Pros:

• Compact design saves space
• Costs hundreds (and even thousands) less than other complete gyms
• Straightforward assembly

Cons:

• BowFlex’s “resistance levels” don’t mirror actual free weights
• 210-pound limit may not be adequate for leg workouts or bench presses

At just $999, the BowFlex PR3000 home gym is a steal when you consider what it offers in comparison to other complete home gyms. Its versatile rod-based resistance system, for example, offers up to 210 pounds of resistance that’s upgradeable to 310 pounds if you need to add more weight. What’s more, all of the weight is controlled by a no-change cable pulley system that’s connected to the machine’s durable steel frame, so you won’t risk injury as you transition between exercises and degrees of resistance. Plus, it keeps things simple, ditching the fancy tech for tried-and-true durability to ensure your workouts are never impacted by, say, a bad internet connection or a lazy instructor. BowFlex even adds an instruction placard to the front of the machine that allows you to quickly reference workouts—a handy feature whether you’re warming up or new to working out.

Pros:

• Great design for small spaces
• Budget-friendly price
• Over 100 different exercises challenge the entire body

Cons:

• Need a reliable anchor point to engage in exercise
• Slight learning curve

If you’re looking to add a gym setup to your home without breaking the bank, the TRX Pro3 Suspension Training System will get you there with money left over for some new training shoes. Offering full-body workouts anytime, anywhere, the setup is used by professional trainers, athletes and even Olympians.

Featuring three suspension anchors, durable rubber grip handles, padded foot cradles and an eight-week workout program, the design uses your own bodyweight as resistance. Sturdy straps anchored to a door, ceiling or any secure spot allow you to engage in a series of bodyweight exercises, from squats to rows to push-ups and beyond. Made from heavy-duty webbing, TRX straps support up to 350 pounds, which makes them suitable for most body types, and all of the equipment packs into a small carrying bag when it’s not in use. The setup isn’t as conventional as a weight bench or an all-in-one exercise machine, but it’s great for those who prefer to workout from home and don’t have the budget or the space for more complex equipment.

Pros:

• Incredibly easy to use
• Promotes low-impact, fluid movements
• Folds flat to save space

Cons:

• Advanced athletes will find it limiting

If you’re dipping your toes into the world of home gyms, the Total Gym Apex serves as a great introduction. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to use, with 10 adjustable levels of resistance and over 80 exercises to choose from, so you’ll never get bored as you slowly build strength and stamina. Whether you’re targeting specific muscle groups or going for a total body workout, the machine has you covered. And because it promotes low-impact, fluid movements, you’ll break a sweat without breaking down your body. Even if you’ve never set foot in a gym before, you’ll feel right at home after spending a few hours with the machine.

With its compact design and easy foldability, it won’t take up precious space in your home when it’s not in use. And with quick, 15- to 20-minute workouts just 3 to 4 days a week, you’ll see results pretty quickly. From cardio to strength training to pilates, the Apex serves as a great way to kick off your fitness journey.

Pros:

• 3D Tempo Vision tracks your form and reps
• Compact design saves valuable space
• Modern design with an HD touchscreen

Cons:

• Expensive when it’s not on sale
• Must purchase a membership separately for on-demand and live classes
• Equipment only comes with a 3-year limited warranty

The Tempo Studio delivers plenty of the perks you’d enjoy at a “regular” gym, but all these perks can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. Choose from live and on-demand strength training classes led by expert trainers and receive feedback on your form and rep counts during your workout thanks to 3D sensors (for certain exercises). All that modern technology allows you to get in the zone without having to do math in the process.

An easel-style gym neatly packs away your weights but the structure is surprisingly mobile, so you can take your workout to another room if needed (but don’t get the wrong idea—even when it’s not stocked with weights, it’s still pretty heavy, so you probably won’t want to move it every day). And, while the base price of $2,495 isn’t cheap, there’s also a much less expensive Tempo Move that uses your phone and TV to achieve a similar workout for just $395.

Pros:

• Lightweight design with a small footprint
• Up to 300 pounds of resistance
• Included app tracks your activity

Cons:

• Pricey
• Included app isn’t as smooth as it could be

There’s an elephant in the room when it comes to conventional home gyms: they’re great when you’re at home, but they don’t really serve you when you’re on the move. That’s where the Maxpro SmartConnect Cable Machine steps in with its sleek, compact setup that fits snugly into a backpack and weighs less than 9 pounds. But don’t let its size fool you; with adjustable resistance ranging from 5 to 300 pounds, it’s easy to burn calories and build muscle on the go.

What’s more, the setup is Bluetooth connected to sync with the machine’s proprietary app. With on-board sensors tracking your workout, monitoring your progress and providing valuable data and analytics, it’s akin to having a coach in your pocket. Join instructor-led workouts or create your own, all while learning how to make the most of the machine. And when the workout ends, pack the setup into the included travel backpack to easily carry it to your next destination.

Pros:

• Design mounts to the wall, saving on space
• Tailored personal training helps you dial in every workout
• Customized metrics offer much-needed fitness insights

Cons:

• Expensive setup
• Smart accessories come at an additional cost
• 12-month Tonal membership required

If floorspace is at a premium in your home or apartment, Tonal definitely makes a case for the perfect home gym thanks to its minimalistic design. It secures firmly into your wall like a mirror without touching the ground, but it looks more like a piece of modern art when it’s not in use (and yes, it must be mounted on the wall, so that probably means you should consider other options if you’re renting).

Tonal contains all the weight you need through a pair of resistance-bearing arms that protrude from the sides of the device. It features thousands of live and on-demand workouts in a range of genres including HIIT, yoga, cardio and more, so there’s always something to keep you moving. And tonal also tracks your reps, sets and workouts over time, so you can see how much progress you’ve made without referring to your phone. The setup includes accessories like handles, a bar, rope and a weight bench.

Pros:

• 20 resistance settings dial in every workout
• Delivers strength and cardio exercises
• HD touchscreen tablet modernizes the experience

Cons:

• Pricey setup
• Takes up a lot of space

The NordicTrack Fusion CST combines elements of more classic home gyms with smart features of the latest-and-greatest gyms to modernize your experience. The sleek machine features a pulley system with 20 resistance levels to help you push yourself, and a tablet screen lets you stream workouts, including ones where trainers can actually adjust your resistance to max out your workout.

This machine focuses on strength training and cardio, allowing you to check all your workout boxes at once. You’ll also receive a year’s worth of access to NordicTrack iFit, which allows you to stream your favorite workouts—and new ones are added daily to keep things fresh.