The Best Cable Machines for Small Spaces, Bodybuilders, and More

Cable machines can transform your home gym into a state of the art facility. A cable machine is a piece of equipment that features a set of adjustable pulleys — this adjustability allows you to perform multiple exercises in various angles, proving to be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can own. There are a lot of cable machines on the market for athletes to choose from — some are built for small spaces, while others are quite large and designed for heavy lifters. A cable machine offers a lot of versatility as it can isolate your muscles while you perform upper and lower body movements. These machines also allow you to perform exercises from different angles keeping your muscles under constant tension from the cables.

We’ve tried a variety of cable machines, including those that mount to your wall, ones that attach to your current home gym, and some that can act as a full home gym on their own. Like every purchase, choosing the machine that is right for you is important to help you achieve your personal fitness goals. We selected our favorite cable machines for this list in hopes that it can help you decide which could be the best option to suit your training needs. 

Best Cable Machines

Best Cable Machine Overall

Our top pick on this list is one of the hottest commodities out there right now. This cable machine doubles as a full smart home gym that is capable of multiple add-ons, which allow you to work your full body, and it only requires minimal space since it mounts to the wall.

Tonal Home Gym

Tonal is a great option for most weightlifters as it is space efficient, and comes loaded with virtual workout classes for you to choose from. Since Tonal mounts to the wall and has a fairly small frame (you just need seven square feet of space), it can save a lot of room in your home. This product is operated by two pulleys with electromagnetic resistance reaching a max of 200 pounds.

You are able to attach handles, a barbell, and a rope attachment to the pulleys — with an additional fee of $495, your purchase will include those attachments, in addition to a weight benchfoam roller, and workout mat. Tonal also features a wide variety of virtual training options with 3D sensors that provide feedback on your form, and an adaptive system that can determine your weight for each movement — all you have to do is complete an assessment upon installation that sets a foundation for your training goals.

Tonal
Tonal

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. 

Who Should Buy Tonal Home Gym

  • Customers who want a machine that adapts to their progress and offers feedback on form.
  • Anyone wanting access to virtual classes featuring personal trainers that can help guide you through a workout. 
  • Anyone limited on space, the dimensions for this product are 21.5” x 50.9” x 5.25”. Since Tonal mounts onto the wall, you only need seven square feet of space to accommodate your workouts, so the sensors can pick up on your movements. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Tonal Home Gym

  • People who are on a tight budget. When all is said and done, this product will cost you $3,490.
  • For elite bodybuilders and powerlifters, this product may not be for you as it only reaches a max weight of 200 pounds. 

If you’re looking for a cable machine that can operate as a full smart home gym, this is a great option for you. Tonal is a solid choice for most recreational weightlifters, and offers a variety of workouts to help you achieve your goals. With the featured attachments, you have the ability to hit every muscle group in your body — plus the wall mount feature makes this an excellent option for those who are concerned about space. 

Best Cable Machine (Runner Up)

A machine as versatile as it gets, the FT-3000 can act as the centerpiece in your home gym, or complement any existing equipment you may have. 

REP Fitness FT-3000

The REP Fitness FT-3000 offers 15 possible cable positions, and the dual 180-pound weight stacks offer enough weight for even expert level weight lifters. If you are new to lifting and cable machines in particular, the FT-3000 includes a placard that is positioned in the middle of the machine displaying 12 movements you can perform. The dimensions of this product are 78” x 53” x 34”, which may seem large, but it can replace the need for a weight rack and potentially other forms of equipment. One of the only downsides to this machine is that there aren’t many attachments to go along with the two strap handles. You will need to explore your options on what attachments you would like to add on, and purchase them separately.

REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer
REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer
REP Fitness FT 3000 Compact Trainer

The Rep Fitness FT 300 Compact Functional Trainer is true to its name. It’s incredibly compact and highly functional with 15 cable positions to choose from and twin 180lb weight stacks — pull up bar included.

Who Should Buy REP Fitness FT-3000

  • Perhaps the most attractive feature of this product is its small footprint. If you are tight on space, this could be a great option for you.
  • Anyone looking for both heavy weight, and multiple angles from their cable machine. This product features 15 different possible angles, and dual 180-pound weight stacks.
  • Folks who are looking for commercial grade quality with a friendly warranty. The FT-3000 is built from 11-gauge steel and features a lifetime warranty on the frame.

Who Shouldn’t Buy REP Fitness FT-3000

  • This product is not compatible with a barbell, meaning you are not able to squat or bench press.
  • While 180 pounds on either side of this machine might be plenty for recreational lifters, elite powerlifters may want to consider a cable machine that features heavier weight stacks. 

The versatility with this machine makes it one of the best cable machines on the market, earning our runner up spot. The FT-3000 features a hefty amount of weight on the dual stacks, the 11-gauge steel means it’s built to last, and the footprint is space-friendly as well. However, if you are a powerlifter or bodybuilder, you may want to look elsewhere as this product may not offer enough resistance for your needs.

Best Cable Machine for Small Spaces

For those who are limited on space, it can be a real pain to find the right equipment for your home gym. Luckily this home gym only requires 7’ x 7’, which makes it a great pick even for apartment dwellers. 

Tonal Home Gym

Tonal is truly a do-it-all gym, allowing you to focus on any part of the body with ease. This machine can mount to your wall, and it only requires 7’ x 7’ for you to perform your exercises. With this amount of space, the 3D motion sensors have room to pick up your movements and help you adjust your form during the virtual classes Tonal offers on its streaming platform. Since this line of equipment is driven by electromagnetic resistance with two pulleys, all you need to accommodate is the weight bench, as well as the few accessories that are available as an extra purchase — smart handles, smart barbell, rope attachment, weight bench, foam roller, and workout mat.

Tonal
Tonal

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. 

Who Should Buy Tonal Home Gym

  • Anyone who lives in an apartment or has a very limited space to work with will love that this product mounts to the wall and takes up minimal space — you only need 7’ x 7’ of space to participate in classes. 
  • Athletes who want a machine that will allow them to work out any part of the body they want. With Tonal, you can focus on your back, legs, shoulders or chest — while also having the option to join one of the many cardio, yoga, and pilates classes. 
  • Beginners who need help learning the ropes of weight lifting. The 17 sensors on the machine pick up on your movements, and will accurately provide corrections when needed. Ensuring you are lifting properly and reducing the risk of injury. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Tonal Home Gym

  • Anyone who wants to perform lifts over 200 pounds — that is the max resistance of this machine.
  • Customers who don’t want the added tech features and just want to simply lift weights.
  • If you are on a tight budget you may want to look at other options. Yes, this machine is as high-tech as it gets, but that also makes it one of the pricer options coming in at $3,490 with attachments.

The Tonal home gym adds another layer to at-home workouts. With 3D sensors reading your every move, you get the feel of a personal trainer without needing to leave your home. Since the machine mounts on your wall, you have plenty of space for more equipment, and the workout library allows you to choose from a wide variety of workouts, including strength and conditioning, and even yoga classes.

Best Attachable Cable Machine

If an attachable cable machine is what you’re looking for, then Rogue has you covered. Instead of needing a separate cable machine taking up extra space in your home gym, this product attaches right to your Rogue Monster power rack, and comes in three different forms of resistance. It is worth noting that this is an exclusive product for Rogue and will only attach to your Monster power racks.

Rogue Monster Lite Slinger

Versatility is the name of the game for home gyms, and the Monster Lite Slinger has you covered if you’re looking to add on to your Rogue Monster power rack. This machine is powered by cable pulleys or banded resistance — the choice is yours. When making your purchase, simply choose between banded resistance, plate loaded, or weight stacks. The Lite Slinger also allows you to perform lat pulldowns in your home gym without taking up too much space, which is a rarity for home equipment. However, if you do not currently own a Rogue Monster power rack, you will need to source another option as this is an exclusive product.

Rogue Monster Lite Slinger
Rogue Monster Lite Slinger
Rogue Monster Lite Slinger

The Rogue Monster Lite Slinger is an attachable cable machine meant to expand your Rogue Monster power rack. It features three different forms of resistance: weight stacks, plated loaded, or banded.

Who Should Buy Rogue Monster Lite Slinger

  • Anyone who has a Rogue Monster power rack that is looking to incorporate lat pulldowns into their regimen.
  • Customers who are looking for a product that is compatible with weight plates.
  • Anyone who is tight on space but wants to add a cable machine. This one attaches to your Rogue Monster power rack, and will save you space, so your gym can continue to grow.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Rogue Monster Lite Slinger

  • Anyone who doesn’t have a Rogue Monster power rack — this product is exclusive to the brand.
  • If you don’t lift super heavy, you may run into an issue of the weight plates swinging and hitting the side of your power rack.

The Lite Slinger is a viable option for those who already own a Rogue Monster power rack and are looking to incorporate lat pulldowns and other cable exercises into their workouts. Thanks to its ability to attach directly to the rack, it can save you space. However, the cables may get in your way when they’re not in use.

Best Rack with Cable Machine

Speaking of versatility, if you haven’t heard of the G12 from Force USA, you may want to take some notes. 

Force USA G12

This all-in-one trainer features everything you need to get a proper workout at home. The G12 comes equipped with a smith machine, multi-grip pull-up bar, a pair of J-hooks, spotter arms, a land mine station, dip attachment, leg press attachment, training bar, lat pulldown bar, a pair of nylon stirrup handles, rope attachment, knee stabilizer, low row foot plate, and suspension trainer attachment. That’s not all though, as it also features storage for your barbell and attachments, Olympic lock collars and spring clips, weight plate horns, extension chains and another set of spring snap clips. 

That is a ton of extras for a machine that has a footprint comparable to a power rack — 89” x 79” x 49”. While this is an expensive piece of equipment, you may not ever need to worry about purchasing anything else for your gym. This is also a hefty machine — the power rack can support up to 992 pounds, and the smith machine can handle 772 pounds and is compatible with Olympic plates. Plus, the dual weight stacks both feature 200 pounds of resistance.

Save $500
Force USA G12 All-In-One Trainer
Force USA G12 All-In-One Trainer
Force USA G12 All-In-One Trainer

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. 

Who Should Buy Force USA G12

  • Anyone looking for a machine that can truly do it all when it comes to handling your workouts. This product offers 12 separate attachments.
  • Customers who are tight on space and can’t accommodate more than one machine. The G12 has a footprint similar to a power rack, but acts like a full home gym. 
  • Athletes who lift heavy, this machine can withstand 992 pounds on the power rack and 772 pounds on the smith machine, and the weight stacks each feature 200 pounds.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Force USA G12

  • Anyone who is on a tight budget may want to look elsewhere, this is an expensive piece of equipment.
  • Those who live in an apartment will not want something of this size. You would be better off with a machine that has a much smaller footprint.

With any home gym equipment, you want something that will offer great functionality. It’s hard to beat the Force USA G12 in that regard. With 14 attachments and enough weight to accommodate even elite powerlifters, you may not ever need to purchase another piece of equipment for your gym — as long as you can afford the high price tag.

Best Home Gym Cable Machine

One of the most high-tech home gyms on the market, Tonal cements itself as one of the best cable machine options for its ability to fit in almost any size home.

Tonal Home Gym

If you want a product that may offer as much versatility for your cable exercises as most typical cable machines you may picture while also providing coaching along the way, this is the product for you. Tonal comes loaded with thousands of available virtual workouts on its 24-inch touchscreen display. With 200 pounds of resistance, this may be enough for most recreational weightlifters, and with this product mounting directly to your wall, minimal space is needed (just seven square feet to perform workouts). 

While most cable machines offer the same exercises you’ll find on Tonal, the reason this machine takes our top spot for home gym cable machine is because it truly offers the full gym experience — with virtual training, 3D motion sensors that correct your form, and a variety of classes to keep your training regimen exciting, you’ll be hard pressed to find another cable machine that offers this full gym package within such a small footprint. Anyone who wants competition will enjoy the monthly leaderboard feature that Tonal has. The amount of workouts you complete, along with the total time spent during a 30-day span will move you up or down the leaderboard accordingly compared to other Tonal users.

Tonal
Tonal
Tonal

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. 

Who Should Buy Tonal Home Gym

  • Athletes looking for a cable machine that allows them to work from various angles without compromising space. Tonal only requires 7’ x 7’ of space. 
  • Anyone new to lifting who is looking for instruction. Tonal provides feedback on your form and even suggests weight based on your strength. 
  • If you love to compete, you may find the monthly leaderboard function to be one of the most enjoyable features about this product.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Tonal Home Gym

  • Anyone who can lift more than 200 pounds will want to look elsewhere — that is the max weight for this machine.
  • People who want their cable machine to feature weight stacks — the resistance from this machine is all digital.

With the implementation of AI, Tonal is in a class very few can compete with. The functionality of their equipment can go toe-to-toe with some of the most advanced cable machines on the market, and with Tonal, you also have access to personal trainers that help provide guidance, and motion sensors that can read your form and help correct it when necessary.

Best Cable Machine for Bodybuilders

For those bodybuilders and powerlifters out there struggling to find a machine that can meet their heavy lifting needs, the Force USA G20 has your back. This machine has enough weight resistance to keep up with your regimen, and plenty of attachments to boot.

Force USA G20

Loaded with 29 attachments, the G20 really packs a punch. Each side of this machine is equipped with a pull-up bar, meaning two people can actually get a workout in at once if you were to super set. With this beast of a cable machine that acts as a full home gym, you can squat and perform vertical leg presses — plus, it even has a smith machine attached. To beef this machine up more, you can also opt in for a lat row station upgrade. 

The only other things not included with this cable machine are your weighted plates and barbell, but Force USA has options for you to purchase if you do not already have them. The smith machine has a weight capacity of 774 pounds with 14 different racking positions, and each weight stack is 289 pounds — meaning you have plenty of weight resistance at your disposal. If smith machines aren’t your thing, the G20 also comes with a front rack for a more traditional feel for any barbell work you may want to incorporate.. 

$1000 Off
Force USA G20 All-In-One Trainer
Force USA G20 All-In-One Trainer
Force USA G20 All-In-One Trainer

The G20 All-In-One Trainer takes an entire gym and packages it into a single space. This home gym is the complete package, sporting plate loaded features in addition to being a power rack for squats and benching with a regular barbell, which you can add on to your order. 

Who Should Buy Force USA G20

  • Heavy lifters who struggle to find machines that accommodate their needs — this cable machine acts as a full home gym, and is bound to have enough resistance for virtually everyone.
  • Anyone tight on space will enjoy knowing the dimensions are only 91” x 75” x 67”, meaning this can fit in most home gyms, unless you are building a gym in an apartment.
  • Customers looking for a machine that includes all of the necessary attachments upon purchase, the G20 comes with 29 individual attachments.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Force USA G20

  • Anyone on a budget may want to look elsewhere — this product costs $5,999 before adding any weight plates.
  • Recreational lifters who may not need everything that is included with this product.

When it comes to the G20, it’s not about what you can do, it’s about what you can’t do — which is going to be a very short list. This cable machine acts as a power rack that can offer you the ability to perform full body workouts, or just focus on individual muscle cable movements. If you can afford to spend over $6,000 for this product, this 11-gauge steel frame should last you a lifetime. 

How We Chose the Best

No matter if you are an avid gym goer or a beginner who is wanting to fully immerse themselves in the fitness scene, a cable machine can be extremely beneficial to your progress. We decided that the following qualities were the most important, and were at the forefront of our minds while creating this list. 

Stability

Like any gym product, you are going to want something that is sturdy. All of the picks on this list check that box, and offer the support you need to feel safe while lifting. Not only did we curate this list with high quality products that could potentially last you for more than 15 years, but these products also feature enough weight to where they shouldn’t topple over in use. Everyone is built differently and weight requirements will vary, but we feel that your safety is equally important no matter if you are an expert or novice. You can be confident that any product you choose from on this list will be a good choice in that regard.

Versatility

The beauty of these machines is that they can support multiple movements, which is a game changer for home gyms. Even if you aren’t an expert in weight lifting, the ability to work multiple muscles in various fashions can help tremendously. With a cable machine, you are able to perform shoulder workouts, chest flyes, back workouts, and even hit multiple leg workouts such as glute kickbacks and lateral raises. In fact, most of these machines can stand alone and act as the only equipment you need for your home gym. While not every product on this list has the necessary attachments included with their purchase, you will at least have the option to add those to expand your workouts even further, and create a very versatile piece of equipment.

Price

While none of these products are necessarily cheap, any home gym equipment is an investment that should eventually pay for itself. Cable machines are no different, and they can help you level up in terms of your gains. You can find a cable machine for as little as $300 to $400, but these might not last you very long, and you’ll be stuck looking for a new one after a few years. The quality of these products drive the price up, but we’ve ensured that all of the picks on this list are well-worth their price tags. 

The Benefits of Cable Machines 

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. 

Safe Lifting

Safety is key in every workout and cable machines might be the safest form of lifting you can find. Since you don’t need to put heavy weights over your head, you can always drop whatever attachment you are using without the fear of being crushed underneath it. This also allows you to train to failure. For the machines on this list that act as a power rack, they even come equipped with spotter arms that you can customize to fit your needs. That way, if you are squatting and feel yourself not able to lift the weight, you can rest assured that the barbell isn’t going to come slamming into the floor.

Customizable Workouts

As we mentioned, versatility is key with any piece of equipment. With cable machines you are truly free to lift as you please. You can easily tailor your workouts to fit your needs, and perform essentially any move in your regimen. From bicep curls to an array of back workouts, you may be able to work your muscles in ways that free weights, barbells, and other machines may not allow you to. Cables allow you to hit your muscles at different angles and even allow you to work on your lower body in ways you wouldn’t be able to elsewhere. For example, if you have an ankle strap then you are able to do lateral raises, kickbacks, and alternating step-ups. You have the luxury of doing bicep curls, front raises, lateral raises, tricep extensions — and for the machines that feature smith machines and front racks, you can even squat or bench press. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Cable Machine

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. 

Size

While the size of these machines vary, 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. 

Functionality

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.

Price

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.

Final Word

Buying a cable machine can completely transform your home gym. These machines provide the ability to work your muscles differently than free weights and barbells, thanks to the constant tension created by the cables themselves. You can either choose a cable machine that will simply supplement what you already have in a power rack, or you can opt for a standalone product that can act as a full home gym. 

Once you decide which type of cable machine you want to support your workout regimen, this list can help you find an option that will best suit your needs. Whether you want one that is interactive and comes with a ton of classes featuring personal trainers, or one that features a smith machine and front rack, we have a pick for you. Set your price point, measure your space, and let us do the rest of the heavy lifting for you. 

FAQs

What kind of exercises am I able to perform using a cable machine?

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 focus on your legs with kickbacks and lateral movements.

Are cable machines worth the money for a beginner?

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.

What should I do if I don’t have enough space for a full cable machine?

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 can be more compact and even mount to a wall to save space.

The post The Best Cable Machines for Small Spaces, Bodybuilders, and More appeared first on BarBend.


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