Best Functional Trainers: Your Complete Guide to Functional Cable Machines

If you're setting up a serious workout space—whether at home or in a commercial gym—the best functional trainers should be on your radar. These versatile machines let you smash isolation moves and compound lifts with cable precision. Think total body strength, sculpted shoulders, and dynamic functional training, all from one system.

You might wonder: what exactly is a functional trainer machine or functional trainer cable machine? How do they differ for a functional trainer home gym versus commercial use? And which models strike the best balance of features, price, and footprint?

In this guide, we'll explore the top-rated options—from BodyKore Dual Adjustable Pulley System (MX1161) to compact budget picks like the Powerline PFT50—and explain how to choose based on your space, workout goals, or recovery needs.

Let’s break it down...

What Is a Functional Trainer?

You’ll often hear the terms functional trainer cable machine or multi station home gym, but what does it mean?

A functional trainer is a dual-pulley, adjustable machine that lets you pull and press from nearly any angle. It’s called “functional” because it mimics real-world movements—think lifting, rotating, pushing, pulling—instead of only isolating one muscle.

Some systems double as a multi station gym or all in one functional trainer, especially when they include pull-up bars, leg press attachments, or bodyweight stations.

Why Choose the Best Functional Trainers for Home or Gym Use?

Functional Trainer for Home Gym

Want something compact and effective? The Body-Solid Compact Functional Trainer (PFT50) and PFT100 are excellent. These are sleek, budget-friendly, and ideal for functional trainer home gym setups.

Commercial or Studio Multi-Use

If you need a commercial functional trainer or top rated functional trainers setup, check out TAG Fitness FT60 or FUNC‑TR‑B models, a multi station home gym option with dual medium stacks. They're a favorite for gyms looking to keep real estate low but performance high.

Top Best Functional Trainers We Recommend

Here are the standout devices we offer:

BodyKore Dual Adjustable Pulley System – MX1161 – $4,399

A pro-grade cable machine with full-stack resistance, great user experience, and a customer photo review behind it. Sleek build, highly customizable. A solid pick for gyms or serious home lifters.

Body-Solid Best Fitness Functional Trainer – BFFT10 – $725

The most affordable functional trainer machine in our lineup. It’s lightweight, wall-mountable, and great if you’re not stacking plates all day.

Powerline PFT50 Functional Trainer – $995

Budget-friendly and compact. Perfect if you want a space saving functional trainer with solid motion and basic attachments.

Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer – $1,595

More load capacity, better warranty, and ideal for growing strength. Still compact enough for most home gyms.

TAG Fitness FT60 Functional Trainer (2 × 160 lb stacks) – $3,437

Loaded with commercial-grade cables, dual 160-lb stacks, and premium build. A functional trainer cable machine built for heavy users.

TAG Fitness FUNC‑TR‑B (2 × 210 lb stacks) – $4,598

Bigger stack, heavier gauge steel, built for power athletes and studio use.

Body-Solid GFT100 Functional Trainer – From $2,315

A heavy-duty trainer with more stack, multi-grip pulleys, and great smooth range.

Steelflex CLDCC Functional Trainer – $1,995

Sturdy, reliable, and mid-price—ideal if you want cable-based strength in limited space.

TKO 9050 Strength Functional Trainer – $5,400

Premium build, designed for serious commercial or training facilities.

Functional Trainer Attachments & Multi-Station Options

If you're seeking more versatility or a full multi station gym equipment solution, these models add functionality:

• Body-Solid Pro Clubline SJG500 (5-Stack Jungle Gym) – $8,500

• S2FT Pro ClubLine Functional Trainer (Series II) – $5,215

• G9S Multi-Station Home Gym – $5,345

• TAG Fitness ELITE‑5s Multi Station w/ Cable Crossover – $14,550

These units let you cross cables, do leg presses, hack squats, pull-ups, dips—and more—all from one footprint.

Choosing the Best Functional Trainers Based on Your Needs

For Small Home Gyms:

• Powerline PFT50 or Body-Solid PFT100 for compact footprint and decent resistance

• Need heavy training? Try BodyKore MX1161 for a price/performance sweet spot

For Commercial Gyms or PT Studios:

• TAG FT60, FUNC‑TR‑B, or Body-Solid GFT100 for heavy stacks and durability

• If you want a full multi station home gym, steps into SJG500 or Elite‑5s Multi Station

For Versatility:

• If you regularly switch between leg press and hack squat machine, look at the clubline series (GLPH1100B or combinations)

• To add attachments easily: grab the Body-Solid GPRFT Functional Trainer Rack attachment

Functional Trainer Workouts You Can Do

Using a functional trainer machine transforms your approach:

• Cable crossovers for chest and shoulders

• Single-arm high/low rows and pulldowns

• Tricep pushdowns and biceps curls

• Pallof presses, chop-and-lift core movements

• Glute kickbacks, cable lunges, and more

This all-in-one setup makes functional trainer workouts ideal for efficiency and full-body coordination.

Quick Comparison Table

Additional Insight

Think of the functional trainer cable machine as the Swiss Army knife of strength training. It adapts from rehab and mobility work to heavy hypertrophy exercises.

When comparing a commercial functional trainer vs a compact leg press, you’ll notice that the trainer’s versatility pays off over time. A multi station gym like the SJG500 can serve many users in small spaces, reducing the need for multiple machines.

If you’re tight on space, a space saving functional trainer like Powerline PFT50 or a vertical model provides high functionality without needing a dozen machines lined up.

Final Thoughts

Searching for the best functional trainers? Start with your space and budget. For a functional trainer home gym, go with Powerline or Body-Solid basic models. For commercial performance, TAG or TKO shine. If you want robust multi-functionality, look into the multi-station cable crossover and jungle gym units.

Regardless of setup, functional trainers bring efficiency, safety, and flexibility to every workout. Pair one with quality attachments and smart layouts—and you’ve got a space that works as hard as you do.