If you want to increase the versatility of your home gym with just a single piece of fitness equipment, look no further than the best squat rack. Despite its name, squat racks can be used for much more than squatting—you can perform a variety of lifts like bench presses, shoulder raises, deadlifts, and a whole lot more to build muscle and increase strength. So, whether you're into CrossFit, Olympic lifting, or weightlifting, investing in the best squat rack can help upgrade your home gym and take your workouts to the next level.
And luckily for you, we researched some of the best squat racks out there to help you save on time. Many of our top picks are affordable and compact, so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank or being tight on space.
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Best Squat Racks - Our Top Picks
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- Editor's Pick: Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
- Best Power Rack: REP Fitness PR-1000
- Best Squat Rack for the Money: Sunny Health & Fitness Squat Stand
- Best Folding Squat Rack: Titan X-3 Series Folding Power Rack
- Best Squat Stand: SML-1 Rogue 70" Monster Lite Squat Stand
- Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces: Weider Platinum Squat Rack
- Best Half Rack: Sunny Health & Fitness Half Rack
- Best Squat Rack for Home Gym: BalanceFrom Power Cage
Editor's Pick - Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
- Key feature(s): Affordable, Westside spacing
- Working dimensions: 47"L x 55"W x 87"H
- Construction: 12-gauge steel, 2.4" uprights, and 10-gauge support brackets
- Included accessories: N/A
- Warranty: Lifetime structural warranty
As one of the most affordable and customizable squat racks on the market, it's easy to see why the Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack tops the list. It's sturdy, has a weight capacity of over 2,000 pounds, and is highly customizable: Pick from over 20 different attachments for endless training options. You can add everything from dip handles to cable cross-over attachments (for an extra cost) if you're looking to get the most out of your squat rack and maximize your at-home training.
Another pro? The Modular Power Rack is designed to accommodate whatever space you're working with thanks to its low-ceiling construction. Whether you're using it in a basement, room, or garage with low ceilings, the Modular Rack is made to fit. You also have the option to use it as a freestanding structure or bolt it to the floor for more stability. And while squat racks priced at less than $400 can sometimes lack durability, the heavy-duty steel uprights on the Modular Power Rack create a structure built to last. It also has lower and upper braces that promote stability when racking and re-racking weight.
Not only that, but this rack's Westside spacing allows for accurate safety bar positioning when performing lifts like the bench press and enables you to position the safety bars at the right height so that they don't limit your movements. That means you can lift safer and heavier, all while enjoying your power rack for years to come.
What We Like:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Can fit in smaller spaces; compact design
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Uses Westside spacing
- High weight capacity
What We Don’t Like:
- Accessories sold separately
- Because manufacturer states bolting not necessary, might create some instability; we recommend bolting it into ground
BUY: Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
Best Power Rack - REP Fitness PR-1000
- Key feature(s): Compact, sturdy
- Working dimensions: 47"x 55"W x 83"H
- Construction: 12-gauge steel, 2.4" uprights, and 10-gauge support brackets
- Included accessories: Dual pull-up bars, J-cups, extended safeties, and base weight storage
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Power racks are one of the most popular types of squat racks due to their stability, safety, and overall sturdiness. The REP Fitness PR-1000 Power Rack is no exception and comes with dual pull-up bars and J-cups for added adjustability and convenience. For powerlifters or those pushing themselves to lift heavier, you have the option to add plates to the weight storage pegs on the back of the rack for increased stability. It can also hold up to 700 pounds of weight, which should be enough for even the most Herculean of weightlifters.
Home gym enthusiasts will also appreciate its height: At just 83 inches tall, you won't have to worry about it hitting the ceiling of your basement or garage. Plus, the REP Fitness Power Rack comes with numbered uprights, allowing for quick adjustments during your lift. Extend the safeties if you care to rack your barbell there or want more flexibility in where you can re-rack when performing bench presses or squats.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Includes numbered uprights
- Safe, durable construction
- Rack comes with pull-up bars and J-cups
What We Don’t Like
- Only uses 12-gauge steel, not as sturdy as other options
BUY: REP Fitness PR-1000 Power Rack
Best Squat Rack for the Money - Sunny Health & Fitness Squat Stand
- Key feature(s): Lightweight, versatile
- Working dimensions: 38"L x 53"W x 87"H
- Construction: Heavy-duty steel, powder-coated finish
- Included accessories: Angled pull-up bar, spotter arms, Olympic plate storage
- Warranty: 1-year structural frame, 180-day other parts and components
For those who are shopping on a budget, the $349 Sunny Health & Fitness Squat Stand provides the best value. This is not a case where paying less money gives you lower quality—it's a high-quality, heavy-duty steel rack. Reviewers love its durability and stability, as well as its compact footprint.
The Sunny Health & Fitness stand is also incredibly versatile; you can choose between 8 different settings on the raised pull-up bar and 6 exercise band attachment points. You can also store your plates on the back of the rack for easy access. All these features increase its value for those looking to get the most out of their rack.
What We Like
- Comes with a variety of attachment points and settings on the pull-up bar
- Includes plate storage
- Very affordable; less than $300
- Includes spotter arms which makes for a safer lifting experience
What We Don’t Like
- We would’ve preferred a more robust warranty
BUY: Sunny Health & Fitness Squat Stand
Best Folding Squat Rack - Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack
- Key feature: Space-saver, Westside spacing
- Working dimensions: 21.5"L x 48"W x 80"H or 41.5"L x 48"W x 90"H
- Construction: 11-gauge steel, 3" uprights, powder-coated finish
- Included accessories: Adjustable pull-up bar, J-hooks
- Warranty: 1-year structural frame, 180-day other parts and components
For some, space is sometimes a bigger obstacle than price when designing their home gym. To that end, a foldable rack like the Titan X-3 Series Folding Power Rack from Titan Fitness is a smart choice. Customers can choose different height options (80 inches or 90 inches) and depth (21.5 inches or 41.5 inches) to give them the best pick for their space. Whichever option you decide on, you'll be able to easily collapse it when it's not in use for space-saving purposes in your home/garage gym. And while the Titan X-Series Folding Power Rack does need to be mounted to the wall, it only lies about 5 inches from the wall when folded, making for a compact structure.
When in use, the Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack is a sturdy and reliable squat rack with a 1,100-pound weight capacity, making it a great purchase for lifters of all fitness levels.
What We Like
- Like the name suggests, great for saving space
- Comes with Westside spacing
- Option to choose between different heights
- Comes with accessories
What We Don’t Like
- Short warranty
BUY: Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack
Best Squat Stand - SML-1 Rogue 70" Monster Lite Squat Stand
- Key feature: High-quality stand for a low price
- Working dimensions: 48"L x 49"W x 72"W
- Construction: 3x3" 11-gauge steel uprights, 2x3" 11-guage steel bases
- Included accessories: One pair of J-cups with protective UHMW plastic inserts
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
For dedicated weightlifters, the Rogue 70" Monster Lite Squat Stand from Rogue Fitness is a great addition to any home gym. Not only is it compact compared to most other squat stands, at 72 inches high with a 48-inch by 49-inch footprint, but it's also incredibly easy to put together. The only downside is you can't do kipping pull-ups on it, but if that's something you can live without, this is the best squat stand for you.
The Rogue 70" Monster Lite Squat Stand has a 1,000-pound weight capacity, and it includes an updated base with rubber feet for added stability and floor protection. Plus, it's the most compact model of the Monster Lite Squat Stands, fitting easily into your home or garage gym. Keep in mind, however, that it can't fold away like other options on this list. At $415, it's an affordable option for those looking for a top-tier piece of workout equipment.
What We Like
- Comes with lifetime warranty
- Hybrid construction that combines durable, steel uprights with Westside spacing
- Easy to set up
- Has a supportive, grippy base
What We Don’t Like
- Because it’s a squat stand, it’s considerably smaller than a traditional squat rack
BUY: Rogue 70" Monster Lite Squat Stand
Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces - Weider Platinum Squat Rack
- Key feature(s): Compact, affordable
- Working dimensions: 32.5"L x 49.5"W x 63"H
- Construction: Independent squat rack with adjustable uprights and safety spotters
- Included accessories: 30-day iFit membership, adjustable safety spotters
- Warranty: 90-day parts and labor warranty
If you're looking to maximize your training with a rack that takes up as little space as possible, the Weider Platinum Squat Rack is worth a second look. Ideal for home gym use, this durable steel squat rack provides a safe and stable lifting area. It can support up to 310 pounds of Olympic weight and is suitable for squats, rack pulls, deadlifts, and other compound exercises. It even comes with a free 30-day trial iFit membership to take your workouts to the next level.
For a compact rack, it packs a lot of punch into its smaller design. Plus, the adjustable safety spotters help keep you safe when lifting on your own at home. Priced under $200, it's also a great choice for budget shoppers.
What We Like:
- Compact design
- Super affordable
- Relatively easy assembly
- Comes with accessories and a 30-day iFit membership
- Includes safety spotters
What We Don’t Like:
- Short warranty
BUY: Weider Platinum Squat Rack
Best Half Rack - Sunny Health & Fitness Half Rack
- Key feature(s): Customizable, sturdy
- Working dimensions: 64"L x 50"W x 87"H
- Construction: Heavy duty steel
- Included accessories: 3-tier angled pull-up bar
- Warranty: 1-year structural frame, 180-day other parts and components
A half rack can provide many advantages over a full rack, with one of the main ones being the ability to do more overhead barbell movements and Olympic movements—not to mention they save on space. The Sunny Health & Fitness Half Rack is the best half rack pick for people looking to perform overhead presses, in addition to typical movements like squats and bench presses. Taller home gym enthusiasts may also like the customizable height options for the angled pull-up bar.
Half racks are typically not as secure as their full-rack counterparts, but the Sunny Health & Fitness Half Rack doesn't have that problem with a 1,000-pound weight capacity. Reviewers love that it doesn't wobble when performing pull-ups, but if you'd like additional peace of mind you can bolt the rack into the ground for added stability.
What We Like
- Customizable height options
- Includes angled pull-up bar
- Very sturdy, durable construction
- J-hooks can be adjusted
- Includes pegs near base for resistance bands
What We Don’t Like
- One of the pricier options on our list
- Short warranty
BUY: Sunny Health & Fitness Half Rack
Best Squat Rack for Home Gym - BalanceFrom Power Rack
- Key feature: Affordable
- Working dimensions: 50"L x 46"W x 82"H
- Construction: Steel construction with an H-shape base
- Included accessories: Pull-up bar, J-cups, plate holders
- Warranty: N/A
A squat rack is oftentimes the first piece of equipment fitness enthusiasts invest in for their home gym. You might not want to completely blow your budget if you plan on adding accessories or other machines. In that case, the BalanceForm Power Rack is an affordable option that offers all the basics necessary for a powerful home workout.
It comes equipped with a pull-up bar and plate storage, so you can easily access extra weight when pushing yourself to higher PRs. And a heavy-duty, steel construction ensures sturdiness and stability no matter how much weight you're pushing. With a 500-pound weight capacity, even the most experienced of lifters can challenge themselves on the BalanceForm Power Rack. Plus, it's priced at just under $300, leaving room in the budget for accessories.
What We Like
- Includes plate storage and pull-up bar
- Affordable
- Basic design works well for beginners
- H-shaped base creates a more balanced, secure frame
What We Don’t Like
- Lowest weight capacity on this list
Benefits of a Squat Rack
Whether you're a novice in the gym or a seasoned pro, barbell squats are an essential exercise for building strength and overall fitness. A squat rack can help take your training to the next level, in more ways than one. But that's not all they're good for—below are some reasons why you need a squat rack in your home gym.
Safety
One of the main pros to using a rack is they help make your squat safer. Chances are, you're not always going to have a spotter around to help catch the bar when performing compound lifts like a bench press or squats. Failing a lift can become hazardous if you don't have a structure in place to re-rack the barbell. Safety bars on a squat rack ensure you can push yourself on weight without injuring yourself.
Adjustability
Squat racks allow you to find a setting that works for your specific height. By moving the J-hooks (or the hooks that support the barbell) higher or lower in the uprights, you can adjust the height of your barbell to whichever level you need.
Heavier Lifting
Without a squat rack, the amount of weight you can load onto the barbell is limited. If you're performing barbell exercises sans rack, you have to pull the barbell from the floor, clean it over your shoulders and load it onto your traps. This becomes significantly more difficult and dangerous as you increase your weight. A squat rack allows you to increase your weight tenfold because you can just take it off the rack.
Types of Squat Racks
Power Rack vs. Squat Rack
Though similar, power racks and squat racks have differences. Squat racks are generally used solely for squat variations and bench presses, while power racks can also be used for pull-ups and other bodyweight movements thanks to landmine, cable, and dip bar attachments.
Power racks, sometimes called full racks or power cages, are also enclosed and have four towers, making them more stable than half racks but less space friendly. They have wide bases and can come with pull-up bars and more adjustability. Another major benefit to this style is safety: The four posts that make up a power rack help increase the amount of weight it can hold because it's a sturdier structure overall.
Power racks include ample space for plate storage and are typically bigger than squat racks. It’s important to note that this added size comes with a higher price tag. Consider your needs and available space before choosing the best option for your home gym.
Half Rack
Half racks, like squat stands, have two towers and are open to allow for more overhead movements, so your barbell won't hit anything as you press. Because it's essentially half the size of a power rack, it can also save you some space. And while it's not considered as safe as a power rack, half racks are still considered safer than other styles.
Squat Stand
A squat stand, which may sometimes be called a rack stand, is a great option for someone who's learning the basics of strength training or just needs to perform the basic weightlifting movements (bench press, squats, overhead presses, barbell lunges, etc.). It consists of two free-standing towers with different adjustment options, connected by a stand at the bottom for stability. Nothing fancy, and there's little to no plate storage, but it gets the job done.
Fold-Away Squat Racks
Fold-away squat racks are a newer option that's hit the market but can work well for those looking to build out their home gym. As the name suggests, this style can be folded away (typically in more ways than one), which is ideal if your home gym space doubles as a garage. These racks have two posts, but thanks to the flexibility of their design, they also typically come with plenty of customization options. And just because this style can fold up doesn't make it any less sturdy than other types—oftentimes, these squat racks are just as durable as power racks.
What to Look for in the Best Squat Rack
Not all squat racks or power cages are created the same, and what's good for one home gym might not be the best for another. Here are a few things to consider when looking to purchase the best squat rack for your personal needs.
Training Needs
You should first consider what your training needs are. This will dictate the type of squat rack you'll need, as well as other key components like size and versatility. If you're looking to maximize your training with a squat rack by using it to hit as many exercises as possible, you may need a more versatile piece of equipment. But if you already own, or are planning on purchasing, other pieces of weight training equipment, versatility might not be as much of a concern.
Weight Capacity
Most squat racks are built to withstand at least 500 pounds, which should be enough for most lifters. Some racks can be made to support upwards of 1,000 pounds. This might be a better option for you if you're a powerlifter, or just someone who lifts heavy and doesn't want to feel any unsteadiness in the structure when racking and unracking your weight.
Versatility
If you're going to spend a couple of hundred dollars on the best squat rack you can find, you want to ensure you're getting good value for your money. Many squat racks can be adjustable to accompany parts like landmines, additional barbells, and resistance band pegs, and while some may come with those features already included, you'll want to make sure you don't have to pay extra if that's something you're looking for.
A pull-up bar is an easy way to add more functionality to your squat rack if you have the ceiling space to safely perform the movement. At the very least, you should look for J-cups or J-hooks, safety pins, safety catches, or safety bars to hold your barbells while squatting or bench pressing.
Although it's not a necessity, having westside hole spacing could help improve the functionality of a squat rack, especially for dedicated weightlifters.
Price
Squat racks can range in price anywhere from as cheap as $300 to as expensive as $2,000.
If you're on a budget, there are plenty of options that are still high-quality and durable. However, keep in mind that a lower price point typically translates to lower quality, which is something you don't want when handling heavy weights. Anything under $200 probably can't be trusted, so bear that in mind when browsing more affordable options.
Also, remember that the more attachments you add to a rack, the higher the price will be. Attachments are useful if you want to get as much function as possible out of your rack. That's why it's helpful to know your budget before you start shopping, so you don't get carried away with accessories.
Stability and Durability
You'll be lifting heavy weights inside your squat rack, a lot more than if you've just been training with dumbbells, so it makes sense you'll want to find one that provides ample stability and weight capacity. Look for a squat rack with a heavy-duty, high-quality steel base that won't wobble as you perform your movements. Search for reviews on the manufacturers' websites to see what prior customers had to say about the squat rack's stability before purchasing.
Some squat racks also come with floor-bolting options, though that's not always desirable from an aesthetic standpoint and especially not if you need one that can be moved out of the way when needed.
While our picks are affordable compared to other home gym equipment choices out there, you'll still want to make sure you find a squat rack with durability to ensure your investment lasts a while. Look for high-quality steel frames that will last you at least a couple of years.
Footprint
The footprint of your squat rack will depend on how much space you have to dedicate to it, but generally, you'll want to find one that can fit comfortably with enough space to move around. You don't want to be snug inside of it, but you also don't want one that's going to take up half your home gym.
You should also make sure you can fit any additional features you might want, such as a weight bench, plate storage, dip bars, or any other piece of equipment you feel is necessary.
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FAQs About Squat Racks
Is a squat rack worth it?
This all depends on what your goals and training needs are, the worst thing you can do is buy a bulky piece of equipment and let it collect dust. If you're wanting to build strength and power in a home gym, weight training on a squat rack can be a great way to accomplish that. Not only that, but squat racks offer more versatility and safety for weightlifting than any other piece of home gym equipment.
How much should I spend on a squat rack?
The amount you should spend will differ from person to person. Some people can make do with a more affordable, basic squat rack that gets the job done, while others may want a pricier rack with ample customization. The most important factor to keep in mind is your personal budget, and find something within your budget that you know you'll get a ton of use out of. Squat racks last a long time, so be sure to purchase a rack you can afford and like so that you get the most out of your purchase.
How do I know which squat rack is right for me?
The right squat rack for you depends on several factors like your specific training goals, the amount of space you have to work with, and how much you're willing to spend. Those looking for a more affordable, compact option might be satisfied with a foldable rack or a half rack, while those with a little more space may prefer a sturdy power rack. It also depends on whether accessories matter to you—some racks already come equipped with accessories or offer numerous customization options.
Are squat racks safe?
As long as you make sure your squat rack is installed correctly, squat racks are generally safe. Make sure you read details from the manufacturer on weight capacity as well as mounting instructions so that you know you’re using the rack in the safest way possible. You can also add accessories like safety bars for greater assurance.
What can I use instead of a squat rack?
If a squat rack is too intimidating or simply too expensive, have no fear—there are plenty of alternatives when it comes to equipment. Pick up a pair of dumbbells or kettlebells and you can perform many of the same movements that you can with a squat rack like squats, deadlifts, and lunges. Granted, the weight won’t be supported by your back, but you can still get a quality lift in.