The Best Cable Machines for Home Gym Enthusiasts 

Who says you need a gym membership to get lean, ripped, and fit? A cable machine could be your best investment if you work out from home. 

They’re one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can find, allow for a variety of exercises, and they have the extra bonus of keeping your muscles under constant tension, contributing to both muscle growth and strength. 

But not all machines are made equal. We’ve compiled this handy list of the best cable machines on the market, so you can find the one that makes your home gym complete. Check them out! 

In a Hurry? Here are our best ranked Products:

• Save

Why Trust BoxLife? 

Our team has years (decades, even!) of experience in fitness. We’ve trained and been personal trainers. We’ve tried all the workout options, diets, and new fads, and we know what works and what doesn’t.

Each one of us is actively involved in CrossFit and we’re always trying new equipment, exercises, and methods. Between us, we’ve all had experience with cable machines. 

Between our existing knowledge and our excitement to get out and test more stuff for you, know that the information in this article is backed up with real-world experience and testing. 

Who Should Get a Cable Machine? 

Buying a gym cable machine is a sign of dedication to your cause! You should consider investing in your own cable machine if you: 

• Want to improve your fitness level from home 
• Have limited space for a comprehensive home gym 
• Have a bit of extra money to spend on gym equipment 
• Want the convenience of an all-in-one trainer that can work every muscle in the body 

It’s probably not the best workout option for people on a tight budget, as these machines can get fairly pricey. It’s like having a full gym in a single piece of fitness equipment that provides a full-body workout, so it’s well worth it, but might not be suitable for everyone. 

How We Chose the Best Cable Machines 

We know a good cable machine from a bad one, so we already had a good idea of which machines were worthy of attention. But we went further than that and did all the in-depth research necessary. The cable machines you see on this list have passed our scrutiny so you can be confident they’re great options. 

We browsed through hundreds of reviews, spoke to sports retailers, checked Q&As on Reddit and Quora, and Googled everything we could find on each one of these cable machines. 

From there, we chose the ones that ticked our own boxes and were backed up by other real-life happy customers. We then went to work testing them out so we could bring you the best, most well-rounded view of each one. 

How We Tested Them 

We chose 7 criteria to test each cable machine to make sure they’re decent enough options for robust and convenient use. We checked: 

• Floor Space 
• Weight Capacity 
• Weight Increments 
• Resistance Ratio 
• Extras 
• Assembly 
• Warranty 

Cable Machines – Our Top Picks 

Without further ado, let’s get to our ranking of the 7 best cable machines :

1. Rogue Fitness FT-1 Functional Trainer – Best Overall 

• Save

This Navy-veteran-designed cable machine is the perfect choice for home gyms, especially if you’re looking for something compact but still highly effective. 

Why We Like It 

The Rogue Fitness FT-1 Functional Trainer is a fantastic option for those who have a bit more to spend on a cable machine. For your money, you’ll be getting a superb machine that’s compact enough to fit into almost any garage or home gym setup. Check your ceiling height, though! 

The machine is equipped with two 250-lb integrated weight stacks with a resistance ratio of 2:1, so it’s got enough weight behind it for some serious workouts. With plates in 10-lb increments, it might be better for more experienced lifters who can up the weight in slightly bigger jumps. 

With a weight of 1,600 lbs, it’s a relief that this cable machine comes partially assembled. The finishing touches are pretty easy to do, thanks to some good instructions. 

It’s compatible with a wide range of Rogue accessories, including things like pull-up bars, storage panels and shelves, resistance bands, and plenty of different handle attachments. 

You’ll get a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and 5 years on the parts, which is a great reassurance and implies that the company is confident in the quality of their products. 

Pros	Cons
✅ 2 x 250 lb integrated weight stacks give you plenty to work with	❌ Higher than many others, so check your ceiling height carefully
✅ 10 lb increments with a 2:1 resistance ratio for a great workout	❌ Somewhat pricey
✅ Comes partially assembled, making it much easier to put together	❌
✅ Plenty of extras available to make your experience more convenient and versatile	❌

Key Specs 

Floor Space	47″ D x 90.5″ W x 107.5″ H
Weight Capacity	Two 250 lb integrated weight stacks
Weight Increments	10 lb increments
Resistance Ratio	2:1
Included/Optional Extras	Can add 43” Monster Rack Storage Panels,  Monster Crown Pull-Up Bar or Solo Mount Pull-Up Bar. It’s also compatible with Rogue’s Grip Triangle, Tricep Push Down Attachment, and Monster Resistance Bands.
Assembly	Tower comes pre-assembled and the rest is fairly easy to put together
Warranty	Limited lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on cables

2. Rep Fitness FT-5000 2.0 Functional Trainer – Runner-Up 

• Save

The Rep Fitness FT-5000 2.0 Functional Trainer is a robust, well-rounded machine that’s also more affordable for most. It’s also a sleek machine with a modern design that fits well into almost any space. 

Why We Like It 

The FT 5000 2.0 is a versatile cable machine with a small footprint. It’s ideal for almost any space, whether you’re looking to add to a garage gym or turn the spare room into a gym. 

Each side features a weight stack of 224 lbs, with a resistance ratio of 2:1, so you’ll get a great workout. You can position the cable in any of the 21 different holes along the vertical bar, making this machine quite versatile and able to work almost any muscle. 

We love that the weights are adjustable in increments of 5.5 lbs, which means you can adjust up or down in smaller jumps, making it much more manageable for most users. It also comes with four extra 2.75-lb weights, so you can make those increments even smaller if you need to, which is a nice touch. 

You’ll also find multiple different pull-up bars installed at the top of this machine, a welcome feature that adds to the versatility of this machine. 

The machine comes partially assembled, but may take an extra person and a good bit of time to help finish it off. It’s topped off with a solid warranty—a limited lifetime on the frame and a year in cables and parts. 

Pros	Cons
✅ Excellent weight capacity for advanced lifters with a 2:1 resistance ratio	❌ May take 2 or more people to assemble
✅ 5.5 lb increments allow for fine-tuning of weight adjustments	❌
✅ 21 cable positions along the bar, making it easy to do almost any exercise	❌
✅ Comes with extra 2.75-lb weight plates, handles, and an easy-reference diagram	❌

Key Specs 

Floor Space	36” D x 58” W x 85.5” H
Weight Capacity	Two 224 lb weight stacks
Weight Increments	5.5 lb increments
Resistance Ratio	2:1
Included/Optional Extras	Comes with two durable, polymer D-handles, storage pegs for the attachments, four additional 2.75lb incremental weights so you can make smaller weight jumps, built-in pull-up bars, and a mountable diagram.
Assembly	Arrives partially assembled but may take more than one person to finish
Warranty	Limited lifetime on frame, 1 year on cables and pulleys

3. FreeMotion GENESIS Dual Cable Cross – Most Versatile 

• Save

This unique machine can be adjusted to almost any position, thanks to its rotating arms and almost infinite adjustability. 

Why We Like It 

The FreeMotion GENESIS Dual Cable Cross is a strange-looking but highly versatile machine, thanks to a unique swiveling adjustable pulley system and rotating arms.

Dual weight stacks of 240 lbs each with a 3:1 resistance ratio mean you’re pushing around 80 lbs at its max, so hardcore lifters might find it to be a little underwhelming. 

But the weight increments of 3 to 4 lbs allow you to increase your weight in small, manageable increments, so it’s ideal for those who aren’t lifting heavy. 

We love that two people can work out at the same time on this machine, although each will only be able to use one cable at a time. It’s also wheelchair-accessible, thanks to its unique configuration. 

The frame is made of strong 11-gauge steel tubing and can support up to 350 lbs, so you can do tandem or wheelchair workouts with peace of mind. You can also buy an extra accessory holder to mount to the back, which gives you a handy place to store your various handle attachments. 

Pros	Cons
✅ Exceptional range of motion thanks to fine-tune adjustment abilities	❌ The 3:1 resistance ratio might make it unsuitable for heavy lifters
✅ 3 to 4 lb weight increments allow for smaller increases in weight	❌
✅ Robust frame and heavy weight stacks make this a sturdy machine	❌
✅ Solid warranty	❌

Key Specs 

Floor Space	70″ D x 122″ W x 92″ H
Weight Capacity	Two 240 lb weight stacks
Weight Increments	3 / 4 lb increments
Resistance Ratio	3:1
Included/Optional Extras	Optional accessory holder
Assembly	Assembly can be difficult as the machine is heavy
Warranty	10 years on the frame, 3 years on the parts, one year on the cables and labor

4. Rogue CT-1 Cable Tower – Best Single-Stack Cable Tower 

• Save

If you don’t need two weight stacks or you’re a bit short on space in your home gym, the Rogue CT-1 Single-Stack Cable Tower is worth looking at. 

Why We Like It 

This compact cable pulley machine might only have one weight stack, but it’s more than enough to do a ton of exercises to complement your free weights. The central weight stack is an impressive 300 lbs, and even with a 2:1 ratio, you’ll have plenty of room for heavy lifting here. 

The weights can be adjusted in 10 lb increments, which may be a little high for smaller lifts but should be good for things like deadlifts or rows. There are also resistance band attachments to add an extra element to your workouts, as well as a low-row foot deck so you can really target those back muscles in the right way. 

It’s highly convenient that this machine ships fully assembled, so there’s no need for you to do anything to make it exercise-ready when it arrives. Plus, you’ll get a great warranty: a limited lifetime warranty on the frame, and 5 years on cables. 

Keep in mind that for optimal stability, the machine should be bolted down. It doesn’t come with any kind of mounting equipment to do so, so you’ll need to make a plan to stabilize it. 

Pros	Cons
✅ Excellent weight stack for a single-stack, with a 2:1 ratio	❌ Must be bolted to the floor and doesn’t come with bolts
✅ Ability to adjust weights in 10 lb increments for better progressive overload	❌
✅ Comes with a low-row foot deck so you can do even more exercises	❌
✅ Comes fully assembled, which is very convenient	❌

Key Specs 

Floor Space	54″ L x 60″ W x 107.5″ H
Weight Capacity	One 300 lb weight stack
Weight Increments	10 lb increments
Resistance Ratio	2:1
Included/Optional Extras	Comes with a low-row foot deck and a pair of handles, and you can add other compatible attachments
Assembly	Ships fully assembled
Warranty	Limited lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on cables

5. Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Functional Trainer – Best Weight Capacity 

• Save

If you’ve already got a stash of weight plates, the Titan Fitness Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer could be the best choice for you. 

Why We Like It 

This plate-loaded cable machine can handle up to 660 lbs, but the catch is, you need to use Olympic plates. If you’ve got them lying around, it’s a no-brainer! And with a ratio of 2:1 and custom weight increment adjustment, you’ll be able to lift a ton. 

It comes with various handles and also has a pull-up bar installed, so you can get a really well-rounded workout. Fiberglass-reinforced pulleys keep it as durable as possible, although the one-year warrant is disappointing. 

To really make use of that weight capacity, it’s advisable to bolt it down so there’s no chance for movement that could cause an accident. Assembling the all-in-one trainer is fairly straightforward but some people find the cable pulley system to be a little bit challenging. 

Pros	Cons
✅ Weight capacity of 660 lbs, using your own Olympic weight plates	❌ Poor warranty
✅ Ability to increase in any increments you like provided you have the plates	❌ Needs to be bolted down to prevent movement during exercise
✅ Fiberglass-reinforced pulleys increase durability and offer smooth movement	❌
✅ Comes with various handles and a pull-up bar attached	❌

Key Specs 

Floor Space	53″ D x 61″ W x 81″ H
Weight Capacity	Up to 660 lbs safely
Weight Increments	Whatever weight plates you have (Olympic plates only)
Resistance Ratio	2:1
Included/Optional Extras	Comes with pull-up bar installed, various handlebar attachments
Assembly	Assembly can be difficult as the instruction manual isn’t clear
Warranty	1-year warranty

6. Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer – Smallest Footprint 

• Save

The Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer is a sleek machine that’s compact enough to fit in almost any gym space. It’s also great for those who don’t want a whole lot of weight. 

Why We Like It 

The modest footprint of this machine is perfect for those with minimal space, and assembly is also pretty easy thanks to its compact size. 

It comes with two independent weight stacks of 165 lbs each, which is smaller than all others on this list, and also has a resistance ratio of 2:1. So it’s definitely a better choice for those who don’t need much weight. 

This machine comes with a number of cable attachments, including a tricep rope, 2 D-handles, a dual hook curl bar, and chin/dip belt, so you have plenty of choice when it comes to exercises. You can also buy numerous other additional attachments, as well as 5 lb weight plates if the 10 lb incremental increases are too large for you. 

The heavy-duty steel frame is sturdy and finished with a matte powder coat. The entire machine (frame and parts) has a limited lifetime warranty. 

Pros	Cons
✅ Compact footprint makes it easy to fit into almost any space	❌ Lighter weight might not be suitable for advanced lifters
✅ Comes with multiple accessories with the option to add many more	❌
✅ Made of heavy-duty steel and finished with a matte black powder coat for durability	❌
✅ Good warranty on the frame and the parts	❌

Key Specs 

Floor Space	40″ L x 54″ W x 82″ H
Weight Capacity	Two 165 lb weight stacks
Weight Increments	10 lb increments
Resistance Ratio	2:1
Included/Optional Extras	Comes with a tricep rope, 2 x deluxe D-handles, dual hook curl bar, and chin/dip belt. Optional add-ons include bench, ab bar, straight bar, ankle strap, 5 lbs add-on weights, rubber D-handles
Assembly	Fairly easy assembly
Warranty	Limited lifetime on frame and all parts

7. Rogue CC-1 Cable Crossover – Best Commercial-Grade 

• Save

The Rogue CC-1 Cable Crossover machine is a piece of equipment that you’d find in the gym. It’s got a sizable footprint with sturdy construction, but it’s an excellent quality cable station that you won’t regret investing in if you’ve got the budget for it. 

Why We Like It 

This machine is designed in such a way that you can do a entire body workout on it quite easily. Multiple cable positions from top to bottom allow you to perform a huge range of exercises easily, including bilateral exercises. 

Two 250-lb weight stacks with a 2:1 resistance ratio give you a lot of room for heavy lifting and progressive overload of almost every major muscle, with the weights increasing in increments of 10 lbs each. 

You’ll get two leather tricep straps with it when you buy. It comes partially assembled, which is a relief as it weighs 1,400 lbs in total. Once it’s been delivered, it’s fairly simple to finish assembling. 

For most secure use, this station should be bolted down. It doesn’t come with any kind of mounting hardware, so you’ll need to make your own plan or risk it falling over with a powerful pull. 

Pros	Cons
✅ Plenty of room for heavy lifting with 2 x 250 lb weight stacks at a 2:1 ratio	❌ Must be bolted down for secure use, and doesn’t come with mounting hardware
✅ Comes partially assembled and is easy to finish assembling	❌
✅ Great warranty that inspires confidence in the product	❌
✅ Comes with leather tricep straps and protective shrouds for weight stacks	❌

Key Specs 

Floor Space	42″ D x 180.25″ W x 107.5″ H
Weight Capacity	Two 250 lb weight stacks
Weight Increments	10 lb increments
Resistance Ratio	2:1
Included/Optional Extras	Includes 2 leather tricep straps and protective weight stack shrouds
Assembly	Arrives partially assembled and easy to finish
Warranty	Limited lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on cables

Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In Cable Machines 

Planning on adding a cable exercise machine to your home gym? Here’s what to look at when shopping so you can make an informed decision before settling on one. 

Space Requirements 

Cable weight machines aren’t exactly small, but you can find some with a modest footprint. Single-stack machines are likely to be best for those who have minimal space, while double-stack machines will take up more room. It’s wise to measure your space beforehand so you can find machines that work for you.

Don’t forget to measure ceiling height. Cable machines are tall in comparison to other gym equipment, so make sure your room can handle the height of the machine you’re considering buying.

Build Quality 

A steel frame is best for durability and longevity. The frame should be thick and robust; durable construction is a hallmark of a well-built machine. 

Look for a machine with steel cables that have a durable coating on them for protection and durability. The pulleys should have sealed ball bearings and move smoothly without squeaking or sticking. 

Weight Stack 

For rookie weight lifters, a weight capacity of 200 to 300 lbs should be enough. But as you improve and gain strength, you might find that you prefer more weight to play with. Don’t forget to check the resistance ratio here as well. 

It’s also a good idea to check what sort of increments the weight can be raised in. 10-lb increments are fairly common, but smaller increments allow for more specific weight adjustments. 

Adjustability 

This refers to how the pulleys can be maneuvered to allow for cable movement. Most cable machines will allow for plenty of vertical adjustment, and some top-quality ones will also allow for horizontal adjustment. 

Attachments and Accessories 

Most cable machines will come with at least one or two handle attachments, usually a straight bar and a rope attachment. You can usually buy extra handles or things like ankle straps if you’d like more exercise variety during your workouts. 

Some more upper-market cable machines might include accessory bars or shelves, or even things like pull-up bars. It’s a good idea to decide what accessories you need upfront and make sure they fit into your budget. 

Warranty and Customer Service 

A long warranty usually means the company is confident in the quality of their product. Usually, the frame has a longer warranty and the cables, pulleys, and labor will have shorter ones. 

It’s also a great idea to do some research on each brand’s customer service. If there is an issue, you want to be able to speak to someone and get it resolved as fast as possible. 

Assembly and Installation 

If the machine is heavy and cumbersome, it could be difficult for one person to install or move around by themselves. If there’s two of you, this might not be an issue, but if you’re alone, it’s something to consider. 

Heavier machines are usually robustly made, although most cable machines will be weighed down nicely with their weight stacks. That being said, check how easy assembly is ahead of time so you know what to expect when you buy. Some also offer professional installation as an add-on. 

FAQs