11 best home gym equipment items of 2024

Best dumbbells: REP Fitness Hex Dumbbell Set 

About REP Fitness Hex Dumbbell Set

Dumbbells are a home gym essential whether you’re at the beginning of your training journey or very advanced. REP Fitness offers high-quality sets that avoid the pitfalls of cheaper dumbbells. 

While pricey, REP Fitness dumbbells are well-made, with fully knurled handles that ensure a safe yet comfortable grip. The hexagonal sides prevent rolling and are made of low-odor rubber coating that will keep your floors safe from damage. 

REP Fitness sets are available with or without racks and you can also purchase pairs separately to expand your collection. However, remember that the larger the set you purchase, the more space it will take up.

If you’re shopping on a budget and you don’t mind a little odor, you can pick up the CAP Barbell Dumbbell Set instead. The dumbbells in this set run from 5 to 25 pounds and even come with a stand. 

Why we like it

• Dumbbells are a must-have for many training styles
• Functional, comfortable and safe dumbbell design
• Rubber coating prevents floor damage

What to consider

• Pricey 
• Full set can take up a lot of space

Best adjustable dumbbells: BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

About BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

If you’d like to save some space, these adjustable dumbbells from BowFlex are an excellent alternative to traditional dumbbells. Even when fully loaded, the pair only takes up a little bit of floor space and it even comes with a storage tray to keep your floor protected. 

With the twist of a dial, you can select your weight of choice, which gives you the flexibility to go from heavy squats to light bicep curls in seconds. It’s perfect for circuit or HIIT-style workouts. 

This set may feel like a high initial expense for some shoppers, but we think it’s a great deal since it effectively replaces 15 sets of weights. Each dumbbell can go up to 52.5 pounds, which is enough for novice lifters or anyone exercising for general health and fitness. 

If you want to lift heavier, the SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells go up to 90 pounds per dumbbell. Alternatively, you can pick up a barbell for your heavier lifts. Keep in mind that these dumbbells are more fragile than traditional dumbbells, so be careful not to drop them on the floor at the end of a set. 

Why we like it

• Take up minimal space 
• Quick and easy to adjust
• Beginner-friendly  

What to consider

• Weight range might be too light for some 
• More fragile than traditional dumbbells

Best for cardio: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

About Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill

The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill is a powerful, high-quality piece of machinery at a very reasonable price point. It offers a phenomenal cardio workout, whether you’re interested in challenging but low-impact incline walking or heart-pumping sprints. 

The responsive Rapid Sync motor keeps things smooth and even accommodates HIIT-style speed changes, while the cushioned deck helps to protect your joints from damage as you run. This treadmill also has advanced Bluetooth Connectivity, which allows you to control it via app, track your workouts, or stream audio with the built-in speakers. 

Some reviewers mentioned that the initial unboxing and set-up were challenging because of the weight of the full machine, which is something to keep in mind. Once fully constructed, it’s unwieldy to move around but it can be folded up to take up less space. 

Why we like it

• Reasonably priced 
• Advanced Bluetooth connectivity for app control and media streaming
• Many different settings for different types of workouts 

What to consider

• Not very compact 
• Heavy

Best for bodyweight training: TRX All-in-One Suspension Training System

About TRX All-in-One Suspension Training System

Traditional lifting isn’t the only way to get stronger. This suspension set allows for a challenging workout using your own body weight while allowing you to improve your functional strength and mobility.  

The main item in this system is a large adjustable strap with handles on each end, so it takes up virtually no space. It’s easy to set up with the door anchor or the suspension anchor that wraps around beams. 

Depending on how you set it up, you can use it for many different upper body exercises, as well as to challenge your core stability. It comes with a free trial to the TRX Training Club, which includes over 2000 suspension-based workouts. 

The only drawback to this product (and to suspension training in general) is that it doesn’t offer much lower-body resistance, so it’s better for functional fitness, general health and mobility goals rather than for specific aesthetic or strength goals.

Why we like it

• Bodyweight alternative to weightlifting 
• Takes up minimal space 
• Easy to set up anywhere

What to consider

• You might still need weights to train lower body

Best pull-up bar: Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar

About Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar

Strengthen your upper body and boost your mobility with this pullup bar from Perfect Fitness. This cushioned pullup bar is easy to mount in most doorways, and it’s safe and stable to support over 300 pounds of weight. 

It has a continuous cushioned grip all across the bar that will allow you to practice different kinds of pull ups and chin-ups. Brackets on the ends of the bar make it possible to do a wide-grip pullup in every kind of door frame. Keep in mind that the height of the bar depends on the height of your doorframe. If you’re quite tall, you may want to install a ceiling-mounted pullup bar instead.  

Why we like it

• Easy to mount 
• Continuous cushioned grip
• Stable with high weight capacity

What to consider

• Door-mounted design will be too low for some users

Best weight bench: FLYBIRD Weight Bench

About FLYBIRD Weight Bench

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a weight bench that surpasses FlyBird at this price point. This affordable bench is a home gym must-have that allows for a full range of motion during your bench press. According to reviewers, it’s incredibly easy to adjust, so you’ll have no problems using it for incline presses or reverse flys. 

Weighing in at only 28.5 pounds, it’s lightweight yet able to support up to 800 pounds of weight. It’s also stable enough for elevated split squats and step-ups, although some reviewers mentioned that it might be too high for short lifters. 

Why we like it

• Budget-friendly
• Adjustable for different exercises
• Stable yet lightweight

What to consider

• A little high for some users

Best small mat: Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat

About Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat

This simple yet thick yoga mat is a versatile option for stretching and floor work, especially if your home gym is just a corner in your living room. Because it’s a little thicker than the average yoga mat, which means better durability and cushioning. It can even act as a protective surface when you’re using weights!  

Despite the thickness, it’s still easy to roll up and put away once your workout is done. It comes with a carrying strap, which means you can take it with you when you want to check out the occasional yoga class. 

Some reviewers noted that it can slip a little on certain surfaces, so you may want to lay it over a towel. If you’re interested in using your mat for burpees or other explosive movements, consider choosing a thinner mat instead. 

Why we like it

• Budget-friendly
• Thick and cushioning
• Compact and portable 

What to consider

• Can be a little slippery 
• Might be too thick for quick or explosive movements

Best bands: Bodylastics Resistance Band Set

About Bodylastics Resistance Band Set

Resistance bands are another space-saving alternative to weights. From Bodylastics, the bands in this heavy-duty band set can mimic up to 19 pounds of weight or up to 96 pounds if you stack them.

The set comes with five bands and two handles, allowing for all kinds of training styles. You can wrap them around a pole or use with the included door anchor to mimic a suspension set-up. Bodylastics has a workout library with thousands of training videos to help you get the most out of the bands. 

That said, as with all resistance bands, they’re not ideal for building strength in the lower body since they can only provide resistance at the top of movements like squats, deadlifts and lunges. 

The bands in the Bodylastics set have an internal cord that improves their durability and reduces the risk of dangerous snapping. 

Why we like it

• Can replace up to 96 lbs. of weight
• Many set-up and use options
• Very durable and safe

What to consider

• Not great for lower body training

Best power rack: Synergee Power Rack With Pulley System

About Synergee Power Rack With Pulley System

This power rack is an awesome option if one member of your household wants to lift heavy while another prefers training with cable machines. In addition to holding your bar and plates, it also features a pulley system for practicing cable rows or lat pulldowns. With 11 added accessories in total, it offers excellent value for money. 

The rack stands 81 inches tall, so it’ll fit in spaces with low ceiling clearance, although you may find it too low for practicing pull-ups comfortably. Some reviewers noted it has minor construction and finish issues, but that’s not surprising considering this rack’s accessible price points and added functionalities. 

If you prefer a more straightforward power rack for weight lifting, the REP Fitness PR-1000 Power Rack is a durable, reputable option at a lower price point. 

Why we like it

• All-in-one power rack and home gym machine 
• Excellent value for money 
• Will fit into most home gym spaces 

What to consider

• Might be too low for some users 
• Some lifters may find the added functionalities overkill 
• Coating can rub off

Best large mat: BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat

About BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat

The puzzle-shaped exercise mats from BalanceFrom are a budget-friendly and durable option to cover a lot of home gym space. They can support your equipment and give you cushioned space to exercise. 

These mats are very modular, so you can place them to fit your space perfectly, and the high-density EVA foam can support rough treatment. That said, some reviewers mentioned that the puzzle pieces don’t always fit perfectly together, so you may find yourself occasionally dealing with separation.  

Another option that’s even more popular with home gym owners is using horse stable floor mats – they can have a strong rubbery smell, and they require more effort to set up, but they’re often the most durable and low-cost option. 

Why we like it

• Budget-friendly
• Durable, high-density foam 
• Modular and easy to switch around 

What to consider

• Not a seamless fit 

How to choose home gym equipment

There’s no such thing as a universally perfect home gym – it’s all about putting together a setup that’ll work for you. Here’s what you’ll need to consider when shopping for the best home gym equipment for your needs. 

Workout style

A home workout can look totally different from person to person, so make sure to consider your training style and buy the corresponding at-home gym equipment. 

All you might need is a mat and a pull-up bar if your focus is bodyweight training, while a few sets of dumbbells at challenging weights are often ideal for general health and fitness. You might want to invest in a full set of dumbbells, barbells and a power rack if you’re on your way to becoming a professional bodybuilder. 

Space 

Is your home gym just a corner in your office, or do you have an entire basement you can dedicate to working out? If space is at a premium, you’ll want to focus on small, versatile devices and equipment that’ll take up less space and allow you to do more with less, like the adjustable dumbbells from BowFlex or the TRX Suspension Suspension Training System. 

The larger your space, the more you can accumulate, so single-purpose equipment might not be an issue. At that point, you can also invest in more traditional gym equipment like a power rack and treadmill. 

Budget 

If you want the latest, most advanced equipment or the most convenient and well-stocked home gym possible, the sky's the limit with how much you can spend. The majority of fitness enthusiasts will have a budget in mind, however. 

If you are shopping on a tighter budget, you have two options. First, you can look for versatile set-ups that allow you to achieve a complete workout with less equipment, like adjustable dumbbells or exercise bands. Alternatively, you can opt for second-hand or budget versions of home gym items, which are often functional but with minor aesthetic or comfort issues. 

FAQ

What is the most effective piece of home gym equipment?

The most effective pieces of home gym equipment for most fitness enthusiasts are a barbell and power rack, which allow for a very comprehensive and intense full-body workout. That said, dumbbells, resistance bands and suspension training systems are also highly effective, especially for beginners or those who are not interested in intense weight lifting. 

Is more expensive gym equipment always better?

Not necessarily! In some cases, more expensive equipment will be more durable or comfortable to use, but there are also many fancy machines with limited utility. It’s important to purchase from reputable brands and to take your time considering what functions you’re actually interested in. 

How much does a full home gym setup cost?

There’s no upper or lower limit for how much a full home gym setup can cost. If you’re aiming for a full-body workout with both dumbbells and barbells, as well as some sort of cardio machine, you can expect to spend approximately $2000 on your setup.