Speediance Gym Monster 2

Will Greenwald from PCMag highlights the Speediance Gym Monster 2 as a solid, no-subscription smart strength training machine best suited for users who already understand their workout routines. Praising its freestanding design, competitive pricing starting at $3,749, and functional resistance motors, he notes it offers a practical alternative to pricier, wall-mounted competitors like the Tonal 2. However, the review points out significant drawbacks: the machine’s interface and workout experience feel rough and less polished, lacking live classes and robust form feedback. The touchscreen and Bluetooth control ring work adequately but are somewhat clunky, and the AI coaching is limited and occasionally awkward. While the Gym Monster 2 provides hundreds of prerecorded workouts and customizable plans, it falls short in engagement and interactive guidance compared to rivals. Overall, it’s a capable, budget-friendly option for confident lifters willing to trade some polish and interactivity for affordability and flexibility.

Christoph Hoffmann from PCWorld highlights the Speediance Gym Monster 2 as a highly impressive, space-saving smart strength training machine designed for ambitious home gym users. Praising its solid build quality, sophisticated digital resistance technology, and intuitive touchscreen interface, Hoffmann emphasizes how the device effectively replaces traditional dumbbells and bulky multi-stations within a compact footprint. The Gym Monster 2 excels in guided strength and accessory workouts, offering finely tuned resistance, tempo control, and AI-adaptive training plans that cater to regular users seeking structured, challenging sessions. However, Hoffmann notes some practical drawbacks, such as the cumbersome initial setup due to heavy components, less-than-ideal weight adjustment during exercises, and limited usefulness of floor-based programs given the fixed screen position. Accessories like the bench and handles show room for improvement. Overall, the review conveys a very positive, confident tone, presenting the Gym Monster 2 as a mature, versatile all-in-one home gym solution that balances advanced technology with real-world usability for dedicated fitness enthusiasts.

Kristin Canning from WIRED highlights the Speediance Gym Monster 2 as a versatile and compact magnetic-resistance cable machine that successfully bridges the gap between traditional weightlifting and smart home fitness. She enthusiastically praises its ease of setup, space-saving foldable design, and intuitive touchscreen paired with a handy Bluetooth ring for remote weight control, which enhances safety and convenience. The machine’s customizable resistance modes and extensive accessory options allow for a wide variety of lifts and cardio workouts, making it a flexible addition to home gyms. While Canning appreciates the digital precision and AI-driven workout suggestions, she notes limitations such as the 220-pound resistance cap, which may be insufficient for heavy lifters, and the inability to safely perform Olympic lifts. Minor annoyances include unexpected music playback, occasional tracking bugs, and somewhat heavy cables. Overall, she finds the Gym Monster 2 a fun, practical, and worthwhile investment for those seeking a smart, space-efficient alternative to traditional racks without sacrificing workout variety.

Roger "Rock" Lockridge from Muscle & Fitness highlights the Speediance Gym Monster 2 as a versatile and space-efficient all-in-one home gym solution that caters to a wide range of fitness disciplines, including strength training, cardio, HIIT, and Pilates. He praises its smooth cable resistance, adjustable bench, and intuitive digital interface with over 370 pre-installed workouts and AI coaching features that provide real-time form feedback and workout grading. The machine’s compact foldable design and mobility make it ideal for smaller spaces, while safety features like the Bluetooth Ring and assist mode enhance user confidence during solo training. However, Lockridge notes some drawbacks, such as the machine’s reliance on electricity and Wi-Fi, limited range of motion for taller users, and a relatively high price point ($3,500–$4,200). Despite these caveats, he considers the Gym Monster 2 a smart investment for home fitness enthusiasts seeking convenience, variety, and effective training across multiple user levels.

Thomas Deehan from Trusted Reviews highlights the Speediance Gym Monster 2 as a groundbreaking all-in-one smart training machine that brilliantly condenses multiple weightlifting functions into a compact, home-friendly design. Praising its intuitive software, vibrant 21.5-inch touchscreen, and motorized resistance system that convincingly mimics traditional weights up to 100kg, Deehan emphasizes the device’s appeal for muscle-building enthusiasts seeking space-saving solutions. The guided workouts and real-time feedback create a near-personal trainer experience without ongoing subscription fees, adding significant value. However, he notes some design flaws, particularly the awkward bench placement that complicates chest exercises, and the limited music playback options, including the absence of Spotify support, which may frustrate non-Apple users. Despite these minor drawbacks, Deehan regards the Gym Monster 2 as a sleek, well-engineered alternative to multiple bulky machines, ideal for home gyms and remote users, making it a highly recommended investment for serious weightlifters prioritizing convenience and versatility.

Mark Knapp from T3 highlights the Speediance Gym Monster 2 as a versatile and space-saving smart training machine that delivers a serious, full-body workout from home. Praising its compact foldable design, lack of subscription fees, and quick weight adjustments, he emphasizes the convenience and value it offers compared to pricier competitors like Tonal 2 and Oxefit XS1. However, Knapp points out several drawbacks, including the machine’s heavy weight making solo moves difficult, a somewhat small platform for taller users, and minor design flaws in the adjustable bench and rowing setup. The touchscreen display and software are functional but show room for polish, with some usability quirks like an unintuitive strength assessment and forced music playback. While the Gym Monster 2 improves on its predecessor with a smaller footprint and upgraded speakers, Knapp suggests the original Gym Monster remains a better value for many buyers. Overall, he views the Gym Monster 2 as an impressive, convenient home gym with some trade-offs but strong appeal for committed exercisers.

Dave Holmes from Esquire highlights the Speediance Gym Monster 2 as a compelling all-in-one smart home gym that effectively bridges the gap between traditional weightlifting and modern convenience. Praising its ease of use, AI-driven weight adjustments, and versatile workout options—including strength training, rowing, and custom routines—Holmes emphasizes how the machine fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle without requiring a gym membership. While noting the 220-pound weight limit is slightly lower than competitors like Tonal, he finds it sufficient for most users and appreciates the foldable design that saves space. Setup requires some effort, and the lack of real-time form correction means users must self-monitor technique. Still, Holmes reports significant strength gains and improved mood after consistent use, calling the Gym Monster 2 a worthwhile investment for long-term health and fitness. His enthusiasm is tempered by price considerations but ultimately framed as justified by the machine’s convenience and performance.

Dan Seifert from The Verge highlights the Speediance Gym Monster 2 as a compelling all-in-one home gym solution that brings the intensity and versatility of elite gym training into a compact, foldable design. Praising its magnetic resistance cable system, AI-driven coaching, and nearly 400 built-in workouts, the review emphasizes the machine’s adaptability for multiple users and its ability to deliver personalized training with real-time feedback. The touchscreen interface and smartphone app enhance usability, though the system requires some time to master. While the 220-pound resistance suits most users, serious lifters might find it limiting. Setup is straightforward but moving the heavy equipment demands assistance. Unique insights include the machine’s quick resistance adjustments for different users and the safety benefits of form-correcting tutorials. Overall, the Gym Monster 2 is recommended for individuals or families seeking a smart, space-efficient alternative to traditional gyms, especially those valuing guided workouts without needing a personal trainer.

Emily Levin from The Daily Beast highlights the Speediance Gym Monster 2 as a compact, all-in-one weightlifting machine designed for serious fitness enthusiasts willing to invest in a premium home gym solution. She appreciates how the device replaces an entire gym’s worth of equipment with versatile resistance training up to 220 pounds, guided routines via a large touchscreen, and a smart Bluetooth ring for precise weight adjustments and safety. Levin, a weightlifting novice, values the clear instructional videos, AI coaching feedback, and beginner-friendly features that boosted her confidence outside traditional gyms. She also notes the machine’s space-saving foldability and the rowing bench add-on for cardio versatility. However, she points out drawbacks such as the intimidating price, bulky and heavy packaging, some awkward translated text, and occasional setup challenges. Overall, Levin sees the Gym Monster 2 as a highly functional, motivating device best suited for dedicated users with the budget and commitment to maximize its potential.