For chest growth
For chest growth, machine chest press rates higher on our research criteria: easier on the joints.
Both are good choices that train the chest the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.
The research score comes from these, scored by hand from the studies. Lifter scores appear once an exercise has 10 ratings. How scores work
Barbell Bench Press. Easiest press to load progressively, but the bar stops at your chest and limits the stretch.
Machine Chest Press. Press strength without the balance or spotter a barbell needs.
For chest growth, machine chest press rates higher on our research criteria: easier on the joints. Both are good choices that train the chest the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.
Machine chest press is easier: it’s easy to learn, while barbell bench press takes some practice.
Barbell bench press needs a barbell, a bench and a squat rack, so for most people it’s a gym exercise. Machine chest press needs a machine, so for most people it’s a gym exercise.
Machine chest press: it rates Excellent for joint and recovery cost in our research rubric, against Strong for barbell bench press.