Best Home Gyms For the Money, Bodybuilding, and More

There are a lot of perks to working out at home. For one, you’ll save time and gas not having to commute to the gym. You’ll also never have to wait for the curl-bro to surrender the squat rack. That said, if you’re going to ditch the Globo Gym and go domestic, you’ll need a space to work out and the proper home gym equipment to meet your fitness goals. Of course, you can train with just a pair of dumbbells or kettlebells, but you want options, right?

That’s why you’re on this page, scouring for the best home gyms on the market. The right home gym for you may be a free-weight set up with a power rack and pull-up bar, some weight plates, and a barbell. Perhaps you want a cable-focused home gym that replaces eight machines. There are also smart home gyms that track your sets, reps, and calories burned through trainer-led classes. Below, we listed our favorite picks for all of these types of home gyms. It’s up to you to choose your ideal setup, but we’re happy to offer you a spot on your search for the best home gym for your needs and goals.

Best Home Gyms 

• Best Home Gym Overall: NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio
• Best Home Gym for Small Spaces: REP FT-3000 Compact Trainer
• Best All-In-One Home Gym: Force USA X20 Pro
• Best Smart Home Gym: NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio
• Best Bodybuilding Home Gym: Force USA G20 All-In-One Trainer
• Best Cable Machine: REP FT-3000 Compact Trainer
• Best Home Gym Treadmill: NordicTrack Elite Treadmill
• Best Home Gym Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW900 Rower
• Best Home Gym for Powerlifters: Rogue Combo Rack
• Best Bowflex Gym: Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
• Best Home Gym for the Money: Gold’s Gym XRS 50
• Best Portable Home Gym: TRX Home2 System
• Best Home Gym Squat Rack: Force USA MyRack Folding Power Rack
• Best Home Gym Power Rack: Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
• Best Squat Stand With Pull-Up Bar: Rogue SML-2 Monster Lite Squat Stand

Best Home Gym Overall

Our top pick is a true all-in-one gym designed to build strength and keep workouts fresh. It offers the perfect mixture of tech and strength for a complete and versatile home gym experience in one piece of equipment. Meet the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio.

NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

This sleek and modern-looking total fitness solution is a far cry from the rusty iron and clanging plates of old. It features innovative Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR™) to create strong yet smooth (and quiet) cable pulley resistance. You may find yourself enraptured by the world-class trainer-led workouts you can follow along with using the included 10-inch tablet and an iFit membership (a separate charge of about $39 monthly). If not, then the 70-inch full-length mirror allows you to monitor your form and adjust your technique as you go. 

The Fusion CST Studio can toggle, based on your trainer’s suggestions, between 20 resistance settings from 10 pounds to 100 pounds, allowing you complete immersion into the workout. Should you find yourself losing motivation, then real-time performance stat tracking on this machine can help stoke the fire. Leave workout boredom in the past with class options like cross-training, bootcamps, body-sculpting, HIIT, regular strength training, and more with the Fusion CST Studio and iFit.

Arguably the best part of this machine is that the footprint is quite economical at 73.5 inches tall by 60.5 inches wide and 41.5 inches deep, so you can place the Fusion CST nearly anywhere. You can start your home fitness journey for about $2,499 with 30 days of iFit included.

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

• Anyone who wants a complete home gym. This may be pricey, but it’s the only piece of equipment you’ll need as it can do it all. You can perform strength training, cardio, yoga, HIIT, and more all with this one machine — though the emphasis is on strength and circuit workouts.
• Those who are still working on perfecting their technique will find the large, 70-inch mirror helpful.
• People who want to save on space will find that this product has a rather compact footprint compared to many of the larger power-rack-style home gyms on this list. Yet, it’s still just as versatile (if not more versatile). 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

• Those who are looking for a simpler solution, such as a plain pulley machine or squat rack, may be able to find cheaper, more specific options on this list.
• People who are advanced in their fitness journey or notably strong may find the resistance to be insufficient here.
• Anyone who doesn’t find value in or sees the need to follow along with virtual trainers will want to look at different options. 

Innovative, sleek, compact, high-tech, and versatile are some of the many superlatives you could use to describe the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio. This machine is great for anyone — except serious strength athletes due to the relatively low resistance ceiling — who wants an in-home way to reach their fitness goals. If you can spare the coin, this may be the only home gym equipment you need.

Best Home Gym for Small Spaces

Trying to extract the same functionality of a commercial gym in your tiny one-car garage might seem like an overwhelming prospect. Thankfully, we found this home gym to be a big hitter while maintaining an impressively small footprint. 

REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer

This compact home gym from REP Fitness brings more commercial gym vibes to a 78″x53″x34″ (height x width x depth) space than we could find anywhere else. You heard us right. This commercial-grade home gym is less than 4.5 feet wide and less than 3 feet deep. Despite its conveniently low profile, REP managed to fit a pair of 180lb weight stacks into it (360 pounds total). 

The pulleys are designed for incredibly smooth operation without catching or sticking, and the station also comes complete with a pull-up bar. REP even managed to include some storage pegs for your cable attachments in the middle of this functional trainer. One thing to keep in mind is that the pulleys are on a 2:1 ratio, which means you’ll get one pound of resistance in hand for every two pounds on the weight stack — moving 100 pounds on the weight stack will be 50 pounds in your hand.

Who Should Buy the REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer

• This is a great all-around home gym, but its stand-out feature is the incredibly small footprint. If you’re limited on space, but want a heavy-hitting home gym, the FT 3000 is a great pick.
• People who want their exercise to be centrally focused around cable movements — this is a solid cable machine that offers a lot of movement variety. 
• Those who value a solidly built piece of equipment. The frame has a lifetime warranty and is built as if it were going to be used in a commercial gym setting.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer

• Barbell enthusiasts may want to look elsewhere as this home gym does not come with a squat rack. If you’re prioritizing barbell exercises in your workouts, opt for one of the racks on this list.
• If you’re a heavy lifter and can get away with a slightly bigger home gym, there are similar, albeit larger, machines that offer heavier weight stacks at a very similar price point.

Space is one of the top factors to consider when setting up your home gym. Whether you have ample room or are working with a single tight corner, the REP FT 3000 can open up a world of training possibilities.

Best All-In-One Home Gym

For those who want every option under the sun (and moon), this home gym is truly a complete package. Cables, heavy weight stacks, weight plate storage, racks, pull-up bars, and more — this machine has it all. If you’re looking for a true centerpiece for your home gym, the Force USA X20 Pro is the way to go.

Force USA X20 Pro

This rack is a beast, and it’s hard not to feel both overwhelmed and excited when looking at it. The X20 Pro is an all-in-one home gym solution with a solid power rack, two heavy, 289-pound weight stacks, and 17 different attachments included. The rack itself is constructed from 11-gauge steel and can support up to 990 pounds. For plate storage, you’ll receive four built-in storage horns on each side of the rack. Don’t worry when going heavy either because the X20 Pro includes flip-down safeties inside of the rack and spotter arms for lifting outside on the extra half-rack.

The Force USA X20 Pro is all about versatility and being able to make gains all with one beast of a rack. Because of that, the rack comes with a variety of attachments, such as a landmine attachment, two pull-up bars, a low row, cable handles, and more. If that’s not enough and you like to change things up a lot, then the Upgrade Kit increases the attachment count to 29. It features jammer arms, a dip bar, a lat pulldown seat, and even a TV mount. All of this versatility does come at a price and footprint. You’ll want to ensure you have sufficient room for this behemoth of a rack, which measures 70 inches wide by 87 inches deep and 92 inches tall.

Who Should Buy the Force USA X20 Pro

• People who like variety will appreciate that you can perform over 400 different exercises with this machine even before adding the Upgrade Kit.
• Anyone looking for a centerpiece for their home gym. This rack exudes a certain gravitas that can draw you in and make you want to use it.
• Bodybuilders who want a functional trainer to target and isolate certain muscles while still being able to perform heavy compound movements safely. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Force USA X20 Pro

• Casual lifters who are still working on the basics can get away with a much simpler setup.
• Folks who are limited on space. This rack does save space by combining a bunch of machines into one, but the rack itself takes up a large area.
• People on a budget may not like the price tag here, but don’t sweat (yet), we’ve got you covered with other picks in this article.

The X20 Pro Multi Trainer replaces nine workout machines, can support multiple people training at once, and is equipped with over 17 attachments (29 if you include the Upgrade Kit). Anyone looking for ultimate versatility from an all-in-one home gym solution won’t need to look much further than this pick.

Read our full review of the Force USA X20 Pro.

Best Smart Home Gym

If you’re looking to build a home gym with modern tech, there are more smart gym options than ever before. They are not all built the same, though. Some are designed for quiet and smooth operation with automatically adjusting resistance, like our top pick — the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio.

NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

This machine may look like a basic mirror and cable machine, but there’s a whole lot of brains behind the scenes. There are 20 different digital resistance levels (ranging from 10 pounds to 100 pounds) that your world-class iFit trainer can adjust automatically. Whether you’re utilizing the squat pulleys, ankle straps, or any of the six precision cable ends, this machine is ergonomic and allows you to move naturally with the resistance. It’s worth noting that a month of iFit comes free with your purchase, but you will have to pay about $39 per month for this feature after the first 30 days on top of the already rather large price tag of about $2,499 for the machine itself.

No need to worry about waking everyone in the house up with the bang and clang of weights either. The Fusion CST Studio uses silent magnetic resistance (SMR™) for a smooth, quiet workout where all you’ll hear is the whir of the cables, your instructor, and your own heavy breathing. Since this machine is freestanding, it’s great for apartments or rooms where you don’t want to drill into the wall. Despite its powerful and versatile functionality, the Fusion CST Studio only stands 73.5 inches tall, 60.5 inches wide, and 41.5 inches deep — making it efficient for smaller spaces too.

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

• Those who are limited on space will appreciate the space-saving and freestanding design with no installation necessary. Simply assemble the machine and you’re ready to workout.
• Folks who prioritize convenience. The Fusion CST Studio has everything you need, such as ankle cuffs, multiple ergonomic handles, a 10-inch tablet, and a 70-inch mirror. It also comes with the weight (in the form of silent magnetic resistance) included. 
• People who want to record their metrics. This machine tracks your stats and helps you progress. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

• Powerlifters, strongmen, bodybuilders, weightlifters, and those who are exceptionally strong will need more weight to satisfy their needs. 
• Budget-conscious buyers. While we think this is a great investment for those who want a space-saving home gym with everything included, it carries a higher price tag than your typical cable machine.
• Those who don’t have a lot of floor space and would rather have a wall-mounted option may want to look at other smart home gym options 

This machine may be pricey, but it’s an all-in-one smart home gym solution. You’re paying for the high-tech integration, the sleek and well-built design, and the convenience of having one machine able to perform a variety of complete workouts. We think it’s worth it if you can afford it. The NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio is at the top of the smart home gym food chain right now.

Best Bodybuilding Home Gym

If you’re looking to build muscle and get shredded (recreationally or professionally), having a home gym that enables you to train heavily while also dialing in on specific muscle groups is absolutely essential. This home gym allows bodybuilders to do just that.

Force USA G20 All-In-One Trainer

At first glance, the Force USA G20 may look intimidating, but once you start looking at all the separate parts more closely, you’ll see just how useful this multi-trainer can be. One thing this home gym is not short on is attachments — 29 come included, from pull-up bars to dual integrated 289-pound weight stacks. Force USA boasts that the G20 can replace 11 different machines, but that may be on the low side. You can replace a leg press, smith machine, functional trainer, lat pulldown, power rack, low row, and more to save a ton of space while still being able to adequately work every muscle in your body. 

The G20 is constructed like a tank too and can support 992 pounds on the J–hooks and front safeties or 794 pounds on the smith machine — more than enough to pack on some muscle. The cables are aircraft-grade and tested to 2,000 pounds of tension. The pulley system doesn’t pull any punches either with a 1:1 resistance ratio instead of the more common 2:1 ratio. That means every pound of resistance will still be a pound in hand instead of half a pound. You do have to fork over a pretty penny with the price coming in around $5,999 before extra add-ons, taxes, and shipping. Financing is available depending on credit through Affirm™ — for this amount of versatility and high-quality build it seems justified, though

Who Should Buy the Force USA G20 All-In-One Trainer

• Bodybuilders, this multi-trainer was seemingly made with you in mind. The G20 has a pair of 289-pound weight stacks to help isolate lagging areas.
• People who think variety is the spice of life. The list of attachments and exercises you can perform with this one machine is longer than a microwave-minute. 
• Despite being marketed as a home gym, Force USA produces the G20 with commercial-grade quality to stand up to daily, repeated use over a lifetime.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Force USA G20 All-In-One Trainer

• Bodybuilders on a tight budget might find this machine to be too big of an investment. When you consider what you get, it’s worth the investment, but it’s a fairly hefty chunk of cash up front or over a long period of time if financed.
• Those who are trying to fit a home gym in their garage or spare room may want to look at some real space-saving equipment, like folding squat racks.

With so many different exercise possibilities and the ability to handle a large amount of weight, you’ll be packing on the lean mass in no time. The dual 289-pound weight stacks, leg press, and smith machine integration on the G20 can bring the bodybuilding gym experience right into the comfort of your own home.

Best Cable Machine for Your Home Gym

A great cable machine should be reliable, smooth, space-efficient, and able to handle any workout you throw its way. The REP Fitness 3000 Compact Trainer is just that.

REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer

While we really like the REP Compact Trainer for its size, we just couldn’t ignore just how solid of a cable machine it really is. REP makes a lot of high-quality products, and this home gym cable machine is no exception. The pulleys and cables are smooth with no bumping or catching while you’re working out.

While it’s not the cheapest cable machine on the market, for its quality build and convenient size, it’s competitively priced. To sum it up, this thing is a cable machine that will last you day in and day out for many years.

Who Should Buy the REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer

• Home gym owners who need to make the most of their limited space, but also want a cable machine will appreciate this pick.
• Bodybuilders who need a cable machine to dial in on specific muscles.
• Those who plan on using a cable machine very regularly will feel comfortable knowing that this piece of equipment is built to last and comes with impressive warranties.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer

• People who train with a barbell and want to stick with that modality should be looking at some of the other picks on this list.
• Shoppers on a tight budget. This is a great home gym and is priced well, but if you’re looking for something at rock bottom prices, you may want to try craigslist.

The REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer saves on space, has a fair price point, and is a smooth-operating cable machine that should last for years, if not decades.

Best Home Gym Treadmill

If you’re a runner or cardio junkie — or a lifter looking to perform more cardio at home — then a durable, high-quality treadmill may be the piece of home gym equipment you’re looking to prioritize. Few treads have the functionality of the NordicTrack Elite Treadmill.

NordicTrack Elite Treadmill

Elevate your running training with the NordicTrack Elite Treadmill, which features an industry-leading, auto-adjusting incline range from negative five percent all the way up to 40 percent. Part of what makes this treadmill elite (on top of the crazy incline) is the AutoAdjust™ technology, which enables your machine to adjust the speed and incline automatically while performing trainer-led workouts with iFit (subscription required). You’ll receive a free 30-day iFit trial with your purchase, and it costs about $39 per month following that. Though iFit is not necessary to use this treadmill, it increases the functionality tremendously and makes the overall experience much more enjoyable.

The NordicTrack Elite has two different screen size options — 22 inches and 32 inches. The 22-inch option will run you right around $3,499 before shipping and tax, and the 32-inch option retails for about $4,999. If that’s too steep up front, you can finance the price with a TD Fit Loan pending credit approval. The nice part about these large screens is that they swivel, so you can perform other iFit trainer-led workouts off of the treadmill — like strength training, yoga, and more.

Who Should Buy NordicTrack Elite Treadmill

• Folks who want to take live running classes. The NordicTrack Elite is set up to focus heavily on the iFit classes.
• Anyone who wants a treadmill that can adjust automatically for them without having to make inputs. The AutoAdjust™ technology does just that.
• Runners who often traverse steep hills. The 40 percent incline will help to mimic those conditions.

Who Should Buy NordicTrack Elite Treadmill

• People with a small home gym space. This isn’t a space-efficient treadmill and does not fold.
• Folks who don’t want to have to follow along with classes or pay a subscription. Though it isn’t necessary, the experience is tailored to having a membership.
• Anyone who wants a cost-efficient or basic treadmill. This is a high-end option and there are more budget-friendly options available. 

If you like running outside but don’t always have the time or cooperating weather for it, this treadmill can help bring the outdoors to you. The NordicTrack Elite can challenge you in unique ways with a monster incline of 40 percent to get those calves and glutes burning. If you’ve got the money and space, you’re unlikely to find a better option than the NordicTrack Elite Treadmill.

Read our full review of the NordicTrack Elite Treadmill.

Best Home Gym Rowing Machine

Rowing machines bring a unique mixture of cardio and strength to the table, which is why they’re the preferred choice of cardio equipment for many lifters. They’re also heavily featured in CrossFit and cross-training style workouts. This rower is the best of when form meets function, offering the versatility needed for a home gym environment.

NordicTrack RW900 Rower

This high-tech rower is built to be smooth and quiet even while you’re making noise huffing and puffing through a tough workout. NordicTrack made the frame of this rower from steel, so it’s heavy-duty, but the finish still feels premium and refined. You have a 22-inch touchscreen display to follow along with workouts from around the globe if you subscribe to an iFit membership (for a separate monthly fee) — the machine will even automatically adjust the resistance during virtual workouts to mimic real-world training. You can also tilt and pivot the screen for workouts off of the rower too. The seat and rowing handle feature an ergonomic design for improved comfort during long sessions.

The inertia-enhanced flywheel is buttery smooth with 26 levels of resistance available to fine-tune the difficulty to exactly what you need. If you’re trying to work out without waking the entire house, then you’ll appreciate the stealth-like magnetic resistance strap in place of the typical chain used to connect the handle to the rower. The major downside here is the price though, as this aesthetic piece of machinery clocks in right around $1,799. If that’s too much up front, you can finance it for as low as $47 per month for 39 months, depending on credit approval.

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack RW900 Rower

• Those just starting out rowing may find it beneficial to utilize the large screen and iFit membership to help guide them through classes and challenge their strength and cardio.
• People who are looking for a high-end rower instead of a budget option.
• Rowers who need a quiet machine that won’t wake the kids or family. The magnetic resistance here helps you stay quiet while you exercise.

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack RW900 Rower

• Anyone who doesn’t want to make use of guided classes can find a more cost-effective alternative of similar quality without the large screen and added features.
• Those who are working with limited space may want a rower that folds away for easy storage.
• People on a budget may want to look for a more cost-effective rower as this one is more high-end. 

If you’re in the market for a premium rowing machine that offers a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride then this is a great option for you. It may be more costly than some other options, but it brings a ton of value with a large, versatile touchscreen, thousands of on-demand workouts (with the additional iFit membership), and automatic adjustments throughout your virtual workouts.

Read our full review of the NordicTrack RW900.

Best Home Gym for Powerlifters

Luckily for powerlifters, the amount of equipment needed to deadlift, squat, and bench press is relatively low-profile when it comes to space. However, stability, durability, and quality should be top of mind, which is how we decided on our top home gym for powerlifters.

Rogue Combo Rack

Have you ever been at or watched a high-level powerlifting competition and thought, I really want a combo rack like that? Good news — you can have one with the Rogue Combo Rack. This rack is a beast, and if you compete in powerlifting, it’s the pinnacle of home gym equipment. Rogue worked directly with the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) to develop this rack, making it certified for competition use, but they also engineered it to have easier custom adjustments and better overall stability. Though the weight capacity isn’t listed for this piece, it can likely hold a ton of weight (1,000+ pounds).

The Rogue Combo Rack features a wide-angle base with two adjustable 3×3-inch 7-gauge steel uprights. Most power racks have 11-gauge steel and 7-gauge is much thicker and stronger. This rack also has a set of drop-in spotter arms and a removable Rogue competition single-post bench with a Fat Pad for extra width and thickness. Bench spotters stand on diamond-tread spotter decks. Because this is a high-end piece of top-quality equipment, it is more expensive than many other options coming in at around $2,950 before tax and shipping. If you’re a competitive powerlifter though, there isn’t a better rack to lift on because it’s what you’ll be using in any USAPL or IPF meets.

Who Should Buy the Rogue Combo Rack

• Competitive powerlifters who want to be prepared for meet day by practicing on something that is exactly or very similar to what will be used in competition.
• People who lift extremely heavy and are in the top percent of strength will want a rack of this caliber that they know can support nearly any amount of weight.
• Folks who grip their squats wide near the collars. The uprights are angled inward five degrees to accommodate this type of grip. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Rogue Combo Rack

• Those who are not competitive powerlifters. This is likely overkill and a more cost-effective solution can probably meet your needs sufficiently.
• CrossFitters and functional fitness athletes who need more equipment may find this lacking in versatility.
• Powerlifters on a tight budget may want to opt for a separate yet sturdy squat rack and weight bench that’s easier on the wallet. 

It’s not a tangible feature, but this rack just looks like it means business. Powerlifters will love the details of this squat and bench press rack, along with the stability and peace of mind its design provides. With this combo rack, you can go into your next competition feeling more prepared than ever. 

Best Bowflex Gym

Bowflex built its brand on the idea that gymgoers would trade in the gym membership for a home gym that was affordable and compact. Here’s the one we think is the best of the best.

Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is a tank. It comes with 210 pounds of resistance but can be upgraded to 310 pounds. You can perform 70-plus exercises on it — including leg extensions, squats crunches, and pulldowns. A really neat feature is that they’ve implemented a “No-Change” cable pulley system, so you can work your back and legs all on the same cable pulley without having to adjust anything.

For an extra charge, you can add a preacher curl and “Gym Style Ab Crunch.” The quick transitions and no-frills setup of this machine makes it an excellent choice for those who want to get a full-body workout in limited time. Bowflex has a ton of options, but this one takes the cake.

Who Should Buy the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym

• Fans of Bowflex. The brand has stood the test of time for a reason. They make quality, space-friendly products. 
• Folks who like full-body workouts. You can hit every muscle, head to toe, on this machine easily. 
• Current Bowflex owners who are maybe looking for an upgrade.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym

• People who prefer more traditional workout equipment. 
• Lifters who don’t want a resistance-based home gym.
• Athletes who need and want to perform more dynamic and explosive movements. 

Bowflex makes effective, space-friendly gym equipment, and this one accommodates more than 70 exercises. If you’re looking to get in better shape (and stay there), this is a solid buy. 

Read our full review of the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym.

Best Home Gym for the Money

You may save money in the long run, but a high-quality home gym can cost you a lot upfront. If you want to both save a little money (relatively speaking) and stretch your dollar, go for the Gold’s Gym XRS 50.

Gold’s Gym XRS 50

It’s not the most versatile pick on this list, but the XRS 50 lets you perform pulldowns, leg extensions, flyes, rows, and curls though you can purchase more attachments to vary your grips. With a little creativity, you can perform even more exercises with the XRS 50. For less than it would cost for a decent power rack, you can perform a whole-body workout and not even have to purchase a bar or weight plates.

In total, the XRS 50 offers 280 pounds of weight which is more than enough for most people so you won’t hit the limit with this machine for quite some time — by then you may be ready to upgrade. To purchase 280 pounds of weight by itself might cost more than this entire machine if you’re buying plates or dumbbells, further proving the value of the XRS 50. Even so, with such a small footprint you can tuck this machine into the corner of your home and have all you need to develop your muscles.

Who Should Buy the Gold’s Gym XRS 50

• This is a great value, as you get plenty of muscle-building exercise options for a fair price.
• At around 300 pounds, this is a fairly mobile piece of workout equipment that you can move around your house or apartment. 
• Anyone who wants to build muscle and work on toning their body.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Gold’s Gym XRS 50

• Folks who want to perform strength-building moves like barbell squats and Pendlay rows. 
• People who need or want more than 280 pounds of total resistance. 

Your money will go far with this home gym that offers up a variety of tried-and-true pieces of equipment. You can train your chest, triceps, back, and legs with this piece of equipment that’s more affordable than many other pieces of equipment on this list.

Read our full review of the Gold’s Gym XRS 50.

Best Portable Home Gym

You shouldn’t have to choose between a life on the go and staying fit — and you don’t have to. There are plenty of portable gym options out there, and this one is among the best.

TRX Home2 System

In as quick as 60 seconds, you can set up this TRX on any tree or door for a full-body bodyweight workout. The TRX is designed to row, push, squat, plank, lunge, and rotate with just your body weight (or while wearing a weight vest). It can fit in a mesh bag for easy storage, making this pick our most space-friendly gym by far. The one downside is that this product won’t really satisfy folks who want to lift heavy iron and easily track weight and reps. If you’re more of a casual gymgoer who wants to burn calories and get intense workouts in at home, then this will do the trick.

Who Should Buy the TRX Home2 System

• People who want a simple suspension trainer system so they can work out anywhere. 
• Folks who prefer bodyweight workouts. 
• People who don’t want to load up their homes with a bunch of workout equipment.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the TRX Home2 System

• People who want to lift weights. 
• Anyone who is on a strength training program and needs weights to track sets, reps, and loads.

If you prefer bodyweight workouts that you can do anywhere, this is the cheapest and most space-friendly pick on our entire list. TRX workouts even have a thriving online community, so you can connect with others doing similar exercise routines.

Read our full review of the TRX Home2 System.

Best Home Gym Squat Rack

The main function of this rack is to facilitate heavy squatting sessions, and you can outfit it in a variety of ways. If you’re looking for a squat rack to be the centerpiece of your home gym, then this is a great choice.

Force USA MyRack Folding Power Rack

Compared to the other picks on this list, the Force USA Folding Power Rack is more singular in function, but it still allows for great functionality. First and foremost, this rack is unique in that it is both freestanding and foldable. Most, if not all, foldable racks are wall-mounted, which means how much you can lift is limited by how strong your wall is. This free-standing rack can support up to 1,000 pounds and be equipped with numerous attachments — like dip bars, band pegs, and a monolift. The pull-up bar comes off so you can collapse it inward and stow it away, saving you tons of space. 

Who Should Buy the Force USA MyRack Folding Power Rack

• Powerlifters or other strength-focused athletes who will be primarily squatting, bench-pressing, and deadlifting.
• Lifters who want a rack that can be added to for more upper-body work and accommodating resistance. 
• Anyone who wants a power rack that can be folded up for easy storage. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Force USA MyRack Folding Power Rack

• Lifters who want a cable-based home gym. This is primarily for compound barbell exercises.
• Athletes who require a more sturdy power rack that is bolted into the floor. 

This free-standing/foldable rack is great for powerlifters who want to crush compound movements and fold up the rack after their training session. Not only can you perform all the exercises you would normally do with a power rack but there are many accessories to choose from to add variety to your workouts.

Best Home Gym Power Rack

This power rack is constructed of steel, can be bolted to the floor, and serves as the centerpiece for add-ons for a complete home gym. The modular design allows you to add attachments as you need.

Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack

The steel power rack is built with Westside spacing, can support over 2,000 pounds, and can be outfitted with up to 20 attachments. Also, Force USA gives you the option to add a cable tower pulley system — housed on either side of the rack — a lat pulldown system, and a foldable seat (to use with the cable and lat pulldown systems). As a bonus, you can get the rack in three colors — black, red, and blue. This rack is a total package and can support nearly any type of lift you want, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter.

Who Should Buy the Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack

• Serious strength athletes who want a stable power rack that can support thousands of pounds.
• Anyone who wants the option to add a lat pulldown and/or cable pulley system to their power rack.
• People who appreciate a pop of color. The matte red and blue options are bright and fun. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack

• Folks who want a complete gym in one purchase and don’t want to buy extras.
• Anyone who isn’t focused on performing heavier compound movements. 

This basic power rack can be built out to serve as the centerpiece of your home gym. Add the exact equipment you need for a complete setup based on your personal training goals. 

Read our full review of the Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack.

Best Squat Stand With Pull-Up Bar

If you either have an existing home gym or want a bare-bones setup to squat and perform overhead presses, a simple squat stand will do the trick at a fraction of the cost of a complete home gym machine. 

Rogue SML-2 Monster Lite Squat Stand

As the saying goes, big things come in small packages, and we think Rogue’s Lite Squat Stand is a testament to that. It weighs just 166 pounds, so you can move it frequently and relatively conveniently. It comes equipped with a “skinny” and “fat” pull-up bar option for extra back work and to hang resistance bands for pulldowns and triceps work. This rack is forged from 11-gauge steel and can support more than 1,000 pounds. The Rogue SML-2 allows you to save space while still having a solid squat stand that’s compatible with commonly available 3×3-inch attachments.

Who Should Buy the Rogue SML-2 Monster Lite Squat Stand

• Anyone who simply wants a squat stand.
• Folks who want a squat stand with a pull-up bar, which is a simple but effective addition.
• People who want a mobile piece of gym equipment that can be easily moved around.
• Shoppers looking for a low-cost entry into building their home gym, or those looking to add to an existing setup. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Rogue SML-2 Monster Lite Squat Stand

• People who want either a complete home gym or even a power rack with more add-ons. 
• Shoppers who won’t be training primarily with a barbell and weight plates. 

If all you want is a squat stand, you won’t do much better than this durable and lightweight one from Rogue. 

The Benefits of Home Gyms

Not sold on shelling out for your own iron paradise? There are quite a few benefits of owning your very own home gym, such as convenience, customization, and long-term cost savings.

Home Gyms Are Convenient

Above all else, convenience is probably one of the major benefits of owning a home gym. You wake up in the morning, have your pre-workout, and then walk 15 steps to your garage, so you can start clanging and banging. You’ll never have to wait for the curl bro to get out of the squat rack, nor will you have to wipe another person’s flop sweat off the rower.

Because of this convenience factor, it’s safe to assume that you’ll be more dedicated to your workout program. Maybe not, but when you don’t have a 20-minute drive ahead of you, it’s a lot easier to get under the barbell for 45 minutes.

You Can Customize it

The beauty of owning your own home gym is that it’s yours. All yours. Into CrossFit? Buy a simple squat stand, a plyo box, some rings, and a few kettlebells. More into powerlifting? Then opt for a more robust power rack, a quality barbell, and lots of plates. See where we’re going with this? Or, maybe you want a piece of equipment that can do everything you want (with the option to add more to it).

Your home gym can be as minimal or equipped as you’d like — and you won’t have to answer to anyone (other than maybe your significant other). 

It’s Cheaper in the Long Run

The final major home gym benefit is long-term savings. Home gym equipment’s price can be high, but it’s an investment. Over a long period of time, owning your own equipment can save you money in two ways. First, more than likely, you can drop your gym membership fee, and over time that can add up. Second, it saves you the time you’d be driving to and from the gym, along with the time you have to wait for equipment. For most, this extra time can turn into energy and time invested in other areas of their life.

How We Chose the Best Home Gyms

Home gyms come in many different designs, sizes, and prices. When deciding our picks, we took many factors into consideration but gave weight to versatility, value, and functionality in a home gym space.

Versatility

Home gyms need different equipment than commercial gyms. Generally, you’re not going to have unlimited space in a home gym, which means each piece of equipment has to do double duty (or more). The more types of exercises or purposes that a piece of equipment can serve, the better it will rank on this list because of that. It might be nice to have a machine dedicated to each movement, but those that can serve multiple needs are valued more for a home gym list.

Value and Quality

We get it. Outfitting a full home gym can be quite expensive, which is why we place a premium on products that offer the most bang for your buck. The value a piece of equipment offers is also weighted heavily here and stems quite often from the quality and durability of a product.

That said, we don’t simply select items based on price, as you’ll find some expensive items on this list. The price reflects what they bring to the table, or more accurately, what they bring to the garage, basement, or spare room in most cases. Oftentimes, the more expensive items are selected due to their exceptional quality, and we expect them to last a lifetime with proper care.

Functionality

Some items sound great in theory until you get them in your home gym, and they don’t quite function the way you expected. The functionality of your equipment is essential to setting up a space that works for your training needs. In order for us to recommend something, it has to do what it is intended to and do it exceptionally well. Otherwise, that product may not rank as well on our list.

How Much Do Home Gyms Cost?

Home gyms can cost as much or as little as you are willing to spend. You can be extremely thrifty and scour the internet for free or extremely cheap offerings, and spend very little. On the other hand, you can also order custom, engraved, or embroidered and color-coordinated equipment from a high-end equipment manufacturer and spend tens of thousands of dollars. Most people will fall somewhere in between these options with a few budget options and some splurge purchases for items that will receive heavy use.

Best Home Gym Overall	NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio	$2,499 before iFit membership and accessories
Best Home Gym for Small Spaces	REP PT-3000 Compact Trainer	$2,149. before additional attachments
Best All-In-One Home Gym	Force USA X20 Pro	$4,499 before add-ons and accessories
Best Smart Home Gym	NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio	$2,499 before iFit membership and accessories
Best Bodybuilding Home Gym	Force USA G20 All-In-One Trainer	$5,999.99 before add-ons and accessories
Best Cable Machine	REP FT-3000 Compact Trainer	$2,149. before additional attachments
Best Home Gym Treadmill	NordicTrack Elite Treadmill	$3,999 before membership
Best Home Gym Rowing Machine	NordicTrack RW900 Rower	$1,799 before membership
Best Home Gym for Powerlifters	Rogue Combo Rack	$2,950
Best Bowflex Gym	Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym	$1,499
Best Home Gym for the Money	Gold’s Gym XRS 50	$599
Best Portable Home Gym	TRX Home2 System	$229.95
Best Home Gym Squat Rack	Force USA MyRack Folding Power Rack	$699 before add-ons and accessories
Best Home Gym Power Rack	Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack	$499 before add-ons and accessories
Best Squat Stand with Pull-Up Bar	Rogue SML-2 Monster Lite Squat Stand	$535 with base options before upgrades and accessories

For the home gyms on this list, you’ll see a fairly wide range from around $300 to $500 on the lower end to between $2,000 and $5,000 on the high end. More comprehensive equipment that serves multiple purposes or can act as a home gym on its own — like a functional trainer — tends to be more expensive while simpler pieces that require additional equipment to make use of them — such as squat racks — may be cheaper.

What to Consider Before Buying a Home Gym

The questions below will help you decide if investing in home gym equipment or building your own gym is a wise, financially savvy choice. Take time to think about your strength goals, the space you have, and your budget before taking the plunge.

What are your strength goals?

If you’re looking to be the next Brian Shaw, then you need to really think about what that takes. You’ll need to invest in Atlas stones, logs, hundreds of pounds of weights (eventually), farmer’s handles — all sorts of strongman tools. You may be better off just finding a local gym with the myriad of equipment you need in this instance.

That’s not to say you can’t be elite and have your own home gym — but building that setup will take time and money. If you simply want to stay in shape, then a simpler setup will do the trick and may be more feasible from the outset.

How much space do you have?

This question should help guide you to what equipment will be best for not only your goals but your lifestyle, too. If you’re living in a one-bedroom, then maybe an option like Tempo or resistance bands are better for now. On the other hand, a two-car garage affords you a lot more space to build a complete set-up.

What’s your budget?

This question is simple and will vary from person to person. Before investing in home gyms, we recommend realistically calculating your current gym expenses, considering the price of equipment, and how much you’re willing to put into a home gym. Of course, you don’t need to buy everything at once. You can start with a squat stand, barbell, some weights, and a bench, and then go from there.

Final Word

The number of different ways you can set up your home gym are practically endless, but there are a few constants that apply to nearly all situations. A home gym is intended to give you additional freedom and flexibility to put the work in on your terms — stressing too much about the perfect piece of equipment can take away from that. If you keep the factors we discussed — like versatility, value, and functionality — in mind, you can’t go wrong.

Whether you’re a hardcore lifter, CrossFit enthusiast, yoga fan, or endurance athlete, there are home gyms that will accommodate your needs. The market has become saturated with tons of options for everyone, and the home gym community is more mainstream than niche now. There are home gym solutions to satisfy people who want to do a quick workout in their spare room to those who want to outfit their two-car garage as a home gym. You can opt for a smart gym or a good ol’ fashioned power rack. But overall, hopefully, this article helps make your search a little easier, so you can keep the gains coming, even at home.

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