The Best Squat Racks for 2025: Our Top Picks After 500 Leg Days

At a Glance 

• Budget-friendly squat stand with pull-up bar
• Below-average weight capacity
• Thinner 12-gauge steel composition
• Below-average warranty

The Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack is a cheaper, more basic squat rack than our other picks, but it works so efficiently that we had to put it at the top of our list. Coming in at under $500 and with considerably cheaper accessories, this is the ideal stand for the budget-minded trainee. Add in the free shipping consistently offered from Fringe Sport, and you have a great bargain—we rate the value at 4.5 out of 5.

Durability & Construction: 4/5

Value: 4.5/5

Versatility: 4/5

Why We Like the Fringe Sport Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar

With such a terrific price tag, you are probably wondering about the quality. This Fringe Sport rack is made with 2-inch-by-3-inch 12-gauge steel. Though lower in quality than other stands constructed from 11-gauge steel, it’s more than enough strength for virtually any garage gym.

“I’ve used and tested Fringe Sport products for over six years now,” GGR founder Coop Mitchell mentioned to me, “And I can say products like this squat stand can still hold up, unless you’re an elite powerlifter…but if you’re a powerlifter, I wouldn’t suggest a squat stand, anyway.” He rates the durability and construction of the Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack at 4 out of 5.

It comes with a straight pull-up bar and optional dip horns and spotter’s arms can be bought separately. I asked Coop which attachments to get and he said, “I suggest both. If you’re going to bench, please get some spotter arms.” The rack still gets a 4 out of 5 for accessory compatibility, as the 2-inch-by-3-inch uprights with 5/8-inch holes will be compatible with a few other rack attachments from third-party brands.

Alternatives

One of the biggest callouts we have about the Fringe Sport Squat Rack is its lackluster warranty of one year. Lifetime warranties are becoming fairly commonplace for squat rack frames, so the shorter coverage here seems a bit lacking. That said, Fringe Sport has an impressive 30-day return policy on lightly used equipment, plus a 365-day return policy on unused items in their original packaging. For this, it earns a 3.5 out of 5 for its policies and customer service.

Another thing to note is that, being a squat stand, this rack won’t be the most stable during certain exercises. “I mostly noticed it feeling unstable during pull-ups,” Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, told me. She also mentioned that the rack can be bolted down to the floor, so if you’re able to do so in your home gym, it can help with the stability. 

For a more stable squat stand, check out the Rogue S-1 Squat Stand 2.0. It lacks a pull-up bar but is over 30 pounds heavier than Fringe Sport’s rack, providing ample stability for heavy squats.

Testing Breakdown

Despite a less-than-stellar warranty and some instability noted in our testing, the Fringe Sport Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar scored pretty well, overall. Here’s a breakdown.

Vs. The Average

Although a cheaper squat stand than the average rig, the thinner steel and one-year warranty are slightly below the average rack or stand.

At a Glance 

• Budget-friendly, all-in-one home gym
• Above-average footprint
• Thinner 14-gauge steel
• Below-average warranty

This Major Fitness Power Rack was one of the most highly-requested YouTube video reviews during GGR founder Coop Mitchell’s 10+ years of reviewing home gym equipment, and it’s easy to see why people are obsessed with it. 

Unlike other budget all-in-one power racks, the cable system is set behind the power rack, allowing users to squat inside the cage instead of outside. This, alone, allows us to rate the versatility of the PLM03 at 4.5 out of 5 and cement it as our favorite squat rack with included cables.

Value: 4.5/5

Stability: 4.5/5

Construction: 4/5

Why We Like the Major Fitness PLM03 Multi-Functional Power Rack

Albeit pricier than some racks, the Major Fitness PLM03 is still competitively priced as a budget rack with all the attachments included, giving the rack a score of 4.5 out of 5 for value. Along with the cable system, it comes with a cable crossover and handles, dip bars, and a multi-grip pull-up bar.

It’s also really stable, and fellow GGR video reviewer Lindsay Scheele gave it a 4 out of 5 for stability because of the reinforcement throughout the frame. “The reinforcing tabs around the joints help it feel stable and eliminate any of my concerns on wobbling,” Lindsay told me.

The 14-gauge steel is thinner than your typical 11- or 12-gauge steel, but the J-hooks have a 1,200-pound weight capacity. Plus, the safety bars can withstand up to 700 pounds, so you can go pretty heavy with this budget-friendly power rack. As such, it earns a 4 out of 5 for construction.

Alternatives

I asked Coop if he had any callouts, and he replied, “Instead of being 2 inches wide and 3 inches deep, the rack is 3 inches wide and 2 inches deep.” It may not seem like an issue at first, but the odd upright size makes it much more difficult to find attachments compatible with the PLM03 outside of those made by Major Fitness, earning it a 3.5 out of 5 for accessory compatibility.

If you already have a bunch of attachments from other brands in your home gym, this also may not be the best choice, since so many attachments are already included. However, if you’re looking to start a home gym, this would serve you really well and save you some money for other equipment.

If you like the all-in-one functionality of the Major Fitness Power Rack, but want a Smith machine built in, try the Force USA G3. It has many of the same features with a dedicated Smith machine bar and uprights.

Testing Breakdown

The Major Fitness PLM03 Multi-Functional Rack scored pretty well for its versatility, although its uprights make for a strange accessory compatibility. Here’s how it scored.

Vs. The Average

While priced higher than the average squat rack, the included attachments keep the price fair and competitive while also boosting the footprint, as well.

Check out our in-depth Major Fitness Power Rack review for our full thoughts.

At a Glance 

• Durable, customizable power rack
• Heavy-duty, standard 11-gauge steel
• Above-average lifetime warranty
• Common 3” by 3” uprights with 5/8″ holes

The power rack we suggest for many people is the REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack, and it’s a definite recommendation for budding home gym enthusiasts, too. The PR-4000 combines excellent features, unlimited expandability, great quality, lots of customization options, and, best of all, great value. It looks and performs nearly as well as any rack on the market at a price that, years ago, would seem unfathomable, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for its value.

Durability: 5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Accessories: 4.5/5

Why We Like the REP PR-4000 Power Rack

“We’ve had the REP PR-5000 (the same rack but with 1-inch holes) at GGR headquarters for over five years now, and we continue to use it in our testing—trying out barbells, cable machines, and rack attachments—and it still holds up,” GGR founder Coop Mitchell told me.

The PR-4000 is made with 3-inch-by-3-inch 11-gauge steel tubing with 1-inch Westside hole spacing through the weight bench zone and is rated for up to 1,000 pounds, earning a 5 out of 5 for construction and durability. These numbers are pretty standard for this price point.

“One of the things I really like about the PR-4000 is the ability to customize just about every part of it,” Coop added. With multiple colors, height, and depth options, you can make this PR-4000 fit your space and training style exactly as you see fit. Also, you won’t overspend on things you don’t want or won’t use.

On top of the incredible quality of the rack, there is an ever-increasing accessory list that will make it expandable in the future with other gym equipment. You can add storage for free weights, a pull-up bar, safeties, and multiple J-cups at the time of purchase to add some versatility to your machine. You can then pile on even more accessories, like a lat/low row attachment, monolift arms, and jammer arms. Overall, we rate the accessories and attachments at 4.5 out of 5.

Alternatives

I think the REP PR-4000 Power Rack provides solid value due to its customization and solid construction, but it’s also a pricier power rack, depending on the customizations you choose. It starts at under $1,000, but can quickly get to $2,000 (or more) if you go for a larger footprint and a few more accessories.

You’ll also ideally want to have this power rack bolted down for the greatest amount of stability. People aiming to avoid drilling into their home gym flooring may need to consider other options.

Although the PR-4000 provides ample value, it can get pretty pricey in a hurry. For a more budget-friendly squat rack, I suggest the REP PR-1100 Power Rack.

Testing Breakdown

There’s not much to dislike about the REP PR-4000, and it shows in our scoring breakdown below.

Vs. The Average

While it’s a more costly power rack compared to your average squat rack, the REP PR-4000 uses high-quality materials and has great customization, including five different options for your pull-up bar.

Check out our full REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack review.

At a Glance 

• All-in-one home gym at a budget price
• Above-average footprint, but lower height than average
• Thinner 13-gauge steel
• Odd 1.5” x 3” upright tubing

Not everyone has a high-arching ceiling for ring muscle-ups or large, bulky power cages. If you struggle with low ceilings in a basement gym or just a short garage gym, we recommend the Sportsroyals PR1 Multi Function Power Rack, equipped with a cable system for added training potential.

This short rack and pulley system combines a ton of versatility all with a height just under 7 feet, allowing it to fit in most spaces with a low ceiling and earning it a 4 out of 5 for its compact footprint (for an all-in-one trainer).

Versatility: 5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Accessories: 3.5/5

Why We Like the Sportsroyals PR1 Multi Function Power Rack

In full transparency, we haven’t gotten a chance to test out this squat rack yet—although it’s coming up on our to-do list. Nevertheless, we’re familiar with quite a bit of Sportsroyals equipment, and like the brand’s other equipment, this power rack is more than budget-friendly, providing a lot of functionality at a low cost of just over $600 and earning a 4 out of 5 for value.

Sportsroyals states that the total weight capacity is 1,600 pounds, but this is a combination of their attachments. In reality, the safety bars hold a maximum weight of 700 pounds, the J-hooks hold 500 pounds, and the pull-up bars and pulley system hold 440 pounds. This won’t be an ideal heavy-duty power rack for competitive powerlifters, but most casual lifters can use the rack without any problems.

Alternatives

Some sacrifices are made for Sportsroyals’s budget price. This isn’t the most durable squat rack, using 13-gauge steel instead of the stronger, thicker 11-gauge steel that we see in more heavy-duty racks. We rate it a 3 out of 5 for its construction and durability. 

Additionally, Sportsroyals has unique upright dimensions at 1.5 inches deep and 3 inches wide. Because of this, you probably won’t be able to use other brands’ rack attachments on this machine easily. This won’t be much of an issue for most, though, since the rack comes with a cable system that features a lat pulldown and low row setup, as well as attachments like a landmine, dip bars, and more.

If you’re looking for a compact squat rack without an integrated cable machine, consider the Titan T-3 Series Squat Stand, which is a more heavy-duty stand that won’t have added attachments included.

Testing Breakdown

The unique dimensions and thinner steel tubing dock the Sportsroyals PR1 Multi Function Power Rack’s score down just a bit, but otherwise, it scores well.

Vs. The Average

Although the price is competitive—especially with its included attachments—the Sportsroyals PR1 Multi Function Power Rack does use thinner steel which makes it less durable than the norm.

At a Glance 

• Half rack with above-average height
• Higher price point than the average squat rack
• Made with standard, durable 11-gauge steel
• Comes with standard limited lifetime warranty

The Rogue HR-2 Half Rack takes the classic Rogue formula of overbuilt, high-quality materials and adds two additional uprights to the back of this stand—along with storage pins for plates—to create our top pick for the best half rack, earning an overall score of 4.3 out of 5. A half-rack feels awesome to train in due to its open nature. Add in some spotter’s arms, and you can perform the majority of lifts you would be able to in a full power rack rather safely.

Stability: 4/5

Construction: 4.5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Why We Like Rogue HR-2 Half Rack

The Rogue HR-2 Half Rack is one of Rogue’s best-reviewed squat racks and after GGR founder Coop Mitchell had tested it for about a week, he told me he could already see why. “It’s a great rack that can fit anywhere, doesn’t have to be bolted down, is still very stable, and has many of the abilities of a more expensive and bulkier rack,” he explains. He rates the stability a 4 out of 5.

The upright’s 11-gauge steel is just as robust as bigger power racks with 3-inch-by-3-inch dimensions—although the base uses 2-inch-by-3-inch tubing. Because of that, the quality of this rack matches any other half rack on the market and has a customizable height of 90 or 108 inches. As such, we rate the overall construction at 4.5 out of 5.

“The professional quality and look Rogue is known for is just as present in this rack as it is in others,” Coop says. If you want to spend less than $1,000, but still want a high-quality half-rack, then this is the one we’d recommend, rating the value at 4.5 out of 5.

Alternatives

The HR-2 is considered “Monster Lite,” meaning it uses 5/8-inch hole sizing, so while most of the Monster Lite accessories can be used, it won’t be compatible with the options available in the larger Monster series. It still earns a 4 out of 5 for its versatility and accessory compatibility, though.

The open nature of the HR-2 makes the 49-inch-by-48-inch footprint feel more compact than it really is, but the height can be limiting for some garage gyms. You can choose between 90 and 108 inches, which is plenty of height for pull-ups, but the taller height may not fit comfortably with lower ceilings.

If you need a rack that will accommodate low ceiling heights, we recommend the Body-Solid GPR400 Power Rack. This sturdy, durable rack has a height of 79 inches, perfect for low ceilings that you might find in a basement space.

Testing Breakdown

The Rogue HR-2 Half Rack’s tall height docks the footprint score a bit, but this half rack remains a great option in terms of value, construction, and other factors. Here’s how it scored.

Vs. The Average

Starting slightly above the average squat rack’s price, the rack matches the standard 11-gauge steel and hole sizing, making it a versatile and durable piece of equipment.

Read our Rogue HR-2 Half Rack review for more information.

At a Glance 

• Lightweight and portable squat stand
• Below-average footprint
• More budget-friendly pricing
• Made with standard 11-gauge steel

Squat stands are not known for being the most stable piece of home gym equipment, but the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Squat Stand features a flat foot base. This not only eliminates the need to bolt it into the ground (which some people may not be able to do), but it also gives you peace of mind during heavy squat sessions or pull-ups. Plus, the stand can be moved around, earning a 4 out of 5 for its footprint and portability.

RELATED: Titan Fitness Coupon Code

Durability: 5/5

Portability: 4/5

Value: 4.5/5

Why We Like the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Squat Stand

Like many Titan squat racks, this squat stand has a lot to offer: a 1,000-pound weight capacity, 1-inch Westside spacing through the bench area, and included J-hooks. The Westside hole spacing is a unique feature not often found on squat stands, making this a much more complete product for those who hit all three of the big lifts.

A high weight capacity and 11-gauge steel is also impressive to see on such a budget-friendly piece of equipment, earning it a 5 out of 5 on our durability rating scale. “We’ve tested Titan products for several years now, and while durability was an issue early on, it’s becoming less and less of a problem with each new iteration of machine,” Coop Mitchell, GGR founder, mentioned to me.

The T-3 Series Squat Stand is essentially an imported version of our previous pick for the best squat stand, the Rogue Fitness SML-2. It’s also similar to the REP Fitness SR-4000, but

Titan’s is much more affordable and comes with free shipping. Being a more stable squat stand at a cheaper cost, the Titan T-3 Series earns a 4.5 out of 5 on value.

Alternatives

The T-3 Series Squat Stand comes in a few different versions. There’s a short stand, an independent version with two non-connected uprights, and a tall version. Unfortunately, only the tall version comes with a pull-up bar, meaning it’s less versatile than most squat racks, earning only a 3.5 out of 5 for the category.

If you’re in a really tight space, I’d recommend the independent squat stand since it’s two separate uprights that can be more easily carried away when not in use. “Although, this independent setup may be less stable while in use,” Coop told me.

For another compact option, try the PRx Profile PRO Folding Cage. This wall-mounted cage uses 11-gauge steel and folds completely down, only taking up 8 inches of depth when not in use.

Testing Breakdown

Although it’s not as versatile without a pull-up bar (only available in the Tall Squat Stand option), the Titan squat stand is still a nice compact solution for those with limited floor space. Here’s how we scored it.

Vs. The Average

Although budget-priced, the Titan T-3 Series Squat Stand still provides standard 11-gauge steel, albeit with a slightly smaller upright size.

Check out our Titan T-3 Power Rack review, where we cover a similar product from Titan Fitness. Although a beefier power rack, this rack uses the same materials as the T-3 Squat Stand.

At a Glance 

• Highly compact folding rack
• Above-average cost
• Comes with standard 3” by 3” uprights
• Lengthy 10-year warranty, although still less than the average

Due to the number of pins and adjustments required for construction, most fold-away racks never actually get “folded away.” That’s not the case with our top pick, the PRx Profile PRO Rack, which features an easy-to-use fold-up design made possible with hydraulics.

“This is the most convenient and easy-to-use fold-away squat rack I’ve tested,” explains Coop Mitchell, GGR founder, rating the rack’s footprint at a 5 out of 5. “If you have the money, I definitely recommend it over some of the cheaper, swing-style racks.”

Footprint: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Construction & Durability: 5/5

Why We Like the PRx Profile PRO Squat Rack

After being on “Shark Tank” (and getting an offer), PRx Performance has taken off and created a myriad of other pieces of equipment, although the Profile PRO Rack is by far our favorite. With 3-inch-by-3-inch steel and laser-cut whole numbers, it’s a joy to own if you have the money in your budget.

Coop loaded over 600 pounds on the rack and it didn’t even budge during unracking and re-racking protocols. The same goes for when the pull-up bar was used. “Whether my dainty wife or 300-pound friend is using it, they enjoy the same rock-solid experience,” adds Coop, rating it a 5 out of 5 for construction and durability.

The PRx racks have the option to come with no pull-up bar, a standard pull-up bar, or a kipping pull-up bar. I would definitely suggest the kipping pull-up bar for its versatility and height. And, despite these racks not being secured to the floor, they are incredibly stable, earning a 4.5 out of 5 in the category.

Alternatives

Although high quality, the Profile PRO Squat Rack will be a pricier squat rack when compared to other silhouettes in the category, with the cost just above $1,000, depending on the pull-up bar you choose. It still gets a 4 out of 5 for its value, though, as we think it’s still worthwhile.

You’ll also (obviously) need to mount this folding rack to a wall, which some folks may look to avoid. For those people, a squat stand or similar compact option may be the better option.

For a compact squat rack that doesn’t need to be wall-mounted, check out the Titan T-3 Series Squat Stand. Their individual stands can be put in a corner while not in use, saving you a bit of floor space.

Testing Breakdown

The PRx Profile PRO Rack scored pretty well overall, although the wall-mounting assembly may be a little rough for some. Here’s our scoring breakdown.

Vs. The Average

Sure, it’s a pricier squat rack, but the easy-to-fold design and compact footprint will make it well worth the cost to some.

For more information, read our full and in-depth PRx Profile Squat Rack review.

At a Glance 

• Modular power rack with durable 11-gauge steel
• Price varies by customization, but typically a higher price point
• Standard lifetime warranty
• Average weight capacity

For a fully customizable rack where you can choose even the type of pull-up bar you want, the Bells of Steel Hydra Rack is close to unbeatable with five pull-up bar options to pick from: a multi-grip bar, globe bar, straight bar, fat/skinny pull-up bar, and an adjustable option as well.

When looking at the Hydra rack builder, you can choose from squat stands, half racks, a flat-footed design, a six-post design, or a folding design. We prefer the classic four-post design, though, which earns a 4.3-out-of-5 overall score.

Construction: 4.5/5

Versatility: 5/5

Value: 3/5

Why We Like the Bells of Steel Hydra 4-Post Power Rack

A staple of the Hydra build is its 3-inch-by-3-inch, 11-gauge, powder-coated uprights with laser-engraved numbers next to 5/8-inch holes—in other words, the *chef’s kiss* of power rack construction. Once you choose your style, you can customize how tall the uprights are and how deep the cage goes.

GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele has been using the rack in her own garage gym for the past two years and rates the durability a 5 out of 5. “My whole family uses it. I really enjoy the versatility of some of the attachments, like the roller J-cups and the lat pulldown machine,” she states.

Then, you have your choice of pull-up bars: a straight pull-up bar, an adjustable pull-up bar, a double bar, a multi-grip bar, or a globe bar. Other customizations and add-ons include safeties, J-cups, and attachments like a lat pulldown station. It easily gets a 5 out of 5 for versatility with all the customizations available.

Alternatives

The biggest downside to all the customization is that the more you add on, the more expensive the price tag. That drops the value a bit, which we score at 3 out of 5. “The more you add, the more complicated (and heavy) the assembly can get,” GGR founder Coop Mitchell told me.

Another note is that Bells of Steel uses true 3-inch-by-3-inch uprights, which will be slightly different from imported uprights at the same size. This means that Rogue attachments should fit the Hydra rack, but attachments from brands like REP or Titan Fitness may not fit as easily.

If you prefer 1-inch hole sizing, check out the Bells of Steel Manticore Racks. They offer the same customization options as the Hydra Series, but with a 1-inch attachment ecosystem.

Testing Breakdown

Although it can get pricey, the Bells of Steel Hydra Rack scored pretty well, otherwise. Here’s the breakdown.

Vs. The Average

This power rack will most likely be above the average cost of most squat racks, no matter how few customizations are added. However, the price may be worth it, considering the solid 11-gauge steel used across the rack and available attachments.

Check out our Bells of Steel Hydra Rack review, where we test out the brand’s four-post power rack option.

At a Glance 

• Power rack with a low height
• Average weight capacity of 1,000 lbs
• Above-average price
• Standard lifetime warranty only for in-home use

At 79 inches tall, the Body-Solid Power Rack is less prone to tipping, more stable, and excellent for small spaces—particularly basement gyms or low ceilings. GGR founder Coop Mitchell also told me that the sturdy power rack itself has good value, costing around $800. He scores the value at a solid 4 out of 5.

Stability: 4/5

Versatility: 4.5/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like the Body-Solid GPR400 Power Rack

Along with a short ceiling height, we like the GPR400 because of the durable uprights, which are constructed from heavy-duty 3-inch-by-3-inch 11-gauge steel. The rack is rated for 1,000 pounds, so it earns a 4 out of 5 for its stability, as well as its construction and durability.

I asked Coop what he likes about the rack, and he replied that he likes that the GPR400 has 5/8-inch holes and is compatible with most REP Fitness and Rogue attachments, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 for versatility. He also notes, “You can also find crossmember addi-ons from Titan Fitness—any equipment accessories with a 48-inch hole-to-hole width should work.”

Alternatives

Coop originally assessed and scored the Body-Solid Power Rack in addition to the functional trainer attachment, which is sold separately, priced over $2,000, and has integrated weight stacks, pulleys, and low row and lat pulldown attachments.

While he likes the rack itself, he was less impressed with the functional trainer attachment. He told me, “To be honest, I don’t think the functional trainer system is worth the price tag.”

Although the 79-inch height isn’t a dealbreaker (especially for a low ceiling), you may find yourself doing pull-ups with your legs crossed, depending on your height. This rack doesn’t leave much room for dangling the legs. That said, Coop appreciates the passive knurling on the pull-up bar for a better grip.

If you’re more concerned about having a functional trainer instead of a power rack with functional trainer capabilities, try out the Gronk Fitness Functional Trainer. It’s built solid and priced competitively.

Testing Breakdown

The Body-Solid GPR400 got a solid overall rating from us. Here’s how it scored.

Vs. The Average

Albeit a pricier squat rack than the average, the durable build and materials used make this a pretty solid four-post power rack.

Check out our Body-Solid Functional Trainer Rack review, where we take an in-depth look at the GPR400 combined with its functional trainer attachments.