Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Jeff
Are you thinking of investing in a home weight machine for your gym at home? Have you considered a Smith Machine home gym?
The Smith machine home gym is a very versatile plate-loaded home gym that allows the user to perform a wide range of weight exercises.
To help you find the best one for your needs, we reviewed the best Smith machines on the market. Keep reading to find the right one for your needs.
Best Smith Machine Home Gym (Our Review)
Multi Smith Machine Home Gym Power Cage CM-5008 (Best Weight Capacity)
Raise your weightlifting game with the Multi Smith Power Cage. There are 21 variable positions for bar supports ranging between 17.5″ to 68″ high, and 2 safety bars that are compatible with 7′ Olympic bars.
Maximum Weight Capacity: 100 lbs.
Work out at home doing squats, bench presses, chin-ups, lat pull-downs, and low rowing. Do dips with the free dip handles. Build strength in your upper back, shoulders, and arms with the low row cable attachment.
There are countless exercises you can do with this piece of equipment. It can support a total weight of up to 1000 lbs. The Multi Smith Power Cage has a sturdy 2” x 2” square steel frame, easily set up by watching the installation video on Youtube.
Barbell and weights are not included with the apparatus.
Pros
- Easy set-up
- Very strong, stable frame
- High maximum weight capacity, 1000 lbs
Cons
- Barbell and weights are not included
Marcy SM-4033 (Best Multi-station Smith Machine)
The Marcy SM-4033 consists of a squat rack, Smith machine, cable pulley system, low row, pec deck, pull up station, dip station, landmine station, and an exercise bench.
Maximum Weight Capacity: 300lb
Warranty: 2 years
Perform hundreds of exercises with the adjustable cable station. It has 15 positions, targeting your muscles from different angles. The weight bench has fully adjustable preacher and leg developer attachments.
A triceps rope, short bar, 2 cable handles, and a landmine attachment are included with this multi-station home gym. You’ll need to provide your own weights, but the SM-4033 accepts both standard and Olympic discs.
In addition to steel lockout points, the Smith machine has adjustable safety catches to prevent injury. The pull-up station has more grip options than most other Smith machine gyms, and the dip station is height adjustable.
The owner’s manual also includes a 13-step safety guide and a 6-step maintenance guide that tells you how to look after your home gym. It also includes set-up instructions. The setup is time-consuming and can take 7-8 hours to get through all of the 37 steps.
Part of the problem may be that the set-up instructions in the owner’s manual include diagrams only, no text. To assemble the Marcy SM-4033 you’ll need a socket set, a few open-end wrenches, and some Allen keys.
Interlocking pieces of jigsaw flooring with high-density foam are easily installed. They provide a non-slip surface with noise reduction qualities, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors.
Pros
- Versatile home-gym
- Non-slip flooring with noise-reduction properties
Cons
- Lengthy set-up process
- No weights are included
Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine (Best Basic Smith Machine Gym)
Valor Fitness BE-11 features heavy-duty 4” x 2”, 12-gauge steel construction for maximum strength and stability, solid steel bar latch support, bar rotation, and linear bearings that withstand even the most challenging lifts.
Dimensions: 53” x 73.25″ x 80.5″
Maximum Weight Capacity: 1000 lbs
Warranty: 3 years on the frame, 3 years on the bar, 1 year on parts.
This unit is meant for home or light commercial use and has a 3-degree pitch. Perform bench presses and squats without a spotter. Include rows, upright rows, shrugs, and calf raises to give yourself a total body workout with just this one machine.
This model has a very simple setup, and includes the bar and supports for the weight plates, but does not include the actual weight plates or a bench.
Keep your home gym organized with the 4 Olympic plate storage pegs. The Valor Fitness BE-11 does not include cables, but a counterbalance that includes cables is available as a separate purchase and is designed to counteract the weight of the bar.
Pros
- Can support up to 1000 lbs of weight
- Storage for 4 Olympic plates
- Sturdy steel construction
Cons
- Does not include cables
- Does not include weight plates
- Does not include a workout bench
Marcy Smith Cage Machine With Workout Bench SM-4008 (Our Top Pick)
An all-in-one home gym combining a Smith machine, pull-up bar, cable crossovers, and a leg developer. You can target different muscle groups with this multi-function home gym.
Cage Dimensions: 65” x 79.25” x 84.5”
Bench Dimensions: 68.25” x 26” x 45.5”
Maximum weight Capacity: 300 lbs on the weight bar, 600lbs on the bench including user
Warranty: 2 years
The Smith press bar, pull-up bar, butterfly press station, and steel aircraft cables will develop your chest and shoulders, while the leg developer will target the muscles in your legs including the hamstrings, quads, and glutes.
The Marcy Smith Cage Machine includes a removable workout bench to enable a more complete workout and has a padded seat that can be adjusted to multiple different positions. For your safety while training, the Smith bar has adjustable safety stops and bar catches.
Keep your weight plates neatly organized with the 4 storage posts. Weights are not included with the machine, though.
Several accessories are included with this gym: pulley cable handles, a shiver bar, triceps rope, a v-bar, as well as a footplate, and an ankle strap.
Use the dual upper pulley cables with the included cable handles to do cable crossovers and overhead triceps extensions. The cable system’s nylon pulleys feature sealed bearings, 1-inch chrome guide rods, and steel aircraft cables with a tensile strength of 2,000 lbs.
Perform seated rows using the low pulley with the included footplate, to broaden your back and develop your forearm muscles.
You can remove the workout bench to perform squats and leg exercises. Load the leg developer with weight plates and target your leg muscles with leg curls and leg extensions.
Pros
- Several useful fitness accessories are included
- The bench has an adjustable back pad
- Storage posts for weights
Cons
- Weight plates are not included
Powertec Roller Smith Machine (Best Budget)
An innovative carriage system provides a smooth weight training experience. Weights, bench, and the lat tower that connects with the roller system are sold separately.
Dimensions: 83” x 85” x 4”
Weight Capacity: 100 lbs in total Roller: 450 lbs, Optional Lat Tower: 300 lbs, Low Lever Pulley: 300lbs.:
In this model, a high tensile strength Olympic bar is driven by a roller system incorporating bearing drive nylon reinforced wheels, to provide maximum safety and stability.
Push the maximum weight with confidence, thanks to the adjustable, spring-loaded safety catches. Customize your Roller Smith Machine with the optional workbench and lat tower to include a wider range of exercises.
Pros
- Adjustable safety catches
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Weights, bench, and lat tower have to be purchased separately
Yukon Caribou III Smith Machine (Best for Beginners)
An affordable entry-level smith machine, suitable for beginners, that is compact and easy to assemble.
Dimensions: 48” x 68” x 85”
Maximum Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Product Weight:450lbs (bench 60lbs & machine 390 lbs)
Great for beginners, the Yukon Caribou III Smith machine comes with a sturdy pull-up and pull-down bar, and a chin-up bar. The comfortably padded bench is adjustable and includes a leg attachment. You also have the option of doing free-weight exercises with this machine.
Incredibly sturdy and stable, but unfortunately no storage for weight plates like some of the other models. This model uses self-lubricating bushes to glide the bar across the rods, which may be an issue for those users who prefer linear bearings.
The lat pulley is designed to be used with 1″ plates, as has the barbell, but a 2″ Olympic adapter for the barbell is included. The weight bench features an adjustable seat.
Pros
- Compact
- Affordable
- Great for beginners
Cons
- No storage for weight plates
- Much lower weight capacity than some other models
- Not advanced enough for experienced Smith Machine users
Body Solid Series 7 Smith Machine (Best Warranty)
The Body-Solid Series 7 GS348Q Smith Machine is set to a 7-degree reversed pitch and features linear bearings with 20 cross-member lock-out points. The free-weight gun rack system has 14 lift-off and racking positions.
Dimensions: 66″ x 84″ x 83″
Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
A 7-degree reversed pitch provides a more natural bar path that improves the safety and effectiveness of your exercises, especially bench presses, and squats.
Constructed from 11 and 12 gauge 2’ x 3’ steel, this sturdy and reliable apparatus is covered by Body-Solid’s lifetime home-use warranty. A combination of a standard Smith Machine and a squat rack, it can be customized to suit your fitness needs.
The Body Solid Series 7 is designed for use with Olympic weight plates, but these are not included. You can purchase 255 lbs of either rubber or steel Olympic plates or directly from Body Solid.
Because it’s big and cumbersome, it takes a while to set up. The owner’s manual includes instructions, but only has diagrams to guide you through the process. The machine has a large footprint though, so it could cause damage unless you have heavy-duty flooring underneath it.
Pros
- Linear bearings with 20 cross-member lock-out points
- Versatile and customizable
- The weight rack has 14 lift-off and racking positions
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- Large footprint
- Lengthy set-up
- Expensive
Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer (Best for Workout Versatility)
The Inspire Ft2 features commercial-grade construction with a pull-up bar, Smith bar, dual weight stacks, and 6 pulleys allowing you to perform a wide range of exercises.
Dimensions: 58” x 61” x 88”
Warranty: Home Use: Limited Lifetime on frame and parts.
Light Commercial: Limited 10y on frame and parts.
The Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer is the ultimate all-in-one home gym, integrating a Smith Machine with Olympic bar and weight stacks, without the need for Olympic weight plates. Dual weight stacks allow you to work each side of your body independently.
It has the best home gym pulley system out of the models selected for review, the dual pulley system adjusts to 32 positions, and the pull-up bar is adjustable in height to accommodate low ceiling heights. An innovative weight multiplier feature doubles the maximum resistance to accommodate heavier lifting.
Various accessories are included: Triceps rope, 2 x rubber D handles, a dual-hook straight bar, an EZ curl bar, ankle strap, 2 water bottles, a multi-function belt, sports handle, 2 x 5 lbs. add-on weights, and an exercise manual.
Pros
- Lots of useful accessories to maximize your workout
- Compact design
- Good warranty
- Also suitable for light commercial use
- Can be used in rooms with low ceilings
Cons
- Not for beginners
Force USA Monster G3 Home Gym (Best for Small Spaces)
This home gym combines a power rack, smith machine, and a cable pulley system with a 2:1 pulley ratio, in one versatile yet extremely compact strength training system.
Dimensions: 51″ x 55″ x 87″
Maximum Weight Capacity: 770 lbs
Designed in The USA, all components of the Monster G3 are laser-cut to be precision perfect. The heavy-gauge steel tubing has an eco-friendly commercial-grade powder coating that provides durable and long-lasting protection.
Included in the steel Power Rack component are commercial-grade J-Hooks and Safeties, that can be adjusted using westside hole spacing to the height position you require.
The Smith Machine is angled for natural body movement, providing a stable and secure workout. Easily re-rack the Smith bar into any height position needed.
Perform over 75 different exercises on the functional trainer. Adjustable height positions allow you to do a wide range of shoulder, arms, chest, back, core, and leg exercises.
Perform circuit training, super-sets, and endurance training all in one space with one apparatus. Keep your workout area tidy with the built-in storage for your barbells, weight pilates, and cable attachments.
Pros
- Laser-cut, precise components
- Power rack, smith machine, and a cable pulley system in one
- Extremely compact
- Commercial-grade J-Hooks and Safeties
- Bar height is adjustable.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with as many accessories as other entries on this list
Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System (Best Construction)
The Marcy Diamond Elite SM1050 Smith Cage System offers a wide range of exercises with its 2-piece bench and cage design, including a preacher curl pad and leg developer.
Dimensions: 82″ x 83″ x 79”
Maximum Weight Capacity: 600 lbs
Warranty: Limited 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
With the Marcy Diamond Elite SM1050, you will be able to target all of your major muscle groups, build strength and increase stamina. Easily switch from doing bench presses to standing squats and lunges, to keep your workout interesting and get fitter faster.
The 5-position bench can be used with the Smith rack, or as a separate workout bench for dumbbell exercises. Perform upper body exercises such as incline, decline, and flat chest presses, as well as shoulder press exercises.
The workout bench includes an arm curl pad to ensure proper muscle alignment when doing bicep curl exercises, and a complete leg developer for doing leg extensions and leg curl exercises that target the quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
Maximize your workout routine by loading the 7-foot Olympic bar with weight plates (sold separately) to perform squats, lunges, or standing rows. The durable 14 gauge steel construction includes 2 Olympic size weight plate storage posts to store weight plates off the ground.
Guide rods, as well as bar and safety catches along the exterior of the cage frame allow the height of the weight bar to be adjusted without risk of injury.
Pros
- Guide rods and safety catches reduce the risk of injury
- 5-position bench allows a wide variety of exercises
- A preacher curl pad and leg developer attachment are included
- Heavy-duty, sturdy 14-gauge steel construction
- 2 Olympic weight storage posts are included on the frame
Cons
- The weight plates sold separately
Conclusion
When used correctly, Smith Machine home gyms are safe to use and even safer than other weight machines such as traditional leverage home gyms. You’ll get a total-body strength-building workout, with one piece of equipment, and without needing to leave your home.
If you want a good quality multi-station Smith Machine, the Marcy SM-4033 is a great choice, if you don’t mind the long set-up process. Just see it as a further exercise; an exercise of your patience. For absolute beginners, we recommend the Yukon Caribou III.
Most of these models would suit the average user, but you need to look at your budget, available space, and individual fitness goals before selecting a Smith Machine for your home gym.
Our top pick out of the models reviewed, the Mi7Smith Functional Training System gives you the best a Smith machine and functional trainer have to offer, combined with the sleek walk-through design and patented technology.
Smith Machine Home Gyms (FAQs)
Can you get a full-body workout with a Smith machine home gym?
A Smith Machine home gym, along with a barbell, weights, and a bench will allow you to perform a full strength-training workout just as good as you would have in a gym full of equipment. It is considered the best home gym for bodybuilding.
Are Smith machines safer to use than leverage gyms?
Smith machines are safe when used correctly. They have a built-in system that allows you to stop the barbell and weight whenever you feel it’s necessary. Virtually every Smith Machine home gym includes safety catches to prevent injury.
What are leverage home gyms useful for?
A leverage home gym gives a total bodyweight workout. Your whole body is put to work, resulting in amazing strength gains and a high level of calorie-burning, which leads to fat loss.
Are Smith Machines only for bodybuilders?
Smith Machines were developed to be used as part of a complete bodybuilding workout, including the use of free weights. It is not used exclusively by bodybuilders but is certainly popular with users who are very serious about increasing their muscle definition and strength.