When a lot of people picture the “classic” home gym setup, for an instant, there is probably a static image of some cliche garage gym “palace” porn that flashes through their brain.
A moment later, this image is quashed and replaced by the, unfortunately more realistic, barebone, old, rusty equipment reality of many (seldomly-used) home gyms. Maybe they end up settling for a decent middle ground: a new(ish) power rack, a barbell, some Olympic plates, and a treadmill.
Whichever of these options works for you is fine by us, but there is a particular type of machine that just inherently makes a home gym feel more…commercial…more…legit...
The home gym cable machine.
There is just something about cables that makes everything seem a bit more professional and little less Cro-Magnon. Don’t get me wrong; as CrossFitters (primarily), we’re accustomed to barbells, rigs, and plates.
…but sometimes, we find ourselves staring at a decent pulley system or dedicated cable crossover machine with envy. There are certain muscles that only those types of machines can pump…
Before you get too carried away fantasizing about early 90’s hip hop and triceps pushdowns, let’s take a look at…
Table of Contents
…The Best Home Gym Cable Machine (and the Top 8 Contenders)
🏆 Best Overall
90
Best Power Cage
88
Best Cable Crossover
86
Best Wall-mounted
88
Best Customizable
89
Best Functional Trainer
86
Best Lat Pulldown
84
Best Folding
89
Best Affordable
88
The Best Home Gym Cable Machine (and the 8 Top Contenders)
- Bells of Steel All-in-one Trainer (Weight Stack) – Best Cable Machine (overall)
- MAJOR FITNESS Drone 1 – Best Power Rack Cable Machine
- DONOW Cable Crossover Machine – Best Stand-alone Cable Crossover Machine
- Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mounted Cable Machine – Best Wall-mounted Machine
- REP Fitness Ares 2.0 (Builder) – Best Customizable Cable Machine
- XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine – Best Functional Trainer
- GDLF LAT Pull Down Machine – Best Stand-alone Lat Pulldown Machine
- Mikolo Folding Squat Rack – Best Folding Cable Machine
- RitFit PPC02C – Best Affordable Cable Machine
Bells of Steel All-in-one Trainer (Weight Stack)
⭐️ Verdict: Best Home Gym Cable Machine
The Bells of Steel All-in-one Trainer (Weight Stack option) has all of the functional components one could ever want in a home gym cable machine.
The All-in-one Trainer sports a single weight stack while employing a dual pull-system for unilateral and bi-lateral cable work.
Bodyweight and free weight exercises can easily be performed on/with the All-in-one Trainer. Its multi-grip pull-up bar as well as J-cup and dip bar compatible uprights create almost limitless functionality.
Pros
Free weight, cable pulley, and free weight functionality
Constructed of very durable and resilient 12-gauge steel
2:1 and 1:1 pull ratios for more diverse weight stack resistance
Con
No Smith Machine capabilities
The Bells of Steel All-in-one Trainer (weight stack option) is the best home gym cable machine on the market today. Combining an extremely high level of functionality with a reasonable price point (relative to what the machine provides/other similar machines), it is the option to beat for those who really appreciate a lot of cable exercise options.
Unlike many home gym cable machines, the All-in-one Trainer would never be classified as a “one-trick pony” as it allows lifters to perform cable, bodyweight, and free weight exercises. This much optionality, especially across so many different modalities, ranks the Trainer among those that can truly be a home gym’s “standalone” piece of equipment.
If weight stacks aren’t really your thing (or you just want to save a bit of money) the All-in-one-Trainer’s free weight option will save you about $400 (you’ll feel less lazy loading the plates on yourself!) Also, the Trainer’s reasonably thick, 12-gauge steel, combined with its beautiful, but resilient powder coating, promote longevity with this piece.
MAJOR FITNESS Drone 1
⭐️ Verdict: Best Power Rack Cable Machine
The MAJOR FITNESS Drone 1 offers an array of functional components, being truly classified as an “all-in-one” cable machine.
Although power rack/cable machine combinations aren’t overly rare, the “inside-the-rack” squatting experience the Drone 1 provides sets it apart from most others, offering a much safer solo training experience for home gym lifters.
With an extensive number of attachments coming standard with the Drone 1, cable exercise enthusiasts should have more than enough accessory items to keep them busy for quite some time.
Pros
Exceptional functionality bolstered by an array of exercise options
Power cage design allows for “inside-the-rack” squatting safety
Very affordable
Cons
2×2-inch upright holes not the most compatible with 3rd party attachments
We’ve long been fans of the different power racks MAJOR FITNESS has put out, although we think the Drone 1 possesses the best combination of functionality and price savings. With its power cage structure (allowing for “inside-the-rack” squatting) and dual pulley system, its not hard to get a complete workout on a very reasonable budget.
Despite being marketed as more of an “entry-level” power cage/cable machine combo and sporting relatively modest steel (14-guage) the Drone 1 really impresses both in its stated load capacities (900 pounds on the safety bars, 1100 pounds on the J-hooks) as well as from its drop test results (514 pounds). Lifters of just about any caliber will be able to appreciate these numbers.
The cable pulley system is what sticks out the most and is why the Drone 1 ended up on this list in the first place. It continues the trend of high-capacity load movement by being capable of smoothly handling 300 pounds of resistance. Numerous cable attachments come standard with the rack, allowing for endless cable exercise and movement combinations to be performed.
DONOW Cable Crossover Machine
⭐️ Verdict: Stand-alone Cable Crossover Machine
DONOW’s Cable Crossover Machine combines the “specialization” of a standalone, dedicated cable crossover machine with a surprising number of additional capabilities.
With a dual-plate loaded, dual-pulley system, the sky is pretty much the limit in regard to resistance when performing any cable exercises on DONOW’s machine.
A multi-grip pull-up bar and numerous cable pulley height options allow for more elaborate workouts to be performed, even as free weight exercise options are rather limited.
Pros
Cable and bodyweight exercise movement options
Legit, dedicated cable crossover machine with 16 height options
Numerous included attachments
Cons
Limited free weight functionality
DONOW’s Cable Crossover Machine is one of the beefiest dedicated cable crossover machines we have come across. For those who are really into dedicated cable movements with a touch of bodyweight functionality (it’s pretty easy to knock out pull-ups and chin-ups on this machine), it’s certainly an option to take a close look at.
At 220 pounds and sporting 15-gauge steel, the DONOW Cable Crossover machine isn’t the heaviest (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you need to move or adjust your machine) or robust option. However, the back/bottom-mounted plate storage area allows you to manually create an incredibly stable machine.
In true home gym cable machine style, the DONOW Cable Crossover machine comes with a number of different attachments allowing for seated exercises like lat pulldowns and low lat pulls as well as standing crossovers and unilateral work to be performed. There are more complete home cable machine options out there, but few outperform this one as raw cable crossover capability.
Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mounted Machine
⭐️ Verdict: Best Wall-mounted Machine
The Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall-mounted Machine is a simple, entry-level home gym cable machine that be utilized for a number of different single and dual-arm movements.
With a higher-than-expected steel rating and a very small overall footprint, the BD-62 has hidden value, adding to its overall durability and longevity.
A very inexpensive home gym cable machine, the BD-62 is the perfect choice for those who don’t want to spend an excessive amount of money while still maintaining acceptable levels of exercise optionality.
Pros
Numerous cable pulley exercise options
Incredibly space efficient
Affordable
Cons
Not the most functional home gym cable machine
The Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall-mounted Machine is one of the most space-efficient home cable machine options that also happens to be incredibly functional and affordable. Although it pretty much only has cable exercise capabilities, it’s sheer number of adjustable height positions allow for a significant amount of exercise variety.
Although the BD-62 isn’t wide enough to allow for legitimate cable crossover action, it’s dual-pulley system does allow for both sides of the upper body to be engaged at the same time. This work complements an array of single-arm, unilateral work as well as a number of overhead and even lower-body exercise options.
Despite weighing only 62 pounds, the BD-62’s 12-gauge steel is capable of supporting loads over three times its weight (a stated max of 200 pounds). This capacity, combined with its wall-mounted nature should make even the strongest of home gym lifters confident about the machine’s resistance-supporting capabilities.
REP Fitness Ares 2.0 (Builder)
⭐️ Verdict: Best Customizable Cable Machine
The REP Fitness Ares 2.0 is the most customizable home gym cable machine on the market. Its numerous modification and add-on options are unprecedented in the space.
Besides the sheer amount of optionality it presents, the Ares 2.0 is constructed of extremely robust 11-guage steel while coming with REP Fitness’ extensive and warranties and associated guarantees.
The Ares 2.0 is by no means an inexpensive home gym cable machine, but for those who really want to take their cable training to the next level, there are very few options that compare.
Pros
Extensive cable exercise (and other movement) functionality
Endless customization optionality
Very thick and high gauge steel
Cons
Expensive
The REP Fitness Ares 2.0 is the best home gym cable machine for lifters who are not only willing to spend a little bit of money on their gear, but who want the ability to modify their rigs to a “T”. With numerous weight stack, weight storage, height, amongst other customization options, the sky is truly the limit with this machine.
Besides the multiple modification options, any Ares 2.0 option selected will sport extremely durable steel (11-gauge) as well as superior compatibility with both REP Fitness products as well as with third-party attachments and accessories. However, many of these latter items are included in the machine’s base package.
As you may expect, the combination of a popular fitness gear manufacturing company that is highly customizable garners a higher price point. However, those who already have a compatible power rack can save money by simply purchasing attachment components, creating their own Ares 2.0 from their existing equipment.
XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine
⭐️ Verdict: Best Functional Trainer
The XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine is essentially a commercial grade-level home gym cable machine.
With a dual weight stack, extensive cable pulley and free weight exercise capabilities, and even some free weight functionality, XMARK’s functional trainer is definitely in the “buy it and you’re done” category.
Although the XMARK Functional Trainer is rather expensive, it arrives almost completely assembled, allowing lifters to trade some funds for time saved putting the rathe large and intricate machine together.
Pros
Dual weight stacks total 460 pounds of resistance
Commercial gym quality
Incredibly fast and easy assembly
Cons
Expensive
XMARK’s Functional Trainer is the entry on our list of the best home gym cable machines that most closely resembles a commercial-grade piece of equipment. With two weight stacks totalling over 460 pounds of resistance, it’s difficult to find a cable machine that offers as much resistance.
With 21 different adjustments levels, as well as bodyweight options in the form of pull-ups and chin-ups, the XMARK Functional Trainer isn’t really lacking in any area that a cable machine enthusiast would want to hit.
As daunting as the 1000-pound monster may appear, suggesting long tedious hours of assembly time, the XMARK Functional Trainer is actually 98 percent assembled when it ships. This leaves very little time necessary for further assembly, maximizing/prioritizing time spent training instead.
GDLF LAT Pull Down Machine
⭐️ Verdict: Best Stand-alone Lat Pulldown
GDLF’s Lat Pulldown Machine is one of the most basic home gym cable machines on the market today.
With rather limited functionality, largely isolated to overhead cable movements and rather thin steel composition, GDLF’s offering is nevertheless an attractive, inexpensive option.
The GDLF Lat Pulldown Machine is best for lifters who prioritize price and space savings, but it also can be an excellent option for “single-modality” types of enthusiasts.
Pros
Multiple height positions to enhance comfort
Very space efficient
Incredibly inexpensive
Cons
Not overly functional
The GDLF Lat Pulldown Machine doesn’t have the most extensive functionality, nor is it constructed of the thickest, most durable steel. However, for home gym lifters who really prioritize lat pulldown (and related) work at a very affordable price, it may be the best home gym cable machine option out there.
Being a relatively light (~72 pounds) and compact (slightly larger than a 10-square foot overall footprint) the GDLF Lat Pulldown Machine is a legit space-saving option for those uninterested in larger, more grandiose machines. Despite this, multiple position rollers provide numerous height and seat adjustment options.
With a little bit of creativity, lifters will be able to “unlock” a decent amount of exercise variety with the GDLF Lat Pulldown Machine. However, dual pulley, barbell, and even bodyweight options are extremely limited, if they exist at all.
Mikolo Folding Squat Rack
⭐️ Verdict: Best Folding Cable Machine
The Mikolo Folding Squat rack combines an extremely space-efficient design with a basic, yet perfectly functional dual-pulley system.
Besides its cable system functionality, the Mikolo Folding Squat Rack also allows lifters to perform a plethora of classic power rack movements in addition to bodyweight movements.
Lifters who aren’t keen to attach their gear directly into the wall may not be as interested in the Mikolo Folding Rack, but its very reasonable price point should keep it in the conversation.
Pros
Cable pulley system is very rare in folding racks
Quick and easy to open and close
Almost non-existent footprint when folded
Cons
Not the most compatible with 3rd-party attachments
Many of the best home gym cable machine options on our list have significant space-saving capabilities, features that are less common than this list would suggest. Of these, the Mikolo Folding Squat Rack likely possesses the best combination of functionality with (lack of) required space to use enjoy.
Although it is marketed as more of a squat rack/power rack, the Mikolo Squat Rack has significant cable machine functionality. Its dual pulley system is very uncommon among folding squat racks and the few other options that do possess this functionality are normally prohibitively more expensive.
Possessing legitimate free weight, bodyweight, and cable machine exercise optionality, the Mikolo Squat Rack is an ideal option for home gym training enthusiasts who are comfortable with adhering their cable machine of choice directly to their wall.
RitFit PPC02C
⭐️ Verdict: Best Affordable Cable Machine
The RitFit PPC02C is one of the company’s mid-range, large home gym exercise machines. It combines acceptable levels of cable functionality with a very attractive price point.
Despite not being the absolute least expensive home gym cable machine, the PPC02C offers inside-the-rack squatting and bodyweight training options to complement its unilateral cable system.
With a number of included attachments and accessory items, home gym lifters will be pretty well set upon first receiving their PPC02C.
Pros
Free weight and pulley system capabilities
Power cage, “inside-the-rack squatting” functionality
Inexpensive
Cons
Not constructed of the thickest steel
RitFit has a number of power cage and other large equipment options and has become a stalwart in the “good, but relatively inexpensive” corner of the fitness gear market. Their PPC02C isn’t their least expensive rack option, but it is one of their least expensive, yet very functional home cable machine items.
Unlike many of the other larger, more robust options on this list, the PPC02C’s cable functionality is arguably its weakest aspect. Sporting a central cable pulley system, dual-pulley movements are exponentially more difficult, if not impossible, to perform. However, inside-the-rack squatting, bodyweight, and free weight functionality more than make up for this area.
Despite being classified as a “large” piece of home gym equipment, the PPC02C is a relatively inexpensive cable machine rack option. This price point, when combined with its decent functionality level and better-than-acceptable steel rating should be sufficient for giving it a solid look.
What to Look for in Home Gym Cable Machines
There is a lot of variability in cable machines so it’s kinda hard to make definitive “this makes for a good machine” and “don’t get those…they suck” kinds of statements to complement our assessments. Also, everyone obviously has their own preferences and priorities, especially when it comes to more niche exercises (the kinds of which you perform on a cable machine).
With that being said, there are a number of factors that we use to assess cable machines. After reading throughout our criteria, we think you’ll be keen to employ a similar evaluation approach/model.
Let’s take a quick look at how we do it:
Functionality
Truth be told, “functionality” is something you should prioritize in any equipment selection. Whether you’re looking at something simple like an adjustable dumbbell to something larger…like a home gym cable machine, being able to do what an item is intended to do (and, ideally, more, if possible) should be your utmost priority.
In the case of home gym cable machines, we weighted each item’s cable functionality capabilities slightly higher than other (ex. Smith Machine, free weight, bodyweight) functionality areas. As such, some items that you can do a lot with (like the RitFit PPC02C) don’t score as high because their cable systems aren’t quite as robust.
You wanted a list of the best home gym cable machines…we figure you’re also giving the cable systems a bit more brownie points!
With that being said, there are a lot of different types of cable systems. Single pulley, dual-pulley, weight stack, plate loaded…the list goes on. Because of this, the way we view a particular piece’s cable functionality may differ from what you need in your garage or basement gym.
This is why all of the “extras” still factor into our analyses pretty significantly. After all, let’s get real; you’re probably not gonna want to do tricep pushdowns and cable crossovers every day.
Ultimately, a machine that prioritizes cable work while also providing enough optionality to keep you busy for…years is our idea of a functional option.
Steel
Some would argue (and, to be fair, they’d have a decent point) that a rack or machine’s steel rating is a poor gauge of its actual durability and stability. I mean, a 400-pound rack with 15-gauge (thin) steel is still probably gonna be pretty hard to knock over.
However, we have found that racks’ and machines’ steel ratings are pretty good proxies for durability and stability. There is a reason why some of the most popular and long-lasting brands (some on this list, some not) employ thicker, heavier steel in their gear. This stuff is generally a bit more expensive (sometimes, by orders of magnitude), but there is no doubt…it lasts.
Many cable machines, especially standalone and/or dedicated machines, don’t receive as much abuse as power racks/cages where barbells are constantly being racked and re-racked. Also, a machine with a higher (i.e. thinner) steel gauge rating isn’t necessarily a “bad” buy. Just be aware that this thinner steel can be less resilient over time and, in some cases, less stable.
Price
We know we’re not made of millions and we don’t really expect you to be either (if you are and you need some personalized gym gear consulting…reach out!) As such, no matter what item we’re talking about, “price” is always going to work into our evaluative criteria.
As reasonable as it seems to include a machine’s price in our formula, when it comes to home gym cable machines, things can get a little tricky. A dual weight stack, commercial grade cable crossover machine like the XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine is pretty much always gonna run you a lot more than a less functional, home gym quality item like the GDLF LAT Pull Down Machine.
You can see how this type of situation can be difficult to resolve!
Thankfully, we’ve decided to forego overcomplicating things and instead have decided to simply score each machine based on its absolute i.e. retail sales price.
The highest-scoring machines in this category are the least expensive ones and vice versa…hopefully that’s simple enough for everybody!
Customer Reviews
This is another measured category that is ever-present in our reviews. As we always say, as much we would really like for you to take our word as the Gospel truth, we understand and appreciate the importance of that oh, so magical phrase:
“Great…but I’d like to get a second opinion, first…”
No problem by us! Hell, with some of these items you’re looking at more like 2,000 second opinions!
For some (most?) of these machines, there is a lot of first-hand, user data out there. It only makes sense to take what the masses are reporting and include what they have to say into our calculations and final analyses.
As always, we feel as though we have a pretty good grasp on what constitutes the best home gym cable machine…
Shopping tips for Home Gym Cable Machines
We’ve just discussed our key criteria for evaluating cable machines…but those don’t necessarily equate to “shopping tips”. It’s like a checklist you put together to evaluate a potential girlfriend (not that we’ve ever done that…) that covers key, general criteria, but doesn’t really get to the “heart” of things.
This is the section where we remind you to look at those qualities and features that are a little less quantifiable, but are probably really personal to you and to your preferences and priorities.
All of that being said, you should really pay attention to this section since picking out a home gym cable machine is infinitely more important than picking out a potential spouse!
Cable Pulley System Capabilities
Seems obvious, but just because we rate a particular machine as having good functionality doesn’t mean that it has the type of capabilities you want or need.
Some people really want that experience of simply being able to move a pin slightly up or down on a weight stack to effortlessly adjust the resistance. A lot of other people are fine with manually adding a change plate to their plate-loaded machine to achieve the same result.
Which archetype do you fall into and, arguably as importantly, how much are you willing to pay for that added convenience?
Single-pulley systems, usually with a lat pulldown bar (and associated functionality) as their centerpeice are generally going to the least expensive option while plate-loaded dual-pulley systems (allowing for cable crossover and other two-arm work), whether they’re standalone or attached to a rack, are going to run you a bit more.
Some machines are also more adjustable than others with a number of single-pulley systems allowing for lat pulldown and low lat pulldowns while most dual pulley system can be adjusted to anywhere between 10 and 17 different height levels.
To be honest, I don’t think anyone interested in a home gym cable machine is going to purchase a dual-pulley system and think “yeah…I bought too much machine” (unless they opted for a usually significantly more expensive weight stack option), although if you decide to pick up a machine that only has a lat pulldown bar/functionality…you may quickly be wishing for more.
Really think about the kinds of exercises you want to perform (heck, even review this list for inspiration) to get the best idea of the capabilities your machine has to have.
Extra Features
While I understand that there are segments of the population who are interested in stand-alone cable machines (I mean…I understand that you people exist…even if I don’t understand the desire for a cable machine that does…ya know…nothing else), most people I run into prefer machines that’ll do a little more for them.
Smith Machines, power cages, functional trainers…I mean, why settle for some cable work when you can do everything?
If you agree, you’re in luck! The vast majority of the machines on our list have a lot of, for lack of a better term, “extra features” to jazz up their overall functionality quite a bit.
Now, if couldn’t tell by this point, I don’t recommend buying equipment just because it comes with a number of bells and whistles. However, if you have any inklings that you might ultimately expand your horizons, definitely consider a cable machine that comes with a little something extra…
Footprint
We’re going to unintentionally argue against our previous “tip” by pointing out that most of the more compact home gym cable machines on this list tend to fall into the “dedicated cable machine” category.
The GDLF LAT Pull Down Machine and the VALOR Fitness BD-62 are both rather monofunctional machines…and take up a fraction of the space that larger options command. If “space savings” is a major priority of yours, these should be some of your primary options.
Of course, outliers exist. Most people wouldn’t classify the Mikolo Folding Squat Rack as a “cable machine” (at least not in a technical sense), but it’s dual-pulley system combined with its minimal footprint (when not in use) allow it to offer the best of both worlds.
As we would suggest with any large equipment purchase, make sure you have adequate space to be able to properly use the darn thing! If you don’t have the largest garage or basement space, consider the standalone and folding cable machine options.
How we Chose the Best Home Gym Cable Machine
It’s true that there is a lot of variety in home gym cable machines.
It’s also true that there can be objective criteria for assessing home gym cable machines.
Conclusion: both of these statements are true…and we have 8 different categories (plus one “overall”) of “the best home gym cable machine”.
Ultimately, we applied our evaluation criteria into each of the different classifications of home gym cable machines to come up with our top options. Out of these, the Bells of Steel All-in-one Trainer scored the highest, resulting in us declaring it the champ.
The Best Home Gym Cable Machine…
As we’ve seen today, there are a lot of different types of cable machines. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple lat pulldown machine or want to go full “home Planet Fitness” with your piece, there are no shortage of options to choose from.
We’re of the mind that you should be doing a bit more than exclusively cable exercises to get in a good workout, but if the best home gym cable machine for your preferences is all about (and only about) cable crossover work…well…you do you!
The Best Home Gym Cable Machines (and the Top 8 Contenders)
🏆 Best Overall
90
Best Power Cage
88
Best Cable Crossover
86
Best Wall-mounted
88
Best Customizable
89
Best Functional Trainer
86
Best Lat Pulldown
84
Best Folding
89
Best Affordable
88
