Tested by If you’re looking to supercharge your fitness routine, investing in the best home gym equipment is an excellent place to start. We're talking everything from treadmills and exercise bikes to dumbbells and resistance bands.
Not only are home workouts extremely convenient – you can easily slot them in around your hectic schedule, and you don’t have to worry about the dodgy British weather – but they can also save you money in the long run. After all, what’s the point in splashing out on a pricey gym membership you’ll only use from time to time?
Home workouts are also ideal for those who don’t feel comfortable in traditional gym settings and would prefer to exercise from the comfort of their living room, without fear of being judged or harassed.
The best home gym equipment to buy in 2026
We’ve put together this handy guide featuring all our home workout essentials – including weights, cardio machines and yoga mats – tried and tested by our fitness experts in the state-of-the-art Good Housekeeping Institute gym.
We've also included some of our fitness pros' personal favourite home gym accessories, which have enhanced their own workout-from-home routines, including resistance band and fitness trampolines. Without further ado, here are our top picks...
Best adjustable dumbbells
York Fitness Cast Iron Dumbbell Spinlock Set
York Fitness Cast Iron Dumbbell Spinlock Set
Score: 92/100
This adjustable dumbbell set proved extremely versatile and was a joy to use for everything from weighted HIIT workouts to strength-building exercises. We liked that the instructions included detailed descriptions of exercises to try and the spinlock collars spin into place without any stiffness. The premium finish means they won’t look out of place when lying around your kitchen and the weight range of 1.3kg-10kg is ideal if you're new to lifting.
More expert-approved adjustable dumbbells
Best dumbbells
Mirafit Soft Touch Mini Hex Dumbbells (Pair)
Mirafit Soft Touch Mini Hex Dumbbells (Pair)
Score: 82/100
This 2kg dumbbell set offers excellent value for money. The weights have a thick rubber coating, so you don't have to worry about dropping them when things get sweaty, while the hexagonal shape means they won't roll away from you mid-workout. When you've built some strength and you're ready to progress, there are options up to 10kg.
More expert-approved dumbbells
Best mini adjustable kettlebell
Score: 77/100
If you’re new to strength training or want to keep your workouts light, then this mini kettlebell is an excellent starter model. You get four weights ranging from 2.3kg to 5.4kg and you can quickly switch between them thanks to the nifty quick lock-unlock system. We found it a cinch to manoeuvre, and the handle was sufficiently grippy, even when our hands were sweaty. It stows away easily, and it’s compact enough to take to the park for an alfresco session.
Best wearable weights
Score: 89/100
Made from steel and wrapped in soft silicone, these versatile weights – which come in 1lb, 2lb and 3lb options – can be worn on your wrist or ankles during yoga, Pilates and HIIT workouts to add some light resistance.
According to our tester, they’re a pleasure to wear – the adjustable Velcro strap ensures a secure fit while the smooth silicone feels comfy against the skin, with slipping or rubbing. The streamlined design mean they don’t get in the way during workouts and they’re compact enough to stash in a gym bag or suitcase, if you want to keep up your fitness routine on holiday.
See our full Bala Bangles review
Best exercise mat
Score: 92/100
This mat is ultra lightweight and comes with a travel bag, making it easy to move around your home or store away neatly when not in use. The premium design also features alignment markers, making it a good pick if you're new to yoga and would appreciate some guidance. It held up well during sweaty vinyasa flows and did the job nicely during HIIT workouts, too. The edges lie flat when unfurled and it can be wiped clean easily after your sessions.
More expert-approved yoga and exercise mats
Best compact Pilates reformer
Gymproluxe hPortable Pilates Reformer
Score: 74/100
If you want to get your Pilates fix at home but don’t have the space nor the budget for a traditional reformer, this compact option is a solid alternative at under £300. The band-based system features a padded board, a small sliding carriage and 5kg resistance bands, allowing you to perform a range of moves from pikes and leg circles to lunges and squats.
Set-up is simple via QR-guided demos, and the slim, lightweight design means it’s easy to store under a sofa or behind a bed. It can’t replace a studio workout, but it’s a practical, low-effort way to bring Pilates-style training into your home workout routine.
More expert-approved reformer Pilates machines
Best treadmill
ProForm Pro 9000 Folding Treadmill
Score: 94/100
This sleek machine offers incline settings up to 12% and a -3% decline (something few treadmills can match), allowing you to work up a sweat by simulating hilly hiking and running routes.
Our experts loved the engaging trainer-led classes and scenic virtual routines available via the iFIT app. It will even automatically adjust your speed, incline and decline during pre-set workouts. If you don’t fancy running, there are plenty of other classes to choose from. It's a big unit, but it earned bonus points for its quiet motor and built-in fan.
Best budget treadmill
Score: 74/100
The JTX Slimline treadmill is lightweight, compact and can be stored completely flat, with a wheeled base that makes moving it around the house a doddle. It has a max speed of 16km/ph, with 36 pre-set workouts and the option to create your own personalised routines.
It doesn’t have a touchscreen, but it can be linked to a phone or tablet to stream sessions from your favourite running apps or catch-up on boxsets as you work out. It also has a large digital display to help you keep track of your progress, and it was one of the quietest machines we tested. There aren’t any incline or decline options, though.
More expert-approved treadmills
Best walking pad
Score: 88/100
This all-bells-and-whistles walking pad boasts a whopping 14% incline, adding an extra level of difficulty to your walking workouts. Our expert praised the robust build and quiet motor, and loved how easy it was to set up – simply unbox and get walking. There's a display to see your progress and an accompanying app for tailored workout plans and a live leaderboard. You also get a remote control to control the speed and incline and transport wheels for easy storage. An impressive piece of kit.
More expert-approved under-desk treadmills
Best exercise bike
Score: 97/100
It may be pricey, but this sleek Peloton offers an extremely smooth, near-silent ride, with a solid build that feels comparable to a studio bike. What really sets it apart is the crisp, responsive touchscreen, which rotates 360º, making it easy to switch from cycling to yoga, strength training or stretching.
The Peloton app also provides an extensive library of live and on-demand workouts, led by peppy instructions who will advise you on resistance and cadence throughout. The Bike+ will automatically adjust the resistance during workouts, while a movement-tracking camera provides real-time feedback on your form. Sound comes via Sonos speakers for crystal clear audio and the build-in fan keeps you cool during intense sessions.
Best budget exercise bike
Score: 75/100
For under £300, this is a great exercise bike if you're on a budget. It's light enough to wheel around on your own, it's extremely quiet and it's self powered, so you can exercise anywhere in the house or garden. There's a simple console for monitoring your stats including time, speed and distance, a small holder for your phone plus heart rate sensors on the handlebars. The features are easy to adjust and, according to our expert, it makes for a smooth and stable ride.
More expert-approved exercise bikes
Best compact cross trainer
Score: 71/100
This great-value cross trainer offers 16 resistance levels, 18 built-in workouts and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to training apps like Kinomap. Our pro found it easy to set up (it took a matter of minutes) and intuitive to use, with a computer console displaying all your stats. It's extremely quiet and the compact design means you can tuck it away in the corner of your living room. Note, the max height is 5’9.
More expert-approved cross trainers
Best rowing machine
Score: 95/100
You've probably come across the Concept2 RowErg in your local gym. It's a simple but effective bit of kit that's smooth and stable at all speeds. The easy-to-read black and white monitor has an excellent range of pre-set and customisable workouts for all fitness goals and it provides plenty of data such as pace and calories burned. The slim frame can be stored upright or taken apart in two pieces, and wheels on one end make it easy to move.
More expert-approved rowing machines
Best fitness mirror
Score: 80/100
The Magic AI Mirror boasts a mini camera and trademarked ReflectAI tech, so it can track your movements, provide feedback on your form and count your reps. It also gives you access to hours of workout content, including one-off sessions and dedicated four-week programmes with athletes and PTs.
Our expert said it was simple to set up and just as intuitive to use. They were particularly impressed by the sheer variety of workouts available and found the instructors extremely motivating. It's a worthwhile pick if you find traditional gym environments intimidating or you have limited time to schlep to the gym. The whole family can use it, too.
See our full Magic Mirror review
Best resistance bands
PLEASION Fabric Resistance Bands
This great-value set includes five loop resistance bands designed for all fitness levels from beginners to more advanced users. This means you can pick the right resistance for each exercise and progress to heavier bands as you get stronger. Made from durable, reinforced fabric with anti-slip rubber layers, they should stay in place securely during your workouts. Plus, they come with a handy carry case, so you can easily take them to the gym, park or even on holiday.
More of our editors' favourite resistance bands
Best fitness trampoline
Domyos Fitness Trampoline Fit Trampo 100
Domyos Fitness Trampoline Fit Trampo 100
This mini trampoline is a compact, easy-to-use piece of kit that fits neatly into your space and makes it simple to incorporate some low-impact cardio into your routine. It features a solid steel frame and 36 springs for a smooth, responsive bounce. It’s supported by six sturdy legs to keep things stable during your workouts and its lightweight design makes it easy to move around your home. It also comes with free access to the Decathlon Coach app for workout inspiration.
See our full fitness trampoline review
How we test gym equipment
When assessing exercise machines – we're talking treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes, walking pads, rowing machines, reformers and fitness mirrors – our in-house fitness pros consider ease of use, design and comfort, including how simple they are to set up and adjust and how stable they feel during use. They also check whether they maintain performance at different speeds and levels of resistance. Extra points are awarded for clear, easy-to-understand instructions.
For weights, they put them through a range of workouts, trying out a variety of movements from squats to overhead press. The top performers feel sturdy and are easy to manoeuvre.
To assess yoga and exercise mats, our experts use them during yoga, Pilates, HIIT workouts and weights sessions, checking whether they have good grip and offer sufficient support for your joints. They also check how easy they are to clean.
Only the products that deliver on design, usability and overall performance make our final edit.
What is the most effective home gym equipment?
This will vary from person to person depending on your goals, preferences and the space you have available, but there are some key pieces worth considering. Below, we've broken down the options.
- Weights: Strength training has many benefits, from increasing muscle mass to improving bone density, which is essential for maintaining mobility and vitality in later life, so weights are a great addition to your home gym set-up. Free weights like dumbbells and kettlebells are a good place to start, while adjustable options – which combine numerous weights in one neat package – are particularly useful if you're short on space. They can be neatly stored in the corner and you can use them for a range of full-body workouts.
- Exercise mat: Whether you’re a dedicated yogi or a HIIT workout junkie, a good quality exercise mat can make or break your workout. The best ones mean more comfortable sessions, offering excellent grip to stop you sliding around and added thickness to protect your joints.
- Resistance bands: If you're short on space and you don't want to spend over the odds on exercise equipment, the humble resistance band will boost your workouts. From helping you improve muscle strength to enhancing mobility, it's an extremely versatile piece of kit.
- Treadmill: Running improves your cardiovascular health, increases your endurance and helps build your overall strength. Today’s smart designs are bursting with mod cons including live classes, automatic incline settings and bright touchscreens to provide fun, engaging sessions that will keep you moving, whatever the weather.
- Exercise bike: Indoor cycling can do wonders for your cardiovascular health, while being easier on the joints and carrying a lower risk of injury than running. Exercise bikes are a particularly good choice for those who experience any ankle, knee or hip pain as they can help strengthen the muscles in the lower body without putting them under too much stress.
- Walking pad: If you spend most of your day sitting down, you might benefit from a walking pad. These walking-speed treadmills, which are designed to fit neatly underneath a standing desk, can help you incorporate more movement into your days. You can hit your daily step goal as you take meetings, write emails or watch your latest box-set.
- Rowing machine: A rowing machine is a great piece of kit to invest in if you’re looking to work on your cardiovascular fitness and want to get a full-body workout. Unlike other fitness equipment, the rower targets 85% of the muscles in your body, plus it can help improve your posture and tone your lower body in a gentle, low-impact way.
- Cross trainer: The cross trainer (also known as an elliptical machine) provides a full-body, low-impact workout as you have to move your feet while pushing and pulling the handles, therefore training multiple muscle groups at once. It can also help improve bone density, plus it’s not too taxing on your joints and there’s less risk of injury.
- Fitness trampoline: If you're after a fun way to get active at home, a mini trampoline is worth considering. It offers a low-impact way to raise your heart rate and improve your balance and coordination, while being gentle on the joints. It's also ideal for short, effective workouts that are easy to fit into your routine and maintain consistently.
Is it cheaper to build your own home gym?
Building your own home gym can be more cost-effective in the long run, but it depends on how you approach it, and whether you're going to use it regularly. There is an upfront investment, but you'll save on ongoing gym memberships, class fees and travel costs over time. You can also start small, focusing on versatile pieces you'll use regularly, and build your set-up gradually.
Of course, if you opt for premium equipment and a fully kitted-out space, costs can add up quickly. Ultimately, it's about balancing your budget with your fitness goals.
Why trust The Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, holding each one to its claims using our specially designed protocols. Kim Hawley, our senior sleep and wellness tester, oversees all home gym equipment testing. She's a level 4 qualified personal trainer with over 20 years' experience working in leading health club, so she knows what exactly what to look for when it comes to the best treadmills, rowing machines, cross trainers and more.
After each piece of kit has been tested, the data is passed to our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, who interrogates the results and writes up our reviews to help you make an informed decision before you shop. She’s reviewed hundreds of health and fitness products and is currently training to be a level 2 qualified personal trainer.
More expert-approved fitness buys
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Yanar was our former health and wellness tester.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
