyweight only.

Best Barbell Alternative

Gorilla Bow The Original Total Bundle

Gorilla Bow The Original Total Bundle

Gorilla Bow

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Durable, high-quality resistance bands

  • Weight can be adjusted in small increments

Cons
  • Lighter maximum resistance

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: B+ | Product Weight: 6 pounds (bow only) | Maximum Resistance: 110-520 pounds | Size: 56 inches long (bow only) | Style: Resistance bands

Who It's For

Best for lifters who love to use barbells in the gym, but don't have the space for a traditional barbell and weight plate set at home.

Why We Love It

The Gorilla Bow looks like a barbell but gets its resistance from durable resistance bands, rather than weight plates. To use it, you simply attach one (or more) of the included bands to each side of the bow and use it to perform various traditional weightlifting exercises you'd typically do with a barbell. You can stand on the attached band and lift the bow to perform deadlifts, upright rows, bicep curls, shoulder presses, and more.

When testing this budget-friendly device both at home and in the Lab, we particularly liked that you can attach up to four bands onto the bow for added resistance. It's also incredibly versatile and easy to use. We love that you can target many different muscle groups—plus, the resistance is adjustable, making the Gorilla Bow ideal for anyone who wants to increase their strength over time. You can also purchase a Gorilla Bow class membership, but we personally didn't think it was necessary to get a good workout with the equipment.

Potential Flaws

  • Advanced lifters may find the Gorilla Bow's maximum resistance too limiting. But we love it for most beginner and intermediate exercisers.

Best for Full-Body Workouts

NordicTrack Fusion CST

NordicTrack Fusion CST

Courtesy of NordicTrack

Pros
  • 10-inch tablet screen

  • Resistance automatically adjusts

  • Includes 1-year iFit membership

Cons
  • Pulleys aren't adjustable

  • Lighter maximum resistance

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 378 pounds (weight in box) | Maximum Resistance: 100 pounds | Size: 41.5 x 59.4 x 73.7 inches | Style: Smart cardio and strength training with cable pulley resistance system

Who It's For

Best for those who enjoy high-tech, digital machines and trainer-led workouts.

Why We Love It

The sleek tower base of NordicTrack's Fusion CST features a 10-inch tablet screen that allows you to follow along with trainer-guided workouts. With 20 resistance levels and a digital control display, you don't have to waste valuable time adjusting the machine between each exercise. Every movement uses a pulley system powered by a silent flywheel.

During each workout, the machine automatically adjusts resistance levels so you can follow along with the trainer. We also like that it comes with a chest strap heart rate monitor so you can track your heart rate as you exercise. Another bonus? You get a one-year NordicTrack iFit membership with your purchase, which gives you access to dozens of trainer-led classes.

Potential Flaws

  • The pulleys aren't adjustable, which may feel limiting for some.
  • Due to its lower maximum resistance, this home gym isn't well-suited for heavy strength training.

Best for Beginners

TUT Fitness Trainer

TUT Fitness TUT Trainer

TUT Fitness

Pros
  • Wall-mounted

  • Lightweight

  • Versatile

Cons
  • Lighter maximum resistance

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: B+ | Product Weight: 11.6 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 150 pounds as is, virtually unlimited if you purchase more TUT plates | Size: 6 inches wide | Style: Resistance bands and cable pulley system

Who It's For

Best for beginners who don't have much floor space.

Why We Love It

If you're new to strength training, we highly recommend TUT Fitness' TUT Trainer. It easily attaches to most walls or doorways—wherever you have a wall stud available. While it may look like an ordinary cable machine, it works a little differently: The resistance comes from TUT plates, which are resistance bands with plastic clips on the end. Although the TUT Trainer weighs less than 12 pounds, it offers up to 150 pounds of resistance (or more if you want to buy additional TUT plates).

Thanks to included accessories, like an aluminum curl bar, carabiner, ankle straps, and more, this lightweight home gym system is incredibly versatile for a relatively small piece of equipment. You can use the included handles for upper body exercises like cable chest presses, shoulder presses, and chest flies. For lower body training, cable abductions and adductions come easy using the included ankle straps. It's also a great way to round out cardio workouts, like sessions on an elliptical machine or stationary bike.

Potential Flaws

  • This system offers a lighter maximum resistance and may not be ideal for heavy lifters. (For more resistance, you'll have to purchase extra TUT plates separately.)

Best Suspension Trainer

TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System

TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System

Target

Pros
  • Portable and compact

  • Budget-friendly

  • Free TRX app access for 1 year

Cons
  • Adjusting between exercises can be time-consuming

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 1.7 pounds | Maximum Resistance: Your bodyweight | Size: 53 x 1.5 x 6 inches | Style: Suspension trainer

Who It's For

Best for people who want to bring their home gym with them while traveling.

Why We Love It

When looking at this set of black and yellow straps, you may not think of TRX's All-in-One Suspension Training Fitness System as a home gym. But once anchored on a wall or door, these portable, budget-friendly straps enable you to strength-train every part of your body. You can easily customize the intensity by positioning yourself closer to or further away from the anchor point.

This suspension trainer also promotes a strong sense of body awareness as you learn how to perform exercises with proper form using the right muscle groups. We recommend using it alongside other core-building equipment, like flexibility- and stability-improving balance boards, for enhanced full-body training. We also like that the TRX system comes with free access to the TRX app for one year, giving you even more guidance, tips, and exercises to try.

Potential Flaws

  • These straps are trickier to adjust than other machines on our list since you have to stop exercising to reposition them each time.

Best High-Tech

Tonal System

Tonal System

Tonal

Pros
  • Completely customizable

  • Easy to use

  • Tracks your workouts for you

Cons
  • No live class options

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 135 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 200 pounds | Size: 21.5 x 5.3 x 50.9 inches | Style: Smart mirror with resistance arm extensions

Who It's For

Best for those who want a home gym that can track progress and keep you accountable with the help of a virtual personal trainer.

Why We Love It

Sleek and high-tech, this modern version of a home gym can help take your training to the next level. When testing, we loved the large screen, where you can follow along with a wide range of expert-led workout programs. And although Tonal boasts tons of detailed features, like specific metrics, personal recommendations, and form advice, it's also incredibly intuitive and easy to use. We'd suggest investing in the matching Smart Accessories to customize your workouts even further and get the most out of your purchase.

The digitally controlled weighted arms give you up to 200 pounds to lift, and the programs learn from your workout and adjust to your body as you exercise. Tonal even tells you exactly which days to work out and offers suggestions on recovery day activities.

Potential Flaws

  • For how pricey it is, we wish Tonal also offered live classes so we could train along with an instructor in real time.

Best Weight Stack Style Machine

Marcy 150-lb. Home Gym

Marcy 150-lb. Home Gym

Amazon

Pros
  • Weight stack includes a safety lock

  • Comes with a built-in exercise guide

  • Weights are easy to adjust

Cons
  • Lighter maximum resistance

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 260 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 150 pounds | Size: 36 x 79 x 68 inches | Style: Cable/weight stack

Who It's For

Best for beginner and intermediate exercisers who want a classic gym machine to use at home.

Why We Love It

Marcy's Multifunctional Home Gym Station comes with high and low pulleys, a leg developer, a removable preacher curl pad, and a dual-function chest press to provide a complete home workout. With a 150-pound weight stack that includes a locking mechanism for safety, this machine is one of our top picks for beginner and intermediate exercisers.

This steel machine offers 30 different exercise options that you can check at a glance, thanks to the built-in chart on the front of the weight stack. Plus, we like that you can change the weight easily just by moving a pin and that the included ankle strap attachment makes lower body days simple. Marcy's Home Gym also has a 300-pound weight capacity and is compact enough to fit comfortably in many homes or garages.

Potential Flaws

  • This home gym may not offer enough resistance for advanced exercisers.

Best for Bodybuilding

REP Fitness FT-5000 Functional trainer

REP Fitness FT-5000 Functional trainer

REP Fitness

Pros
  • Cables are easy to adjust

  • Targets large and small muscles

  • High maximum resistance

Cons
  • Large footprint

  • Heavy

Key Specs

Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 875 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 448 pounds | Size: 85.5 x 58 x 36 inches | Style: Cable training system

Who It's For

Best for anyone who is serious about their training and needs a piece of equipment that is versatile enough to grow with them as their resistance needs change.

Why We Love It

REP Fitness' Functional Trainer FT 5000 2.0 is a commercial-grade cable strength training home gym with all the functionality you need to stay on top of your intense bodybuilding training regimen. Its 21 cable positions allow you to customize your workout, moving with your natural range of motion while working smaller muscles. The weight stacks max out at 224 pounds on each side for a total of 448 pounds—plenty of range for just one machine.

While you will need some dedicated space for this home gym, we like that it can accommodate taller users without getting too wide at the same time. We also appreciate that the cables are easy to adjust, with laser-etched markings and numbers to show you exactly where to line the handles up each time. Even better, the pulleys are made from sturdy aluminum instead of plastic for better durability.

Potential Flaws

  • This free-standing home gym takes up a lot of space. But we think it's worth it for bodybuilders who need a commercial-grade piece of equipment to reach their goals.
  • Weighing in at 875 pounds once assembled, this is a heavy piece of equipment that may not be suitable for all floor types.

Home Gyms We Also Tested

We tested and reviewed over a dozen home gyms, but only 11 made the final cut. We also tested this option, which has some features we like but fell short in a few key areas:

  • BodyBoss' Home Gym is a portable gym that allows you to take your workout on the go. It folds up to the size of a yoga mat and is fairly portable, weighing around 13 pounds. We like that you can use it to perform over 300 exercises. However, we felt a little unsafe using it because we had to hold the base to keep it steady when exercising on our hands and knees.

Where We Stand

After both testing and researching multiple home gym options, Bowflex's PR3000 Home Gym is our clear winner for its overall value and versatility. With more than 50 different strength training exercises, a resistance range of 5 to 210 pounds, and a smaller footprint, it's our favorite home gym for most spaces and skill levels. We continue to test some of these home gyms at home, and we'll update our picks if we notice anything significant that we haven't already covered here.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Home Gym

  • Size: Before buying a home gym, consider how large it is. Options on our list range from commercial-style rigs to simple, foldable setups that can be used virtually anywhere. Be sure the home gym you're eyeing will fit in your garage, bonus room, or corner of your apartment, with plenty of room for you to use it correctly and safely.
  • Style: Any home gym that provides progressive resistance will help you build muscle. The style of home gym that's right for your workout depends on your fitness level and goals: A senior looking to improve their joint strength likely doesn't need a massive, multi-use home gym, while a bodybuilder may need more features and versatility. Look for a machine or system that provides a variety of full-body exercises and allows you to increase the resistance over time.
  • Versatility: Typically, more versatile machines will keep your muscles guessing as to which moves you’ll challenge them with next. Some home gyms can be used to perform 20 different exercises, while others can handle hundreds. Think about what your current workout routine looks like and how you may want your workouts to change in the future when selecting a home gym.
  • Maximum Resistance: Many home gyms allow you to lift heavy weights without purchasing individual weight plates, a free weight bench, or a rack. The maximum resistance settings on our list are challenging enough for most exercisers. But if you're a serious lifter, pay close attention to maximum weight plates and cable resistance settings while you shop.
A person exercising using the Gorilla Bow The Original.

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

How We Selected and Tested the Best Home Gyms

To find the best home gyms on the market, we first consulted two fitness professionals for their guidance on what to look for when shopping for a home gym. Then, we researched and tested dozens of models from top fitness brands. For the home gyms we select through research, we consider benches, cable machines, and suspension trainers. We review key specs, safety features, and more from machines at all price points to find the best options available. When testing home gyms, we use them to work out at home and in The Verywell Testing Lab. As we continue to test and evaluate new models, we keep these important criteria in mind:

  • Quality: While using the home gym, we assess how it's constructed, which materials it's made out of, and how it stands up to regular use. Throughout each testing period, we note any signs of wear and tear (like worn fabric or leather, scratches, or scrapes). Will this home gym last long enough to justify its price?
  • Versatility: When exploring a home gym's features and settings, we also consider how versatile it is. Can we switch up our workouts with new exercises, or do we feel limited to the same few moves? The right home gym is multipurpose, so you'll never get bored.
  • Ease of Use: You shouldn't have to waste valuable minutes of your workout trying to get your home gym set up or adjusted correctly. As we unpack, assemble, and use each home gym, we consider how intuitive it is and whether it's accessible enough for exercisers at all fitness levels.
  • Grip: Not having a solid grip on a piece of equipment can put you at risk for injuries, so we make sure to note how grippy each home gym is that we test. How does the equipment feel in our hands, whether they're dry or sweaty? Are handles slipping or falling out of our grasp? Can we switch components easily in the middle of a tough workout? We also pay attention to how comfortable the equipment is to use—does it dig into our skin?
  • Portability: Some home gyms are more compact than others. During testing, we practice putting each home gym away and storing its components. Does it fold flat or store upright? If we need to move any pieces, are they lightweight and easy to tuck away?
  • Overall Value: To accurately rate each home gym's value, we don't check the price until the end of the testing period after we've rated it in all other categories. Considering its performance in all other areas, do we think the price is fair? Would we buy it on sale?
A person using a door and the BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym to work arm muscles.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Our Experts

Before selecting products for our list of top recommendations, we consulted these experts to help us determine what key features we should be looking for in quality home gyms. Our experts also noted any red flags to avoid when selecting this type of equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from a home gym?

Anyone interested in improving their muscular strength and endurance from the comfort of their own home can benefit from a home gym. Before buying one, ask yourself if you would use a heavyweight bench and squat rack rig, a high-tech screen that projects strength training classes, or a solution somewhere in between.

What is the best flooring for a home gym?

The best home gym flooring prevents heavy equipment from damaging the permanent floors in your home and gives your joints a more forgiving surface to exercise on. Choose flooring that is thick, easy to assemble, durable against more aggressive use, and comfortable.

How much does a good home gym cost?

You can usually expect to pay between $200 and $4,000 for a high-quality home gym, although some options on our list fall outside this range. While the initial cost of setting up a home gym may be a hard hit to the wallet, it may pay off in the long term compared to the monthly cost of a gym membership.

What are the different types of home gyms?

A home gym is anything that allows you to exercise at home. It can be one piece of equipment or a collection of items. The type of home gym that's right for you depends on what type of exercise you do most often and the space you have available.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how important it is to pick the right home gym equipment. She is always exploring the latest and greatest wellness tools, machines, and gadgets. But more importantly, Alena carefully considers the quality and various features that make these fitness products worthwhile investments.