Skip to content

The 10 Best Functional Trainers of 2023

If you're looking for the best functional trainer, we'd assume that you're well versed about functional trainers, their use and capabilities. If not, we'll begin this article with some background information, or you can learn by reading our Ultimate Guide!

So, which functional trainer is the best functional trainer cable machine?

Fear not because we have a definitive guide to the best functional trainers of 2023. Below, you’ll find the ten best functional trainers you can buy.

We'll provide what makes a good functional trainer, the pros and cons for each model, as well as a breakdown of what type of facility they're ideal for: home gyms, light commercial/personal training, or full commercial spaces. We even have a list of the three best affordable functional trainers under $2,000.

Look through all of the functional trainer reviews in this list and make an educated decision on which one is right for you.

The Best Functional Trainers of 2021



The Best Functional Trainers - Overview


Body-Solid Pro Clubline GFT100

Best Overall Functional Trainer


Pro Clubline GFT100 Functional Trainer

The GFT100 is Body-Solid's newest functional trainer model to hit the market. As part of the Pro Clubline it is perfect home gyms and commercial gyms alike.

It has dual 160lb weight stacks, upgradable all the way to 310lb stacks. A full accessory pack is included with the unit. Weight stack shrouds can be added for extra safety as well.

The GFT100 mixes the best of quality, price and warranty in the functional trainer landscape.

from $2,800

Learn More






Table of Contents

(Click to Skip Ahead)

What is a Functional Trainer?

How do I choose a Functional Trainer?

Best Functional Trainers for Home Gyms

Best Functional Trainers for Personal Training or Small Gyms (Light Commercial)

Best Commercial Functional Trainers

Best Affordable Functional Trainers Under $2000

The 10 Best Functional Trainers List





What is a Functional Trainer?

A functional trainer is one of the most common cable machines you'll see in any gym. It is comprised of two identical sides - each with their own adjustable column and weight plates.

The column usually has many height adjustments and a carabiner on the user end, allowing you to use many different cable attachments. The dual weight stacks will vary per model, but are generally in 10lb increments allowing the user to select anywhere from 0lbs to 300lbs or more per side.

The adjustability of a functional trainer is what gives it its name. You can do a ton of functional training movements that mimic how you move in real life. They're also commonly used for bodybuilding types of movements - tricep press downs, lat pulldowns, bicep curls, chest flys, etc. It's one of the few machines that can provide a full body workout by itself.

The limitless versatility of a functional trainer really makes it a perfect match for any gym space - including home gyms, commercial gyms or private personal training spaces.





How do I Choose a Functional Trainer?

If you're seriously considering the purchase of a functional trainer, here are the top factors to take into account:

Overall Footprint

You'll always want to double check the overall size dimensions of a piece of gym equipment prior to purchasing. Do you have space for this cable machine where you intend to put it?

Many home gym and garage gym buyers are limited in space, and usually height. This can be a factory as many machines are made with an 83" or 84" height.

Functional trainers can also be used in many different ways, so you'll also want to have space out in front of the machine to maximize it's potential.

Weight Stacks

While the two stack functional trainer is the most common, there are also single stack functional trainers. This will limit the amount you can do with your machine, but will cut down on both cost and overall space.

The weight stack capacity of a functional trainer is important as well. Many models have options that can range from 160lbs to 210lbs, but some are fixed at a weight with no expansion options. Please think about how much weight you need, and if you'll need to add on later!

Additional Features

Other important features of cable machine that you should consider are the included accessories, accessory storage and a pull up bar! 

Most functional trainers come with at least straight pull up bar that combines the dual weight stacks. This is not only for overall structural integrity, but also provides you a convenient place to work on your core and back without needed to install another piece for fitness equipment. 

Many cable machines also come with accessory packages, but some don't! You should consider what's included. Some models even have storage pegs in between the weight stacks to house these accessories. What does your model come with? 

Warranty

Different brands have different warranty policies. A company like Body-Solid offers lifetime in home coverage on many of their functional trainer models, but shorter coverage on commercial use. 

It's important to identify they type of gym you're buying for and compare that to the coverage level of the companies warranty. It is pretty standard for the frame itself to have much longer coverage than parts like pulleys and cables. 

Product Cost

How much money can you spend on functional trainer? Only you can answer that question! Product cost is just as much of a factor as any of the above features. Many gym owners - residential and commercial alike - have strict budgets. You'll need to find the balance between cost and features for make your decision. 





Best Functional Trainers for Home Gyms

Functional trainers are extremely versatile, flat out. That's what makes them ideal for home gyms. When you're trying to maximize every inch you have available, they're versatility is needed!

When we ask our garage and home gym buyers the most important things they look at when buying new equipment, the resounding answers are the price, and how much space an item takes up vs how often they'll use it. This list take into account both of these issues - functionality and pricing.

Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer

Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer

The PFT100 is easily the best buy on this list. It's perfect for residential buyers trying to maximize the use of their space. Excellent quality and an extremely affordable price.

Pros:

Sturdy & durable construction
More compact frame than most
Integrated chin up bar
Dual 160lb stacks, upgradeable to 210lbs

Cons:

No protective weight stack shrouds

$1,517

Shop PFT100

Steelflex CLDCC Functional Trainer

Steelflex CLDCC Functional Trainer

The CLDCC makes it into the home gym category based on pricing and an included accessory package. It's a club quality machine, rated for commercial use, at a home gym price point.

Pros:

Commercially rated
Great price point
Included accessory package
Dual 150lb stacks, upgradeable to 200lbs

Cons:

Base frame has large depth

$1,999

Shop CLDCC

Muscle D MDM-D88B Functional Trainer

Muscle D MDM-D88B Functional Trainer

The MDM-D88B is a perfect home gym functional trainer that will last forever. Designed for commercial but marketed for home use, you won't be disappointed with this in your gym.

Pros:

High-end design and construction
Multi-grip pull up station
Dual 200lb weight stacks
Compact frame design

Cons:

Higher price point for home use

$3,495

Shop MDM-D88B

Body-Solid GDCC210 Compact Functional Trainer

Body-Solid GDCC210 Compact functional Training Center

The GDCC210 is a Body-Solid best seller. Its compact frame design is perfect for smaller spaces. You cannot beat the lifetime in-home warranty either!

Pros:

Lifetime In-Home Warranty
(2) x 160lb Stacks, upgradeable to 210lbs
Compact 58" wide frame
(20) adjustment positions per side

Cons:

No weight stack shrouds

$2,625

Shop GDCC210





Best Functional Trainers for Personal Training or Small Gyms
(Light Commercial)

These functional trainers are perfect for personal training spaces, boutique gyms or smaller commercial (light commercial facilities). 

Light commercial functional trainers will are generally a little bit bigger in size (and cost) than residential trainers, but are covered with better warranties, allowing them to be used in a more traditional gym type of setting.

Steelflex CLDCC Functional Trainer

Steelflex CLDCC Functional Trainer

The Steelflex Club Line trainer is an amazing buy for personal training spaces or smaller gym facilities. It's quality & price point make it a must-see for leaner businesses.

Pros:

Great price point
Included accessory package
Dual 150lb stacks, upgradeable to 200lbs

Cons:

Lightweight construction for commercial

$1,999

Shop CLDCC

Body-Solid GDCC200 Functional Trainer

Body-Solid GDCC200 Functional Trainers

The GDCC200 is a high-quality, durable functional trainers by Body-Solid. It has a wider frame than the GDCC210, making it better for larger gyms. It works well in residential or light commercial settings.

Pros:

 Light commercial rating
 Wide frame allows for multiple users
 Dual 160lb stacks, upgradeable to 210lbs

Cons:

No protective weight stack shrouds

$2,625

Shop GDCC200

Muscle D MDM-D88B Functional Trainer

Muscle D MDM-D88B Functional Trainer

Muscle D's newest functional trainer has a sleek, stylish look but doesn't cut any corners. This product is designed for light commercial and high-end residential users.

Pros:

High-end design and construction
Compact frame with integrated pull-up handles
Dual 200lb weight stacks

Cons:

No accessory package included

$3,495

Shop MDM-D88B

TAG Fitness Functional Trainer

TAG FITNESS FUNCTIONAL TRAINER

The TAG Fitness functional trainer is a full commercial option perfect for small gym owners looking to stretch their dollar. Heavy weight stacks, included accessory and protective shrouds make it worth it!

Pros:

Robust full commercial design
 Dual 210lb weight stacks
 Included accessory packaged & integrated storage hooks

Cons:

Commercial grade price level

$3,449

Shop TAG Fitness





Best Commercial Functional Trainers

Commercial gyms need commercially rated products. These functional trainers fit the bill. They all carry commercial warranties and are way above average in build quality.

No gym members will have unmet needs with any of these options. Read through these commercial functional trainers and figure out which one is best for your factility!

Body-Solid Pro Clubline S2FT Functional Trainer

The Series II functional trainer is the cream of the crop for commercial facilities. It boasts a full commercial rating and warranty. The S2FT can be upgraded to 310lb stacks - meeting the needs of all gyms.

Pros:

Fully-shrouded weight stacks
(34) column adjustments per side
Accessory package included

Cons:

Strong price compared to other sufficient trainers

$5,472

Shop S2FT

TAG Fitness Functional Trainer

TAG FITNESS FUNCTIONAL TRAINER

Back on the list in it's sweet spot, the TAG Fitness functional trainer is a value for full commercial gyms! Lower end on price, with all the features and capabilities needed in a high traffic gym.

Pros:

Robust full commercial design
 Dual 210lb weight stacks
 Included accessory packaged & integrated storage hooks

Cons:

One year warranty on parts

$3,449

Shop TAG Fitness

York STS Functional Trainer

York STS Functional Cable Crossover

A great option from one of the oldest names in the business - York Barbell. This machine is a blend between a traditional functional trainer and a cable crossover. You can turn this into a jungle gym by adding pieces on either end!

Pros:

Full commercial warranty
Dual 200lb weight stacks
Jungle gym add-on potential

Cons:

Extra wide 100" frame

$3,299

Shop York STS

Muscle D MDM-D95 Functional Trainer

Muscle D MDM-D95 95 Inch functional trainer

Simply put - this Muscle D functional trainer is a beast. It's almost 8-feet tall and has dual 400lb weight stacks. Made specifically for commercial gyms, the MDM-D95 is a great option.

Pros:

Full commercial construction
Multi-grip integrated pull up handles
Dual 400lb stacks

Cons:

Extra tall 95" height

$4,495

Shop MDM-D95




Best Affordable Functional Trainers Under $2,000




The Best Functional Trainers of 2021

  1. Best Overall Functional Trainer: Body-Solid Pro Clubline GFT100 Functional Trainer
  2. Best Functional Trainer for Home Gyms: Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer
  3. Best Functional Trainer for Personal Training: Steelflex CLDCC Functional Trainer 
  4. Best Commercial Functional Trainer: Body-Solid Pro Clubline Series II S2FT Functional Trainer
  5. Best Functional Trainer Under $1,000: Best Fitness BFFT10R Functional Trainer
  6. Muscle D MDM-D88B Functional Trainer
  7. Body-Solid GDCC210 Compact Functional Trainer
  8. TAG Fitness Functional Trainer
  9. York STS Functional Cable Crossover
  10. Muscle D MDM-D95 Commercial Functional Trainer

    We hope this page has assisted in your search for a functional trainer! We know there are a ton of options out there for gym equipment, so narrowing down your options - even slightly - can be a big help.

    If you still have questions about functional trainers or any specific products, don't hesitate to contact us!