So you’ve finally decided to start building your home gym or looking to upgrade your equipment. Normally we would turn to free weights like better dumbbells and bars. But by adding a proper cable machine to your arsenal, you’ll be able to diversify your exercises with more control while targeting various muscle groups in a safe and versatile way.
Cable Machines are great in resistance training making it an essential tool in stabilizing the muscles when training for powerlifting. While it may cost a bit more than a stack of free weights, cable machines are built to last and can take your home exercise to a whole new level.
I am always a fan of multitasking and versatile equipment that provides a full range of exercises, with a great size to fit a modest space, and weight capacity for my heavyweight training. I strongly recommend the Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Functional Trainer as it is modest in size but extremely versatile from heavyweight training to cross-over flexibility at a decent price.
Best Compact Cable Machines at a Glance
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Functional Trainer
“This comprehensive multi-directional cable system offers a pack of exercises in one space.It’s tough steel construction comes with 9 ¼ Olympic plate sleeves and versatile pulley options for rows, lats, and pulldowns, and even for deadlifts and squats. And the price is just hard to beat.”
Runner-Up: Valor Fitness BD-61 Cable Crossover Station
“This heavy-duty crossover cable machine allows for versatile training, and with dual pulleys adjustable to 16 different tension settings and comes with a pull-up bar and multiple grips unlike its older BD62 version. ”
Best For Light Commercial Use: IRON COMPANY BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer Home Gym
“Space saving dimension of 56” W x 8” D x 82” H and features a 180 degree-swivel and 31 height positions to customize your work-out station. All cables are nylon covered and aircraft rated to sustain up to 2000 lb of tensile load.”
Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Functional Trainer – Best Overall
What we like
- Affordable
- Smooth cable pulleys without dragging
- High-quality steel construction in sleek silver and black finish and a max load of 390 lbs.
- Multiple attachments for for a versatile station including the multi-grip pull-up bars
- Quick-adjust pull pins for over 1,000 positions
- Rubber feet for floor protection and with 6 accessory hooks for storage
What we don’t like
- Not all handle adjustments are numbered
- Limited 1-year warranty
Undeniably, compared to some of the most highly-rated cable machines of the same caliber, the Titan Fitness Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer stands out for many reasons. Primarily, the price is just hard to beat. It breaks the status quo that the higher the price tag is, the better the machine. It’s one of the most versatile and dynamic pulley stations that covers several compound exercises like pulldowns, flyes, and even on more challenging workouts like deadlifts and squats while being budget oriented.
Equipped with 200 lbs. Fully enclosed weight stacks, 7 functional attachments, aluminum pulleys, and height adjustment, this makes for an all-in-one station that allows you to cover a full-body exercise without jumping from one corner to another.
The pulleys play the starring role. It operates smoothly with its fiberglass reinforcement without catching on sticking points and delvers an absolutely no-drag operation even on maximum weight. It operates in a two-to-one ratio that equals to a maximum of 100-lb maximum weight per stack and are convenient in 10-lb incremental changes. The multigrip pull-up bar also adds to its excellent versatility. You can definitely pull-up an explosive workout program that’s highly interactive and without any disturbance.
Valor Fitness BD-61 Cable Crossover – Runner-Up
What we like
- With pull-up bars and low-row pulley
- Handles have knurled rubber grips that ensure a comfortable grip
- Dual pulley has 16 adjustable settings to set the perfect tension
- Floor bolting provisions for maximum stability
What we don’t like
- Pulley weights must always be even
- Extra weights might be redundant if you already have plates at home
- A bit challenging to assemble
Unlike other plate-loaded cable machines in the market, the BD- 61 has made a name for itself because of its heavy-duty design and adjustability.
This cable machine for home weighs 62 lb and has a dimension of 18 * 7 * 7 inches. When you buy this cable machine, it will have a three-year frame warranty and a one-year warranty for the cable.
One thing that we liked about this machine, is that it is made from heavy-duty steel, making it ideal for use in a light commercial gym.
It also has rubber base cups that increase the stability and safety of the equipment. The rubber base cups also protected the gym floor from scratches and damage.
One feature worth mentioning is that this machine has 16 adjustable positions making it suitable for use by people of different heights sizes.
Valor Fitness BD-61 features a double bar track that increases stability, and at the same time ensures a smooth motion while one is exercising. Very versatile training equipment as it comes with several attachments such as a lat pulldown bar, a row bar, a cable crossover, and two single strap handles for a whole body workout.
When using this equipment, keep in mind that it has a maximum weight load of 250 lb. It is also important to know that the resistance ratio is 1:1. This means, if the weight is 75lb, then the resistance felt will be 75lb.
We only wish the pulleys are made of metal with ball earrings, but nevertheless, it gets the job done really well. With a height of 80”, taller users might find the pull-up bar to be a bit low. Overall, it’s a fantastic addition to your home gym, and at a great price, you’ll definitely get more for your investment.
BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer – Best for Light Commercial Use
What we like
- Comes with 2 weight stacks that can be upgraded to 200 lbs.
- 31 height positions and 180-degree swivel for flexible training at any angle and height
- It comes with several accessories
- Space-saving dimensions of 56″Wx8″Dx82″ to fit on your gym corner
- Comprehensive 10-year warranty on frame and 2 years on parts
What we don’t like
- It does not come cheap
- 150 lbs. weight stacks may be too light
If you are looking for a tough and long-lasting cable machine that is suitable for light commercial use, then we advocate for the Iron company BodyCraft HFT trainer.
Space-saving dimension of 56” W x 8” D x 82” H and features a 180 degree-swivel and 31 height positions to customize your workout station. We think, for a heavy-duty, fully accessory trainer, it’s modest enough to be placed on your gym corner.
The oval steel tube frame with chrome accents makes this functional trainer shine compared to most other functional trainers.
This plate-loaded cable machine has a textured black and platinum grey finish that is electromagnetically applied on an Iron Bodycraft HFT trainer. This ensures that the coating is evenly applied to the cable machine.
When buying these cable machines, you will have to decide whether to get the small HFT with 150lb stacks or the HFT with 200 Lb stacks.
Generous with 8 useful accessories: exercise book, an ankle strap, a long bar, a short back, 2 chains, an assisted pull-up/ push-up strap, and a grip chin-up bar. These should be pretty much everything you need to get rolling.
All cables are nylon-covered and aircraft rated to sustain up to 2000 lb of tensile load. We like that these cable machines have 31 height-adjustable positions with a dual independent adjustable cable column pulley that can rotate 180 degrees. This makes it possible for the user to train from any angle.
Also, Because it is a dual independent adjustable cable pulley system, it means that two people can use the equipment at the same time.
The cables are nylon coated and have an aircraft cable rating of 2,000 lbs. The cables are used on a 3.5-inch diameter fiberglass pulley. The pulley runs on smooth ball bearings that give it a smooth glide.
It is important to note that this cable machine has dual weight stacks of 150 lbs with a resistance ratio of 2:1, and the weight stacks can be upgraded to 200 lbs.
XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine – Best Splurge
What we like
- Space-saving design
- Has a pull-up bar and a 200-lbs. weight stack
- Includes several accessories such as an ankle strap and tricep ropes
- Durable, scratch and corrosion resistant frame
What we don’t like
- Pricey at more than $2,600
- Takes time to assemble
XMark home gym cable machines are one of the most trusted brands because of their quality and reliability. It has a dimension of 35.5 x 71 * 84 inches.
The XMark cable machine has an average weight of 247 pounds. The company has confidence in their products, to the extent that they provide a lifetime frame warranty. In addition, they also offer a one-year warranty on moving parts and hardware.
These Cable machines are versatile because one can easily adjust the height. This means that they can be used by people of all sizes ranging from tall to short and young to old.
With these home gym cable machines, you are assured of unlimited training possibilities. It has dual weight stacks with a maximum weight capacity of 200 lb. The stack to weight ratio of this home gym equipment is 2:1.
Some of the accessories that come with this cable machine include:
- 17-inch long strap
- 8 inch short straps
- A 23” tricep rope
- 10 lbs plate weights
- Dual 200lbs stacks
It also has an adjustable pulley system with 19 setting levels. The 19 levels are spaced 3.5 inches apart with settings ranging from 1 – 6.6”.
Another thing that we like about these cable machines is that they are designed to save on space. For example, the unit will extend 52 inches from the corner when placed in a corner.
One unique feature of this machine is its split grip pull-up bar. The pull-up bar can facilitate various exercises such as chin-ups and pull-ups.
It is important to note that this cable machine can also be used for light commercial purposes because of its heavy-duty 11 gauge 2” x 3” steel frame construction. The steel frame causes this equipment to be strong and sturdy. If you have the budget to splurge, this is a handsome piece with better features than the BodyCraft HFT with lesser resistance.
Body-Solid Powerline PCCO90X Cable Crossover – Best Crossover Machine
What we like
- The design allows for versatile crossover exercises
- High weight capacity of up to 250 lbs.
- Accepts both standard and olympic weight plates
- 180-degree movements and with quiet operation
What we don’t like
- Does not come with basic features such as chin up handles and weight stacks
- Non-adjustable cables
This Body-Solid Powerline offering is one of the most versatile cable crossover machines that we reviewed. With a tall and extra-wide mainframe that gives you easy access to an endless array of low and high virtual pulley exercises, this is a suitable machine when you aim to exercise every muscle in your body.
The PCC090X Powerline has a dimension of 112 * 39 * 82 inches and weighs around 108 pounds. There are a few things about this machine worth talking about. One of them is that it has a patented nylon bushing technology.
The patented nylon bushing technology has 8 sealed ball bearings that make it comfortable to use because of its smooth movements.
Another feature worth talking about is the sturdy construction that makes it strong enough to accommodate an athlete while he/ she does high or low pulley exercises. Basically, with this machine, you can target a wide range of muscle groups such as the pectoral muscle, abs, and triceps.
Another feature that makes this cable machine suitable for targeting a wide range of muscle groups is that the pulley system can swivel 180 degrees.
This makes it possible for the user to perform exercises such as ab crunches, chest cross-over exercises, chops, and triceps extension.
Another thing that we liked about this pulley system, is that when used as a low pulley, the athlete can perform exercises such as hip abduction, squats, lateral raises, and standing bicep curls.
With a 10-year warranty on frames and a year of warranty on parts, this makes a significant investment, especially when you will be using it for personal use.
Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mount Cable Station – Best Wall-Mounted Cable Machine
What we like
- Great for small work-out spaces
- 17 adjustment positions for the mobile pulley assembly with mobile pulley housings that can swivel 180°on their vertical axis.
- Smooth workout with double bar track
- Strong and sturdy 12- gauge steel frame, durable cables and pulleys and can support up to 250 lbs.
What we don’t like
- It is difficult to assemble because the instruction manuals are not easy to follow
- Olympic plate adaptors and short row bar are not included
BD62 is one of the best wall-mounted cable machines on this roundup. It can be attached to a wall from the bottom and top parts using two high-grade screws.
The BD-62 model is suitable for home gyms because of its space-saving design that measures 25 * 24.5 x 80”. At 80 cm tall, it has a maximum weight capacity of 250 lb. It can be used for high-intensity workouts because it is constructed using a 12- gauge solid steel frame that makes it strong and sturdy.
If you buy this Valor fitness BD-62 model, it will come with a three-year frame warranty, while the cable will have a valid warranty of 12 months.
One thing that we liked about this cable machine is that it has dual pulley systems with 16 adjustment positions. The adjustment positions make it possible for the user to perform a wide range of unilateral and bilateral exercises.
Some of the exercises you can do using the BD-62 wall mount machine are; squats, ab crunches, lunges, bicep curls, reverse flyes, chest presses, and pull-through exercises.
It features a double bar truck that provides stability and makes it possible for the load carriage system to glide along the tracks smoothly.
The pulleys are designed so that they can swivel depending on the direction you would like to exercise. This is advantageous because you can be more creative based on how you would like to exercise.
When you buy this cable machine, it will come with accessories such as two single strap handles with five adjustable levels.
It also has a cable attachment bundle made of knarled rubber grips. The rubber grips are advantageous because they ensure a non-slip surface which improves safety.
The BD-62 model can hold standard or Olympic plates. To better secure the Olympic plates in place, you can decide to use the X-10 Olympic adaptor sleeve that is provided as an accessory.
Although we wish that some accessories like the Olympic plates, ankle cuffs, and the short row bars are included, overall, the BD-62 is versatile enough and with great build and construction, and finally, gives you the value for its price.
ARCHON Wall Mount Cable Crossover – Best Wall-Mounted Cable for Commercial Use
What we like
- Has two separate commercial-grade pulley machines
- Allows for a 180 degree swivel per pulley
- Simpler vertical mounting that won’t require cross beams
- 19 vertical positions for unilateral and bilateral upper and lower body training
What we don’t like
- Attachments and weights must be purchased separately
- The assembly instructions are not easy to follow for first time users
The Archon Wall Mount Cable machine features commercial-grade construction and can be vertically mounted on a wall vertically without any need for additional crossbeams.
It also has a floor mount option which we believe was very thoughtful of the product engineers.
The Archon wall mount cable machine has four linear ball bearings per plate carriage. The four linear ball bearings are purposely installed in the product to reduce friction as you exercise.
This cable machine has 180-degree swivel pulleys. The 180-degree swivel pulleys make it possible for the user to exercise on multiple vertical positions with relative ease.
This machine also comes with a home gym set that includes two commercial handles. The weight plate rack will hold 1” Olympic plates or 2 “ Olympic plates.
Another feature that we liked about this wall mount cable machine is that it can mount on the wall separately so you can customize the width according to your available space. In addition, it can easily mount on wooden and concrete walls.
We also liked the fact that, unlike other plate-loaded cable machines, Archon can accommodate a maximum load of 250 lbs per carriage.
If you are operating a commercial gym you will not have to worry about user capacity because each cable machine can support two people at a time. In addition, each side has 19 adjustable positions for you to customize accordingly.
Another feature worth mentioning is that this cable machine has two commercial handles which are attached to the dual swivel pulleys.
Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer Cable Machine – Best Budget
What we like
- Dual 160 lbs. weight stacks
- 2 fully adjustable pulleys and with pull-up bar included
- It has an integrated accessory bar for storage
- It has a chin up bar for exercises such as leg raises and knee ups
- Great price with a 10-year frame warranty
What we don’t like
- With only 1 set of handles and no extra attachments
- Takes time to assemble
This home gym machine is one of the best functional home gyms on this roundup that makes a true solid purchase for its affordable price.
The Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 has a dimension of 42 * 63 * 83”. These cable machines are not easy to carry because they weigh around 476 lbs.
When we reviewed this cable machine, It took us around 3 hours to assemble it. Although the instructions are well detailed, we found it a bit complicated to follow, especially for first-time users.
The manufacturer offers a 10-year frame warranty and a 12-month warranty on parts.
One thing that we liked about this model, is that it has two independent Towers that are connected together using a straight pull-up bar.
The pull-up bar is important because it enables the user to perform pull-up exercises. Each tower is fitted with a 160 lb weight stack and the good thing about this is that each tower can be used independently of the other.
One thing that we liked about these pulleys, is that they give you a mechanical advantage. This is because, if the weight stacks are 160 lb, the resistance ratio will be 80 lb.
If you think that the resistance is not enough, you can upgrade the weight stacks to 210 lbs. However, to do this, you will have to purchase an additional weight stack.
An important feature that you need to know is that the pulley can adjust vertically and swivel 180 degrees. This means that you can freely do your exercises at any angle without hindrance.
Unlike other cable machines on this list, PFT100 only has one main attachment of an adjustable nylon handle. Other functional attachments like a bench have to be purchased separately.
All in all, this cable machine is ideal for low and high cable crossover exercises. It can be used to perform a wide range of exercises such as a bicep curl, triceps extension, glute kickback exercises, trunk twists, and delta races. With two weight stacks and a variety of exercises, we think this machine is a great budget functional trainer that actually gets the job done.
Best Fitness by Body-Solid BFFT10R Functional Trainer – Best for Beginners
What we like
- Has a small footprint hence suitable for use in a local gym
- Straightforward design with easy to follow instruction manual
- Can be adjusted with more weight with minor configuration
- Affordable with a 3-year frame warranty
What we don’t like
- May not be suitable for heavyweight training
- Cable is a bit short
- Limited attachments included
The Body-Solid BFFT10R is a functional cable machine with a sturdy frame and a dimension of 50 * 61 * 84” and makes a solid alternative to the more expensive Body-Solid PFFT100. It features a singular 195 lbs. weight stack while still offering dual adjustable pulley handles.
The machine weighs 309 lb. When you buy this functional trainer it is expected to have a three-year frame warranty and a 1-year warranty on parts.
When reviewing this plate-loaded cable machine, we realized that it was easy to adjust the columns making it easy for the user to transition from one exercise to the other.
It is also important to note that the pulley system is designed to swivel 180 degrees. This means that a user can exercise from different directions or angles.
The pulley system is also designed with 19 vertical pulley adjustment levels. These levels enable the user to target different muscle groups in the body depending on the exercise they are doing.
Another thing that we liked about these cable machines is that they have an integrated straight chin-up bar. The bar can be used to perform exercises such as chin-ups and knee raises. Consider this machine if you are leaning towards a more affordable trainer with a lighter weight and smaller footprint which makes it great for beginners on a budget.
FreeMotion Dual Cable EXT Crossover – Best Versatility
What we like
- It has an innovative 3 to 1 cable ratio that makes high speed exercises more enjoyable
- Lifetime frame warranty and 10 years on parts and 1 year for cables and labor
- Has built in weight stacks and free motion arm design
- Very sturdy construction and compact footprint
What we don’t like
- A relatively expensive cable machine
- Challenging assembly
The FreeMotion dual cable is state-of-the-art strength training equipment constructed from 7 and 11 gauge steel tubes.
It has a dimension of 60 x 130 x 84 inches. This home gym equipment is not easy to move around because it weighs around 420 kgs.
It has a weight capacity of 159 kg. It is also important to note that when you buy this plate-loaded machine, the manufacturer will offer a lifetime frame warranty.
The manufacturer will also offer a 10-year warranty on parts and a 12-month warranty on cables and labor. Apart from the frame and cable warranty, you will also get a 90-day warranty on grips and accessories.
This is because it is designed with premium features that ensure safety and enable the user to do a wide range of exercises without any limitation.
Another thing that we liked about this cable machine is that each pulley can rotate vertically or horizontally. The pulleys also have 12 vertical and 9 horizontal settings.
It is also important to know that each weight stack is independent of the other. This means that two people can use the machine at the same time.
When reviewing this equipment, we realized that it has an innovative 3 to -1 cable ratio making the resistance feel smooth when performing high-speed movements.
ER KANG Olympic Power Cage – Best Multifunctional Power Cage
What we like
- Great weight capacity of 1000lbs
- Comes with several attachments for a streamlined resistance training
- It targets both the upper body and lower body during exercises
- Can be upgraded with additional add-ons
What we don’t like
- A bit expensive
- Weight plates have to be purchased separately
Not the most compact on the list, but the Er Kang Olympic Power Cage is a solid all-in-one station that lets you do more than 15 exercises and heavyweight training. It features a moderate dimension of 82.7 * 57.8 * 47.6 inches.
This cable crossover machine weighs around 267 pounds. One thing that we like about this home gym machine is its functionality and versatility.
The machine has several features worth mentioning such as the seated row footboard, a barbell holder, a safety pipe, a T bar, and a pull-up bar. Some of the attachments that come with these cable crossover machines include a landmine attachment, t-bar, a cable bar, J hooks, two grip dip bars, and cable handles.
The machine can facilitate several types of exercises such as wide and narrow lat pulldown exercises, seated cable row exercises, bench press, and squats. It also has a weight plate holder that can hold standard weight plates and Olympic weight plates. Additional barbells can be purchased separately.
This machine is made from an 80 mm x 40 mm commercial Steel Square tube making it durable for commercial use and will last you years of heavy usage.
It also has aircraft quality cables coated with Steel, which ensures a smooth operation when using the equipment.
Another critical thing to know is that this equipment will require two people to assemble. Though it comes with an instruction manual, we found it challenging to assemble.
When you buy this plate-loaded machine, expect it to come in three packages. This is to prevent some components from missing during delivery, as this can negatively affect the user experience. Consider Er Kang Olympic Power Cage if you are looking to build your multifunctional work-out station in one equipment.
Final Verdict
Whether you build your home gym in the basement or your garage, it is always smart to acquire pieces that not only perform best but work best for your space too regardless of your fitness goals. Same principle applies to cable machines since it allows for versatile exercises making it a great addition to your fitness arsenal while keeping your workout space comfortable and has room for movements.
In this roundup, we swear by the Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Functional Trainer. Beyond just being reasonably priced, they have stepped-up their functionality game by adding up several useful attachments such as the multigrip bar with ergonomic handles, and the cable pulley system performs fluidly. It is absent of any unwanted noise on high and low weight pulleys and the 2-to-1 resistance ratio is decent. It’s a crossover cable machine with a modest dimension and allows for a wide range of versatile exercises without compromising your space.
Buying Guide
How to Choose the Best Cable Machine
A great cable crossover machine should meet your individual needs. There are hundreds of plate-loaded machines in the market, and it can be confusing to choose the best one, especially if you are a first-time user.
So how do you choose the best cable machine?
Consider your floor space
Before you buy a plate-loaded home gym machine, you need first to know the amount of floor space you have. Find a cable machine that will not use too much space if you have limited space.
If you do not have enough space, you should consider a piece of wall-mounted gym equipment. This is assuming that you have enough ceiling space compared to the width of your room.
Consider the Resistance Ratio
Most people do not know that the reduction ratio notifies them of the amount of weight they are lifting. For example, let us assume that the power rack you are buying has a reduction ratio of 2:1.
This means that if the weight stack on the cable machine is 200 lbs, then the ratio of the amount of resistance that you will feel is 100 lbs.
An example of such a machine is the xMark body solid functional trainer. It has a dual weight stack with a weight capacity of 200lbs. The reduction ratio is 2:1, meaning the resistance felt will equal 100lbs.
Consider the Accessories
The best cable machines in the market should have plenty of accessories that add value to your exercise program. Some of the accessories you may consider include an adjustable bench, Olympic size plates, single grip handles, and a pull-up bar for pull-up exercises.
It is essential to also consider the number of pulleys because of the more the pulleys, the smoother the motion. At the same time, keep in mind that the more Pulleys the machine has, the more expensive it will likely cost.
Consider Your Budget
Another factor that you need to consider is your budget. This is not to say that more expensive machines are better. However, costly machines tend to have more features and are also made of high-quality steel tubes.
If you are looking for one of the best cable machines that are affordable, ask yourself what your goals are and if the device has the required features to help you achieve those goals.
Another factor that you need to consider is the cable machine attachments and whether or not they will add value to your exercise program.