Best Home cable machine to amplify your Home gym
What is the best cable machine to extend your home gym? Here are our top 5 recommendations
By: Travis
Hi, I am Travis. My main focus in life is to understand training better and help others get better results too. I used to be about the least fit kid in school and would always be last to get picked for a team. It wasn't for a lack of trying, but all my efforts just lead to injuries
For years, I had completely given up on ever getting in shape. Then I began to use my brain before using my muscles. I read every popular book on exercise, and began to structure my training.
With the right training methods, and the right machines, I was able to rebuild my body from the ground up.
According to science, I would never be able to walk pain-free again. And I would never be able to do 20 pull-ups with the injuries to my rotator cuff. But they were al wrong.
This site is where you can find all my tips and recommendations.
Are you looking for the best cable machine?
Well, then you came to the right place! We have reviewed some of the best machines out there, and we have listed them here for you. These are all great machines and will significantly add to the quality of your home gym. Believe it or not, but they are affordable too!
We have assembled a handy guide of somethings to look for when picking out the right machine. So if you have been eyeing another cable machine online, you will know what to look for when shopping for the best.
We will talk about some of the great benefits that a cable machine can do for your workouts' quality. A cable machine can be one of the best purchases you make. It adds a surprising amount of versatility to your workouts.
First, let's jump right in with the best cable machines for home gyms.
Our Best Overall Pick: Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mounted Cable Machine
Winner, winner chicken dinner!
This is by far our top choice of all the cable machines that we are reviewing and recommending. There are many great features with this machine. It is also the most affordable option on our list.
You will like this machine if…
As long as you do not mind drilling a few holes and mounting this to the wall, then you will love this machine. It is by far the biggest space saves on our list. You will need to have your own plates, as this does not come with any weights.
This will be best for someone who already has a pile of good quality plates lying around. Since this does not take up a lot of space, it should easily find a place in your preferred area. The base is only 24.5 inches wide, so you just need that length of wall free to set this bad boy up.
This is also the most affordable option on our list. So if you really like it, you can buy two of them and mount them across from each other. Then you can have a cable crossover set up. For the price and ease of use, this machine really can't be beaten.
How does it stand out above the rest?
The biggest thing that makes it stand out from its competitors is that it needs to be wall-mounted. You will need to have your own tools and the know-how to mount this. But after you install it, you will get a ton of stability and performance out of this home gym cable machine.
Users have reported that this rig is rock steady and does not move at all, no matter the workout. So you will not have to worry about this tipping over or wobbling around during your intense workout session.
Another great feature is that it has a dual attachment system so you can use two separate handles simultaneously. This gives an added layer of control when using two hands.
It is also effortless to assemble. All it takes is a single person to set it up. If you can put together a piece of Ikea furniture, then you should be fine.
Additional Features
The cable machine comes with a warranty that lasts up to three years. Many users have reported that the machine is very stable, and they have not had any problems way past the warranty.
Though it does not come preloaded with a weight stack, it uses both Olympic and standard sized plates. So whatever you have already should work just fine. You can use the same plates you use for your bench press and squat rack; this would be a perfect, affordable, and space-saving option for you.
Adjusting and configuring the machine is a breeze. So like with any great cable machine, you can get a good full-body workout from just a single machine. It is fully adjustable to 16 different positions, allowing you to work pretty much any muscle in the body.
If you are looking for the best cable machine for almost any home setup, this is the one for you.
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Lightweight (62 pounds)
- The carriage can hold up to 250 pounds
- Can use Olympic or standard-sized plates
- Fully Adjustable 16 Positions
- Affordable enough to buy two for a crossover set up
- Affordable enough to buy two for a crossover set up
- Very compact
- Extremely sturdy once mounted
Const
- Has to be mounted to the wall
- Not really portable
- Only includes 2 handles
Our Top Plate Loaded Lat Pulldown Cable Machine: Valor Fitness CB-12
This is another great affordable option that we think you will love. Again this is from the team at Valor Fitness, and they have designed a great machine that will do well in any home gym.
You will like this machine if…
This machine does not come preloaded with any weight stacks, so you will need to have your own Olympic or standard-sized plates. If you already have some bars and plates, say for a bench or squat set up, then you will be good to go.
The entire machine can hold over 300 pounds of plates, so that should give you more than enough weight. Completely stripped of plates, the machine is actually quite light and can be moved around without much effort.
We know some people with home gyms that like to rearrange things like crazy, and some people just like to move their gear around to clean now and then. So if that sounds like you, then this would be a great option.
Machines that come preloaded with weight stacks will usually be more difficult to move around. They become more permanent residents of whatever corner they take over.
How does it stand out above the rest?
The Valor Fitness CB-12 has a three pulley system instead of a more common 2-pully system. You will have a high, middle, and low pulley for even greater versatility than a standard cable machine.
The high pulley can be used as a lat pulldown machine. The low pulley can be used as a seated row machine. These two additions make this cable machine extremely versatile in a home gym setup. The middle pulley is great as well for flys, curls, and tri-extensions.
It also comes with a seat. The seat is well-padded and very easily adjusted. Not many cable machines come with a seat, which can add a lot of functionality to this cleverly designed machine.
Additional Features
You will get a ton of great accessories like a harness strap with soft handles, a short utility bar, and a lat pulldown bar for such an affordable machine. Of course, all of the attachments are fully interchangeable and can be customized to fit any workout.
The seat has a padded back pad, which can be very handy and comes in useful in surprising ways during your workout. If you have any dumbbells, the seat also acts as a good substitute bench for curls and seated presses.
There are also bottom pegs to hold additional plates. This is a great way to keep your plates close, and it also adds additional stability to this lightweight machine. Since this does not mount to the floor or wall, it can be good to keep your machine from moving while you work out.
Pros:
- Fully adjustable seat and knee support
- Extra pegs for plates not in use
- Foot placement for bottom pulley
- Padded back support
- 3 pulley assembly (high, middle, and low)
- Very Affordable
- Good starting attachments
Const
- Pulleys are fixed (non-rotatable)
- Assembly can be tough
Best Plate Loaded Cable Crossover Machine: Powerline PCCO90X
Okay, this is a big machine, but this is a great option for any home gym if you have enough space. With this plate-loaded complete cable crossover machine, you are ready to take your workouts to the next level.
You will like this machine if…
If you have a large enough space for your home gym, you should give this cable crossover machine serious consideration. This machine would fit nicely in a two-car garage set up as a home gym.
You will need at least 10 feet by 9 feet to take advantage of this cable crossover machine. It does not have any built-in weight stacks, so you will need to have your own. The machine takes Olympic or standard-sized plates, so most will have no issue with plate compatibility.
This will cost you a fraction of the price for a fully equipped crossover machine, and it will bring your home gym game to a new level. The four pulleys are rotatable, but they do not move up and down. This can seem like a limitation on paper, but we rarely noticed it as a limitation during use.
How does it stand out above the rest?
The Powerline PCCO90X is a big machine, but it is still very lightweight when the plates aren't on it. This machine can easily be moved around to switch up your space or to clean up the floor. That is a great advantage for a machine that is this large. Most cable crossover machines of this size will only very rarely be moved.
Since there is no included weight stack, the setup is still relatively simple. It will be easier for two people to put this together, but a single person can do it. So it is nice to know that if you cannot get someone to help you, this machine can still be assembled.
Additional Features
The two sides can be surprisingly useful, depending on your workout needs. It can be used for whole-body workouts or to isolate different muscle groups. This is also great when sharing. If you usually work out with a partner or a spouse, it is great to have the two sides so that no one is getting in each other's way.
Combining this machine with an adjustable bench really opens up a new realm of combinations. Many of these exercises will be out of bounds without a big crossover cable machine like this.
The biggest drawback to this machine is that it comes with only a limited number of attachments. You will want to buy additional attachments sooner or later. So if you decide to purchase this machine, we recommend buying all the extra attachments right away.
The warranty on this cable crossover machine cannot be beaten. It has an almost unheard of 10-year frame warranty. So for the first decade of ownership, you are all set, no matter how hard you train. If you are looking for the best cable crossover to use at home, look no further.
Pros:
- 4 fixed pulley (2 at the top, 2 on the bottom)
- Pulleys can rotate a full 180 degrees
- Assembly is simple and easy
- Ready to do crossovers right out of the box
- You can use your own weights
- Affordable for a machine of this size
- Can be extended with a great pull-up bar
- Easily combined with adjustable bench
Const
- Limited attachments included
- Needs a lot of space
Best Cable Crossover Station: Valor Fitness BD61
The Valor Fitness BD61 is a great cable crossover machine that doesn't need a lot of space and is also very affordable.
You will like this machine if…
If you have gotten to the point where you need a solid cable crossover, but you do not have space for a larger machine, you have found a great solution. The machine is surprisingly affordable compared to other cable crossovers and doesn't make any concessions to design and quality.
This cable crossover machine is plate loaded and will require you to bring or buy your own plates; either Olympic or standard should be fine. You can easily add an adjustable bench and a full set of plates because of the low price. At that point, you will be well on your way to a great home gym setup.
How does it stand out above the rest?
The design of this machine is ingenious and efficient. It is shaped like a triangle and has a very stable base. The padded rubber feet will prevent damage to your floor, but you also can mount it to the floor with the pre-drilled holes.
There are two extra pegs at the base that can be used to hold additional plates. This adds a lot of stability, so even if you can't mount it to the floor, you will have no stability issues. It does come with mounting hardware in case you do want to bolt it to the floor.
There is a built-in curved pull-up bar that is all ready for doing pull-ups. The design and position of the chin-up bar add instant functionality to any home gym space.
Additional Features
The two pulleys can be adjusted to 17 different height positions, and they are both completely rotatable. This smart design makes the compact crossover extremely versatile.
The whole machine can hold a total of around 400 pounds. This is more than enough for almost anybody and will lead to tremendous gains over the machine's entire life.
There is a clever shock-absorbent system that will reduce the loud clanking characteristic of most cable machines. This is a great addition that is made possible by its smart design.
A full set of attachments comes included with this very functional trainer. You will get a long bar, a short bar, and two single strap handles. Also, there is built-in storage for all of the accessories. The two single strap handles are made of plastic, though. This will work great in the beginning, but you'll likely want to upgrade later.
Pros:
- 400-pound capacity
- Built-in pull up bar
- Easy to install
- Extremely affordable for the extensive feature set
- Great set of attachments included
- 17 height positions
- Fully rotatable pulley
- Works with your own plates
Const
- Single grip straps made of plastic
- Pull-up bar on the side is only usable if you have some space around it
Most Versatile Cable Machine: Bodycraft HFT Functional Trainer
If you have the money for this luxurious and compact machine, it's probably the best option. Well made, preloaded with two weight stacks, and extremely compact, this machine will let you take your home setup to another level.
You will like this machine if…
You will like this machine if you have a larger budget and are looking to expand your home gym seriously. It comes fully loaded with two weight stacks, so you do not need to use any of your own plates.
While having a weight stack is not required, you can easily switch the weights if you do have your own set. For instance, the Bodycraft HFT makes it possible to do powersets without a partner. You won't need someone to strip out and reset the weights each time.
The weight stacks each have 150 pounds of weight.
While enough for most people, there will be some limitations when you are looking to make some serious gains. The two pulleys are height adjustable and have a full 180 degrees of rotation.
How does it stand out above the rest?
The main reason this machine stands out is the high-quality construction and extensive feature set. It can easily serve as a crucial element of a very efficient and durable home gym setup.
The included mix of attachments is of very high quality, with an attractive storage hanging system to keep you organized. You will get a long bar, a short bar, a rope, a strap for assists, an ankle strap, two chains, and two handles.
There is also an exercise guide to provide a handy reference. So this could be a great idea for a beginner who has a big budget. Since it is attached to the machine, you are not likely to lose it as well.
Additional Features
This machine has a built-in pull-up bar. It is strong, sturdy, and has an excellent grip. The pull-up bar makes a great addition and should be standard on any machine of this size. It just makes sense to have one of these on any compact crossover machine.
It has all the functionality that a good cable machine should have, and if you have the budget, this is a great machine for your home.
The machine is big, though it has a compact footprint. It will come in several large boxes, and you will need help setting this up. So make sure you have someone to help you set everything else. Think of it as an additional workout because you most likely will be sweating by the end of it.
Pros:
- Handy attached exercise guide
- 2 weight stacks
- 150 pounds on each weight stack
- Very solid and sturdy machine
- Professional gym level quality
- Curved pull up bar built into the frame
- Great storage rack for accessories
- High-quality starting accessories
Const
- Comes in several large and heavy boxes
- Will need at least two people to assemble
- Delivery may take some time due to its large size
What to Look for When Purchasing a New Cable machine
Whatever cable machine you decide to go with, it is important to know what you should consider before buying it. So make sure you take all of these factors into account.
Durability - It Has to be Tough
Durability is majorly important when deciding which is the best plate-loaded cable machine to consider. Safety is always of primary importance, and you need to be able to trust your machine. Make sure you examine how the cable machine is put together and not buy a flimsy construction machine.
High-quality materials are crucial for a good cable machine. It needs to stand up to a lot of punishment. Not only will it be carrying lots of weight, but you will be exerting all your force on it. The best machines will be made of high-quality steel and will have solid construction.
Check the Base
Make sure the machine has a good base. It needs to be solid enough to stand up to a lot of abuse. It should not move no matter how much the machine is pushed around during use, and it needs to be wide enough not to tip over.
Any equipment you bring into your home needs to be tough, and your cable machine is no exception. There could be a serious accident if it breaks or tips over during use.
Value – Get the Most for Your Dollar
Ah, the almighty dollar.
A home gym is an investment that can actually save you money in the long term. Not just a little bit of money either. A lot of money. Considering how much people generally pay per year on their gym membership, even a few thousand dollars could be money well spent. Most people spend more than a few grand on their gym memberships every year, so saving that money is always great.
Even if you need to spend a little bit more money on the front end, you will save a lot of money in the long run. Instead of years of expensive gym memberships, you will make a few big purchases, and that is it.
So buying quality equipment is the key.
The most common complaint that people have after spending money setting up their home gyms is that they should have paid a little more for higher quality. A high-quality piece of equipment could potentially last your entire life. So do not go bargain shopping. Make sure you are shopping for quality.
Make sure to check customer reviews before you buy them. Where the majority of people satisfied with their purchase? If most people were happy, then chances are you will be too.
Functionality and Usability
Cable machines are highly versatile and let you perform a great variety of movements. Not all cable machines come with the same range of features. So understanding the range of functions is very important. There may be a particular exercise that the cable machine is unable to perform.
Make sure you do your homework before you buy. There must be no surprises in what functions your machine can do. Nothing is more frustrating than finding out later that you cannot do your favorite routines. Pay extra attention to cable crossover machines' functionality because this is almost impossible to replicate with normal pulley machines. So do your homework before you buy!
Also, you will want to make sure that your machine is easy to use. The beauty of cable machines should be that they can be set up with different configurations. Switching between exercises should be simple. If the machine is difficult to configure, avoid it. Some cable machines are surprisingly hard to use. Reading the customer reviews on a site like Amazon will be your best friend here for getting an honest opinion.
So make sure you understand the functionality and usability of any machine you are thinking about purchasing. Knowing what you are getting before you buy will save you a ton of frustration.
Ease of Use
Also, there must be a minimal amount of steps to transition your machine from exercise to exercise. All of the buttons and levers must work well, and even drastically changing configurations only should take a few seconds.
Stay away from machines that take even one to two minutes to reconfigure totally. One to two minutes may not seem like a lot, but you will quickly get frustrated if you need to go through multiple steps to reconfigure your machine.
You can get a handle on how easy it is to reconfigure your machine by watching videos online of it being used. Watch out, though; some companies do not show the machines reconfiguration process in promo videos. Look for videos from actual users or reviewers online. Seeing a machine reconfigured once will be enough to see how easy it is to use.
The cables' movements should be smooth and should feel frictionless. The grip quality should be high quality and comfortable without gloves. This may be hard to determine by watching a video, but online reviews will help you here as well. It is always best to handle these machines yourself if possible before you buy any cable machine.
Are the Weights Included?
Cable machines come either with weights included or without included weights. Either option could be great for you depending on your needs and what you already have.
Cable machines with Included Weights
These machines come preloaded with a weight stack. Some even have two weight stacks. These are typically on the higher end of the price range. They look and feel just like the machines that you would see at a big commercial gym. Anyone who has spent any time at a big commercial gym will recognize them and understand how to use them.
They will typically be harder to set up than those without weights included. You will need at least two people to set this up, and you may both be sweating by the end of it. Also, they are larger and have a much bigger footprint. These are generally not the bargain choice and will cost more. However, they typically come with everything you would need to get in a great workout.
They are much simpler to use, and there is no need to fiddle around with adding or removing clumsy plates. If you need to change the amount of weight frequently during your sets, this kind of cable machine will be ideal.
If you are just starting to build your home gym and have enough space, we recommend this option. You won't have to buy extra plates and can start training right away.
Cable machines without Included Weights
These machines require weight plates that do not come included. They accept any standard-sized plates. So you will need to purchase these separately, or perhaps you have them already. Typically, if you have a good bench press and squat rack, you should already have all the weight you need.
They are much easier to set up than those that have an included weight stack. A single person typically can set up everything on their own. They are smaller and can fit better in tighter spaces. So when space is tight, this may be a better option.
You will need to deal with switching clumsy plates every time you need to change weight. However, you can think of that as part of the workout. Doing power sets with a machine like this can be hard if you do not have a partner. It's important to remember that cable crossovers require dual weight stacks that also need to have the same amount of weight.
Pulleys and Rotation Concerns
And last but not least, you need to take the pulley systems into account. The two concerns are pulley heights and if the pulleys are rotatable.
Check to see that the pulley system has a lot of height options. Count how many adjustment holes there are. This can give you a pretty good idea of what type of variability you can expect. You want as many options as possible so you can have a variety of angles to use.
The pulleys should not be fixed in one position but should be able to rotate freely. Some machines don't have rotating pulley systems, which can be a problem for certain exercises.
Accessories
The best cable machines or cable crossovers are useless without the right accessories. Depending on the different exercises you plan to do, you will need various high-quality grips and tools. Some machines come with a basic set while others ship without any cable attachments at all.
If you are an athlete, I can highly recommend getting at least a good lat bar. You can train so many crucial back muscles with that.
The Benefits of Having A Cable machine In Your Home gym
A cable machine can be an expensive piece of equipment. Many people are on the fence when it comes to whether or not they should purchase one. A cable machine is a very versatile piece of equipment. There are a host of benefits to owning one. It can easily be the single best purchase you make for your home gym. Also, some people have built an entire home workout area around a good cable machine.
Create Constant Tension During Movements
One of the best parts of a cable machine is that it is easier to put your muscles under constant tension during movements. They are more efficient at breaking down muscle fibers. This translates into faster gains for you. More efficiency in your workout means getting stronger faster. You can increase your muscle mass more effectively and achieve goals faster. If you have ever maxed out on lat pulldowns, or chest exercises with a cable crossover machine, you know what I mean.
Better Pump and Motion
You will get a better pump and motion throughout the entire exercise. Unlike free weights, the cables are not affected by gravity. Your muscles will work without being given a rest. This means that you will keep your muscles under load through the duration of your exercise. Experts recommend that time under load is the best way to increase the efficiency of your workouts. With more time under load, you can get better results in less time.
Better Negative Part of the Rep
The best cable machines help maintain the correct form throughout the range of motion. It is much harder to keep up good form when using free weights. A significant amount of focus goes on keeping proper form when using free weights. The cable machine keeps most of the form for you. So when focusing on the exercise, you can go much slower and with more control.
Exercise form is one reason people struggle to progress, and improvements can make a big difference.
Full Body Training
An adjustable cable machine or crossover machine can be used to train and target your entire body. You are getting a lot of training capacity in just a single purchase. So even just getting a good cable machine can be enough to get a good full-body workout. So with an affordable cable machine, you are getting a lot of workout in one machine.
Easy to Isolate Different Muscle Groups
If you have a particular area that you need to target, then this is a great machine for that as well. Not only is it good for the whole body, but it is good to target and isolate different muscle groups. A good cable machine's ability to work the entire body and focus on problem areas makes it a crucial part of any workout.
Saves Space and Time
Most of us do not have a lot of extra room in our homes. Even if we have a garage, we usually need the majority of it to be a functional garage. Space is always the biggest concern when designing and building your own home gym. A cable machine is very economical in its use of space.
Also, it will save you a lot of time during your workouts. Most high-quality cable machines are easy to reconfigure into different exercise configurations. This can save you a lot of time by reducing how long it takes between different sets.
Final Thoughts
So a cable machine is a brilliant and wise choice for any home gym. If you are thinking of getting one, hopefully, this guide has been helpful for you.
When it comes to the best overall cable machine, The Valor Fitness BD62 Mount station is unbeatable in terms of affordability, compactness, and functionality. As we said earlier, it can easily be combined with a second mount station to create a fully functional crossover machine.
So best of luck in choosing the cable machine that is right for you.