Best home gym machine: 5 buys for gaining strength at home

With the best home gym machine, working out becomes simpler — and just in time for the spring fitness season

Best home gym machine: Image of three machines on yellow and pick background
(Image credit: Future)

The best home gym machine is your all-in-one purchase for achieving whatever fitness goals you've set for yourself. Integrating an exercise station into your home will have so many benefits, from helping with whatever health targets you have to benefitting your mental state thanks to regular workouts. 

With one of these machines in your home, you won't have to commute to a gym or get up early to squeeze your exercise into your workday. Instead, you can have a total claim on your machine at all times – meaning no more hovering around other gym-goers waiting to complete your set.

Home gym machines are some of the best home gym equipment out there, as they are so versatile that they really can bring a full-body workout routine into your home. From arms and abs to mastering leg day, thanks to the resistance levels of these picks you can track your improvements without the danger of outgrowing your purchase. 


The best home gym machines for building your strength at home

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best home gym machine: Marcy machine

(Image credit: Marcy)

1. Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Steel Home Gym 150lb Weight Stack Machine

The best home gym machine you can buy

Specifications

Size : L68" x W36" x H79"
Weight stack: 150 lbs
Max user weight : 300 lbs

Reasons to buy

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Affordably priced
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A wide variety of funtions
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Range of weights for your fitness journey

Reasons to avoid

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Assembly might take some time

This Marcy home gym machine is the perfect compromise between price and amazing functionality, with so many exercises possible once this is in your space. It has a 150-pound weight stack that you can customize to your skill level, which you can amp up as you gain strength. It has dual action press arms for upper body days, as well as a leg station, so you really can get a full-body workout.

What reviewers love
This machine has an overwhelming amount of positive reviews, with the most important focus being on how easy to use and adjust this model is. There's also high praise for the sturdiness of the machine and its versatility, which lets you find your groove from plenty of different exercises. 

Design specs
This machine is kitted out with a weight stack, dual-function press arm, lat bar, adjustable preacher curl pad, and comfortable roller pads. There's also the added extra of an adjustable butterfly attachment and leg developer. We like the added detail of the workout chart too so that you can correct your form during your set.

Best home gym machine: Bowflex machine

(Image credit: Bowflex)

2. Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym

The best home gym for an all over fitness investment

Specifications

Size: L53" x W49" x H84"
Weight stack: N/A, uses power rod
Max user weight : 300lbs/136kg

Reasons to buy

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Offers over 70 exercises 
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No cable changes needed between exercises
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Ergonomically designed seat

Reasons to avoid

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An expensive investment

This Bowflex home gym machine is the ultimate purchase if you want to make a serious investment in your health. Featuring equipment for over 70 exercises, this machine lets you transition from each set with no cable changes needed using the in-built system. 

What reviewers love
From the offset, reviewers like how easy this machine is to construct and how high-quality the materials are, making the whole thing a smooth process. You really can switch between exercises without trouble, and build up your strength. 

Design specs
The main thing to take away from this machine is that it uses a power rod, with resistance available up until 410lb, which is different from using free weights to work out. This machine allows you to change up your exercises instead of using the power rod, and also features a squat bar and leg extension element.

Best home gym machine: Weider machine

(Image credit: Weider)

3. Weider 2980 X Home Gym System

The best affordable home gym machine

Specifications

Size : L48" x W37" x H76"
Weight stack: 112lb
Max user weight : 300lbs

Reasons to buy

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An economical investment
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5 workout stations
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Total body training

Reasons to avoid

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Taller users may find it a squeeze 

This Weider machine is an affordable way to integrate fitness into your space. It's got  5 different workout stations to try out and has resistance up to 280lbs, giving you breathing room when it comes to your progress. It has high and low pulley systems too, so you can target abs and glutes.

What the reviewers love
Reviewers online are totally convinced that this unit is great value for money. Users found it sturdy and comfortable, and able to use in a safe and efficient way.

Design specs
There's plenty going on with this machine for your money, with a high and low pulley station, an included lat pulldown bar, and a pulley system to help you load up your weights easier. You can also master your bicep curl with this machine, and use the leg extension to target your quads, hip flexors, and core.

Best home gym machine: Total Gym machine

(Image credit: Total Gym)

4. Total Gym Apex G4 Home Gym Machine

The best compact home gym machine

Specifications

Size : L93 x W16.5 x H43.25
Weight stack: N/A, uses bodyweight
Max user weight : 300lbs

Reasons to buy

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Delivers a strength/cardio/stretching exercises
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Folds for easy storage
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Huge variety of workouts available

Reasons to avoid

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Doesn't include weights 

If you're searching for a home gym machine, but think you might get tired of just lifting weights, this system is great thanks to its innovation and range of workouts. It involves a range of different elements that you can use for a full-body workout. 

What reviewers love
Those who have used it think that the whole experience of this machine is great. It glides smoothly and integrates attachments well, and allows for a real range of exercises. Lots of users commented on how useful it was for toning up.

Design specs
This machine features 8 levels of resistance and can be used for Pilates, stretching, cardio, circuit training, and more. It includes a squat stand, dip bar, and leg pull accessory, with an included booklet that also guides you through the different movements available. 

Best home gym machine: ONETWOFIT macine

(Image credit: ONETWOFIT)

5. ONETWOFIT Multi-Function Power Tower

The best value home gym machine

Specifications

Size : L‎55.11" x W26.37" x H4.33"
Weight stack: N/A, uses bodyweight
Max user weight : 330lbs

Reasons to buy

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Great for push ups, pulls ups, abdominal raises
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Comfortable hand grips

Reasons to avoid

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Doesn't come with a weight stack

A home gym system doesn't necessarily need to involve weights, and this tower allows you to use your body weight to tone up if that's what you want. Made from sturdy materials and with comfy hand grips, it's perfect for pull-ups and ab raises, and is a piece of equipment you can really build up your strength on.

What reviewers love
Reviewers support the claim that this tower holds up well and that it is a great investment for working on your health. There's no wobble within use according to users, and the adjustable height is super handy.

Design specs
This tower is available with 6 adjustable height levels, with heavy-duty construction. It has a thick padded back and armrests for total support and integrates total safety with anti-slip footpads.


More fitness deals

Buying a load of home gym equipment? Whether you are building your own home gym or you just want to invest in a few of the basics, you can find lots of home gym and fitness offers below.


Browse more home gym machines...

Getting fit is a personal journey, so if you haven't quite found the machine you're looking for then don't worry, as there's so many out there on the market. These are our favorite retailers to shop home gym machines:

Molly Cleary
Ecommerce Writer, Homes

Molly is the Ecommerce Writer for RealHomes and spends her time searching the internet for the next best thing for your home. With previous experience within the Home section of TopTenReviews, another Future site, writing about everything from ride-on lawnmowers to robot hoovers, she has knowledge of all of those niche areas of your home and garden that you might need a new purchase for. Shopping and buying content are now her biggest area of focus, with an emphasis on cleaning products and home gym equipment. 



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