8 Best Pilates Reformers for Home Use in 2024, Per Expert Reviews

“I wish this machine wasn’t so expensive, because I wish every Pilates lover could own one,” said WH fitness editor Talene Appleton, NASM. “I’ve been using this machine at home two to three times per week for over a year now, and it’s just as great as the day I got it.” The machine is very heavy, but setting it up with two people is a breeze, according to Talene. “The most difficult part to set up was the footbar, which requires two people and patient communication to line up perfectly on either side.”

This reformer has been on the market for over 20 years, so know you it’s truly a mainstay in the reformer game. More than that, if you’ve ever done Pilates in-studio, you’ve likely used this machine. With a nine-position locking footbar, five springs of varying tension, and a wide, comfortable carriage, this machine is the best in class for good reason.

There is definitely sticker shock with this option, but if you frequent your local boutique studio and are committed to moving your practice forward, the math makes sense.

This reformer has hundreds of five-star reviews from seasoned pros and beginners alike. The Pro Reformer is particularly great for newbies because it’s a durable machine that can help you progress. People say it’s pretty easy to assemble without a pro as long as you have a helping hand, too.

It’s fairly easy to set up, but we definitely recommend two people, reading the instructions, and leaving yourselves about an hour. This machine also feels very durable for how slimmed-down and streamlined the design is.

According to both Ehret and Blauer, the OG Allegro is still a top-notch option to shop despite the Allegro 2 stealing most of the spotlight these days. Similar to the Allegro 2, the price tag of this machine carries the ouch factor. However, for the tall girlies out there, it’s an investment that might make sense.

This machine features the same attributes of the original Allegro Reformer, plus an extended frame (by 18 inches) and broader carriage for a more spacious, safe, and comfortable workout.

Talene used this compact option from Balanced Body in her one bedroom apartment for nearly two years before moving into a bigger living space and upgrading to the Allegro 2. Despite its low-profile silhouette, patented telescoping technology extends the frame up to 98 inches for added versatility, especially for taller users. We love the low-to-the-ground design for home use, as it’s safer, simplified setup (no pesky legs to attach!), and can be rolled under furniture to save space when not in use.

If you’re super tight on space and need a very compact option, this might not be the best fit. However, it’s a great choice for those who want a low height machine that takes up less space than a full size machine but doesn’t compromise on long-term durability.

This reformer might just be the best-looking option on this list, with a gorgeous wood frame that’s sure to compliment any home aesthetic. The leather base is comfortable, water-resistant, and tear resistant, and we found the wooden frame to be just as durable as metal-framed options we tested.

For just north of $1,000, you get a similar spring resistance setup as Balanced Body options, and a reasonably sized machine that is ideal for home use. It’s not the cheapest or most advanced option on this list, but it’s not pretending to be. If you want a good-looking mid-range reformer than won’t break the bank but will last you a good while, this is a great option.

With its price point and fairly basic offerings, this reformer is great for those new to the world of Pilates. It still has everything you want out of a machine, but scales back on the luxury offerings and resistance capacity, meaning it won’t deliver the toughest workout or most stability, but is a good option if you can’t spring (pun very much intended) for a beefier machine.

Aside from it’s affordable price, this machine shines when it comes to its space-saving design. It sits directly on the floor (no legs), so it’s good for homes with low ceilings. This reformer also folds in half for easy storage in a closet or under a bed or couch when not in use.

While still relatively expensive priced north of $1,500, for the quality, this Pilates reformer is actually a great deal. It includes so many valuable features, including an infinity bar, five-position footbar, jumping bar, padded foot rest, and box. The carriage slides smoothly and easily, and it’s pretty quiet.

However, with a relatively limited weight capacity of 200 pounds, it’s not the most durable or heavy-duty option on this list. It compares very well against the big names in studio-grade reformers in terms of feel and function, but weight capacity is one area where sacrifices have been made with this machine. Keep this in mind to determine if this machine is a fit for yourself and/or others who intend to use it.