The 8 Best Cable Machines (2024) | BarBend

Discover which cable machine can help enhance your workouts, and take your home gym space up a notch.

Cable machines can take a basic home gym to the next level. A cable machine is a piece of equipment that features a set of adjustable pulleys — this adjustability allows you to perform multiple exercises at various angles. This unit offers a high degree of versatility, allowing you to isolate your muscles while performing upper and lower body movements. These machines also allow you to keep your muscles under constant tension — something even the best dumbbells can’t do.

Like every equipment purchase, you want to find a cable machine that’s best for your fitness level and exercise goals. After testing over 25 different products, we’ve narrowed down the best cable machines on the market to suit your training needs and fitness goals.

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For an overall top-notch cable machine, you want the REP Fitness FT-5000. This machine is compatible with plenty of accessories and holds 448 pounds of resistance.

The REP Fitness FT-5000 is a gym-quality cable machine that you can set up right in your home. The weight stacks go up to 224 pounds each, which is plenty for most athletes. Plus, it has 21 cable positions and a built-in pull-up bar. For these factors, and more, we gave our overall experience with the FT-5000 a 5 out of 5.

Where this machine really stands out is the feel of the cables. “These cables are smooth when you pull on the handles,” our tester, a former Olympian, said, giving this factor a 5 out of 5. “There are no sticking points that I noticed.” The machine has a 2:1 ratio, meaning that moving 100 pounds feels like 50 pounds, which is good to keep in mind as you lift.

For durability, our team gave the FT-5000 a 4.5 out of 5. The frame is built with 11-gauge steel and has a corrosion- and chip-resistant powder coating, so you don’t have to worry about the painting coming off after a few years. We also like that this machine doesn’t need to be bolted to the ground for stability, making assembly easier.

We did have to give the overall assembly process a 3 out of 5, though. Though the REP website says that two people can put this together in roughly two hours, it took our testers (who have put together plenty of workout machines) around four hours total.

For accessories, this one offers the basics, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in that category. You get two D-handles, storage pegs, four 2.75-pound incremental weights, and a mountable diagram with exercises.

This machine may seem pretty pricey at $2,499.99 but it’s actually relatively standard for a machine of this size and caliber. We gave it a 3.75 out of 5 for value because you can find cheaper options but it’s also not the most expensive. We do wish, however, that it came with some more attachments, given the price point.

[Related: REP Fitness PR-5000 Power Rack Review]

The Titan Fitness Functional Trainer is a well-built home gym that comes standard with accessories that other home gyms would sell as extras, like dual stirrup handles and a long bar.

If you prioritize versatility and functional training for your home gym cable machine, look no further. The Titan Fitness Functional Trainer has endless exercise options and comes with a plethora of accessories, which can help you train your whole body or specific muscle groups. For accessories and versatility, we gave this machine a 5 out of 5.

This machine adjusts to more than 1,000 different training positions and it also has a multi-grip pull-up bar. You get plenty of accessories included with your Titan Fitness Functional Trainer, including a short bar, long bar, ankle strap, dual stirrup handles, rope handles, and single/double D-handles. “The frame is a little on the shorter side, though,” according to our tester. So, keep that in mind if you’re a taller athlete.

After our testers received this cable machine, they did need to lubricate the guide rods, though. But after that process was complete, they gave the cable smoothness a 4 out of 5 rating.

When it comes to durability, we gave this trainer a 4 out of 5. The majority of the frame is built with commercial-grade steel, so you don’t need to worry about any parts collapsing while you train. However, some of the small portions (like the pulleys) are aluminum. This is still a sturdy metal but not quite as durable as steel.

For overall value, we think the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer earns a 4 out of 5. It’s not the cheapest machine on the market but you do get plenty of included attachments, which others don’t offer at a similar price point. However, the REP FT-5000 does have more weight at this same price (but fewer accessories), so athletes who prioritize load over versatility may prefer that pick.

The Bells of Steel Plate-Loaded Cable Tower 2.o is a great budget-friendly cable machine. This one is compatible with plenty of attachments and you can load your own plates for customized resistance.

Cable machines can be pretty pricey. But for athletes shopping on a budget, you don’t have to totally discount this piece of gym equipment. This Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower 2.0 only costs $349.99, making it among the most budget-friendly cable machines. For overall value, we gave this pick a 4.5 out of 5.

We also like that this machine is totally space-friendly, making an easy fit in your garage gym. It only takes up a few feet of floor space and the assembled weight is only about 85 pounds (without plates). So, for footprint and portability, our testers gave this one a 5 out of 5.

When it comes to included accessories, this machine is pretty minimal. You get two handles and a 2-to-1 adapter to shift the weight onto a single cable. However, this one is pretty versatile, earning a 3.75 out of 5 in that category. You can attach a dip bar, belt squat, lat pull-down bar, among others but they’re all sold separately. “Thankfully, though, the attachments are compatible with other Bells of Steel racks, so you can get your money’s worth if you own multiple Bells of Steel products,” adds our tester.

One downside to this cable machine is that it doesn’t actually come with weight built into the machine. It’s a plate loaded cable machine, meaning you have to manually add weight plates to the side of the machine in order to create resistance. While this does allow for the cheaper price, some athletes may not love this extra step in the process. It also has a 250-pound max capacity, which may not be sufficient for some athletes.

This robust home gym replaces eight pieces of equipment, including a power rack, Smith machine, cable pulley, and leg press. Considering how much you get, the price is fair, and the footprint is relatively minimal.

When you’re building a home gym, multipurpose exercise machines are a must-have — after all, they save space and money. Instead of buying a separate cable machine and power rack, combine the two with Force USA’s G12. This all-in-one cable machine has the abilities of a power rack and so much more.

“Take the Force USA G12. A cable machine? Sure, yes,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “But it is also a Smith Machine, half squat rack, multi-grip pull-up bar, leg press machine, weight plate storage apparatus, and more, if you want it to be.” Considering the endless attachment and accessory possibilities, this one gets a 5 out of 5 for versatility.

Not only does it come with J-hooks for your barbell, it also has spotter arms, a landmine, multiple cable attachments, dip handles, and more — and these are all included with your purchase! The machine has about 400 pounds in weight stacks included but you can load your own plates, too, allowing for a max 2,000-pound capacity. That’s plenty for most athletes.

Considering this machine comes with so many individual pieces, we recommend hiring a professional to help set it up. This machine is pretty heavy (992 pounds) and space-consuming, too, so we had to give the footprint and portability a 2 out of 5. This machine is pretty tall, too, our testers noted, so be sure to compare your home measurements with the equipment specs.

Before you buy, keep in mind that you will need to have your own barbell and bench. This machine doesn’t come with either of those accessories and they’re necessary if you want to bench press or squat.

For overall value, we gave the G12 a 3.75 out of 5. Our team was a big fan of all the versatility and cable attachments that you get with this machine but it’s hard to overlook the $4,499.99 price tag. Chances are, this cable machine doesn’t fit in everyone’s budget and there are definitely more price-friendly options on this list. But if you can swing the cost, we definitely recommend giving the G12 a try.

[Related: Force USA Coupon and Discount Code]

The REP Fitness Ares Builder is fully customizable and attaches to your REP Fitness power rack. You can upgrade this option as much as you'd like and it has 520 pounds of resistance included.

Some athletes have specific exercise needs and a standard cable machine just won’t cut it. For those who prefer a versatile option, the REP Fitness Ares Builder allows you to customize your machine to get exactly what you want. For versatility, we gave this machine a 5 out of 5. “Pull-ups, tricep extensions, chest press, pull-throughs — there’s a ton of moves you can do here,” says BarBend editorial member Rosie Borchert who did two workouts on the Ares Builder.

When it comes to accessories, the REP Ares Builder comes with all the basics, including a footplate, four micro-adjustment plates, D handles, a knurled lat pull-down bar, a low row bar, and a banana to connect weight stacks. But during customization, you can add even more, including a power rack, weight storage, and more. “My only complaint is that the pull-up handles were a little thick and a little slick, so I had to reset my hands every few reps. Also, the widest mount was a little bit too wide for my 5-foot 5-inch wing span,” says Borchert.

For footprint and portability, we had to give this machine a 3 out of 5. It weighs about 965 pounds, so it’s definitely not going anywhere once it’s set up. But we do love the 450-pound weight capacity of the cables and trolleys — that’s plenty to build muscle and strength.

The one caveat is that the REP Ares cable crossover machine attaches to the REP Fitness PR-4000 and PR-5000 racks. We love these racks and think they’re definitely worth considering. “Adding the Ares to your existing power rack can be a great way to maximize space within your home gym,” adds our tester. However, if you already have a best squat rack not from REP Fitness, you may want to consider another cable machine.

The Beyond Power is one of the smallest, most portable cable machines you'll find on the market. This device is compatible with the Beyond+ app so you can stream workouts or track your progress.

Some athletes may not have the space for a full cable machine or simply want a portable option they can take on-the-go. The Beyond Power Voltra I has definitely revolutionized this space, creating an ultra-portable cable machine.

When it comes to portability and footprint, the Voltra gets a 5 out of 5. This device is small enough to fit in your gym bag and attaches to any sturdy power rack or bannister. Then, you turn it on and the machine adds your desired resistance to the built-in cable.

For customization and versatility, we gave the Voltra a 4 out of 5. The device connects to the Beyond+ app where you can choose from different workouts or track your progress. “This app is also enticing because there’s no subscription required to use it,” notes our tester.

Plus, depending on the bundle you choose, this device comes with attachments like handles, a straight bar, a travel platform, or a sliding rack mount. However, the bundles vary by cost.

On the Voltra, you can choose from different resistance types, including eccentric and concentric resistance, which a standard cable machine can’t do. However, the max resistance of the machine is only 200 pounds. Standard cable machines typically have around 200 pounds per stack but usually have two stacks per machine, totaling somewhere around 400 pounds. For most athletes, though, the Voltra has plenty of resistance.

For overall value, we gave this device a 3.5 out of 5. It starts at $2,099, which is pretty pricey, especially considering you need to buy attachments (including the available mounts) separately. Also, for this price, there are plenty of standard cable machines that offer way more weight. So, if you’re an athlete whose goal is strength gain, you may prefer a machine that has plenty of weight for progressive overload. But if portable workout equipment is a must, this is the smallest cable machine you’ll find.

[Related: Best Portable Home Gyms]

This machine is an elite, quiet, smooth, and modern version of a home gym that’s packed with tech to enhance your home workout experience. It features a modest footprint for space-savings and hands-free weight adjustments with seemingly endless class options and daily workout suggestions.

For those who are limited on space, it can be a real pain to find the right equipment for your home gym. Luckily this well-designed machine only has a footprint of about six feet by three and a half feet, which makes it a great pick even for apartment dwellers. For footprint, the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio definitely earns a 5 out of 5.

The NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio (which we also believe to be one of the best smart home gyms) stands upright with a user-centric mirror design that allows you to work out between the two support legs, so you need even less room than many other machines. The modest footprint takes up only 60.5 inches in width and 41.5 in depth with a height of 73.5 inches, making this machine optimal for those with limited real estate to work with.

Additionally, our tester, a certified personal trainer, appreciated the sturdiness of this functional trainer while in use. “The HIIT workouts I took part in had me moving in all directions and the machine remained rock solid through every exercise,” they noted.

This machine has 20 levels of magnetic resistance, going up to 100 pounds total. Compared to other cable machines, 100 pounds of resistance is actually pretty low. However, for beginners, this is likely plenty to start with.

The Fusion CST comes with a month-long free iFIT membership (it’s $39 per month after the trial), which you won’t find with most other cable machines. This app gives you access to tons of workouts (cardio, yoga, Pilates, and more, included) and your iFIT trainers can even remotely adjust the resistance on your machine. Our team is full of iFIT fans, so we had to give this machine a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming.

The NordicTrack Fusion CST is one of the more budget-friendly picks on this list at $1,799. But it’s still an investment. We gave the overall value a 3.75 out of 5, considering the max resistance is significantly lower than our other options. This may not be ideal for more experienced athletes. However, if you’re short on space and love to follow trainer-lead workouts, the Fusion CST is a good fit.

The Tonal is an interactive home gym that delivers up to 200 lbs of total electromagnetic resistance with the use of two maneuverable pulleys. What's most impressive is that it adapts as you progresses, which means you'll always be pushing closer to your fitness goals.

High-tech gym machines have definitely revolutionized the world of at-home training. Especially for beginners, a smart cable machine can help introduce you to exercise with plenty of guidance. If you fall into that category (or just love techy gym equipment), Tonal is the right choice. When it comes to overall experience, this one earned a 5 out of 5.

“I really liked using Tonal,” according to our tester. “I especially love it for heavier exercises (like deadlifts) because I don’t have to deal with gym setup. It’s also so simple to move from one exercise to the next.”

Unfortunately, for durability, we had to give this machine a 3 out of 5. “I personally haven’t experienced any issues but the online reviews have a lot to say about pieces breaking but having no assistance because it’s not within the warranty,” our tester said. Considering it’s a smart cable machine, it probably can’t withstand as much wear and tear as a steel unit.

But when it comes to assembly, Tonal is way easier than a standard cable machine. The company sends out installers and it only takes about 20 minutes, according to our tester. All you have to do is make sure you have studs in your walls that align with Tonal’s specifications.

For overall value, we gave this machine a 3.5 out of 5. It’s among the most expensive cable machines on this list ($3,995) but isn’t quite as durable as more traditional options. Plus, you only get 200 pounds of resistance, which may not be sufficient for more experienced athletes. But if you’re someone who loves high-tech equipment and wants a smart home gym, the Tonal is a good fit.

Read our full Tonal Review.

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best cable machines available today, we got hands-on with 27 different profiles from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are the categories and components we looked at.

For more information on how we test equipment, be sure to read the BarBend equipment testing methodology page.

Cable machines can be extremely beneficial to your workout plan. Not only do they offer more variety than other machines — thanks to the multiple angles you are able to work within — but they also offer a safer alternative than holding heavy weight over your head. Here are a couple of the major benefits cable machines can offer.

Unfortunately, cable machines aren’t usually the cheapest form of at-home gym equipment. Given their versatility, though, they may be worth the cost. Use the chart below to compare prices across different units featured in this round-up.

Before you go and spend your hard-earned money on a machine, it’s best you do your research, map out your available space and have a plan. You don’t want to add a machine that is going to dominate all of your space, and if you decide to purchase a cable machine that doesn’t function properly, you will be doing yourself a disservice. If you’re looking for a little advice before making such a big purchase, we’ve shared our thoughts below.

While the size of these machines varies, and in turn will dictate where you can place them, and what exercises you can perform in your home gym, you need to be sure you can accommodate for the dimensions. While some wall-mounted machines can fit virtually anywhere, others are quite large and will dominate most of your available space. We suggest mapping things out and having a solid plan before deciding which product to purchase.

“Consider, too, if you think you’ll ever need to move the cable machine,” suggests Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “This can be a laborious and expensive task for larger models.”

[Related: Best Compact Exercise Equipment]

Nobody wants a machine that is limited in capabilities. When choosing a cable machine, it’s best to make sure that you will be able to really get a solid workout in, and that it is made of high-quality materials. That means targeting products that are made of high-grade steel (such as 11-gauge, which you will find in many professional gyms).

Your cable machine should also offer a certain level of versatility, such as having multiple angles, so you can work more than just your upper body. The products on this list are all, in our eyes, soundly made and offer the functionality needed to help you reach that next level on your fitness journey.

Before making any purchase, you always need to weigh your options and see what you can afford in your budget. While some of these products come equipped with many attachments at your disposal, there are also a handful that require you to purchase necessary attachments separately. This can turn your purchase into a very expensive one if you are not careful. It is always best to set a budget for your machine and weigh what is included with your cable machine purchase before deciding which product to buy.

Cable machines vary widely in price from around $300 to $500 for a high quality rack-attached cable pulley to $2,000 or even $5,000 for a more robust rack and cable machine combo sporting multiple, heavy stacks of weight.

The best cable machine will largely depend on personal needs and preferences. However, we’re big fans of the REP Fitness FT-5000 at the moment thanks to its commercial gym-grade construction, smooth cable action, and hefty weight stacks totaling 224 pounds each.

The beauty of cable machines is that they offer a lot of versatility. You can supplement your chest day with flyes at various angles, your arm workouts with bicep and tricep exercises, your back workouts with different variations of rear delt and lat exercises, and even your legs with kickbacks and lateral movements.

If you are a beginner, cable machines are a good option to consider. You are able to perform a wide range of exercises, and minimize the risk of injury thanks to the ability to drop the weights without having to worry about anything landing on you. However, if you’re not committed to the idea of owning a cable machine this early in your journey, you may not want to make this big of an investment just yet.

If you run into a space issue, but want to add a set of cables to your gym, be sure to see if your existing products have any compatible cable systems that can be attached. If not, there are also smart home gyms that are often more compact and even mount to a wall to save space.