10 Best Cable Crossover Machines: Reviewed For All Budgets

Cable Crossover Machines Compared

Why Buy A Cable Crossover Machine? (Benefits Explained)

It can be difficult to justify spending a lot of money on a bulky piece of equipment that will take up a lot of room in your gym. However, they do offer some great benefits which make them worthwhile:

Support A Variety Of Exercises

Cable machines can be used for a lot of different exercises. They support isolation movements and compound exercises so you can train your entire body effectively.

There’s not a lot of other gym equipment which offers the same variety, and a good cable crossover machine will help you on your fitness journey.

Related Article - Must Have Garage Gym Essentials!

Helps Build Muscle

On top of the variety, cable crossover machines also allow you to have an intense workout. The tension of the cables throughout the movement puts more significant strain on your muscles and can help you make serious gains quickly.

Safer Workouts

The pulley system and handles help to control the movement and reduce the risk of straining yourself when working out. It also removes the need for a spotter on key exercises, so you can train on your own without worrying about injury.

Read More - Which Lifts Require A Spotter?

Provides an all-in-one solution

A good cable crossover machine can be adjusted for different users and workouts. They effectively remove the need for other equipment, so even though they are expensive and bulky, they can actually save you space and money in your gym. For this reason alone, cable crossover machines are worth the investment.

10 Best Cable Crossover Machines Reviewed

After going through all the top-rated crossover machines, I’ve come to a simple conclusion – there isn’t one that is "the best" in every aspect. That’s why I’ve included pros and cons for every listed cable machine, so you can decide for yourself which will be your winner.

Note: The machines are sorted by rating that is based on my personal opinion.

1. XMark XM-7626

XMark Fitness brand is no stranger in the fitness equipment industry. I’m not surprised that they make one of the best cable machines available on the market.

The XM-7626 is a full-wall cable machine that is available with optional add-ons, so you can buy it with a bench and accessories or just on its own. This particular model comes with 2x 200 lbs weight stack, so there is no need to purchase additional weight plates.

Both commercial-grade arm pulleys have 19 height settings, each spaced by 3.5 inches with easily interchangeable accessories. The pulley shoulders are held together by a thick steel bar, and this is where the commercial-grade pull up-bar is located.

The XM-7626 machine is made of heavy-duty 11-gauge 2” x 3” steel mainframe. The range of cables from pulleys is 81 inches (205.7 cm) and the space between pulleys is 60 inches (152.4 cm). Assembled dimensions are 65”W x 43.5”L x 83” H (165.1 x 110.5 x 210.8 cm), so you'll definitely want to check your space available to make sure the machine will fit in your home gym. 

Learn More - XMark Functional Trainer Full Review

2. Papababe Power Cage & Cable Crossover

The Papababe power cage and cable crossover machine is a big and powerful piece of equipment. The heavy-duty materials and solid construction make it one of the best for advanced lifters and an excellent asset for those who take their training seriously.

Papababe is well known for producing high-quality gym equipment that is made to last. Their crossover machine is no different, and the fact it was made by Papababe gave me some confidence before I even used it. They aren’t the cheapest fitness brand, but considering the durability, they offer some good long-term value for money.  

The Papababe crossover machine uses weight plates rather than a weight stack. This means it can support a lot more weight, up to 1200 pounds, but you'll need to buy the bumper plates separately. There are 17 different positions and dual pulley systems, so you can use it for a wide variety of exercises.

The thick steel, rubber stability caps, and 25.5" safety bars mean you can use this power rack and cable crossover machine with peace of mind that nothing will drop. Despite the raw power, it's also quite comfortable to use with padded handles and a smooth operation.

This crossover machine is a lot bigger than others on the market and won't be suitable for those with a compact home gym. However, if you have the space and appreciate the power rack accompaniment, it's an impressive piece of equipment and is well suited for heavy lifters.

3. Body-Solid Powerline PFT100

Body-Solid and their sub-brand Powerline makes all kinds of fitness equipment and conveniently they make a high quality cable crossover machine as well.

Similar in structure to XMark cable crossover, this machine uses a slightly different design, which is very simple, yet effective. It uses two simple shoulder wings that are connected by a pull-up bar.

The PFT100 cable trainer is equipped with 2x 160 lbs weight stacks, which are upgradeable to 2x 210 lbs, so there is no need for your own weight plates. The pulleys are vertically adjustable with smooth swivel of 180-degree range of motion. The machine features 20 different starting positions with 3.2” hole spacing.

It also comes with 2 adjustable nylon cable handles. The PFT100 machine is a perfect choice for those who want a fully-fledge all-in-one cable machine, but can’t afford to spend too much money. It is still one of the best crossover machines on the market and definitely worth the asking price.

The assembled dimensions are 42.3” D x 62.6” W x 83” H (107.4 x 159 x 210.8 cm). The manufacturer offers 10-year frame warranty and 1-year on all the other parts.

4. FreeMotion Dual Cable EXT Crossover

Since this guide is mostly about non-commercial and light-commercial cable crossover machines, I’ve decided to include at least one full-commercial machine by FreeMotion, just for comparison’s sake.

This state-of-the-art machine frame’s is made of commercial 7 and 11-gauge steel tubing, supporting up to 350 lbs of weight and the entire machine is powder-coated for increased resilience. The EXT comes with 2x 210 lbs weight stacks, so there is no need for weight plates. Multi-function shoulder arms offer 12-inch vertical and 9-inch horizontal setting.

Arms are also counterbalanced. Unlike every other crossover machine on this list, The FreeMotion EXT offers, as the name suggests, a total free motion of the mechanical arms for a maximum variety of exercise.

The assembled dimensions with fully extended arms are 60 L x 113 W x 84 H inches (152.4 x 287 x 213.4 cm) and the weight (including weight stacks) is 925 pounds. The manufacturer offers no-hassle warranty with free replacements. They offer lifetime warranty for frame, 10 years for parts and 1 year for labor and cables.

5. Body-Solid PCCO90X

Another cable crossover machine made by Body-Solid Powerline made it to our list, this time the model PCCO90X.

This particular non-commercial model is simpler in design and functions than PFT100, but it also costs much less. The large diameter pulleys are connected by a steel bar, which is not meant for pull-ups, but you can purchase a lot of optional attachments, pull-up bar included.

Good news is that both, low and high pulleys are fixed and offer 180-degree range of motion.

It uses the patented nylon bushing technology and 8 sealed ball-bearings, which take care of the smooth and convenient movement. The machine works by adding weight plates, either standard or Olympic, so the weight stacks are not included. What you can expect with PCCO90X besides the frame and pulleys are 2 cable handles and 1 ankle strap.

The assembled dimensions are 112 x 39 x 82 inches (284.5 x 99.1 x 208.3 cm). Body-Solid offers 10-year frame warranty and 1-year warranty for all the other parts.

6. Valor Fitness BD-62

If you are not a fan of the space-taking complete crossovers, then single-wing wall mount pulleys might be the option for you. Valor Fitness makes such just machines.

Valor Fitness is no stranger in the fitness equipment industry, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that they also make cable machines. These single-wing wall-mounted pulleys are similar to the ones made by ARCHON, except that they can be purchased separately.

Each arm has 16 different adjustable positions and uses double bar rack for easy loading and unloading of the weight plates and provides overall smooth glide. The BD-62 is specially designed to be attached to the wall, otherwise it will most likely tip over.

The weight plate holder can be used for standard and Olympic plates alike. 2 single strap handles are included and can be adjusted to 5 positions.

The maximum weight load is 200 lbs and height is 80 inches (203.2 cm). Valor Fitness offers 3-year frame warranty and 1-year cable warranty.

7. Inspire Fitness FTX

Last, but not least cable crossover machine on our list is made by Inspire Fitness.

This particular device is something between PFT100 and XM-7626. It is a complete, fully-fledged crossover machine with both mechanical pulleys connected by a functional pull-up bar. The frame is made of heavy-duty steel and matte black powder coat finish.

It offers a complete workout freedom, because of the 30 available swivel positions into any direction. The FTX trainer includes 2x weight stack, each of 165 lbs. The included accessories are curl bar, dip belt, triceps rope and a pair of deluxe D handles. There is also an option to get a bench and abdominal bar for additional cost. 

Inspire Fitness includes all the assemble tools, so there is no need to use your own.

The assembled dimensions are 40 x 54 x 85 inches (101.6 x 137.2 x 216 cm) and the weight (with weight stacks) is 544 lbs. The manufacturer offers residential limited lifetime warranty for frame and all parts.

Check out our full review of the Inspire Fitness FTX model here!

8. Rogue Fitness CT-1 Cable Tower  

The Rogue Fitness CT-1 Cable Tower is a single pulley system that is easy to use and effective. You can quickly switch between a range of exercises and train to a high level, making it perfect for beginners or advanced lifters.  

Rogue Fitness is a well-known fitness brand that produces premium products. Their equipment, like the CT-1 Cable Tower, does carry a heftier price tag, but they back it up with a lot of quality. This makes it an excellent long-term investment, and you should expect it to function effectively for years.  

This premium cable crossover machine has all the bells as whistles. It's made with thick 11-gauge steel, an adjustable diamond footplate, and 16 different height adjustments. In addition, it uses a weight stack that offers a lot of weight, up to 250lbs, and increases in 10lb increments so users of varying levels can lift what they’re comfortable with.  

The best aspect of this cable crossover machine is the quality. The pulley system is one of the smoothest I've used, and there’s a 180-degree swivel feature so you can quickly move between workouts.  

There's a lot to like about this American-made cable crossover machine, and it's a real asset in a home or commercial gym. Just be aware that it's extremely heavy, so you’ll probably need help to set it up, and you will need to bolt it to the floor for your safety. 

9. Life Fitness Signature Series Adjustable Cable Machine  

The Life Fitness Series adjustable cable machine is another tough and durable machine designed to be put through its paces. It’s too big and heavy for most home gyms but is a great asset in a commercial gym for users of all abilities.  

Life Fitness is another premium brand that makes commercial grade gym equipment. They have over 40 years of experience making gym equipment, and the quality shines through in this cable crossover machine.

It's also surprisingly easy to put together for a larger model, and you can do it with minimal support. Just remember that it needs to be bolted down to the floor before you use it, or it won't be safe to use. 

The Life Fitness cable machine is made from solid 11-gauge steel, two weight plates, and a dual adjustable pulley system. In addition, life Fitness has incorporated their signature Cable Motion technology which helps to control the paths of motion and provide consistent tension throughout the movement. This helps you maximize your training and minimizes any risk of injury.  

The crossover cable machine supports up to 190 pounds of weight on each side, which isn’t amazing, but is more than enough for most users. What stands out most to me about this machine is how comfortable it is. 

There are molded foam cushions to support you while you train, and the handles all have a urethane composite grip that helps stop them from slipping during your workout. All of this makes this crossover machine comfortable and user-friendly, so people of all abilities can get a great workout from it.  

10. Titan Fitness Cable Crossover Machine  

The Titan Fitness cable crossover machine is an affordable alternative to some of the premium products on the list. It doesn’t have all the small functionality, but it’s still well made and is the perfect option for home gym owners on a tight budget.  

Titan Fitness is a budget fitness brand that offers some great value. They've outsourced their production to Asia, which means the quality isn’t as consistent, but their products are affordable. This is the case with this cable crossover because it isn't the most advanced product, but it offers some great value when considering the low price.  

This crossover machine doesn’t use weight stacks and is compatible with bumper plates, with 4 different weight holders on the side. It can support up to 220lbs on each side for heavy workouts, and the pulley systems operate smoothly. It’s also lightweight at just 110 pounds, so it’s simple to move around as needed.   

The best feature of this cable crossover machine is that it’s compact. It's under 8 feet tall and can fit comfortably in a small home gym. It’s also super simple to assemble with only a few parts to connect. 

The downside to the Titan cable crossover machine is that it is much less adjustable, with only 4 different height settings on each side. So, while you can still target a range of muscle groups, you won't be able to do it as effectively. 

It's also less stable than other models because it uses 2-inch steel tubes instead of premium heavy-duty alternatives. This means it may wobble slightly, but it should all be safe.

All in all, this is a decent cable crossover machine for home gym owners who just don't have the budget for commercial grade machines. It's simple but effective and should give you a great full body workout.   

Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Cable Crossover

Construction & Durability

With any large piece of home gym equipment, durability should always be at the top of your list of buying considerations. These machines don't come cheap, so obviously, you want to choose one that is built to last. 

It's important to look at the machine's frame construction first and foremost (heavy-duty steel is the way to go) and then look into the quality of the cables. 

Usability

As I've already mentioned, these machines are versatile and allow you to do a wide range of exercises. That's especially the case if you go with a model that comes with different attachments and components that are easy to use. 

One of the most important "usability" features is smoothness; the cables should be move smoothly and seamlessly; if not, working out with your machine will be a hassle, and you it might even sit in the corner of your home gym unused. 

Read Also - Best Attachments for Lat Pulldown and Cable Machines

Included Features

Modern cable crossover trainers often include additional tools, like a pull-up bar or built-in bench for extra exercises. With the right attachments, you can even use this machine to perform lat pull downs and other common exercises.

If you're looking for something versatile to target different muscle groups, it's definitely worth it to spend some extra cash for more features and add-ons.

However, if you prefer a solid and simple crossover, then you should go for the conventional machine without all the bells and whistles (or the high price tag). 

Size Vs Available Space

These machines aren't small, which is a big reason that so many people forego them for their home gyms. But if you have the available space - that's a big if! - then it's so worth it!

It's always a good idea to check your available space and compare it with the exact dimensions of the machine you're considering. That way, you can be sure you have plenty of room to perform crossovers safely and comfortably. 

Maximum Load

The best cable crossovers are compatible with a high weight capacity, and ideally, you'll be able to easily switch out the load to cater to your personal fitness regimen.

Many can support 300-350 pounds, but in some cases, you'll have to purchase the weight plates separately.

Related Article - Olympic Vs Standard Weight Plates

Weight Range  

Most cable crossover machines have weight stacks that allow you to select the amount you're lifting. The best cable crossover machines will have a high weight limit; some even go as high as 400 pounds.

Cheaper models might only offer 200-250 pounds, so there is quite a difference on the market. Most crossover machines have 10-pound increments so that you can increase the weight gradually as you train.

If you're a complete beginner, then you'll probably only be able to lift 20-30 pounds on each cable, whereas advanced lifters might need 100-120 pounds.

If you're just starting out, then it's better to pick a cheaper machine with a lower weight limit, but elite users will need to spend a bit more to get a weight stack that's big enough to challenge them.

Available Accessories  

Cable crossovers can be used for a variety of different exercises, but you can also get some additional accessories to make them more functional.

For example, a rope is good for training your triceps, lat pulldown bars help you train your back, and ankle straps will let you train your legs.

If you aren't bothered about full-body workouts, you don't need to worry about them, but they are useful for any serious lifter. Most premium machines will work with various accessories, but some cheaper models won't. It's worth checking what's included with your cable crossover and what's compatible with it before you make your decision.

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Assembly 

Cable crossovers can be a little bit tricky to assemble. The cables and different pieces can be difficult to put together, and they can be heavy and hard to move.

However, they should come with instructions that you can follow; just be sure to give yourself enough time and ask a friend for help.

If you're buying a very large, premium cable crossover machine, it's probably worth hiring a professional to assemble it for you, so you don't risk breaking it.

If you’re looking for a cable crossover machine for use at home, then you should consider a model without too many parts, so the assembly isn't too complicated. 

Weight Upgrade  

Most cable crossovers have a weight stack and a pin, so you’re limited in how much extra weight you can add. Some machines are only built to handle a certain amount of weight, so putting any extra on will compromise the integrity and make it dangerous to use.

However, premium models should be able to take more weight, and the easiest way to do this is to buy extra weights/a weight stack from the manufacturer.

Other cable crossover machines use bumper plates instead of weight stacks. This gives you more control over what you add, but you’ll need to buy the plates separately.

If you’re an advanced lifter, then you should explore this option and check the specifications of the cable crossover before you buy. If you’re a beginner, then you should be fine with a standard weight stack.

Price & Warranty

Depending on the features and the manufacturer, you could spend a few thousand dollars on your cable crossover. However, it's also possible to find a more budget-friendly model with simple features and functionality. 

The good news is that most of the best cable crossover machines come with warranty of several years. Some manufacturers even guarantee a lifetime of use. 

Single Pulley Vs Double Pulley Cable Crossover Machine

There are two main types of cable crossover machines: single pulley and double pulley. A single pulley machine has one cable attached to a weight stack, whereas the double pulley cable crossover machines have two cables attached to the same weight stack, usually with two handles.

Single pulley crossover machines are perfect for two-handed exercises like tricep pushdowns, rope face pulls, and upright rows. The full weight and force are applied to the single handle, making the exercise more intense. There's a 1 to 1 ratio, so if you have it set to 100 pounds, then your muscles will lift 100 pounds.

Double pulley crossover machines have a 2 to 1 ratio because the weight is split across each pulley. It’s great for 2 handed exercises like cable flys or an overhead press, but it’s less intense because you're lifting less. The advantage is that the movement is smoother, and it's easier to activate different muscle groups.

Both single and double pulley crossover machines are useful, but generally, double pulley crossover machines are more versatile.

Recommended Cable Crossover Exercises

There is a long list of videos available online that show various cable crossover exercises, but after checking several of them, I realized that some are not as good (and not as safe!) as others. So I’ve picked some that I consider the safest for your body and most beneficial for your muscles.

Feel free to explore more online videos with a similar concept, but just remember that proper form and safety are essential.

Chest 

Cable machine flys and cable crossovers are both great at engaging your pectorals. They're easy to perform; you just need to set the pulleys to high, grip the handles, take a step forward, and then extend your arms in front or across from you.

You can perform them on single or double cable machines, but you’ll have to do one side at a time if you only have one cable.

Triceps 

Cable machines are excellent for isolating smaller muscle groups like triceps, and a tricep pulldown can be performed on a single or double pulley. Start with the pulley in a high position and stand facing the machine.

Hold the handle with an overhead grip and pull it down towards the floor. Pause at the bottom, and raise back up again. This will work your triceps and give you a good pump.

Back 

Performing regular cable rows on your crossover machine will help you build a broad back. Start by sitting on the floor with the pulley in a low position.

Reach forward to grab the bar and pull it back towards you, squeezing your traps as you pull. Pause for a second when the bar touches your chest and slowly lower it back to starting position to complete the movement.

Biceps 

Cable curls are the best way to grow your biceps on a cable crossover machine. Start with the pulley in a low position and pull the handle up, so it's around waist height.

Hold the bar in both hands and curl it up towards your shoulder. This should isolate your biceps and give you a great pump.

Legs 

Crossover machines can also train your lower body, and cable squats are one of the best ways to work your legs. Move the pulley to the lowest setting, bend your knees, and reach down to grip the bar.

Hold the handle in both hands in the seated position and slowly raise your body up to pull the weight upwards. Pause at the top and lower back down to the seated position to complete the rep. Remember to keep your feet static throughout the movement and your back as straight as possible.

Here's a video that will show you how to do it properly:

Shoulders 

The shoulder press is one of the most effective exercises for this muscle group, and you can perform it using a cable crossover machine. Start with the pulley at the bottom level and pull the handles until they’re at shoulder height.

Gripping one handle in each hand, press your arms upwards to engage your shoulders. Pause at the top, and lower back down to shoulder height to complete the rep.

This exercise is most effective if you have a two-pulley machine, but you can train one side at a time if you have to.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What are the benefits of using a cable crossover machine?

These machines are designed to target specific muscle groups, and they're great for focusing on legs, arms, biceps, triceps, and more.

In my opinion, the biggest advantage of training with cable crossovers is that you have complete control over the resistance by changing out the weight plates. This means you can easily increase your strength as well as endurance and thus build up a stronger core over time.

How much does a cable crossover machine cost?

This depends on the specific model and design you've gone with, but you could spend as much as $5000 on your machine. For this reason, it's really important to consider value for money and check into a machine's warranty policy before making your purchase. 

How do you do a reverse cable crossover?

A reverse cable crossover, also called a reverse cable fly, is great for working the muscles of the shoulders. What's even better is that it's fairly easy to do. According to Men's Health, here are the exact steps for performing this exercise:

"Grab the left pulley with your right hand and the right pulley with your left hand, crossing them in front of you. Move both your arms back and out to the side, keeping them straight throughout the movement. Slowly return the handles to the start position."

Conclusion

There you have it - the complete list of the best cable crossover machines on the market. I was able to include several different designs as well as one fully-commercial machine within this list.

As you can see, each machine has its pros and cons, so in the end, it is up to you to decide which particular design you would prefer in your home gym. My top recommendation goes to the XMark Functional Trainer for its versatility, size, and overall value. 

Don’t forget to double check the assembled dimensions to make sure your winner will fit properly in your home gym; it is a painful process to try to return a 600-pound machine!