We Found The Best Functional Trainers For Your Home Gym (2023)

There are a lot of great functional trainers on the market, but not all of them are created equal.

I’ll cover some of the best plate and pin-loaded versions that will fit your home gym and give you the greatest training variations possible.

If you want something higher quality, check out the best functional trainers I recommend for your home gym.

Let’s get started!

Also, if you want to build your own DIY Pulley system for basic rows, pulldowns, and pushdowns – check out my guide here!

What Are The Best Functional Trainers?

Best Overall – REP FT-5000 V2 Functional Trainer

The REP FT-5000 2.0 is still one of the best functional trainers on the market, especially considering they updated the design with a little more weight and added 5 more pulley positions for even more versatility.

It has 21 different cable positions with 224 lb dual weight stacks and a 2:1 ratio for plenty of resistance.

This functional trainer is also constructed of 11-gauge steel, just like their high-end racks and benches.

Just like the FT-3000, it includes multiple pull-up grip options as well. 

If you don’t need to worry about the space and want a more solid functional trainer from REP, I would go with this over their cheaper model as the price difference is negligible.

Best Premium Functional Trainer – Prime Fitness Functional Trainer

Prime Fitness has some of the best home gym equipment available. This functional trainer cable machine is definitely no exception!

The dual weight stack of 265 lbs is one of the heaviest available at this time. Not only that, but between the 15 vertical and 9 horizontal arm settings, you have 135 different positions to choose from. 

Making this one of the most adjustable options as well. 

You can basically perform any movement you want to without worrying about your structure preventing you from getting the best execution out of your workouts. 

It even includes a 5 lb micro loading system so you don’t have to make huge jumps in weight like other functional trainers do. 

Best All-In-One Functional Trainer – Force USA G20 All-in-One Trainer

Force USA makes a ton of quality fitness equipment. Among their lineup is a fantastic series of some of the best functional trainers, all-in-ones, home gyms – whatever you want to call them. 

Their G20 is by far the best all-in-one home gym on the market. There’s a lot going on in this thing so let’s cover the most important features first. 

The dual integrated weight stacks have a 1:1 cable ratio. This means that unlike a typical home gym, you don’t get a mechanical advantage from the cable system.

So the 289 lb weight stack is exactly that. Not 144.5 lbs each from a standard 2:1 cable ratio system. 

This also means if you are lifting with both weight stacks at the same time, you’re looking at a combined total of 578 pounds!

If you plan on lifting the absolute most weight possible on your cable movements, then the Force USA G20 is definitely your best bet. 

Next, the 11 gauge construction ensures you have the highest quality setup in a small footprint. 

Considering this all-in-one consists of the functional trainer, a power rack, smith machine, leg press, pull up bar, landmine station, lat pulldown/low row, and more – you definitely don’t have to worry while using any of them.

Let me touch on each of these to give you an idea of all the different features included.

• Power Rack – The power rack comes with roller j-hooks, a monolift, and westside hole spacing.
• Functional Trainer – I briefly went over this before, but the 1:1 pulley ratio allows you to fully load up to 578 lbs total. That, plus the 21 height positions gives you everything you’ll need for cable work. 
• Smith Machine – The 992 lb weight capacity of the smith machine is more than you’ll ever need. The rails are super smooth, have 14 different positions to rack into, and store high above the rack so you don’t lose any headspace. 
• Leg Press – The leg press is a nice addition but as it’s a vertical model, it’s not the best option possible. 
• Pull Up Bar – The G20 includes three pull up bars so nobody has to wait in line. The multi grip bar on the front provides standard over, under, and neutral grip options. While the two bars on the sides of the rack are globe multi-grip pull up bars.
• Suspension Trainer – While a suspension trainer isn’t actually included, the stirrup welded onto the rack allows a place to attach bands, a punching bag, and of course – a suspension trainer. 
• Landmine Attachment – The landmine station allows you to attach a barbell to either side of the rack for a variety of landmine exercises.
• Lat Pulldown – The pulldown includes three different attachments – straight and multi grip bars, as well as a sawtooth bar.
• Low Row – The low row station uses the vertical leg press attachment for an easy to use footpad on either one of your cable systems. 
• Calf Raise Attachment – The calf block gives you an easy place to fully stretch your calves while training those stubborn fuckers. 
• VersaPad – The VersaPad is basically a plank attachment that opens up a bunch of different exercises for you to do. 

As you can see, there’s a ton of value built into this all in one system.

It’s not just the home gym itself, you get all the attachments you could ever need for your home gym as well. 

Best Commercial Functional Trainer – FreeMotion Dual Cable Cross

If you’ve worked out at a commercial gym before, you’ve no doubt seen one of these or another model that’s similar. 

There’s a reason for that, it can take tons of abuse from a bunch of gym members using it all day every day.

It’s constructed of 7 and 11-gauge steel tubing which offers up a ton of durability for heavy lifting.

The arms are adjustable vertically and horizontally for a wide range of movement patterns.

This is probably the best reason you would invest in this type of functional trainer cable machine.

Being able to adjust the arms horizontally is a huge benefit for those with longer limbs specifically.

With certain trainers, you’re forced into the footprint that it allows for.

With the Free Motion Dual Cable System, you never have to worry about getting into the proper positions in your functional training.

It also comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, 10 years for the different parts, and a year for the cables.

Considering that commercial gyms all over the world keep picking this model for their members, you know it has to be high quality.

The only real negative is the price. 

This is available at the higher end for functional trainers around $6000.

Sure, this is definitely worth an arm and a leg but if you want one of the absolute best commercial grade functional trainers, the Free Motion Dual Cable Cross is your best option.

Best Functional Trainer With Power Rack – Ares Functional Trainer w/ PR-4000 Power Rack

The PR-4000 is one of the best power racks you can get on the market. It has a ton of attachments that are compatible with it, and Rep Fitness is constantly adding new products each year.

Recently, they finally released the Ares Functional Trainer that attaches to your existing Rep Fitness PR-4000 or 5000 rack systems. 

Because of this, you can customize your functional trainer cable machine and rack to perfectly fit your home gym. 

The main reason I recommend the PR-4000 Ares over the PR-5000 is that for most people, 5/8″ hardware is plenty durable. 

Plus, all of the attachments are cheaper as well. You still get a high quality setup but for a better value overall. 

Here are all of the main options you get to pick for the Ares Functional Trainers with the PR-4000 base. 

First up, if you just want the Ares and you already have an existing rack, you can obviously do that. Regardless of the rack height, depth, or even if it’s a 4 or 6 post version, it’s completely compatible with whatever PR-4000 model you have. 

You have all the same basic options as well.

With rack heights of 80″ and 93″, you can make sure your functional trainers setup fits your home gym perfectly.

You also have a bunch of color options for the uprights and crossmembers for your own personal style.

Metallic and matte black, red, blue, clear coat, green, orange, and white. 

You can add a set of weight horns that come in two sets of 6″ and 12″ lengths for all your weight plates while also increasing the stability of your rack as well. 

The dual weight stacks on these functional trainers come with a standard of 260 lbs and a 2:1 ratio. You can upgrade with a 50 lb add on to increase this up to 310 lbs per weight stack.

Moving on, you have a choice between five different pull up bars. 

2″ standard, multi grip, globe grip, 1.25″ standard, and raw 1.25″ options. 

I personally recommend the multi grip if you plan on doing pull ups in your training as it’s the best bang for your buck. 

You also have a choice between a few different safeties. 

Strap safeties, pin pipe, and flip down. I recommend either the strap safeties or the flip down ones. Pin pipe safeties just don’t protect your barbell at all. 

Finally, you can get standard, flat sandwich, and rounded sandwich j-cups. 

As you can tell, this is by far the best power rack system you can get with your functional trainer. 

Speaking of, let’s move on to the Ares itself as there’s still a lot to be said!

The best part about the Ares is that it’s integrated directly into your rack and you can customize it to fit your needs. 

This saves a ton of space compared to investing in a full power rack and then a second functional trainer on top of that. 

It has a heavy weight capacity with add ons as I mentioned before, and the included attachments allow you to fully utilize both weight stacks at the same time. 

It comes with two urethane d handles for the functional trainers on the front as well as to use with the dual cables on the lat pulldown and low row near the back. 

The hard chrome plated lat pulldown bar is made specifically to attach to both cables for heavy pulldowns. 

The revolving bicep and tricep bar has three different attachment points. One in the center for lighter movements, and two on the outside to provide more resistance using both weight stacks simultaneously. 

I think this is a really nice addition to this setup as you can use as much weight as you’ll ever need without investing in specialty attachments.

Luckily, if you have your own attachments you prefer to use such as mag grips, they include a banana attachment that converts the dual cables into a single attachment point. 

Making it compatible with any standard cable attachment on the market. 

Rep Fitness knows how to provide value for its customers as is proven right here. 

The trolleys used to adjust your cable positions for the functional trainer are built incredibly well. 

They have a super nice knurled handle for an easy grip and the huge pop pin positioned right behind the handle allows you to move them with just one hand. 

Really smart design that I love. 

On top of that, they’re lined with their standard UHMW plastic that prevents metal on metal contact. This protects your uprights from any damage and is super smooth to make adjustments as well. 

Finally, we have the pulleys and cables. 

A lot of work went into making sure these functional trainers work without any sticking points. 

With more than 30 pulleys constructed of aluminum running the cables through the Ares, you can be sure that every movement you do will be super smooth. 

The retainers on each pulley also prevent the cables from running off their tracks as well. 

The front pulleys have a full 180 degree swivel for maximum versatility in your training. 

Considering just how much thought and preparation went into the Ares Functional Trainers, I recommend it 100%. 

If you want the most customizable and by far one of the best functional trainers with a full power rack setup, you aren’t going to do better than this. It is absolutely worth the investment.

Best Smart Functional Trainer – Tonal

I know a lot of people think smart fitness equipment is gimmicky which I totally understand.

However, Tonal is a little different and actually works very well for what it’s marketed as. 

So while it might not allow you to lift super heavy weights, for people just trying to stay fit and have a trainer right in their home, it’s perfectly fine. 

Here are a couple of the features that I find to be especially handy. 

First, you can pick from any full body workout using the large touch screen display. 

The exercises you do are shown directly in front of you being demoed so you can execute them properly. 

It’s literally just like those old DVD workouts but much smarter. 

As you go through your workouts – it tracks your sets, reps, the load being used, your time under tension, and more!

It even automatically adjusts the weights being used depending on the exercise and your current progress. 

This is super helpful for beginner fitness enthusiasts that have no clue what exercises to do, reps to perform, or even when you add weight. 

It takes all the guesswork out of it so you can focus on making progress. 

Another cool feature is the smart handles and bar.

They both have a button that allows you to turn the digital weight on and off. 

So instead of wasting energy getting set up, you can turn the weight off, get into position and turn the weight on when you’re ready to go. 

Sure, this isn’t that big of a deal for experienced lifters, but for people just starting out, it makes it easier to get into the proper setup every time. Regardless of the weight you’re using.

They also included a tricep rope, bench, foam roller, and a workout mat so you have everything you need to follow along in each full body workout they provide.

The best part about Tonal I think, is the space you save as well. 

You have a super compact setup attached to your wall, and the arms can be adjusted wherever you need them while working out. 

They even fold back into the system when you’re done.

The only real negative other than the limited weight selection is the price. 

It has a base price of $3,495 and the smart accessories I mentioned before are another $495.

You also have to consider the Tonal membership which gives you unlimited access to the following.

• Unlimited Accounts for multiple users.
• Unlimited Workouts for any goals you hope to achieve. Strength training, yoga, cardio, boot camps, pilates, meditation, and more.
• The Personalized Features could be a section all on its own as it includes the following as well.
  •  Strength Assessments
  • Dynamic Weight Modes
  • Weight Adjustments
  • Spotter Mode
  • Form Feedback
  • Workout Reporting
  • Video Demos
  • And More!

Sure, the upfront cost is pretty pricey and the monthly membership on top of it can be tough to consider.

However, if you compare it to how much building a big home gym costs and then learning how to use all of the fitness equipment yourself.

Especially if you’re not experienced, it’s definitely comparable to just getting a trainer and membership at the gym.

So there are definitely tradeoffs here. But I do recommend it for those that have a small space available to them and need guidance on their fitness journey.

If that sounds like you, Tonal is one of the best smart functional trainers you can currently get on the market.

Best Functional Trainer On Amazon – XMark Functional Trainer

I rarely recommend things from Amazon unless they’re reviewed well and are comparable to companies such as Titan Fitness, Rogue, and REP.

The XMark Functional Trainer has a 2:1 ratio like all of the other pieces on this list.

It also has dual 200 lb weight stacks like the others, but it also has 19 quick adjust settings, making it far more adjustable than most functional trainers.

The XMark Functional Trainer also includes the following attachments!

• Pair of 8” hand straps
• Pair of 17” long strap handles
• 23” Tricep Rope
• A Short Bar
• A 42” long bar
• Leg Extension/Leg Curl Strap
• As well as an ankle strap

Considering the price of the XMark Functional Trainer cable system, having all of these included is awesome for sure.

This trainer only has a split grip pull-up bar so if you’re trying to get a multi-grip setup I recommend the others on this list instead.

There have been some negative reviews about the frame being welded incorrectly, the unit being refurbished when they bought it new, and even missing some of the plates on the weight stack.

However, these are definitely in the minority though and the last bad review I saw was from December of last year. 

It sounds like these are isolated incidents and you can order comfortably knowing it’s from Amazon sellers.

Best Functional Trainer For Low Ceilings – FT-3000 Compact Functional Trainer

These functional trainers from Rep Fitness have 15 cable positions to choose from, which allows for many different exercises.

It also has 2:1 ratio cables but only has two 180 lb weight stacks compared to Titans’ 200 lb ones.

Although this is cheaper than Titans so it’s to be expected.

Rep also offers both performance and pro series attachments, which is nice if you want a bundle for the add-ons you don’t have.

The other great thing about the FT-3000 is that it has a pretty compact footprint as the name suggests.

It’s only 78″x53″x34″ (Height x Width x Depth), which is around 6.5×4.4×2.8 ft.

This is the perfect size for any home gym owner that needs to maximize their space as much as possible.

Best Compact Functional Trainer – Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer

The Torque F9 is one of the best compact functional trainers on the market.

This functional trainer is super compact and fits in a 3’x3’ corner.

You can add an additional FFIB adjustable bench that you can fold into the trainer when not in use.

The uprights housing the cables and pulleys can also fold into itself too.

Considering how much space functional trainers normally take up, collapsing a 64”x64” frame down to almost half that footprint is incredible.

Torque Fitness also offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, parts, and welds – with an additional 1 year on the upholstery, cables, and everything else.

The F9 includes a couple of basic accessories to get you started too.

• Universal Strap
• Leg Boot Harness
• Pair of Short Strap Handles
• Squat Hardness
• Straight Bar
• Pair of Snap Hooks

You might think that because of its compact size and folding doors it might not have a heavy weight stack, luckily you’re dead wrong.

The base model includes dual 150 lb stacks, but you can upgrade to 200 and 225 lb stacks. With a 2:1 cable ratio, each weight stack gives you options of 77.5, 100, or 112.5 lbs per handle.

This should be plenty for the majority of cable movements you’ll do.

If you need a super compact functional trainer for your home gym, the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer is your best option.

Best Value Functional Trainer – Force USA G3

A lot of the functional trainers on this list are either a straight up functional trainer, are built into the rack, or are a solid all-in-one.

If you’re comparing prices, just a functional trainer is going to cost anywhere between $1,000-$3,000 for the best quality setups.

If you want a full power rack setup with a pulley system built into it, it’s going to cost a little more, up to $5,000 typically.

Finally, an all-in-one with a smith machine, rack, and functional trainer is going to cost even more! 

The Force USA G20 I recommended earlier is $6,000 but that’s because it has all of the bells and whistles with heavy duty steel to back it up.

Well, what if I told you it’s possible to get a high quality all-in-one functional trainer for around $2,000? You would probably be interested am I right?

Well luckily, you definitely can! Force USA has another incredible all-in-one called the G3.

It’s an incredible value with its functional trainer, power rack, smith machine, landmine station, and multi-grip pull up bar.

If you just want one piece of home gym equipment that can do 99% of the movements you’ll ever need to do, this is it.

Similar to the G20, it has a plethora of attachments included with it.

• Multi-grip Pull Up Bar
• J-Hooks
• Spotter Arms
• Land Mine + Handle
• Cambered Bar
• Lat Pulldown Bar
• Ankle Strap
• Pulldown Rope
• Barbell Storage
• Attachment Storage
• And More!

Considering you get all of this for far less than the competition, it is absolutely worth the investment.

If you don’t need a super beefy 11 gauge setup and want everything you could ever need from your home gym, the Force USA G3 All-In-One is the best value option by far.

Best Budget Functional Trainer – Body-Solid Powerline PFT100

There are quite a few pin loaded functional trainers on the market that are cheaper than the BodySolid Powerline PFT100. 

However, I do not recommend the cheap quality they bring to the table.

Body-Solid has been around for a long time, and like most of the companies on this list, they have a proven track record.

The Body Solid Powerline PFT100 is one of the best reviewed functional trainers out there.

Considering it’s only around $1,500 it’s no wonder! It’s definitely a true budget option for those that need something solid for their garage gym.

The stacks might only start at dual weight stacks, but you can upgrade to 210 lb stacks for an additional $200 usually.

Then, of course, there are the adjustable pulleys that can swivel a full 180 degrees for the highest versatility in your training possible.

The adjustable nylon handles are perfect for cable crossovers, presses, curls, rows, and anything else you might need them for.

Overall the design itself is pretty minimal but as long as it’s smooth while in use and it has enough weight on the weight stack, you’re good.

Most users report that the pulleys are super smooth and obviously 210 lb weight stacks are going to be plenty for most cable exercises.

All in all, if you want one of the best budget functional trainers, the Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 has an awesome track record you can trust.

Best Plate Loaded Functional Trainer – Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Functional Trainer

This Titan Fitness functional trainer is plate loaded with a price to back it up!

It features two 9 ¼” Olympic plate sleeves for easy loading, a pull-up bar, as well as a pulley system featuring pulldowns, low rows, and the typical dual cable setup.

Plus, the fact that it’s plate loaded, this is going to be one of the best prices you’ll get for a functional trainer!

The coolest part is that this trainer allows for loading up to 660 lbs, which means you’ll be able to throw literally anything at it.

If you want a budget functional trainer that is solid and not a piece of junk, this plate-loaded trainer from Titan Fitness is an awesome deal!

What Is a Functional Trainer?

Ever find yourself juggling between multiple gym machines just to get a full-body workout? Enter the Functional Trainer—a one-stop shop for all your muscle-building needs.

This versatile piece of equipment allows you to perform a wide range of exercises, from bicep curls to cable crossovers, all in one compact space.

Imagine a Swiss Army knife but for fitness. You’ve got adjustable pulleys, weight stacks, and a variety of attachments that can be swapped out faster than you can say “new PR!”

The beauty of a functional trainer lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re a powerlifter using machines for assistance work, or a full-time bodybuilder, this machine has got you covered.

So, why settle for less when you can have it all? With a functional trainer, you’re not just investing in a piece of equipment; you’re investing in endless workout possibilities.

Benefits of Having a Functional Trainer

So, you’ve heard the buzz about functional trainers, but you’re still on the fence?

Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the benefits of owning one of these.

Trust me, by the end of this section, you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without a functional trainer in your life.

• Convenience – Time is money, and a functional trainer saves you both. No more hopping from one machine to another or waiting in line at the gym. With a functional trainer, you’ve got a full-body workout station right at your fingertips.
• Versatility – Boredom is the enemy of progress, but with a functional trainer, your workouts will never get stale. The range of exercises you can perform is limited only by your imagination.
• Safety – Let’s face it, gym injuries are a buzzkill. The functional trainer is designed with safety in mind, offering controlled movements that minimize the risk of injury. Plus, the adjustable settings mean you can tailor each exercise to your fitness level.
• Great for Rehabilitation – Recovering from an injury? The functional trainer is your new best friend. Its controlled movements and adjustable settings make it ideal for low-impact exercises that help you get back on your feet—literally.
• Offers Value to a Home Gym – Think of a functional trainer as the crown jewel of your home gym. It’s a multi-purpose machine that replaces several specialized pieces of equipment, making it a cost-effective addition that maximizes your workout space.
• Save Money – Speaking of cost-effective, let’s talk dollars and cents. While the initial investment might seem steep, a functional trainer actually saves you money in the long run. Think about it: one machine that does the work of many, plus no more gym membership fees. It’s a win-win!

Key Features to Look for in a Functional Trainer

So you’re sold on the idea of a functional trainer. Great choice! But hold your horses—before you hit that “Buy Now” button, there are some key features you should be aware of.

In this section, we’ll dissect the anatomy of a functional trainer, so you know exactly what to look for. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

• Size – Size matters—especially when it comes to fitting a functional trainer into your home gym. Measure your available space and compare it to the dimensions of the trainer. You don’t want to end up with a hulking piece of metal that turns your gym into an obstacle course.
• Design – Aesthetics count too! Look for a design that not only pleases the eye but also offers ergonomic benefits. The last thing you want is to dread using your functional trainer because it’s an eyesore or uncomfortable.
• Durability – This is a long-term relationship, folks. Check the materials and build quality. A functional trainer made of high-grade steel with solid welds is going to last you a lot longer than something that looks like it’s held together with duct tape.
• Warranty – Always, always check the warranty. A good warranty is like a safety net for your investment. The longer and more comprehensive it is, the better.
• Resistance – Different trainers offer different types of resistance—weight stacks, resistance bands, or even pneumatic systems. Choose one that aligns with your training goals.
• Pulley Ratio – The pulley ratio affects how much weight you actually lift. A 2:1 ratio means lifting 50 lbs feels like 25 lbs. Know the ratio to ensure it meets your training needs.
• Cables/Pulleys – Smooth operation is key. Look for high-quality cables and pulleys that glide effortlessly. No one wants a jerky motion interrupting their concentration.
• Weight Stacks – Consider the weight range. If you’re a beginner, you might not need a massive weight stack, but if you’re looking to bulk up, go big or go home.
• Attachments/Accessories – Some functional trainers come with a plethora of attachments, from pull-up bars to smith machines. Know what’s included and what you’ll have to purchase separately.
• Price – Last but not least, the price tag. Make sure it fits within your budget but also offers good value for the features it provides.

How to Choose the Best Functional Trainer for You

Choosing the best functional trainer is like dating; you’ve got to know what you’re looking for.

Start by identifying your fitness goals. Are you looking to build muscle, improve flexibility, or rehab an injury? Your goals will dictate the features you need.

Next, consider your space. If your “home gym” is actually your living room, you’ll need a more compact model.

Finally, think about your budget. The best functional trainer for you is one that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

How Long Does a Functional Trainer Last?

The lifespan of a functional trainer is like a Hollywood marriage; it can be short-lived or last a lifetime, depending on how well you take care of it.

Generally, a high-quality functional trainer can last up to 10 years or more, especially if it’s made from durable materials like high-grade steel and features quality components.

Regular maintenance, such as lubricating the pulleys and tightening bolts, can also extend its life. So, think of it as a long-term relationship and treat it well!

Conclusion

What is your favorite functional trainer?

Do you agree with my list? Either way, let me know in the comment section below, right now!

Until next time,

-Dante