The Best Budget Home Gym Equipment of 2026

At a Glance 

• Budget-friendly adjustable weight bench with a three-post design
• Above-average weight capacity
• Features 10 back pad adjustments (from -12 to 90 degrees)
• Below-average warranty

A good weight bench is a great way to increase the use of most of your other gym equipment. It’s obviously great for the bench press, but it can also be used for box squats, rows, flyes, triceps exercises, step-ups, box jumps, Jefferson curls, and a variety of other exercises.

There are cheaper benches out there, but we like the Major Fitness Adjustable Bench because of its 10 back pad and four seat pad angle adjustments, as well as its heavy-duty steel construction all for under $300. We rate the value at a solid 4 out of 5.

Construction: 4.5/5

Value: 4/5

Adjustability: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Major Fitness Adjustable Bench

Unlike some budget equipment, the Major Fitness Adjustable Bench doesn’t skimp on materials. “The steel base is made with a 5-gauge steel,” GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, told me. “That’s about double the thickness of what you’d expect on a quality squat rack.” She rates the durability and construction at 4.5 out of 5.

That heavy-duty construction makes for a stable weight bench that boasts a 1,300-pound weight capacity. Even at its lighter weight of just shy of 62 pounds, the adjustable bench felt solid in use; Lindsay hardly noticed any wobble or wiggle to the bench.

Another impressive feat for this adjustable weight bench is the number of angle adjustments on the back pad and seat pad—10 and 4, respectively. The back pad can go from flat to -12 degrees, and then adjusts to eight other incline positions, making this a true FID bench (flat, incline, and decline).

Alternatives

While it is lightweight and has transport wheels to move easily, the Major Fitness Adjustable Bench is a bit wider than most weight benches. Not its back pad, which tapers to 8.3 inches and actually might be a little narrow for some; instead, the bench legs are 29.2 inches wide. It’s not a major deal, but something to note for storage purposes; as such, the bench gets a 3.5 out of 5 for its footprint and portability.

Another callout Lindsay told me was that it uses an open ladder system for its back and seat adjustments. “It’s an easy adjustment to make, but it’s way easier to pinch your fingers if you’re not paying attention,” she says. “I’d prefer a closed ladder system to help prevent any accidents.”

Looking for a flat bench around the same price point? Check out the REP Fitness FB-5000. Although less versatile than an adjustable bench, the FB-5000 has a grippy and thick back pad ideal for bench press.

Testing Breakdown

The Major Fitness Adjustable Bench is a solid weight bench for a budget home gym, as seen from the scores below.

Vs. The Average

Major Fitness’ adjustable bench comes in at a manufacturer’s price of $259, but is often marked down to about $219. Either way, it’s below the average cost while still boasting an above-average weight capacity.

At a Glance 

• Black bumper plates made of virgin rubber
• Ranges from 10- to 55-lb plates
• Meets the standard weight tolerance of ±1%
• Backed by a lifetime warranty

One of the most versatile staples of virtually any home gym is a barbell and weight plates. However, the best weight plates are likely going to be the most costly piece of equipment in your gym, depending on how many weights you need and how heavy you plan to lift.

For those looking to get the most bang out of their buck, I recommend the Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates. Constructed from high-quality virgin rubber, these bumper plates maintain a low, dead bounce ideal for drops and possess a lifetime warranty—a rare feat with bumper plates—all while keeping the price point just over $2 per pound. They easily earn a 5 out of 5 for value.

Construction: 4.5/5

Bounce: 4/5

Value: 5/5

Why We Like Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates

I tested out the Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates and was impressed by the dead bounce the plates gave, rating the durability at 4.5 out of 5. That’s saying a lot, considering my over two decades competing in the sport of Olympic weightlifting; I’ve tried out quite a few of the best bumper plates in my life, and these are some of the best I’ve used.

GGR founder Coop Mitchell says it’s due to the quality virgin rubber used in the plates. “you can usually tell a cheaper-made bumper plate by how shiny it looks,” he says, “but the virgin rubber used by Fringe Sport has a bold matte finish that shouldn’t wear down over time.”

The bumper plates get a 4 out of 5 for the bounce, with the most impressive feature coming from the thinner 10- and 15-pound plates. Usually notorious for taco-ing or bowing excessively, the 10s and 15s have a higher Durometer rating of 90, making them a firmer, more durable rubber. The other plates are rated at 85—plenty hard enough to maintain a low bounce when I dropped the weights from overhead.

Alternatives

These bumpers are solid, but they’re also a little simple in the design, which I rate at 3.5 out of 5. The all-black design is a clean look, but something as simple as contrast lettering could really make the weights pop. 

That said, there’s a lot to like about these weight plates. For one, the 10s have a slightly smaller diameter to prevent them from taking any force while loaded up with other plates, making those thinner plates even more durable. “I also appreciate the smooth insert when loading weights onto a barbell,” adds GGR editor Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC.

And while I think the price is fair and competitive, just note that the price recently was raised. You’ll get the best deal now by purchasing the plates in a set, as some of the pairs of bumpers exceed $3 per pound.

If you’d rather have some iron weight plates, I’d take a look at the REP Fitness Old School Iron Weight Plates. These plates are durable and priced under $2 per pound if bought in a set.

Testing Breakdown

Scoring above average or higher in each category tested, the Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates are a fantastic option for a home gym, whether you’re working from a budget or not.

Vs. The Average

The Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates are priced below the average cost for a bumper plate; along with the lifetime warranty and high Durometer rating, these are high-value bumper plates.

Read our Fringe Sport Bumper Plates review to learn more about their contrast plates—essentially the same plate, but with color-coded lettering instead of the purely black lettering and aesthetic.

At a Glance 

• Budget-friendly treadmill often found on sale
• Matches average top speed of treadmills
• Slightly below-average weight capacity
• Above-average warranty on frame

The best treadmills can be a great alternative to running outside, as exercise physiologist Chris Mohr suggests. “Treadmills are great for structured workouts like intervals or tempo runs,” he explains. “They also make it easier to track pace, distance, and time consistently. You can’t always get a consistent environment running outside.”

If you’re on a budget, we like the Horizon Fitness T101. It’s under $1,000 and still provides some features of higher-end treadmills, reaching top speeds of 10 mph and a maximum incline of 10%. It earns a 4.5 out of 5 for value, with a small deduction only because it lacks fancy tech capabilities.

Ergonomics: 4/5

Footprint & Portability: 4/5

Tech Capabilities: 2/5

Why We Like Horizon Fitness T101

Usually, budget treadmills have to make sacrifices to keep the prices low, and while the Horizon T101 does make some sacrifices (more on that later), it’s able to have some pretty cool features that rival mid-range and some higher-end treadmills.

For example, the T101 has Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning, which adjusts the amount of cushioning based on where you’re running on the treadmill; there’s more cushioning toward the front of the deck where your front foot would land, and a firmer support at the back to let you push off of. The middle zone is a transition between the two levels of cushioning. This nice cushioned deck earns the T101 a 4-out-of-5 score for its ergonomics.

The maximum 10% incline and 10 mph are impressive for the Horizon T101’s price, especially if you consider that the treadmill’s incline settings can be adjusted automatically with its EasyDial control. “Many budget treadmills typically have manual incline adjustments, which require you to turn off the machine and move it into the desired angle,” Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, explained to me. Because of this, the T101 earns a 3.5 out of 5 for customizations.

Alternatives

As I alluded to earlier, the Horizon T101 does make some sacrifices to keep it at a budget-friendly cost. The most notable is the lack of tech capabilities. Basically, the tech amounts to Bluetooth connectivity and built-in speakers, earning the treadmill a 2 out of 5 for tech capabilities. You can still stream classes, but you’ll need your own smart device.

Likewise, the treadmill isn’t the most durable we’ve seen. The weight capacity is 300 pounds—above the industry standard of 275 pounds, but only slightly. Lindsay also noted some shaking at higher speeds.

“It’s probably not the best treadmill for someone looking to do lots of running,” Lindsay adds, “but it should work for the recreational jogger or walker.” She rates the durability at 3.5 out of 5.

For a sturdier treadmill, check out the Horizon 7.0 AT. Although the manufacturer’s price is substantially higher than the T101, it’s often marked down to the same price.

Testing Breakdown

While it’s not the most durable or tech-filled treadmills our testers have interacted with, it still has nice features for a budget treadmill.

Vs. The Average

Priced under $1,000, the T101 meets quite a few specs of your average treadmill, while coming in much cheaper than your standard tread. Most impressive is the lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, exceeding the standard 10-year warranty on a frame.

Check out our Horizon Fitness T101 review.

At a Glance

• Powder-coated cast iron kettlebells
• Weights range from 4 to 40 kg (9-88 lbs)
• Handle diameter varies depending on weight, but is around the average
• Color-coded for easy identification

Kettlebells are versatile pieces of equipment that are great for both building power and muscular endurance in the upper and lower body. I’ve used kettlebells over the years for a variety of different movements; a few of my favorites are kettlebell swings, bottom-up presses (harder than they look), farmers’ carries, and snatches. Although they’re great for these movements, they also work well for adding weight to bodyweight movements like dips and chin-ups.

The Iron Bull Strength Powder-Coated Kettlebells are some of the best-priced quality kettlebells available that come in a wide range of weight increments. The weight range is impressive, with options from 4 kilograms (9 pounds) to 40 kilograms (88 pounds). They earn a 5 out of 5 for their weight options.

Handle: 4.5/5

Weight Options: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like Iron Bull Kettlebells

Construction and durability are the highlights of the Iron Bull Kettlebells, which we rate at 4.5 out of 5. The cast iron is powder-coated to have a great grip, as well as to protect the kettlebell from rust and corrosion. The texture also helps these kettlebells to hold lifting chalk very well. “That’s a big plus if you’re looking to do some circuit training and high reps with your kettlebell workouts,” adds Ben Emminger, GGR editor and certified nutrition coach.

The handle is also a strong point of the kettlebells. Starting at 30 millimeters thick and gradually growing to 40 millimeters on the heavier bells, the handle is ergonomic and grippy enough to comfortably grab with both hands for kettlebell swings and other exercises. “Personally, a wider grip helps me focus on grip control,” Ben adds. “I like the added challenge of a thicker grip during heavy deadlifts or carries.”

Alternatives

If you compete in kettlebell sport, or you prefer a competition-spec kettlebell, you may want something other than Iron Bull Kettlebells. They aren’t made to competition dimensions and specifications, which are the same regardless of the kettlebell weight.

Also, while these are priced more for a budget gym, they aren’t the absolute cheapest kettlebells, with some costing around $3 per pound. We still think they’re worth the cost due to the solid construction, but just note that you may want something cheaper if you’re buying an entire kettlebell set.

For an ultra-budget kettlebell, check out the Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebells, which cost less per pound. Just be aware that the vinyl coating may begin to crack over time.

Testing Breakdown

Iron Bull Kettlebells are a solid pick for any home gym, scoring a 4 or higher in each category we tested.

Vs. The Average

Iron Bull Kettlebells have a larger weight range than the average kettlebell, and the handle diameter is around the average, although the diameter increases from lighter to heavier kettlebells.

At a Glance 

• Budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells
• Replaces 15 pairs of dumbbells, meeting the average
• Below-average maximum weight
• Above-standard warranty

The best adjustable dumbbells can help save space in home gyms, replacing multiple sets of dumbbells while taking up a fraction of the space.

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells are great for beginners on a budget, as these dumbbells replace 15 pairs of dumbbells while costing under $400. GGR founder Coop Mitchell rates the value at 5 out of 5, adding, “I don’t understand why NordicTrack doesn’t market these more. It just blows me away that I don’t see these all over the place in people’s home gyms.”

Adjustment Speed: 4/5

Value: 5/5

Durability: 3/5

Why We Like the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set

Adjustable dumbbells can often have odd shapes or lengths due to their adjustment mechanisms; that’s not the case with the NordicTrack dumbbells. No matter what weight the adjustable dumbbells are set at, they maintain a flat dumbbell head that feels more like a fixed, traditional dumbbell.

“It’s similar to a pro-style dumbbell,” adds Coop, who rates the design and aesthetics at 4.5 out of 5. “When the dumbbells are on the top of your leg right before a bench press set, it feels very comfortable.”

Many budget dumbbells might have an ergonomic grip, but the handle here is knurled, providing a grippy (albeit somewhat passive) handle, which Coop rates at 4 out of 5. The adjustment system also earns a 4 out of 5; it’s easy to adjust the weight pin selectors, but it’ll prove a bit slower than the rotating handles or dials of other adjustable dumbbells.

Alternatives

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight dumbbells aren’t going to have the durability of other dumbbells, fixed and adjustable. There’s a lot of moving parts along with plastic pieces in its construction, so they won’t handle drops like other dumbbells—although we recommend never dropping dumbbells if you want them to last. The NordicTrack dumbbells earn a 3 out of 5 for their durability.

Like other budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells, the Select-A-Weights don’t go as heavy as some lifters may wish to go. With a maximum weight of only 55 pounds, some users may need heavier dumbbells for their lower or upper body exercises. They get a 3.5 out of 5 for weight options, receiving a slightly higher than average score due to the smaller weight increments allowing for more weight changes.

If you already have weight plates, check out the Titan Loadable Olympic Dumbbell Handles, which can support whatever weights you can fit on the dumbbell’s sleeve. 

Testing Breakdown

The NordicTrack adjustable dumbbells proved a solid pair of budget adjustable dumbbells, despite the use of plastic parts in their construction.

Vs. The Average

Costing less than the average pair of adjustable dumbbells, the weight range is a little low compared to the standard, although the Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set comes with an above-average 10-year warranty on the frame.

You can read more in our in-depth NordicTrack Dumbbell review.

At a Glance 

• Budget-friendly cast iron hex dumbbells
• Available individually or in pairs
• Above-average range of weights
• 30-day warranty is well below the standard

If you’re on a quest for the best budget-friendly dumbbells, look no further than the CAP Barbell Cast Iron Hex Dumbbells. While we don’t typically recommend CAP over other brands (it tends to be associated with cheaper quality), you can’t beat the value you get in these cast iron dumbbells.

“These are a value buy probably best for beginners, or those who won’t be slinging any serious weight,” GGR Director of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, tells me, rating the value at 5 out of 5. Depending on the retailer, you can find these dumbbells with prices as low as $1 per pound—far less expensive than other top brands.

Value: 5/5

Purchasing & Delivery: 5/5

Construction: 3.5/5

Why We Like CAP Cast Iron Hex Dumbbell

Dumbbells are one of the simplest ways to add resistance training to your exercise routine, according to exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. He tells me, “Dumbbells provide resistance during exercise, which helps build muscle and strength. This resistance challenges muscles and muscle groups, leading to muscle growth and strength gains through a process called hypertrophy.”

One reason we like the CAP dumbbells for this pick is their accessibility; they’re available through a variety of major retailers, like Walmart and Amazon. With many retailers offering free shipping on top of a low cost, we rate the purchasing and delivery at another 5 out of 5.

CAP Cast Iron Hex Dumbbells have a pretty expansive weight range available—although many weights seem to constantly be out of stock. Starting from 1 pound to 120 pounds, the dumbbells go up in 2- or 3-pound increments to 15 pounds, and then take 5-pound jumps up to the maximum weight of 120 pounds. However, Nicole recalls, “I struggled to find anything over 50 pounds when I was purchasing a pair.” She rates the optionality at 3 out of 5 due to the limited stock.

Alternatives

Don’t expect the CAP Cast Iron Hex Dumbbells to have the same quality as other dumbbells. To keep the cost low, CAP Barbell leaves the dumbbell with inconsistencies and less-than-ideal standards.

Nicole rates the construction at a 3.5 out of 5. She tells me, “The cast iron feels durable, and the welds connecting the heads to the handle seem secure now, but I wouldn’t risk dropping them.” She warns that some customer reviews tell of bad welds leading to broken dumbbells, however. Plus, in her testing, the baked enamel coating was beginning to flake off already. 

The knurling on the handles is also inconsistent, earning a low 2-out-of-5 score. “It’s very patchy and inconsistent, ranging from rough to nonexistent all on the same handle,” adds Nicole.

For a more consistent construction, I suggest the GIANT Lifting Rubber Hex Dumbbells. Although you’ll pay closer to $2 per pound, the consistent build and free shipping may make it a worthwhile purchase for some.

Testing Breakdown

The build on these dumbbells isn’t the most consistent, but we still think these are a worthwhile recommendation for budget shoppers due to the low cost and high value.

Vs. The Average

With a broad weight range and low price point, the CAP Cast Iron Hex Dumbbells are very inexpensive compared to the rest of the market, although certain weights are constantly out of stock.

Check out our CAP Cast Iron Hex Dumbbells review for more information.

At a Glance

• Speed rope available in 9 colorways
• Priced below the average jump rope
• Adjustable cable length (must be cut though)
• Slightly longer handle length than the standard

When it comes to cardio equipment on a budget, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the jump rope. The benefits of jumping rope include building aerobic capacity, improving bone density, and boosting your mood—and you can do it on the cheap.

The WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope is a longtime favorite on our team for both its price and performance. It’s priced at under $20 on Amazon and even comes with an extra cable in case yours shreds. Certified personal trainer and gym owner Kate Meier has had her WOD Nation rope for over seven years, and tells me, “This is still my absolute favorite jump rope even after testing dozens of other options.” She rates the value at a perfect 5 out of 5.

Value: 5/5

Sizing & Adjustments: 4/5

Handles: 3/5

Why We Like the WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope

The WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope is one of the best jump ropes on the market mainly because it doesn’t lower its quality at its price point. The speed rope uses steel cables, with a thin plastic coating over it for added durability. In the over seven years that Kate has had the speed rope, she’s replaced the cable after three years—after plenty of high-intensity CrossFit workouts.

It performs great for regular jump roping, but serves well for more advanced moves, such as double-unders. “I love this rope. It’s lightweight and moves oh-so fast,” adds Kate, rating the workout performance at 5 out of 5.

On top of price, the WOD Nation rope also stands out for the variety of colors it comes in as well as its adjustability. The 10-foot cable itself is long enough for just about any user. Once you size it correctly with a screwdriver, you’ll need wire cutters to cut the excess cable to match your height. As such, the rope gets a 4 out of 5 for sizing and adjustments.

Alternatives

The 2.5-millimeter PVC coating on the steel cable is great for added protection and durability, so long as you use this rope on smooth surfaces. Kate noticed that her rope’s casing suffered damage when she jumped on asphalt, but that’s to be expected. She rates the rope’s outdoor use at 3 out of 5, and she suggests, “You really shouldn’t use this on pavement; the coating will wear down faster than you think. When I go outside with my speed rope, I drag out a square of rubber to jump on.”

The handles on the WOD Nation rope aren’t anything fancy—just made of a simple plastic. Some higher-end rope handles may have knurling or other ergonomic designs to improve grip, but the WOD Nation handles are quite basic, earning a 3 out of 5. Kate does note that they’re durable handles at least, and have held up well over the years.

For a better handle, check out the Rogue SR-2 3.0 Jump Rope, which uses aircraft-grade aluminum and has knurling, although the price is more than double that of the WOD Nation Speed Rope.

Testing Breakdown

The WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope is a great and inexpensive way to get some cardio into your routine, although we don’t recommend it for outdoor use.

Vs. The Average

Priced under $20, the WOD nation jump rope comes in well under the average cost for a rope, and it also has more colorways than the standard—a nice perk.

For more information, read our full WOD Nation Double Under Speed Rope review.

At a Glance 

• Exercise bike with micro levels of manual resistance
• Smaller footprint than the average exercise bike
• Lacks programming and tech capabilities
• Budget-friendly pricing

If you’re looking for a challenging lower body exercise, a bike is a great option. “Exercise bikes mainly target the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves,” explains Dr. Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “Additionally, your core muscles are used to stabilize the trunk as well, especially if you’re riding upright without leaning too heavily on the handlebars.”

The SF-B1002 from Sunny Health and Fitness gets our nod as the best exercise bike for budget shoppers. The bike costs less than $400, and uses micro-adjustment levels to provide plenty of resistance. Along with a surprisingly stable experience, it earns a 4.5 out of 5 for its value.

Durability: 4/5

Customizations: 4/5

Conveniences: 2.5/5

Why We Like the Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike SF-B1002

Built with a heavy-duty 49-pound flywheel and a steel frame, the Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike surprised our testers, including certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly. He tells me, “I was afraid to get on at first because I thought it was going to feel like a cheap bike, but boy was I wrong. It felt sturdy at all times and had enough resistance to challenge me.” The weight capacity is on the lower end at 275 pounds, though, so the durability earns a 4 out of 5.

The resistance can be micro-adjusted, meaning you can go from a relaxing pace to strenuous pedaling, and everything in between. The SF-B1002 gets a 4 out of 5 for customizations.

The belt-driven bike is also quiet for anyone who needs to consider a roommate or family members. In our testing, the bike reached a noise level of 47.4 decibels—just a little over the room noise of 40.7 decibels.

Alternatives

There are no tech capabilities or display on the SF-B1002, which is why we score it so low in the category—a 2 out of 5. There’s no Bluetooth connectivity, and no built-in programming, either, so if you’re looking for some guidance in your cardio workouts, this may not be the ideal bike for you.

“If you need programming, this isn’t the bike for you, but if you know what you want to do and just need a bike for your workouts, this is great,” Anthony adds. Sunny Health and Fitness does have a workout app, but you’ll need your own device. Plus, the bike also lacks a media shelf, so your best bet is to stream from a television while biking. We rate the conveniences at 2.5 out of 5.

Need a recumbent bike? Check out the YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike, which has an impressive 350-pound weight capacity while costing less than $250.

Testing Breakdown

Although it lacks in tech and programming, the surprising durability of the SF-B1002 makes us confident in recommending this bike to budget-minded home gym owners.

Vs. The Average

The cost of the Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike comes in far below the standard price of an exercise bike, although the warranty and weight capacity are a bit below the average.

Check out our Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike reviews for more details.

At a Glance

• Competitively priced multi-purpose barbell
• Available in 15- or 20-kg profiles
• Tensile strength meets the industry standard
• Backed by a lifetime warranty, meeting the average

The almighty barbell is perhaps the most important piece of equipment in any home gym. No matter your goal, you should have a barbell in your hands at least some of the time. The biggest reason for this is its effectiveness at strength training, as well as its versatility.

There are a few things we look for in the best Olympic barbell, such as overall construction, the tensile strength of the bar, the knurling, spin, finish, and price. Few barbells at a budget price hit the mark quite like the Synergee Games Bar, which meets or exceeds industry standards all while costing less than $200, earning a 5 out of 5 for value.

Knurling & Grip: 5/5

Versatility: 5/5

Coating & Finish: 4/5

Why We Like the Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell

For us, it’s one of the very few bars priced around $200 that we would ever recommend. Generally, super-cheap barbells are susceptible to corrosion, they don’t spin well, or they come in odd lengths and shaft diameters. It’s simply not the case with our best budget barbell, the Synergee Games Barbell.

The Games Bar comes in both 15- and 20-kilogram options, each available in various cerakote finishes. Cerakote is a solid coating that protects from corrosion, rivaled only by a few other finishes (like stainless steel), so it earns a 4 out of 5 for its finish.

While there’s nothing wrong with specialty bars, this one caters to a much broader audience. A true multi-purpose bar capable of being used for everything from general strength training to Olympic lifting, it has needle bearings that provide a solid spin. “The knurling is medium; it won’t tear your hands up, which is nice for high-rep workouts,” adds certified personal trainer and weightlifting coach Kate Meier. “The bar also spins for days.” Overall, we rate the versatility at 5 out of 5.

Customer service is just as solid as the barbell. Kate tells me, “I bent one of their bars at the gym doing a hang power clean. We called them up and they sent us a new bar, no questions asked.” Backed by a lifetime warranty, the bar earns a 5 out of 5 for customer service.

Alternatives

It has a 190,000 pounds-per-square-inch (PSI) tensile strength, meaning the bar can withstand very heavy weights without permanently bending. That said, the tensile strength may be a bit lower than what a powerlifter would want; the tensile strength of a power bar often exceeds 200,000 PSI. For a multi-purpose bar, the tensile strength is right around where you’d want it, as it’ll provide good flex and bar whip for explosive strength exercises like the snatch or clean and jerk.

Similarly, the spin on the barbell may be more than someone would want for maximal lifts, like on a max bench press or deadlift. Kate explains, “I like it for volume and higher reps, but it isn’t my go-to barbell for maxing out.”

For a budget powerlifting barbell, we recommend the Bells of Steel Powerlifting Bar, which comes in around $300 while still providing a tensile strength of 210,000 PSI.

Testing Breakdown

Though there are more durable barbells available, for the price, there’s a lot to like about the Synergee Games Barbell, as seen from our scoring below.

Vs. The Average

With both the 15- and 20-kilogram barbells costing under $200, this is a true budget barbell; even then, the cerakote finish and 190,000 PSI tensile strength still meet industry standards.

For a closer look, read our Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell review.

At a Glance

• Budget-friendly squat cage with a multi-grip pull-up bar
• Below-average weight capacity
• Thinner 14-gauge steel construction
• 1-year warranty is below the standard

The squat rack is the centerpiece of nearly every home gym, and for good reason. No matter what your goals are, squat racks will likely play a big part in helping you achieve them. The only piece of equipment more versatile than the squat rack is a barbell—and if you follow our recommendations, then you probably already have one.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a power rack that provides more bang for your buck than the Fitness Reality 810XLT. For just under $300, you get a sturdy place to squat, bench, overhead press, and perform pull-ups on the pull-up bar cross-section. With the ability to add on a lat pulldown and low row attachment, we rate the value at 4.5 out of 5.

Construction: 3.5/5

Versatility: 4/5

Value: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage

While the price tag may lead to doubts about quality, powerlifter and experienced product tester Roger Lockridge (who tested the rack version of the 810XLT) says the 2-inch-by-2-inch 14-gauge steel uprights offer a durable foundation for handling heavy squats. The construction earns a 3.5 out of 5 due to the thinner steel, but the 800-pound weight capacity should be sufficient for most home gym owners.

GGR senior staff writer Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC owned the 810XLT for two years and was highly impressed with the overall quality and versatility of this rack. 

The Fitness Reality 810XLT comes with a landmine attachment, spotter arms, and weight storage. You can buy a lat pulldown attachment for this rack through Fitness Reality or Amazon as well, earning it a 4 out of 5 for versatility. “I got this rack second-hand and luckily the previous owner purchased the lat pulldown attachment,” Stephen told me. “I really enjoyed being able to work on rows, triceps pushdowns, and other upper-body exercises all in one spot.”

Alternatives

It’s worth noting that the holes of the Fitness Reality 810XLT are 1 inch in diameter, which will allow you to explore some universal power rack attachments. However, the 2-inch-by-2-inch upright posts are less common than other posts, so options may be limited. It earns a 3.5 out of 5 for its accessory compatibility.

For a power cage, the Fitness Reality 810XLT’s footprint isn’t too bad, as it’s about 4 feet deep and just over 4 feet wide. However, it’s nearly 7 feet tall, so it may not fit in some basements or garage gyms with low ceilings. Still, the power rack gets 4 out of 5 in this category.

“It’s still a reliable squat rack that could serve a lot of budget home gym owners well,” Roger adds.

If you’d rather have a squat rack instead of a cage, check out the Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack. It’s built with thicker 12-gauge steel and is still budget-friendly at $350.

Testing Breakdown

Although it uses thinner steel, the Fitness Reality 810XLT has proven to be a solid and versatile piece of equipment throughout our testing.

Vs. The Average

This is certainly a budget-friendly rack, but does use thinner steel to keep the cost low. The 1-year warranty is also well below the industry standard of limited lifetime warranties.

To read more about our hands-on experience, check out our Fitness Reality 810XLT review, where we focus on the rack version of this power cage.