Multi-gyms

A multi-gym is a single machine offering multiple exercises. The single most useful thing to know before buying: the appeal is convenience and footprint, but the reality is that no single machine does everything well — most people end up wanting free weights or a cable stack on top, which means you've spent more money for less versatility than starting with weights and a rack would have been.

What we cover

All-in-one multi-gyms

Integrated stations for complete workouts in one footprint.

Cable machines

Dual stacks and single-stack machines for isolation exercises.

Smith machines

Guided barbell machines for squats, presses and bench work.

Compact multi-gyms

Space-saving machines designed for flats and small rooms.

How to choose

One machine rarely does what free weights and a rack do.
An all-in-one machine sells on the promise of complete training in one box. In practice, most people find the setup awkward for heavy compounds (squat, bench, deadlift) and end up wanting free weights anyway.
Cable machines are genuinely useful — isolation movements free weights can't touch.
A cable machine does lat pulldowns, chest flyes, and lateral raises in ways dumbbells won't. If your space allows two machines instead of one, a cable stack plus free weights beats a single multi-gym.
Smith machines lock you into one path of motion.
The guided bar is safer for beginners but less efficient for strength. Most people using them end up staying with them (lock-in) rather than progressing to free weights.
Footprint is everything — check the real working dimensions.
A multi-gym might be 1.5 m × 1.5 m footprint but needs 2.5 m in front to use the leg press or a cable pull. Always check for adequate working space on all sides.
Cable stack weight decides the resistance range.
A 100 kg stack gives a maximum of 100 kg. If you're strong or training heavy compounds, it's limiting. Check whether the stack suits your training.
Second-hand multi-gyms can hide cable and pulley wear.
Cables fray, pulleys wear grooves, and pistons leak. Buying used requires hands-on inspection of all moving parts — not just the frame.

Every multi-gym on this site is either a hands-on review (we assembled, measured, and tested it) or a research-based comparison (manufacturer specs, UK pricing tracked weekly, warranty and support, owner reviews). Read how we test to understand which is which and how we score.