For people who get in trouble with their significant others for having free weights and weight plates around the home, cable machines can be the ideal solution to maintain that peace.
And while these machines at the gym can be very large and bulky, there are some smaller and more affordable options for use at home. But you have to be careful about the quality of these cable machines.
That’s why our team spent about six weeks testing over 40 different types to come up with this list of best cable machines available.
Our Top Cable Machines for Home Gyms (September 2023)
1 - Rogue SLM-6 Monster Weight Stack Slinger (Editor's Choice)
At the top of our list of best cable machines is this power rack-based system from Rogue.
The reason we picked this is that Rogue has experience in creating commercial-grade equipment and then modifying those to be more affordable for home users.
What stood out the most during our testing is that it has one of the most solid and durable cable systems.
When these systems are not smooth and robust, they can lead to injuries [1].
And for the day that we were using it, we also loved that you could easily set it up for squats and bench presses.
“If you’re not careful, you can pinch your fingers or hands; plus the lever can fall on your hand or head. This has happened to me several times, leaving me with blood blisters and contusions.”
- Christina Jensen, Rumble Boxing Trainer
Quick Facts:
- Type : Full Rack Cable System
- Size : 7’L x 9.75’H
- Weight Limit : 300 lbs
- Extremely durable steel construction with a commercial-grade pulley system
- Functions as a power rack as well for bench press and squat exercises
- Available in different height options to suit your needs
- Extended cable is available to allow you more flexibility to train in front of the rack
- You will have to order grips and handles as an extra
2 - XMark Home Gym Functional Trainer Cable Machine
XMark is a well-known brand in the home gym space, and this is one of those cable machines that wouldn’t look out of place in a commercial gym.
While it will require quite a bit of space, you receive everything you need to start training with your new cable machine.
What we liked the most about this cable crossover machine is that it has dual-weight stacks and a load of grips from triceps rope to a lat-pull-down bar.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Full-Size Cable Pulley Machine
- Size : 65”W x 43.5”L x 83” H
- Weight Limit : 2 x 200 lbs
- Configured with two independent stacks for more training flexibility
- Comes with a great range of grips and handles
- Very durable 12-gauge steel
- The assembly process is a bit complicated and time-consuming
3 - Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown/Low Row
This home gym cable machine from Rogue attaches directly to the full power rack the company makes, and it’s an ideal way to expand your existing home gym setup.
One of my college friends has this at home and bought it because his bodybuilding routine required a heavy weight load. And you can set this one up with a maximum of 300 pounds all on one stack.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Rack-mounted cable system
- Size : 24.5”W x 57”L x 96” H
- Weight Limit : 300 lbs
- Comes with a lat-pull-down seat integrated
- Has one of the largest max weight capacities available
- Very smooth cables for a better workout experience
- You will need the Rogue full-size rack to attach this to
4 - Rogue Spud Inc Cable Pulley Systems
Rogue Fitness has also created what we would classify as the best portable cable machine.
What you receive is a 75-inch-long cable and two pulleys that you attach to a power rack.
You can then add your weight (as a usual plate-loaded cable machine) and start on a great upper-body workout.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Portable cable machine system
- Size : 75” cable length
- Weight Limit : 500 lbs
- Very simple and cheap portable cable system
- Allows you to use your existing weight plates
- Fast and easy installation using power or squat rack frames
- You will need a power rack for one of the cable attachments
5 - Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym
This is probably the most unique home gym cable machine we were able to find. Unlike other cable machines, Bowflex has created a system based on resistance rods.
This makes it a lot more affordable and less bulky.
The cable pulleys are nice and smooth, and it has the added benefit of not being as noisy as most cable machines with weight stacks can be.
Related: Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym 2023 Review
Quick Facts:
- Type : Multi Gym Cable Machine
- Size : 64”L x 41”W x 83”H
- Weight Limit : 210 lbs
- Unique pulley setup based on resistance rods
- Allows you to get set up for over 50 different configurations
- Comes with a leg exercise attachment for a full-body workout
- The weight-equivalent limit for the resistance rods only goes up to 210 pounds
6 - MAXPRO Fitness: Cable Home Gym
This is a truly unique cable home gym machine that you might have seen on Shark Tank.
It’s extremely portable and folds up into a very convenient package that you can store under a bed.
What I loved about it the most was how easy it was to adjust the resistance to very precise levels.
And when you look at the Bluetooth app, you get to see exactly what your progress is.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Portable Pulley Machine
- Size : 19.2”L x 15.7”W x 5.9”H
- Weight Limit : 300 lbs
- Allows for over 150 different resistance exercises
- The cable is 9 feet long to give you great flexibility for training
- Bluetooth-connected portable machine to keep track of training data
- Additional bench and grips can work out quite expensive
7 - GDLF Lat Pulldown Cable Machine
Here is another simple and compact home gym cable system from GDLF.
While it’s mainly designed for lat pulldowns, it’s quite easy to adjust it for other cable exercises, including seated rows.
The included lat pulldown bar allows for both a wide and closed grip exercise that can significantly promote better posture [2].
Quick Facts:
- Type : Lat Pulldown Pulley Machine
- Size : 59”L x 26”W x 77”H
- Weight Limit : 350 lbs
- Simple frame design for lat pulldowns and cable rows
- Easy to set up and assemble without the help of a second person
- Great adjustments to the seat for taller athletes
- You’ll need to invest in weight plates if you don’t already have some
8 - TRENDBOX Pulley System
Here is one of the best home gym pulley systems for the money while being compact enough to save you a load of space.
The company Trendbox has created a simple system that mounts to a wall, and then you simply attach some Olympic plates to the included pin.
This compact cable machine also includes a few bars and ropes that give you lots of different exercise routines to get started with.
During our testing, we came up with dozens of different workouts that only took a few seconds to set up.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Wall-mounted cable pulley machine
- Size : 18.31”L x 9.09”H x 5”W
- Weight Limit : 160 lbs
- Comes with a great range of grips, including tricep rope and lat pull bar
- Attaches to your wall at a height that suits you best
- Cheap and space-saving design is also ideal for outdoor setup
- The weight limit will be a bit low for many athletes
9 - SERTT Home Gym Cable System
Here is another highly affordable at-home pulley system that will easily attach to an existing rack or other solid workout equipment frame.
SERTT has also created it in a way that allows attachment to a ceiling beam, but you’ll need some extra hardware for that.
What’s impressive is that you can lift up to 330 pounds with such a cheap piece of equipment. Definitely worth a try if you have a tight budget.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Rack-mounted cable pulley
- Size : 2 x 70” cables
- Weight Limit : 330 lbs
- Very cheap cable setup allows attachments to all types of racks and steel frames
- Comes with great handles and ropes for a wide range of exercises
- Has a good weight limit for such a cheap option
- You’ll need extra parts to attach this to a ceiling beam
10 - Mikolo LAT and Lift
And the final product on our best cable machine list is this one from Mikolo. I was very surprised at how easy it is to set up and attach to a rack frame.
I also liked that the whole system runs very smoothly with almost no noise, which is always a good indication of quality design.
The only thing I wish the company had done is adding some more, and better quality handles.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Rack-mounted pulley machine
- Size : 2 x 78” cables
- Weight Limit : 330 lbs
- Easy to set up by attaching to solid exercise equipment frames
- Has very smooth cables that doesn’t make much noise
- Comes with multiple cables to set up for different types of exercises
- It doesn’t have the best selection of handles and grips
Buyer’s Guide
Let me now give you a few things to consider before making a final decision.
Who Should Invest In A Cable Machine For Home Use?
People who want to maximize strength training flexibility outside a commercial gym should consider investing in a fitness cable machine.
Cable exercises are an excellent way to target individual muscles and entire muscle groups.
And with the ability to do compound exercises at home, you can trigger much more efficient muscle growth [3].
“The biggest benefit of compound exercises may be that they are an efficient use of your time. If you only have a limited amount of time to exercise, you’ll work more muscles and build more strength by focusing on compound exercises.”
- Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT
And if you find one that also has a pull-up bar on the frame, you can give yourself even more options for working out.
Check The Maximum Weight Capacity
This is a vital feature to check on every cable crossover machine.
If you’re strong enough to be pulling or pushing over 250 pounds in a workout, then a cable machine with a 200-pound weight limit won’t be enough.
Even a wall-mounted pulley system that allows you to use your own Olympic plates to a weight pin will have a limit.
One thing I have found is that those systems that attach to a power rack that you use with weight plates can sometimes have the highest limits.
Other home gym equipment we've reviewed:
Look For Multiple Handles
One of the ways that you can completely change the muscle you impact with a cable machine workout is with the positions of your hands on the handles and ropes.
A wide straight bar will be great for lat pulldowns, while a rope will work wonders for your triceps.
The other thing to check with the full-size machines is whether they have a pull-up bar.
This will give you even more flexibility with your workouts.
Measure Out The Dimensions
And finally, check how much space you have for a cable machine, and then allow yourself some room around the machine to do your exercises without bumping into things.
If you’re very limited with available space, then consider a wall-mounted cable machine or one that you can attach to a half rack.
Those tend to work best for small garage gyms while still giving you plenty of workout options.
FAQs
Is An At Home Cable Machine Worth It?
Yes, a cable machine is definitely worth it for a home gym. While these full-size pieces of equipment can be expensive, we’ve listed a good few cheaper options that you can mount on a wall or rack frame.
Which Brand Is Best For Cable Machines Equipment?
Rogue Fitness is the best brand for cable machines. The company has a lot of experience with commercial-grade machines and has been able to bring that level of quality to equipment for home gyms.
Which Cable Machine Should You Choose?
Out of all the best home gym cable machines we tested, the one we all agreed on as the most effective and durable is the Rogue SLM-6 Monster.
It’s a versatile piece of home gym equipment that will allow you to pile on the weight loads while still having a very smooth mechanism.
I’ve even seen these in a few commercial gyms, which says a lot about how durable and effective they can be.
Order yours today and see how much it can transform your gym.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue SLM-6 Monster Weight Stack Slinger
- Extremely durable steel construction with a commercial-grade pulley system
- Functions as a power rack as well for bench press and squat exercises
- Available in different height options to suit your needs
- Extended cable is available to allow you more flexibility to train in front of the rack
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- You will have to order grips and handles as an extra
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