Get expert recommendations for buying the best squat racks on the market, along with the benefits of using one and expert buying tips.
When you picture a commercial gym, one piece of equipment you’re likely to envision is a squat rack—even if you don’t know its name. These weight machines tend to be ubiquitous in professional workout settings, and for good reason: They’re designed to help you safely do a variety of heavyweight exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
This versatility makes them a great option for smaller personal fitness areas, too. “The squat rack is a great home-gym addition for those who are strength training on a regular basis,” Or Artzi, NCCPT-certified personal trainer, tells SELF. But there are a lot of options and features to choose between when deciding on the best squat rack for your needs. For example, some racks hold 500 pounds or less while others can support up to 2,000 pounds; some cater to a wide range of exercises, while others are limited to basic lifting; some are bulky, while others are compact and space-saving. In deciding which squat rack is right for you, you’ll consider a number of factors, including your fitness goals and preferences, the specific use case for your machine, the size of your space and, of course, your budget. Below, we offer a detailed guide for buying a squat rack, plus make a case for the best machines in the business. Top picks for the best squat racks Best Squat Rack Overall: REP Fitness PR-5000 Power Rack Best Smith Machine Squat Rack: Ritfit PSR05 2.0 Multifunctional Smith Machine Power Rack With LAT-Pull Down System Best Customizable Squat Rack: Bells of Steel Manticore Six Post Power Rack Builder Best Squat Rack for Beginners: Titan Fitness T2 Rack Best Budget Squat Rack: ForceUSA MyRack Modular Power Rack Best Squat Rack with Cables: Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack F22 Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces: Torque Fitness Customizable Squat Rack Best Foldable Squat Rack: PRX Profile One Pro Squat Rack With Multi-Grip Bar Best Half Rack: Rogue H2 Half-Rack Also in this article Shop the best squat racks Benefits of using a squat rack How to pick the best squat rack for you How we tested these squat racks What is the best type of squat rack? FAQs Pros Can customize rack specs to suit your space and needs Modular design allows for a variety of attachment additions, including cable systems Uses high-quality, durable materials to minimize wobbling Cons On the pricier side, and attachments add up Our fave features: Our testers loved the rack’s modular design, which lets you add on any of REP’s ever-growing line of unique attachments to help you meet your individual goals. “This rack by itself is good, but what makes it great is the ability to tack on things like the Ares and Athena ,” our tester says. Who it’s for: This rack is a great option for serious lifters who want to be able to tailor a machine to their preferences. It’s also a fit for lifters who prefer 3x3 uprights with 1-inch spacing between holes . But it can also work for most lifters at any level so long as they’re willing to make the financial investment. Best Smith Machine Squat Rack: Ritfit PSR05 2.0 Multifunctional Smith Machine Power Rack With LAT-Pull Down System Pros Compact Affordable Smith machine option Multifunctional with low row, pull-up bar, and lat pulldown Cons Testers didn’t like light knurling on the bars Not the most stable—needs to be bolted to the floor or weighed down Why we picked it: Smith machines use barbells that run on tracks fixed to the rails; this means they can move up and down, but can’t be removed from the machine, adding a layer of safety and control while you lift. Artzi says this makes them a great option for beginner lifters. Our testers were impressed by this affordable model from RitFit, which also comes with a built-in pull-up bar, low row, and lat pulldown attachment; you would be hard-pressed to find another Smith that offers this much bang for the buck. Who it’s for: If you’re a fan of Smith machines—because you’re used to using them at the gym, you need a machine that allows you to perform more isolated bodybuilding exercises, or you like the peace of mind that comes with a built-in barbell while lifting at home—our testers say this is a great affordable home option. Just so you know: Our testers say that the weight limits advertised are misleading. For example, the company claims this machine has a 1,000-pound capacity online, but our testers read in the product manual that it’s only built for 500 pounds. Pros Various height options and many attachments available Comparable in quality to more expensive racks, according to testers Cons Attachments get pricey All attachments must fit true 3x3 Why we picked it: The Manticore is a premium, versatile machine at a competitive price point. Its extensive customization options include height, rack depth, plate storage depth, and much more—allowing you to build the squat rack of your dreams. Our fave features: As mentioned, Bells of Steel offers a good number of additional attachment options for this machine, including band pegs, plate-loaded cable towers, and landmine attachments. It’s made even more versatile by the fact that it can take both 1” and ⅝” attachments. Our tester says all of the add-ons are “pretty quality and allow the user to have a squat rack that packs a big punch in a small amount of space.” Just so you know: While this isn’t the most expensive full power rack on the market, its price tag can soar as you add accessories to your cart. Still, our testers say the Manticore offers great value when compared to others in its category. “This is a rack for someone who’s looking to get a very quality rack spending every last dollar they own,” our tester says. Best Squat Rack for Beginners: Titan Fitness T2 Rack Pros Available in 71 inch and 83 inch heights Under $400 Supports a wide range of Titan accessories Testers say it’s easy to build Cons It’s a starter rack that may require you to upgrade over time Made from less durable and sturdy 14-gauge steel Needs bolting for stability Why we picked it: This squat stand—which our tester describes as a “gateway rack” for beginners who want to get swole at home—checks a lot of boxes for us. “It’s lightweight, easy to build, and easy to purchase because the price point is so low,” our tester says. Titan also offers a wide range of attachments that fit its 2x2 uprights—a.k.a. squat rack posts that are 2 inches wide by 2 inches deep. Mix and match attachments, like safety straps and a lat tower kit, to customize its abilities to fit your fitness goals. Who it’s for: “This is perfect for a beginner lifter or an experienced lifter who has a tight budget” for their home setup, our tester says. The basic piece of equipment won’t break the bank, and there are enough add-ons available for you to level-up the machine along with your strength. Just so you know: “The only beef I have with a rack like this is the fact that you will most likely want and need to upgrade it over time,” our tester says. “So you end up spending more money on a nicer rack after some time.” For instance, as you build to lift heavier weights, you may want to invest in a rack with a lower steel gauge, which will be thicker and sturdier. For reference, two options with an 11-inch steel gauge are the Bells of Steel Manticore and the REP PR-5000 Power Rack. Pros Under $400 High weight capacity Modular and versatile Cons Has less durable 12-gauge steel with bolted panels Can’t use outside attachments due to unique upright size Assembly might be time-consuming Why we picked it: It’s rare to find a multipurpose machine with such a low price tag. It’s modular in design, and ForceUSA has also created a ton of attachments specific to the rack’s unique specs, including three chin-up options, a lat pulldown, and a cable crossover. Our fave features: This rack is surprisingly stable for an inexpensive machine and doesn’t need to be bolted down, even though it can shoulder up to 2,000 pounds, says Artzi. She also notes that the compact size of this rack makes it ideal for smaller spaces. Numbered holes on the upright posts are another great feature that aren’t often found on such budget-friendly equipment. These make it easy to place attachments at the same height every time you use the machine, and ensure that both sides of the attachments are set at the same height. Just so you know: Artzi notes that third-party attachments are incompatible with this machine due the unique 2.4” x 2.4” size of its uprights, but adds this may not be an issue because most of the ForceUSA attachments get solid reviews . Best Squat Rack with Cables: Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack F22 Pros Budget-friendly Includes a number of attachments for no extra cost, including cable crossover system Multiple color options Smaller footprint Cons Cable system uses plastic-like pulleys Uprights are made from thinner 14-gauge steel Why we picked it: The F22 offers a lot of functionality for not a lot of money, relative to its peers. Its built-in cable system allows you to perform exercises that target muscles in different planes of motion—like lat pulldowns, tricep pushdowns, seated rows, bicep curls, and more. Cable systems also provide constant tension on muscles throughout a movement, which can make the exercise more effective . Our fave features: The F22 includes four built-in training systems—a power rack, a cable pulley system, a multi-grip pull-up bar, and a 360-degree landmine—and eight free attachments, including a cable crossover. Artzi also points out the machine’s stability—a surprising strong point, given its thinner 14-gauge steel. “The steel used in this model is thinner than commercial squat racks, but its design compensates for this,” she says. “The rack becomes very stable, especially when loaded with plates.” Just so you know: In some ways, you get what you pay for with the F22: Artzi and our tester both say that this machine has some cheap finishes, like the cable system that uses plastic-like pulleys as opposed to smoother aluminum ones. Artzi also notes that the F22 also does not come with a weight stack for the pulley system, which means you have to manually load weight plates for resistance exercises. “While some users don’t mind this, I personally find it less convenient compared to systems with built-in stacks,” she says. Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces: Torque Fitness Customizable Squat Rack Pros Generous 10-year warranty Laser-cut number slots makes weights easy to line up for re-racking Cons If you’re on the taller side, pull-ups may not be possible Low weight capacity Why we picked it: Short squat racks are a great option for those with limited vertical space, and this version from Torque is a great value given the quality of its construction and the level of customization it offers. “Attachments can be added—like landmines, battle rope anchors, and dip steps—to make it perfect for versatile workouts in small spaces,” says Artzi. Our fave features: This is a durable rack, says Artzi, thanks to its 3x3, 11-gauge steel uprights. She also likes that it includes premium details, like laser-cut numbered holes for easy adjustments and ultra high molecular weight plastic -lined J-Cup bar catches that help protect the barbell from wear and tear as it's re-racked over time. Just so you know: This rack only supports lifts of up to 675 pounds, which is the lowest on our list. While that’s still plenty of weight capacity for many lifters, it’s something to keep in mind if you have heavyweight aspirations. Best Foldable Squat Rack: PRX Profile One Pro Squat Rack With Multi-Grip Bar Pros Easy to assemble, according to reviewers Comes in 10 colors Westside hole spacing allows for optimal adjustability Cons Higher price point Tall when folded up Why we picked it: This is a no-muss, no-fuss option for those with a slightly higher budget. While most foldable racks require a bit of assembly with each use, the Profile One Pro’s gas-shock-assisted fold function makes unfurling the machine for a workout and then closing it up for storage super easy. “This rack is made for those who need space-saving equipment,” our tester says. “ folding brackets are such a smart design.” Our fave features: Our tester loves that PRX doesn’t sacrifice durability or stability to make this rack fold so well—its top-of-the-line 3x3 uprights are made from heavy duty 11-gauge steel, and the steel wall attachments work well to keep the rack firm in place. It also uses Westside hole spacing, meaning it uses strategic 1- or 2-inch spacing throughout the machine for optimal adjustability. Our tester adds that he’s a fan of the quality finish on the machine: “I think the powder coats are top notch.” Other winning options: PRX does offer a slightly cheaper version featuring 2x3 uprights and an option with a kipping bar . Best Half Rack: Rogue H2 Half-Rack Pros High-quality construction and finishes Compact Two height options Lifetime warranty Cons Attachment capabilities are limited by lack of modularity and space Safety set costs extra Why we picked it: A half rack is a more compact version of a full squat rack, Artzi says, making it a good option for a home gym because it takes up less space without compromising key qualities like being able to support substantial weight. If you’re mostly interested in compound movements like squats, bench presses, pull-ups, and overhead presses, this smaller rack should work well for you. Our tester liked the Rogue H2 so much that he was tempted to add it to his own home gym. “It’s a beast with a small footprint,” he says, in reference to its durable 3x3, 11-gauge steel uprights finished with a scratch-resistant powder coat. “I truly love this rack.” Our fave features: You can choose between two height options and add on a pull-up bar, bench, and plates if you like. Our tester is also a fan of how stable this machine is when in use. “I loaded over 550 pounds on it and shook it all around, and the thing did not budge,” he says. Just so you know: The H2 Half Rack isn’t super modular, so it’s not as easy to add on a variety of attachments . “If you wanted to have the ability to add a lat pulldown and low row attachment, you would not be able to do that very well with this rack,” our tester says. Instead, check out the options from REP Fitness and ForceUSA. Not sure if you need or want a squat rack? Here, Artzi unpacks the four major benefits of adding one to your home gym: With so many squat racks on the market, the options can be overwhelming. Before buying your rack, here are some factors Artzi suggests considering: Lifting goals If you’re lifting heavy or plan to in the future, Artzi says it’s best to invest in a durable, mid-range or higher-end rack. This will ensure the rack you choose can safely support your weight goals and won’t limit your gains, since less-expensive racks tend to have lower weight capacities. Space Some squat racks, like wall-mounted racks, can save space, says Artzi, while others include so many features that your squat rack becomes a near-total gym on its own. Which type you choose may depend on the amount of room you have in your home workout area. Safety If you plan to lift alone, says Artzi, you may want to look for a rack with premium safety features, such as spotter arms . Durability If you see yourself lifting for the long run, Artzi says you may want to future-proof your purchase by investing a larger amount of cash on it from the jump. “Spending a little more up-front can save you from needing to upgrade as you progress in strength,” she says. Squat specs Understanding certain squat rack specs can also help you pick the best option for your needs. Our experienced testers used SELF’s full fitness-testing methodology to rate these squat racks. Here are three areas, in particular, we kept in mind: There are several different rack forms, including power racks, squat racks, half racks, wall-mounted racks, Smith machines, and squat stands. “The best form of squat rack depends on your specific needs, space, and fitness goals,” says Artzi. Don’t have time to read a novella on squat racks? Take a quick peek at our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this popular piece of equipment instead. Is it worth buying a squat rack? If your fitness goals include serious strength training, and you want to be able to engage in a variety of exercises safely from home, a squat rack may be a good investment. Most racks will enable you to do everything from squats to deadlifts and beyond, and they offer a safe way to get those gains without always needing a spotter. Squat racks tend to be durable as well, and many can grow with you as you progress in your fitness journey—all of which means your initial investment likely won’t have to be replaced for a long, long time. How much should you spend on a squat rack? The amount you should spend on a squat rack depends on your budget, space, and fitness goals, says Artzi. Lower-budget options in the $200 to $400 range—such as the ForceUSA MyRack Modular Power Rack or the Titan Fitness T2 Rack—are ideal for beginners and those short on space. That said, they typically have lower weight capacities and fewer features. Mid-range racks, priced between $400 and $800—such as the Ritfit PSR05 2.0 or the Torque Fitness Customizable Squat Rack—are better suited for intermediate to advanced lifters, offering more versatility, safety features like pull-up bars and safety arms, and the ability to handle heavier weights. Premium racks, priced over $800—such as the REP Fitness PR-5000 Power Rack or the Bells of Steel Manticore Six Post Power Rack Builder—provide a heavy-duty setup with multiple attachments, perfect for serious lifters or anyone seeking a durable, versatile rack capable of supporting substantial weight. What are some things to consider when choosing a squat rack? When deciding between various squat rack models, Artzi says it’s important to consider your lifting goals first and foremost. If you plan to lift heavy, you’ll want to choose a more premium machine built to shoulder the weight. You’ll also want to think about the amount of space you have for the machine; some are designed to save space, while others are more complex and will take up quite a bit of real estate. If you plan to work out alone, you’ll want to consider the safety features offered by each model, too. And finally, you’ll want to take your budget into account, as well as how long you see yourself utilizing the machine. How much can a squat rack hold? The weight capacity of a squat rack depends on the type and quality of the rack and can vary quite a bit, says Artzi. With that said, here are some general guidelines, according to the pro trainer: Full power rack: Typically holds between 500 to 1,000 pounds, but can exceed 2,000 in some cases Half rack: Usually supports between 500 to 700 pounds, but higher-end models may support 1,000 pounds Squat stand: Generally holds between 300 to 600 pounds Smith machine: Typically ranges from 600 to 800 pounds, depending on the manufacturer and model, but some high-end commercial models can handle 1,000 pounds or more Wall-mounted rack: Usually supports 500 to 1000 pounds depending on the brand and model, but higher-end options can support up to 1000 pounds What is the best squat rack for home? “If you have the space and budget, a full power rack is often considered the best choice for most serious lifters due to its versatility, safety features, and ability to support heavy loads and a wide range of exercises,” says Artzi. Are cheaper squat racks safe? Artzi says cheaper racks can be safe, but this depends on a few factors. For starters, the rack needs to have the proper weight capacity to meet your needs. It should also include safety features such as spotter arms and safety bars, and it should have a stable base. “Some budget racks can wobble or tip if not properly designed or if the base is too light,” says Artzi. “Look for options that either bolt to the floor or have a wide, stable frame.” Related: The 11 Best Treadmills for Any Home Gym The 9 Best Ellipticals for Your Home in 2024 The 9 Best Adjustable Dumbbells in 2024
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