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The squat rack is the centerpiece of just about every home and garage gym in the world. As such, it should be versatile, durable, useful, and fit the space it will be used in. We have tested countless of today’s best options, putting them through heavy squats, bench presses, pull-ups (when applicable), and a number of other exercises.
Based upon our use, experience, and community input, we’ve compiled the best power rack, half rack, squat stand, and fold-away squat rack for most people—including recommendations for various budgets.
- Hole size and spacing: The size and spacing of your rack holes will determine what attachments can be used with the rack. The two most common sizes are 5/8″ and 2/3″ and most holes are spaced 1-inch apart.
- Size: How big is the rack? Is it tall enough that taller people can do pull-ups on it (if it has a pull-up bar)?
- Construction and durability: What gauge steel of is it made of? Is it corrosion-resistant?
The Top 12 Squat Racks for Your Home Gym
Compare Side By Side
REP PR-4000 Rack | Major Fitness Power Rack | Force USA Power Rack | TItan T-3 Squat Stand | GIANT Lifting Wall Rack | BoS Hydra Power Rack | PRx Profile Folding Rack | Fringe Squat Rack | Eleiko Prestera | Fitness Reality Squat Rack | Rogue HR-2 | Body-Solid Power Rack | |
Rating Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers and coaches, use a multi-point testing methodology to determine average ratings out of 5 stars. | ||||||||||||
Capacity | 1,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs | 450 lbs. | Not disclosed | 800 lbs | Not disclosed | 1000 lbs |
Upright Size | 3″ x 3″ 11-gauge | 2″ x 3″ 14-gauge | 2.4″ x 2.4″ 12-gauge | 2″ x 3″ 11-gauge | 3″ x 3″ 11-gauge | 3″ x 3″ 11-gauge | 2″ x 3″ 11-gauge | 2″ x 3″ 12-gauge | 70 mm x 70 mm | Not disclosed | 3″ x 3″ 11-gauge | 3” x 3” 11-gauge |
Pull-up Bar? | — | — | ||||||||||
Dimensions | 41″ L x 51″ W x 93″ H max | 67″ L x 63″ W x 84″ H | 55″ L x 47″ W x 87″ H | 36” D x 42” W x 91” H max | 24″ L x 48″ W x 92″ H | Customizable | 40″ L x 52″ W x 89″ H | 54″ L x 47″ W x 91″ H | Varies | 50″ L x 46″ W x 83″ H | 49″ L x 48″ W x 110″ H max | 53” L x 52” W x 79” H |
Hole Size | 5/8″ | 1″ | 5/8″ | 11/16″ | 1″ | 5/8″ | 5/8″ | 5/8″ | 25 mm | 1″ | 5/8″ | 5/8″ |
Warranty | Limited lifetime | 1 year | Limited lifetime | 1 year | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | 10 years | 1 year | Welds/frame: 10 years, rubber parts: 2 years | 1 year | Limited lifetime | Lifetime |
Best Squat Rack Overall: REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack
Best Squat Rack Overall
REP PR-4000 Power Rack
Product Highlights
- Heavy duty 11-gauge steel
- 3″ x 3″ uprights
- Rated for 1,000 lbs
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable, high-quality rack
- Several color options available
- Laser-cut holes and logos
- Uprights are numbered every 5 holes
- Westside hole spacing
- Can be built out to include weight storage, pull-up bar, strap safeties, etc.
- 3×3-inch 11-gauge steel
Cons
- Accessories for the PR-4000 and PR-5000 racks aren’t as good as the competition
- Some of the welds and powder coating aren’t up to par
Bottom Line
The Rep Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack is honestly one of the best value power racks on the market. This rack has garnered excellent reviews from us and others and it's largely due to how great it's features are for the price point. This is still a pretty expensive rack for those on a tight budget and trying to build a home gym, but this is the type of rack you never have to upgrade. Is it better than the Rogue Monster Lite? No, but it is cheaper and very similar quality, although it is imported. We are big fans of the PR-4000 and recommend it.
Best Power Rack: Major Fitness Power Rack
Good for: Those looking for a high-value and customizable power rack at a good price
Best Power Rack
Major Fitness PLM03 Multi-Functional Power Rack
Product Highlights
- Power rack that includes various attachments
- Cable crossover has max capacity of 300 lbs
- Safety bars support 700 lbs
- 15 adjustable holes along uprights
- Steel shaft pulley
- Comes in red, black, or white
- Comes with cable bar, pin and pipe safety set, J-hooks, landmine, dip bars, T-bar, lat bar attachment, band pegs, and an extra standard barbell holder
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lots of attachments included
- Precision laser cutting and robotic welding for accuracy
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- 14-gauge steel may not be strong enough for powerlifters
- Some reviews reported minor scratches from shipping
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly home gym in the form of a power rack, the Major Fitness PLM03 is a viable option. At under $1,000, this power rack includes a cable crossover as well as various other attachments, allowing this rack to be a compact all-in-one gym. The 14-gauge steel may be too weak for loads from an elite powerlifter, but the power rack should hold up for most consumers.
Best Budget Squat Rack: Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
Best Budget Squat Rack
Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
Product Highlights
- Extremely versatile
- Use freestanding or bolted
- 100% customizable
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Modular and extremely versatile
- Performs well after yeas or use
- Easy online buying process
- Price point on the rack is pretty competitive
- Westside hole spacing
- Features a cable crossover attachment.
- Bar storage built-in
- Numbered uprights
Cons
- Thinner uprights with 12-gauge steel
- Attachments use inferior materials
- Powder coat leaves much to be desired
- Numbers on uprights may fade
Bottom Line
The Force USA MyRack is a modular power rack that features every attachment you can think of in a compact rack designed for a home gym. After using and reviewing the rack over the past two years, we stand behind our initial assessment that it's a good option for those that want a rack with a lot of attachments for not a lot of money. It's not the best rack on the market by any means, but it is a novel solution at an affordable price.
Best Squat Stand: Titan Fitness T-3 Series Squat Stand
Good for: Those looking for a high-quality, free-standing squat rack
Best Squat Stand
Titan Fitness T-3 Series Squat Stand
Product Highlights
- Four options available
- Can be converted into a half rack
- 11-gauge steel
- 1,000-pound weight capacity
- Free shipping
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good price
- 1,000-pound weight capacity
- Powder coat finish
- Westside hole spacing through bench zone
- Rubber feet to protect flooring
Cons
- Uprights are not numbered
Bottom Line
The Titan Fitness T-3 Series Squat Stand is perfect for those tight on space or money who still want a durable and high-quality squat stand.
Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces: Giant Lifting Wall Rack
Good for: People in small spaces looking for an affordable power rack
Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces
GIANT Lifting Wall Rack
Product Highlights
- Foldable
- 1,000-pound weight capacity
- Adjustable pull-up bar
- 11-gauge steel
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Foldable
- 1,000-pound weight capacity
- Adjustable pull-up bar
- Made with durable steel
- Mounting hardware included
Cons
- Needs to be bolted
Bottom Line
The Giant Wall Rack is a foldable squat rack for those with smaller garages or those who want to reclaim some floor space.
Best Squat Rack With Pull-Up Bar: Bells of Steel Hydra Rack
Good for: Home gym owners looking for a high-quality rack at a good price that comes with a pull-up bar
Best Squat Rack With Pull-Up Bar
Bells of Steel Hydra 4-Post Power Rack
Product Highlights
- Fully customizable
- Free shipping and 30-day money back guarantee
- 3″ x 3″ 11-gauge steel
- Limited lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fully customizable
- 3" x 3" 11-gauge steel
- Choose your own height and depth
- 5/8" holes with 1" and 2" spacing
- Compatible with a number of attachments
- Free shipping
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Add-ons quickly increase price
- Only attachments made precisely for 76.2mm x 76.2mm uprights will fit
- Assembly may be challenging to do alone
Bottom Line
The Hydra Rack is a great option for home gym owners looking for a fully customizable rack from a trusted brand.
Best Foldable Squat Rack: PRx Performance Profile Rack
Best Foldable Squat Rack
PRx Profile Squat Rack
Product Highlights
- Folds to save space
- Easy folding with hydraulics
- Ability to add a kipping bar
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hydraulic system folds rack
- Incredibly easy and convenient to use in a garage
- Durable at upward of 600 pounds
- Option to add a kipping pull-up bar
Cons
- Priced around $900
- Uses 2-inch x 3-inch steel
- 3×3 steel only available on upgraded product
Bottom Line
The PRx Performance Profile Rack is a great option for those looking for a space-saving option that is easy to use.
Best Squat Rack for Beginners: Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar
Good for: Those looking for a basic squat rack at an extremely affordable price
Best Squat Rack for Beginners
Fringe Sport Squat Rack with Pullup Bar
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Priced under $300
- Accessories more affordable than those from other brands
- Free shipping
- Comes with a pull-up bar
- Great customer service
Cons
- 2-in x 3-in 12-gauge steel
- Spotter arms sold separately
- One-year warranty
Bottom Line
This is an affordably priced power cage that comes with a pull-up bar.
Best Customizable Squat Rack: Eleiko Prestera Rack
Good for: Those wanting to customize the ideal rack and ecosystem for their gym space
Best Customizable Rack
Eleiko Prestera Rack
Product Highlights
- Fully customizable rack and attachment ecosystem
- Can build off of rack build with platforms, cable systems, and more attachments
- Available in powder-coat finish or stainless steel
- 3-mm thick steel used
- 70mm x 70mm uprights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Can be fully customized to fit your space and needs
- Quality build
- Stainless steel or powder-coat finishes
- Option to add platform, cable system, and other attachments
- Customizable colors
Cons
- Not a common upright size
- Expensive
Bottom Line
Eleiko markets their Prestera racks not as a power rack, but as a modular strength system, due to the seemingly limitless customization options available to you. Starting with a power rack, half rack, or other setup, you can then add platforms, cable pulleys, storage shelving, and other attachments to fit your fitness goals, needs, and floor space. Although it can get pricey, the Eleiko Prestera can be built out for personal or commercial use.
Best Squat Rack on Amazon: Fitness Reality 810XLT
Good for: Folks looking for reliable shipping and an affordable price tag
Best on Amazon
Fitness Reality 810XLT Squat Rack
Product Highlights
- Rated for 800 lbs
- Comes with weight storage, landmine attachment, and spotter arms
- Priced under $300
- 1-year warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact
- Comes with a number of attachments
- Extra long spotter arms included
- Fairly sturdy
- Has a pull-up bar
Cons
- Short 1-year warranty
- Rated for 800 lbs
Bottom Line
The Fitness Reality 810XLT Power Rack is a good option for those looking for an affordable, durable squat stand with lots of extra attachments included.
Best Half Rack: Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
Good for: Anyone looking for the best squat rack under $1,000
Best Half Rack
Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
Product Highlights
- Great storage capacity
- No need to bolt down
- Has a pull-up bar
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground
- Extremely stable
- Customizable height options
- Has a single “skinny” pull-up bar
- Priced around $800
Cons
- Base is made of weaker steel
- Pin safeties cost extra
Bottom Line
The Rogue HR-2 Half Rack is one of Rogue's best-reviewed squat racks. It's a great rack that can fit anywhere, doesn't have to be bolted down, is still very stable, and has a majority of the abilities of a more expensive and bulkier rack like the ever-popular Rogue R-3 Power Rack.
Most Stable Squat Rack: Body-Solid GPR400
Good for: Anyone looking for a stable squat rack on the shorter side
Most Stable
Body-Solid GPR400 Power Rack
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Include safeties and J-cups
- Fits in basements and low ceilings
- Budget-conscious
- Heavy duty 11-gauge steel
Cons
- No numbers on holes
- Cable attachments sold separately
Bottom Line
The Body-Solid power rack is an affordable 4-post rack for anyone concerned about ceiling height. This rack stands 79″ tall and will work for most home gyms and basement gyms.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Squat Racks
Here are a few of the criteria we used to narrow down our picks for the best squat racks.
Stability
Could the squat rack remain stable in use, and when heavy amounts of weight were placed on it? If not, it was a no-go in our book (for obvious reasons).
Versatility
We wanted to look at how many attachments each rack could work with, whether it had any additional features (such as a pull-up bar), and how many different strength training routines it could be used for (weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, etc.).
Price
We wanted to offer a mix of high-end racks, as well as budget-friendly options that still performed very well.
Space
A squat rack is going to take up a good amount of space, but it should still allow you to walk comfortably around your home gym and leave room for other equipment. Others will be able to fold away to save floor space when not in use.
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Quality
The squat rack is sort of like the Thanksgiving turkey, and in both cases only the highest quality will do. This means finding squat racks that are not only durable but also look good and won’t chip easily.
Benefits of Using a Squat Rack
Squats are one of the best exercises you can do for overall strength and power building. A dumbbell squat is great, but a barbell squat and other barbell exercises can be even better. However, a squat rack is used for much more than simply squats. And there are a number of reasons to consider buying a squat rack:
Safety
Above all, my favorite thing about quality squat racks is that they help make exercise safe. When lifters are moving hundreds of pounds, whether they are new or veterans, it’s imperative to be safe. Doing bench press or squats alone could leave you in a bad spot if you fail a lift. A squat rack with safety bars keeps the weight from crushing you—literally.
Versatility
It’s called a squat rack, but you can perform a large number of exercises just with the uprights and J-hooks: front squats, back squats, overhead squats, overhead presses, bench press, weighted good mornings, just to name a few.
However, some of the top squat racks on the market have a large number of attachments to add even more exercises. There are dip bars, cable attachments, land mines, lat pulldown add-ons, pulley systems, and more. Your power rack could essentially be a complete home gym if you are willing to spend the money.
Adjustability
For nearly every human being, there is a setting on most squat racks that should work for you. The holes in the uprights house the J-hooks, which are adjustable for your height. Therefore, you can put your Olympic barbell at whatever height you need. Some squat racks actually have uprights that feature adjustable heights, though these aren’t typically as sturdy.
Gains
Let’s face it: You’re looking at buying a squat rack because you want to get stronger and increase power, as shown in a 2013 study1. You can safely add more weight to the bar when it’s racked because of common sense. If you have to pull a bar off the floor, clean it to your shoulders and then put it on your back, you won’t be able to have as much on the bar as if you have to simply take it off the rack.
What To Look For in a Squat Rack
Some of the best power racks can cost in the thousands-of-dollars range. So spend your money wisely by factoring in the following:
Style
Do you need a power rack (which is like a cage), a half rack, a squat stand, or a rack that folds? Each style has its benefits.
Power Rack
For most people, the best squat rack type I suggest is the power rack, thanks to its availability, versatility, and most importantly, its inherent safety features. The power rack, also known as the power cage, is our most often recommended squat rack. It sort of looks like a big box you stand inside when lifting the barbell. But those four posts make it the safest option, as well as giving it the most versatility.
Half Rack
A half rack is essential, as the name suggests, half a power rack. Despite the half-rack being less safe than a full power rack, it’s still extremely popular due to its open nature, lower price, and space-saving ability. Also, the half-rack still has a higher level of safety than, say, a squat stand. I’ve used and tested many different half racks at all different price points.
Squat Stand
Squat stands are free-standing squat racks that don’t necessarily need to be bolted to a wall or the floor (though in some cases, it may be recommended).
Although squat stands have been around for a while, in recent years they’ve begun getting quite popular thanks to their increased instability and addition of a pull-up bar. There are many squat stands available, but we’ve found this particular product category to be fraught with ultra-cheap products that are unsafe and not enjoyable to use.
Fold-Away Squat Racks
Fold-away squat racks are a newer type of squat rack that has cropped up due to the large number of people starting garage gyms. In most cases, they’re as sturdy, if not sturdier than power racks. Although they often only have two posts, they have a lot of customization options available and there’s a variety of different ways that the rack fold-away. All of this said the most legitimate reason to have a fold-away rack is that you want to park your car in the garage.
Weight Capacity
Look, most of us are only going to have a few hundred pounds on the rack at one time. And most racks are weighted for 500+ pounds. But, if you’re superhuman, you can find racks out there that are weighted for upwards of 1,000 to 2,000 pounds. Also, if you do lift heavy, even if you don’t lift THAT heavy, you might like the peace of mind knowing that the rack won’t wobble when you’re unracking or re-racking the weight.
Safety Features
I think I’ve said safety about a billion times already in this article. But I’ll say it again: SAFETY. If a rack doesn’t come with an option for safety bars, pins, or straps of some sort, I have to question its safety. And your sanity.
Injuries are avoidable if you use the safety features, so take advantage of them! Most racks will charge you extra for the safety mechanisms, but I’m willing to bet that they are far cheaper than a hospital bill for a mistake made during bench pressing.
Price
Racks can be just a few hundred dollars or upward of $2,000. You can easily find budget options, but keep in mind that something incredibly affordable is also probably not the highest quality. I don’t recommend many racks for under $300 for that reason.
And, of course, the price of your rack will go up with the more attachments you want to add to it. Many racks can multi-function as a home gym once you start putting the add-ons in your cart. I recommend setting a budget ahead of time before getting lost in the accessories.
Footprint and Portability
Power racks tend to take up a considerable amount of space, both on the floor as well as floor-to-ceiling. Your typical power rack – which is like a cage, for lack of a better description – will be around 4 feet by 4 feet. That’s 16 square feet of real estate on your garage floor. Half racks and squat stands will take up even less room, and a foldable rack will literally fold into your wall.
Also, consider that the bigger racks should be either mounted to the wall or bolted to the floor, so those aren’t moving at all. If you have a platform for deadlifts or the Olympic lifts, you may want to position the rack in conjunction with the wood. A squat stand, however, might be more portable.
Construction
In the world of heavy-duty squat racks, 11-gauge steel is pretty much the standard. Now, that’s a heck of a lot stronger than most of us really need from the metal on a squat stand, but your best racks are going to use it. You can still have a perfectly good rack that uses 12-gauge or higher (which is actually lower-grade steel). But if you’re looking at durability, 11-gauge is a good place to starting place for heavy-duty steel.
There are some other specifics to get into, like the hole spacing. Industry-standard is Westside hole spacing, which means that near the bottom of the rack, the holes are closer together (25mm) and near the top of the rack, the holes are spaced about 50mm apart.
Also consider that some racks have the holes numbered, either through etching in the steel or with stickers. This is incredibly convenient when it comes to placing the J-hooks for squats or bench, as well as placing safety pins or other attachments.
Attachments
The list here is pretty endless, but I’ll give it a shot. Most notable brands offer some sort of power rack attachment, so your rack doubles as, well, just about anything else. You can find attachments or add-ons for:
- Dip stations
- Cable attachments
- Landmines
- Lat pulldowns
- Flywheels (yes, flywheels)
- Various pull-up bars, like multi-grip pull-up bars
- Band pegs
- Utility seats
- Gymnastics rings
Storage
If you’re using a barbell, you’re using weight plates. Maybe even bands and chains and all the fun extras that add variety in your strength training. Some rack stands come with weight storage options, both for plates and your barbells.
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Squat Rack Buying Guide Video Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a squat rack worth it?
If you’re powerlifting, weightlifting, or just straight-up want to move some weights, then yes, a rack is worth it. It offers safety, versatility, functionality, and straight-up allows you to lift some major pounds. As I always say, however, it only works if you use it, and it’s definitely only worth it if you plan on using it.
What is the best squat rack for home?
The best squat rack is the one you use. I love the REP Fitness and Rogue rack options more than most. Titan Fitness offers some great products at a cheaper price, but they aren’t the quality of Rogue or REP.
How much should I spend on a squat rack?
This is very much a personal preference. Some choose to buy $1,000 racks while others make their own. The biggest suggestion I can give is to buy the best you can afford. A squat rack is, by nature, a long-lasting piece of equipment, and it offers a lot of functionality.
Ideally, you’d be able to buy a squat rack and never have to upgrade, unless you wanted to. So, buy what you can afford, and don’t forget that a squat rack alone will not make you stronger, using it will.
Rogue Fitness vs Titan Fitness?
I get asked to make this comparison quite a bit. I certainly prefer the quality, customer service, resale value, and overall build that comes with Rogue fitness equipment. However, Titan is much cheaper in most instances and as such is a popular option. In my opinion, I think Rogue is superior. Titan is honestly good enough for most people.
If a squat rack is cheap, does that mean it’s unsafe?
Not necessarily. Racks have been getting cheaper and cheaper over the years due to the number of buyers. These more affordable racks still have a steel frame, and many still come with the attachments I like, like safety catches and pull-up bars.
A cheap rack does not automatically equate to it being an unsafe or “bad” rack. However, in most cases, the more you spend, the safer and “better” a rack will be.
References
- Takai, Y., Fukunaga, Y., Fujita, E., Mori, H., Yoshimoto, T., Yamamoto, M., & Kanehisa, H. (2013). Effects of body mass-based squat training in adolescent boys. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 12(1), 60–65.
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