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

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 about $299 and with considerably cheaper accessories, this is the ideal stand for the budget-minded trainee. Add to that the free shipping that is consistently offered at Fringe Sport, and you have a great bargain—we rate the value at 4.5 out of 5.

Now that you have heard about the terrific price, you are probably wondering about the quality. The Fringe Sport is made with 2-inch-by-3-inch 12-gauge steel. Though lower quality than other stands constructed from higher-gauge steel, it’s more than enough strength for virtually any garage gym. (If you’re a powerlifter, I wouldn’t suggest a squat stand anyway.)

It comes with a pull-up bar, and dip horns and spotter’s arms can be bought separately. I suggest both, and if you’re going to bench, please do not do so without spotters’ arms.

The main thing that you want to be aware of when looking at more budget-friendly exercise equipment is safety. If you spend less money, does the quality of the equipment go down so far that it is no longer worth the purchase? In the case of the Fringe Sport Squat Rack, the answer is no. The available attachments, high-quality steel, and sturdy construction make this not only a budget-friendly rack but also a safe one.

Another cheap squat stand is the CAP Barbell stand on Amazon; I’ve used and tested it, but I’m not crazy about its limited weight capacity and overall construction.

The power rack I suggest for most people is the REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack, so it’s a definite recommendation for budding home gym enthusiasts, too. The PR-4000 combines excellent features, unlimited expandability, great quality, lots of customizability, 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. Dare I say that if you purchase the PR-4000 for your garage gym, it will very likely be the last squat rack you’ll ever buy.

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 at a 1,000-pound capacity. These numbers are standard for this price of rack. One of the things I really like about the PR-4000 is the ability to customize just about every part of it. With multiple color, height, and depth options, you can make this PR-4000 fit your space and training style exactly. 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 free weights storage, a pull-up bar, safeties, and multiple J-cups at the time of purchase to add some versatility to your machine. There are also stabilizing and safety accessories such as the spotter arms, rear base stabilizer, and front foot extensions. If you add these, 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.

Almost any accessory you can think of is or will be available with this power cage. The REP PR-4000 has been making a lot of noise in the community, and for good reason—it’s a tremendous value.

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

If you want something similar with a bit better quality and that’s made in the USA at a slightly higher price point, I suggest the Rogue RML-490C Power Rack or the Rogue Monster Series Power Racks.

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.

This is true no matter which version of the T-3 Series Squat Stand you pick. There’s a short, independent version (with two non-connected uprights), and a tall version. Only the tall version comes with a pull-up bar. There’s also a T-3 Series half rack conversion kit that allows you to turn your squat stand into a half power rack. Or, you can just buy the T-3 Series Half Rack.

RELATED: Titan Fitness Coupon Code

No matter which option you pick, this squat stand has a lot to offer: a 1,000-pound weight capacity, 1-inch Westside hole 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 1,000-pound 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.

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. Titan’s is much more affordable and comes with free shipping, and we found the SR-4000 wasn’t the most stable squat stand during lifts and pull-ups.

If you’re in a really tight space, we’d recommend the independent squat stand since it’s two separate uprights that can be more easily carried away when not in use. Check out our Titan Squat Rack reviews to see which rack might work for you.

The Giant Lifting Wall Rack is made with durable 11-gauge steel and has a 1,000-pound weight capacity, but its top feature is the ability to be folded away when not in use. When used in a garage, this allows you to reclaim more floor space and park your car without fear of damaging your squat rack. This type of rack has become extremely popular and for good reason: It simply works extremely well and can be found at a good price point.

RELATED: Titan Fitness T-3 vs Rogue Fitness R-3 Power Rack

“Some compact exercise equipment can sacrifice the quality of the materials and construction,” says Olympic weightlifter and Olympian Caine Wilkes, who took the wall-mounted rack for a spin with a casual 595-pound back squat. “But keeping a solid build of 11-gauge steel on a folding rack that extends only 21 inches out is an impressive feat,” he adds, rating the footprint of the rack a 5 out of 5. He also rates the solid construction and durability at 4.5 out of 5.

The rack comes with an adjustable straight pull-up bar, laser cut numbers, and J-cups.

The Wall Rack from Giant Lifting is one of the best-priced fold-away racks currently on the market, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 for its value. They aren’t the only company making this style of rack; in fact, there are others that likely have the same rack made in the same factory (see the Fringe Sport Retractable Power Rack as an example).

Although I’m a fan of American manufacturing, it’s hard to not be enticed by the price. The Giant Wall Rack will get the job done if you’re on a budget, no doubt. You can read more in our Giant Lifting Wall Rack 2.0 review.

If you can’t bolt your squat rack into the wall but still need a heavy-duty compact solution, check out the Bridge BUILT Phoenix Squat Rack. This squat stand can fold up when not in use to save space.

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.

We love the rack-builder design that Bells of Steel (along with several of our other favorite brands) employs. When looking at the Hydra, you can choose from a classic four-post design, a flat-foot design, a six-post design, or a folding design. There are also squat stands and half racks in the Hydra series.

A staple of the Hydra build is a 3-inch-by-3-inch, 11-gauge, powder-coated upright 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.

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 include safeties, J-cups, and attachments like a lat pulldown.

The downside to all the customization is that the more you add on, the more expensive the price tag, which we score at 3 out of 5. Also, the more you add, the more complicated (and heavy) the assembly might be.

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

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, just with a 1-inch attachment ecosystem.

The Rogue HR-2 Half Rack takes one of my favorite squat stands, the SML-2, and adds two additional uprights along with storage pins for plates to create my top pick for the best half rack. A half-rack feels awesome to train in due to its open nature. Add in some spotter’s arms, and you’ll be able to perform the majority of lifts you would be able to in a full power rack rather safely.

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 many of the abilities of a more expensive and bulkier rack like the ever-popular Rogue R-3 Power Rack.

Rogue only has two half-racks in their arsenal, and the Rogue HR-2 Half-Rack is the better value. If you have the Monster Lite Series Squat Stand, you only need a $270 conversion kit to turn it into the HR-2, which is a great option that will add plate storage and greatly increase the stability of the rack.

The first difference you will notice is that the upright steel is a little less robust at 2-inch-by-3-inch 11-gauge rather than the 3-inch-by-3-inch you might see in the other racks. However, the base of the machine has 3-inch-by-3-inch measurements. Other than that, the quality of this rack matches any other half rack on the market and is highly customizable and versatile. As such, we rate the overall construction at 4.5 out of 5.

The HR-2 is considered “Monster Lite,” so while most of the Monster Lite accessories can be used, it will not have the same number of options as the HR-5000 or the Monster Collegiate.

The height of the HR-2 is customizable, it boasts Westside hole spacing throughout, and the rack’s footprint is 49 inches by 48 inches. As far as the quality and options for the price, you cannot beat the Rogue HR-2. The professional quality and look Rogue is known for is just as present in this rack as its others. If you want to spend less than $1,000, but still want a high-quality half-rack, then this is the one I recommend.

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

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.

A lot of squat racks and power racks can be customized with the number of posts, height, and depth, but none get to the level of customization of the Eleiko Prestera Rack. Most people who look at the Prestera shouldn’t be thinking about where to put just another squat rack; instead, you’re purchasing a centerpiece for your gym.

You can choose from a power rack, a half rack, a double rack, or other options and then customize it to fit your needs and space. You can adjust the dimensions and add storage systems, lifting platforms, cable systems, and other rack attachments. Racks can be extended for an entire collegiate gym, or remain compact for a compact garage gym.

RELATED: Best Home Gym Storage Solutions

The Prestera racks have the same quality build as other Eleiko products. The steel used is 3 millimeters thick, which is about the same thickness as 11-gauge steel. The uprights are 70 millimeters by 70 millimeters and can have either a powder coating or stainless steel finish.

RELATED: Eleiko IWF Weightlifting Training Bar Review

Eleiko recommends the pricier stainless steel option for sliding attachments, like a cable pulley system. However, the powder coating can be customized with multiple color options. The upright sizing isn’t a common size, which means you’re less likely to already have compatible rack attachments for the Prestera.

If you know Eleiko, you know this premium rack will be expensive, too. Most racks start at thousands of dollars, which explains our less-than-perfect 4 out of 5 overall rating. However, if you’re looking to build the power rack and attachment ecosystem of your dreams, the sky’s the limit with the Prestera Rack. You can submit a request for a custom proposal to get started, and Eleiko will walk you through the many, many options available.

Intimidated by the customization? Take a look at the Titan X-3 Series Power Rack, which has basic height options and is built with solid 11-gauge steel.

The Force USA MyRack is not only one of the most customizable power racks on the market, but it’s also one of the most feature-filled for those looking for budget home gym equipment who still want a safe rack. I or one of my friends used this rack almost daily for more than a year. Despite the abuse we placed on it and its many accessories (I tested all of them), it still performs as it did the first day I unboxed and assembled it.

When looking for a budget power rack, there are many options available. However, you’ll find that most have a low weight capacity, use too thin of steel, lack accessory options, and are, frankly, unsafe to use. Seriously, there aren’t many racks on the planet that can compete with the number of accessories the MyRack has, and for the price, the rack excels.

The MyRack combines many budget-friendly features like thinner steel and painted-on hole numbers with higher-end accessories. This provides a rack that should not only last but will be enjoyable for even the strongest lifters who train at home. And, most importantly, you should feel safe while using it—our testers scored the stability at 4.25 out of 5.

In use, the MyRack is sturdier than expected. Thanks to the lower and upper braces, the MyRack sways very little side to side when racking and re-racking weight. Although it would definitely benefit from being bolted to the floor (as all racks would), it isn’t completely necessary. You can purchase optional plate holders for rather cheap to weigh it down.

Read my full Force USA MyRack review.

For another cheap power rack, check out the Titan T-2 Power Rack.

A fold-away rack is only worth having if you actually fold it away. Unfortunately, due to the number of adjustments required, most fold-away racks never actually get “folded away.” That is not the case with our top pick. The PRx Performance Profile Rack is by far the best fold-away rack on the market.

This is the most convenient and easy-to-use fold-away squat rack I’ve tested, and we rate the foldability at 4.8 out of 5. If you have the money, I definitely recommend it over some of the cheaper, swing-style racks. Featuring an easy-to-use fold-up design that is made possible by hydraulics, you’ll have no issue parking your car in the garage and still having a full-fledged garage gym.

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 Rack is by far my favorite. I suggest the Profile version for most due to the lower price point, although the Pro Version with 3-inch-by-3-inch steel and laser-cut whole numbers is a joy to have if you have the money in your budget.

This rack’s stability, foldability, and overall usability make it an even better rack for most people seeking a collapsible rack. The price is a bit high at around $900 (depending on which model you get). Although the components used in the PRx Racks aren’t superior to those used by Rogue and others, what separates them is the patented fold-away system. No other rack on the market folds away as easily and simply as PRx racks, and the brand has literally built their entire business on this element.

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 the racks not being secured to the floor, they are incredibly stable.

I loaded over 600 pounds on the rack and it didn’t even budge during unracking and re-racking. The same goes for when the pull-up bar is used. Whether my dainty wife or 300-pound friend is using it, they enjoy the same rock-solid experience.

Read my full and in-depth PRx Profile Squat Rack review.

If the Profile Rack is a bit out of your price range, I suggest taking a look at the Rogue RML-3WC Fold Back Wall Mount Rack.

The Body-Solid Power Rack is our top pick for the most stable squat rack for a few reasons. First, the uprights are constructed from heavy-duty 3-inch-by-3-inch 11-gauge steel, and the rack is rated for 1,000 pounds. Plus, it’s 79 inches tall, which we think makes it more stable, less prone to tipping, and excellent for basement gyms with limited ceiling height. 

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

While Coop didn’t think the functional trainer system was worth the price tag, he notes in his full video review that the Body-Solid GPR400 rack alone for under $800 earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating in value.

Coop appreciates the GPR400 has 5/8-inch holes and is compatible with REP Fitness and Rogue attachments. However, he notes any crossmember additions will be compatible with Titan Fitness equipment with a 48-inch hole-to-hole width.

Although the 79-inch height isn’t a dealbreaker, you may find you’re doing pull-ups with your legs crossed. 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, try out the Gronk Fitness Functional Trainer. It’s built solid and priced competitively.

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

We like that the optional cable system is set behind the power rack. This allows users to squat inside the cage instead of outside like you see on systems like the RitFit Power Cage. It’s also really stable, and fellow GGR video reviewer Lindsay Scheele gave it a 4 out of 5 because of the reinforcing tabs placed throughout the frame. “The reinforcing tabs around joints help it feel stable and eliminate any of my concerns on wobbling,” Lindsay adds.

The J-hooks have a 1,000-pound weight capacity and the safety bars can withstand up to 700 pounds, so you can go pretty heavy with this budget-friendly power rack. It’s a little pricier than similar power cages, but Major Fitness often offers discounts on their equipment.

My one major callout is that while it can hold any Olympic barbell—the width between uprights is 48 inches—it’s only compatible with Major Fitness attachments due to the hole spacing. If you already have a bunch of attachments from other brands in your home gym, this may not be the best choice. However, if you’re looking to start a home gym, this would serve you really well and save you some money for other equipment.

Coop and Lindsay did a full in-depth Major Fitness Power Rack review to give you our full thoughts.

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.

If you’re looking for the best budget home gym equipment on Amazon, the Fitness Reality 810XLT is one of the best places to start. For under $300, you’ll have a sturdy place to squat, bench, overhead press, and perform pull-ups on the pull-up bar cross-section. 

While the price tag may have you questioning quality, our tester, powerlifter Roger Lockridge, says the 2-inch-by-2-inch 14-gauge steel uprights offer a durable foundation for walking squats back into the rack. He rates the construction at 4.5 out of 5. It’s also worth noting the holes are 1 inch in diameter with 1-inch spacing, which will allow you to explore some universal power rack attachments.

Additionally, the Fitness Reality 810XLT offers an 800-pound weight capacity and comes with a landmine attachment, spotter arms, and weight storage. You can buy a lat pulldown attachment for this rack through Fitness Reality or Amazon. You’ll also find multiple spots with band pegs for accommodating resistance. “I love the versatility of this rack,” adds Roger. “From benching to band pegs and attachments, you can get a lot from this rack without spending much on it.”

The Fitness Reality 810XLT footprint is ideal for small home gym owners, taking up about 4 square feet of space. It’s over 6 feet tall, so it may not work in basements or garage gyms with low ceilings. To read more about our hands-on experience, check out our Fitness Reality 810XLT review.

If you want a built-in functional trainer in your budget-friendly power rack, check out the RitFit Power Cage. This rack has a functional trainer and high and low-pulley system all for about $700.