The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2024 | GQ

Oct 30, 2024

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Building a home gym isn’t exactly like Field of Dreams: If you build it, you still have to work your ass off for the muscles to come.

That being said, investing in the best home gym equipment has plenty of upside. “There is some research showing that the environment in your home is linked with your activity levels,” says personal trainer and author Ben Carpenter. Makes sense—after all, if your space is decked out with a state-of-the-art rowing machine or a set of adjustable weights, you have a convenient (and health-conscious) alternative to doomscrolling on your phone.

By pairing your goals with the best home gym equipment, you can achieve plenty of sweaty workouts from the comfort of your basement, garage, backyard, or living room. From cardio and free weights to essential accessories, here’s the best home gym equipment that will get you swole.

Whether you have a corner of your living room or half of your garage available to use, we’ve got the best home gym equipment for every budget, buildout, and bod. Ditch the gym bag forever and invest in these pieces instead.

Methodology

You don’t want to waste your time and money on stuff that’s going to collect dust in a matter of months—obviously. That’s why we thoroughly reviewed and tested each product to ensure we shared the best home gym equipment that’s actually worth the investment. Here’s the full download on everything that goes into our incredibly detailed fitness testing.

NordicTrack

NordicTrack

Stride for stride, it doesn’t get better than the plush comfort of this treadmill. Whether you’re a casual cardio guy or training for your next race, you’ll find plenty of bells and whistles to justify the price tag on this cardio machine.

Notable Features

Bring all the bougie comfort of your gym’s finest treadmill into your living room. Our testers loved the suite of luxe features, including the high-def touchscreen, premium speakers, and integrated cooling fans that you can actually feel. The on-demand, trainer-led iFit workouts were clutch in keeping us both motivated and distracted—so much so that we’d pony up for the subscription even after the 30-day free trial.

Maybe best of all, this tread has a footprint built with tall guys (and their gym shoes) in mind. “The running surface is about 60 inches long, so folks with a long stride like me shouldn't have any issues,” says NASM-certified personal trainer Chad Bartosz. Just keep in mind that people with a heavier stride may notice a bit more bounce and shake when dialing up to max speed.

Bells of Steel

Bells of Steel

Serious strength guys who love lifting won’t find a better value than the Bells of Steel Manticore power rack, which starts at $600 and goes up in price based on your customizations. Built like a tank and designed to be versatile for your workouts, a power rack provides everything you need for a functional strength workout that hits all the major muscle groups.

Notable Features

The key to finding the best home gym equipment is balancing your budget with your must-have features—so you get the best bang for your buck. While this rack is by no means cheap, serious and novice lifters alike will appreciate how their cash is being put to use. The Manticore offers your typical J-cups, safety straps, weight plate storage, spotter arms, and pull-up bars, but you can also add in other lever arms, dip bars, landmine attachments, a seal row pad, and band pegs to spice up your routine. The last thing you want is your power rack wobbling under the weight of your barbell or your bodyweight pull-ups, but we felt 100% safe and secure every time we racked our weights—no floor bolts required.

That rock-solid craftsmanship combined with the degree of customization had us sold. Our tester was blown away by the level of detail you can put into your Manticore, but warns that the price will add up the more you build. Still, whether you’re a novice lifter or an experienced pro, you can build your power rack to your exact desires.

ProForm

ProForm

Don't be surprised if the ProForm 750R Rower becomes your most-used home gym equipment. Intense enough for the fittest athletes yet gentle enough for rehabbing injuries or anyone just starting out, this rower provides one of the more comprehensive, full-body workouts of any fitness machine.

Notable Features

We immediately noticed that the ProForm 750R Rower is a comprehensive rower with a high value. It might not have a high-def touchscreen or virtual trainers guiding you through digital waters, but what it lacks in programming, it makes up for in stability and power. The magnetic flywheel is fierce, yet quiet, so even if you're rowing till failure, it doesn't make too much noise. Switch up the 24 resistance levels manually or choose from 20 built-in presets. If you do decide you'd rather row with a trainer, you can sync your smartphone or table to the iFit fitness app and stream that way.

Another thing we love about rowing machines is that they're low-impact. A smooth, back-and-forth slide doesn't put too much pressure on your knees, and the 54-inch long side rail doesn't feel uncomfortably short or long. The 740R does have a lower weight capacity than we'd like at 250 pounds, but it still feels sturdy.

Peloton

Peloton

What other exercise equipment has created the same cultural craze as Peloton? Exactly. The bike itself is a solid piece of home gym equipment, but what will keep your butt in the seat is the stable of high-energy coaches, seemingly endless workout options, and an engaging community of fellow riders.

Notable Features

If you’re looking to squeeze some cardio into your day without spending more cash than you need to, a Peloton may not be the move. But after spending extensive time on this exercise bike, our tester can vouch: This thing is totally worth it for those who really love that cycling class vibe. “I purchased the Peloton Bike+ a little under two years ago, and it has become a central part of my fitness routine,” says Bartosz. “I use it when the weather is cold, and I want to feel like I'm in a class with a great instructor.” With vast on- and off-bike workout programming plus a roster of energetic trainers, no at-home bike delivers more variety.

Iron Bull

Iron Bull Strength

No home gym is complete without dumbbells. But if you think all dumbbells are the same, these Iron Bull Strength rubber-coated hex weights (starting at $40 for one pair of 5-pound weights and going up to $1,600 for a complete set of 80-100 pounds) may change your mind.

Notable Features

There’s a lot to love about these hand weights. The hex-shaped head design keeps them from rolling halfway across the room when you set them down, while the rubber coating helps protect your floors from dents and dings in case your last rep totally exhausts you. A moderate knurl extends throughout the handle for a better grip, reducing the risk of them slipping through your grasp.

Honestly, the only downside is having to pony up for each pair individually or invest in one of the brand’s sets: 5-50 lbs, 5-75 lbs, 5-100 lbs, 55-75 lbs, and 80-100 lbs. (Just keep in mind that racks are sold separately.)

Beyond Power

Beyond Power

For tech lovers who don’t mind shelling out major coin, this new device delivers a versatile, high-resistance tool with an exceptionally small footprint. It takes the design of your go-to cable trainer at the gym and pares it back into one portable package.

Notable Features

The design and engineering are beyond top-notch–NASA scientists would be impressed by this innovative cable machine. It weighs a mere 13 pounds while creating up to 200 pounds of resistance (the same as the much bulkier Tonal smart gym). That’s honestly a wild amount of power in a tiny footprint. “Compared to the standard aluminum pulley system, this was super smooth,” says Tyree Booker, Lionel University certified personal trainer and former college football player. “The fact that it can replicate chain weight variations, resistance band tension, and add additional weight on the eccentric movement is one of the most awesome features of this machine.”

After extensive testing, the price and limited warranty will be the biggest deterrents for most people. That said, we’d for sure include this in our dream “money-is-no-object” minimalist setup, combining it with the Bells of Steel Manticore Six Post Power Rack for easy set-up.

Titan Fitness

Titan Fitness

Say goodbye to that cheap door-mounted bar you’ve had since college. This durable upgrade is as solid as a rock and half the price of its competitors.

Notable Features

Unlike over-the-door pull-up bars, you’ll bust out high-quality reps without worrying about whether they will suddenly fall, slip, or break. The heavyweight 11-gauge steel construction is noticeably solid and provides a secure foundation that won’t budge or flex. And sure, some assembly is required, but ​as long as you’ve got a drill, level, and know where your wall studs are, it will take you less than 15 minutes. It's one of the best budget home gym equipment finds on our list.

Bowflex

Bowflex

With the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells, pace-saving just got a whole lot easier. Keep your at-home gym space streamlined and stylish with a single pair of weights that adjust from 10 to 90 pounds.

Notable Features

These adjustable dumbbells solve a major hurdle for home gym owners: space. If you don’t have room for a complete set of weights (and let's be honest, that’s most of us), these pack 90 pounds of variable resistance into one streamlined package. Simply use the dial on the side of the handle to control weight adjustments on both sides, starting as light as 10 pounds. One set replaces 17 sets of dumbbells, so you can master your progressive overload with ease.

Major Fitness

Major Fitness

If you're looking for a versatile barbell for your workout split, try the Major Fitness Home Gym Barbell. It doesn't scratch easily, even when you're working through a metcon session and heavy weight plates.

Notable Features

From bench press and squats to deadlifts and cleans, our tester—an Olympic weightlifter—thought the Major Fitness barbell packed a punch for its price. The bar's moderate knurling lends a solid grip for heavier lifting sessions, but not to the point where it's too aggressive. Just note that though the barbell uses needle bearings in its rotation system, it doesn't have much spin, our tester notes.

Regardless of your training style, this barbell can only withstand up to 750 pounds, which won't impress Olympic-level lifters but is ideal for those starting out their lifting journey. Its construction has both powerlifters and Olympic lifters in mind with the aforementioned knurl markings, a 30-millimeter shaft, and 16 inches of loadable sleeve length for the utmost versatility and durability.

Shogun Sports

Shogun Sports

A true first-of-its-kind, this machine combines the powerful training benefits of a hyperextension machine and a Nordic bench into a reliable, at-home tool. Trust us, this thing is worth the price of admission.

Notable Features

The muscles of your posterior chain (aka the backside of your body, including your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back) are critical for athletic performance. They deliver power, stability, and control while running, jumping, and lifting. The thing is, they are notoriously tough to train effectively in a compact home gym.

This innovative training tool is the first to combine the perks of a hyperextension machine and a Nordic bench into a single design. Built like a tank, it holds firm with zero worries around wobbling—even through weighted workouts. Considering the size of traditional Nordic benches, GHD machines, or back extension machines, it's fairly compact at 41 inches long by 25 inches wide. If space isn’t your primary concern, this machine is a no-brainer purchase.

REP Fitness

REP Fitness

The REP Fitness Equalizer Iron Plates bring big swinging lifts like jerks and cleans to the comfort of your home gym—whether that’s your garage, backyard, or living room. These bumper plates are designed to bounce without banging.

Notable Features

Known for having fantastic American-made weights, REP Fitness has finally released a set of iron plates (starting at $45 for a pair of 2.5-pound weights and capping out at $1,200 for a 425-pound set). They're made of a near-indestructible cast iron and finished with a metallic black e-coat, a premium coating that's more luxe than a powder coating. The smooth outer rim also lends to the sleekness, so from tile floors to cement or blacktop, you can use these indoors and out without fear of beating them—or your nice floors—up.

The 45-pound iron plates are also only 1.6 inches wide, so you can stack multiple on a barbell without running out of space. It's also not recommended that you mix these iron plates with bumper plates, as the mixed diameters can create uneven barbell stress and long-term damage.

There’s a lot to consider before buying a piece of fitness equipment. You can trust that if we recommend something, we’ve considered just about everything and put it through the testing wringer.

We start by polling a large pool of top certified experts to find the best options on the market. From there, we use a detailed, multi-point testing approach, digging into all aspects of the buying process, including specifications, performance metrics, brand reputation, lifespan, quality, warranties, and more. Our primary goal is to ensure that fitness equipment does what it says. We use each piece of equipment according to the manufacturer’s specifications and then intensively test it to ensure that it can withstand real, long-term use by people of all sizes, abilities, and fitness levels.

At the end of the day, we won’t endorse a product until we’ve spent a significant amount of time with it, gained a deep understanding of its capabilities, and compared it to similar options you can buy.

If you aren't dead-set on working out with a personal trainer or at a conventional gym, a home gym offers numerous benefits over a traditional gym experience. These are just a few of them.

Convenience

“In my opinion, the top benefit is convenience—your gym is now available 24/7,” says Nastasi. “This allows you to work out what you want, whenever you want, all without having to drive to and from the gym or wait on popular fitness equipment like the bench press and squat rack.”

Savings Over Time

In the long-term, a home gym is more cost effective than joining a big box gym or shelling out for costly fitness classes. “While the initial investment in equipment can be high, there are no ongoing membership fees that quietly add up over time,” notes Nastasi.

Customization

Do you prefer dumbbell workouts over kettlebells? Would you rather run on a treadmill for hours than row for five minutes? Your home gym houses only the equipment you deem worth your space and investment—making it a place you'll actually want to spend time in.

The good news: Your home gym is endlessly customizable to your unique needs, goals, and requirements. The bad news: Having so many options can be overwhelming, to say the least. Here's what the experts recommend focusing on when kitting out your fitness sanctuary.

Price

Fitness equipment can be expensive, and even when it isn’t, we don’t think you should buy anything that’s not worth every penny. It’s important to evaluate each piece of equipment critically to ensure that the price makes sense for the features offered and if there are alternatives that offer similar comparable features for a lower price.

You'll also want to invest your money in the equipment that you'll actually use and enjoy. “For example, if you love powerlifting or Olympic lifting, it may be worth investing in a high-quality barbell or squat rack because they are designed to last for several year,” points out Pete Nastasi, a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer. “It may not be worth going with the budget friendly options here, and then dealing with a wobbly rack or barbell that bends under heavy loads.”

Space and Versatility

Start by assessing how much space you have for home gym equipment—after all, you can only own equipment that fits in the space you have, not the space you wish you had. Use that intel when looking at factors like the dimensions and weight of the equipment, if the machine requires a power source, and if the equipment is portable and easy to store. If you're truly space-constrained, it may make sense to prioritize home gym equipment that excels at multi-tasking. Think: resistance bands that can be used for strength training and stretching, or a Peloton Bike that also offers off-bike workouts.

Style

Listen, it's not the end of the world if your home gym doesn't perfectly match your color scheme—but you've got to admit, it's pretty nice when it does. If your workout area is just a repurposed corner of your living room, you may put more stock in the overall design and aesthetic of any workout equipment. Meanwhile, if you work out in your garage or the dank corners of your basement, looks may not matter as much as functionality and durability. The choice is yours.

Weight Capacity

Your workout equipment needs to fit your body—not the other way around. Check any manufacturing specs to ensure any gym gear can securely hold your body. (Pro tip: Cheaper gym equipment usually has lower weight limits, while the more spendy equipment is often more durable.)

Warranty

Fitness equipment may seem perfect right out of the box. Great. But if you run into issues a few months down the road? You want to make sure you can get your investment fixed or replaced. Always check the product’s warranty coverage for the equipment, frames, parts, and labor and how it compares to competitors.

Beyond all the fitness equipment, you'll want to make sure you have a few key accessories for your home gym:

What are the basic items you need to create a home gym?

This requires knowing your goals and your current abilities, says Carpenter. “If you want to get super strong at the barbell back squat, doing this at home is impossible unless you have a spare squat rack sitting in your garage,” he explains. “On the other hand, if you just want to improve your fitness levels or get better at bodyweight exercises like push-ups and pistol squats, then you might need minimal to zero equipment.”

What is the most versatile piece of home workout equipment?

The most versatile home gym equipment will vary depending on your goals, space, and budget. “There are very advanced home gym systems that are designed to be extremely versatile, but these can also come with a hefty price tag,” says Carpenter. While something like the REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack may be the most versatile, that does not make it the best if it doesn’t fit your goals, space, or budget. Based on what you’re looking to accomplish, the most versatile tool might be adjustable dumbbells, a weighted vest, or even a set of resistance bands.

Should I purchase at-home equipment or get a gym membership?

Maybe a better question is, which will you be more consistent with? A gym will usually be better equipped—that’s what they’re designed for, after all. But if heading to the gym takes too much time out of your day, or is too crowded to get in a good workout, then at-home equipment may be a better investment. “Performing a decent exercise routine consistently is going to be better than performing a great routine inconsistently, so ask yourself what you are most likely to still be doing one year from now,” says Carpenter.

Are home gyms worth it for beginners?

If you're new to working out, a home gym can help bridge the gap between free bodyweight workouts and a pricey gym membership. The convenience of having an at-home fitness space can help you build consistency with your workouts, and it may also be less intimidating to work out at home (especially if the alternative is showing up to the Globo Gym and getting boxed out of the free weights section).

How much do home gyms cost?

Your home gym haven can cost as little as $100 for resistance bands and a jump rope, or you can invest upwards of $2,500 in dumbbells and a cardio machine. One quick trick to help you answer the “is it worth it?” question: Calculate how much you'd spend monthly at the gym over the course of a year, then use that as the basis of your home gym budget.

Ben Carpenter has been a personal trainer since 2006 and has worked with a diverse range of clients ranging from young athletes training to be fitness models to seniors.

This article was reviewed for accuracy by Pete Nastasi. Nastasi, the owner of Nastasi Nutrition, is a NASM-certified Sports Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer with a degree in Biochemistry currently residing in North Carolina. Pete helps individual clients achieve their sports performance and weight-loss goals through a personalized approach centered around diet optimization and easy-to-follow workout routines.

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