Training with free weights like a barbell and weight plates can be great for building that muscular frame you've always wanted, and when it comes to moving these weights in a strength-building direction, safety is paramount. In a normal gym setting, you can usually ask a bystander for a quick spot, but training at home doesn’t lend itself to this safety net. More often than not, you’re on your own.
Thankfully, there are ways to keep your home gym training sessions safe and sound. Sure, you can limit your weight totals to masses you know you can handle securely and confidently, but an often overlooked option is adding a smith machine to your personal training space. “If I had to use one piece of equipment for the rest of my life, it would probably be the smith machine,” says Zain Skalos, lead personal trainer at Pittsburgh’s Union Fitness. “You can use it for so many different things, you can hit all your body parts with it and it’s just a great tool.”
Smith machines place the barbell on a rail system that stabilizes the weight through movement, and the bar can be racked safely at multiple points, so you never run the risk of getting pinned under your PR attempt. “You can train to absolute failure without a partner spotting you and you’d still be safe. You can just go to failure and rest that weight on the safeties,” Skalos says.
Additionally, many of today's smith machines offer multiple attachments and systems that expand beyond barbell training, allowing you to build out an entire routine on just one machine.
How We Tested
Thanks to my years involved with strength training, I’ve been exposed to a number of smith machines across various gyms and training centers, including some featured in this roundup. While I do train with free weights more often than not, I still include smith machines as part of my regimen, especially when coming back from an injury or when targeting muscle groups that I know aren’t as developed.
This list is curated with those experiences in mind, with added emphases on how safe each rig is in a given lift as well as the conveniences offered across the overall build. Let’s face it, a smith machine will likely be one of the largest pieces of equipment in your home gym, so if a profile can be multifaceted through other accessories and modalities, fantastic.
The Best Smith Machines for Your Home Gym
Marcy Pro Smith Machine Home Gym Training System Cage
Sleek and well-built, this smith machine from Marcy Pro packs plenty of workout potential in a structure that takes up less than 50 square feet. Everything from a weight rack, dip station, removable weight bench and more comes in this cost-effective build. Granted, I would appreciate a few available add-ons for home gym expansion down the road, but in terms of one-stop shopping, it’s hard to beat this impressive rig.
Highlights within the Marcy Pro Machine include dual overhead pulleys that allow for cable crossovers as well as pulldown exercises, and the overall height of 85 inches should fit comfortably in rooms with 8-foot ceilings. The one thing to note, though, is the top J-hook might be too short for athletes over six feet tall. This can compromise squat form on liftoffs, but for all other modalities, I’ve found there’s more than enough space.
Force USA G20 Pro
Want one machine to rule them all? The G20 Pro combines the effectiveness of a smith machine, the functional training of a cable machine and the raw power of barbell training in one behemoth of a structure. Two weight stacks feature magnetic pegs for seamless weight changes, and there are two pull-up bars for a variety of grips and movements. I also appreciate the upgraded 2:1 pulley ratio for more functional training needs.
The smith machine modality of the Force USA G20 Pro is also one of the most durable on this list, capable of holding a staggering 794 pounds. Combine that with the base model’s other workout components and this is one easy way to turn your empty space into a training Mecca. But be prepared to get a workout in before even touching this expensive yet versatile tool — at nearly 1,525 pounds, it’s one of the heaviest machines available.
Deltech Fitness Linear Bearing Smith Machine
Weight training equipment isn’t a category you should skimp on, but thankfully, this sleek smith machine from Deltech combines 11- and 14-gauge steel across the build to create a silhouette that’s sturdy and cost-effective. Plus, I enjoy the linear bearing system that creates a smooth plane of motion with the listed 58-pound barbell. This weight total is also closer to traditional free weight measurements of 45 pounds, which makes transitioning between exercise modalities less of a strain.
The 29.26 square foot footprint of this Deltech Smith Machine also creates some worthwhile stability, but admittedly, the setup can have instances of shaking and rattling. This is most present when utilizing the included pull-up bar, so make sure you’re not pushing the limits of your equipment when embarking on a hard-nosed workout. Additionally, some athletes have said the instruction manual can be difficult to decipher at times, so it may be best to save installation for a clear weekend where you’re not rushing through the steps.
Force USA G3 All-In-One Trainer
Like the G20 Pro, the G3 is also an impressive rig due to its plethora of training modalities built into the frame. Unlike the G20 Pro, though, the Force USA G3 fits conveniently in under 32 square feet of space, allowing for better storage capabilities that won’t consume a room or garage corner.
The G3 also allows for both smith machine and free weight training thanks to included J-hooks and squat safety bars. If you’re storing plates on the included pegs, though, be sure to secure them with barbell collars before working out. When you rack a bar or get into some intense sets, the plates can begin to wobble along the 6-inch pegs, which can lead to some spills and drops if you’re not careful. Additionally, I recommend owning multiples of each weight plate to help maintain an even load across the cable attachments. This is especially important when using a singular cable system for exercises like pushdowns or curls.
Titan Fitness Smith Machine
Sure, when a smith machine packs in a bunch of bells and whistles, it can make it a lot more convenient for training purposes. Still, though, there’s plenty of versatility to be had with a barbell-only setup, and this simple yet sturdy rig from Titan Fitness is prime for that minimalistic aesthetic. I like training with this impressive tool thanks to its eight-position safety catch system, which allows for simple re-racking regardless of where my sticking point falls within my lift.
I also appreciate the six additional storage pegs across this Titan Fitness profile that makes for clean, organized workouts. The one big callout, however, is the barbell’s lack of a center knurling patch. Those more accustomed to a squat bar may find this less secure, as that added patch can help control the bar across the shoulders. Bar security isn’t as vital when using a smith machine, but it can be helpful, especially if you plan on transitioning to free weight training down the road.
Force USA G10 Pro
It should be clear by now that Force USA knows how to construct a smith machine, and while the G20 Pro and G3 profiles are impressive in their own right, I tend to lean toward the G10 Pro when it comes to that fine balance between all-in-one convenience and approachable price points. The dual cable pulley attachments and plate-loaded anchors pack a ton of versatility into this design, allowing you to choose between 2:1 and 4:1 pulley ratios for a wide range of resistances.
Both the smith machine and the G10 unit itself are built with high-octane performance in mind, boasting weight ranges of 772 pounds and 992 pounds, respectively. Also, an available Upgrade Kit can bolster your setup even more with a pair of jammer arms, a vertical leg press plate, core trainer, TV mount, additional storage and more. Unfortunately, though, you’re unable to pick and choose these add-ons based on your needs, so you may be spending unnecessary money on attachments you’ll never use in training.
What to Consider When Choosing a Smith Machine
Size
Smith machines can easily take up a lot of space, especially when you add on different attachments and weight plate storage. You also need to accommodate for the barbell sleeves, as well as some free space around the structure so you aren't cramped when changing weights or just navigating through your setup. The machines included in this roundup vary in terms of required space, so make sure to take some measurements before making any decisions. Larger setups are typically more desirable given their more stable nature, but naturally, you’re at the mercy of your available space.
It’s also important to understand that smith machines are heavy workout tools, and that’s not accounting for the range of weight plates you’ll need to outfit your strength training environment, too. For this reason, I often recommend placing your smith machine on the ground floor so as to eliminate any structural damage to your home (plus, it eliminates the need to carry the equipment up multiple flights of stairs during the initial setup).
Safety Mechanisms
Skalos states that one of the biggest perks of using a smith machine over traditional free weights is the added sense of safety. The plane of motion is controlled by the rail system, and there’s multiple points to re-rack the weight if you start to fail a lift. Of course, though, not every failed rep will have you thinking clearly when bailing out, so for these instances where racking the weight isn’t feasible, you need to have some additional precautions in place.
Look for smith machines featuring a spring system or spotter arms that limit how far the barbell can drop if bailed. This can not only help keep you safe when ditching heavy totals, but also helps sustain your machine’s equipment during these aggressive scenarios. These springs and spotter arms can also be great tools for limiting range of motion in certain exercises, adding another versatile layer to these efficient tools.
Weight Capacity
Your smith machine’s weight capacity can heavily influence your ability to progress in strength training. After all, there’s no sense sacrificing a ton of floor space for a machine you’ll likely outgrow in a few years. Be sure to look for machines that can hold ample amounts of weight to accommodate your various reps and sets.
You can also view your smith machine’s “weight capacity” through how much storage is available across the silhouette. You’ll need to pair your machine with a number of weight plates to get the most out of training, and these cast iron or synthetic dishes can take up a good chunk of space in their own right. It’s best to find a smith machine with multiple plate storage pegs at the ready, as this can keep your training environment neat and tidy without any excess clutter.
Durability
When speaking to a smith machine’s durability, you’re looking at the machine’s build quality. Skalos states that higher-quality profiles made from more rigid and durable steel can be desirable, albeit at a typically extra cost. This better steel quality can translate to improved stability and equipment longevity over extended use, however, so it’s important to weigh your budget against your needs and wants. At the end of the day, it’s really a “get what you pay for,” scenario.
With all the moving parts enclosed in a smith machine, durable materials can occasionally fail, though. Thankfully, many brands offer warranties that cover replacement parts to help alleviate any fears you may have about investing in this all-in-one structure. Warranties vary in terms of coverage and length, so be sure to read up and choose the one you're most comfortable with.
Additional Workout Modalities
Granted, smith machines aren’t the cheapest pieces of fitness equipment, but thankfully, that cost can be offset by additional modalities across the profile. Many of the top smith machines also include a pull-up bar, cable mechanism, dip station and other exercise equipment to make the investment more convenient for athletes. Some profiles even double as a full-fledged power rack for free weight and guided strength training, giving you even more versatility within your regimens.
Think through your training goals and see what's included in the rig you choose. If your desired exercises aren't included in the setup, see if they're available as add-ons. Just know, though, that some additional upgrades can really jack up the price, making this home gym investment a heavier hit on your wallet.
Smith Machines vs. Free Weight Training
Search "smith machine" and you're probably going to run into strength training purists that despise this piece of fitness equipment. Smith machines get a bad reputation because of the stabilizing components that take strain off some muscles that would otherwise be engaged during a traditional free weight movement. Additionally, smith machines allow for one plane of motion, and some can find this lack of mobility uncomfortable, or a negative influence on their form.
Naysayers aside, though, smith machines can be a great tool for a number of reasons. For one, the added safety components allow you to rack the weight at any time — a luxury not found in free weight training. The stabilized modality can also be fantastic for athletes coming back from injury, or those that are just getting used to barbell training that might have weaker stabilizing muscles. Ultimately, smith machines are tools, and just like any well-rounded routine, there are multiple tools for the job. Don't believe the slander — you can get plenty of muscle-boosting power out of a smith machine.
