Squat racks, also known as “power racks,” are one of the cornerstone pieces of a good home gym. While their name suggests that they’re meant for performing squats—and it’s true, that is one of their primary functions—these racks actually offer a number of fantastic workout options for both your upper and lower body. Virtually all racks, for example, come with a pull-up bar on the top. Many racks also come with lat pull down features. Some also include hooks or wide pull bars that you can attach resistant bands to. And let’s not forget about the ability to add a bench to your rack so you can easily perform bench presses.
In other words, squat racks often function as an all-in-one system that allows for a full body exercise, while taking up minimal space in your home gym. All you need is a relatively small square area in your home gym—or if you don’t have a home gym, simply an empty space in your home—and away you go.
How do you choose a squat rack that’s right for you?
There are two main types of squat racks: single frame, and double frame. Single frame racks are typically less expensive, but offer less opportunities for the different workout varieties we described above. Double frame racks on the other hand are typically more expensive, but are more sturdy and secure, and extremely versatile.
If you’re looking to perform more than just squats and want a piece of equipment that can help you work extensively on your upper and lower body, invest in a double framed rack. If you’re on a strict budget and are mostly just looking to do squats, a single frame rack may be sufficient.
The truth is, there’s many different components to consider when buying a squat rack, including price point, size, accessories, etc. So, we’ve broken down the best squat racks for a number of different variables to make it easy for you.
So without further ado, here’s our list of the best squat racks on the market today.
back to menu ↑Best Squat Rack Overall:
1. Valor Fitness BD-7 Power Rack
If you’re a professional athlete, bodybuilder, or looking to get serious about your fitness, you would be hard pressed to find a better rack than the Valor Fitness. This rack has enough bars, grips, and features to keep you busy for the rest of your fitness career. This is truly an all-in-one piece of equipment that is worth the cost due to its functionality and versatility. If you have a small space in your home for working out and can’t fit a ton of equipment, this is the rack for you.
You can use this rack to perform all sorts of exercises ranging from squats to tricep extensions, rows, pull ups, lat pulls, military presses, and more.
The top bar of this rack is perfect for doing pull ups, and stands at a whopping 86 inches tall, making it suitable for all sizes. The max weight on each bar holder is 500 pounds.
2. Body Champ PBC530 Power Rack System with Olympic Weight Plate Storage.
This is a solid single frame squat rack that pairs great with a weight bench and set of weights for bench pressing. While these other accessories don’t come with the squat rack, the rack itself is extremely well built and sturdy despite its single frame design.
This rack can support both 6 and 7 inch weight set bars, and can be set to 12 different positions. Two pairs of easily adjustable, tiered peg-hook catches come with this rack. It also comes complete with two built in Olympic weight plate holders.
Four rubberized feet are secured to the legs of this rack, along with two anti-slip pegs, so you can be sure this piece of equipment will not skid or scuff your floor. The maximum amount of weight that this rack can support is 300 pounds.
Overall, this is a very high quality rack that can be used for a number of different purposes, and is generally less expensive for the quality you get than most two-frame racks, despite being on the higher end of price for single frame racks.
3. Best Fitness Power Rack BFPR100r
This is another high value two frame rack that is perfect for someone looking for a sturdy rack at a great price, and isn’t necessarily concerned about reaching professional levels of athleticism or fitness, but simply wants to get in shape with regular exercise.
But don’t let the low price fool you. This rack is anything but cheap i1n terms of the quality it provides. This is an extremely stable piece of equipment that will remain still as you do your pull-ups, regardless of whether you’ve attached any weight to it yet.
This rack is very simple, but effective. Its simplicity is also what allows it to be assembled so easily. It also comes with two adjustable lift offs, and full length safety bars.
This rack can support up to 500 pounds of weight.
back to menu ↑Best power rack under 1000
1. Rep Power Rack with Dual Pullup Bars, Numbered Uprights, 700 lb Rated, and Optional Upgrades
This is another incredible piece of home gym equipment that is highly versatile, and can serve many purposes without taking up a lot of space in your home. This rack is a two-frame design that can support up to 700 pounds of weight on the bar hooks, 400 pounds on the pull-up bar, and 400 pounds on the dip attachment.
The reason why the price varies on this rack is because you can choose to purchase the rack on its own, or you can buy it with a number of great accessories, such as a dip attachment, bench, or extra pair of j-cups.
The height of this rack is 82 inches, with a 48 inch width and 48 inch depth. Not only is this a highly functional piece of equipment that will support a number of exercises, but it also looks great with its matte black finish. Not to mention the plastic-lined j-cups that will protect against bar knurling.
2. Powerline by Body-Solid Power Rack (PPR200X)
At about 84 inches, this is a great rack for taller people, or for those with a lot of space in their home gym who are looking for a full sized rack. This squat rack is extremely durable, and will last for a long time, withstanding beatings and general wear and tear. This rack is also the best option for the price for superior safety while working out.
This rack is wide, allowing for an easy walk-in design, so you can feel comfortable and enjoy the spaciousness of this rack regardless of body type.
This rack offers 18 levels of adjustment, along with two heat-tempered lift offs, and two saber style safety rods so you can lift solo without a spotter. It also comes with a wide knurled chin up bar. This rack is also covered by a 10-year in home warranty by Powerline, so if your frame breaks down at any point in the next 10 years, you’re covered!
3. Powertec Fitness Workbench Power Rack, Yellow
The standout component of this squat rack is its incredible fortitude—this rack can withstand up to about 1000 pounds of weight. This represents a huge difference compared to most of the other racks on this list, which normally can support 700 or 800 pounds at maximum.
The dip and chin-up bars can also hold significant weight too compared to other racks, supporting 400 pounds of weight each. The chin up and dip bars come included in this rack, which is great for versatility because you can use it for calisthenics on top of your squats, right away, without needing to install any extra accessories.
This rack also comes with gravity lock catches that allows for an easy to use in and out catch lock for reliable and safe use.
back to menu ↑Best squat rack under 200
Adjustable Power Cage with J-Hooks, Dip Bars and Other Optional Attachments
This squat rack is not only extremely versatile, but it comes at a surprisingly good price point as well. This rack comes complete with a lat pull-down attachment, lat bar, and low row bar with comfortable foam handles so you can hold on tight even as you sweat. These features makes this rack perfect for those looking to significantly increase the number of workouts they can perform in a home gym with limited space.
The rubber feet that support the frame of this rack will also insure that it does not skid or make any scratch marks on your floor, even as you increase the intensity of your workout. And with this rack’s two frame design, it will stay sturdy throughout all of your workouts.
Perhaps most impressive of all—especially for the incredibly low price of this rack—is the fact that this cage can support up to 1000 pounds of weight.
back to menu ↑Best power rack for home use
1. Rep Fitnes PR-1100 Power Rack – 1,000 LBS rated lifting cage for weight training
This squat rack is extremely sturdy and durable, especially for its low price point. This rack can hold up to an incredible 1,000 pounds of weight.
If you’re looking to diversify your workout and use your rack for more than just squats, this rack may be the one for you. That’s because every rack comes with an integrated pullup bar, two j-cups, and two full length safety bars.
The total height of this rack is slightly smaller than some of the others on this list, at 80.5 inches tall. While this may be a disadvantage for very tall people, if you’re of an average height, this will give you the advantage of saving space, allowing this piece of equipment to fit effortlessly into any sized home gym.
The price of this bench will vary depending on whether or not you want a bench included in your purchase, and what type of bench you would like. The optional dip bars that can be purchased with this rack can support 400 pounds, and the lat pull-down feature can hold 250 pounds.
2. TDS Mega 1000 lb Rated Black Power Squat Rack, 1.25” Dia Professionally knurled Front Chinning Bar, Provision to add LAT Attachment, Pull up/Chip up bar and More!
This is another highly economic squat rack that can hold a serious amount of weight despite its low price. This rack is rated to hold up to a n impressive 1,000 pounds of weight. Constructed with a two frame design using two square inches of gauge steel tube, this is a sturdy and durable rack that will last you for years and years to come.
The TDS Mega comes with a 1 and 1/8 inch chin-up bar attached, which is professionally knurled. There’s also a whopping 31 adjustment holes in this rack, each spaced at two inches apart, making this rack highly customizable.
Aside from squats, this rack is great for a whole host of exercises such as bench pressing, military presses (both seated and standing), inclines, shrugs, and more. This rack also stands at a height of 82.5 inches, making it a solid choice for slightly above average height people.
If you’re on a budget and looking to get fit with a great piece of equipment, the TDS Mega is an excellent choice.
back to menu ↑Best power rack with pulley system
1. Merax Athletics Fitness Power Rack Olympic Squat Cage Home Gym with LAT Pull Attachment
The Merax squat rack is a versatile piece of equipment that will allow you to complete a well rounded workout without needing any other equipment outside of the rack and its included accessories. This all-in-one functionality makes it perfect for those with limited space in their home gym.
Included in this rack is a pull up bar, low row attachment, safety spotter component, and a lat pull down accessory. The utility bar that comes with this rack is foam padded, and perfect for arm exercises like curls. These various components will allow you to target all the major muscle groups with just one rack.
The Merax is also taller than many of the other racks listed in this article, standing at 85 inches tall. The inside depth of this rack is also a spacious 45 inches. This rack is an overall great value for the price, sturdy, and sleek.
2. GOPLUS Adjustable Power Rack.
This is a fantastic squat rack if you’re a beginner who’s looking to work up to more substantial gear in the future, but for now just need an economical and effective piece of equipment to start off on. The GOPLUS is one of the least expensive racks you’ll find on the market.
This is a single frame rack, which means you’re limited in the number of exercises you can perform. That being said, thanks to the built in chin-up bar—and an overall weight capacity of 400 pounds—you can easily perform chin-ups, pull-ups, dips, and leg raises on this rack.
Another great advantage of this single frame rack is that it takes up much less space, is less expensive, and can easily be assembled and dissembled for storage.
With a non-slip rubber bottom, this rack remains sturdy despite its single frame design. The adjustable barbell rack can be set to 29 different levels.
3. Marcy Cage Squat Rack Pull Up and Push Up Station with Olympic Barbell Catches MWB
This is another inexpensive single frame squat rack, which, despite being slightly more pricey than the aforementioned GOPLUS, comes with more built-in features. If you’re not only looking to use your rack for squats, but also pull-ups, chin-ups, and other body weight exercises, this may be the rack for you.
One of the main attractions of this rack are the built in high grip pull-up bars. These bars are perfect for upper-body exercises that will complement the lower body work you’re doing with squats. This rack also comes with wide pull bars on the top and bottom that you can attach resistance bands to for additional upper body workouts.
The Marcy Cage squat rack also comes complete with easily adjustable Olympic barbell catches, and safety catches.
Finally, the rounded steel bottom legs of this rack make it incredibly sturdy so you never have to worry about your rack toppling on you during a strenuous workout.
back to menu ↑Best squat rack under 300
HulkFit 1000-Pound Capacity Multi-Function Adjustable Power Cage with J-Hooks, Dip Bars and Other Optional Attachments
It’s easy to see why this squat rack is a #1 best seller. The HulkFit is incredibly versatile, sturdy, and durable for such a cheap price. This rack has an incredible weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, which is supported by its heavy duty steel frame and H-base construction.
On the top of this rack you’ll find a set of multi-grip pull up bars for upper-body workouts. Near the bottom, you’ll find a set of dip bars for even more exercise options. These bars are all designed with foam handles to make for a comfortable and effective grip.
The HulkFit also comes outfitted with two J-hooks on the rack (which attach to the rack’s two solid steel safety bars), as well as two extra J-hooks that come in the package (incase you misplace the first two).
Overall, this rack is extremely spacious and versatile, allowing for a wide range of lower and upper-body workouts. You would be hard pressed to find a better rack than this for the price range.
back to menu ↑Best squat rack for low ceilings
Popsport Power Rack Fitnes Strength Training Squat Rack
The Popsport squat rack is another sturdy, versatile, and economic rack that allows for multiple different types of upper and lower body workouts. Holding up to about 700 pounds, the weight capacity of this rack is slightly less than other racks within the same price range, like the aforementioned HulkFit rack.
One notable aspect of this rack is its short height. With a pull-up bar height of only 68.6 inches, this rack is clearly designed for smaller home gyms spaces with low roofs, or for shorter users. On the other hand, this rack has a wide 44-inch walk-in opening, and a depth of 24 inches.
This rack comes with a total of 21 different positions to suit different heights and workouts. With this rack, you can perform chin-ups, military presses, curls, shrugs, bench presses, dips, among other exercises. The versatility and strong steel construction of this rack are its two main selling points.
back to menu ↑Best power rack for small space
1. Titan Fitness
The Titan Fitness squat rack is another shorter than average rack, though with a total height of 71.5 inches, it’s still a bit taller than the aforementioned Popsport squat rack. Again, this rack is suitable for a home gym with a short ceiling, or for those of a shorter stature.
This rack is a two frame design that comes outfitted with dip bars and a chin-up bar, allowing for a number of great exercises ranging from squats, to dips, to deadlifts, curls, and more.
The weight capacity of this rack is 700 pounds, which makes it comparable to the Popsport Power Rack, but less durable than the HulkFit rack. This rack is built with solid, heavy-duty steel that will allow for year-over-year durability.
Another advantage of this rack is its quick and easy assembly. If you’re looking for a simple but sturdy rack that you can use for a number of lower and upper body workouts, and fit inside a smaller home gym, this may be the rack for you.
Want a second opinion? Check out this great comparison of the Titan T-3 and the Rogue R-3 by YouTuber Garage Gym Reviews!
2. Steelbody Squat Rack Utility Trainer with Weight Storage Posts STB-98010
This uniquely designed squat rack is highly versatile and sturdy, allowing for a multitude of different upper and lower body workouts. An interesting feature of this rack is the four Olympic weight storage trays for easy access, and space optimization in your home gym.
As the name suggests, the Steelbody Squat Rack is built with premium quality, heavy duty steel for ultimate lasting power so you can continue to use this rack well into the future. This rack is also very quick to install. A bench can be easily added to this rack if you want to perform bench presses.
The exercises you can perform with this rack include squats, weight lifting, pull ups, floor press, overhead press, and more. The pull-up bar comes outfitted with padded grips for ultimate comfort and to prevent slippage.
3. Doeplex [2019 Upgrade] Multi-Function Adjustable Squat Rack Exercise Stand – 550-Pound Capacity
The Doeplex is simple, inexpensive, and effective. Made of high quality steel, this rack is fairly stable despite its single frame design, and can support up to 550 pounds of weight.
This rack comes with 12 adjustable height levels, which can go from 46.8 inches up to 70.1 inches tall.
The exercises you can perform using this rack include squats, dips, and bench press. On the dip station you will find anti-slip grips for additional safety and support.
Another handy feature of this rack: it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.If you’re not happy with this rack, simply call Doeplex and they will give you your money back.
Overall, this is a stylish, compact, and effective rack for its price, making it a great value purchase for those just starting out.
4. Golds Gym GGBE20615 XRS 20 Squat Rack
This is likely the cheapest squat rack you will find. And when I say cheap, unfortunately I mean that the quality is reflected in the price. This may be a good option for those who are really pressed for cash. But beware, many users have claimed that this rack isn’t very sturdy for holding heavy weights. Therefore, this rack is best for very budget conscious buyers who do not plan on lifting a ton of weight, and are just looking for a simple rack to do low-weight squats with.
The maximum amount of weight that this rack can hold is 420 pounds. This rack is designed to work with an Olympic sized bar.
The main three workouts that you would use this piece of equipment for would be squats, bench press, and deadlifts.
back to menu ↑Other great squat racks
Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage
This squat rack is built with two frames, instead of many racks you’ll find that only have one frame. The benefit of this two frame design is immediately obvious: it’s much more stable. After all, if you’re planning to lift heavy weights from the rack, then place them back onto the rack after an intense squat that requires significant effort, you’re going to want to be confident in the stability of your rack. The last thing you need is a rack that topples over, potentially leading to injury.
This rack is also not as tall as many other racks, making it easier to fit into your fitness room.
The sturdy design of this rack allows it to hold an incredible amount of weight. How much weight exactly? This rack can support over 800 pounds of weight! If you ever get to a level of fitness where you can lift that amount of weight, you may be superhuman.
This rack also allows you to place your weights on 19 different levels. And with seven inch safety bars, this rack lives up to the Olympic standard.
Deltech Fitness Power Rack/Squat Rack
If you’re looking for a great squat rack with a two frame design that comes at a great price, this may be the rack for you. This rack is built with extremely durable heavy gauge steel tubing and a powder-coat finish so you can be confident that it will hold up with year-over-year use.
This is a commercial grade rack built for body builder who are working with extremely heavy weights. It comes equipped with solid steel spotter arms that are 1-inch thick, which can be adjusted according to height or the exercise you’re looking to accomplish.
This squat rack can hold up to an impressive 1000 pounds of weight, and remains very sturdy. This is one of the best racks to get for someone who is lifting serious weight and needs a squat rack that can support it
CAP Barbell Power Rack Exercise Stand
Compared to the first two squat racks listed in this article, this rack is only a single frame design. This will make it less sturdy than a two rack design, which is reflected in the price, which is almost half the cost of even some of the most inexpensive two frame racks. This doesn’t mean that this rack isn’t sturdy. After all, it’s constructed with 12 and 14 gauge steel. And in terms of the steel CAP has used, we’re talking 100% high grade tubular steel, with all mounting plates welded on. The steel has also been power coated and sealed for additional durability. The uprights on the structure are also double gusseted for additional stability.
In terms of weight, this rack will hold much less than its two frame competitors. In all, this power rack can hold up to 300 pounds of weight.
This rack comes as you see it—just the frame, without any plates or bars included. As an added benefit, CAP Barbell is a company that reportedly has impeccable customer service.
Want to know what to look for when buying a squat rack? Check out this fantastic tutorial video by YouTuber Fringe Sport!
Also looking for some other great home gym equipment? Check out our comprehensive review of the best treadmills on the market!