8 Best Lat Pulldown Machines: Reviewed, Rated & Compared

Lat Pulldown Machines Compared

8 Best Lat Pulldown Machines Reviewed

1. Vanswe LAT Pulldown Machine

Best Budget Model

The first lat pulldown machine on our list is manufactured by Vanswe. It is our #1 choice due to the build quality and excellent price. It is best suited anyone looking at add an affordable LAT pulldown machine to their home gym.

This machine’s frame is made of 2” x 2” main steel tubes, which makes it strong and sturdy. It uses plates (not included) instead of weight stacks and thanks to the included 2” adapter, it's possible to use both standard and Olympic plates. Most home lat pulldowns don't give you the option to use Olympic weights, so this is a major plus.

The machine offers a smooth lat pull movement thanks to high quality ball-bearing pulleys and nylon bushings. The bar is pretty standard and the length from tip to tip is 39 inches, which is also the norm.

The seat pad is high density and can be adjusted with an easy to use knob system. It also comes with bottom (low row) pulley, which is awesome for targeting even more muscle groups. The low row pulley could have better spread in my opinion, but considering it comes with this feature at all, I'd say that small flaw can be overlooked.

One thing to note is that the weight support is only 250 pounds, whereas many other machines can carry a load of up to 400 pounds. Keep that in mind if you're a serious weight-lifter. but for most home or garage gyms, this is sufficient.

Read More - Vanswe Lat Pulldown Full Review

2. Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown

Top Of The Range

For the comparison’s sake, I’ve also included a full-commercial lat pulldown machine made by Rogue Fitness. It is a professional standard machine that rivals any other lat pulldown machine on the market and would not be out of place in any gym franchise.

The machine is made in the USA with the exception of weight stacks and pulleys, which are imported. The entire frame is made of 3×3” 11-gauge steel that provides maximum stability and support. 

The Rogue Monster lat comes with a 300-pound included weight stack, so you don’t need to purchase additional weight plates. Other included tools are a stainless steel bar, 6” nylon pulleys, a diamond-tread adjustable footplate, and 2 black carabiners.

The seat pad is adjustable in height, with the max setting of 26.5” above the floor and the bottom part of the rollers are located 4” – 9” above the seat pad, depending on the settings. I like that this gives you so much control over seat adjustment - this machine basically accommodates any height.

The empty weight with the included weight stack is 605 pounds, so don't plan on moving this thing once it's in place. Other than that, the main flaw is the price; this is a commercial-grade lat pulldown machine, and the price tag reflects that. 

If you want the best of the best in your home gym, then this is for you. 

Learn More - Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown Review

3. XMark Fitness Lat Pulldown Machine

Value For Money

Our list of the best lat pulldown machines continues with the lat pull down machine made by Xmark Fitness. This machine is priced in the middle of the previous 2 models on our list and is a good compromise for those wanting a heavy, sturdy home lat pulldown.

The entire frame is made of 11-gauge 2″ x 3″ steel with scratch-resistant powder finish. The machine comes with high and low pulleys, so it allows for a range of different workouts. 

In terms of positive features, the machine is designed for standard and Olympic weight plates, thanks to the included plate adapters. The cables are nylon coated for extra security and durability, and the seat is padded with 3” dura craft cushions.

This lat pulldown machine has a high maximum weight support of 400 pounds, so even experienced lifters and bodybuilders can use it with ease. It's a bit on the pricey side for a home gym, but not nearly as pricey as the Rogue Monster. 

My only other complaint has to do with the placement of the low pulley. It's positioned super low, so if you're tall, you might struggle to use this add-on. 

This is a very popular lat pulldown machine with other users confirming our love for this model. If a lat pulldown machine is high on your priority list, then this should be storngly considered.

See our full review of the XMark fitness here

4. Akonza Lat Machine

Best For Beginner Lifters

The lat pulldown machine by Akonza deserves a spot on our list. It is another affordable option for building a gym on a budget.

The Akonza lat machine’s frame is made of heavy gauge steel with electro-statically applied powder coat finish. It is designed for weight plates and unfortunately does not come with Olympic plates adapter. However, it does come with a lat bar and low row bar as well. The lat bar’s length is 41 inches and the length of the low bar is 18 inches - all fairly standard. 

The padded seat is adjustable in height and the foam rollers make sure your thighs stay in one place during pulldowns. Similar to the last one, this one has an impressive maximum weight support of 395 lbs, especially considering it's designed specifically for home use. 

To be honest, assembling this machine isn't the easiest, and this is mainly because the manual is unclear. The instructions could use some work, so I'm hoping that Akonza gets that memo and improves the owner's manual. 

If a cheap and basic lat pulldown is what you are after, then look no further.

5. Body-Solid Pro GLM83

Popular Brand

Body-Solid, a well-known fitness brand, is the manufacturer of the 5^th lat pulldown machine on our list and is closely following by a similar, but smaller body-solid model.

The steel frame of this machine - the Pro GLM83 - is supported by a thick and comfortable durafirm seat pad. Thanks to the patented nylon bushings, the weight pulls are both smooth and sturdy, but the cable could use some improvement; it doesn't seem as sturdy as others on this list.

A user's thighs are secured by the machine's 8-inch foam roller. The lat pull bar is 48 inches long, which is longer than most, and the low seated bar is 20 inches long. Diamond plate stabilizers and the seated row foot brace adds extra comfort, security and stability.

The machine itself is only 52 pounds but that is the and the dimensions are compact enough even for a small home gym (32 x 82 x 60 inches). You won't get Olympic adapters included with this one, so make sure to buy compatible standard weight plates. 

Further Reading - Body-Solid Lat Pulldown Machines Reviewed

6. Powerline Body-Solid Lat Machine PLM180X

Great Warranty

Body-Solid's Powerline PLM180X is made of heavy-gauge steel construction, and similar to the Akonza lat pulldown, this one also has electro-statically applied powder-coat finish. It is well designed as long as you're OK using standard plates. The lat bar is pretty standard, but I do like that it's angled a bit with rubber ends for a more comfortable grip.

It is smaller and less sturdy than the previous model but still works well in a home setting. The seat is well padded, but not adjustable, and sadly this machine does not have a bottom row pulley. The assembled dimensions are 48 by 25 by 80 inches (L x W x H), the weight is 69 pounds and the total weight support is 250 pounds. 

All in all, the PLM180X is a basic lat pulldown machine, but the price is right for most people with a home or garage gym. So although it's missing some add-ons and helpful features, it's still a great choice if you're trying to stick to a budget. 

7. GDLF Lat Pulldown Machine

Great Adjustability

The GDLF Lat Pulldown Machine is another excellent strength training machine for your latissimus dorsi muscle. The GDLF machine has 4 position adjustable foam rollers that fit your height and lock you in position for high pulley lat work. These rollers prevent your body from being raised by the resistance attached to the bar.

We also love the adjustable seat that will allow you to sit comfortably no matter how tall you are. The high and low pulley stations are perfect for working your biceps, forearms, lat, shoulders, traps, and triceps safely and efficiently.

This machine will definitely develop your upper body strength, and its heavy-duty steel construction and stable, non-slip base will make it last for years. It has a maximum load capacity of 500lbs, so even heavy lifters will get a good workout with this machine. Simple assembly is required, but all the necessary hardware and instruction are included.

8. Titan Fitness Lat Tower V2

Best For Compact Spaces

The Titan Fitness Lat Tower V2 is an excellent lat pulldown machine. The best part about it is that it doesn't take up a lot of space in your garage gym. You can easily back it up to a wall, tuck it away, or squeeze it under an opened garage door or into a basement with shorter ceilings. You also have the option to bolt it down to the floor if you’re looking for a more permanent solution.

The Titan Fitness V2 feels safe and secure when lifting. It has a smooth finish, and the welds are done nicely. The lat tower was very easy to use, and it was a dynamic addition to our home gym. It was very easy to set up with the online instructions and easy to follow.

This Titan Fitness machine comes with a basic lat bar (37.5 inches) and a low row handle (15 inches). They get the job done, but we might upgrade in the future. For a lat pulldown machine under $400, you really can’t go wrong with this option from Titan Fitness.

What to Look for When Buying a Lat Pulldown Machine

If you're in the market for a lat pulldown machine, here are a few features to look for before deciding on one: 

Total Weight Support (Load)

You’d be surprised that not every lat pulldown machine can support an extreme amount of weight. The cheaper machines are often the ones with a lower weight support, partly because they tend to have a less-sturdy frame, and partly because they are designed for new trainees.

If you've used a lat pulldown at your local gym, you should have a pretty good idea of the weight support needed. These machines typically range from 250 to 400 pounds in total load, so if you know that you'll be needing a challenge, try to go with the higher weight support. 

Related Article - How Much Lat Pulldown Weight?

Weight Type

Some of these machines have weight stacks (or bricks) while others have plates. The ones that have plates support either standard plates or Olympic plates, but honestly, you’d rarely find affordable lat pulldown machine that supports Olympic plates. 

If you already have additional weight plates in your home-gym, it makes sense to choose a lat machine that's compatible with your weights.

Read More - Plate-Loaded Vs Selectorized Machines

Adjustments

The best lat pulldown machines usually come with an adjustable seat and thigh support. Also check that it's easy to adjust the weights so that you can quickly change the load between sets if needed. 

Quality

You’ll definitely want durable yet comfortable pads with foam cushions on the seat, thigh supports, and handle bar - not something that will tear down in a few days or weeks. The same goes for the frame; it should be constructed of a high-quality steel (the lower the gauge, the better) so that it doesn't shake or wobble as you work out. 

The upper rod (cable) should be thick and heavy-duty to prevent damage to the machine, or worse, injury to the user. 

Bottom Pulley

Some of these machines come with a bottom pulley that can be used for various exercises. An add-on like this is usually not included in the cheapest models, but armed with the knowledge that I have now, I’d definitely aim for a lat pull down machine with a bottom pulley. The price difference is usually not that significant, and it's completely worth it.

Warranty

Warranty is something to look for as well. If you get a damaged item, or if it lasts only a few weeks or months, it’s only natural that you want your money back. Some of these machines come with a 10-year warranty, and some just include 1 year of coverage, so look into this before buying. 

Ergonomics/Comfort  

We get tired of working out. But, if your workout equipment isn't comfortable, you'll get sore and tired for all the wrong reasons. 

Look for a lat pulldown machine with a big, comfortable seat. Try to find one with thick padding that's moderately soft. Hard or thin padding can result in body soreness. 

Pulley System 

Smooth pulleys are essential for great lat pulls. Without smooth pulleys, your workouts will be full of breaks and constraints. So make sure the lat pulldown machine you choose has spiffing and comfortable pulleys so that you can buy them without a second thought. 

Extra Features 

There's an endless list of components that can help you get the most out of your workouts—nylon-coated pulleys, reinforced carabiners, aircraft-quality cables, foot support, plate stabilizers, and so on. Water bottle holders, media holders, and phone holders are also excellent. 

Included accessories are usually the bars you use in most of the exercises, adaptor sleeves, an instruction placard, and sometimes even weights. 

Value For Money 

Budget is an essential factor for everyone building a home gym. There are numerous options available when buying lat pulldown machines, some inexpensive and some pretty costly. Just be sure not to throw quality out the window for a cheaper machine. Your pulldown machine's body, pulleys, and seat should be made of durable, rust-free material, so you get your money's worth. 

Ease Of Use & Assembly 

Most pulldown machines are delivered in parts, so you'll have to assemble them. Unless you're a DIY enthusiast, make sure your lat pulldown machine is simple to build. Assembly should be uncomplicated, and the machine must be simple to operate.

You don't want a complex lat machine to stop you from working out. It would be best if you didn't have any trouble grasping the pulldown machine's fundamentals. 

If you are looking for some lat pulldown alternatives - Check out our guide!

Durability 

Durability is a critical feature that shouldn't be compromised because the lat pulldown machine has to support the weight that we use. Therefore, it's in your best interest to choose models that come with sturdy construction and a solid/rigid frame design. 

Workouts & Attachments 

The versatility of a lat pulldown machine is also a necessary feature. Machines that come with a top and bottom bar are the most versatile of the lot. Depending on your attachments, you can do several workouts. Here are a few of our favorites. 

With a straight bar, you can do a straight arm pulldown. This is a great move to add width to your back. 

With a single handle, you can do a single-arm high bicep curl. This is an isolation exercise, and your biceps will get 90% of the work with just a little help from your forearms. 

And our favorite attachment, the double-ended rope, will allow you to do a face pull. This move works the muscles through the back of your shoulders and the middle of your back. 

See Related: Best Lat Pulldown Attachment Bar

Can I Skip Lat Pulldown? (Benefits Explained)

The back is one of the most neglected areas of the body when it comes to strength training. So many weight lifters are focused on the biceps, triceps, quads, and glutes - but what about the lats?

Your lat muscles are located on both sides of the back, so they play a role in a lot of our daily activities. Even an action as simple as opening the car door requires use of the lats, so if you're not already, it's time to give them their rightful place in your fitness routine. 

See Related: Lower Lat Exercises

Another big reason to start building these muscles is that they are directly linked to your ribs, spine, upper arms, and scapula. As a result, they contribute to a wide range of movements, like arm rotations, and they even play a role in how we breathe.

To top it off, they add support while you're doing other exercises, like deadlifts and bench presses. 

Check out our article that details the main benefits of lat pulldown exercises!

Frequently Asked Lat Pulldown Questions 

Is lat pulldown the same as pull up?

Although lat pulldowns and pull ups target similar muscles, there are some differences between these two exercises. With a lat pulldown machine, you're able to replicate the pull up motion while eliminating the extreme challenge of pulling up your entire body weight. 

However, you'll still see the same benefits from using a lat pulldown. Plus, it gives you the ability to do some additional exercises (especially if your lat pulldown machine has a low pulley system).

See Also - Pull Ups Vs Lat Pulldowns

What muscles does the lat pulldown machine work?

The main focus of a lat pulldown machine is to strengthen the latissimus dorsi muscle, which is the broadest muscle of the back that stretches across the ribs. 

Then there are also the "helper muscles", like the biceps and forearms. These aren't the main focus, but they get a solid workout with lat pulldowns.

What are some common technical problems when doing lat pulldowns?

If you want to see the best results and avoid injury, it's really important that you use your lat pulldown machine properly. Many people perform their pulldowns incorrectly, like pulling the bar behind the neck or gripping the bar with the hands too wide or too close together. 

To start, hold the overhead bar with an overhand grip that's just wider than your shoulders. While seated with your thighs under the supports, start to pull the bar down. As you do this, make sure to keep your core engaged and pull the bar towards your chest (not your neck). 

The key is to focus on drawing your shoulder blades together and down. After pulling the bar down past your chin and towards your collarbones, slowly release upwards. That's it!

Conclusion

There you have it - the complete list breaking down the best lat pulldown machines available today. A lat pulldown machine can be an affordable addition to your home gym, and it's great for strengthening the hard-to-target muscles of the back. 

If you're still not sure which lat pulldown machine is for you, I suggest reviewing the buying guide (what to look for), setting your budget, and weighing the pros and cons of each of the machines listed above. Overall, we highly recommend the Vanswe Lat Pulldown Machine for its premium-grade features and durability.