Top 7 Compact Home Gym Equipment 2026

You don't need a dedicated room for a home gym. The real question is: what do you buy when you have 6 square meters of free space and don't want to spend everything? I looked through fitness expert recommendations, equipment tests, and apartment user experiences - and narrowed the list of compact home gym equipment down to seven pieces that cover the whole body, and can stand in a corner or closet when you don't need them. Price range: from 40 to 395 EUR.

Quick overview: 7 compact pieces of home gym equipment 2026

1. Bowflex Results Series 552 SelectTech - 15 pairs of dumbbells in one

Photo: Bowflex

Bowflex Results Series 552 SelectTech are adjustable dumbbells that select weight from 2.3 to 23.8 kg in 1.1 kg increments with one dial turn - replacing 15 pairs of classic dumbbells. Changing weight takes about 7 seconds: turn the dial to the desired weight, lift the dumbbell from the base and it automatically locks only the selected plates. Each dumbbell is 43 x 21 x 23 cm and stands on a stand the size of one chair. According to a test on Tom's Guide, the 552 consistently tops the adjustable dumbbell recommendations list for home training, and Garage Gym Reviews confirms the quality of the dial mechanism and durability. Price ~395 EUR per pair.

Pros: Replaces 15 pairs of dumbbells (2.3-23.8 kg); dial change in ~7 seconds; compact stand; Tom's Guide and Garage Gym Reviews top pick; suitable for all training levels

Cons: High price (~395 EUR for pair); stand sold separately; not recommended for dropping hard on the floor (plastic parts); longer bars than classic dumbbells

Our take: If you can afford only one piece of compact home gym equipment, this is the most complete choice. Takes up the space of one chair and covers everything from bicep curls to deadlifts.

2. Bodylastics PRO Resistance Bands 7-set - Complete training for 55 EUR

Photo: Bodylastics

The Bodylastics PRO set of 7 bands is a piece of compact home gym equipment that fits in a small bag and can replicate almost any exercise with weights. Seven rubber bands ranging from 4.5 to 54.5 kg can be combined up to a total resistance of 140 kg, and the anti-snap nickel-plated metal clips prevent breaking under load. The set includes handles, ankle straps, a door anchor, and a workout guide. The material is 100% natural Malaysian latex, with a lifetime warranty on all components. According to a New York Times Wirecutter recommendation for resistance bands, Bodylastics is a top pick for complete sets with high resistance. Price ~55 EUR.

Pros: Smallest storage of any equipment on the list; 7 bands cover chest/back/arms/legs/core; anti-snap nickel clips; natural latex; lifetime warranty; NY Times Wirecutter top pick; door anchor included

Cons: Doesn't replicate the feel of weights 1:1 (different resistance through range of motion); bands gradually lose elasticity; max resistance 140 kg not enough for advanced strength base training

Our take: For beginners and those who mostly train without heavy loads, the Bodylastics PRO set is the most cost-effective compact home gym equipment. For 55 EUR you cover the whole body and can store everything in a drawer.

3. TRX Home2 Suspension Trainer System - 200+ exercises without a single screw

Photo: TRX Training

TRX Home2 is a piece of compact home gym equipment that hangs on a door or ceiling without drilling - the door anchor mounts in under 60 seconds, and the entire system then packs into a lightweight mesh bag weighing 0.7 kg. Load capacity up to 160 kg. More than 200 different exercises using your own bodyweight: rows for back, chest press, squats, lunges, plank variations, hamstring curls, pike, dips, bicep curls. Purchase includes access to the TRX app with guided programs. According to a test on Tom's Guide and Fit&Well recommendation, Home2 is the most versatile piece of compact home gym equipment for apartments. Price ~184 EUR.

Pros: 200+ exercises; no drilling (door anchor); stores in 0.7 kg bag; suitable for apartment; app with guided programs included; 160 kg capacity; Tom's Guide and Fit&Well recommendation

Cons: Requires free space in front of door for training (2-3 m²); can't progressively overload like with weights; learning curve for beginners (more technically demanding than bands)

Our take: TRX is for people who want serious functional training and have no space for bars or benches. 200 exercises from one bag isn't marketing - there really are that many variations, especially once you start changing body angle.

4. Flybird WB6 Foldable Adjustable Weight Bench - A bench that actually folds

Photo: Flybird

The Flybird WB6 is an FID bench (flat/incline/decline) that folds down to 76 x 35 x 24 cm - smaller than a chair. In full use it occupies 118 x 35 x 48 cm. Load capacity 400 kg, own weight 13.6 kg, pop-pin mechanism for quick angle adjustment. Combined with adjustable dumbbells like Bowflex 552, it opens up all pressing movements that otherwise can't be done on the floor: bench press, incline press, decline, dumbbell flyes, shoulder press, seated rows. According to Garage Gym Reviews analysis for small spaces, the WB6 has the smallest folded footprint in its class under 150 EUR. Price ~130 EUR.

Pros: Folds to 76x35x24 cm (smaller than a chair); 400 kg load capacity; FID angles (flat/incline/decline); pop-pin adjustment; 13.6 kg (easy to move); Garage Gym Reviews top pick for small spaces

Cons: Without a bench there are no pressing movements with floor-based weights; doesn't replace a professional bench for heavy lifters; pad somewhat thinner than premium benches

Our take: If you have Bowflex 552 dumbbells, the WB6 is the logical second piece of compact home gym equipment. Without a bench you're limited to standing and floor exercises - with a bench you open up the entire upper body.

5. Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell - 6 kettlebells in one

Photo: Bowflex

Bowflex SelectTech 840 changes weight between 6 settings with a dial mechanism: 3.6 / 5.4 / 9.1 / 11.3 / 15.9 / 18.1 kg. Takes up the space of one kettlebell, replaces 6 pieces. Dimensions are 22 x 18 x 32 cm. Purchase includes access to the JRNY app with kettlebell programs. The rounded shape and ergonomic handle is optimized for swings and goblet squats. According to the Garage Gym Reviews review of Bowflex 840, the mechanism is reliable for classic kettlebell movements, but it's not designed for throwing on the floor - the inner dial is plastic. Price ~137 EUR.

Pros: 6 weights in one kettlebell; dial change in a second; JRNY app with programs; ergonomic handle for swings; replaces 6 kettlebells; takes minimal space

Cons: Max 18.1 kg - not enough for advanced kettlebell work (advanced swing/snatch); DON'T drop on floor (plastic dial); more expensive than fixed kettlebells of the same weight

Our take: For beginner and intermediate kettlebell training, the 840 is ideal compact home gym equipment - swing, goblet squat, Turkish get-up, press, all in one piece. For serious kettlebell progression above 20 kg, you'll need fixed bells.

6. Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Pro - Doorway pull-up bar without a screw

Photo: Perfect Fitness

Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Pro mounts with pressure without screws or drilling - rounded plastic extensions rest on the door frame on both sides. Three grips enable wide pull-ups for back, narrow pull-ups for biceps, and neutral (hammer) grip for forearms. The same device can be placed on the floor as a push-up support, an abdominal crunch seat, or a dip support. Load capacity up to 136 kg. Dimensions 38 x 36 x 15 cm, weight 2.8 kg. Price ~40 EUR - the cheapest compact home gym equipment on this list with real upper body training.

Pros: Cheapest option on the list (~40 EUR); no drilling; 3 grips (wide/narrow/neutral); converts for push-ups/crunches/dips; 2.8 kg (move it in a second); 136 kg load capacity

Cons: Requires appropriate door frame (standard frames usually work); pull-ups require baseline strength (hard for absolute beginners); not for all door types (aluminum frames)

Our take: For 40 EUR, Multi-Gym Pro is the essential piece of compact home gym equipment if you already have something for the lower body. Pull-ups + push-ups + crunches in one piece that fits behind the door.

7. Crossrope Get Lean Set - The jump rope that takes itself seriously

Photo: Crossrope

The Crossrope Get Lean Set is a piece of compact home gym equipment that comes with two ropes of different weights - 113 g (1/4 lb) for fast double-unders and intervals, and 227 g (1/2 lb) for more intense work and coordination. The fast-clip system switches between ropes in 3 seconds without changing handles. Lifetime warranty covers the handles, and a 60-day return policy applies no questions asked. The companion app offers guided HIIT programs, video lessons, and progress tracking. According to Tom's Guide top pick review, Crossrope is best-in-class for weighted jump rope combination. Price 83-91 EUR.

Pros: 2 rope weights for different intensities; fast-clip system (3 second switch); companion app with HIIT programs; lifetime handle warranty; Tom's Guide top pick; cardio without a running track

Cons: Needs free space (~2.5 x 1.5 m) and high ceiling for jumping; not for apartments with wooden floors and neighbors below; basic coordination needed for crossover jumps

Our take: Crossrope is cardio for people who don't like running and have no space for a bike. 10 minutes with the 227 g rope is a serious aerobic workout - and it can fit in a small bag alongside the rest of your equipment.

How to set up a home gym in a small space?

The right approach is selecting by priorities, not by space.

For beginners with a budget under 100 EUR: Bodylastics PRO bands (55 EUR) + Perfect Fitness Pull-Up Bar (40 EUR). Full body, minimal space, no serious investment.

For more serious strength training under 250 EUR: Flybird WB6 bench (130 EUR) + Bodylastics bands (55 EUR) or add an adjustable kettlebell to pull-up bar. Comprehensive strength coverage.

For a complete home gym in an apartment: Bowflex 552 dumbbells (395 EUR) + Flybird WB6 bench (130 EUR) + pull-up bar (40 EUR) + Crossrope (85 EUR) = ~650 EUR for a complete gym that fits in a room corner.

How much space does a home gym need?

Minimum area for functional training is about 2 x 2 meters of free floor. That's enough for exercises with bands, TRX system, pull-up bar, and jump rope. For a bench with weights I'd recommend 2 x 3 meters of free floor. A ceiling height of minimum 2.4 meters is necessary for jump rope and pull-up bars.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most compact home gym equipment? Bodylastics PRO bands and Crossrope Get Lean Set are the most compact home gym equipment - both fit in a small bag and take no space when not in use. TRX Home2 is close - stores in a 0.7 kg bag. For strength and cardio without permanent space, these three together cost about 195 EUR.

How much does basic compact home gym equipment cost? Basic compact home gym equipment can be assembled for 95-100 EUR: Bodylastics PRO bands (55 EUR) for strength and Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Pro (40 EUR) for pull-ups and push-ups. For complete coverage with a bench and adjustable dumbbell set - budget of 600-700 EUR.

Can I replace the gym with home equipment? For 80% of goals (muscle tone, fat loss, strength, cardiovascular health) - yes. Adjustable dumbbells, bench, suspension trainer and bands cover the majority of gym programs. The limitation is maximum weight for competitive strength athletes and specific machines.

Is TRX a good replacement for weights? TRX Home2 is a good replacement for functional training and bodyweight strength, but doesn't replace progressive overloading with weights for muscle building. The combination of TRX + resistance bands covers 70% of weight-based training, with better stabilizer engagement.

Which compact home gym equipment is best for women? For women starting out with strength training - Bodylastics PRO bands are an ideal start. For more advanced training - Bowflex 552 adjustable dumbbells cover everything from 2.3 kg for shoulders to 23.8 kg for deadlifts. TRX and pull-up bar are excellent for upper body and core without joint stress.

Conclusion

There's compact home gym equipment for every budget and every space - it doesn't have to take up a whole room or drain a bank account. To start: Perfect Fitness pull-up bar (40 EUR) and Bodylastics bands (55 EUR) - that's a complete upper body workout for 95 EUR. For a serious home gym: Bowflex 552 + Flybird WB6 bench + pull-up bar covers almost everything.

For workouts with no equipment at all, check out our review of 7 home workouts with no equipment 2026, and for a broader picture of setting up a home gym space - the complete guide to home training equipment 2026.

Sources

• Tom's Guide: Best Home Gym Equipment 2025
• Garage Gym Reviews: Bowflex SelectTech 552 review
• Garage Gym Reviews: Bowflex 840 Kettlebell review
• Garage Gym Reviews: Best Foldable Weight Bench
• NY Times Wirecutter: Best Resistance Bands
• Fit&Well: TRX Home2 Suspension Trainer review
• Tom's Guide: Best Jump Ropes
• BarBend: Best Compact Exercise Equipment