The 10 Best Functional Trainers [2023] – For Your Home

Are you looking for the best functional trainers? Then you are in the right place!

These versatile machines allow you to work out in multiple planes of motion, targeting different muscle groups and improving overall strength and stability.

But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve scoured the market and put together a list of the best functional trainers out there.

In this post, we’ll be breaking down each one, highlighting the pros and cons, and ultimately helping you make an informed decision on which functional trainer is the right fit for you and your home gym.

Get ready to sweat, challenge yourself, and see results like never before with these powerhouse machines.

So grab a protein shake, put on your workout gear, and let’s dive in!

Top 10 Best Functional Trainers

		Resistance	Warranty	Price
REP FT-5000		Dual 220lb stacks	Lifetime frame	$$
Force USA X15 Pro		Dual 289 lb stacks	Lifetime frame 2 year parts 90 day wear items	$$$$
REP FT-3000		Dual 180lb stacks	Lifetime frame 10 year parts	$$$
Inspire Fitness FT2		Dual 165 lb stacks	Lifetime frame Lifetime parts	$$$$
Force USA G20 All-in-One-Trainer		Dual 289lb stacks	Lifetime frame 2 year parts 90 day wear items	$$$$$
XMark Functional Trainer		Dual 200 lb stacks	Lifetime frame 1 year parts	$$$
Inspire Fitness FT1		Dual 165 lb stacks	Lifetime frame Lifetime parts	$$$
BodyCraft HFT		Dual 150 lb stacks	Lifetime frame Lifetime parts	$$$
Body-Solid PFT1000		Dual 160 lb stacks	10 year frame 1 year parts	$$
Tonal		200 lb resistance	3 Year warranty	$$$$

REP FT-5000

The REP FT-5000 is a top-of-the-line functional trainer that offers a commercial-grade gym experience in the comfort of your own home.

It comes with dual 220-pound weight stacks that have a 2:1 ratio, meaning that pulling 220 pounds gives you 110 pounds of effective resistance.

The frame is constructed with 11-gauge steel, making it durable and able to withstand heavy use. It also features three pull-up grip options (neutral, supinated grip, and wide grip) for variety in your exercises.

Weighing in at 1,000 pounds, this is a heavy-duty functional trainer that doesn’t need to be bolted into the ground for stability. The powder coating is also chip-resistant, ensuring that it will perform well and look good for many years to come.

One of the major benefits of the REP FT-5000 is that it ships partially assembled, which is a huge plus when it comes to functional trainers, which often take many hours to put together.

The machine is also reasonably priced, at around $2,500, and comes with a lifetime frame warranty. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

However, there are a few downsides to the REP FT-5000. The starting weight of 12.5 pounds may be too heavy for some isolation exercises, which could be a concern for some users. The handles are also only capable of reaching 52 inches off the ground, so taller lifters may not be able to get a full range of motion in their exercises.

Overall, the REP FT-5000 is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality functional trainer at a reasonable price.

I think it hits that sweet spot for price vs quality making it one of the best value functional trainers you can buy.

If you go for it you’ll be rewarded with a durable and versatile machine that will last for many years in your home gym – Get yours HERE.

Rep Fitness FT5000 Pros and Cons

Force USA X15 Pro Multi Trainer

Have you ever heard of the Force USA X15 Pro Multi Trainer? I recently got my hands on one and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

I was really excited about this gym from the moment I found out about it because it seemed to have everything I wanted in a home gym.

I’ve been using it for a bit now and I have to say, it’s awesome! It’s definitely in with a shout of being the best functional trainer for home gym.

It’s a combination of a half rack and a premium functional trainer, giving you access to every weight training exercise you can think of.

It’s incredibly heavy-duty – you get 3″ x 3″ 11-gauge steel uprights for the rack, dual 289 lb weight stacks that are integrated into the frame, and robust hardware and attachments everywhere.

And let me tell you, the dual 289 lb weight stacks are no joke. The X15 uses a 2:1 pulley ratio, but that still means 145 lb of resistance on each pulley, which is more than enough for even the most advanced athletes.

The cable pulley system has comfortable handles for easy moving and other are 34 adjustment holes, so people of all heights can find the perfect position for any exercise.

It also comes with around 15 attachments and you can purchase an upgrade kit for even more options.

Force USA backs it with a lifetime frame guarantee and 2-year parts warranty, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down. The only downside is the cost, but if you’re looking for an elite functional trainer with impressive weight training capabilities, the X15 Pro is definitely the one to go for.

Force USA X15 Pro Multi Trainer Pros and Cons

REP Fitness FT-3000 

The REP Fitness FT-3000 is the perfect compact functional trainer for those who want all the features of a quality functional trainer cable machine but in a smaller frame.

This makes it perfect for anyone that is short on space in their home gym.

The FT-3000 REP Fitness functional trainer comes with dual 180 lb stacks, each using a 2:1 pulley ratio, which means you can get up to 90 lb worth of resistance per side.

The handles are fully adjustable, with 15 height positions to choose from, making it easy to find the right position for any exercise.

This trainer comes with a built-in pull-up bar, exercise placard and a set of standard strap handles to get you started. It’s made with 11-gauge steel, making it more heavy-duty than most compact trainers.

This strength training equipment is designed to take up minimal floor space, measuring about 4.5 ft x 3 ft, which is impressive for a functional trainer. Plus, the FT-3000 comes with a lifetime frame warranty and 10-year parts guarantee, so you can be sure that it won’t break down on you.

All in all, if you’re looking for a high-end trainer that doesn’t take up too much space, the REP Fitness FT-3000 is an excellent choice.

Rep Fitness FT3000 Pros and Cons

Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer

The Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer is a top-of-the-line machine that has everything you could want in a home gym.

The moment I saw it, I knew I had to try it out. The combination of a solid, heavy-duty frame and the sleek matte black color scheme makes for a great combination of aesthetics and functionality.

What sets this trainer apart from the rest is the inclusion of a Smith system.

This feature allows you to perform squats or bench press (or any other exercise you would do on a Smith machine) with the added safety of a built-in lock-out system.

Not only that, there’s a “weight multiplier” attachment for the Smith bar that doubles the resistance, making it even more versatile. It’s a great feature to have and we rate this as the best functional trainer with Smith machine.

The FT2 comes with dual 165 lb weight stacks, which might not be enough for some, but the option to upgrade to 200 lbs is available if you need the extra resistance.

The pulleys are fully adjustable and smooth-acting, and with 8 different pulley starting positions, you’ll be able to perform any exercise comfortably.

The trainer comes with 7 different handles, water bottles, 2×5 lb add-on weights, and an exercise booklet to get you started. There’s also an adjustable height pull-up bar, adding to the workout variety this machine offers.

Inspire Fitness also backs the FT2 with a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and all parts, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

All in all, the Inspire Fitness FT2 is a commercial grade machine with unlimited workout potential. If you’re looking for one of the best functional trainers on the market, the FT2 is definitely worth considering. With its impressive features and solid warranty, it’s a smart investment for any home gym.

Force USA G20 All-in-One-Trainer

If you’re in the market for a truly amazing functional trainer, listen up! The Force USA G20 All-in-One-Trainer is a beast of a machine. It’s not just a functional trainer, it’s like 11 strength training machines in one!

It combines a power rack, functional trainer, smith machine, leg press, chin up, suspension trainer, core trainer, lat pulldown, low row, calf raise, and innovative new VersaPad station into one compact multi-station machine.

Plus, it’s fully customizable to fit your fitness goals. It’s definitely not cheap, starting at $6,000. But, consider it as an investment, since it’s built like a rock and comes with a lifetime warranty should anything go wrong.

One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not just a simple assembly, it’s complicated and heavy and you might spend a day or two putting it together, and the thing weighs in at over 1000 lbs!

This is not a home gym for folding under the bed (check out a Total Gym if that’s what you want).

But, if you have the space and budget, this is the best functional trainer cable machine money can buy.

With 29 attachments, 51 adjustment points, and dual 289-pound weight stacks with a 1:1 ratio, this machine is a heavy-duty piece of equipment.

Cost aside, this is the functional trainer you want!

Force USA G20 Pros and Cons

XMark Functional Trainer

The XMark Functional Trainer looks like something you’d find in your local gym, and that’s a good thing. With a classic black and chrome design, it brings that old-school weightlifting vibe to your home gym.

Even though it’s cheaper than some other options, this trainer is still a great choice.

It comes with dual 200 lb weight stacks, so it’s perfect for those who want to lift heavy.

The pulleys and cables feel like a commercial functional trainer and are fully adjustable, and each one has a handle on the back for easy adjustments.

You’ll also get 7 different attachments with this trainer, which are a little different than what other brands include, but still useful. It has a built-in pull-up bar similar to what you’d find in a commercial gym.

The warranty isn’t as long as some other models, but it’s still pretty good – lifetime frame and 1-year parts warranty.

Overall, the XMark Functional Trainer is a solid machine that offers a lot of value for its price.

With heavy stacks, a variety of attachments, and a classic design, it’s no wonder it’s a popular choice among home gym enthusiasts and one of the best home gym functional trainers.

One thing to note is that it’s not as versatile as some of the other trainers on the market, it’s mainly focused on weightlifting.

But, if you’re looking for a high-end trainer that can handle heavy weights and has a more traditional aesthetic, the XMark Functional Trainer is definitely worth considering.

It’s perfect for those who want to take their weightlifting game to the next level, and want a machine that can handle it.

With the ability to perform a wide range of exercises, it’s a great addition to any home gym – Get Yours Here!

XMark Pros and Cons

Inspire Fitness FT1 Functional Trainer 

The Inspire Fitness FT1 Functional Trainer is a great option for those looking for a smaller, more budget-friendly version of the FT2.

While it lacks the Smith bar and additional pulley positions, it still offers a lot of functionality.

The dual 165 lb weight stacks may not be as heavy as some other trainers, but the option to add an additional 50 lbs to each stack makes up for it.

The pulleys are fully adjustable with 30 different starting positions and provide smooth action.

The FT1 comes with all the same attachments as the FT2. The pull-up bar is fixed but still allows for different grips.

Assembly is easy and it’s one of the more narrow dual-stack trainers on the market. It’s also backed by a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and parts, making it a solid choice.

Inspire Fitness FT1 Pros and Cons

BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer 

The BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer is a great option for those looking for a high-quality functional trainer at a more affordable price. It’s similar to the Inspire Fitness FT1 and the XMark trainer, but with a few key differences.

The weight stacks on the HFT are 150 lbs, which are the lightest we’ve seen so far, which is fair enough since it’s a couple hundred bucks cheaper (you can buy extra weights if needed).

Each pulley is fully adjustable and can be used independently, and it comes with 7 different handles and an exercise booklet to get your workouts started.

The HFT is also a pretty compact machine with a width of only 55 inches, making it perfect for those with limited space.

But the real standout feature of this trainer is the lifetime warranty on both the frame and parts – it’s hard to find a better warranty at this price point.

Overall, the BodyCraft HFT is a great buy and probably the best budget functional trainer out there.

BodyCraft HFT Pros and Cons

Body-Solid Powerline Functional Trainer PFT100

The Body-Solid Powerline Functional Trainer (PFT100) is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a functional trainer for their home gym.

This machine may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the other trainers on this list, but it is still a very versatile functional trainer and offers a great workout experience at a more affordable price point.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the PFT100 is its simple and straightforward design.

There aren’t any fancy features or added extras like exercise book holders or storage hooks for attachments, but this also means the machine is easy to use and understand.

The PFT100 comes with dual 160 pound weight stacks, which is on par with a few of the other trainers on this list. However, if you’re looking for even more resistance, you can upgrade the stacks to 210 lb for an additional cost.

One downside to this trainer is that it only comes with a single pair of handles, unlike some of the other trainers that come with a variety of different handles and attachments.

It does have a pull-up bar running across the frame, but it’s just a basic straight bar with no multi-grip options or contours.

Despite its simplicity, the PFT100 is still a great machine for a home gym. Assembly is relatively easy, and it’s not too big, with a width of 62.6 inches. However, it’s worth noting that it’s wider than some of the other trainers on this list.

The warranty on the PFT100 is not as generous as some of the other trainers on this list. Body-Solid offers a 10-year frame warranty and a 1-year parts warranty on this model.

This is a significant step down from the lifetime warranties seen on some of the other trainers, but it’s to be expected given the lower price point of this machine.

Overall, the Body-Solid Powerline Functional Trainer (PFT100) is the best home functional trainer for those looking for a budget-friendly functional trainer for their home gym.

It may not have all the fancy features of some of the other machines but there is enough here to get you ripped so why not get yours today

Body-Solid Powerline Pros and Cons

Tonal 

Are you short on space but still want a complete home gym experience? Look no further than the Tonal smart home gym.

This compact machine packs a punch with its 200 pounds of resistance, over 170 different moves, and a wide range of full-body exercises.

But the real game-changer is its AI technology, which adapts to your strength levels and customizes your workouts as you use it.

So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned lifter, Tonal has got you covered, ensuring you’re always lifting the right amount of weight.

It’s perfect for small spaces, apartment dwellers or anyone looking for a full-body workout. But, it’s not for those on a budget.

The machine itself is a bit pricey at around $3,500, and you also have to pay a monthly membership fee of $50.

But if you can afford it, we think it’s worth the investment. It’s a smart choice for anyone who likes to stay up to date with the latest tech or is curious about AI resistance training, all in all, this is the best smart functional trainer on the market.

Tonal Pros and Cons

What is a functional trainer?

A functional trainer, also known as a cable machine, is a versatile piece of equipment used in rehabilitation and sports medicine clinics to practice functional tasks or movements.

The goal of rehabilitation is to help patients return to performing their daily activities as efficiently and safely as possible, and functional trainers offer a wide range of motion to achieve this.

They are often used to strengthen sport-specific moves, such as swinging a baseball bat or golf club, and for core strengthening through rotational movements.

Functional trainers are also popular for home gyms as they offer a vast exercise variety and can stand alone as a complete home gym. They typically have at least one adjustable pulley system, and most use weight stacks for resistance, although some still use weight plates.

Functional trainers come with different handles or attachments to choose from depending on the exercise, and some are now combined with Smith machines or power racks for even more workout options.

Functional trainers are also considered safe to use alone, as they do not pose the risk of getting crushed by a falling barbell.

How to choose a functional trainer

Choosing a functional trainer that meets your needs requires understanding what features and specifications to look for. To ensure you find a quality machine, pay special attention to the following aspects:

Weight Stacks

Most functional trainers use weight stacks, which offer built-in resistance and eliminates the need to switch out plates. Some trainers use a dual-weight stack system, which doubles the available resistance and allows for two people to work out at the same time.

The weight of the stack can vary, with most being between 150 lb and 200 lb. Keep in mind that the pulley ratio of trainers can also vary, affecting the amount of weight the trainer can provide.

Consider going for the trainer with the most resistance, as you want to have a machine that will grow with you as you get stronger (most trainers allow you to upgrade the weight stack for additional cost).

Pulleys

The pulleys are one of the most crucial components of a functional trainer. When considering a functional trainer, it’s essential to ensure that it has smooth acting pulleys that are easy to adjust.

The pulleys should be fully adjustable, meaning they can be set every few inches for the entire height of the machine, and most quality trainers allow you to set the pulley position every couple of inches.

It’s important that the trainer provides access to both upper and lower pulley positions for optimal exercise variety.

However, unless you’re able to try out the machine in a store, it can be difficult to determine the quality of the pulleys firsthand. In this case, reading user reviews or guides like this one can give an idea of the general consensus regarding pulley quality.

Attachments

The number of attachments that come with a functional trainer can vary greatly among different brands. It’s important to check which attachments come with the purchase when comparing prices and models.

If two models appear similar but have a big difference in price, it could well be because one comes with more attachments.

Some commonly included attachments include D handles, which are the basic handles that can be used for most exercises. Triceps rope which can be used for a variety of tricep extensions and bicep curls

A long bar that acts like a barbell, a short bar that attaches to one side, an EZ curl bar often used for bicep curls, a sport bar for sport-specific moves, an ankle cuff for hip strengthening exercises, a multi-purpose belt for pull-up assistance, and a pull-up bar.

It’s worth noting that benches and other attachments such as preacher curl and leg developer are usually sold separately. 

Warranty

Warranty is a crucial aspect to consider when purchasing a functional trainer. A strong warranty ensures that your investment is protected and can save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Most functional trainer warranties are separated into frame and parts, and the longer the warranty the better. A lifetime warranty on the frame is ideal and is offered by many quality trainers. Lifetime parts warranties, while not as common, are also seen on the best machines.

For a less expensive trainer, a warranty of 10 years or more on the frame and 2 years on the parts is considered decent.

It’s important to note that the warranty is usually directly proportional to the price of the trainer, the more expensive the trainer, the longer the warranty should be.

It’s crucial to consider the warranty when purchasing a functional trainer, as it can save you money in the long run.

Size

When it comes to functional trainers, size is an important factor to consider. It’s crucial to ensure that the trainer you choose will fit in your designated workout space.

Even the compact models take up a significant amount of floor space. It’s recommended that you measure your floor space and compare it to the dimensions of the trainer to ensure a proper fit.

Most home trainers are around 5 feet wide, 4-5 feet long, and 7 feet tall. Keep in mind that these dimensions don’t include the extra space needed for comfortable use, so an additional foot on each side is recommended.

If you plan on using a bench, keep in mind that it will take up additional space. Most dual stack trainers weigh between 700 and 800 pounds fully assembled and can be difficult to move, so it’s crucial to have a designated spot in mind before assembly.

Can you build muscle with a functional trainer?

You can build muscle with a functional trainer. A functional trainer is a type of weight machine that allows you to perform exercises that mimic functional movements, such as pushing, pulling, and squatting, using adjustable cables and pulleys.

The high resistance levels enable you to build muscle. Functional movement training helps you to train several muscle groups at the same time so you will build muscle all over.

Best Functional Trainer – Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a functional trainer is a must-have for any home gym setup. It allows for a wide range of exercises to be performed, targeting multiple muscle groups and giving you a full-body workout.

When shopping for a functional trainer, it’s essential to compare the weight stack (1 vs 2 stacks, and the overall weight), pulleys (are they fully adjustable?), attachments (do you get the wants you most want included?), warranty, and size to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

From the models we’ve discussed, Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer , REP FT-5000, and XMark Functional Trainer stand out as the top contenders, each offering unique features and benefits.

But if you want the best of the best go for the Force USA G20 All-in-One-Trainer

Overall, investing in a functional trainer is a smart decision for anyone looking to improve their overall fitness and achieve their fitness goals in the comfort of their own home.

With the right functional trainer, you’ll be able to perform a wide range of exercises, targeting multiple muscle groups and giving you a full-body workout, in the comfort of your own home.

So, don’t wait any longer and start shopping for the perfect functional trainer for you today.