8 Best Squat Racks of 2024, Approved by a Certified Personal Trainer

When you want to get stronger, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the equipment choices on the market. Do you opt to buy a set of adjustable dumbbells or one of the best barbells? If you want ample versatility to build total-body strength, we highly recommend a squat rack.

To find the perfect squat rack, you’ll need to consider the amount of space you have, what you’ll be using the rack for, and how robust you want your rack to be. After testing about 12 different units ourselves, our team of personal trainers and fitness experts has gathered the best of the best. Whether you’re shopping on a budget or working with limited space, one of our best squat racks is sure to fit your needs. 

Best Squat Racks of 2024

• Best Squat Rack Overall: REP Fitness PR-5000
• Best Budget Squat Rack: ForceUSA MyRack Modular Power Rack
• Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces: Titan Fitness T3 Folding Rack
• Best Power Rack: Bells of Steel Manticore Six Post Power Rack Builder
• Best Folding Squat Rack: PRx Profile Pro Folding Rack
• Best Squat Stand: Fringe Sport Unlimited Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar
• Best Squat Rack for Beginners: Titan T3 Series Power Rack
• Best Half Rack: Rogue HR-2 Half Rack

Best Squat Rack Overall: REP Fitness PR-5000

Pros

Customizable in size, so you can accommodate your space

Heavy-duty, 11-gauge steel construction

Multiple attachment packages

Cons

Entry-level package doesn’t include many attachments

Some may prefer units with cable systems

REP doesn’t list the weight capacity

What makes for a fantastic squat rack? Durability, versatility, and customizability, to name a few. Among the best REP Fitness squat racks, the PR-5000 goes above and beyond in all these categories, which is why we named it our top favorite. 

Durability is the most important factor in a new squat rack — after all, you don’t want any risk of injury. Our testers rated this unit a 5 out of 5 in the durability category, as it’s made with heavy-duty, 11-gauge steel. Plus, we like that it has a 1,000-pound capacity, which should be sufficient for most athletes. “I like knowing that this rack is definitely going to support me,” our tester said. 

Typically, most athletes don’t have endless space in their home gym, so our team prioritizes versatile products. This rack is compatible with a number of attachments, including the REP Ares, which is among the best cable machines, in our opinion. You can also attach a dip bar, pull-up bar, among other options. For optionality, we thought this deserved a 4.5 out of 5.

REP offers a wide variety of accessories for the PR-5000 series, including spotter arms, safeties, leg rollers, landmines, belt squats, and more. “The compatible attachments is a huge benefit,” our tester said, giving the customization a 5 out of 5. “It’s also compatible with accessories from other brands, so long as they require three-inch by three-inch uprights and one-inch holes.”

We do concede, though, that this certainly isn’t the cheapest option on this list. This rack starts at $899.99 but will likely cost more if you want to include any attachments in your purchase. Without the attachments, you do lose a lot of the utility of the rack, unfortunately, so we had to rate the pricing a 3.5 out of 5.

Read our full REP Fitness PR-5000 Power Rack Review.

Best Budget Squat Rack: Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack

Pros

Budget-friendly at $399.99 

Customize with a wide range of attachments

High weight capacity of 2,000 pounds

Cons

Add-ons can add up when it comes to the price

Many racks have built-in pull-up bars

While squat racks certainly aren’t the cheapest, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to find a solid unit. For athletes shopping on a budget, our team recommends the Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack. At only $399.99, this is among our most wallet-friendly picks, earning a 5 out of 5 in the cost category.

Our team does have to deduce a few points in the durability category, though. “This rack is made with 12-gauge steel, which is weaker than 11-gauge, which is what you’ll find with most squat racks,” our tester said, giving the durability a 3.5 out of 5. This doesn’t mean the squat will collapse, however, frequent heavy lifters may prefer 11-gauge steel for their rack. 

When it comes to customization, the MyRack has 20 optional attachments, like a chin-up bar, pull-up bar, dip handles, landmines, and more. Given the add-on options, we gave this rack a 5 out of 5 for customization.

Our team also liked the versatility that comes with this rack, giving this category a 4 out of 5. You can attach Force USA cable systems to this squat rack, giving your workouts infinitely more exercise options. However, this does drive the price up quite a bit. 

Read our full Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack Review.

Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces: Titan Fitness T3 Folding Rack

Pros

Folds up against the wall to save space

Built-in pull-up bar

Durable 11-gauge steel construction

Cons

Low weight capacity compared to comparable racks

Not compatible with many attachments

Squat racks and power racks aren’t the best compact exercise equipment options. Generally, they’re pretty tall and have a sizable footprint. For those with little available space, our testers loved the Titan Fitness T3 Folding Rack. 

This squat rack attaches to your wall and folds fully up against your wall, sitting only five inches away from the wall when stowed away. You can also choose between two rack heights (82 inches and 91 inches) and two unfolded depths (21 inches and 41 inches). If you’re working with space restrictions, the customizability is a big plus, earning this unit a 5 out of 5 in that category.

Our testers love that this one folds up but thought it lacked a bit in durability. “You need to move and adjust a lot of parts to fold this rack up,” our tester said, giving the stability a 2 out of 5. “You can do standard lifts on this bar, like squats and overhead press, but I’d avoid explosive, kipping movements.”

This one doesn’t have as much versatility as other units on our list. “We only received j-cups with our rack,” our tester explained, giving this category a 3 out of 5. “Also, since this is a 2-inch by 3-inch upright design with ⅝-inch holes, it’s not going to be compatible with many attachments.”

PRx’s folding rack is pretty budget-friendly, though. This unit only costs $360.97, which is pretty inexpensive for a power rack, especially considering the space-friendly nature of this design. 

Best Power Rack: Bells of Steel Manticore Six-Post Power Rack Builder

Pros

Power rack with tons of customization options

Durable 11-gauge steel build with powder coat

Plenty of attachments compatible with this unit

Cons

Pricey once you factor in the various attachments

You can find squat racks with higher capacities

Unlike squat racks, the best power racks typically include more safety features and thanks to the many safety feature options here, you don’t need to worry about a barbell dropping on your back. You can opt for spotter arms, safety straps, pin pipe straps, and flip-down safeties while building your Bells of Steel power rack.

Durability is no issue with this product, thanks to the 11-gauge steel construction. “It also has a black powder coat,” our tester sys, giving the durability category a 5 out of 5. “This can help prevent rust or corrosion of the metal.”

Our team also gave this unit a 5 out of 5 for customizability. The Manticore power rack works with both 1-inch and ⅝-inch attachments from either the company directly or other brands. We also love that you can choose your rack rack height/depth, plate storage depth, pull-up bar, cross pieces, and safeties right on the product page. 

We do wish the weight capacity were a little higher, though. Though a 1,000-pound capacity should be perfectly sufficient for most athletes, you can find units with a higher weight max. This squat rack is also pretty pricey, which is expected, given the customization options. In the cost cost category, we gave this one a 3.75 out of 5, as this rack starts at around $1,269.92.

[Related: Power Rack Attachment Guide]

Best Folding Squat Rack: PRx Profile Pro Folding Rack

Pros

Folds up against your wall to save space

Multiple rack heights available

Built-in pull-up bar

11-gauge steel construction with powder coat

Cons

No included safeties

Other squat racks have a higher weight capacity

Expensive for a wall-mounted rack

Space constraints are a common issue most athletes have with squat racks. This isn’t surprising, considering squat racks tend to have a pretty hefty footprint. For those who want to save some space, we recommend the PRx Profile Pro Folding Rack, among our best folding squat racks.

This rack folds up flush against the wall, sitting only four inches away from the wall. So, really, all you need is about 4 inches of depth availability, which is practically nothing. Our testers were impressed with the durability giving this factor a 4.5 out of 5. “Once you set up this rack properly, it feels incredibly stable,” our tester says. Given that it’s made with 11-gauge steel and coated to prevent corrosion, you shouldn’t worry about this unit breaking down.

We also gave the customization factor a 4 out of 5. “We tried the dip attachment, landmine attachment, bench attachment, and multi-grip pull-up bar,” our tester says. “They’re all coated the same as the rack and function perfectly.” Our team did wish the rack came with safeties, though. 

While this rack is compatible with plenty of attachments, it does lack the extent of versatility you might get with other units. As it’s wall-mounted, this isn’t compatible with any cable or a Smith machine attachments. However, if you’re looking to save space, you probably won’t want sizable attachments anyway.

“This isn’t a budget-friendly squat rack,” our tester says, giving it a 3.5 out of 5 for cost. “This one starts around $1,100 and shipping drives up the price. It’s definitely on the expensive side for wall-mounted racks.” That being said, if saving space is a priority, it may be worth the cost. 

Read our full PRx Home Gym Review.

Best Squat Stand: Fringe Sport Unlimited Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar

Pros

Sturdy squat stand forged from heavy-duty steel

Built-in pull-up bar

Only weighs 145 pounds — lighter than many racks

Cons

No included safety arms

No plate or bar storage

Light 450-pound weight capacity

Compared to more elaborate power racks, squat stands are pretty simple pieces of equipment. But for those who simply want a stand for their barbell, we recommend Fringe Sport’s Unlimited Squat Rack.

Although this squat stand only has a 450-pound weight capacity, our tester did think it was still pretty sturdy. “I didn’t load it up too heavy but it still felt pretty stable,” they say, giving the durability a 4 out of 5. “I do recommend mounting it to the floor, though, for the utmost safety.”

When it comes to attachments, this one is pretty bare-bones, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in this category. While it has plenty of add-ons, including a dip station, bumper plate storage pin, magnetic hitch pin, vertical barbell storage, and mammoth belt squat, they all come at an additional cost. We also wish that the unit at least came with safety arms included.

This rack has a pretty approachable price point, starting at only $299. “This is a pretty standard squat stand and it can serve all the most basic purposes,” our tester says, giving the value a 5 out of 5. “For athletes who don’t need a ton of bells and whistles, I think it’s definitely worth the cost.” 

Best Squat Rack for Beginners: Titan T3 Series Power Rack

Pros

Approachable price, design, and weight capacity for beginners

Durable 11-gauge steel construction with powder coat

Multiple sizes and colors available

Cons

Not many included attachments

No included safety bars or straps

Most weightlifting beginners need a durable unit that can serve the most basic lifts, while giving you room to grow. For newbies, we recommend the Titan T3 Series Power Rack. As mentioned earlier, power racks tend to have more safety features than squat stands (which we love for beginners), and this one is plenty durable, so accidentally dropping the best bumper plates in your collection won’t do much damage.

Thanks to the 11-gauge steel build and black powder coat to prevent rust and corrosion, durability shouldn’t be a concern with this unit. For weightlifting beginners, our team wanted a heavy-duty rack because, well, accidents happen and you might drop a weight here and there. “This one has a rackable capacity of 1,100 pounds, so it should be plenty for any beginner with room to grow,” our tester said, giving the durability a 5 out of 5. 

We like that Titan also offers different height and depth options, making it easier to build a unit that’s adequate for your available space. You also have the option of adding weight plate holders. However, we had to give this category a 3 out of 5, as we do wish it came with some sort of safety bars or straps included, especially for beginners.

Our team did love the approachable price point, though. This rack starts at only $559.99, earning a 5 out of 5 in the cost department. For beginners, this is a great starting point, as most newbies probably don’t want to be spending thousands of dollars on their first squat rack. 

Best Half Rack: Rogue HR-2 Half Rack

Pros

This half-rack can save half the space of a full power rack

Add a barbell, bench, or plates right at checkout

Built-in pull-up bar

Cons

92-inch height is pretty tall for a rack 

No listed weight capacity

No included safeties

Some athletes may not want a full squat rack or power rack and instead prefer a half-rack. After all, this rack style saves more space, allowing you to save some space in your home or garage gym. Taking up only 48 inches of depth, the Rogue HR-2 Half Rack is the perfect option for those looking to save some space. 

For one, durability is rarely an issue with Rogue equipment. “This half-rack is definitely built to last,” our tester says, rating the durability a 5 out of 5. “Most Rogue products are overbuilt, taking every safety precaution into consideration. Chances are, this unit will survive longer in your home gym than you might expect.”

This one does have plenty of customization options, earning a 4.5 out of 5 in this category. You can customize your rack height or add one of the best weight benches, barbells, and set of plates — all at an additional cost, however. At the very least, we do wish this one came with safeties included.

We also gave the versatility a 4.5 out of 5. “This rack is compatible with Rogue’s Monster-Lite attachments, enabling you to build in a cable machine, dip bar, and more,” our tester explains. As with the customization, though, these do all drive up the price.

There are two downsides we do want to point out. For one, this is an incredibly tall unit, especially compared to others on this list. It has a 92-inch height, whereas most others sit around 82 to 85 inches. So, be sure your ceiling can accommodate this half-rack. 

Given that it’s one of the best Rogue Fitness squat racks we’ve tested, it’s not surprising that it’s a pretty pricey unit. “This certainly isn’t a budget rack,” our tester says, giving the cost a 3.75 out of 5. “However, Rogue’s durability and craftsmanship is hard to beat. It can withstand just about any workout, so I think it’s worth the cost.”

How We Tested and Chose the Best Squat Racks

We know that squat racks are no small investment. So, our team of certified personal trainers, athletes, and fitness fanatics took the time to test more than a dozen different squat racks, squat stands, and power racks, scoring each on a scale 1 (boo) to 5 (yay) in accordance with the BarBend equipment testing methodology. Here are some of the key factors we considered.

• Stability: We prioritized stable squat racks made with heavy-duty steel. These units are built to resist any type of swaying and withstand plenty of weight. That being said, these are usually a little heavier. 
• Versatility: While some squat stands only offer two j-hooks and a stable base, others may include cable systems, pull-up bars, or smith machines. We tried to choose products that offered some versatility, making them ideal for your at-home gym.
• Cost: Squat racks are a pretty pricey investment. Some of the units on our list cost more than $1,000, whereas others are priced at a couple hundred. Our testers tried to offer a variety of price ranges, so there’s something for every athlete. 

Benefits of Squat Racks

When you choose to buy a squat rack, you’re not just opening yourself to the benefits of squats — you’re also investing in a whole host of training possibilities. And, of course, you’re investing in your health — after all, building strength is a great way to help improve your body composition and stave off age-related loss of bone density. (1) 

• Efficient Full-Body Workouts: It’s called a squat rack, but the workout versatility with these units is endless. “A squat rack is the place where you can squat, yes, but also bench press, shoulder press, rack pull, curl, and, depending on your attachments, do pull-ups, landmine exercises, and much more,” according to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer and a certified personal trainer. 
• Customization: Most squat racks offer different attachments and customizable heights and depths. So, you can really tailor this piece of equipment to suit your spatial and fitness needs. 
• Safety: Barbell back squats without a squat rack are possible but more challenging, as you have to clean and press the weight over your head. That also limits how much weight you can squat. Having a squat rack to hold the weight up for you is definitely a more convenient, safer option. 

How Much Do Squat Racks Cost?

Squat racks are definitely an investment. But if you’re looking to make gains in your home gym, they’re absolutely worth it. You can find a simpler rack for less than $350, while a handful of others can be purchased for less than $400. Generally speaking, the simpler the rack and the fewer included accessories, the lower the cost.

Best Squat Rack Overall	REP Fitness PR-5000	Starting at $899.99
Best Budget Squat Rack	Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack	Starting at $399.99
Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces	Titan Fitness T3 Folding Rack	Starting at $360.97
Best Power Rack	Bells of Steel Manticore Six-Post Power Rack Builder	Starting at $1,269.92
Best Folding Squat Rack	PRx Profile Pro Folding Squat Rack	Starting at $699
Best Squat Stand	Fringe Sport Unlimited Squat Rack With Pull-Up Bar	Starting at $299
Best Squat Rack for Beginners	Titan T3 Series Power Rack	Starting at $559.99
Best Half-Rack	Rogue HR-2 Half-Rack	Starting at $765`

What to Consider Before Buying a Squat Rack

Just as with the best weight plates, even top-tier squat racks are not made the same. Some will meet your needs better than others while some will just be too big for your space. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy.

Squat Racks vs. Power Racks 

Squat racks and power racks have similarities, but they are not entirely the same. Squat racks can be used for squat variations, bench presses, and simply to rack your barbell. Power racks can give you the same benefits but can also help you to diversify movements like pull-ups and other potential attachments like dip bars, cable pulleys, and landmine attachments. They can also provide plenty of space for plate storage.

The build of power racks is also different than simpler squat racks. Power racks are more like cages, with four metal posts connected by horizontal bars. A simple way to think about it is that you squat inside a power rack — with horizontal safety bars already built in — but you typically walk out of a squat rack with or without added spotter arms.

That being said, it’s best to know your end-game before purchasing a squat rack from this list. If you’re looking for the basics and simply want to squat, then a no-frills bonafide squat rack might be perfect for your needs. On the other hand, if you envision this purchase to be something that enables you to train more movements and have more equipment options, consider a power rack that you can build on over time. 

Size

While the differences between a squat rack and a power rack can dictate your exercise variation, it will also help you decide which one you need for your space. Power racks are suitable for larger rooms, while squat stands can have a smaller footprint. It’s good to know the rack’s dimensions to decide if it will fit in your space.

Best Squat Rack FAQs

References

1. Thomas MH, Burns SP. Increasing Lean Mass and Strength: A Comparison of High Frequency Strength Training to Lower Frequency Strength Training. Int J Exerc Sci. 2016 Apr 1;9(2):159-167. PMID: 27182422; PMCID: PMC4836564.