Which Home Gym Machine Is Right for Me?

Answer five quick questions about your goals, space, noise, budget and joints, and get a recommendation for the right home cardio or strength kit.

1. What’s your main goal?
2. Where will it go?
3. How important is low noise?
4. What’s your budget?
5. Any joint or back problems?

Our suggestion

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See the guide

How the quiz works

Each answer adds or removes points for seven types of kit: exercise bikes, cross trainers, treadmills, walking pads, rowing machines, mini steppers and strength equipment. For example, an upstairs flat and a need for quiet push treadmills down and bikes and steppers up, while knee problems favour bikes and cross trainers.

It’s a starting point, not a prescription. The best machine is the one you’ll enjoy using regularly.

Compare every option

Frequently asked questions

What is the best home gym machine for weight loss?

The one you’ll use most often. Exercise bikes, cross trainers and rowing machines all burn plenty of calories with low impact, which makes it easier to train regularly.

What’s the best cardio machine for a small flat?

An exercise bike with magnetic resistance or a mini stepper. Both are compact and quiet, and neither sends footfall noise through the floor like a treadmill.