In this article, we have reviewed the best home functional trainers of 2021. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot or you can scroll down for the detailed reviews.
Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
Home functional trainers, also known as cable gym or crossover, are one of the most versatile workout equipment that you can count on for your home gym. They are basically composed of cables, pulleys, and weight stacks.
These parts blend in correctly to help you perform as many and different exercises as you can to improve your biceps, triceps, and other muscles as well.
The best functional trainer should be durable and well designed, come with a smooth pulley system rand be accompanied by a decent warranty. The unit should also offer a considerable number of exercises while acting solely as a complete home functional trainer.
Furthermore, if you purchase the right trainer, there are high chances that it’ll serve remarkably well for almost any of your fitness goals. That means you won’t have to invest in other shady workout tools anymore.
Finding the best home functional trainer can be rather complicated, especially if you don’t know what exactly to look for. Unfortunately, all functional trainers are not made the same.
How This List of Home Functional Trainers Was Compiled
For that reason, we usually ask people on Facebook and forums on how their experience is, and then we put those experiences on the blog. That how we created the following line-up of top 5 best home functional trainers of 2021:
This guide of the best home functional trainers of 2021 will take you through all the minor and significant aspects of these machines. We’ll also clarify the key specs to consider when associating models, so you don’t waste your bulks on lousy staff.
Top 5 Home Gyms on The Market
#1. Xmark Functional Trainer XM-7626
The Xmark Functional Trainer Xm-7626 hits with handy accessories including leg extensions, four cable handles, ankle strap, triceps pulldown rope, short bar & long bar, and pull-up bars. The frame structure is composed of heavy-duty metal with powder coating to prevent it from any scratches during workouts.
The adjustments are simple and straightforward. This is a user-friendly functional trainer that allows you to make all the modifications easily and swiftly without spending much time and effort.
The cable of Xmark functional trainer is made of durable materials that last longer compared to typical cables featured by other models. You’ll just have to oil the parts after using the trainer for some time.
When it comes to shipping, the whole kit and caboodle are delivered in eight distinct boxes. These boxes are lightweight and compact so you can carry with ease even going upstairs.
As for the assembly, the package includes an instruction manual to help assemble the parts without difficulties.
Positive
- Highly adjustable
- Durable frame
- Easy to assemble
- Powder coating for scratches
- User-friendly with detailed guidelines
Negative
- The pulley system is somewhat rigid
- Pulley system adjustments may be confusing to some users.
Verdict
This product from xmark is among the high-end functional trainers available today. It’s a multi-grip home functional purposely designed for all ages. With dual 200 lbs stacks, the weight category is definitely impeccable for beginners and heavy lifters. Plus, you can move freely during workouts with this functional trainer.
- Hands down the XM-7626 is the most versatile piece of equipment for your family's home gym. Easily adjusts for anyone in your household, whether young or old, short or tall.
- Your training possibilities are unlimited with the dual 200 lb. weight stacks, quick adjust pulleys with 19 settings spaced at 3.5" each and easily interchangeable accessories.
- Included accessories: a pair of 8" hand straps, a pair of 17" long strap handles, a 23" tricep rope, a short bar and a 42" long bar, leg extension leg curl strap and an ankle strap .
- The heavy duty 11-gauge 2" x 3" steel mainframe construction ensure the XM-7626 is solidly built, while the commercial grade pull up rig and pulley system are extremely smooth.
- With a standard 2:1 stack to resistance ratio, the XM-7626 provides true isolateral-based movements, allowing users a variety of options for muscle targeting and isolation. Also perform pull-ups and chin-ups on the split grip pull-up bar
Last update on 2021-12-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#2. Inspire Fitness SCS Smith System Functional Trainer
The Inspire Fitness SCS is a one-stop choice functional trainer designed to offer incredible workout experience to virtually any person. It’s an imperative heavy-duty functional trainer with an efficient and responsive bearing system that grants you the smoothest exercise experience.
The unit’s pulley system and cable are easy to handle without having to exalt much energy. The dual pulley mechanism is used to split the string tension, thereby allowing you to utilize all the power during workouts.
The model’s design is superb and incomparable. Still, the dual pulley system enables you to enjoy a range of motion while exercising, perhaps with some easy adjustments. It also brings you an unmatched amalgamation of weight stacks and the Olympic bar.
The Inspire Fitness SCS Functional Trainer comes with a ten years warranty along with complete coverage of frame and parts. Another incredible feature is that the height can be adjusted to match your preferences, so you don’t fret about your home’s ceiling when installing this functional trainer.
If you are more exposed to lifting heavy weights, you can always double the load by adjusting the intensity of cables over the pulley system. This helps you to have supplemental virtual weights and excel in your workout sessions with astonishing cuts and shapes.
Positive
- Dual pulley system
- Smooth exercise
- Adjustable height
- Competitive warranty
- The steel bearings are amazingly efficient
- Weight multiplier feature makes it ideal for heavy lifters
Negative
- Not great for performing squats
- Quite expensive
Verdict
Inspire Fitness SCS is one of the most versatile accommodative functional trainers available today. It brings you a wide range of exercises including pull-ups, lunges, chest, shoulder, push-ups, shoulder, biceps, triceps, rotations, swings, squats, and much more can be done using this gym equipment. With the hallmark of the Inspire Fitness brand, the product has great customer support and numerous positive reviews, so reliability is fairly guaranteed.
- Your purchase includes One Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer | Bench, Triceps Rope, 2 Rubber D Handles, Dual Hook Straight Bar, EZ Curl Bar, Ankle Strap, 2 Water Bottles, Multi-function Belt, Sport Handle, 5 lbs. Add-On Weights (2) & Exercise Booklet
- Overall dimensions – 58” L x 61” W x 83-88” H | With optional Bench – 89” L x 61” W x 83-88” H | Weight – 825 lbs. | Resistance Ratio 1:2
- Heavy-duty round & rectangular steel frame | Adjustable seat height & 3-point back tilt
- Two 165lb. commercial weight stacks with center drilled holes and magnetic weight pin for safety
- Additional attachments (Not included): 2 x 50 lbs. | 2 x 5 lbs. (107.5 lbs max per pully, 460 lbs max on smith bar) | Preacher Curl Attachment | Leg Ext/Curl Attachment | Ab Ba
Last update on 2021-12-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#3. Monster Force Best USA g6 Functional Trainer
The Monster g6 Functional Trainer is a wide-ranging squat rack that perfectly suitable for a wide range of barbell exercises. The model features adjustable grade j-hooks along with safety spotter arms to help you perform your workouts with adequate safety.
As a multi-purpose functional trainer, the model comes with a chin-up bar, where you can grip from different grip positions like close grip, overhand, wide grip, and underhand grip.
This is a complete package for valor workouts. You don’t have to go for extra rowing machines since all the rowing exercises can be performed comfortably and effectively on this functional trainer.
Dual weight stack of 221 lbs is also available, and weighted plates that you can easily separate using the easy pop-pin positioning. That means plate loading is wholly efficient and shouldn’t be an issue using this functional trainer.
For heavy weight lifting, the model comes with a substantial weight category, while the newbies can adjust this weight to match their fitness capabilities using the pop-pin.
It has a heavy-duty frame, crafted with stainless steel to enhance the durability and long-lasting of the trainer. Besides, the whole structure is coated with powder, which helps the frame to repel scratches and toxic climate effects.
The whole kit and caboodle incorporate all the parts when accompanying attachments. From triceps rope and ankle cuff, to exercise bench and pull up bar, all are wholly included in this Monster g6 all-in-one functional trainer.
The adjustable dual pulley system embedded on this gigantic functional trainer allows the user to do extensive workouts in various positions. So, movement is not an issue with the g6 functional trainer.
This multi-functional trainer is designed to exercise the excess energy and endurance of the user. With a 2.1 pulley ratio, you will have a smooth workout experience. The system is virtually self-elevating, and the cables are smooth to pull, so you just need to concentrate on your workouts.
Positive
- A complete gym with nearly all exercises
- Unique band pegs for additional resistance
- Very durable and highly graded cable
- Good warranty
- Dual adjustable pulley system to enhance free movement during workouts
Negative
- It’s relatively large and occupies large space
- Highly-priced
Verdict
Despite being so good in most aspects as a multi-functional unit, the Monster G6 is a spacious unit with healthy measurements. It requires a lot of space and, in some cases, a whole room if you want it to fit in your home. But overall, the model is very durable, and you can work out a substantial chunk of weight without conflicting the structure.
- The compact Monster G6 features a power rack, functional trainer, and smith machine in one combination weightlifting trainer.
- The G6 Functional Trainer includes two 221 lb. weight stacks with commercial grade aircraft cable, easy pop-pin positioning adjustment, and 46 height positions.
- Extra Compact: Interior Working Space: 36" (W) x 37" (D) x 85" (H). 1000 lb weight rating. External dimensions 72"L x 63"D x 91" H with a 2:1 Pulley ratio.
- Perform over 75 different exercises for a complete workout. Target shoulders, arms, chest, back, core and legs with one machine.
- Includes components like Small Grip Frame, V-Handle, Push Bar, Nylon strap handle, Akle strap, Tricep Pulldown Rope, G6 Spotter arms and more.
Last update on 2021-12-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#4. Life Fitness G7 Home Best Functional Gym Trainer
The Life Fitness g7 is one of the best home functional trainers from a well-established brand in the fitness industry. It comes with a long-lasting frame that’s made with heavy-duty materials to stand the test of time without deforming the structure no matter how vigorous your workouts. The frame itself is powder-coated to protect it from niggling scratches during the performance.
There’s a double adjustable pulley system embedded on this functional trainer that allows you to move freely during the workouts. These pulleys are adjustable in 20 varying positions, allowing you to enjoy more than 55 exercises at the comfort of your home using a single functional trainer.
The G7 functional trainer is comprised of curl rod, short bar, long bar, thigh straps, pull-up bar, handle straps, and a chin-up bar. That means you can do a wide range of exercises on it without rushing to the gym. It’s a complete indoor gym.
Another striking part of this functional trainer is based on cable material. It’s highly durable and integrates smoothly and flawlessly with the dual pulley system, thereby granting you a friendly workout experience since you just have to focus on your exercises.
Other extra perks include a collection of video tutorials and user manuals on how to operate the functional trainer for various workouts. It enables beginners to perceive more exercises from the video collection and effectively apply the functional trainer.
Positive
- Ideal functional trainer for heavy lifters
- The dual pulley mechanism is very efficient
- Supportive video guides
- Customizable pulley systems (20 different positions)
Negative
- The three years parts warranty is very competitive
- Chest exercises are slightly limited
Verdict
Life Fitness g7 is undoubtedly among the best functional trainers, commercially-made by an incredibly popular brand. Life fitness models are largely used in commercial gyms and other fitness centers because of their effectiveness and efficiency in body workouts. The ten years frame warranty is quite competitive, but the three years parts coverage might not be so pleasing to some users.
Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#5. Bodycraft HFT Multi-Gym Home Functional Trainer
Contrary to other best home functional trainers, the Bodycraft HFT comes with a cable column liberated and adjustable pulleys. You can adjust the system to match 30 different heights to perform multidimensional workouts with ease.
It has a definite bearing mechanism that facilitates the smooth and instantaneous movement of the cable as well as the pulley system. The cable is made with nylon fully coated aircraft material and comes with dual weight loads of 150 lbs. That means the cable is reliable and can withstand hefty uplifts of up to 2000 without deteriorating the elasticity.
The trainer incorporates handy parts, including two fully customizable cables, pull up bar, triceps pull down ropes, two chains, long and short bar, pull up straps, and ankle cuff for the assistant. The assembly is easy and takes less time to put parts into place.
Positive
- Durable nylon coated cable
- Adjustable pulleys
- Ten years frame warranty
- Compact and easy to store
- The angles of the pulley are adjustable to 180 degrees for extra movements
Negative
- The 150 lbs might not be enough for some hefty lifters
- Two years parts warranty is too short
- The leg press padding isn’t so good but still functions well for moderate lifters
Verdict
This functional equipment from Bodycraft HFT is among the few multi-gym functional trainers that come with smart lifting. It can fit in most parts of your room with ease, and it has a comprehensive guide to 70 different workouts for beginners.
- Compact: only 56"w X 40"d x 82"h. Constructed with a combination of heavy plate steel and Heavy 11 gauge 2" x 4" and 1-3/4" x 3-1/4" oval steel tubing coated with a Platinum Gray and Textured Black finish that is electromagnetically applied in powder form to evenly coat all surfaces, then baked on at high temperatures for a tough, long lasting finish.
- Accessories: Attached Exercise Book, Long Bar, Short Bar, Tricep Rope, Assisted Pull-Up/Push-Up Strap, Ankle Strap, 2 Chains, two Single Handles and built in Multi-Grip Chin-up Bar are all included.
- Dual Independent Adjustable Cable Column Pulleys: Feature 31 Height Positions (with Laser etched Index) that can Rotate 180 Degrees allowing you to train from every Angle and any Height.
- Cables and Pulleys: The most flexible nylon coated, 7 X 19 strand aircraft cable rated at over 2000 lbs. tensile strength that ride on 3.5" diameter, fiberglass impregnated nylon pulleys with precision sealed ball bearings.
- Weight Stack: Dual 150lb Stacks (can be upgraded to 200lbs each). The weight stack to user weight ratio is 2:1. Each 150 lb. weight stack provides up to a total of 75 lbs. resistance in 5lb increments. This ratio allows for extremely smooth action, lower increment weight increases, and greater cable range of motion.
Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Home Functional Trainers Buying Guide
Buying a home gym is easy, but there are many factors involved that can easily cause you to make a poor choice. It is important to consider what you’re looking for before you start considering the various options available.
The most important point when buying a home gym is its intended use. Do you aim to get ripped, to bulk up, to tone your body, or to lose weight? Are you a seasoned gym rat, fitness novice, or a complete greenhorn? These questions are important because they inform the design and quality you need to look out for.
Once you have these questions in perspective, you need to look for these things when buying a home gym.
What to Look For When Buying The Best Home Functional Trainers
- Weight Stacks: The best thing about contemporary functional trainers is that they come with in-built weight stacks. This is nice since you won’t have to fret about switching out plates or purchasing and storing the plates separately.
Generally, these systems come in two forms of weight stacks; one-stack and dual-stack systems. Both are rather efficient, but if you want the best, and can manage the budget, we would recommend a dual weight stack system because it doubles the total intensity available.
Plus, it allows two people to workout using the same unit at the same, of course, depending on the type of exercise each is performing.
Most systems feature standard weight stacks of 150 lb, 165 lb, and 200 lb. It’s important to know that the mechanical pro of the pulley 2:1 ratio breaches the selected weight into half. Meaning that if you’ve selected 100 lb as the weight stack, it’ll only feel like lifting 50 lb. Other trainers will allow you to upgrade the weight stacks for additional cost, usually 50 lb extra weight per stack.
- Pulleys: Pulleys are the dominant components in any of these systems. The best home functional trainer should incorporate a smooth and easy to adjust pulleys. In terms of adjustments, the mechanism of the pulley should allow for full adjustments such that they can be set to the minimalist extra inches throughout the height of the entire unit.
Most of these trainers allow adjustments with an increment of 3 inches. It’s essential to make sure you can access the upper and lower points for more optimal exercise.
Attachments: Different brands provide a different number of accessories in their models. Some brands may include a sheer amount, while others throw in one or two pairs of attachments to get you ready. Nonetheless, the best home functional trainer should have the following basic accessories.
- D handles
- Triceps ropes
- Long bar
- Short bar
- EZ curl bar Sport bar
- Multi-purpose belt
- Pull-up bar
Most brands usually sell benches separately. A lot of functional trainers are compatible with leg developers and preacher curl attachments, which are also sold separately.
- Warranty: A strong warranty is always important when it comes to purchasing any form of fitness equipment, including home functional trainers. Warranty terms on functional trainers are typically split into two; frame warranty and parts warranty. The longer, the better.
It’s better to look for models with lifetime warranties on the frame. In fact, the best trainers are offering the same. Based on the price tag, any frame warranty ranging from 10 years and above is quite considerable. Parts warranty should not go below two years. The price is a major determinant of a warranty. That means if the model is expensive, the warranty should also be competitive as well.
- Size: Finally, remember to pay close attention to all the measurements and be sure that the trainer you are about to buy will fit the available space with ease. These trainers, even the most compact, will still take up a significant amount of your space. In case you’re not so sure about having ample space, you can ideally take the measurements of your room and see how big your functional trainer should be.
Most home trainers usually measure about 5′ wide, 5′ long and around 7′ high. However, since you’ll need some extra space during exercise, consider adding at least one foot all around for comfortable workouts.
Also, these scopes don’t take into account the space occupied by the bench, just in case you’re planning to use one. The extra dimensions for a bench should be around 4′ to the length of the trainer.
Most dual-stack functional trainers weigh between 700 and 800 lb when fully assembled, and while this might be a challenge to move around, it’s better to plan where to locate the unit before making the purchase.
Wrap up
Even though functional trainers are well-known as rehab equipment, these models are becoming more popular in indoor gyms because of their versatility and the variety of exercises they offer. They are highly efficient. No wonder their prices are hiking now and then.
When looking for the best home functional trainer, we recommend that you use the above benchmarks to evaluate each machine on reasonable grounds. This will ease the process of comparing the available options, and objectively find the best match for your preferences.
Still and all, the comparison should ideally be based on the primary specs such as weight stack (one or two weight), pulley system (fully or partially adjustable), size, accessories, and warranty. You should also consider the price, although most of these units fall in just about the same price range.
