Smith Machines…now we’re talkin’…
To be honest, as more of a CrossFit guy, I don’t use Smith Machines all that often in my regular training. However, when I got a short day, I’m training someplace else, or I just want to do some crazy hypertrophy work, you best believe that I blow that Smith Machine up.
Another thing is, even for people who don’t use a Smith Machine for all of their workouts, these days, most Smith Machines have a lot of additional capabilities to accentuate the classic “Smith” lifts. Free weight/half rack cups and safety bars, functional trainers, pull-up bars, hell…even weight stacks…if you want a “do everything” machine, there is a Smith Machine for you.
Granted, there are some Smith Machines that just…ain’t. They’re too expensive, too flimsy, don’t “run smooth”, or don’t do enough.
Thankfully, we’re not talking about any of those machines today.
In this post, we’re just focusing on the best of the bunch (and, if you want to just cut to the chase, the RitFit M1 is your winner here) and, to be more specific, we’re looking at…
Table of Contents
…The Best Smith Machine (and the 8 Top Contenders)
🏆 Best Overall
89
Best Smith/Free Weight
88
Best Folding
86
Best Ambitious
84
Best Budget
88
🏆 Best Pec Deck
86
Best Basic Smith Machine
84
Best Weight Stack Machine
88
Best Attachment
75*
The Best Smith Machine (and the 8 Top Contenders)
- RitFit M1 – Best Smith Machine (overall)
- MAJOR FITNESS B52 – Best Smith Machine/Free Weight Combination Rack
- Vimexciter MF-03 – Best folding Smith Machine
- FORCE USA G12 – Best “ambitious” Smith Machine
- GMWD Smith Machine – Best budget Smith Machine
- Evolpow M2A – Best pec deck-equipped Smith Machine
- JX Fitness SincMill Squat Rack – Best basic Smith Machine
- RitKeep PMAX 5600 – Best weight stack Smith Machine
- Bells of Steel Smith Machine Rack Attachment – Best Smith Machine attachment
RitFit M1
⭐️ Verdict: Best Smith Machine (overall)
The RitFit M1 has gone through a few different iterations, each building upon the previous to create an affordable, multi-functional Smith Machine.
With both Smith Machine and free weight capabilities, it’s easy to work compound lifts in either format. The dual-pulley cable system provides additional functionality, to include the option to overload a single arm for rehabilitation or other purposes.
With a good price-to-functionality ratio, the M1 has solidified its spot at the top of the “Best Smith Machines” list, but for those who prioritize the lowest price over additional features, there are other, more appropriate options.
Pros
Versatility combined with a cable system allows for a complex and dynamic workout
Durable, especially considering its steel rating
“Value” (price-to-functionality) is on point
Con
Rear-placed dip attachments not ideally placed
The RitFit M1 is the best Smith Machine on the market today. It combines a high degree of functionality (Smith Machine, free weight, cable, and bodyweight exercises can all be performed with/on the machine) at a price point that makes full-body home gym training accessible to just about anybody.
Having recently released the “2.0” version of the M1, RitFit has improved on a number of already high-quality features. The linear bearings facilitate smoother cable and Smith movements and the upgraded mind-boggling 1500-pound capacity should be enough for just about any lifter on Earth.
If you want the full, full body training experience, you’ll have to pony up for some weight plates and a barbell (and probably a bench), but this was probably apparent. However, cost savings from purchasing the M1 will allow you to splurge a bit and get a high-quality bar and some nice bumper plates to train with, effectively increasing the appeal of the best Smith Machine out there.
MAJOR FITNESS B52
⭐️ Verdict: Best Smith/Free Weight
MAJOR FITNESS’ Spirit B52 possess the functionality of a standalone Smith Machine, power rack, and plate-loaded functional trainer. Small, but useful additions help to justify its higher price point.
With more robust pull-up and dip stations, the B52 offers better calisthenics options than many similar racks while the number of included attachments provides extensive exercise selection and overall optionality.
The safety bars are a bit shorter than what most would consider to be “ideal” and depending on one’s individual training style, the additional features may not be sufficient to justify its higher price point.
Pros
Smith, free weight, cable, and bodyweight exercise optionality
Uncomplicated assembly, even for a single person
J-hooks, dip bars, and safety bars are all single-piece, solid metal components adding degrees of stability
Cons
Safety bars are shorter than would be ideal
The MAJOR FITNESS Spirit B52 has much in common with the RitFit M1 above and is another one of the classic Smith Machine/power rack combos. The functionality of this machine is very high with a full range of free weight, Smith, and bodyweight exercise options as well as extra like low lat pulls and landmine work.
It’s difficult to find much “wrong” with a machine like the B52 and the sheer number of attachments included (and available for purchase directly from the manufacturer) easily classify this as a “cancel your gym membership” type of Smith Machine or as the “centerpiece” of your training space.
The B52 is by no means the most inexpensive Smith Machine option and things like its shorter-than-ideal safety bars make squatting more of an adventure than it needs to be. However, with hundreds of stellar, 5-star reviews, it is one of the “safest” options for those looking to perform some Smith exercises in their garages or basements.
Vimexciter MF-03
⭐️ Verdict: Best folding Smith Machine
The Vimexciter MF-03 represents one of the very few folding (and wall-mounted) Smith Machine options. Those prioritizing space-saving measures over everything else will appreciate the machine’s incredibly small permanent footprint.
The MF-03 comes assembled (only needs to be attached to the wall) and its resistance system provides a unique take on Smith Machine training.
The overall possible resistance isn’t very high, limiting overall functionality. The lack of free weight training capabilities may also be a concern to prospective trainees.
Pros
Very space efficient
No weight plates or additional resistance required for use
Comes pretty much assembled; only needs to be attached to the wall
Cons
Limited top-end resistance options
Having a free/open garage, basement, or backyard shed area is actually quite the luxury so most people have to be pretty efficient with their home gym setup. Folding racks have grown in popularity to accommodate small-space situations, but these are rarely found in a folding or wall-mounted format. The Vimexciter MF-03 happens to be one of those options.
Rocking an incredibly small footprint (and with an almost non-existent footprint when folded into the wall) the MF-03 offers a surprisingly large number of exercise options, especially considering that it is neither plate-loaded nor does it employ weight stacks. If you only had this machine, you would save quite a bit of money on extra equipment and weights.
Without any free weight functionality and due to the employment of resistance bands that limit the maximum possible amount of weight used for each exercise, more experienced lifters may feel a bit constrained by the MF-03. However, newer lifters and those less interested in heavy barbell training will nevertheless appreciate the possibility of performing full-body workouts.
FORCE USA G12
⭐️ Verdict: Best “ambitious” Smith Machine
The FORCE USA G12 combines outstanding durability and overall build quality with extensive functionality and exercise optionality.
The G12’s weight stacks allow for seamless resistance adjustments during cable exercises while the insertable safety bars and J-hooks create a free weight training experience that outpaces most dedicated power racks.
The G12’s price point is incredibly “ambitious” and those who prefer a plate-loaded cable experience may not fully appreciate the included weight stacks.
Pros
Insertable safety bars create almost a “squat in rack” lifting experience
Significant weight stack resistance
Better-than-average steel rating
Cons
Expensive
If you got the money, FORCE USA has the Smith Machine for you. There are many different legit options in their “G” line of machines, but the G12 is the best mix of functionality and “affordability”, particularly for those who desire something with free weight capabilities and a weight stack pulley system.
With thicker, more robust steel (12-gauge) than any other entry on this list as well as a more elusive 1:1 cable pulley ratio, the G12 is better able to justify its price tag (which is roughly twice as high as its closest competitor on this list). Also, despite a number of included components, the ability to upgrade to “leg developer” and “jammer arm” options increase overall functionality potential.
You have to really appreciate the higher-quality materials and be sure that you’ll actually use all of the various attachments in order to get your money’s worth with this rack. If this sounds like you, this is probably the rack that will leave you the most satisfied years after your initial purchase date.
GMWD Smith Machine
⭐️ Verdict: Best budget Smith Machine
The GMWD Smith Machine is one of the most affordable on the market while providing the functionality of significantly more expensive pieces of equipment.
The lat pulldown cable and pull-up bars allow for more extensive workouts to be incorporated alongside more traditional Smith Machine movements. With select attachments, the GMWD machine even has some free weight capabilities.
The aforementioned free weight capabilities aren’t nearly as robust as other machines’, but for the price, there aren’t many machines that come close to it.
Pros
Better functionality than a “basic” Smith Machine
Decently thick steel given the price
Very affordable
Cons
Not the most extensive array of non-Smith functionality
GMWD doesn’t offer its basic Smith Machine on its official website anymore, but the best budget Smith Machine is (thankfully!) still widely available on third-party sites like Amazon. Despite being a relatively inexpensive and overly affordable machine, GMWD’s offering actually provides a decent amount of functionality.
While GMWD’s Smith Machine has a pretty attractive price tag, the free weight capabilities, to include the ability to perform barbell back squats and presses, “punch well above their weight”. The 14-gauge steel isn’t overly robust, but certainly isn’t bad for a sub-$400 rack.
The lack of a more substantial cable pulley system (with only a single-pulley/cable at that) might be a bit of a turn-off for cable crossover enthusiasts. It’s also suggested to pick one of these up ASAP if you’re interested since they may not be sold on Amazon (as they are no longer sold on the GMWD website) in the near future.
Evolpow M2A
⭐️ Verdict: Best pec deck Smith Machine
The Evolpow M2A provides an extremely large number of attachments with a unique design. Its pec deck sets it apart and make it an especially attractive piece of equipment for those who value this exercise.
“Standard” Smith Machine workouts can be alternated with free weight exercises while bodyweight movements, specifically pull-ups and dips are also supported.
The bottom footplate is a little awkward and, as a newer company, there aren’t a ton of reviews or an established organizational track record to reference.
Pros
Pec deck capabilities rare for Smith Machines
Numerous included attachments
Very high “functionality/price” ratio
Cons
Not the most well-known company
Despite most home Smith Machines coming equipped with a number of different attachments and features, most of these actually aren’t all that niche. The typical cable attachments, landmine, footplate are found on a lot of these machines. Evolpow has thrown a wrench in this system by incorporating a dedicated pec deck station into its M2A.
Truth be told, the M2A does offer a lot of the same, typical features of other Smith Machines, but these, combined with the pec deck, puts this rack in very niche company. Considering the collective total of these features relative to the “good-to-great” price point might actually result in the best “features/price” ratio in this market.
Evolpow is a newer company that doesn’t have the same name recognition as many of the other brands on this list. However, this status may provide interested home gym enthusiasts with a chance to get a deal on a quality rack from an up-and-coming manufacturer.
JX Fitness SincMill Squat Rack
⭐️ Verdict: Best basic Smith Machine
The JX Fitness SincMill Squat Rack is as basic as a Smith Machine can get (although it can double as a yoke). Those who are satisfied with not performing free weight or cable movements should be pleased with this option.
The SincMill Squat Rack has a rather compact footprint and its stated 500-pound capacity should be sufficient for the needs of most lifters.
With little non-Smith Machine functionality and rather thin steel, this option is likely best for beginner Smith Machine enthusiasts.
Pros
Small, space-efficient footprint
Decent load capacity for a smaller Smith Machine
Extremely affordable
Cons
Not constructed of the thickest steel
Some lifters aren’t all that impressed with Smith Machines that can facilitate free weight exercises (especially if they already have a power rack) or cable crossover work. For those looking for an honest, standalone, (mostly) single-function Smith Machine, the JX Fitness SincMill Squat Rack is likely the best option.
With a small, ~3-foot-by-4-foot footprint, the SincMill Squat rack works as the “centerpiece” to a new or existing home gym space or it can easily complement an existing rack and other gear. For slightly more creative lifters, the rear plate holders, which are welcome storage/space savers, can be used to facilitate makeshift yoke carries. Strongmen rejoice!
For under $300, the SincMill Squat Rack’s price point is tough to beat, although lifters should prepare for more of a “no frills” experience. The machine’s 500-pound capacity should be sufficient for most lifters, but the thickest, highest-quality steel isn’t in the cards with this option.
RitKeep PMAX 5600
⭐️ Verdict: Best Weight Stack Smith Machine
The RitKeep PMAX 5600 is a weight stack, Smith Machine option for those who aren’t looking to break the bank. Still not “inexpensive”, there is a good functionality-durability-price ratio here.
For those who prefer the “traditional” Smith Machine/power rack combination structure, the PMAX 5600 is a solid option, especially if weight stacks are the preferred form of cable resistance.
Still by no means “cheap”, the PMAX 5600 should mainly appeal to weight stack enthusiasts or those who might be interested in trying one of these types of functional trainers out.
Pros
Smith, free weight, cable, and bodyweight capabilities
Weight stacks provide significant levels of resistance
A more affordable weight stack Smith Machine option
Cons
Not inexpensive
Weight stack cable crossover and functional trainer machines are what separates home gym-level equipment from commercial gym-quality gear. The RitKeep PMAX 5600 has both the “home gym” and “commercial gym” attributes going for it, but at a lower price point than many other weight stack Smith Machine options.
The PMAX 5600’s 2×2-inch tubing isn’t going to be the most compatible with other, third-party attachments and accessories, but with so many included items (as well as RitKeep-branded gear options), there really isn’t much more to add to it. And at ~650 pounds of total weight, my apologies if the UPS or FedEx guy is really pissed at you come delivery day!
Bells of Steel Smith Machine Rack Attachment
⭐️ Verdict: Best Smith Machine attachment
NOTE: This product hasn’t been released yet.
The Bells of Steel Smith Machine Rack Attachment has not actually been released at this time. However, upon its release, it will be one of the only, if not the only attachments that can turn existing power racks into Smith Machines.
Some would argue that it would make more sense to simply purchase an actual Smith Machine, but for those who love their existing power rack and simply want to add Smith Machine functionality, this could turn out to be an incredibly solid option.
Pros
Attaches to a number of different-sized racks
Can use your own barbell or one provided with the attachment
Less expensive than most dedicated Smith Machines
Cons
Not yet available
NOTE: This product has not been released yet. We are speculating about the utility and overall quality of this product.
Sometimes, the best Smith Machine is the one you (sorta) already have. The Bells of Steel Smith Machine Rack Attachment is banking on people really liking their existing power racks (or those that they will soon purchase) and choosing to upgrade them rather than purchase entirely new Smith Machines.
Despite being a rather niche product, the Smith Machine attachment fits a number of different rack dimensions (2.3″ x 2.3″ and 3″ x 3″ tubes and 5/8″ or 1″ side holes), allows lifters to provide their own desired bar (or opt for the standard, included bar), while also being relatively easy to assemble (it only requires a few included bolts and an Allen Wrench).
To be fair, this attachment isn’t totally compatible (your existing rack needs to have 3×3 uprights) and at ~ $800, it probably doesn’t make sense to purchase a brand new power rack and this attachment. As we’ve seen on this list, there are standalone Smith Machines that only cost slightly more than this; some cost even less. However, for those who appreciate quality brands, this is an incredibly interesting way to upgrade to a Bells of Steel product.
What to Look For in Smith Machines
Unlike smaller pieces of gym equipment, a Smith Machine is oftentimes a pretty big investment. In order to ensure that you select the best Smith Machine for your home gym, we’re going to expand upon the key criteria we use to assess and rate them.
However, always consider your own specific priorities and circumstances so you can select the best Smith Machine for you:
Functionality
As you can imagine, you can perform basic “Smith” exercises on all of the machines on our list. Being able to do so constitutes the most basic functionality of a Smith Machine. Most models go deeper and further, though, sporting free weight training capabilities, cable stacks, pull-up and dip bars for bodyweight training, and even quasi-yoke carry potential.
If you’re planning on making your Smith Machine the “centerpiece” of your home gym, you’ll likely want a machine that maximizes functionality, limiting the need to purchase additional equipment while also allowing for you to perform the most diverse range of exercises possible.
At the same time, if you know you’ll never use the cable system or if you already have a dedicated power rack to squat, bench, and press in, you’ll likely be spending extra money on features you won’t use by opting for the highest-functionality rack.
Overall, remember why you started seeking out the best Smith Machine in the first place. If you just want to be able to more safely perform heavy barbell movements, don’t feel like you have to get the machine with every single “bell and whistle” when a “less functional” option will suit your needs just fine.
Steel
Steel thickness isn’t the only way to measure machine durability and some would even say that it isn’t as important of a metric as many make it out to be.
With that being said, ask yourself:
“When I’m racking my barbell, do I trust a rack that has thicker, more robust steel to safely offload my bar in or would I rather drop it off onto a couple of J-hooks extending from a thin-steeled rack?”
We’ve lifted in/on both and can assure you that the thicker options always leave us feeling more…comfortable racking that bar after that last rep.
Also consider the effects of general wear and tear; thicker materials aren’t going to get scraped and scuffed as easily (unless…ya know…you’re throwing around some heavy weights…which isn’t a bad thing) as thinner, less robust materials.
Steel rating won’t be as important if you opt for a less functional Smith Machine, but it is a decent proxy rating for “durability” and, to a lesser extent (since there are more variables involved) machine “stability”.
Price
As we mentioned above, a Smith Machine can be a pretty big investment. What makes the selection process even trickier in this respect is that these machines come in a pretty wide range of prices. It’s not too difficult to find machines for under ~$400 and there are others that go for over $4000.
In this context, we compare all Smith Machines to one another; as such it doesn’t matter if a machine has 1,239,823 extra features or if it is a “bare bones” machine; they’re all lumped in together. This should make it easier to select a machine if you have a top-end price in mind.
Most of the machines on this list fall in the $900-1600 range and this isn’t an uncommon price point for those that didn’t make the best Smith Machine list. If you find something that is significantly more or less expensive, be sure to check things like additional features, steel, warranty, and company reputation to get a better idea of what you are (or aren’t) paying for.
Customer Reviews
Truth be told, we haven’t gotten our hands on all of these Smith Machines so we it’s impossible for us to let you in on our personal experiences with each of them. Thankfully, the literal thousands of people who have chimed in on these help to paint a pretty comprehensive picture on what they’re all about.
Customer review scores always factor into our product assessment metrics; it would be a bit narcissistic, in addition to being…ya know…kinda stupid to ignore these scores. Plus, it’s kinda hard to argue with a collective 4.8 out of 5 stars across 200 or so reviews.
As always we’re confident in our picks…
Shopping tips for Smith Machines
We’ve covered our assessment metrics, but there are a number of other areas of consideration that could (should?) be taken into account when picking out your Smith Machine. Some of these may be more important to you than others, but they’re all worth a look and at least a moment’s contemplation before you pull the trigger on your new machine.
Features
We kinda alluded to this area in our discussion of “Functionality”, but here, we’re more concerned with objective, “concrete” features. Of course, there are machines with the odd novelty feature here and there (like the M2A’s pec deck), but generally speaking, the best Smith Machines will fall into one of 5 “features” categories:
- Smith Machine…and nothing else
- Smith Machine and some basic free weight functionality
- Smith Machine, free weight, and bodyweight functionality
- Smith Machine, free weight, bodyweight, and cable system
- All of the above plus some additional random and/or specialized features
Unfortunately, it’s kind of hard to separate or “mix and match” features, especially more common ones. For example, you may not care to do pull-ups on your Smith Machine, but pretty much any model over the most basic machines is going to have some type of pull-up bar. It won’t cost you that much more, but it is an additional expense.
If you’re interested in more niche features or things we haven’t covered here, feel free to reach out to us; we can probably help you source what you’re looking for!
Weight-loading Method
This area mainly has to do with certain Smith Machines’ respective cable systems, but there are instances where it manifests in other areas, as well.
Most Smith Machine cable systems (particularly less expensive models) are plate loaded. This shouldn’t be an issue since you’ll need plates to load onto the Smith bar, but this process does take substantially longer than simply pulling a pin in and out. On the other hand, these do allow for more precise loads (especially if you have change plates) since most weight stacks don’t go much lower than 5 pounds per plate.
Certain Smith Machines, like the Vimexciter MF-03 actually incorporates variable resistance training principles (and associated resistance training bands) in place of weight plates or stacks for all of its non-bodyweight movements. For those who really don’t want to have to purchase additional equipment (specifically weight plates), machines like this are a solid option.
Dimensions
If you’re lucky enough to have a large basement, unused garage, or ridiculously excessive backyard shed, you have a lot more flexibility regarding your Smith Machine’s size. However, if you’re like most people and have space constraints, you’ll need to look very closely at your contenders’ respective heights, widths, and depths to determine how well they’ll fit your space.
For some, ceiling height is going to be the biggest issue. Generally speaking, if you have at least 8-foot-high ceilings, you should be good to go, but if not, you’ll have to look at some of the shorter racks.
If maximizing space is your top priority, a folding Smith Machine like the MF-03 is a solid bet, but Bells of Steel Smith Machine Rack Attachment could also be an option if you have an existing power rack that works (and that you actually like) that you know you’ll be able to latch it onto.
Worst case, there are a number of smaller Smith Machine options to choose from that still provide an oversized experience relative to their respective dimensions.
Return Policy/Warranty
We like to hope that things will always go just fine with our gear…but if you’ve ever had any kind of fitness equipment in your life, you’re aware that stuff…happens. To be fair, if you’re anything like us, some of these mishaps are definitely “user errors”, but when if you run into problems with a few parts (or if you get a straight-up lemon), it’s good to know that you have recourse.
Different companies have different return and warranty policies (in some cases, these can be vastly different from brand to brand). Sometimes, there are different policies for different categories of equipment (ex. barbells vs. racks), while some get even more specific, differentiating between different individual parts of each product (ex. a rack’s frame vs. Smith bar).
In some ways, there is a bit of game theory involved; a significantly less expensive rack might have a significantly shorter warranty period. In these cases, you’ll really want to do your homework regarding how well the machine has held up over time (at least how other people have reported it to hold up).
Ultimately, if the Smith Machine you want has at least a halfway decent warranty (at least a couple of years), you can feel much safer about your purchase.
How we Chose the Best Smith Machine
We’ve been lucky enough to get a lot of opportunities to try out a number of different Smith Machines, especially over the last year. Between getting our hands on these machines (some of which are profiled on this list) and getting a better idea of what we like (and don’t like) about Smith Machines that we hadn’t really thought about until owning a few has been invaluable.
Besides our own personal experiences (positive and negative!) with Smith Machines, we have also assessed countless reviews and user experiences with a variety of different machines. We are confident that our list is an aggregator of the best Smith Machine and close contenders! Click here to find out a lot more about how we test and review products.
The Best Smith Machine…
At this point, we hope you’re feeling a bit more confident in not only which Smith Machine you should add to your home gym, but also what to look for in your home gym’s new “centerpiece” item.
This isn’t the kind of gear you buy every day and a Smith Machine isn’t as inexpensive as pair of training shoes, a weighted vest, or even (in most cases) an Olympic barbell. With that being said, the benefits of Smith Machine training are as extensive as they are unique and it won’t be long at all until you’ve felt like you’ve recouped your entire purchase price.
…or you could just continue waiting in line for the (only) Smith Machine at the Anytime Fitness down the street…but you’re totally over that at this point…
…right?
The Best Smith Machine (and the 8 Top Contenders)
🏆 Best Overall
89
Best Smith/Free Weight
88
Best Folding
86
Best Ambitious
84
Best Budget
88
🏆 Best Pec Deck
86
Best Basic Smith Machine
84
Best Weight Stack Machine
88
Best Attachment
75*
