If you want to bring a complete strength-training setup into your home without filling an entire room with dumbbells, weight plates and bulky machines, the Speed Gym Monster 2 is an interesting option. This smart home gym combines digitally controlled resistance, cable training, guided workouts and a touchscreen interface in one relatively compact system.
But premium equipment comes with a premium price, so the important question is: Is the Speed Gym Monster 2 actually worth buying?
In this detailed review, we look at its key features, benefits, advantages, disadvantages, resistance system, workout experience and overall value.
What Is the Speed Gym Monster 2?
The Speed Gym Monster 2 is an all-in-one smart home gym designed to replace several conventional pieces of strength equipment. Instead of using traditional weight plates, it uses electronically controlled resistance powered by dual motors.
According to Speed, the machine provides up to 220 pounds (100 kg) of resistance, adjustable in 1-pound or 0.5-kg increments. It also features a 21.5-inch 1080p touchscreen, adjustable cable positions and multiple resistance modes.
The system can be used for exercises such as:
- Squats
- Deadlifts
- Rows
- Chest presses
- Lat pulldowns
- Biceps curls
- Triceps exercises
- Shoulder exercises
- Cable movements
- Functional strength exercises
- Various guided workouts
Its compact design also allows it to be folded when not in use.
Speed Gym Monster 2 Key Features
1. Up to 220 Pounds of Digital Resistance
One of the biggest attractions is its digitally controlled resistance system.
The Gym Monster 2 can provide up to 220 / 100 kg of resistance, with adjustments as small as 1 lb. This allows users to make relatively precise changes to training loads rather than manually loading and unloading plates.
For beginners, this makes progression straightforward. More experienced users can also make smaller weight adjustments when trying to increase strength gradually.
2. Dual Direct-Drive Motors
The machine uses two 800W permanent-magnet synchronous motors. Because resistance is digitally controlled, the two sides can provide different resistance levels, which can be useful for unilateral exercises and addressing strength differences between sides.
This is one of the major differences between a digital home gym and a conventional fixed-weight machine.
3. 21.5-Inch HD Touchscreen
A 21.5-inch 1080p touchscreen sits at the center of the machine. It provides access to workout content, exercise demonstrations and training information. The screen can also be adjusted through a 0–90-degree range.
For people who prefer following a structured workout instead of creating every session themselves, this can make home training more engaging.
4. Four Resistance Modes
Speed offers four main resistance modes:
- Standard Mode: Provides the selected resistance consistently.
- Chain Mode: Gradually increases resistance toward the end of the movement.
- Eccentric Mode: Places greater emphasis on the negative portion of an exercise.
- Constant Mode: Designed to provide consistent resistance or speed during movement.
These modes give the machine more flexibility than simply selecting a weight and performing repetitions.
5. Adjustable Cable Positions
The cable system can be positioned at multiple heights, making it possible to perform a broad selection of cable exercises. Speed lists 11 vertical positions plus a bottom position for the Gym Monster 2.
This helps the machine function more like a cable station rather than a single-purpose strength machine.
6. Safety Start Feature
Safety is particularly important when training alone.
The Gym Monster 2 includes a Safety Start feature designed to lock the cable length and help maintain an appropriate starting position and range during certain heavy movements.
It doesn't eliminate the need for proper technique, but features such as this can make solo workouts feel more controlled.
7. Foldable, Space-Saving Design
That makes its ability to fold particularly useful for people who don't have a dedicated home gym room.
Speed also says the Gym Monster 2 requires no drilling, wall mounting or complicated assembly.
What Can You Do With the Speed Gym Monster 2?
The versatility of the Gym Monster 2 is arguably its strongest selling point.
Depending on the accessories and package selected, you can use it for a wide range of movements targeting:
- Chest
- Back
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Legs
- Glutes
- Core
You can build full-body workouts without switching between several large machines.
For someone who wants strength training, cable exercises and guided workouts in one setup, that versatility can be valuable.
Benefits of Speed Gym Monster 2
1. Saves Space Compared With a Traditional Home Gym
A conventional home gym can quickly become crowded with a rack, bench, cable station, weight plates and dumbbells.
The Gym Monster 2 combines many functions into one system and can fold when you need additional floor space.
2. No Traditional Weight Plates
Digital resistance eliminates the need to store and move multiple weight plates.
Changing resistance can also be done electronically rather than manually loading a bar.
3. Convenient for Home Workouts
You don't have to drive to a gym, wait for equipment or rearrange your schedule around opening hours.
For people who struggle with consistency because of commuting or busy schedules, having a capable machine at home can remove some common barriers to exercise.
4. Useful for Progressive Strength Training
Small resistance adjustments allow you to gradually increase training loads.
That can be helpful when following a progressive strength program and trying to avoid making unnecessarily large jumps in resistance.
5. Multiple Workout Styles
The combination of digital resistance, cable positioning and different resistance modes gives the machine considerable exercise variety.
Independent testing from WIRED also highlighted its strength and cardio capabilities, compact design and ease of use.
6. Helpful for People Who Like Guided Training
The touchscreen and workout ecosystem can be useful if you prefer having demonstrations, structured sessions and training information available during your workout.
Tom's Guide found the system particularly versatile across resistance and cardio-style sessions, although its reviewer also noted that some of the machine's "AI" features felt more like smart automation than highly personalized coaching.
Speed Gym Monster 2 Pros
✅ Pros
- All-in-one home gym design
- Up to 220 lb of digital resistance
- Precise resistance adjustments
- Dual direct-drive motors
- Multiple resistance modes
- Large touchscreen
- Adjustable cable positions
- Foldable design
- No wall mounting required
- Suitable for many full-body exercises
- Useful safety features
- Can be used by multiple household members
- Eliminates the need for traditional weight plates
Speed Gym Monster 2 Cons
❌ Cons
- High purchase price
- 220-lb maximum resistance may not satisfy very advanced lifters
- Requires electricity
- Takes up meaningful floor space while unfolded
- Digital equipment depends on software
- Some reviewers have reported minor software issues
- The large number of features may be unnecessary for people who prefer basic weights
The resistance limit is especially important for advanced strength athletes. WIRED rated the machine 8/10 but identified the 220-pound maximum as one limitation.
Similarly, Tom's Guide reported that its reviewer and her husband had different opinions about the resistance ceiling, with the heavier lifter finding the maximum insufficient for some exercises. The review also mentioned occasional screen and workout-tracking glitches.
Is Speed Gym Monster 2 Good for Beginners?
Yes, potentially.
Beginners may appreciate the ability to select resistance digitally instead of learning how to load plates correctly. The guided workout content can also make it easier to understand different movements.
However, beginners should not assume that smart features automatically guarantee perfect form. Learning correct exercise technique remains important, particularly for compound movements such as squats, presses and deadlifts.
If you're completely new to strength training, start with manageable resistance and focus on controlled movement before trying heavier loads.
Is It Good for Experienced Lifters?
It depends on your training goals.
For general strength training, bodybuilding-style workouts and functional fitness, 220 pounds can provide substantial resistance.
However, advanced powerlifters and very strong athletes may eventually outgrow the machine, especially on exercises where they routinely require more than 220 pounds.
This is one of the biggest considerations before buying.
Speed Gym Monster 2 vs. Traditional Home Gym
| Feature | Speed Gym Monster 2 | Traditional Home Gym |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | Digital | Plates/weights |
| Weight changes | Electronic | Manual |
| Workout screen | Yes | Usually no |
| Cable exercises | Yes | Depends on equipment |
| Space required | Relatively compact | Can be substantial |
| Guided workouts | Yes | Usually separate |
| Portability | Limited | Varies |
| Maximum resistance | Up to 220 | Can be much higher |
| Maintenance | Electronics + mechanical components | Mostly mechanical |
The major advantage of Speed is convenience and integration. Traditional equipment, however, can be better for users who want maximum loading potential and complete control over their equipment setup.
Price and Warranty
The price can vary according to package, promotions and region. At the time of writing, Speed U.S. product page lists the Gym Monster 2 at $3,195, compared with a displayed regular price of $3,849, although pricing and availability can change.
Speed current warranty information lists 24 months for major Gym Monster Series components, including the motor, touchscreen and power supply, while many accessories have a 12-month warranty.
Because pricing, packages and warranty terms can differ by country, buyers should check the terms available in their region before purchasing.
Who Should Buy the Speed Gym Monster 2?
The Gym Monster 2 could be a strong choice if you:
- Want a premium home gym
- Prefer digital resistance
- Have limited space
- Want guided workouts
- Enjoy technology-based fitness equipment
- Want several training functions in one machine
- Don't want to store lots of weight plates
- Need convenient home workouts
- Want to train multiple muscle groups with one system
Who Should Skip It?
It may not be the best choice if you:
- Have a limited equipment budget
- Prefer traditional barbells and plates
- Are a serious powerlifter
- Regularly require more than 220 of resistance
- Don't care about screens or guided workouts
- Prefer simple, inexpensive gym equipment
Speed Gym Monster 2 Review: Final Verdict
The Speed Gym Monster 2 is an impressive all-in-one smart home gym that focuses on convenience, versatility and technology.
Its biggest strengths are the digitally controlled resistance, multiple training modes, adjustable cable system, touchscreen, compact folding design and broad exercise selection. The ability to get a full-body workout from one machine is particularly attractive for people who want a home gym without filling their house with traditional equipment.
However, it isn't perfect. The premium price can be difficult to justify for casual exercisers, and the 220-pound resistance ceiling may be restrictive for serious strength athletes. Some independent reviewers have also encountered minor software issues.
⭐ Overall Verdict: Worth Considering for a Premium Home Gym
Best for: Home fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals, families and people who want an all-in-one digital strength-training system.
Less suitable for: Competitive powerlifters, extremely advanced lifters and budget-conscious beginners.
If your priority is convenience, variety and smart home training, the Speed Gym Monster 2 deserves a place on your shortlist. If your priority is simply lifting as much weight as possible for the lowest possible cost, a traditional rack, barbell and plates may offer better value.
Before buying: Compare the current package, included accessories, regional warranty and maximum resistance with your actual training requirements—not just the headline features.
What do you think?
Would you choose a smart all-in-one home gym like the Speed Gym Monster 2, or would you rather build a traditional home gym with a rack, barbell and weights?