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Expert Contributor Chris Mohr, PhD, RD
Expert Verified by Dr. Jen Roper, PhD, CSCS
Reviewed by Amanda Dvorak, CPT
Fact Checked by Kelly Uhler
We’ve tested dozens of squat racks and analyzed their stability, material quality, versatility, and how well they can fit into home gyms of various sizes. We used the racks for squats, bench presses, pull-ups (when applicable), and several other exercises.
We consulted with an exercise physiologist and a professor of health and human sciences to verify the information in this review. Olympic weightlifting coaches, certified personal trainers, and other home gym experts also provided feedback on the squat racks we tested.
There’s hardly any other type of exercise equipment that offers more versatility and functionality than a high-quality squat rack. You can use it to perform strength training staples like squats, bench presses, and overhead presses. You can also expand your exercise repertoire with add-ons like dip bars, pulley systems, and landmine attachments.
Selecting the best squat rack for your home gym depends on a range of factors, such as your budget, the amount of space in your home, and your weightlifting goals. To help you find the right fit, we evaluated more than a dozen squat racks on key characteristics such as construction, stability, accessory compatibility, value, and more.
Designed for powerlifters and general strength training enthusiasts, the REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack offers many intriguing features at a rock-solid price point. Although it’s not the most budget-friendly option, our best overall squat rack provides incredible value. It boasts a sturdy construction and a 1,000-pound weight capacity. It’s also available in multiple colors and compatible with a wide array of accessories.
This well-rounded and versatile squat rack would be a great pick for most home gym owners. Here are some of our favorite attributes:
Much more than just a power rack, the REP Fitness PR-4000 can transform your home gym into the ultimate workout arena. Built from heavy-duty 11-gauge steel, this highly customizable rack is designed to be a blank canvas for your training needs.
“With the different pull-up bars , dip station, and available attachments, this squat rack can be really useful for both the average lifter and the more experienced athlete,” says Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University. “It allows lifters to progress through lifts that become more technical without the need to purchase additional pieces of equipment.”
To open up even more possibilities, you can splurge on the Ares™ Cable Attachment—a fully integrated, functional trainer and lat pull-down/low-row attachment that pairs well with the RP-4000. However, given its nearly $3,000 price tag, the Ares is a luxury rather than a necessity.
Available in multiple heights (80 or 93 inches) and depths (16, 24, 30, or 41 inches), the PR-4000 also comes in multiple colors, including metallic black, blue, red, clear coat, white, and matte black. Our product testers believe the 80-inch option works great for most basement gyms. Having the 93-inch option is a nice bonus for taller lifters.
No matter which height or depth you choose, we recommend bolting down your PR-4000 to prevent it from wobbling. You can also purchase foot extensions to keep the rack secure if you don’t want to mess with your garage or basement floor.
While the PR-4000 earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in several key categories (value, materials, options, available attachments, and construction), the powder coat received just 4 stars. According to our testers, it has more of a textured finish. While that can help cover up any blemishes, we would prefer a smoother finish for aesthetic purposes.
In addition, unlike the more expensive PR-5000, REP’s more budget-friendly power rack has laser-cut numbers at every fifth hole rather than at each one.
Overall, though, the PR-4000 offers incredible value as a high-quality power rack that you can customize to your liking. As you progress with your training, you can purchase more attachments and create a multi-faceted strength training machine.
The Major Fitness All-In-One Power Rack truly lives up to its name, offering home gym users a wide variety of workout options. Here’s what we like about this versatile equipment:
Designed by a company that’s fairly new to the industry, the Major Fitness All-In-One PLM03 Power Rack embodies versatility. This budget-friendly multi-functional rack earned one of the highest overall scores (4.6 stars) from our product testers thanks to its unique cable system design, excellent stability, and value.
According to Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, cable exercises are an added benefit for lifters for a variety of reasons.
“The constant tension from the cables adds a bit of resistance throughout the movement on top of the weight,” she says. “Additionally, using cable systems can help improve physical function in older adults similar to seated machines, which are more fixed-form exercises. This provides variety to their workouts to prevent plateaus in improvements.” ( 1 )
As a power rack with a built-in functional trainer, the PLM03 is an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts who want a space-saving solution. It allows them to perform a wide range of exercises using a single piece of equipment. Because the cable system is set off the rack, you can still use the inside of the power rack without worrying about anything getting in the way.
While our reviewers enjoyed the ability to rotate the swivel pulleys 180 degrees, they noted that the carriages on the upright needed to be tightened to prevent them from popping out of their hole placement.
Still, the team felt comfortable and secure using the PLM03, rating it 4 out of 5 stars for overall construction. That can be attributed to both the reinforcing plates at each joint as well as the use of 2” x 3” uprights for better stability.
At just over $800, the PLM03 is well-priced given its level of versatility and functionality. High-end squat racks can cost well over $1,000 without any accessories. We believe the PLM03 is worth the $800 price tag because you also get a cable system that doesn’t prevent you from using the inside of the power cage.
One reviewer on Amazon with the username 2Phillips noted that despite some minor lateral movement, the PLM03 feels sturdy enough for heavy compound lifts.
“[There is a] slight lateral wobble, but it has never been an issue for me, and I constantly do weighted pull-ups. The only time it’s noticeable is when doing real heavy cable work ie rows, you have to pull parallel to the rack”
They were also pleasantly surprised by how smooth the cable system felt. They noted that it provided “consistent tension” throughout the movement.
Several customers called out the installation manual for being short and not providing clear pictures to make the assembly process easier. Others criticized the attachments for being cheaply made, suggesting they will look to upgrade the attachments in the future.
This Fringe Sport Squat Rack is both a compact and affordable option. Here’s what you should know before considering it:
With an overall score of 4.3 stars, the Garage Series Squat Rack by Fringe Sport earns our pick for the best budget squat rack. For about $300, you get a squat stand with an integrated pull-up bar that holds up to 450 pounds. Plus, free shipping makes this model even more attractive for budget-minded fitness enthusiasts.
Unlike some of the more expensive racks on this list, the Garage Series doesn’t contain the same caliber materials. Instead, Fringe Sport used 2” x 3” 12-gauge steel. It should still hold up well in most garage gym settings even though it’s lower quality than 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel. At this price point, though, you shouldn’t expect a higher gauge steel.
With a maximum weight capacity of 600 pounds, the Garage Series Squat Rack comes equipped with two welded plate sleeves. Storing your plates on these sleeves can help keep the rack stable.
Other safety features include J-cups lined with a plastic UHMW coating that protects your barbell and optional safety spotter arms that are sold separately for around $100. We recommend using the spotter arms for bench pressing in case you’re unable to achieve a proper lockout.
Meanwhile, our team appreciated that you can adjust the pull-up bar from 70.25 inches to 82.25 inches. This allows you to perform standard pull-ups and chin-ups to work your upper back and biceps. ( 2 ) For an even greater challenge, you can add fat grips to improve your grip strength and endurance. ( 3 ) You should even have enough space to perform kipping pull-ups for CrossFit-inspired workouts. You can also purchase a dip station for $103 to give your triceps, chest, and back muscles even more stimulation. ( 4 )
“In other words, between the pull-ups, squats, deadlifts, and dips…one rack offers the ability to get a full-body workout. This adds convenience and gives a lot of bang for your buck,” says exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
One qualm about the Garage Series is the lackluster warranty policy. Fringe Sport only offers one year of coverage, which falls short of other manufacturers. However, considering it’ll only cost you around $300 to secure a squat stand with a small footprint (84.5” H x 49.5” W x 46.5” D), Westside hole spacing, and compatibility with competitors’ accessories, the overall value is too good to ignore.
“In other words, between the pull-ups, squats, deadlifts, and dips…one rack offers the ability to get a full-body workout. This adds convenience and gives a lot of bang for your buck.”
Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, Fortune Recommends Advisor
Customers on Amazon have left mostly positive feedback on this budget-friendly rack that fits well in smaller spaces.
“It’s the perfect height for my garage,” wrote a verified buyer with the username NNorm. “Feels very sturdy both with weights and without weights on it.”
Another customer who does CrossFit was pleased that the Garage Series was easy to assemble and has held up well for her workouts of the day (WODs).
“I belong to a CrossFit gym but want to have a home gym for the days I could not make a WOD. This rack did not disappoint. It was very easy to assemble also.”
This Titan Fitness folding power rack is an affordable and convenient option for home gym owners with small spaces. Here’s what you should know before considering it:
A folding squat rack is a smart investment for home gym owners who don’t have a ton of space. With similar features as the non-folding version that we tested, the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Folding Power Rack is our top pick in this category. Built from heavy-duty 11-gauge steel, this budget-friendly rack boasts a 1,100-pound weight capacity and Westside hole spacing for precise bar height adjustments when bench pressing.
Available in heights of either 82 or 91 inches, the T-3 also comes in multiple depth options (21.5 or 41.5 inches). This gives you the ability to customize the rack to suit your body type and your gym space. Choosing the right depth is critical. You want to make sure you have sufficient space to walk out for a squat. Plus, with a folding rack like the T-3, you must consider whether you’ll have enough depth to fit a bench inside the rack area. You’ll also have to determine whether you can perform exercises like kipping pull-ups, which require more space, without hitting the wall.
The T-3 easily folds away using a pin and hinge system for efficient storage. Just five inches from the wall when folded, you can create sufficient space to perform deadlifts and Olympic lifts in front of the rack. You’ll also have more room to maneuver around your gym.
You won’t be able to use it as a wall-mounted squat rack right out of the gate. Titan doesn’t include mounting hardware or a rack stringer. You can purchase a stringer from another brand online that will keep your rack secured to the wall.
In addition, our team found the construction on the non-folding T-3 to be subpar in certain areas. They noted that Titan used cheaper bolts and average-at-best J-cups. Considering the folding version features the same build materials, that is one area to be concerned about.
There are limited third-party reviews for the T-3 Series Folding Power Rack, but its four Amazon reviews averaged 3 stars. Customers were particularly frustrated with a lack of instructions regarding setup.
“Frustrating. Product did not include manuals,” wrote verified buyer Travis W. “Only a card telling you to get manuals online but the online site doesn’t recognize the model numbers.”
Heavy-lifting home gym owners should consider this high-quality squat rack from Rogue. Here’s why:
Rogue Fitness is well-regarded for designing high-quality barbells, adjustable dumbbells, weight plates, benches, and more. The Columbus, Ohio-based company also produces the customizable Monster Lite Power Rack series. While suitable for professional strength training facilities and collegiate weight rooms, they’re also popular amongst garage gym owners.
Inspired by Rogue’s popular R-4 Power Rack, the RML-490 features 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel uprights that make it strong and sturdy. Based on our experience testing more than a dozen squat racks, we believe this is the best build material for creating a durable lifting environment.
The RML-490 has a fairly compact footprint of 53” x 53”. It weighs 336 pounds, so it’s pretty stable on its own. But you can eliminate any wobble by purchasing a concrete anchor kit for about $27. Or, if you prefer to leave your floor intact, you can add the Monster Lite Rack Wall Mount Kit to your cart for $285. Either way, we recommend bolting down your rack to avoid any instability issues.
While the RML-490 includes multiple pull-up bars, J-cups, pin/pipe safeties, and band pegs, Rogue offers many more accessories. From safety spotter arms to plate storage pins to a heavy-duty, fully adjustable dip station, you have plenty of options to expand your rack.
However, the RML-490 will take a large bite out of your budget. With the base model costing just over $1,000, our best power rack is more suited for experienced lifters and athletes who want to train from home.
This sturdy and highly-customizable half rack is a great option for those with limited space. Here’s what you should know before considering it:
Bells of Steel’s fully customizable Hydra rack garnered an overall score of 4.25 stars from our review team.
We haven’t tested the half rack, but we have trained on the full rack. The half-sized version features the same high-quality build materials and attachment options. Our reviewers noted the strong welds and durable construction as some of their favorite features.
They also liked the true 3” x 3” uprights with laser-cut numbers that kept the attachments firmly positioned. True 3” x 3” uprights measure exactly 76.2 mm x 76.2 mm. Other squat racks with 3” x 3” uprights measure 75 mm x 75 mm. Bells of Steel’s use of true 3” x 3” uprights allows you to mix and match attachments from other brands, opening up your customization options even more.
Made with sturdy 11-gauge steel, the Hydra Half Rack has a stable, functional flat-foot design. Optional plate storage pegs allow you to use the rear uprights to keep your weight plates off the floor. Or you can keep the uprights attachment-free so you can perform two different barbell exercises on the front and rear posts.
Bells of Steel allows you to build the Hydra however you want. You can choose from three height options (84, 90, or 108 inches) and select either 17- or 30-inch crossmembers. If you want extra room to walk out your squat, the 30-inch option will work best. The 17-inch option will work better if you’re concerned about the Hydra taking up too much space in your home gym.
You can choose a 43-inch straight pull-up bar for $55, an adjustable pull-up bar for $60, or a multi-grip bar for $280. And with the option to add attachments like a center-mount lat pulldown or a seal row pad, you can unlock even more versatility.
What makes a squat rack such an integral piece of any home gym? Here are some of the key benefits of adding this piece of equipment to your setup.
To put together our list of the best squat racks, we’ve tested more than a dozen models. We then evaluated each rack on key characteristics like performance, value, construction and materials, size, and customization options. For further information of each factor, visit our strength training equipment methodology page.
Not all squat racks are built the same. We prefer frames made from 11-gauge steel since they can support the most weight. Our team evaluated the capabilities of each rack’s accessories and how well the materials hold up with repeated use.
We also analyzed the following criteria:
We want you to be satisfied with every aspect of the squat rack you choose. That’s why the overall customer experience factors heavily into our recommendations.
We evaluate each squat rack on the below factors:
The best squat racks provide sufficient features at a reasonable cost. We gave higher scores to models that offer versatility and build quality in a well-priced package.
We assessed each squat rack’s footprint to see how well it can fit in a typical home gym. Space-saving designs earned higher scores since they allow you to have more room.
From squat stands to foldable squat racks to power cages with pulley systems, many types of squat racks are available. We evaluated the ability to add accessories like dip stations and landmine attachments. We also based our customization rating on whether you can choose different colors, heights, and depths.
A high-quality squat rack is one of the best home gym investments you can make. It allows you to train just about every major muscle group. As long as you have a barbell and weight plates, you can develop strength via compound movements like barbell back squats and barbell overhead presses.
Pair your squat rack with a weight bench, and you’ll have even more opportunities to build and maintain muscle as you age . Preventing sarcopenia—the age-related loss of muscle mass—is essential for maintaining independence and a higher quality of life in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. ( 10 )
You can find a reliable squat rack in the $800 – $1,000 price range, but you should base your squat rack budget on your training needs. Consider factors such as compatibility with attachments, the type of build materials used, and how much weight the rack can hold.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly squat rack, expect to pay around $300 – $500. However, don’t expect many extras or premium materials at that price point.
High-end squat racks can cost thousands of dollars, especially if you buy attachments or wall mounting kits. Unless you’re a powerlifter or elite strength athlete, you shouldn’t have to extend yourself that far financially.
Our pick for the best squat rack for home is the REP Fitness PR-4000. It is highly customizable, yet still affordable. Having the ability to choose from a variety of colors will let you keep a consistent aesthetic in your home gym. The wide array of accessories allows you to perform other movements so you can have a well-rounded exercise routine. This versatility also helps prevent boredom, which can make you feel more motivated to work out. ( 11 )
Amanda Dvorak, Fortune Recommends Editor
Amanda Dvorak is a Fortune Recommends writer and editor. A garage gym owner who is passionate about working out and healthy living, she has four years of experience writing product reviews for fitness and nutrition websites. Amanda is currently studying to become a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS
Dr. Jen Roper is an associate professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in Exercise Science and Biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.
Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD
Dr. Chris Mohr is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in exercise physiology. He’s written extensively for magazines and newspapers like Men’s Health, USA Today, Women’s Health, and many more. He has worked with everyone from the NFL teams to WWE wrestlers, celebrities, and executives worldwide.
Kelly Uhler has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Stephen Sheehan is an ISSA-certified personal trainer and nutritionist who uses his fitness expertise to review products for Fortune Recommends™. A two-time University of Florida graduate, he has a diverse writing and editing background that’s primarily focused on sports, health and fitness, and e-commerce content. His work has been featured in Runner’s World and Keto Magazine, as well as Bulletproof, Breaking Muscle, and YouFit Gyms.
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