Start here Buying guide
10 Best Functional Trainers
We compare the 10 best functional trainers on build, specs, warranty & price — buy once and buy right.
Coming soonCable machines and functional trainers
Cables add pulldowns, rows, flyes and dozens of accessory moves that are hard to load with free weights alone. These guides compare functional trainers, lat pulldown machines and rack-mounted pulley systems on resistance, pulley ratio, footprint and how smooth they run.
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What to look for
The four things that separate a good buy from a return.
Pulley ratio
The ratio changes how heavy the stack feels and how far the cable travels, so compare like with like.
Stack or plate loaded
Weight stacks are quick to change; plate-loaded pulleys cost less and use plates you already own.
Footprint and height
Tall towers and wide frames need clear floor and ceiling space, especially for pulldowns.
Attachments
Check which handles and bars come included and what extra options fit.
Everything in cable machines and functional trainers
Guides on our list, highest priority first. Titles become links as each guide is published.
Buying guides
- 9 Best Wall Mounted Cable MachinesBuying guide
- 10 Best Wall Mounted Functional TrainersBuying guide
- 8 Best Cable Hip Abduction MachinesBuying guide
- 11 Best Lat Pulldown AttachmentsBuying guide
- 10 Best Accessories for Cable MachineBuying guide
- 6 Best Max Pro Portable Cable MachinesBuying guide
- 7 Best Pull Down Cable MachinesBuying guide
- 12 Best Gym Pulley SystemsBuying guide
and 24 more planned
Reviews
- Rogue Indy Functional Trainer ReviewReview
- Titan Fitness Functional Trainer ReviewReview
- Rogue FM6 Functional Trainer ReviewReview
- Titan Fitness Lat Pulldown ReviewReview
- REP Arcadia Max Functional Trainer ReviewReview
- Rogue Fm-hr Twin Functional Trainer ReviewReview
- Inspire FT2 Functional Trainer ReviewReview
- Inspire Functional Trainer ReviewReview
and 6 more planned
Comparisons
- Lat Pulldown Machine vs Cable: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
- Seated Cable Row vs Lat Pulldown: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
- Close Grip vs Wide Grip Lat Pulldown: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
- Functional Trainer vs Cable Machine: Which Should You Buy?Comparison
- Voltra vs Functional Trainer: Which Should You Buy?Comparison
- Close Grip vs Wide Grip Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
- Lat Pullover vs Lat Pulldown: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
- Lat Pulldown Wide vs Narrow: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
and 3 more planned
How-to and setup
- How to Feel Lat Pulldown in LatsHow-to
- How to Feel Lat Pulldown in BackHow-to
- How to Use Lifting Straps on Lat PulldownHow-to
- How to Do Ab Crunches on Cable MachineHow-to
- How to Properly Do a Lat PulldownHow-to
Questions and specs
- How Much Weight Should You Use on a Lat Pulldown?Question
- What Does Close Grip Lat Pulldown Work? Here's the AnswerQuestion
- Printable Cable Machine Exercises ChartSpecs
- Is Lat Pulldown a Compound Exercise? Here's the AnswerQuestion
- Does Lat Pulldown Work Biceps? Here's the AnswerQuestion
- Does Lat Pulldown Work Shoulders? Here's the AnswerQuestion
- What Is Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown? Here's the AnswerQuestion
- Where Should I Feel Lat Pulldown? Here's the AnswerQuestion
Not sure what fits?
Check your ceiling clearance or answer three questions to find the right guide.
Related categories
- StrengthRacks, rigs and Smith machinesPower racks, squat stands, Smith machines and the attachments that fit them.
- StrengthBarbells and weight platesBars, trap bars, bumper and iron plates, and how to store them.
- StrengthDumbbells and kettlebellsAdjustable and fixed dumbbells, kettlebells and racks.
- StrengthBenchesFlat, adjustable and combo benches, sized for small rooms.
- StrengthLeg and selectorized machinesLeg press, hack squat and pin-loaded machines for home use.
- CardioTreadmills and walking padsFolding, incline and under-desk treadmills and walking pads.
- CardioExercise and spin bikesSpin, recumbent and air bikes, with and without subscriptions.
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