The 8 Best Functional Trainers in 2024 (Premium, Budget, and More)

You’ve finally made up your mind and are going to get a functional trainer for your gym.

You know how beneficial and versatile they can be, and you’re willing to invest for fun, challenging, and effective training.

But what functional trainer should you get? There are so many options on the market.

Fortunately, there is a way to determine what would fit your needs best. Read on to learn about the 8 best functional trainers in 2024 and what factors to consider before purchasing.

Let’s dive in.

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The 8 Best Functional Trainers For Your Gym In 2024

1. Best Functional Trainer: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer
2. Best Runner-Up Functional Trainer: REP Fitness FT-5000
3. Best Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer: Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Functional Trainer
4. Most Versatile Functional Trainer: Force USA G6 All-In-One Trainer
5. Best Premium Functional Trainer: Inspire Fitness FT2
6. Best Budget Functional Trainer: Body-Solid BFFT10R Functional Trainer
7. Best Functional Trainer on Amazon: XMark Home Gym Functional Trainer
8. Best Functional Trainer For Tight Spaces: REP Fitness FT-3000 Compact Trainer

1. Best Functional Trainer: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer

We’ve given the top spot to the functional trainer by Titan Fitness despite only having a 1-year warranty. First, the product costs $2,500 (including shipping), which is a fantastic deal for a product of such caliber.

Second, the functional trainer has a cool design and feels great during training. It is made of durable materials, the cables feel smooth during exercise, and you get plenty of active resistance.

Specifically, the Titan Fitness trainer has a 2-to-1 resistance ratio. If you select 100 lbs, the actual resistance is 50 lbs.

In addition, the functional trainer comes with seven attachments: 

• 2 dual stirrup handles
• 2 rope handles
• A rope attachment
• A long straight bar
• A short straight bar
• Double D handle
• Ankle strap

The functional trainer is also sturdy and feels quite secure during training, despite weighing less than 700 lbs.

It is the perfect option for everyone looking for an affordable, durable, versatile, and high-quality functional trainer.

2. Best Runner-Up Functional Trainer: REP Fitness FT-5000

The FT-5000 functional trainer by REP fitness comes in at a close second. Honestly, the difference between it and the Titan Fitness machine isn’t huge, and you can go with either.

One notable difference is that the FT-5000 is larger and much heavier, which makes it sturdier and more secure, especially on more intense activities. Another difference is that it has a slightly greater height, which makes it more suitable for taller trainees.

The device comes with a pair of weight stacks, each weighing 220 lbs (100 kg), and attached to pulleys with a 2-to-1 ratio, enough for most trainees to get a good workout. There is also a multi-grip pull-up bar for further flexibility in your training.

One advantage is that the functional trainer comes partially assembled, which makes the process of putting it together easier.

A drawback is that the handles only come off 52” (132 cm) off the ground, which might not be great for taller trainees.

3. Best Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer: Titan Fitness Plate Loaded Functional Trainer

The plate-loaded functional trainer by Titan Fitness can be a great option if you already have a home gym and plenty of standard weight plates.

For one, the product is half the price of the REP Fitness FT-5000, which makes it a great budget pick.

Second, despite the lower price, it is well-made, durable, and of excellent quality. You don’t get any of the issues associated with cheaper products: rattling, squeaking, rough movement of the cables and pulleys, etc.

Third, it is lighter than a traditional functional trainer because it doesn’t have weight stacks, allowing you to move it around your home gym more freely.

A cool feature of the functional trainer is the lat pulldown bar right above the multi-grip pull-up bar. You also get a pair of adjustable pulleys and can use up to 220 lbs (100 kg) per handle.

The only real drawback is that changing the resistance takes more time and effort than moving the pin to the desired load. But, hey: that’s a small price to pay for the benefits you get.

4. Most Versatile Functional Trainer: Force USA G6 All-In-One Trainer

If you’re looking for a commercial-grade functional trainer that can do almost everything, the G6 by Force USA is worth considering.

At first glance, this is your traditional functional trainer with a pair of weight stacks and two adjustable pulleys for your training. But as you look closer, you notice how much more the device offers.

First, unlike most functional trainers, this one comes with a fully functional Smith machine for various fun and challenging exercises: squats, shrugs, bench press, rows, etc.

Second, the front pillars allow you to add J-hooks for a barbell and safety spotter arms. This allows you to use a free barbell and do exercises like back and front squats, rack pulls, overhead presses, etc.

To support the entire training experience, the functional trainer comes with weight storage for your plates, so you don’t have to get a separate weight stand to organize your equipment.

The all-in-one device has a leg press attachment you add to the Smith machine bar to perform leg presses. There are also plenty of attachments for your two adjustable pulleys: a V handle, a pair of handles, rope, and more.

The only real downsides are the price, size, and complexity of putting together. Make sure you have enough room for the G6 and consider Force USA’s professional assembly service because you might not be able to do it yourself.

5. Best Premium Functional Trainer: Inspire Fitness FT2

The Inspire Fitness FT2 functional trainer is arguably the best premium option on the market for everyone looking to get the absolute best unit, regardless of price. It came out more than a decade ago and was way ahead of its time. Back when it first came out, there wasn’t anything remotely as impressive or versatile as the FT2.

First, the FT2 comes with a fully functional Smith machine, but unlike the one in the G6, this one doesn’t come with loadable sleeves for weight plates. Instead, it uses a unique and complex mechanism for connecting the weight stacks to the Smith machine bar to provide the necessary resistance.

Second, the FT2 comes with approximately a buttload of pulleys. You have two adjustable ones on the upright beams, four pulleys at the bottom in the middle of the device, and two on top.

Here are some examples of how each comes in handy:

• Adjustable pulleys on upright beams - crucifix bicep curls, chest flyes, face pulls, etc.
• Bottom pulleys in the middle - seated back row, standing bicep curl, etc.
• Top pulleys - lat pulldowns, tricep extensions, etc.

The weight stacks go up to 165 lbs with a 50-lb upgrade option, which comes out to 82.5 lbs (37.4 kg) of active resistance because of the 2-to-1 resistance ratio. Fortunately, there is a way to work around that.

You can connect the two carabiners on one attachment point, such as the top one, and attach a single handle. Doing so would provide you with 165 lbs of actual resistance, which will be more than enough, especially if you use a handle and train one side at a time.

Unfortunately, as our premium pick, it also comes with a hefty price tag. It’s also a significant challenge to put together because almost none of it comes pre-assembled.

6. Best Budget Functional Trainer: Body-Solid BFFT10R Functional Trainer

The Body-Solid BFFT10R functional trainer is a great budget pick for beginners and intermediate-level lifters.

The device comes with a 190-lb (86.2 kg) weight stack, a 4-to-1 ratio when using one handle, and a 2-to-1 ratio when using both pulleys together. For example, if you use the entire stack on one pulley, the effective resistance is 47.5 lbs. The resistance jumps to 95 lbs when using the two handles.

You also get a straight pull-up bar, allowing you to do pull-ups, chin-ups, hanging knee/leg raises, L-sits, and more.

As an added benefit, the functional trainer is compact and doesn’t take up much space. You can adjust the pulleys in 19 positions, which allows you to vary the angle of attack and keep your workouts engaging. 

7. Best Functional Trainer on Amazon: XMark Home Gym Functional Trainer

The functional trainer by XMark is a commercial-grade piece of equipment that resembles machines you can find at your local gym.

Like most other options on our list, it comes with a pair of weight stacks, each weighing 200 lbs (90.8 kg). The resistance ratio is the standard 2-to-1, which means using 100 lbs provides you with 50 lbs of actual resistance.

You can adjust the two pulleys in 19 positions to vary the angle of attack and perform a range of effective exercises using one or both pulleys.

The distance between the two pulleys is 60” (152.4 cm), which is enough, even for bigger people to train freely and not feel constrained. That distance also allows you to place a bench in the middle and do exercises like bench cable flyers and presses.

XMark’s functional trainer has several attachments for your pulleys, including handles, a straight bar, and a rope. To top it off, you also get a multi-grip pull-up bar on top for extra versatility.

8. Best Functional Trainer For Tight Spaces: REP Fitness FT-3000 Compact Trainer

The REP Fitness FT-3000 is our recommendation for everyone looking to get a quality product and fit it inside a smaller space. Its footprint is 78" by 53” by 34” (198.1 by 134.6 by 86.3 cm).

Despite the compact size, this device doesn’t lack in any area. It weighs 770 lbs, which makes it quite sturdy, you get a multi-grip pull-up bar on top, and the pair of weight stacks are enough to give you a great workout at a 2-to-1 ratio.

Another thing that makes the functional trainer convenient is that it comes with attachment pegs inside for your rope, handles, V bar, and any other accessory you decide to get. For additional training flexibility, the two pulleys are adjustable.

The FT-3000 is a commercial-grade and compact functional trainer that allows you to do various exercises and challenge yourself sufficiently to build muscle, develop strength, and improve your overall athleticism.

Unlike most products on the market, this device also comes with a 10-year warranty for home use.

The Benefits of a Functional Trainer

1. You Can Do Many Exercises

As you’ve probably realized, a functional trainer is a machine that allows you to do many exercises for different parts of your body.

One huge benefit of investing in a functional trainer is that you can do a wide range of exercises to hit all the major muscle groups in your body. 

2. Cables Are Great For Hypertrophy

Cable training is invaluable because it promotes hypertrophy. In addition to the many exercises you can pick from, cables provide constant tension because they aren’t influenced by gravity.

For example, your biceps must work hard from start to finish when doing a curl. In contrast, using free weights makes it easier for your biceps at the bottom because there is much less resistance.

Thanks to the constant tension, cables can make it easier to activate the correct muscles and improve your mind-muscle connection.

3. Having One Is Convenient

Working out at a gym has its benefits but isn’t always convenient. Between commuting, dealing with the evening rush, and constantly worrying that someone will take your equipment when you’re not looking, it can be a stressful experience.

A functional trainer is much more convenient because it is in your home. You don’t have to commute to a gym, deal with people, wait around for equipment, or make small talk in the locker room.

Thanks to the greater accessibility, you might feel more motivated to work out, stay more consistent, and get better results.

4. It Saves You Money In The Long Run

It can be easy to look at the price tag of a functional trainer and think, “Boy, that’s a lot of money I’m not getting back.”

But here’s the thing:

A functional trainer can save you money in the long run. It is an all-in-one machine and an alternative to other equipment you would need for a full home gym.

A functional trainer will generally come out cheaper than a home gym setup, especially if you prefer to get higher-grade equipment.

Even if you compare it to going to a gym, it can still be cheaper in the long run. Between the gym membership cost, commuting (and the associated time sink), and other hidden fees, you might save money if you own it for at least five years.

Best Functional Trainers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are functional trainers worth it?

Yes, a functional trainer is worth it. These all-in-one training devices offer excellent versatility and flexibility, making your workouts fun, challenging, and, most importantly, effective.

2. What can I use a functional trainer for?

It mainly depends on the exact model you choose to get, but most such devices allow you to train most major muscle groups in your entire body.

For example, the XMark Home Gym functional trainer comes with two adjustable cable pulleys and a multi-grip pull-up bar. As a result, you can do dozens of great movements to train your chest, back, shoulders, arms, midsection, and lower body.

3. Is a functional trainer enough to have good workouts?

People interested in simply getting fit, improving their physical capacity, building muscle, and getting stronger will benefit significantly from just a functional trainer. If anything, you could get a pair of adjustable dumbbells to cover your training needs.

With that said, trainees looking to excel in a specific sport, such as powerlifting, won’t have much use for a functional trainer due to the lack of specificity. In such a case, investing in a free-weight set-up consisting of a barbell, squat rack, adjustable bench, and such would be better.

Best Functional Trainers Conclusion

Functional trainers are a solid investment, especially if you plan on using yours for at least a few years.

Most models on the market cost a pretty penny, but the advantages are well worth it. You can enjoy a great training experience, pick from dozens of effective exercises, and use it as your all-in-one workout solution.

The above 8 are some of the best functional trainers, and you should consider one that fits your needs, budget, and available space.

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