Top 5 Best Cable Machines for Home Gym 2023

Disclaimer: Some of our recommended products under the Amazon Associate Program. This means we earn a small commission if you click on our “Shop Now” button link and purchase the products on Amazon. Whilst we are super appreciative if you can do so, but there’s no pressure if you do not want to. We wanted to be just being transparent on how we earn our money to sustain this portal. Greatly Appreciated!! #CommissionEarned

The cable machine is one of the best investments for your home gym. From your upper body (e.g., pale chest, curled biceps) to your lower body (retreats with ankle straps, wired RDLs, etc.)

While some exercises on cable machines can be recreated with resistance bands or suspension trainers, the consistent tension and versatility make cable crossing machines a great addition to your home gym residence.

Although cable machines can be expensive for your home workouts, they are durable and well-made.

Below are the best cable machine for home gyms, including key features, buying guides, and more.

Let’s get into that.

Summary of the Best Cable Machines For Home Gym

How Did You Select the Best Cable Machine For Home Gym?

Before you commit to starting your home exercise routine, there are a few essential things to consider. First, ensure you have enough space to accommodate your new training equipment. Home gym machines can range from sleek and minimal to bulky and bulky. Second, review your fitness goals and evaluate how much you want to invest in your training. It would help if you also considered how you want to train and what additional equipment you will need for the exercises you want.

What to Consider Before Buying Cable Machines For Home Gym

Attachment Options

Cable machines are highly functional. The range of exercises you can do with one is nearly endless. A good cable machine should have clips to swap out different attachments to maximize the types and exercises you can do with the machine.

Footprint

Exercise equipment is often bulky and requires appropriate space.

In cable machines, especially cross-cable machines, the space it occupies is not small.

If you’re investing in a cable machine for your home gym or garage, leave enough room for the machine and a work area around it so you can exercise, change weights, and access the machine properly.

Noise Level

For some, noise levels may not be a determining factor. However, some high noise levels can become a distraction or even a problem for people nearby. Pay attention to user reviews on Amazon and even my main observations in this review.

Weight Post Sizes

Note that machines with weight posts do not come with weights. So you can use existing weights that you already have or will have to buy them separately.

Most weight poles come with standard 1″ size poles. So if you already have 2-inch Olympic-size weight plates, 2-inch adapter sleeves are included with the cable machine or can be purchased separately.

Weight Capacity

Most cable machines have a maximum load capacity of 200-220 lbs. Many weight stack-type units come with dual 150 to 165-pound weight stacks. Expandable to 200-210 lbs each.

Plate loading versions usually take Olympic or standard weight plates up to 200-220 pounds per side. Most of the moves you will do are isolation exercises, so using heavy weights is not that important.

However, you should always have a machine that provides a buffer whatever its intended use. That means buying a 50-75 pound machine. More per side you plan to use.

Our Top 5 Best Home Gym Cable Machines In 2023

1. XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine

This cable machine is a functional trainer. It does not include a Smith machine or power rack, as many hybrid models do today. But with two batteries, two adjustable pulleys and a range of accessories, the XMark Functional Trainer offers more than its ability to provide an endless range of exercises. They’re also great because of all the diagonal moves you can do with them that target your core. This cable machine has weight stacks weighing 200 lbs with 19 different adjustment positions and many accessories.

Heavy Duty And Solid Mainframe

The quality of the Xmark functional training machine can be seen in its strong and reliable steel mainframe, which consists of a 2″ x 3″ scratch and corrosion-resistant 11 gauge steel body.

The sturdy and stable main frame combines a super smooth pulley and traction platform to make this an easy-to-use functional training machine.

Space-Saving Design

This Xmark commercial functional trainer also takes great pride in its space-saving design. Its size and dimensions fit into small spaces, making it perfect for home gym equipment. This fitness trainer fits the bill if you don’t have the biggest space for your home gym.

Aesthetics and Styling

The XMark XM-7626 Cable Trainer has an aesthetic appearance. The frame is carved from sturdy steel, giving the equipment a rich look. Even if you pull this cable machine for your home gym, it still has the appeal you’ll find in commercial gym equipment.

One of the biggest benefits of this equipment is that it helps you organize your home gym. It also takes up minimal space, maximizing your workout space.

Pros

•  Made of heavy-duty steel
• The price is quite reasonable
• 2 pulleys are fully adjustable.
• There is a pull-up bar.
• Interchangeable accessories
• Unlimited range of exercise

Cons

• Assembly might seem to be a little time-consuming.

Who is suitable for this Cable Machine?

The machine is perfect for those just beginning their fitness journey or those who are already deeply enmeshed in their training regimen. It achieves all that with durable materials for individual parts and all-steel construction.

Where can you buy this XMark XM-7626 Functional Trainer Cable Machine?

2. Marcy Smith Cage Workout cable machine

The Marcy Smith machine is perfect for a complete home gym system. It can hold up to 136 kg (300 lbs), so you can be sure it will suit everyone. You can do many exercises on this machine, and it comes with a detailed exercise chart to help you identify them. It comes with mechanisms elevated above ordinary home gyms. These ball bearings move the press vertically and are commercial grade and sealed so they can lift even the heaviest weights without breaking.

Versatility

The cable machine excels in the area of versatility. The Power Cage is a mix of the smith machine and the crossover cable machine, so you can do virtually any exercise you want and hit your whole body with one piece of equipment. There’s also a pull-up bar at the top so you can target your back muscles more.

High-Quality Construction

The cage is made of high-quality 14 gauge square steel tubing. Typically, 12 gauge tubing is best but followed by 14. The pulley system is held by sealed bearings and comes with 1-inch chrome guide rods. The high-quality steel is durable, as you can go up to 300 pounds on the bar. The tensile strength of the cables can lift 2,000 pounds. So the product certainly didn’t cut corners.

Value for Money

The product offers excellent value for money as a single purchase will give you high-quality, durable, and versatile equipment. While you can always tweak and refresh your workout routine with all the available workout options, you’ll likely be using it for years.

Pros

• Durable cable system
• Weight holder attachments
• Open space inside the cage
• Multi-position bench
• Removable leg developer
• 4 storage posts
• Good value for money

Cons

• 14-gauge steel
• 300-pound limit
• The dual pulley is stationary

Who is suitable for this cable machine?

The Marcy Smith machine may be the perfect choice if you need a fitness machine for all your workouts to build muscle and strength at home.

Where you buy this Marcy Smith Cage Workout cable machine

3. Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mount Cable Station

Wall-Mounted Cable Machine Dual Pulley Home Station, The Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall-Mounted Cable Station, is a machine every home needs. It is a versatile, space-saving machine that offers the ability to combine strength training with the use of a cable system in your home or commercial gym. The machine has 16 adjustment positions to allow the user to perform various bilateral and unilateral exercises.

Effortless Assembly

The installation of the machine itself is very simple. Perhaps the most important aspect of installing the BD-62 is the amount of space you can use. Although this cable system is compact, it still measures just over 7 feet. This equipment is so simple to set up that you probably won’t need to use the user manual. Once you’ve found an area with enough space, you’re good to go.

Versatility

This equipment is a double roller system adjustable to 17 different positions. The versatility of this cable station allows you to perform various exercises. The Valor Fitness BD-62 Cable Station lets you target various muscle groups while remaining incredibly compact.

High weight resistance

The machine has 3 pulley systems that provide variety in your workout. A dual system on both sides of the machine offers up to seventeen settings to adjust the tension. Another lower pulley system is suitable for exercising while sitting on the bottom.

An added feature is a pull-up bar, which allows for more types of exercises. It has a sidebar, a row bar, and two single hanging handles. The machine has a resistance of up to 250 lbs, suitable for beginners and more advanced.

Pros

• Heavy-duty steel for strength and durability
• Compact space-saver design
• 17 adjustable positions per side
• Holds standard and Olympic-style plates
• 2 single adjustable hand strap handles included

Cons

• It can be difficult to assemble.

Who is suitable for this cable machine?

The machine has up to 250lb resistance, which is suitable for those starting and those on a more advanced level.

Where you buy this Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mount Cable Station

4. Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym

The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym offers the user an unchanging pulley system design. This means you can complete your workouts without having to realign machine and cable movements. You can switch between exercises and elevate your heart rate for maximum benefits. This home gym offers a full-body workout with over 50 exercises targeting all major muscle groups. You will never need any other exercise equipment after the Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym.

Resistance

The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym uses a bar system to provide resistance to up to 210 lbs. The home gym can be upgraded to 310 lbs of resistance. Most other Bowflex home gyms offer raises to 410 lbs. This level may be enough for you, but it is worth mentioning.

Quick Change System

The quick-change system is a design feature that allows you to switch between exercises without adjusting pulley positions. This allows you to switch between exercises much easier and faster, which some models struggle to do.

Safe and Secure Performance

The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym offers a full range of motion and targets specific muscle groups with light resistance. This means you get well-controlled access to the resistance that feels super secure and under complete control. This means it gives you the confidence to challenge yourself and progress.

Pros

• Versatile for Over 50 exercises
• 210 lbs of power rod resistance
• 4-inch upholstered roller cushions
• Heavy-duty steel construction
• 7-year power rod warranty and 1-year machine warranty

Cons

• Not super affordable
• Lacks a lat pulldown bar

Who is suitable for this cable machine?

This makes it a good machine for those trying to achieve a full-body circuit workout and those looking to isolate specific muscles. In addition, the power bars make it easy and quick to adjust the weight according to one’s abilities.

Where to buy this Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym cable machine?

5. Marcy Smith SM-4008 Cage Machine

The Smith machine uses free weights to give you a challenge instead of power bars or stacks of weights. The Marcy SM-4008 Smith machine is a great option for many reasons. This article is extensive and bulky, but it also includes some benefits you would be hard-pressed to find with other options. Another big plus is that the Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith machine has tons of weight plate storage.

Effortless Assembly

Assembling the Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith machine is not so difficult. All tools and instructions are included in the package. Assembling the parts is quite easy, and the instructions are simple and easy to follow. One thing to say is that the Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith machine is quite large and heavy, so you’ll probably need more than one person to complete the assembly in a reasonable amount of time.

High Cross Pulleys

The Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith machine also includes a barbell for press and squat exercises. It comes with a footrest and a low pulley for rowing exercises. There’s even a chest press station to seat the flies. You can work every muscle in your body using the Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith machine.

Quite safe and Convenient Performance

Another thing we like about the Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith machine is that it is safe and convenient for free weight options. When you press down with the stick, it has safety latches, almost like a built-in locator.

Plus, the sole of the Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine is extra wide and sturdy, so you know it won’t tip over.

Additionally, the cables are high-quality, aircraft-grade steel cables that won’t fray or trip over you.

Pros

• Comes with safety catches
• Comes with a weight bar
• Oversized steel tubing for durability
• Solid steel aircraft quality cables
• Has an adjustable back pad

Cons

• Large footprint
• Need to buy weight plates separately

Who is suitable for this cable machine?

Marcy is not for experienced lifters, but a barbell with a maximum capacity of 300 lbs is proof of that. But for beginners and intermediate users, the Marcy Combo offers excellent value for money. If you can live without linear bearings and don’t mind running your cables every once in a while, the Marcy SM-4008 won’t disappoint.

Where to buy this Marcy Smith SM-4008 cable machine

FAQs Related to the best cable machine for the home gym:

Can you build muscle with cable machines?

A cable machine, also called a coil machine, is a fantastic tool for building muscle. It allows you to challenge your body to hard-to-repeat angles with free weights or conventional machines, and it’s also an extremely safe way to train for failure.

Why Buy Cable Machine Equipment?

Cable reel machines allow you to easily target and isolate muscle groups compared to other strength training equipment. Cables provide consistent tension against muscles that free weight and bodyweight exercises don’t necessarily provide. In addition, cable machines are generally easier to set up and much safer than exercises with free weights. It’s great for bodybuilding beginners as it’s easy to learn and use. They’re also great options for home gyms, as users don’t need a spotter.

Why are cables better than free weights?

Cable machines are easy to use and give you proper technique and form. Intense workouts can be performed by isolating one muscle at a time.  The machines allow you to perform smooth movements with proper form throughout the range of motion. You spend less time adjusting, changing, and lifting weights.

Conclusion on the best cable machine for home gym

Cable machine equipment could be just what you’re looking for to upgrade your home gym. Our picks are budget-friendly options for anyone looking to tone and improve strength.