5 Best Functional Trainers: Compare & Save

1. 1. EDTIOR’S CHOICE: Force USA G6 All-In-One Trainer

   

   Price: $3,999.99

   Shop now at Force USA
   Pros:

   • Safe and efficient pin-loaded weight stacks
   • Built-in storage for Olympic and standard barbells
   • Combines nine strength training machines into one

   Cons:

   • Assembly can be tedious
   • Lacks a counter balanced Smith machine
   • Doesn't include a weight bench

   Force USA offers several high-quality G-Series All-in-One trainers. Our top pick is the G6 functional trainer that offers over 150 exercises in one convenient station for your home gym.

   Whether you’re working with lighter weights or want to push your limits, the machine has a weight rating of 992 pounds, just like every other G-Series trainer. The G6 has 442-pound integrated weight stacks and a 2-to-1 pulley ratio for maximum performance.

   With 17 included attachments, you won’t feel like you’re missing out by opting to work out at home. This all-in-one machine features a leg press, dip handles, chip-up station, lat pull-down, core trainer, low row and more. It also has band pegs for increased resistance during squats and bench presses.

   It’s easy to keep your home gym neat and tidy with multiple storage options. You’ll find three hooks on each side to store extra weight. There’s also room for standard and Olympic barbells. If you’re still short on space, flip the included exercise chart around for additional storage.

   Although it looks monstrous, the G6 offers a surprisingly compact footprint. This trainer stands 91″ high x 72″ wide x 63″ deep.

   Find more Force USA G6 All-In-One Trainer information and reviews here.

2. 2. RUNNER UP: Titan Fitness All-in-One Functional Trainer

   

   Price: $2,119.99

   Shop now at Titan Fitness
   Pros:

   • Weight stack offers up to 200 pounds on each side
   • Freely adjust the pulley position
   • Handle height can be adjusted in 20 different positions

   Cons:

   • Assembly required
   • Not very compact
   • Can take awhile to ship

   Enjoy uninterrupted workouts on the Titan Fitness All-in-One Functional Trainer, which packs just about everything you need into a compact package for your home gym. The included weight stack offers 10 to 200 pounds per side for unlimited gains.

   Large home gym equipment can be expensive, so you want to make sure yours will last. Titan Fitness built this functional trainer using durable steel to ensure it can handle heavy, repeated use. It also has a wide and stable base that won’t tip or sway as you’re testing your limits. A 2:1 pulley ratio offers plenty of resistance and adequate travel for uninterrupted movements.

   Whether you’re aiming for a PR or you’re simply trying to stay in shape, you’ll find countless features to build muscle and confidence. For example, the pulley handle adjusts to 20 unique vertical positions. This functional trainer also comes with accessories such as long and short bar handles, a rope handle, single and double D handles and dual short strap handles.

   Size matters when it comes to choosing the appropriate equipment for your home gym. This Titan Fitness functional trainer measures 82″H x 64″W x 44″ deep. The long bar measures 49 inches and the short bar measures 15.5 inches.

   The options are seemingly endless with this functional trainer, as you can perform low rows and pull-downs, squats, step-ups, lunges and more.

   Buy the Titan Fitness All-in-One Functional Trainer here.

3. 3. REP FITNESS FT-3000 Victory Functional Trainer

   

   Price: $2,399.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Fiberglass-reinforced pulleys eliminate jerky movements
   • Two 180-pound weight stacks with a 2:1 ratio
   • 15 unique cable positions

   Cons:

   • Complex installation
   • Initial break-in period
   • Can feel a little short if you're 6'2" or taller

   If you’re looking for a commercial-quality functional trainer that’s compact enough for a small home gym or studio, look no further than the REP FITNESS FT-3000 Victory Functional Trainer. Measuring 78″H x 53″W x 34″D when fully assembled, it only takes up around twice as much floor space as an interactive workout mirror.

   You can complement an existing gym membership or ditch it and enjoy workouts on your own time at home. Every inch of this Rep Fitness trainer is utilized to maximize your workouts. For example, you’ll find pegs on the back panel to hang extra attachments. There are plenty of grip options on the pullup bar to accommodate various movements. An exercise guide is included, so you can start right away.

   Featuring two 180-pound weight stacks with a 2:1 ratio, there’s ample weight for a full-body workout. Whether you’re working on bicep curls, lat pulldowns, squat variations, or other movements, smooth cables with fiberglass-reinforced pulleys eliminate jerky movements.

   Another reason why we recommend the REP FITNESS FT-3000 is that it’s suitable for the whole family. You can isolate and target different muscle groups for a full-body workout with 15 unique cable positions. Users 5’3″ and up can comfortably perform standing cable curls. This machine has a maximum effective load of 90 pounds per side and has 81-inch cable travel to complete most exercises, even if you’re an experienced lifter.

   Buying such an expensive piece of exercise equipment can be stressful, but this trainer comes with a generous warranty. The frame has a limited lifetime warranty. Hardware, pulleys, pop pins and cables are covered by a 10-year warranty.

   Buy the REP FITNESS FT-3000 Victory Functional Trainer here.

4. 4. XMark Functional Trainer

   

   Price: $2,389.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

   Shop at Amazon
   Pros:

   • Quick-adjust pulleys with 19 settings
   • Comes with several different accessories
   • Split-grip bar for pull-ups and chin-ups

   Cons:

   • Not recommended for dips
   • No room for an Olympic bar
   • Weight bench sold separately

   The XMark Functional Trainer is designed for the whole family, as it’s highly adjustable for virtually any height. The trainer has quick-adjust pulleys with 19 settings, with 3.5-inch spaces between. You’ll find dual 200-pound weight stacks along with a commercial-grade pull-up rig and pulley system.

   Several accessories are included, such as a short and long bar, leg extension curl, ankle strap, hand straps and a tricep rope. A workout poster to give you some extra guidance during workouts. You can use the split-grip pull-up bar for chin-ups and pull-ups.

   You can use a weight bench with this trainer, although you’ll need to purchase the bench separately.

   Find more XMark Functional Trainer information and reviews here.

5. 5. FreeMotion Dual Cable EXT Crossover

   

   Price: $3,699.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

   Shop at Amazon
   Pros:

   • Enclosed weight stacks
   • Can be used by two people at once
   • Arms rotate to accommodate most movements

   Cons:

   • Some complaints of cables sticking
   • Doesn't come with a workout bench
   • Not the easiest to assemble

   Upgrade your fitness routine with the FreeMotion EXT Dual Cable Crossover, which stands out for its ability to withstand frequent, heavy use. This piece of home gym equipment is made with heavy-gauge steel tubing and can support up to 315 pounds. It’s also powder-coated for peace of mind.

   Instead of trying to decide whether to work your arms or legs, you can easily do both with this machine. The FreeMotion system is uniquely designed to maximize your activity range and give you plenty of room to complete your favorite moves. Even the arms are specifically designed to rotate in nearly any way to accommodate most movements.

   Not only are the enclosed weight stacks safer, this setup can help minimize noise. An included ankle cuff makes leg workouts that much more comfortable. This machine has two weight stacks, each of which weighs 210 pounds so that two people can use the machine at the same time.

   Find more FreeMotion Dual Cable EXT Crossover information and reviews here.

Which Functional Trainer Is Best for Home Use?

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggest at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, including at least two days of muscle-strengthening activity, any functional trainer that gets you motivated and moving is a worthwhile investment.

As with most other home gym equipment, some features can make one functional trainer more appealing than the next. For example, if you want to do some serious weightlifting, consider a trainer with a larger weight stack or dual weight stacks. We recommend the Body-Solid Powerline PFT100, which includes two 160-pound weight stacks and can be upgraded, and the Powertec Functional Trainer, which has a maximum load capacity of 1,000 pounds.

Some functional trainers also double as a smith or cable crossover machine. These hybrid machines are generally more expensive, but can't be beaten when it comes to full-body workouts. If a hybrid personal trainer is more your style, check out the Force USA Monster G3 or the Inspire Fitness FT2.

Regardless of which best functional trainer is right for you, there are certain things you can do to get the most out of each workout. For example, this Self.com article recommends foam rolling before a workout to loosen up and enjoy a greater range of motion.

If you don't yet own a foam roller, check out our best foam rollers for fitness or the best vibrating foam roller for a more massage-like experience.

What's the Difference Between a Functional Trainer and a Crossover Cable Machine?

Cable crossovers and functional trainers have a lot in common, but there are some notable differences. For example, you can do presses with a functional trainer, but not with a cable crossover. While cable crossovers generally provide more space to perform your favorite movements, they tend to require more space. A functional trainer with a smaller footprint can be a better option for your home gym.

Working out using a functional trainer doesn't mean that you won't be able to do cable crossovers, either. If you plan on doing these types of workouts regularly, though, you'll probably want a larger trainer for an adequate range of motion.

The XMark Functional Trainer doubles as a crossover machine, as does the Rep Fitness FT-5000.

How about a Functional Trainer and a Smith Machine?

When used on its own, a Smith machine can feel a lot more restrictive than a functional trainer. That's because you're lifting a barbell that's attached to steel rails and can't perform anything other than straight up and down movements.

A Smith machine nestled into a functional trainer gives you that extra advantage of getting in some serious weight lifting time as well as full-body workouts.

The Inspire Fitness FT2 and Force USA Monster G3 both have Smith stations.