Best Lat Pulldown Machine For Home Gym in 2023

Working on your pull ups? Strengthening your back muscles? Want that V-shaped body? Or are you just considering shaking up your set-up with the best lat pulldown machine for your home gym?

Well, that's great! Adding a lat pulldown machine to your home gym can be an excellent way to fulfill all those questions.

And lucky for you, I’ve discovered the best lat pulldown machine so you don’t have to.

This article reviews the best lat pulldown machines for your garage gym or home gym, at a variety of price points, performance levels, and high-quality construction. Let’s dig in.

9 Best Lat Pulldown Machines for Home Gym Compared

9 Best Lat Pulldown Machines For A Home Gym

Got a little more time?

Here you'll find detailed reviews so you can choose the lat pulldown machine that's perfect for you and your home gym.

There are more than enough lat pulldown machines out there.

We started our research by filtering out lat machines that were outdated, poorly made, or just plain bad.

Then, we've set the bar high to the rest that made the cut by looking at their:

1. Build Quality
2. Max Weight load 
3. Functionality
4. Size (Dimensions and footprint)
5. Any Extra Features
6. Attachments
7. Overall Price To Value Ratio

And after only 127 hours (who's counting?), we've managed to narrow our list down to 9 machines that we believe any one of them would be a great addition to your home gym.

So, let's start.

1. GDLF Lat Pulldown Machine

We kick off with the best budget lat pulldown machine.

if you're short on bucks, this would be a great option to consider.

And in the case of this lat machine, cheap doesn't necessarily mean low quality. 

This lat machine is excellent for strengthening your latissimus dorsi muscles.

The foam rollers and seat are both adjustable so if you have a few different people in your home who want to use this, it’s perfect for you.

This pulldown machine’s fundamentals include a high and low pulley or a wide variety of exercises to strengthen your muscles. It’s made of heavy duty steel and has a stable, non-slip base for safety.

Plus, it comes with an attachment so you can use Olympic plates if you prefer that.

2. XMark Lat Pulldown Machine - XM-7618

This heavy duty lat pulldown machine from XMark is another solid build piece of equipment.

So solid, It's the best lat pulldown machine on this list, and probably on the market when you consider the features you get to its price.

With its upper and lower pulleys, you can attack your muscles from all different angles.

But, what I really like about it is the fact that it can handle up to 400 lbs of weight, which leaves a lot of room for improvement.

Plus, it means you won't have to buy a new machine or weights further down the line.

It's also got a flip footplate, which can come in handy for those seated rows.

The cables on the XMark lat pulldown machine are quite durable. They've been tested to handle 2200 lb. 

I don't think you'll ever need to pull 2200 lb, but, it's good to know.

As for the weight plates, you can use standard, though they will wobble as you pull.

But, if you got an Olympic weight set, then there's an Olympic sleeve adapter that assures your plates sit well and won't budge when you pull.

On the downside, you won't be able to complete full-range movements if you're taller than 6'3”.

3. Valor Fitness CB-12 Plate Loading Lat Pull Down

The CB-12 is the second cheapest lat machine on our list.

But even though it's quite affordable, it can still stand up to the big and more expensive machines.

First of all, the max user weight is 325 lbs, which kinda gives you an idea of how solid and stable this machine is.

As for max weight, this is where I think it might turn off some users since it will only support up to 200 lbs of weight load.

On the other hand, though, you might say that 200 lbs is more than enough for you.

So it's really up to you to decide if this weight load is going to be enough for you as you progress.

One cool feature I like is the plate storage sleeves, which will allow you to store your plates right beneath the plate carriages.

Besides the fact that it will be a lot easier and faster for you to load/unload plates, you also won't have to spend money on a plate rack in case you don't have one.

As for working out, well, it's got upper and lower stations, and you can do exercises like seated rows, bent-over rows, and triceps pushdowns, to name a few.

4. VANSWE Power Cage with LAT Pulldown Attachment 

This is a bit of an upgrade to the VANSWE lat pulldown machine (which is a standalone lat pulldown machine, meaning no other additions).

The lat pulldown bar attachment is part of an overall power rack that is quite impressive in any home or garage gym.

The heavy duty steel construction makes for a stable machine on which you can perform lat pulldowns, a straight arm pulldown, overhead tricep extensions, tricep pushdowns, and more.

This machine comes with low pulley stations in addition to high so you can add versatility to your workouts.

Plus, the seated row foot brace and low row bar means you can do rows for extra back work, all with this one lat pulldown machine.

One potential downside or thing to look out for is that some reviewers have mentioned the older models are not as sturdy as the updated version.

Be sure you’re ordering a newer version of this home lat pulldown machine to get the most out of it.

5. Fitness Lat and Lift Pulley System

This lat machine isn’t actually a machine.

Rather it’s a set of weights, cables, and anchors you attach to something sturdy in your home. (Be sure it’s very, very sturdy as this weight stack is no joke.)

Most lat pulldown machines are standalone pieces of equipment designed to focus on lat pulldown exercises.

The cable pulley system here does let you do lat pulldowns, you just need to anchor it to a ceiling beam or your secure power rack.

This means it’s an economical and space-saving alternative to any other lat pulldown machine to help you build upper body strength.

Plus, it comes with an adapter so you can swap your weight stack from standard to Olympic plates and back again.

6. Titan Fitness Lat Tower V2

The Titan Fitness Lat Tower is another heavy duty lat pulldown with a no-frills, straightforward option to satisfy your lat pulldown needs.

It’s made from durable steel with the option to permanently mount it into your home gym for extra stability.

This model is a great option if you already have some workout equipment at home and need something focused solely on your shoulders and back muscles.

It’s got the pulldown machine’s body plus a low row option, so you can do your pulldowns and your rowing workout to zero in on your upper body.

Plus, the thigh pads have four adjustable positions so it’s suitable for a wide variety of heights.

The company has also updated this machine to include reinforcement braces between the seat and the main/first pole for added stability.

7. Body-Solid Powerline Lat Machine - PLM180X

This lat machine is straight-up as basic as it can be. 

You get two pulley stations, upper (obviously) and a low pully, but, It's rather tricky to use the lower one.

And why is that?

Well, you'll have to remove the seat and run the extension cable that comes with it through the lower pulley.

Not to say this could ruin your workout momentum, since once you get the hand of it, removing the seat get's quicker and unpainful.

Still, it's not the best solution out there, but if you're on the budget, that'll just have to do.

On the good side though, it is a pretty solid machine and its pulley system is rather smooth, so you get a clean and uninterrupted motion.

Finally, it does have a small footprint, 48" L X 25" W, so it might be a good option to consider if we're talking about small space.

8. Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown

Rogue fitness makes the Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown, which is a commercial-sized machine (hence why they call it a “monster lat pulldown”).

This impressive piece of fitness equipment is not for the faint of heart.

It stands at 8’ tall with dimensions of 40”x60”.

One of the best parts of this plate loaded lat machine is it actually comes with weight plates. No need to go out and purchase your own.

Plus, it ships fully assembled, so you can get started lifting and training right away.

The foam rollers on this machine are adjustable for a variety of leg thicknesses, from 4” above the seat to 9”.

That makes the low pulley option accessible for the whole family.

9. Merax Lat Pulldown and Low Cable Row Machine

Ending the list is the Merax lat pulldown machine.

With a TPU-coated steel wire cable pulley system, 2” x 2” heavy gauge steel, and non-slip feet, this machine is sturdy, smooth, and easy to use.

It’s got a rowing bar function, a back pull rod, and a 38.2” long lat bar so you can hit basically every single muscle in your upper body.

That’s not to mention its adjustable seat and weight capacity of 286 pounds, which should be just fine for most home lat pulldowns.

This lat machine doesn’t come with weights, but it’s compatible with both standard and Olympic, so you’ve got options.

What To Look For In A Lat Pulldown Machine?

1. Build quality

The last thing you want in your lat pulldown machine is instability or shoddy quality. The lat pulldown (and other exercises you can do on some of the lat pulldown machines in this list) is a highly effective exercise, but only if your machine holds up.

Make sure you look for keywords like “heavy duty steel construction” and read reviews carefully. Also, check that the reviews are long-term, as a lot of people will leave reviews for what they think are the best lat pulldown machines but three months of heavy use later, cables are fraying or the weight stack is chipped.

2. Max weight load

This lat pulldown machines qualification applies to both the maximum the weight stack can hold as well as (depending on the lat machine) the weight of the user.

Some lat pulldown machines will have seats for either the lat pulldown itself, doing rows (including cable T-bar rows), or other seated exercises. Make sure the maximum weight capacity the seat can hold is more than you weigh.

Arguably more important though, is the weight stack itself and how much you can lift. If you’re looking to get seriously strong, find a lat pulldown machine that has a higher max weight capacity. If you’re looking for general health and wellness, you can choose a lat pulldown machine with a lighter weight capacity.

3. Weight Type

Weight type is key. By “weight type” I’m referring once again to the weight stack and whether it takes standard weight plates or Olympic ones.

Also pay attention to whether the machine comes with plates in the stack already or if you have to purchase your own. Some of the machines in the list don't provide the weight stack, so that can be an added expense if you think you're getting a good deal.

The best lat pulldown machine will include the stack, and provide you with options for things like free weights (meaning accessories like a tricep rope, etc.) Even better? When the machine uses both standard and Olympic plates so you don’t have to choose.

4. Low pulley station

Ideally your preferred lat pulldown machine will have both high and low pulleys. The low pulley station is perfect for exercises like low rows, bicep curls, tricep extensions, etc.

This is especially handy if you’re tight on space. A commercial gym can afford to have a lat tower that offers only a lat pull and nothing else. But if you’re operating out of a home or garage gym, space is usually at a premium. If your lat pulldown machine offers a wide variety of workouts to challenge your latissimus dorsi muscle plus a host of others, you get more bang for your buck.

5. Check the pulley system

The pulley system is sort of like the lifeblood of your lat pulldown machine. It’s what keeps your workouts smooth and easy to complete. If the pulley system is faulty, the cables fray after intense use, you need to constantly oil it, etc. that will slow down your workouts and get in the way of your progress.

So, check the reviews on the system carefully before you purchase. Your lat pulldown bar should glide along the cables and pulleys with little maintenance required. The best lat pulldown machines work and work well.

Now, that isn’t to say you’ll never need to do maintenance. Just err on the side of the lat machines that require less of it.

6. Adjustability

Depending on your height and the space you have available, your pulldown machine might require adjustability.

If your home gym has a low roof, for example, and you can’t change the height of your lat tower or power rack, you might be SOL.

On the other hand, if you can adjust the height or even the seat or width of your lat pulldown machine, it has the potential to fit into your life more easily.

7. Ease of use 

Similar to checking the pulley system, lat pulldown machines should be easy to use. If you’re constantly struggling to change the weights because the clips are difficult to use or the curved lat bar always gets stuck as you’re trying to swap it for the straight lat bar, you’re well on your way to your lat tower becoming a laundry tower instead.

This is another place where reviews (and lists like this one) are key. The lat pulldown machine work you do should be on your muscles — not the cable machine itself.

8. Attachments

Similar to the low pulley option, the more attachments your machine has, the more likely you are to get an effective full-body workout while saving space in your home gym (if that’s important to you).

Whether your machine doubles as a power rack and/or simply comes with a slew of attachments, this can make or break your choice. Even the lat pulldown attachment can have options: you have bent bars and straight bars that can be used to target different muscles. 

9. Durability

Similar to build quality, no one wants to invest a ton of money in a piece of lat pulldown equipment only to have it break in six months or even a year or two.

The durability of the machine is a key component when making your choice. In addition to checking for high build quality, see how long the brand has been around. Check how many reviews each option has and if people are leaving updates after longer periods of time.

Ideally, your investment in your home gym will last for years and years.

10. Assembly 

If you’re the go-to, do-it-yourself type, this one might not be such a big deal for you. But because these machines can be fairly big and complex, it might benefit you to pay attention to ease of assembly.

Some of the machines on this list go together without much fuss, and one person can handle it (even if it takes more than a day). Others require multiple people so one person can hold a piece while the other screws attachments in.

If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, see if the lat pull machine you choose comes with in-home assembly. It might cost you more, but you get to stand by and watch as someone else sweats it out for you.

11. Warranty

One of the last and very important parts of choosing the best lat pulldown machines is the warranty.

While you want your machine to last for years, let's face it — things break. And s lat pull piece of equipment is no different.

Check the warranty for each lat pulldown option you’re considering. Does it cover user error? How long does the warranty last? Will they send you replacement parts? If so, for how long after purchase?

This is another good place to check reviews, as people are usually pretty quick to chime in when warranty services are terrible or overly difficult. Make sure users have an easy time maintaining their machines.

Muscles Worked On A Lat Pulldown Machine

Despite its very specific name, a lat pulldown machine can be used to work various muscles in your body.

That's due to the fact that a simple pulldown is a compound movement involving three joints.

The elbow, shoulder, and the shoulder girdle.

And while the main muscles working are the lats, you'll also working your biceps and forearms.

Since they act as helper muscles.

However, because you can perform various exercises on a lat pulldown machine, you'll also be able to specifically target your:

• Triceps
• Biceps
• Trapezius 
• Forearms  
• Shoulders

It all depends on the versatility the lat machine offers, and basically whether or not you'll be using attachments.

FAQ

How to use a lat pulldown machine?

1. Most of these machines are fairly straightforward. Here’s your how-to:
2. Grasp the bar and sit on the seat with legs snugly underneath the pads. Your arms should be stretched overhead with a slight bend in your back (don’t overarch).
3. Envision squeezing your shoulder blades together before you initiate the movement. Then, exhale as you slowly and steadily pull the bar toward your chest. Watch that you’re pulling straight down so your elbows don’t flare out behind you.
4. Throughout the movement, keep your core engaged, chest up, with a neutral spine.
5. Inhale to slowly, with control, return the weight to starting position.

What’s the proper form for lat pulldowns?

Your chest will be upright with a neutral spine. Keep your core engaged and imagine squeezing your shoulder blades together to engage your lats. Don’t over arch your back; keep your ribs slightly down.

What grip should I use when doing lat pulldowns?

That will depend a little bit on exactly which muscle you’re trying to target.

Most of the time, your hands will be slightly wider than shoulder width with palms facing away from you to target your lats. For more bicep activation, bring your arms in a bit and face your palms toward you.

Can lat pulldowns replace pull-ups?

Lat pulldowns are a good exercise to build strength if you’re working toward your first pull-up.

They’re also good for maintaining that strength once you can already do pull-ups, but they shouldn’t replace pull-ups in your routine.

What Are The Benefits Of Lat Pulldowns?

You mean other than a great looking V-shaped back? Well, the lats are also the largest and strongest muscle in your back.

Which means they play major role in shoulder and spine mobility.

Whenever you throw, lift, bend, twist, you're also using the lats.

So having a strong lats will mean better stability and posture, flexibility, and strength in your upper body.

On top of that, they also assist the movement of your arms, and protecting your spine. In fact, they're main mission is to assist the movement of your arms.

Therefore, stronger lats also means, stronger arms and shoulders.

If that's not enough, strong lats also help tightening your abs, and pulls your shoulders back. This helps take pressure off your lower back, and it helps with maintaining balance.

Finally, (and I guess this is isn't the main reason why you're interested in building your lats, lats help with various sports activities.

From basketball and football to golf and tennis, as well as swimming and rowing. 

Having strong lats means you have a strong core, which is essential with these kinds of sports activities.

In short, the lat pulldown machine is a great strength training machine.

So, What’s The Best Lat Pulldown Machine For Your Home Gym?

Our money’s on the XMark Lat Pulldown Machine - XM-7618.

It’s compact, durable, affordable, and offers a wide variety  of exercises. The max weight load is more than enough for almost all lifters, plus the adjustability and ease of use make it a top choice.

If you're on the budget, however, the best choice for you would be the GDLF.

Great price tag and almost all the functionality you'd want from a lat pulldown machine.

If money is not an issue for you and you're looking for a monster that will serve you for years and then bequeath it to your children, then the Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown is the way to go for you.

I do want to point out the VANSWE Power Cage that comes with a lat attachment and say that if you're looking for a complete home gym solution you should seriously take it into consideration.