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The 7 best portable home gyms of 2024, according to a certified personal trainer

While you can accomplish quite a lot on a Smith machine or treadmill, you can’t just stuff one in your suitcase or gym bag when you’re on the go. For fitness enthusiasts who care about functionality and footprint, finding the best portable home gym solution can help you stay on track in your strength- and muscle-building journey. 

To help you find the best option out of the vast array of training and equipment styles available, we researched and tested over 20 of the best home gym options on factors such as versatility, durability, footprint, and value. After an in-depth evaluation, we identified seven portable home gyms that stand out above the rest.

Best portable home gym overall

Lightweight and easy to set up, the TRX Home2 System is an excellent full-body strength training solution. Learn more about why it earned the nod for best overall portable home gym below.  

Our picks for the best portable home gyms

Compare portable home gyms

TRX Home2 System MAXPRO SmartConnect Home Gym Vitruvian Trainer+ TUT Fitness TUT Trainer Gorilla Bow Rogue Fitness Tube Bands Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar
TRX Home2 System MAXPRO SmartConnect Home Gym Vitruvian Trainer+ TUT Fitness TUT Trainer Gorilla Bow Rogue Fitness Tube Bands Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar
Rating
4.5/5
4.1/5
4/5
3.8/5
4.2/5
4.5/5
4/5
Price $229.95 $1,200 $2,990 $999 $135-$290 $22-$75 $549
Dimensions N/A 4.11” H x 3.6” W x 32.3” L 4.53” H x 20.5” W x 46” L Not listed 41.5”-56” L 65” L Ground plate: 10” L x 19” W x 1” H Bar: 21.5” L x 1.25” D Bands: 41” L
Warranty Two years One year Limited, non-transferable, 2-year for electronic components and parts One year Two years N/A One year

Best portable home gym overall: TRX Home2 System

trx home2 system

Best portable home gym overall

trx home2 system
A portable all-in-one fitness solution, the TRX Home2 System is a great way to get a full-body workout using a suspension trainer.
Fortune Score:
4.2 / 5

Key product features

FI Electrical Requirements icon
Door anchor Included
FI Size Mattress icon
Straps Adjustable
FI App Control icon
TRX app 30-day trial
FI Weight Range Fitness icon
Weight 1.5 pounds

What you should know

Developed by a U.S. Navy Seal, the TRX Suspension Trainer allows you to perform more than 300 bodyweight exercises.

  • This all-in-one system adds more range of motion to your bodyweight training, which can help improve your flexibility and overall mobility.
  • The $230 price point represents excellent value, as you receive the suspension trainer straps, a door anchor, a suspension anchor, a mesh carry bag, and a 30-day free trial to the TRX Training Club App.
  • The TRX Home Suspension Trainer is a great option if you’re looking to add more bodyweight training to your workout regimen.
Pros
Durable nylon webbing straps
Lightweight
Comes with a 30-day trial to the TRX app
Includes door and suspension anchors
Cons
Some exercises require a learning curve
More expensive compared to other suspension trainers

Why we like TRX Home2 System as best overall

A staple in most commercial gyms, the TRX Suspension Trainer has become a popular piece of equipment for people who want to build strength and muscle using their body weight. Developed by U.S. Navy Seal Randy Hetrick, this all-in-one system weighs less than two pounds and can be set up in seconds. Relying on heavy-duty nylon suspension trainer straps with soft, durable foam handles and your body weight for leverage, you can perform hundreds of strength-building exercises without a single kettlebell or dumbbell.

To make exercises more challenging, you simply adjust the suspension trainer’s straps. You can also adjust the velcro foot cradles to find the ideal angle for upper-body, lower-body, and core exercises. This gives you complete control over the difficulty, as you can change your body angle and distance to the floor for each movement. 

“The beauty is a simple change in body position or angle allows you to make exercises suitable for virtually anyone. In fact, when at home, it allows me to easily work out with my 14 and 12-year-old daughters simply by adjusting the body position to make things more challenging or more simple.”

Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor

Suspension training has been shown to increase muscle activation compared to exercises performed on a stable surface. (1) As a certified personal trainer, I  routinely use it with my clients, especially those who need to develop better mobility and stability before training with free weights. I’ll also use the TRX for push-ups, lunges, inverted rows, and other movements during HIIT-style workouts. 

This ultra-portable home gym system costs about $230—an excellent value given its versatility and functionality. In addition to the suspension trainer straps, you’ll receive a mesh carrying bag, a door anchor, and a suspension anchor for attaching it to a squat rack, light post, tree, or other sturdy object. 

To help you get the most out of your suspension trainer, you’ll also get a 30-day free trial to TRX Training Club, an app with over 2,000 home workouts and exercise tutorials. 

While it may take some time to get comfortable with the TRX, their online database and video content can help you learn different exercises as you go. Then, once you get accustomed to suspension training, you can get creative with your programming and challenge yourself with new variations. 

Specs

DimensionsN/A
Best forFull-body workouts
Price$229.95

Best smart portable home gym: MAXPRO SmartConnect Home Gym

the maxpro portable home gym on a table

Best smart portable home gym

the maxpro portable home gym on a table
The MAXPRO SmartConnect Cable Machine produces up to 300 pounds of resistance and includes an extensive workout library.
Fortune Score:
4.1 / 5

Key product features

FI Weight Capacity Mattress icon
Resistance Up to 300 lbs
FI Treadmill icon
Exercises 150+
FI Size Mattress icon
Adjustment Dial
FI Rechargeable icon
Charge time 40 minutes

What you should know

The MAXPRO SmartConnect Cable Machine can deliver up to 300 pounds of resistance for more than 150 exercises.

  • You can stand on the SmartConnect Cable Machine or mount it to a wall, giving you a high degree of versatility for your training.
  • Our product tester gave the SmartConnect 3.5 out of 5 stars for value, noting that it’s pricey for such a small device.
  • The SmartConnect is a great option if you want a portable version of a functional trainer.
Pros
Small footprint
Lightweight
All-in-one machine
Wide weight range of 5-300 pounds
Cons
Sub-par accessories
At $1,200, it’s expensive for a small piece of equipment
App can be clunky

Why we like MAXPRO SmartConnect Home Gym as best smart

With 50 resistance settings ranging from 5 to 300 pounds, the MAXPRO Smart Connect’s dial adjustment system gives you complete control over your workout intensity. This smart home gym machine connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, giving you access to the MAXPRO Coaching App—a useful platform for tracking your workouts, monitoring your progress, and receiving personalized routines. 

Despite its small footprint (4.11” H x 3.6” W x 32.3” L) and portable design, the SmartConnect impressed our product tester with its sturdiness. He gave it 4 out of 5 stars for construction. 

“Even though it’s so small, the cords are incredibly strong,” he said. 

Weighing less than 10 pounds, the MAXPRO SmartConnect uses cables that are 15 times stronger than steel by weight. Designed to fit inside a backpack, it earned a perfect portability score of 5 out of 5 stars from our reviewers. 

“I’ve taken it on trips so I can work out while I’m away from home, and it works just like it would anywhere else,” one tester noted. 

Although the system may look complicated, the setup process is fairly straightforward. Our tester gave the SmartConnect 4 out of 5 stars in this category, noting that you can mount it to a wall or stand on it to use it. If you choose the second option, you’ll stand on the platform to keep the machine in place while you use the cables for resistance training. 

In addition to the machine itself, you get a long bar, workout handles, ankle and wrist straps, a door mount system, and a USB charger. If you have more room in your budget, you can expand your exercise options with a foldable weight bench ($225), Maxpack backpack ($125), or wall track ($339) so you can mount it. 

The MAXPRO also has an extensive workout library with live and on-demand classes. This can be helpful if you need inspiration and guidance with your training. Plus, participating in group classes can help increase your perceptions of exertion and enjoyment. (2)

Unfortunately, the MAXPRO fell short in the accessory category  (3.5 out of 5 stars). The accessories you’ll likely need the most—namely the weight bench, wall mount, and suspension handles—aren’t included and would add another $600 to your tally. This also makes the machine less “portable” than some options. Users are unlikely to carry a weight bench and wall mount in their backpack when trying to set up shop somewhere and get in a solid workout. In addition, this smart portable home gym earned the same score for value. 

“It’s a bit pricey for such a small device,” our tester noted. “If you don’t have the space and want something portable, it might make sense.”

Specs

Dimensions4.11” H x 3.6” W x 32.3” L
Best forResistance training on the go
Price$1,200

Best high-end portable home gym: Vitruvian Trainer+

woman using the portable home gym vitruvian form trainer

Best high-end portable home gym

woman using the portable home gym vitruvian form trainer
Featuring an adaptive weight system that goes from 0 to 440 pounds, the Vitruvian Trainer+ accommodates more than 200 exercises.
Fortune Score:
4 / 5

Key product features

FI Treadmill icon
Exercises 200+
FI Size Mattress icon
Weight range 0-440 pounds
FI Feedback suppression icon
Handles/straps Included
FI Weight Range Fitness icon
Compatible Apple/Android

What you should know

The premium-priced Vitruvian Trainer+ uses an adaptive weight system to provide up to 440 pounds of resistance.

  • Expect a significant learning curve with the Vitruvian Trainer+. You’ll need to learn the terminology and programming features to take full advantage of its capabilities.
  • Although you don’t need a subscription to utilize the machine, an all-access membership provides in-depth data tracking for $39 monthly. Your purchase includes a three-month all-access subscription, but the machine itself costs almost $3,000.
  • The Trainer+ is made for tech-savvy fitness enthusiasts with a sizable home gym budget.
Pros
Compact
More than 300 classes and programs
Multiple training modes
Data tracking and performance insights
Includes three months of all-access membership
Cons
Subscription required ($39 per month after the three-month trial) for in-depth data tracking
Accessory kits sold separately
Comes with a learning curve

Why we like Vitruvian Trainer+ as best high-end

At nearly $3,000, the Vitruvian Trainer+ certainly doesn’t fall under the budget-friendly category. However, if you have the financial flexibility to add a high-end piece of equipment to your arsenal, this machine offers intriguing strength- and muscle-building possibilities. 

The Australian-made home gym machine measures 46 inches long, 20 inches wide, and just 4.5 inches tall. It earned a perfect footprint and portability score of 5 out of 5 stars from our testers. 

Although it may just look like a thin platform with cables attached, don’t underestimate the capabilities of the Trainer+. It’s similar to the AI-driven Tonal and uses digital resistance to help you progress in your muscle-building journey. However, the Tonal only offers 200 pounds of resistance—the Trainer+’s adaptive weight system goes up to 440 pounds. This is huge for users focused on progressive overload. 

“Progressive overload is one strategy that’s been shown to be beneficial for exercisers. There are many ways to challenge the body, from varying the exercises themselves, to the angles used within the exercises, tempo, or simply increasing resistance, among others.”

Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor

The machine lets you perform classic movements like the bench press, squat, and deadlift. In addition, you can utilize the Trainer+ for isolation exercises like biceps curls and triceps extensions. That ability helped it earn a solid score of 4 out of 5 stars for versatility. 

Moreover, the Trainer+ offers eccentric-mode (lengthening) training, which has been shown to elicit greater muscle stimulations and growth than concentric-only (contracting) training. (3) This standout feature separates the Trainer+ from traditional cable machines and functional trainers. 

“Machines and other resistance training tools don’t always offer the ability to get the full concentric and eccentric motion of the exercise itself,” Mohr continues. “The challenge with that is you’re essentially “losing” the benefit of half of the exercise; research suggests the eccentric part of the exercise is the most effective.” (4)

Vitruvian earned high praise from our lead reviewer for including many high-quality accessories with the Trainer+. Having tested some of the best weight benches, he was pleasantly surprised that the vinyl and foam on the Vitruvian flat-weight bench were superior to the materials used on benches made by more well-known manufacturers in the strength equipment space. 

However, our tester noted that the design makes it difficult to perform pull-down movements. And as much as he appreciates the intuitive AI, he wishes you could manually select and modify weights instead of letting the machine decide for itself.

Still, it’s tough to knock a machine that offers over 400 pounds of resistance and includes an app that houses workouts, challenges, a leaderboard, and progress tracking. After your three-month free trial ends, you’ll have to pay $39 per month for the all-access membership. But, if you don’t want to pay for the app, you can still create your own workouts and utilize the machine without a subscription. 

Specs

Dimensions4.53” H x 20.5” W x 46” L
Best forFull-body workouts
Price$2,990

Best full-body portable home gym: TUT Fitness TUT Trainer

man using the portable home gym tut trainer tower

Best full-body portable home gym

man using the portable home gym tut trainer tower
Weighing just 11.6 pounds, the TUT Trainer attaches to a doorway or wall and uses resistance bands to simulate a cable machine.
Fortune Score:
3.8 / 5

Key product features

FI Weight Range Fitness icon
Weight 11.6 lbs
FI Size Mattress icon
Bands 5-20 lbs
FI Shock resistance icon
Swivels 180 degrees

What you should know

The TUT Trainer Tower is a beginner-friendly “cable machine” that attaches to a wall or doorway.

  • Our product tester described the lightweight TUT Trainer Tower as “very sturdy,” giving it a construction score of 4 out of 5 stars.
  • At a $1,000 price point, the TUT is not the most budget-friendly option, but our team still gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars for value.
  • The TUT Trainer Tower is a great option if you want the versatility of a functional trainer in a more portable package.
Pros
Space-saving design
Lots of available accessories
Doesn’t have to be plugged in or charged
Versatile
Only extends 6 inches from the wall or door
Cons
Not intended for outdoor use
Accessories cost extra

Why we like TUT Trainer Tower as best full-body

If you like the idea of a functional trainer but don’t want to be tied down to using it in one place, the TUT Trainer Tower is a terrific alternative. It’s essentially a cable machine that uses small resistance bands with plastic clips on the end. You can mount this portable device to a wall with studs or attach it to a door frame. 

Weighing less than 12 pounds and extending less than six inches from the wall, the TUT Trainer doesn’t take up much space. Despite its slim profile and lightweight design, our tester gave this sturdy machine a solid score of 4 out of 5 stars for construction.

“Since parts of the tower and some of the accessories are made with aluminum, they shouldn’t rust like steel,” he noted. 

Also earning 4 out of 5 stars for versatility, the TUT Trainer supports full-body training, which is more effective for maximal strength improvement than split routines. (5) Once you mount the machine to a wall or doorway, you can work on various pushing and pulling movements for your upper body, including triceps extensions, rows, lat pull-downs, and curls. 

If it’s a lower-body day, you can use the ankle attachments to work on glute and hamstring exercises, like standing hamstring curls, glute kickbacks, and cable standing abductions. Either way, you can utilize the custom resistance bands (called TUT plates) to make the movements more challenging. 

At a price point of about $1,000, this machine offers good but not great value, earning 3.5 out of 5 stars from our reviewers in this category. You receive several useful accessories, including two ankle straps, two single handles, wall mount plates, and a straight aluminum curl bar. However, you must pay extra for additional accessories like the TUT rower (for low-row exercises and cardio training), an exercise mat, and a vertical jump belt for sprint training and plyometrics. 

It’s worth noting that if you’re a fan of smart features, you’ll want to look elsewhere. The Trainer Tower doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity, rep tracking, or other tech capabilities. 

Specs

DimensionsN/A
Best forUpper-body strength training
Price$999

Best lightweight portable home gym: Gorilla Bow

gorilla bow

Best lightweight portable home gym

gorilla bow
Available in four versions, the Gorilla Bow uses resistance bands to deliver a unique workout experience.
Fortune Score:
4.2 / 5

Key product features

FI Weight Capacity Mattress icon
Max tension Up to 300 lbs
FI Weight Range Fitness icon
Item weight 6 lbs
FI Size Mattress icon
Bands 4 included
FI Workout Type icon
Models 4

What you should know

The Gorilla Bow is an innovative product that combines resistance bands with a piece of aluminum in the shape of a bow.

  • The Gorilla Bow comes in four options: Original Gorilla, Travel Lite Gorilla, Lite Gorilla, and Travel Gorilla. Besides price, each option varies in length, max capacity, and the bands it includes.
  • While the cheapest option (Lite Gorilla) costs $135, the most expensive (Travel Gorilla) costs $290.
  • The Gorilla Bow is a budget-friendly option for fitness lovers who want something unique.
Pros
Original Gorilla goes up to 300 pounds of resistance
Engaging workout classes
Multiple options
Free 30-day trial for app
Cons
Could be confusing for beginners to use
May need to purchase extra bands for more resistance

Why we like Gorilla Bow as best lightweight

Although it may look like a kid’s toy, the Gorilla Bow is a legitimate strength training tool ideally suited for travelers and those on the go. Combining resistance bands with a bow-shaped piece of aircraft-grade aluminum that’s over 4.5 feet long, this portable home gym option isn’t as intimidating as it may look. 

Firstly, the Gorilla Bow requires essentially zero assembly. All you need to do is attach your desired resistance bands to the hooked ends of the bow. It took our product tester about 30 seconds to set it up—which makes this product especially useful if you’re trying to squeeze in a workout between meetings or on your lunch break. 

Although training with the Gorilla Bow won’t provide the same strength-building stimulus as a barbell or pair of dumbbells, it can still provide a solid workout. It may not be best suited for flys (which felt awkward for our product tester), but you can perform squats, deadlifts, curls, and other typical movements with no trouble. 

Depending on your fitness level and goals, you can choose between four Gorilla Bow options. The Gorilla Bow Lite costs $135, measures 41.5 inches long, and includes 60 pounds worth of bands. This model has a max weight capacity of 150 pounds and cannot be disassembled. The Original Gorilla Bow, which also cannot be disassembled, costs $230, measures 56 inches long, and includes 110 pounds of resistance bands. 

Meanwhile, the Gorilla Bow Travel Lite costs $160, measures 41.5 inches long, and includes 60 pounds worth of bands. This is well-suited for travelers, as you can disassemble the bow. Finally, you can also go for the $290 Gorilla Bow Travel, which disassembles into three sections and has a max weight capacity of 350 pounds. This model includes a base bundle of 110 pounds worth of resistance bands. 

As an added value, you receive a 30-day free trial for the Gorilla Bow All-Access app, which you can download on the Apple App Store or via Google Play. The app gives you access to dozens of on-demand classes across six categories: functional training, HIIT, flow, Tabata, strength, and beginner. Once your trial concludes, you can continue accessing this interactive programming for $15 a month or $150 for an annual membership. 

Specs

Dimensions41.5” – 56” L 
Best forResistance band training, strength training
Price$135-$290

Best portable resistance band set: Rogue Fitness Tube Bands

rogue fitness tube bands

Best portable resistance band set

rogue fitness tube bands
Available in six resistance options, Rogue Fitness Tube Bands are made from latex-based elastic and have textured-grip handles.
Fortune Score:
4.5 / 5

Key product features

FI Shipping Mattress icon
Sold in Pairs or sets
FI Workout Type icon
Grip handles Included
FI Size Mattress icon
Base length 48 inches
FI App Control icon
Options 6 levels

What you should know

Sold in pairs or packages, Rogue Fitness Tube Bands are made from latex-based elastic and are great for at-home or on-the-go training. Here’s what else you should know about our top portable resistance band set.

  • These resistance bands don’t have the amount of tension listed. Instead, Rogue numbered them 0-5 according to the thickness.
  • Our product tester rated this resistance band set 4.5 out of 5 stars for value.
  • With light, heavy, and complete packages available, you can find a portable set of resistance bands that cater to your fitness level.
Pros
High-quality handles with textured grip
Durable elastic material
Lightweight and easy to store
Six different resistance levels
Cons
Specific amount of tension isn’t listed
Doesn’t include ankle straps or door anchor

Why we like Rogue Fitness Tube Bands as best resistance band set

From dynamic warm-ups to full-body workouts, resistance bands offer plenty of versatility. In fact, elastic resistance training has been shown to promote similar strength gains to conventional resistance training. (6) After trying out more than 10 sets of resistance bands, we identified the Rogue Fitness Tube Bands as some of the best available. Their latex-based elastic construction gives them a sturdy feel you won’t find in cheaper options.

“The best part of resistance bands is their portability and versatility. They can fit virtually anywhere; I travel regularly with them in my backpack or suitcase and can use them with minimal space in hotel rooms, gyms and even to warm up on a tennis court.”

Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor

Available in pairs or sets, each band has a base length of 65 inches, delivering incrementally greater resistance as it’s stretched. Textured handles on both ends allow you to maintain excellent grip and total control during your workouts. 

Although Rogue doesn’t list the specific amount of tension on the band, you have plenty of options. The company offers six different levels of resistance. Depending on your training style and fitness goals, you can select from the light package (which includes the three thinnest bands for $36.50), the heavy package (which includes the three heaviest bands for $45), or the complete package (which includes all six bands for $75).  

Whichever package or pair you choose, you can expect excellent durability. These bands earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in this category from our testing team. 

“The only reason they don’t get a five is because of the excessive squeaking when they’re used,” one of our testers noted. 

Specs

Dimensions65” L 
Best forResistance band training, dynamic warm-ups, rehabilitation work
Price$22-$75

Best portable home gym for strength training: Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar

jaquish biomedical x3 bar

Best portable home gym for strength training

jaquish biomedical x3 bar
The ultra-portable X3 Bar is a convenient tool that uses durable latex bands to provide up to 300 pounds of resistance.
Fortune Score:
4 / 5

Key product features

FI Shock resistance icon
Resistance Up to 300 lbs
FI Size Mattress icon
Bands Latex-dipped
FI One Time Fee icon
Free 12-week program

What you should know

The X3 Bar combines thick resistance bands and a small barbell into a compact all-in-one home gym solution that delivers up to 300 pounds of resistance.

  • Our product tester enjoyed the collection of 10-minute daily workouts programmed specifically for the X3 Bar, which are available on Jaquish Biomedical’s website.
  • For $949, you can upgrade to the X3 Force package. This gives you access to real-time force tracking, a complimentary X3 squat belt, and other features.
  • People looking for compact workout equipment will appreciate the X3 Bar’s small footprint, its ability to generate 300 pounds of force, and the added value of a 12-week workout program.
Pros
Generates up to 300 pounds of force
Includes a free 12-week workout program
Bar has excellent knurling
No assembly required
Cons
Not designed for shorter users
Limited versatility

Why we like Jaquish Biomedical X3 Bar as best for strength training

The brainchild of Dr. John Jaquish, the X3 Bar utilizes high-quality latex bands and an Olympic-esque bar that will help you build muscle and get in better overall shape. The system allows you to increase the amount of force you produce compared to just using resistance bands on their own. This home gym solution can generate up to 300 pounds of force and includes a ground plate that acts as an anchor point. 

From a footprint perspective, the X3 Bar takes up very little space. The ground plate measures 10 inches long, 19 inches wide, and just 1 inch tall. Meanwhile, the bar is just  21.5 inches long. Plus, the entire system only weighs 17 pounds, making it easy to move. 

The X3 bar is Ideal for travelers or those on the go. You can store it in a duffel bag and take it on trips or leave it in your car for a quick training session. This helped it earn a near-perfect portability score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from our product testers. 

For about $550, you get a heavy-duty piece of equipment that includes a high-quality bar with great knurling, which should help you keep a firm grip during your workouts. The X3 Bar also has bearings that allow for smooth rotations during your lifts. However, our team felt the price was a little high for such a compact machine, leading to a value score of 3 out of 5 stars.

Since the system relies on resistance bands to help you build strength and muscle, it’s important that the bands hold up over time. Our product tester was impressed with their quality, noting that they felt thick and durable due to being dipped in layered latex. 

X3 Bar users can take further advantage of Jaquish’s expertise with a free 12-week workout program. The program provides access to 10-minute daily workouts, nutrition advice, and tips on when to train and when to rest—an underrated component of a healthy lifestyle. (7)

“The addition of this is critical in terms of overall support. Training is just one part of the equation, while nutrition, sleep, and overall recovery are all the other factors that can truly help a person make positive change in their well-being.”

Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor

Specs

DimensionsGround plate: 10” L x 19” W x 1” HBar: 21.5” L x 1.25” DBands: 41” L
Best forShort, efficient muscle-building workouts 
Price$549

Benefits of portable home gyms

Why invest in a portable home gym like the TRX Home2 System or the MaxPro SmartConnect Cable Machine? Here are a few ways you can benefit. 

Convenience and accessibility

Portable home gyms provide the flexibility to work out whenever and wherever you want. Whether you’re traveling, short on space, or prefer to exercise at odd hours, having a portable gym allows you to maintain your routine and remain motivated and accountable—key components to achieving your fitness goals. (8)

Cost-effectiveness

Investing in a portable home gym can save you money in the long run compared to a gym membership or expensive fitness equipment. For example, instead of spending thousands of dollars on a high-end functional trainer that’ll be stuck in your garage or gym space, you can go for something like the TUT Trainer Tower, which costs $999 and can be moved around easily, or resistance bands or TRX, which can help you make your gym anywhere you want, for a great value

Customizable workouts

Portable home gyms often come with interchangeable resistance bands, adjustable weights, and versatile attachments, allowing you to tailor your workouts to your fitness level and goals. Whether you’re focusing on strength training, cardio, or flexibility, you can easily adjust your equipment for a personalized routine.

Privacy and comfort

With a portable home gym, you can exercise in the comfort and privacy of whatever space you choose. There’s no need to worry about crowded gyms, feeling self-conscious, or being distracted during your workout.


How we tested the best portable home gyms

We’ve collectively researched and tested over 20 home gyms, resistance band sets, and portable cable machines to determine which ones provide the best user experience. We assign scores ranging from 1 to 5 stars across key categories, considering that some areas matter more than others. 

While not every category applies universally, our experienced product testers have carefully analyzed each home gym option for strengths and weaknesses that can help you make the best decision based on your budget, goals, and training style. 

Below is a breakdown of what factors go into our scoring process. You can read more about our strength equipment testing methodology here.

Performance—30%

Our primary concern is how well a home gym machine performs. Since portability can come at the expense of stability, we want to ensure you’ll enjoy a safe, effective workout. We evaluate the build quality and the functionality of each home gym solution. We also value versatility, as this gives you more flexibility with your training. 

In addition, if one of our picks has an app, we test it to see if there are any glitches, crashes, or other issues that may lead to an unpleasant user experience.

Here are the main factors our testers look for: 

  • Material quality
  • Durability
  • Versatility

Customer experience—30%

With some portable home gyms costing upwards of $3,000, customers want to feel confident about making such a substantial investment in their health and wellness. In the event of any problems, they also want to get a resolution quickly so they can enjoy their new fitness product. 

Here are the five areas we analyze that affect the customer experience:

  • Warranty
  • Shipping costs
  • Equipment setup
  • Packaging and delivery
  • Customer service 

Value—15%

If a portable home gym is priced too high based on its quality and functionality, it’ll earn a lower value score than one that provides everything you need at a more reasonable cost. 

Size—15%

With portability at the forefront, we carefully examined the footprint and overall size of each portable home gym. While the TRX Home2 System or Rogue Tube Bands earned high marks for taking up minimal space, others received lower scores for commanding more room and not being quite as portable. 

Extra options—10%

Can you upgrade your portable home gym with accessories that’ll allow you to expand your exercise options? Does it have an app with classes or training programs? While these can add more value, it’s still important that you get a great workout experience without having to splurge on extras. 

FAQs

Is a portable home gym worth it?

A portable home gym can be worth it for individuals who value convenience and flexibility in their workouts. It allows for a variety of exercises in a compact, transportable package, making it suitable for those with limited space or people who travel frequently.

What is the best portable home gym?

The best portable home gym depends on individual preferences and needs, but some popular options include the TRX Home2 System, MAXPRO SmartConnect Home Gym, and the Vitruvian Trainer+. The TRX was our top choice since it offers a wide range of training possibilities at an affordable price point.

Can you build muscle with minimal home gym equipment?

Yes, you can build muscle with minimal home gym equipment by focusing on compound exercises like squats, presses, and rows and following progressive overload principles. (9)

“You can also build muscle with any form of external resistance; your body doesn’t know if you’re using a weight, dumbbell, band, or itself as the resistance, like with TRX. That is the beauty of so many of these options,” Mohr adds.

Even if you don’t have a pair of adjustable dumbbells or adjustable kettlebells, you can use a set of resistance bands to get stronger and fitter at home.

Our experts

Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD

Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD is an internationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker and performance coach. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and more to help busy executives all over the world, develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.

Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS

Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, is an associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in Exercise Science and Biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.

Amanda Dvorak, CPT

Amanda Dvorak is a Fortune Recommends writer and editor. A garage gym owner who is passionate about working out and healthy living, she has four years of experience writing product reviews for fitness and nutrition websites. Amanda is a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). 

Lily Moe

Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.

Kelly Uhler

Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.

Stephen Sheehan, CPT

Stephen Sheehan, CPT

Fortune Recommends Writer

About Author

Stephen Sheehan is an ISSA-certified personal trainer and nutritionist who uses his fitness expertise to review products for Fortune Recommends™. A two-time University of Florida graduate, he has a diverse writing and editing background that’s primarily focused on sports, health and fitness, and e-commerce content. His work has been featured in Runner’s World and Keto Magazine, as well as Bulletproof, Breaking Muscle, and YouFit Gyms.

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