15 Best Home Gyms in 2023 – Ratings & Reviews

While there is nothing wrong with heading to the gym to work out, it’s not always convenient. Getting to the gym takes time, and once you are there, you may find you have to waste even more time waiting in line for the equipment you want to use.

Because of this, many people work out at home instead, and while that could involve simple bodyweight exercises, you’ll get better results if you invest in a home gym. But, to get the most from your workouts, you need to buy the best home gym for your needs. There are countless scientific studies outlining the importance of regular strength training (1).

The right home gym will make working out a pleasure. In contrast, the wrong one could quickly end up being unused except as a clothes hanger.

Here are 15 home gym reviews so that you can choose the right option for you. From beginners to advanced, from compact models to much more expansive options, we’ve got you covered!

If you have already purchased a gym or equipment for your home, learn how to set up the perfect home gym here.

Best Home Gyms

1. Body-Solid StrengthTech EXM2500S

The Body-Solid StrengthTech EXM2500S is compact and ideal for smaller spaces. Suitable for beginner and intermediate exercisers, this home gym is sturdy and easy to use.

Key Features

• 210 lbs.
• Heavy-duty steel construction
• Thickly padded seats and backrests
• Lifetime guarantee on all parts

The compact design of the StrengthTech means it won’t take up too much space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good workout. It offers a wide range of workouts for all major muscle groups, including chest press, ab crunches, leg extension, leg curls, lat pulldowns, and mid-back rows. While there is no leg press option, you can still work your hips and glutes with low cable hip abductions.

Pros

• Instant load adjustment
• Smooth pulley action for quiet use
• Provides a full-body workout
• Sturdy design for lifelong use

Cons

• Will only accommodate one user at a time
• Insufficient load for strong or advanced people
• No leg press option
• Some self-assembly required
• It’s 500 lbs. so requires a strong floor

The Body Solid StrengthTech EXM2500S is not a cheap home gym. However, its wide range of functions and sturdy design means that it will keep delivering great workouts long after many similar machines have quit. If you are short on space but still want a comprehensive full-body workout, the Body-Solid StrengthTech EXM2500S Home Gym is worthy of your consideration.

2. Marcy Smith Cage

The Marcy Smith Cage is a serious workout machine that would be equally at home in a commercial gym. It combines the versatility of free weights with easy to use cables and pulleys to provide a comprehensive home workout solution for even advanced exercisers.

Key Features

• All-steel, heavy-duty construction
• 2,000 lbs. capacity
• Built-in weight storage racks
• Supplied with a padded, adjustable bench
• Tough, powder-coated frame

The heart of the Marcy Smith Cage is the Smith machine. This guides your barbell on rails, which means you are free on focus on lifting and lowering the weights.

The built-in safety stoppers mean you can exercise alone without worrying about getting crushed by even the heaviest weights. This home gym is ideal for intermediate and advanced people.

Pros

• Complete home workout solution
• Combines free weight, cable, and machine exercises
• Allows for the performance of over 100 different workouts
• Smooth and quiet to use
• Suitable for even the strongest exerciser
• Supplied with a range of handles and accessories for even more workout variety

Cons

• Large footprint and height – not suitable for small workout spaces
• Weights not supplied and must be purchased separately
• Some exercises (e.g., squats) require a second barbell, not supplied
• Can only be used by one person at a time

If you are serious about working out but don’t want to join a gym, the Marcy Smith Cage is one of the best home gym equipment choices you can make.

It’s big, so you’ll need plenty of space, and you’ll also need to purchase your plates separately. However, once installed, you’ll have everything you need to get into great shape in the comfort of your home or garage.

3. Bowflex-Blaze

Where most home gyms rely on weight-stacks or weight-plates for resistance, the Bowflex-Blaze uses flexible rods. This makes it lighter and more compact than almost every other home gym.

Key Features

• 210 lbs. of resistance using patented Power-Rod technology
• Over 60 different workouts
• Light, compact design
• Includes a cardio rowing option
• Very quiet and smooth to use
• Can be folded for easy storage

Small, light, and yet sturdy, it is ideal for beginner and intermediate exercisers. The Power Rods provide your muscles with a great workout. Changing resistance is easy; just select more or fewer Power Rods. Stronger users can upgrade the Power-Rods to 410 lbs.

Pros

• Ideal for smaller workout spaces
• Wide range of exercises available
• Strong, sturdy construction
• Sliding seat allows for rowing and leg press exercises
• Very smooth and quiet in use

Cons

• Can only be used by one person at a time
• Transitions between practices can be fiddly and time-consuming
• Some self-assembly required

While the Power Rods can take some getting used to, the Bowflex-Blaze provides a real alternative to more traditional weight stacks and plates. If you are looking for something that will fit into a small space that will still allow you to perform a wide range of exercises, this is one of the best compact home gyms around.

4. Bowflex-PR1000

Unlike most home gyms, Bowflex home workout machines use flexible Power Rods for resistance. This makes them much lighter and more compact than traditional home gyms. It harnesses this technology to provide a compact, full-body workout machine that can be folded away when not in use.

Key Features

• 25+ exercises to cover all major muscle groups
• Over 200 lbs. of resistance
• Multiple pulley positions for greater exercise variety
• Built-in media rack to hold a smartphone or tablet

The Bowflex-PR1000 Home Gym allows you to strengthen your muscles and do cardio rowing, providing an all-in-one home workout solution. Aimed at beginners and intermediates, this is ideal for weight loss and general toning. It’s light, compact design makes it perfect for when space is limited.

Pros

• Smooth, quiet action
• Good range of upper and lower body exercises
• Ideal for smaller workout spaces
• Sturdy, stable construction

Cons

• Power-Rods limited to 200 lbs. and cannot be upgraded/increased
• Can only be used by one person at a time
• Transitions between exercises can be fiddly and time-consuming
• Some self-assembly required

The Power Rods used in the Bowflex-PR1000 are a real alternative to weight plates and selectorized stacks. They do take some getting used to, but many users report that they find the Power-Rods are easier on the joints than traditional sources of resistance. Smooth and quiet to use, the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym is one of the best home gyms for the money.

5. Body-Solid G2B

The Body-Solid G2B is a heavy-duty number. Offering a wide range of movements, it is ideal for users who want an easy to use home-gym that does not require lots of adjustments between workouts.

Key Features

• 12-gauge steel construction
• Lifetime guarantee
• Quick, easy transitions between exercises
• 160 lbs.

Unlike many home gyms, the Body-Solid G2B allows you to change exercises without having to move and reattach lots of different handles and cables. This makes your workouts smoother, easier, and more time-efficient. You can also use it for circuit training – one of the best ways to build muscle and burn fat at the same time.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Strong, sturdy, very durable design and construction
• Allows for a full-body workout
• Large range of operations

Cons

• No leg press – can be purchased separately
• Some self-assembly required
• Can only accommodate one user at a time
• Requires plenty of space
• May be too light for stronger, more advanced users

The Body-Solid G2B is a comprehensive workout solution for users with plenty of space. This is not the most compact home gym available, but in return it allows you to do a wide range of exercises without having to make lots of time-consuming adjustments.

6. Body-Solid GLGS100

The Body-Solid GLGS100 is heavy-duty but compact. Allowing for a wide range of exercises, it’s ideal for intermediate to advanced people.

Key Features

• Round, very strong tubing
• 600 lbs. capacity
• Allows for the safe performance of many uses including bench presses and squats
• Tough, anodized finish
• Built-in storage pins
• Designed for use with Olympic sized plates (not supplied)

The Body-Solid GLGS100 can be used to replicate a wide range of gym exercises. With its heavy load capacity, it’s ideal for stronger exercisers and those who may find that they outgrow selectorized home gyms. Bench and weights are not included and must be purchased separately.

Pros

• Very heavy duty
• Simple, low-maintenance design
• Ideal for stronger, more advanced trainers
• Compact, space-saving design
• Smooth and quiet in use
• Stable and sturdy

Cons

• No bench or weights supplied
• Handles do not move independently
• It’s quite tall – may be too high for rooms with low ceilings

If you want a serious home gym, but don’t want to dedicate a lot of space to your workouts, the Body-Solid GLGS100 is a good choice. You will need to purchase Olympic weights and adjustable bench before using but, once you have done so, you’ll have a compact but complete home workout solution.

7. Bowflex-PR3000

With its Power Rod resistance system, the Bowflex-PR3000 provides a real alternative to weight stacks and plates. All-but silent in use, the PR3000 is compact, versatile, and ideal for beginner and intermediate exercisers.

Key Features

• Heavy-duty construction
• Padded, contoured seat, backrest, and pads
• 210 lbs. resistance that can be upgraded to 310 lbs.
• Over 50 upper and lower body exercises
• Vertical, compact design
• No-change pulley system for faster exercise transitions

Most home gyms feature selectorized weight stacks which make them heavy and noisy to use. Bowflex machines feature flexible Power-Rods, which means less weight and minimal noise. In addition, with no initial inertia to overcome, Power Rods are also easy on your joints.

Pros

• Ideal for home use
• Smooth and quiet to use
• Easy to change resistance levels
• Offers a comprehensive range of exercises
• Vertical design for a smaller footprint

Cons

• Some self-assembly required
• Only accommodates one user at a time
• No squat or leg press option

The Bowflex-PR3000 is a good option for exercisers who want to lift weights, but don’t have space for a large, heavy machine. The Power Rods are an excellent alternative to more traditional weights plates and stacks and will make your workouts smoother, quieter, and easier on your joints too.

8. Marcy 150-lb 

The Marcy 150-lb is ideal for exercisers who want a simple, easy to use workout machine. Offering a comprehensive range of exercises, its compact design means it’s perfect for users with limited space.

Key Features

• Heavy-duty steel construction
• 150 lbs.
• Partially-enclosed for safety
• Padded seat, backrest, and arm curl pad

With its upright design, the Marcy 150-lb Multifunctional Home Gym Station has a small, compact footprint making it ideal for home use. It allows you to perform a wide range of exercises, although it does tend to cater to the upper body more than the lower body. Sturdy, stable, and built to last, this is a good home gym option for beginner and intermediate exercisers.

Pros

• Compact, upright design that is ideal for smaller workout spaces
• Easy to change selectorized weight stack
• Supplied with lat pulldown bar and ankle strap

Cons

• 150 lbs. may be too light for some users
• No leg press/squat option

The Marcy 150-lb is very basic and thus ideal for beginner and intermediate exercisers. Its compact design means it will fit most homes and garages. Other machines may offer a wider range of exercises, but what this machine does, it does very well.

9. XtremepowerUS

The XtremepowerUS is a very simple home workout solution. It lacks many of the bells and whistles that other machines feature, but if you are looking for a very cost-effective home gym, this could be a good option.

Key Features

• 100 lbs.
• Padded seat, backrest, handles, and leg rollers
• Vertical, compact design
• Upper and lower body exercises

The XtremepowerUS is ideal for beginners. The small weight-stack and limited number of exercises mean it’s easy to use but still versatile enough to work the entire body. Light and compact, it is suitable for even the smallest workout space.

Pros

• Very budget-friendly
• Light, compact design
• Suitable for a range of upper and lower body exercises
• Easy to use

Cons

• Weight-stack is only 100 lbs. which may be too light for many users
• No squat/leg press option
• Narrow base may make it unstable
• Not as durable or sturdy and many other home gyms

When it comes to home gyms, you get what you pay for. With its small price tag, the XtremepowerUS is very budget-friendly, but this is reflected in both its construction and functionality. If you don’t mind the small weight-stack and limited number of workouts available, this machine is a good option for anyone who wants a home gym without having to spend a fortune.

10. Marcy

With the Marcy, it’s up to users to adjust the resistance by adding Olympic or standard plates (not supplied). Light and compact, the Marcy won’t take up much space, and its low price makes it an excellent option for exercisers on a budget.

Key Features

• Compact, lightweight design
• Heavy-duty, powder-coated frame
• Padded backrest and seat
• Offers upper and lower body exercises

Most home gyms have built-in weight stacks. The size of the stack limits how challenging your workouts will be. If you “outgrow” the supplied weight, your machine can soon become redundant.

The Marcy uses plates for resistance, and so you can use more weight. This means your workouts should remain productive for years to come. On the downside, you will need to purchase your weights separately.

Pros

• No performance-limiting weight-stack
• Light, compact design
• Simple and easy to use
• Supplied with ankle strap for hip/glute workouts

Cons

• Weights not supplied and must be purchased separately
• Action not as smooth as other home gyms
• No leg press or squat option
• No preacher curl pad or biceps/triceps bar
• No racks to keep your training area tidy

The Marcy is decidedly no-frills; you even have to supply your own weights! However, with no heavy weight stack, this machine is easy to install and move. Budget-friendly, the marcy is ideally suited for beginners and occasional exercisers.

11. Gold’s Gym XRS 50

The Gold’s Gym XRS 50 is a simple solution for anyone who wants to lift weights at home but doesn’t want to resort to free weights. Light and compact, it’s made with beginners in mind.

Key Features

• 112 lbs.
• Sewn, padded vinyl seats for comfort
• Padded leg extension/leg curl bars
• Multi-grip chest press handles

The Gold’s Gym XRS 50 might not offer the most comprehensive range of exercises, but you can still train all your major muscles in the comfort of your own home. It’s light, and compact design means it should fit most homes. Intermediate and advanced exercises may find the 122 lbs. is too light, but it should be adequate for most beginners.

Pros

• Very budget-friendly
• Offers a range of upper and lower body exercises
• Easy to use
• 300 lbs. user capacity
• Supplied with an exercise chart designed by a certified personal trainer

Cons

• Self-assembly required
• Narrow design may be unstable
• No biceps/triceps bar or preacher curl pad
• No facility for doing leg presses or squats

While the Gold’s Gym XRS 50 lacks many of the features commonly found on more expensive home gyms, it should keep budget-friendly beginners happy. Light, compact, and cheap, this machine is an excellent introduction to the world of home gyms.

12. Body-Solid G3S

Body-Solid has an excellent reputation for making home and light-commercial fitness equipment. The Body-Solid G3S is a well-made machine that is ideal for beginner and intermediate exercisers. Compact and easy to use, the G3S should last for many years.

Key Features

• 160 lbs. weight-stack, upgradable to 210 lbs.
• 11-gauge steel construction
• Multi-grip ergonomic handles for comfortable workouts
• Supplied with a range of additional handles and attachments for increased workout variety
• Smooth glide bearings for near-silent use

The Body-Solid G3S Home Gym offers the same exercises as most home gyms, including bench presses, chest flys, lat pulldowns, leg extensions, leg curls, rows, and shoulder presses. However, where some machines feel decidedly jerky and unstable, this machine is much more smooth and stable. If you care about quality as well as workout variety, this home gym is worthy of your consideration.

Pros

• Strong, stable design
• High-density padded backrest and seats for added comfort
• Smooth action
• Good range of exercises
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Fitted weight stack may be too light for some users but can be upgraded
• No leg press/squat option
• Some self-assembly required

The Body-Solid G3S is not the most technologically-advanced workout machine, but it is one of the most well-made. Offering the same exercises as most home gyms, the solid construction and quality materials mean that your workouts will be more comfortable and enjoyable than they would be on a cheaper home gym.

13. Body-Solid Free-Weight

The Body-Solid Free-Weight with Squat Attachment and Olympic Leverage Flat Incline Decline Bench (that needs a shorter name!) is the Swiss Army Knife of home gyms. With this machine, you can replicate virtually every gym exercise you can think of, from bench presses to squats to deadlifts. If you want an all-in-one workout solution for your home, this one by Body-Solid could be it.

Key Features

• Very heavy-duty construction
• Hard-wearing powder-coated frame
• Heavily padded benches and seats covered in tear-resistant upholstery
• Over 40 exercises
• Fully adjustable to suit a wide range of users
• Safety stoppers prevent the user from getting pinned under heavy weights
• High weight capacity, suitable for advanced exercisers
• Suitable for core, upper and lower body exercises

With the Body-Solid Free-Weight Leverage Gym with Squat Attachment and Olympic Leverage Flat Incline Decline Bench, it’s hard to think of workouts you can’t do! If you want the next best thing to a commercial gym in your home, this is the machine for you.

Pros

• Suitable for all levels of exerciser
• 600-800 lbs. working capacity
• Can accommodate several users at once
• Ideal for more serious strength training
• Easy transition between activities
• Most versatile home gym
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Very large footprint – will require a lot of space
• Weights not supplied
• No built-in racks to keep workout area tidy
• Some self-assembly required

If you are looking for a serious gym that should last a lifetime, the Body-Solid Free-Weight with Squat Attachment and Olympic Leverage Flat Incline Decline Bench is a great choice. It might not be the smallest or cheapest home gym, but if you want a real alternative to joining a commercial gym, this machine has everything you need for a lifetime of productive workouts.

14. Bodycraft Galena Pro

The Bodycraft Galena Pro is a compact multi-exercise station ideal for small spaces. It’s by no means a heavyweight but is ideal for beginners looking for a small, easy to use home gym.

Key Features

• Full-body workouts
• Padded seats and benches
• Selectorized weight-stack
• Suitable for users up to 300 lbs.

The Bodycraft Galena Pro Home Gym allows users to do a wide range of workouts including chest presses, dual-function pec deck, leg extensions, leg curls, lat pulldowns, low pulley rows, abdominal crunches.

With its low weight-stack, it is not designed for very strong users, but beginners should find it more than adequate.

Pros

• Small footprint
• Easy to use
• Fair selection of exercises

Cons

• Will only accommodate one user at a time
• 150 lbs. may be too light for some users
• No leg press station

Small, compact, and versatile, if you are looking for a basic home gym that won’t take up too much space, the Bodycraft Galena Pro is worthy of your consideration. However, with only 150 lb weight-stack. and limited number of workouts, it’s not really suitable for advanced users.

15. Gold’s Gym GGSY29013 XRS 55

The Gold’s Gym name is synonymous with muscle beach, bodybuilding, and strength training. It is ideal for beginners who are looking for a no-frills home workout solution.

Key Features

• 125 lbs. selectorized weight-stack
• Combination chest press/fly station
• Leg extension/leg curl station
• Lat pulldown/triceps pushdown station
• Removable preacher curl pad
• Seated row/curl station

While the Gold’s Gym System is relatively basic, it still allows you to work virtually every muscle in your body, albeit with a limited number of exercises. Providing you don’t want lots of variety in your workout, this simple and easy to use number by golds gym should help you tone up and get fit in the comfort of your own home.

Pros

• Vertical, space-saving design
• Easy transition between activities
• 300 lbs. user capacity
• Attractive black, yellow, grey finish

Cons

• 125 lbs. weight-stack may be too light for some users
• No leg press or squat function
• Will only accommodate one user at a time

The Gold’s Gym System might lack some of the functions and features of other home gyms, but it’s a solid option for anyone looking for a simple home exercise machine. Strong, stable, and easy to use, it is ideal for beginners.

Bottom Line

Buying a home gym can be a daunting prospect. With so many different models to choose from, deciding on the right option can seem impossible. But, if you think about what you need from a home gym, the process suddenly gets much easier.

If you want a home gym for light workouts or occasional use, a vertical machine with a selectorized weight stack should suffice. This type of machine doesn’t offer the widest range of exercises, but they do tend to be the most compact and budget-friendly.

If you want to lift heavier loads or do a wider range of exercises, leverage and plate loading machines are a better option. With no selectorized weight stack, there is much less of a ceiling to how much weight you can lift. This type of home gym is more likely to replicate free weight exercises like squats and bench presses.

Finally, if you would like a light, compact machine, Bowflex home gyms are your best option.

Match these considerations with your budget, and you’ll have the best home gym for your needs. Remember though, even the best home gym won’t produce results if you don’t use it! If you struggle with blisters then consider investing in the best weightlifting gloves too.

The team at Fitness Equipment Reviews have also completed a few individual home gym reviews:

• Bowflex Xceed
• Bowflex Blaze
• Marcy Diamond 9010g
• Goldy Gym XR55
• Cable Machines
• Weider Flex

If you need cardio machines to complete your home gym, check out our detailed reviews of the following:

• Ellipticals Machines – Read more
• Recumbent Bikes

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References

1. M Thomas et al. 2016. Increasing Lean Mass and Strength: A Comparison of High Frequency Strength Training to Lower Frequency Strength Training.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4836564/