Best Leg Press Machines of 2024 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Fit&Me is supported by its readers. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.

If you have ever wanted to strengthen your leg muscles, change the look of them, and have a lot more power and endurance, a leg press machine might just be the way to go. The best leg press machines can do a lot for you and they will definitely improve your leg strength and overall physical performance. These are great machines that you can use at the gym or even better is if you have one in the comfort of your own home.

You may think that the hard part is lifting a few hundred pounds with nothing but your legs when really the hard part is finding a leg press machine that is durable, compact, reliable, and convenient to use. We’re here today to give you a good idea of what to look for when buying one of these things, plus of course we also have a selection of the 5 best leg press machines out there for you to choose from.

Summary: The Best Leg Press Machines

What To Look For When Buying A Leg Press Machine

Since leg press machines are usually pretty expensive, you don’t want to rush into a purchase without paying close attention to some of the key features and differences between different models. Here are a few things that you should look out for before you make your big buy.

Horizontal Or Vertical

Now the difference between a leg press that is horizontal (or partially horizontal) and one that is vertical is not huge, but there is a difference nonetheless. When it comes to home gyms many people prefer vertical leg presses because they help to save a lot of space, something which is convenient if you have a limited amount of space. On the other hand, vertical models may be slightly harder to use because they utilize gravity to the max, forcing you to lift the weight straight up into the air.

Weight Limit

This is pretty important because depending on what fitness level you are at or are looking to achieve you will want to be able to press quite a bit of weight. If you are a beginner or intermediate you will do just fine with a leg press machine that can hold up to 500 or 600 pounds. However, if you are a serious weight lifting fanatic you may need a leg press machine that can hold up to 1,000 pounds. Keep in mind that the higher the weight capacity is, the more the machine in question will usually cost.

Type

What we mean by this is that there are two main types of leg press machines, those that use weight plates for resistance and those that use machine or mechanical resistance. Machine resistance leg presses tend to be a lot more expensive in the beginning, however they are also easier to adjust and they remove the need for plates. On the other hand, plated leg press machines are cheaper to begin with, but you will need to buy your own weights, plus the increments are determined by the weight of the plates which you have.

Size & Adjustability

We included size and adjustability in one because those 2 factors go a long way in determining who can use the leg press machine in question. Not only is the size important in terms of saving space in your home, but also because of different size people. Also, the foot pads, back, and seat should all be adjustable in order to account for size differences in the users.

Bearings

Just a quick word on the bearings, those being the items which a leg press machines use to actually move. The bearings should be made of tough material, not inferior plastic, in order to ensure smooth and stick-free movement, not to mention that plastic wheels tend to crack and flatten out over time.

Versatility

The leg press machine you buy should also be very versatile. By this, we mean that it should be able to help you do more than just leg presses. A good leg press machine will also allow you to do things like hack squats, calf raises, and a few other things too.

How To Use A Leg Press Machine – Tips & Safety

Using a leg press machine is not very difficult, but it does take some know how to keep yourself from getting hurt. One thing to remember is that the machine itself will already have some weight to it, even without added resistance, so whatever you think you are lifting, you are actually lifting a few pounds more.

To use a leg press machine, simply sit down on the rest with your back straight and firmly against the backrest. Place your feet at shoulder width on the foot pads and extend your legs and the weight platform until your legs are fully extended. When pushing the weight, make sure to use mainly the heels of your feet as well as your quadriceps. On a side note, make sure not to lock your knees when extending because that may cause injury.

After you have done this, slowly lower your legs until your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Make sure that you contract slowly as doing it too fast can also cause injury and make the machine harder to control. Also always remember to lock the safety pins in place when you are done, plus never start out by lifting more than you can handle because back and knee injuries are a serious problem when it comes to leg presses.

Leg Press Machine Reviews

Our Rating

This is a fantastic choice to go with because it is a truly industrial grade, professional quality machine that will deliver awesome results in all aspects. This leg press machine is not cheap by any means, but you get what you pay for and with the BodyCraft you get a whole lot.


Design

Something about the design of the BodyCraft Leg Press Machine that is very convenient is the fact that it is very versatile. It features highly adjustable shoulder pads which make it excellent for users of various heights and sizes. This also has the effect of making this machine very small and compact, thus allowing you to save a lot of space in your home.

Moreover, speaking of the adjustability, the foot pads can also be adjusted to virtually any angle and position, making it perfect for various exercises and different size people. Even better is the fact that the foot plates for leg presses can fold out of the way for hack squats, plus you can use this machine for calf raises, donkey squats, and other leg exercises too. It also has an extra-thick backrest which makes it comfortable and great to use for an extended amount of time.

Of course, we can’t ignore the solid steel design which ensures that the BodyCraft won’t break or bend under extreme weight. This makes the BodyCraft Leg Press Machine have a limit of 1,000 pounds, something which is very impressive and ideal for expert lifters who are looking for a big challenge. This machine is also very durable thanks to the industrial grade linear bearings; they provide for a smooth motion and unlike plastic wheels, they don’t wear out.

Value for money

While this leg press machine is quite expensive, coming in at around 2,000 dollars, it is definitely worth the investment. This is a high quality, professional grade, super-durable piece of equipment that is made of solid steel and is adjustable to the T. It has a high weight limit and is very compact too. If you are looking for a great piece of equipment and have a bit of extra money to spend, this is definitely a superior option.

Build quality

There is nothing to complain about when it comes to the build quality of this leg press machine. The high-quality steel is sure to last for ages and withstand even the heaviest of loads. Not to mention that the linear bearings provide for a really smooth pressing session. Plus the high level of adjustability also adds immensely to the quality. This is a superior leg press machine that is hailed by professionals everywhere.

Pros

  • Very high weight limit
  • Solid steel construction
  • Highly adjustable in several aspects
  • Small and compact
  • Let’s you do various leg exercises
  • Comfortable to use
  • Very smooth motion
  • Great for various size people

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Assembly takes quite a bit of time

Our Rating

This is a great product to go with if you are looking to strengthen your legs. It’s reasonably priced, has a solid build, is pretty easy to put together, and will definitely offer your legs a big challenge.


Design

The design of the Body-Solid Leg Press Machine is fantastic because while it is of a really high quality, it doesn’t take up all that much space. You can easily fit this piece of equipment in your home gym, your garage, or your bedroom too.

Something else that is really neat is that this leg press machine has a quad roller system, almost like the way a roller coaster hangs on to the tracks. This ensures that the movement is as smooth as can be, plus it does a great job at evenly distributing the weight too. While moving the heavy gauge foot platforms keep your feet in place while you exercise, not to mention that they can be modified for hack squats as well as leg presses.

Another thing we really like about this leg press machine is that it has full 4-inch thick back pads which are double stitched and contoured to fit the shape of your back. This ultra-thick and high-quality back pad ensures that your back will be comfortable and safe from damage throughout your workout routine.

The Body-Solid Leg Press Machine also has 3 lockout positions which will stop the machine from moving if you can’t hold the weight all of a sudden, thus adding a measure of safety to the machine. Even better is that this machine has a capacity of 1,000 pounds, making it ideal for even the strongest of legs. Finally, this piece of equipment is easy to assemble too.

Value for money

The value for the price of this machine is outstanding. It comes in at around 1,000 dollars and is well worth the price. When it comes to workout equipment this is not unreasonably expensive, but it isn’t cheap either. It is worth it when you consider the solid build, high weight limit, and comfort factors.

Build quality

When it comes to the build quality of the Body-Solid Leg Press Machine there is nothing to complain about. All of the various components are built tough and made with longevity in mind. After all, it has a weight limit of 1,000 pounds, which means that all of the parts have to be built to last. Keep in mind that self-assembly means that you will play a large role in the build quality and how well you put it together will make a fair difference.

Pros

  • Ideal for most sizes of people
  • Has a 1,000-pound weight limit
  • Extra comfortable 4-inch thick back pads
  • 3 lock out positions for safety
  • Super durable build
  • Doesn’t take up much space
  • Fairly easy to assemble
  • Can be used for hack squats too
  • Easy to adjust and load plates

Cons

  • Takes about 6 hours to assemble
  • Hard to reach the pin when switching from presses to squats
  • Not great for people over 6 feet and 4 inches tall

Our Rating

This is a great middle of the line leg press machine. It is not overly expensive, yet it still manages to maintain a high standard of quality. The Powertec Fitness Compact Leg Sled is definitely a good choice to go with.


Design

Something really neat about the design of this particular leg press machine is that it features nylon bearings which provide for a very smooth and friction-free motion. These bearings make sure that you have as little resistance as possible, plus they move along steel rods which prevent lateral movement too.

Another good aspect about this leg press machine is that the back pad, seat, and foot pads are all highly adjustable which makes this machine great for people of various sizes and fitness levels. It also features specialized hand grips to lock you into place as you exercise.

The unique horizontal design of this leg sled makes it quite different from many other leg press machines in the sense that you actually push the weight down instead of up. This has the effect of making the Powertec Leg Sled very compact and perfect for small spaces in your home.

The solid design of this leg press machine also means that it is very robust and durable, not to mention that it has a high weight capacity of 700 pounds. It even comes with an included foot tube that allows you to do calf raises as well. It also comes with weight plate holders to make life much more convenient. With this machine, you can do various leg exercises to strengthen and develop your legs, something that everybody wants.

Value for money

The value you get for the price is pretty good indeed. It comes in at under 800 dollars which is quite inexpensive as far as leg press machines are concerned. It has a high weight limit, it’s comfortable to use, has a smooth function, and will let you do a variety of leg exercises with ease.

Build quality

When it comes to the build quality of the Powertec Leg Sled we don’t really have anything bad to say. It has a solid construction that is built to last and it can hold a heck of a lot of weight, plus the smoothness really adds to the quality as well. Not to mention that the included foot tube for calf raises adds to the quality even more.

Pros

  • Has a 700-pound weight capacity
  • Comfortable to sit in
  • Seat, backrest, and foot pads are highly adjustable
  • Has a very solid build
  • Calf raise tube included
  • Convenient hand holds
  • Features weight holders
  • Smooth moving nylon bearings
  • Fairly priced

Cons

  • Only takes standard 2-inch Olympic plates
  • Assembly instructions are not very helpful
  • Assembly can be somewhat difficult

Our Rating

This is a high-grade leg press machine that will definitely help you develop your legs. While it is not the cheapest option out there, it is solid, has a high weight limit, and is an overall high-quality professional piece of workout equipment.


Design

Something that is really great about this design is that it is pretty easy to assemble, plus it doesn’t end up being very big which means that you can fit it virtually anywhere in your home with ease. Next, this machine also has a 1,000-pound weight capacity. This makes it ideal for beginners who can’t lift much yet and also ideal for strongmen who can already lift a whole lot of weight.

The design of this leg press is also very solid because it is made of 2 by 3 inches thick steel beams that are sure to keep everything in place and last a really long time no doubt. All of the parts in general are built solid and made to last a lifetime. The whole thing is coated with a scratch resistant powder coating.

Another great part about the design of the XMark Leg Press Machine is that it is both comfortable and versatile. The 3-inch thick back, shoulder, and head rests make it a very comfortable experience, not to mention that they do a great job at protecting your back too. The padding is even coated with DuraGuard vinyl, thus making it tough and tear resistant. Moreover the backrest and footboards have 4 different positions to choose from, thus making it extra versatile, plus of course this machine can also be used for hack squats.

Value for money

Coming in at around 1,300 dollars, this leg press machine is not cheap, but it is worth the price when you consider the high quality of it. This is a professional piece of gym equipment that even the most hardcore of exercise enthusiasts would be happy with. It does everything that a leg press machine needs to do, plus a whole lot more.

Build quality

There is nothing bad to be said about the build quality of the XMark Leg Press Machine. It’s built with a solid steel frame that isn’t going to bend or break, so much so that it can hold up to 1,000 pounds. Another big factor with this machine is that it has a fairly smooth motion that provides for minimal friction when doing leg presses. This is a solid piece of equipment for sure.

Pros

  • 1,000-pound weight limit
  • Ideal for professionals
  • Saves space
  • Extra-comfortable and adjustable back and shoulder pads
  • Let’s you do presses and hack squats
  • Heavy duty
  • Adjustable foot pads

Cons

  • Loses its smooth motion when pressing in excess of 800 pounds
  • Bad picture based assembly instructions

Our Rating

This is a really unique leg press machine because it is vertical. However don’t let the look fool you because this machine is solid, will do the trick for your legs, and it’s relatively cheap too.


Design

We are big fans of the design of the Powerline Vertical Leg Press Machine. Being vertical instead of partially horizontal means that it forces you to lift all of the weight straight up, making you fight against gravity just that much more. This will definitely put your legs to the test and strengthen them in no time at all.

This machine is also made with safety in mind because it has ½ inch thick locking pins to make sure that the weight doesn’t come crashing down on you. It also has an extra thick back pad to make sure that your back doesn’t start to hurt or get strained while doing presses. Moreover, this machine also has 3 start and stop positions, thus making it quite versatile and good for people of most sizes.

Something that we really like about the Powerline Vertical Leg Press Machine is that all of the relevant parts are made out of extra-durable alloy steel. This makes sure that the machine won’t bend or break while lifting an excessive amount of weight. Speaking of weight, this machine can hold 400 pounds in total, making it a great leg press machine for beginners and intermediates too.

This machine also has nylon bushings which provide for a very smooth and jolt-free movement. It also has an extra wide foot plate for increased comfort and it has a non-slip design to keep your feet in place while doing presses.

Value for money

The value for the price of this machine is really good. It comes in at just under 300 dollars, making it a very affordable piece of equipment, especially considering the prices of many other leg press machines. It is made of solid steel, it’s safe, doesn’t take up too much space, and can hold up to 400 pounds, making it worth much more than the retail price.

Build quality

We are big fans of the build quality of the Powerline, especially when we consider the fact that it’s cheaper than most alternatives. It is made with solid alloy steel to ensure maximum durability, plus the quality build ensures a smooth workout every time. As is the case with machines like these ones, they require you to assemble them, making the build quality rely at least partially on your ability to follow instructions.

Pros

  • Vertical nature adds difficulty
  • Saves a lot of space
  • 3 start and stop positions
  • ½ inch thick locking pins
  • Nylon bushings for smooth movement
  • Ideal for most sizes
  • Easy to adjust and add or remove weight
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • A little wobbly
  • Complaints of missing assembly components

Conclusion

Finding the right leg press machine for you is not quite as hard as you may have thought, at least not with our genuinely reliable suggestions. The best leg press machine needs to be able to handle a lot of weight, it needs to be compact, and it needs to be built solid. When it comes to leg press machines you should not be afraid to pay a fair amount of money because you will get what you pay for. Remember to stay safe and not try to lift more than you can handle!

Any comments you want to make or questions you have are more than welcome!