A home gym pulley system is a valuable asset to your home gym because it allows you to focus on specific muscle groups. More and more home gym owners are choosing to get a pulley system because they work well if you're limited on space and are one of the most versatile, budget-friendly home gym products. This is especially important if you're a beginner and don't want to invest too much into your home gym right away.
They don't require a huge commitment since they can be attached to beams, pull-up bars, and power racks, or they can be mounted on the wall. Many options come with attachments that can help you target large and small muscle groups, and they can handle a decent amount of weight. Here at ACTIVE, we know how important it is to find the best home gym pulley system if you're considering one, so we've rounded up our top six picks in this comprehensive guide.
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The Best Home Gym Pulley System - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Home Gym Pulley System: TITAN Fitness Tall Wall Mounted Pulley Tower V3
- Best Budget Home Gym Pulley System: Impact Cardio Pulley System
- Best Home Gym Pulley System for Heavy Lifters: Rogue Spud Inc. Pulley Systems
- Best Durable Home Gym Pulley System: Mikolo Fitness LAT and Lift Pulley System
- Best Home Gym Pulley System for Beginners: SERTT Home Gym Pulley System
- Best Home Gym Pulley System for Wall Mounting: TRENDBOX Pulley System Gym Cable Machine
Best Overall Home Gym Pulley System - TITAN Fitness Tall Wall Mounted Pulley Tower V3
SPECS
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Features: Wall-mounted, 18 adjustable position options
The Titan Fitness Tall Wall Mounted Pulley Tower V3 can be mounted to the wall or added to any TITAN Series Power Rack. It's made with steel and finished with powder-coated black, so it looks sleek in any setting. If you need to mount it to a wall that has a baseboard, it has a modified mounting bracket at the base so you can avoid it.
The cables move smoothly as you work through exercises such as lat pull-downs, lunges, squats, and more. Even though there are 18 adjustable positions at your disposal, this home gym pulley system does not take up a lot of space thanks to the vertical design.
What We Like
- Dual stirrup handles included
- Rubber feet protect flooring
- Bottom brackets can be installed to avoid baseboards
- Spring clips included
- 18 adjustable positions
What We Don't Like
- 2" Olympic-style plates work but they hang with a sag
- Other attachments are available at an additional cost
BUY: Titan Fitness Tall Wall Mounted Pulley Tower V3
Best Budget Home Gym Pulley System - Impact Cardio Pulley System
SPECS
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Features: Ceiling mounted, includes attachments, accessories, and different cable options
If you're looking for a pulley system that mounts to the ceiling, the Impact Cardio Pulley System does just that, hardware included. Also, there are several different attachment options, making this pulley system an excellent choice if you don't want to spend additional cash on accessories. The sleeve is 1.6 inches in diameter so your weight plates fit nicely and stay in place thanks to the weight clip.
The assembly instructions are straightforward. The pulleys and mount are made with durable nylon steel and finished with a black coating, giving them a more polished look. The pulley moves the coated cable silently as you advance through each rep, and it comes with a fixed-length cable and an adjustable cable.
What We Like
- Exercise handles are padded
- Includes 1 free online coaching session
- 1-year standard warranty
- Comes with an adjustable cable
What We Don't Like
- Exercise options are more limited since it's attached to the ceiling
- Only 1 coach available for the online coaching session with potentially unreliable credentials
- Weight capacity may not be suitable for some
BUY: Impact Cardio Pulley System
Best Home Gym Pulley System for Heavy Lifters - Rogue Spud Inc. Pulley Systems
SPECS
- Weight capacity: 550 lbs.
- Features: Attachable to a power rack or pull-up bar, thick cables can handle up to 550 lbs.
The Rogue Spud Inc. Pulley Systems is an excellent choice for more advanced athletes who want to move heavier weights since it can accommodate up to 550 pounds. Chances are if you're an advanced athlete, you may already have a power rack to attach this pulley system. If you don't own a power rack, it can also be attached to any securely mounted pull-up bar or cross-member.
There's plenty of space to add weight thanks to the 18-inch loading strap pin that can hold up to ten 45-pound plates. If that's not enough for you, adding other free weights, chains, or bands for customized resistance is always an option, but these need to be purchased separately. The cable is 75 inches long so you can do different exercises and movements without feeling confined.
What We Like
- 18" loading strap
- Can be attached to a power rack or pull-up bar
- Weight capacity is 550 lbs.
- Different package options to choose from
- 0.25" cable diameter
What We Don't Like
- Not everyone has a pull-up bar or a power rack
- Other attachments are available at an additional cost
- Some package options are expensive
BUY: Rogue Spud Inc. Pulley Systems
Best Durable Home Gym Pulley System - Mikolo Fitness LAT and Lift Pulley System
SPECS
- Weight capacity: 280 lbs.
- Features: Adjustable steel rope, single or double pulley system options
Made with heavy-duty steel, the Mikolo Fitness LAT and Lift Pulley System is made to last. The welding seam of each accessory is checked to ensure its safety and durability. The thick, detachable tube sleeve can fit standard or Olympic weight plates and comes with a clamp so they stay in place. There's also a sponge at the bottom which helps protect your floor when the weights come in contact with the ground.
This home gym pulley system can be set up in any place the sling can be fixed securely, which opens up different placement options. You can choose to set up a single or double pulley system, whichever works best for you. Utilizing the double pulley system will give you more exercise options. If the steel rope is too short, the set comes with a carabiner and chains that can be added to create more length. If it's too long, the set includes tools so you can adjust it to the appropriate length.
What We Like
- Easy to assemble
- Single or double pulley set up for additional exercises
- Adjustable cable length
- Non-slip handles, triceps rope, and straight bar included
- Can be set up outside if needed
What We Don't Like
- Weight capacity may not be suitable for some
- Reviews mention weights may swing back and forth if reps are too fast
BUY: Mikolo Fitness LAT and Lift Pulley System
Best Home Gym Pulley System for Beginners - SERTT Home Gym Pulley System
SPECS
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs.
- Features: Adjustable coated steel cables, different attachment options included
The SERTT Home Gym Pulley System is great for beginners because it includes a variety of attachments and can be set up anywhere the strap can be securely installed. Since the handles and rope are included, you can use both to see what exercises you want to utilize in your routine without having to make additional purchases. This pulley system can handle up to 330 pounds, which is plenty of weight for most people, especially if you're a beginner or intermediate athlete.
If you're not sure what cable length you'll need, you can make it shorter using the adjustment tools or longer by adding a carabiner and chain. The standard loading pin can fit Olympic or standard weight plates and is secured by the included barbell clip. If you have Olympic plates, there is an additional piece that fits the diameter securely so they don't wobble or move.
What We Like
- 2 loading pin designs so weights stay in place
- Adjustable coated steel cables
- Weight capacity is 330 lbs.
What We Don't Like
- Flat bar not included
- No option for ceiling or wall mounting
BUY: SERTT Home Gym Pulley System
Best Home Gym Pulley System for Wall Mounting - TRENDBOX Pulley System Gym Cable Machine
SPECS
- Weight capacity: 160 lbs.
- Features: Wall-mounting capabilities, 3 different handle options, compact
If you have a wall in mind where you'd like to install a home gym pulley system, we recommend the TRENDBOX Pulley System Gym Cable Machine. Using the provided expansion screws, this can be safely attached to a brick, cement, or marble wall. You can also attach it to a solid, composite, or plywood wall, but you'll need to buy self-tapping screws for installation.
With three different handle options, this is an ideal choice if you need to do a variety of exercises. The heavy-duty nylon rope moves quietly through the silent wheels, so you can focus on your workout. There are two options for cable lengths and this pulley machine can handle up to 160 pounds.
What We Like
- The steel frame is compact and stable
- Anti-dropping positioning ball makes reps more smooth
- Different attachment options included
- Can be mounted to different wall types
What We Don't Like
- Cables made of nylon rope, not steel
- Not all mounting equipment is included
- Weight capacity may not be suitable for some
BUY: TRENDBOX Pulley System Gym Cable Machine
How to Choose the Best Home Gym Pulley System
Setup
Which setup you choose depends on your budget and the allotted space you have, although most home gym pulley systems don't take up a lot of space. There are portable options that allow you to relocate it for any reason, but these tend to be more unstable than wall-mounted options. Wall-mounted options are another excellent choice if you're limited on space, but of course, they aren't as portable.
If you already own a rack, rack-mounted pulley systems are more stable and can handle more weight since racks are typically anchored to the ground. Adding a pulley system won't take up much more space since it's an added accessory, however, this isn't a feasible option unless you already own a rack or are planning to purchase one.
Weight Capacity
When considering weight capacity, usually pulley systems that can handle heavier weights are going to be more durable and give you more training options. It's a good idea to take into consideration that if you're exercising regularly you will probably get stronger. Odds are if you choose a system that can handle up to 50 percent more weight than what you currently work with you'll be completely fine. If you're just starting or unsure, testing out a commercial pulley system can give you a better sense of which weight capacity works best for you.
Cables
The quality of the cables will determine how smooth your reps feel. If you're used to using commercial pulley systems and you're getting a home gym pulley system, you'll likely notice a difference if you get a system with lower-quality cables. Thick steel-coated cables are not only going to feel smooth but also handle weight better than nylon rope cables.
Length also matters since a longer cable can allow you to incorporate more exercises and give you a bigger range of motion. Some products offer multiple cable lengths that you can integrate as needed. You may want longer cables if you choose a wall-mounted rack since you'll need to move away from the wall and do your reps without feeling confined.
Attachment Options
Some pulley systems include several attachment options while others sell them separately. What you need will depend on the types of exercises you want to utilize your home gym pulley system for. If you plan on using it to focus on specific muscle groups, you may need fewer attachments than someone who wants to use it for a full-body workout.
FAQs About Home Gym Pulley Systems
Are home gym pulley systems worth it?
Yes, if you want to use a pulley system they are absolutely worth it since they offer a versatile amount of training and exercise options in a limited space.
Are aluminum pulleys better than plastic?
Yes, aluminum is a much more durable material than plastic.
What muscles do pulley systems work?
Pulley systems can target a variety of muscles since they can be used for core exercises, presses, rowing or pulling movements, squatting, and more.
About the Author
Rachael Gonzalez is a Staff Writer for ACTIVE. She spent five years in education before she joined the ACTIVE team in 2022. In this role, she is still able to make a positive impact on others by writing about something she loves: health and wellness.
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