The Best Barbells For All-Around Training, Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Deadlifts, and More

Barbells are commercial and home gym essentials. Out of all the equipment you can find in a gym, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile tool than the barbell for building strength. They’re great tools for any fitness level and can be used for any form of lifting — from general fitness to specialized lifting programs like powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting. If you’ve landed on this list, you’re probably interested in taking your training to the next level with the perfect barbell for your home gym and lifting style.

Similar to any other big home gym equipment purchase, buying a barbell should be handled with care and attention. There are many different types of barbells on the market, which can make it hard to find the best fit for your lifting needs. There are typical all-around barbells (probably what you think of when you picture a barbell), but also specialty bars like trap bars, safety squat bars, and so on. Our goal with this list of best barbells is to demystify some of the confusion that can come along with buying one. We’ve tested over 50 top-tier barbells firsthand and included video reviews to help you make an informed decision, so you can focus on lifting heavy — and often.

Best Barbells

• Best Overall Barbell: Living.Fit Cerakote Finish Barbell
• Best Barbell (Runner-Up): REP Fitness Colorado Bar
• Best Budget Barbell: Living.Fit Chrome Barbell
• Best Barbell for Powerlifting: Again / Faster Olympic Power Barbell
• Best Barbell for CrossFit: Again / Faster Team Barbell 2.0
• Best Barbell for Weightlifting: REP Fitness Colorado Bar
• Best Barbell for Beginners: Living.Fit Barbell
• Best Barbell for Squats: REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar
• Best Barbell for Deadlifts: Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
• Best Barbell for Women: Again / Faster Team Barbell 2.0 (15kg)
• Best Trap Bar: REP Fitness Open Trap Bar
• Best Barbell on Amazon: Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell
• Best Standard Barbell: Sporzon! Standard Weightlifting Barbell

Best Overall Barbell

A barbell is a significant investment. Aside from a squat rack and bench, your choice of barbell will likely be your most crucial gym equipment decision. It allows you to load weight onto your body, which means a quality barbell needs to be both durable and thoughtfully designed. Living.Fit nailed it with a reliable barbell that performs for athletes at any level of fitness. 

Living.Fit Barbell (Cerakote)

The Living.Fit barbell in cerakote has all the makings of a high-level barbell at an affordable price. We like how easily the sleeves rotate nonstop without spinning, making this bar suitable for both powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting. The sleeves deliver this consistent rotation thanks to a combination of needle bearings for smooth spin and brass bushings for resilience. This bar is a Swiss army knife, ideal for higher-rep sets and various exercises thanks to the rotation and moderate knurling that provides a good grip that won’t tear your hands to shreds.

Living.Fit made this bar to be durable with minimal maintenance. Aesthetically, we love how the cerakote finish look. We also love that it helps to protect the bar from the elements, sweat, and chalk. The cerakote on this bar also requires less frequent cleaning than other coatings like chrome or zinc. Overall, the composition of this bar is what you might expect to find in a barbell that’s double the price or more, making it the perfect general fitness barbell for a home gym. 

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 180,000-210,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: 1,500 pounds
• Diameter: 28mm
• Coating: Cerakote
• Knurl Marks: Dual Weightlifting and Powerlifting
• Price: $224.99

Pros

• This barbell is made of spring alloy steel, coated in durable cerakote, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
• If you’re a weightlifter, you can train on IWF standard 1.2mm knurling like you’ll use in competitions.
• This bar can accommodate all types of lifting — from powerlifting and weightlifting to general strength training.

Cons

• This bar doesn’t have center knurling to help the bar “stick” during back squats.
• The knurling is pretty moderate, so it might not be the best for lifts that require sharper knurling, like heavy deadlifts.
• Since this is a multi-purpose bar, it’s not ideal for elite-level Olympic lifting or powerlifting. You’ll want a more flexible bar or a stiffer one.

This barbell is reliable and useful across the board. Whether you’re just starting your home gym or adding another bar to the mix, this one has just what you need. Plus, it delivers the quality and feel of bars that can cost twice as much.

Read our full Living.Fit Barbell review

Best Barbell (Runner-Up)

You want to buy a barbell just once. Unless you’re competing at a very high level in a strength sport, a barbell like the REP Fitness Colorado Bar is one of the best options on the market. This bar is durable, well-engineered, and versatile enough to allow you to dabble in all different lifting arenas.

REP Fitness Colorado Bar

“Best” means different things to different lifters. We like that the Colorado Bar accommodates all types of exercises but sports enough details that make it a great option for lifters that train specific strength sports.  If you’re into powerlifting, one of its dual knurling options is built to International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) standards. It’s also got a solid tensile strength, which makes it a great and somewhat cost-effective option for the heavy squats, presses, and pulls commonly performed in a powerlifting program.

If jerking and snatching is more your speed, you’ll like this bar, too. The sleeves spin well thanks to composite bushings, which provide a smooth but not frictionless spin, striking a happy medium. You may experience some seizing with repeated drops over time because of the bushings, though. You’ll also want to watch for rust more than you would with cerakote or stainless steel if you go with the more cost-effective hard chrome finish. 

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: 1,500 pounds
• Diameter: 28.5mm
• Coating: Hard Chrome
• Knurl Marks: Dual Weightlifting and Powerlifting
• Price: $329.99

Pros

• The moderate knurling won’t shred your shins as much during deadlifts or hands during higher-rep sets. 
• Competition-standard knurling options are ideal for competitive powerlifters.
• The composite bushings create a smooth spin during Olympic lifting movements. 

Cons

• A hard chrome finish isn’t as protective for hot or humid environments as stainless steel or cerakote. 
• Since this is a multi-purpose bar, it isn’t as specialized as other bars on this list. For most folks, this doesn’t matter. Dedicated powerlifters or weightlifters may want a different option.
• There is an upcharge for cerakote coating, which reduces the cost-effectiveness of this bar. 

With some intelligent innovations like composite bushings as well as excellent build quality, we think this barbell is well worth its price. It isn’t the cheapest bar on the market, but the hard chrome version is certainly more cost-effective than dedicated specialty bars and can be used for just about any type of lifting.

Best Budget Barbell

Affordable doesn’t have to mean cheap. If you’re operating on a tighter budget, we found a pick that is both sturdy and budget-friendly. The Living.Fit barbell is excellent for beginners and is built to accommodate many movements and lifting styles.

Living.Fit Barbell

We think this bar is great in general, but its low price makes it an ideal bar for those on a budget as well. At just $199.99 with a lifetime warranty to boot, this is a great option for building a home gym on a budget. This also works very well as a “beater bar” that you can load up for different exercises, like landmine presses, that might damage your more expensive bars. It does lack center knurling, which we’d like to see for more security when you’re back squatting. Its knurling is pretty moderate, and experienced lifters may find it too passive, especially for grip-heavy exercises like deadlifts and rows. 

Unlike other budget bars, this one has a standard 28mm diameter and dual knurl markings, though if you like a thicker bar, a 30mm diameter one might be easier on your wrists, which Living.Fit doesn’t offer. The tensile strength isn’t listed exactly, though a wide range is provided, so we can’t say how the whip might feel during explosive movements. 

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 180,000-210,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: 1,500 pounds
• Diameter: 28mm
• Coating: Chrome
• Knurl Marks: Dual Weightlifting and Powerlifting
• Price: $199.99

Pros

• At $200, we consider this one of the most affordable bars you can buy that still meet our tester’s quality standards.
• The dual knurl marks make it easier to line up your hand grips and foot placement for lifts.
• The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind that the bar will last for years with proper care.

Cons

• The chrome finish isn’t as resistant to rust or corrosion as cerakote is.
• With a range for tensile strength listed, the whip/flex may not be consistent between bars.
• The bushings may not hold up to consistent dropping. 

Realistically affordable, the Living.Fit Barbell is top quality and sturdy, proving that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to acquire a quality bar. If you want a bar made with high-quality materials like high-alloy spring steel, this budget barbell might be your pick.

Best Barbell for Powerlifting

Powerlifting is a strength sport that revolves around three lifts: the squat, the deadlift, and the bench press — and there are different bars designed for these movements. The Again Faster Olympic Power Barbell is built to handle ultra-heavy loads and is as stiff as any bar you are likely to encounter. 

Again Faster Olympic Power Barbell

This bar is based on Again Faster’s Team bar, which is designed to withstand the rigors of competitive powerlifting. We like that the bar is a centimeter thicker than the standard Team Bar at 29mm, which helps reduce whip/flex during lifts. Less flex in your bar helps to increase stability in lifts like bench presses and squats, especially with near-maximal weights, since you’re not fighting against that movement. The knurling is also very aggressive, which is excellent for powerlifting (but maybe too much for daily use for some people).

Though cerakote is generally more rust-resistant than chrome, chrome coatings take chalk better, which is essential for powerlifting, so this finish choice is intentional and sensical. (You’ll need to clean it more often, though.) It also has a tensile strength of 205,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) and features center knurling, which helps the bar stay put and bend less when lifting. This is especially helpful during heavy squats where you want to minimize bar whip so you don’t get driven back down by it. 

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 200,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: Not Listed
• Diameter: 29mm
• Coating: Hard Chrome
• Knurl Marks: Powerlifting
• Price: $285

Pros

• Aggressive “volcano knurl” provides a great grip for deadlifts and sticks well on your back during squats.
• The price is very reasonable for a specialized powerlifting bar.
• Extra thickness and tensile strength reduce whip so you don’t get out of position during heavy squats or pulled forward during deadlifts.
• Extra long 17-inch sleeves for more weight capacity, especially when using bumper plates.

Cons

• The aggressive knurling makes this bar less accessible for all other exercises (especially for non-competitive lifters).
• This is too stiff for a lot of general fitness or weightlifting exercises.
• Olympic weightlifters or other trainees who need more whip and collar spin from their bar will find this bar too stiff.

This heavy-duty barbell can be loaded with lots of weight, has centered knurling for squatting, and offers up little to no whip or flex while lifting. All of these, plus a reasonable price, make it a great bar for aspiring powerlifters.

Best Barbell for CrossFit

CrossFit involves a various lifts done for a lot of reps (usually more reps than any one person would otherwise subject themselves to). When choosing a CrossFit barbell, you need a more general barbell that, above all else, is durable as hell. Why? Because it’s going to get beat the hell up.

Again Faster Team Barbell 2.0

Does your CrossFit routine involve working on your max squat? Or are you working hard on integrating high-rep snatches into your WOD? Whatever your workout has you doing today, the Again Faster Team Barbell 2.0 can handle — and survive — it all. This barbell comes with both IPF and IWF grip marks, so the knurling pattern of this bar will be able to support you no matter what kinds of lifts find their way into your programming.

It’s available in 15kg and 20kg so that you can tackle any CrossFit workout at any fitness level. Regardless of weight, the Again Faster Team Barbell is constructed from 209,000 PSI steel and is made to spin thanks to its combination of needle bearings and ball bearings. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured it will hold up through all your CrossFit training sessions. 

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 209,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: Not listed
• Diameter: 28mm
• Coating: Black Hard Chrome
• Knurl Marks: Dual Weightlifting and Powerlifting
• Price: $279

Pros

• This bar comes in 20kg for men and 15kg for women, which means one-stop shopping for couples who WOD.
• CrossFitters often switch between weightlifting and powerlifting movements, and the dual knurl marks make it quick and easy to find the right grip for both.
• Again Faster made this bar durable to stand up to the punishment CrossFit training can put on a bar. 

Cons

• There isn’t an option for cerakote finish or stainless steel, which are more rust-resistant.
• This bar doesn’t have any center knurling, which might be helpful for squats, front rack lunges, and other common CrossFit exercises. 

CrossFitters will appreciate the versatility of this barbell, which can accommodate powerlifting and weightlifting thanks to its varied grip and bearings that make for a great spin. Again Faster gave this bar extra durability with a hybrid self-lubricating bearing-bushing design, too, since they know you’ll be putting it through its paces.

Best Barbell for Weightlifting

A great weightlifting bar has to have good whip, just the right amount of knurling, and collars with enough spin to keep the bar steady during cleans and snatches. REP Fitness’s Colorado Bar not only checks all those boxes, but it’s also built to IWF specs, so it’ll be just like the bar you use on meet day.

REP Fitness Colorado Bar

This 20-kilogram barbell has gone through many iterations and years of testing to become the new flagship bar from REP Fitness. The composite bushings allow for smooth, consistent rotation and added durability. They also have a noise-dampening effect since REP knows you’ll drop this bar a ton. The 190k PSI rating means this bar is whippy, which is a valued aspect of weightlifting barbells, unlike powerlifting. Oftentimes, lifters will use the oscillation to assist in the jerk portion of a clean & jerk.

We like the attention to detail with a 28.5mm diameter (the exact diameter of competition barbells), where most bars are 28mm. This may not seem like much, but it’s enough to throw you off come meet day. You can pick it up in either hard chrome or cerakote, though you’ll pay more for the cerakote option. If you’re working in a garage gym or somewhere humid, it may be a good idea to invest the extra money in the cerakote finish for extra rust resistance. We would have liked to see a center knurling on this bar since most of the bars you’ll use in competitions have it.

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: 1,500 pounds
• Diameter: 28.5mm
• Coating: Hard chrome or Cerakote
• Knurl Marks: Dual Weightlifting and Powerlifting
• Price: $319.99 (chrome) or $349.99 (cerakote)

Pros

• This barbell has the exact diameter you’ll be using for competitions.
• A bit lower tensile strength means this barbell is more likely to have a lot of whip, so you can practice utilizing it for your jerks.
• The volcano knurling is sharp enough to work well when using a hook grip but doesn’t tear your hands up with consistent use.

Cons

• This is more expensive than other bars, especially if you opt for a cerakote finish.
• No center knurling feels like a miss that could have been added for an even more specialized bar.
• Not everyone likes a very whippy bar.

If you’re competing in Olympic weightlifting, this is a great bar to train with, and the price is reasonable, especially compared to other higher-end options. The whip can take some getting used to, but once you get a feel for it, your PRs will start to fall. 

Best Barbell for Beginners

The best barbell for beginners must accommodate several different lifting styles, as beginners rarely start with a particular specialization. The Living.Fit Barbell doesn’t restrict your choices and is versatile enough to test the waters in many different types of lifting.

Living.Fit Barbell

When you’re just starting, it’s unlikely that you’ll know exactly what kind of lifts you’ll like best. You might also be excited to try out different kinds of lifting — so you’ll want a barbell that can accommodate that. Thankfully, the Living.Fit bar has just what you need, with dual grip options and knurl marks for both powerlifting and weightlifting standards. These marks allow you to assume the correct grip width each time, whether grabbing the bar to bench press or doing some snatches. We like this because hand placement consistency is something that beginners often struggle with.

This is a bar that you won’t have to replace right away once you’ve gained some more experience and are lifting heavier weights — it’s well constructed with high-alloy spring steel to make it strong, but still, it has a decent amount of whip as well as a chrome finish to help prevent rust. This bar is just as at home in a commercial gym as it would be in a home gym, but it costs less than some gyms’ monthly memberships. It also has a lifetime warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 180,000-210,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: 1,500 pounds
• Diameter: 28mm
• Coating: Chrome
• Knurl Marks: Dual Weightlifting and Powerlifting
• Price: $199.99

Pros

• This is a bar that you can grow with and won’t have to replace as soon as you start moving heavier weights.
• The dual grip knurl mark options are there to guide your grip for both powerlifting and Olympic lifts, which is crucial for perfecting technique when starting out.
• Many beginner bars are thicker and have sleeves that don’t rotate well, whereas this one is more akin to a high-end bar with good sleeve spin and standard 28mm thickness.

Cons

• There is an upcharge for cerakote finish, which is more resistant to rust. Less frequent cleanings might be more appealing to beginners, though the price won’t be.
• More advanced athletes who are specializing in either Olympic lifting or powerlifting might want to opt for a bar that is more specifically designed for their sport.
• This bar doesn’t have a center knurl, which can help beginners feel more confident in the bar staying put during squats or lunges.

The Living.Fit Barbell is strong, durable, and well-priced. As a beginner, those are all the right things to look for in a barbell. This isn’t a beater bar that you’ll have to replace after just a year or two, either — it has a lifetime warranty and is meant to stand up to daily use for years. If you want a bar that can help you experiment with many different types of lifting without feeling restricted, this is it.

Best Barbell for Squats

For heavy squats, stability and grip is key, which is why you want a bar that is sturdy and has center knurling. A stiffer bar with less whip is also ideal to help you stay stable throughout the lift. The REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar has all of those characteristics, plus its name just plain sounds cool. 

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar

This power bar from REP is our pick if you want a bar dedicated to pushing up your squat numbers. It’s an exceptional choice due to its tensile strength, which allows it to handle extremely heavy loads with no issues of deformation and very little whip. Low whip/flex is essential to allow you to maintain your technique better and prevent the bar from flexing and folding you while you’re trying to stand up a squat (it’s not fun, trust us). 

The thicker diameter also helps to contribute to the bar’s stiffness while giving you a larger area to grip, which might help ease some pressure on your wrists. REP uses IPF standard knurl marks so you can be better prepared for meet day if you plan on competing, too. We’re particularly fans of the very aggressive and deeply cut knurling to help the bar stick during squats, but sensitive lifters may not like the bite. 

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 200,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: 1,500 pounds
• Diameter: 29mm
• Coating: Cerakote or Stainless Steel
• Knurl Marks: Powerlifting
• Price: $329.99 or $399.99

Pros

• The base option of cerakote with a stainless steel option is nice for longevity and resistance to corrosion.
• The lack of whip from the extra thickness of this power bar will help with balance and control when squatting.
• This bar isn’t going to slide off your back during low-bar squats because the knurling is among the most aggressive that REP makes.

Cons

• This bar isn’t the cheapest out there, though it is reasonable for the quality.
• If you prefer more gentle knurling, you may want to opt for a more multi-purpose bar.
• This is designed specifically for powerlifting, and the features (aggressive knurl, single markings, etc.) can make it uncomfortable/not optimal to use for other types of training.

This bar is super stiff for stability with an extra millimeter of thickness and has a high tensile rating. When you hit the bottom of the squat with circa max weight, you’ll be glad you chose the REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar. 

Best Barbell for Deadlifts

There’s a saying in powerlifting: “The meet doesn’t start until the bar hits the floor.” Deadlifts are notoriously hard. If you really want to push up your numbers, it’s worth considering getting a specialized bar like the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0. 

Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0

This bar is slightly thicker in diameter (29mm), slightly longer in length (86.6 inches), and has virtually no whip when compared to a normal bar. All three of these characteristics mean that there will be no changes in the bar as the lift is pulled off the floor — a desirable design feature for heavy deadlifts. 

With a 210,000 PSI tensile strength, the lack of whip is a part of the bar’s draw, which allows you to get into position and not have to worry as much about “pulling the slack out”. The worst feeling is immediately being out of position at the start of a deadlift because the bar bent too much. This helps prevent that. The big drawback here is that the bar’s shaft has no coating and is bare steel — hence the name — which means it is very susceptible to rusting. You’ll have to take extra special care and clean this bar after every session.

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 210,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: 1,500 pounds
• Diameter: 29mm
• Coating: Bare Steel
• Knurl Marks: Powerlifting
• Price: $219.99

Pros

• This bar is priced exceptionally well for a specialty bar and includes free shipping.
• You’ll know that once you grip this bar, it’s likely not going anywhere. The knurling has been compared to a cheese grater in user reviews.
• This bar has little to no flex, even with heavy weights.

Cons

• The larger diameter doesn’t do any favors for lifters with smaller hands.
• Some people prefer a deadlift bar with a ton of whip, which shortens the range of motion at the beginning of the lift.
• Bare steel can be very tedious to keep in good condition; this barbell requires a ton of maintenance.

This bar is a worthy choice for those with the money, space, and inclination to train deadlifts with such specificity. It has some of the most aggressive knurling on the market and basically no flex.

Best Barbell for Women

For women, using a 28mm diameter bar when squatting or bench pressing shouldn’t impact their performance. However, any form of pulling or rowing can be much tougher. Hence the need for a specialized women’s barbell, like the Again Faster Team Barbell 2.0. 

Again Faster Team Barbell 2.0 (15kg)

Aside from being slightly smaller and lighter than a men’s bar, Again Faster didn’t dial back any other aspect of this bar. The Team Barbell 2.0 still has solid tensile strength at 209,000psi while providing a great whip for Olympic lifting. We like the hybrid bearing-bushing design of needle and ball bearing combined with self-lubricating bronze bushings, and they create an incredibly smooth and consistent spin. 

The volcano-style knurling provides a solid feel in the hands but isn’t sharp enough to leave them in tatters after every session. One should keep in mind that the bushing may be prone to seizing if you drop this bar a ton from overhead. Also, the price is a little higher than other popular women’s bars, though we think the quality justifies it.

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 209,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: 1,500 pounds
• Diameter: 25mm
• Coating: Hard Chrome
• Knurl Marks: Dual Weightlifting and Powerlifting
• Price: $279.99

Pros

• The dual bearing design provides a very smooth and free spin, provided you take care to not abuse the bar. 
• The thinner nature of this bar means it will have more whip than a standard bar, which can be helpful for Olympic lifting. 
• Feels secure in your hands but doesn’t have sharp points like some knurling does.

Cons

• This is a bit more expensive than other high-profile women’s bars.
• If you’re into powerlifting, you may want to get a different bar with less whip.
• Dropping this bar repeatedly from overhead will damage the bushings over time and may result in the sleeves not spinning as freely.

A strong, whippy bar with a smaller diameter than men’s bars, the Again Faster Team Barbell 2.0 is a great option for women looking for a high-quality bar for their lifts. This bar may be thinner and lighter, but that’s where the differences end. The Team Barbell 2.0 is every bit as tough and high-quality as the men’s version of the bar.

Best Trap Bar

A trap bar is a hexagonal barbell with neutral grip handles on either side of the barbell, a design that allows for a more centered weight distribution than you have with a traditional barbell. Purists may object to a trap bar being on a list of the best barbells. However, they are excellent bars in their own right and can be a great tool in many situations that a regular barbell may not be. They’re accommodating and can also be used for more than just deadlifts, and the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar has versatility and design that goes above and beyond your typical trap bar. 

REP Fitness Open Trap Bar

There are many reasons to like this modern take on the classic trap bar. The open design allows for more effortless movement while doing frame carries or lunges. You can also select the best handle width for you — wide, standard, narrow, or rotating. The knurled (optional) rotating handles add functionality and versatility, though they cost more. Also, REP’s design is more rounded on the inside, which allows for more room and easier movement during use. 

This bar is heavier than a regular barbell at about 65 pounds with the standard handles. The weight capacity is extremely high for a trap bar, and the sleeves are standard barbell length, which is also rare to see on a trap bar. This bar does take up a lot of room compared to a standard barbell and even more than other trap bars, so it might be a pain to store. One of our favorite features is that you can even rack this trap bar for some interesting, creative, and fun exercises like cambered squats.

Specs

• Tensile Strength: Not Applicable
• Weight Rating: 1,350 pounds
• Diameter: 28mm (Rotating handles have 38mm and 48mm too)
• Coating: Hard Chrome
• Knurl Marks: Not Applicable
• Price: $399.99 or $469.99

Pros

• You can do so much more than deadlifts — suitcase carries, lunges, rows, and more thanks to the thoughtful design REP used.
• The bar’s body works as a deadlift jack to make loading and unloading the bar easier.
• You can remove the handles to change them out quickly if you want to switch your training up.

Cons

• This might be too heavy, even with the lightest handles, for some people who are using a trap bar for rehab to start out with.
• This trap bar is innovative and versatile but somewhat pricier than some other options.
• The knurling is pretty moderate and might not be great for very heavy lifts without using straps.

Adding a trap bar to your repertoire can be a great way to introduce a whole new style of movement into your training. On top of the exercises you can do with a normal trap bar, the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar allows you to do cambered squats, suitcase carries, and more. The open, counterbalanced design helps allow you to move more naturally during lunges and other movements. Overall, this trap bar will help kick the variety up to the next level for your training sessions. 

Best Barbell on Amazon

Amazon can be a minefield for purchases, but we were very impressed with the Synergree Games barbell. It sports a set of great features that we’d want to see on similarly-priced bars elsewhere, and customer service promises a brand-new bar sent to you with no questions asked if you have an issue with your order.

Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell

This barbell is a popular choice for many CrossFit athletes and beginner trainees alike. It is cost-effective, designed to take a beating, and performs well consistently. Above-average tensile strength of 190,000 PSI, a cerakote finish, and 10 needle bearings make this bar a great value. It also helps that you can get this bar in your hands quickly in most cases, thanks to Prime two-day shipping. 

As if that wasn’t enough, the weight rating on this barbell is 1,500 pounds, so you know you’ll be able to use it throughout the course of your strength journey. With proper care, this barbell can last you a lifetime thanks to the highly corrosion-resistant cerakote. It does have pretty passive knurling, which may put powerlifting purists off, but that’s what makes it great for higher-rep workouts and CrossFit workouts. This is an all-around great barbell for both beginners and advanced lifters alike, plus you won’t have to pay extra for fast shipping.

Specs

• Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
• Weight Rating: 1,500 pounds
• Diameter: 28mm
• Coating: Cerakote
• Knurl Marks: Dual weightlifting and powerlifting
• Price: $229.95

Pros

• Synergee features dual knurl marks for powerlifting and weightlifting.
• This comes in black, red, and pink so you can match your home gym aesthetic.
• The tensile rating allows significant whip while still supporting a ton of weight.

Cons

• The knurling can feel blunted and not as sharp with cerakote finishes.
• Needle bearings can be expensive and difficult to replace if they seize up, though they spin much more freely than bushings.
• This bar might have too much whip for heavy deadlifts and squats.

Eye-catching and accomplished, this bar is not just a pretty face. You can get some serious lifting done, and the option for free Amazon Prime shipping is the icing on the cake to save you money and time.

Best Standard Barbell

The difference between Standard and Olympic barbells lies in weight collar diameter. “Standard” size barbells and weights feature one-inch diameter holes, and collars are generally much less common than their Olympic counterparts, which have two-inch collars and plate holes. Rated up to 700 pounds, this Standard barbell from Sporzon! is strong enough for beginners up to pretty advanced lifters. They’re probably not ideal for Olympic weightlifting, since the sleeves don’t spin, but this could be a welcome addition to home gyms.

Sporzon! Standard Weightlifting Barbell

If you’re on a tight budget, then a standard bar may be just the thing for you. They’re generally cheaper, and there is almost always an abundance of pre-owned standard diameter plates for dirt cheap second-hand. Different bar diameters and length options from five to seven feet are useful for those who are limited in their workout space, and the chrome finish will be satisfactory for most lifters throughout the life of the bar as long as you keep up with the maintenance.

It may not be ideal to prepare you for competition in strength sports, but weight is weight. (except 35-pound plates. Fight us.) Considering the lower cost of entry, this barbell is a good idea if you’re testing the waters of working out at home to see if it will stick. Just make sure you give it a clean every few weeks and purchase the correct diameter weight plates to match your bar.

Specs

• Tensile Strength: Not Listed
• Weight Rating: 700 pounds
• Diameter: 28mm
• Coating: Chrome
• Knurl Marks: Powerlifting
• Price: $69.87

Pros

• You can purchase this bar in standard or Olympic diameter, as well as five, six, or seven feet long.
• The weight rating is much higher than most other standard bars at 700 pounds.
• This is available in five-foot-long options if you’re working with a narrow space like a garage stall. 

Cons

• Other finishes like cerakote or stainless steel will last longer and require less cleaning.
• If you compete in strength sports, this isn’t a great choice since you’ll be using completely different equipment come competition time.
• The knurling on this bar is inconsistent and pretty passive overall.

With multiple different options for grip and length, the Sporzon! Standard Weightlifting Bar is affordable and ideal if you aren’t blessed with a huge workout space. Choose from a variety of lengths and standard or Olympic sleeve diameters to fit your weight plates.

How We Chose the Best Barbells

Testing barbells is tedious, and it takes ample time to get it right. Some of the factors we consider when assessing our favorite barbells are the task at hand, the barbell’s durability, and the price point of the bar.

Task At Hand

The first thing we consider when testing a barbell is what each bar is designed for. The majority of barbells are designed and knurled for versatility to be used for general lifting, powerlifting, or Olympic lifting. For niche barbells, like trap bars, we train with them in the fashion they’re intended to be used, then compare what we experience with the notes that the company provides for the barbell. Those that function well for their intended purpose and demographic will rank higher on the list than those that fit more loosely into their roles. 

For example, if a company advertises an Olympic barbell and the sleeves hardly spin, then that may not rank so well. Conversely, if a company advertises a powerlifting bar and it has aggressive knurling, a center knurl, and very high tensile strength, that will rank better. If the company says their bearings rotate well for a weightlifting bar, we test that exclusively with diligence.

Durability

Another major component we consider is the barbell’s durability. We first assess how the barbell holds up over time in our gym, then we look at intricate factors that the company lists about the barbell. These are all the specs that no one considers, but make a huge difference! Oftentimes, we can infer about the durability of a barbell just by looking at its specs. If a barbell is uncoated or just coated in chrome, that bar won’t be as resistant to wear and tear over time as a cerakote bar would. It’ll also require more frequent maintenance and cleaning. 

Other major durability factors are the types of bearings used. Needle bearings offer a smoother spin in general but are more expensive and more prone to breaking, while ball bearings or bushings are less likely to need as much care and will generally last longer with repeated drops.

Price

The final component (and one of the most important for many people) we consider is the price of a barbell. Barbells can range in price from around $150 on the low end all the way up to $1,000 or more for competition standard top-quality bars. We tie the performance specs into the price to find barbells that walk harmonious lines for those on a budget who want the most for their money. The bars can’t just be expensive without a cause, there has to be good reasoning behind the price — like the quality, specification/approval by IWF/IPF, and durability.

How Much Do Barbells Cost?

Barbells are an anomaly among gym equipment since they have a (relatively) narrow range of prices, with the exception of specialty bars. You can pick up a high-quality barbell that will last you a lifetime for around $300, perhaps less. If you want a special, high-end bar for weightlifting or deadlifting specifically, you can spend upwards of $500 to $1,000. Most bars don’t go much higher than that in price. 

The major differences come with the purpose of the barbell. You can snag a solid mid-tier multi-purpose bar, powerlifting bar, or weightlifting bar, all for about the same price. They may look the same, but the spin of the sleeves, knurling, whip, and knurl marks will vary quite a bit. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Barbell

While it may come as a surprise that there can be such variance between a cylindrical lump of metal that has a standardized length, there are, in fact, a host of differences that you should be aware of as you look for a barbell. 

Types of Barbells

There are multiple types of barbells on the market, and for the beginning lifter or home gym owner, it can be a little daunting when shopping around and seeing all of the options. In regards to major types of barbells, there are basically three that are relevant to recreational lifters and strength athletes, and these are regular (or cross-functional) barbells, weightlifting barbells, and power barbells.

These three barbells will each offer a variety of features to match specific needs. Below, we’ve quickly highlighted some of the main differences between the three most common types of barbells.

Outside of these three types of barbells, there are also specialty bars that are common in niche strength sports gyms and sports. We’ve listed a few of the major types of bars below, along with their ideal uses.

Women’s Bars

Women’s bars are made with weights of 15kg or 35 lbs and have a diameter of 25mm.

Deadlift Bars 

Best for deadlifts, as they offer a lot of whip, aggressive knurling, and a sometimes smaller diameter.

Squat Bars

Best for squats, as they’re typically made with no whip and have center knurling for gripping the back.

Trap Bars

Also sometimes called hex bars, these are traditionally shaped like a hexagon and a useful niche implement for variation and teaching hip hinging. Many modern versions feature an open design now for increased versatility.

Knurling

The knurling on a barbell is the etched, sandpaper-like texture that covers each side of the barbell and sometimes the middle. Knurling on a barbell is important for three major reasons. First, it promotes grip and can help improve lifting by allowing the barbell to remain still in the hands. If you try lifting while holding the smooth portions of the bar versus the knurled parts, you’ll instantly understand how helpful it is.

Second, knurling is a useful tool for finding the proper positioning on the bar. Each side of the barbell’s knurling will have a ring, sometimes two, and these can be useful for accurately finding hand and body positioning when trying to be centered on a barbell. 

Finally, knurling patterns can be specific to certain sports. For example, Olympic bars will have a smooth center knurling to avoid scratching the neck during cleans, whereas deadlift bars will have even more pronounced knurling to promote grip.

Bar Diameter (Grip Diameter)

A barbell’s grip diameter can be an easily overlooked construction attribute that can be very important. The diameter of a barbell can be catered to one’s needs based on preference, gender, and strength sport. The most common grip diameter for men’s barbells tends to be around 28mm-29mm, and for women’s bars, it’s usually around 25mm. 

Common Barbell Grip Diameters	Useful for Whom/What
Men’s 28-29mm (Deadlift Bars Average 27mm)	Recreational lifting, powerlifting, weightlifting, CrossFit
Women’s 25mm	Recreational lifting, weightlifting, CrossFit

If you are a casual lifter, you’ll want to choose the most common diameter and discover your preferences. However, if you plan on competing in a strength sport, you should investigate the diameters mandated by your sport’s governing body and only purchase bars that match that. The barbell you use in training shouldn’t differ much from those you’ll use in competitive settings.

It is important to note that some specialty barbells can vary from the grip diameters listed above — such as squat bars with a diameter around 32mm for extra stiffness — but we’d recommend sticking with what’s most commonly used unless you have a good reason not to.

Strength

Tensile strength, yield strength, and test on a barbell can all be great suggestions for a barbell’s long-term durability and can help highlight the likelihood of the barbell prematurely resisting breaking and fracturing. Most barbell manufacturers list all or some of these attributes, and we’d suggest straying from any company that isn’t willing to readily share their barbell’s details, as that could mean that their bar will be prone to quicker breakdown.

Tensile Strength

Out of the three attributes above, tensile strength is possibly the most important and widely used to highlight barbell strength/durability. This attribute entails how much your barbell can be loaded with before it breaks or fractures. Higher tensile strength generally means a better, higher-quality barbell. 

Below, we’ve highlighted some general tensile strength guidelines.

150,000 PSI > — Decent for beginners, but it might be worth spending a bit extra to make your investment last.

150,000-180,000 PSI — Good and suitable for most athletes.

180,000+ PSI — High-quality, well-constructed barbell that should last a long amount of time.

Yield Strength

This construction attribute entails how much weight can be loaded on a barbell before it becomes deformed. Have you ever lifted on a barbell that is shaped like a noodle? That is exactly what failed yield strength looks/feels like. A lot of companies don’t list their yield strength, but that’s not the biggest deal. This attribute can often be prevented by simply using good barbell practices (ex: not dropping a barbell on safeties with weight, etc.), and high tensile strength often correlates with high yield strength.

Test

This construction attribute entails documenting how much weight a company has used to physically test the barbell. Some companies list the test of their barbells, and some don’t. If a company doesn’t list their barbell’s test, then look at tensile strength, as these two can be closely related.

Whip

The whip of a barbell is the final (but very important) construction aspect to factor into your buying decision. Whip entails how much the bar will flex and give without losing its original shape. For the recreational and beginner lifter, this isn’t a huge concern, but it can become more important as athletes get deeper into their lifting careers and start competing.

Some companies will list how much whip their bars have, and most likely, these bars will have a specific purpose, like weightlifting, deadlifting, squatting, and so forth. Below, we’ve included some general recommendations for different athletes considering a bar with whip.

Beginner or Recreational Lifters

Standard whip is fine and won’t impact your movement much.

Weightlifters

A bar with more whip is useful for training, as this will closely resemble what’s used in competition.

Powerlifters

Check out your federation’s rules. Deadlift-specific bars will have a lot of whip, which is great for pulling, but problematic in other movements. Power bars will be much stiffer and are used in federations like the USAPL.

Warranty

Newly bought barbells will almost certainly come with some form of warranty. If you buy second-hand, this warranty will usually then be voided even if you are still within the warranty period, so this may factor into your decision of what to purchase. 

Standard warranties typically cover manufacturers’ defects and design issues for a year to two years. However, this can vary. Finally, note that the warranty will also be voided if you are negligent. Leaving your bar out in the rain, for example, or on a squat rack loaded up with plates, is a surefire way to lose coverage.

Raw Materials and Finish

Bars are almost always going to be made from steel. However, as we mentioned earlier, the quality of steel can vary, and this is what leads to different tensile strengths for different bars. Other important materials to look for are the bearings or bushings and the finish. 

Bushings vs. Bearings

Bars with bushings are generally used for slower lifts, so for powerlifting, bushings are going to be the best all-around option. Bearings give a much better collar spin, which is why they are generally used for Olympic lifting. 

Finishes

Generally, for the finishes, stainless steel and cerakote are going to be the most expensive but also the most resistant to wear and tear. At the opposite end of the spectrum, bare steel, budget chrome and black oxide are going to be cheaper but also less resilient.

If, after reading through all this, you still need help deciding which bar works best for you, we have a handy guide that goes into greater detail.

Caring for your Barbell

To keep your barbell in tip-top condition, you’ll need to do three things semi-regularly:

• Clean the chalk and any other mess off the bar and the knurling using a brush.
• Wipe down the bar with a gentle cleaner and then give it a light coat of oil. Leave this overnight to sink in.
• Check the sleeve to see if the bearings are in good condition. Some bearings will need oil, others won’t. You’ll need to check with your manufacturer whether your bar is the former or the latter.

How often you have to do these steps will depend on the metal used to make the bar, the climate you live in, and how often the bar is used. Cheaper bars made out of budget chrome or zinc will need checking regularly, every two to four weeks. Stainless steel and other more expensive options will need less frequent checks, usually only every month to three months. More humid climates will need more care to prevent rust than they would require in a dry environment. Finally, a bar that gets heavy usage will need more maintenance than a bar that you have personally in your garage and only use twice a week.

Trap Bars vs. Conventional Bars

On the surface, this seems like an easy choice in favor of conventional bars. When you’re deciding between a trap bar and a conventional barbell, the choice really comes down to this: Are you training for a sport that uses the barbell? If the answer to this question is yes, then you should buy a conventional bar. If the answer is no, then the choice between a trap bar and a conventional bar becomes one of personal preference. 

Some people prefer trap bar movements because of their simplicity. Others prefer barbell movements because of their tried and tested results. If you look closely at functionality, trap bars can deliver a lot of the same benefits as conventional bars. In an ideal world, we would tell everyone to use both, but we know that’s not realistic. Just know that if you aren’t competing in a barbell-based sport, you can’t make a wrong choice here.

Barbells vs. Dumbbells

Another really contentious debate is whether to get a barbell or a set of dumbbells. In many cases, the cost for these two items is similar, so which should you go for if you can only choose one?

If you’re training for powerlifting or weightlifting, then a barbell is an essential tool, as it’s the primary implement for the required movements. But if you’re more into functional fitness or like to work isometric training into your routine, then dumbbells may be a really good fit for you. While barbells are incredibly versatile, dumbbells might take the cake when it comes to ultimate versatility. That being said, if you’re not looking to buy a whole set of dumbbells, there are many high-quality adjustable dumbbells on the market to suit a variety of needs. 

Final Word

The barbell is an incredibly versatile tool that can help you get strong, flexible, and explosive. Prices can vary hugely, as can the quality and the features, so make sure you’re clear on what you need before you buy. You can end up spending a fair chunk of change on something that you won’t use otherwise.

Once you have your bar, take good care of it and make sure you take equally good, if not better care, of your body by lifting with good technique and making sure to follow an effective training plan. If you do these things, you may never need to buy another barbell, and you might end up achieving some great training gains, as well.

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