When you’re considering the equipment needed for building or improving your home gym, a solid workout bench is probably at the top of your list. While it’s possible, training on even the best home gym flooring doesn’t match the versatility that comes with a weight bench. “Weight benches can also be used for core exercises, seated shoulder press, incline/decline presses (if an adjustable bench), Bulgarian split squats, step-ups, hip thrusts, and more,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. Some benches even help build your lower body and abs. The padding that comes on most benches is a big improvement over the cold, hard, gym floor, too.
When it comes to selecting the right weight bench for your gym, there are a number of factors to consider, like adjustability, weight capacity, height, pad width, and maneuverability. Our team of Barbend experts tested around 54 different products, relying on our expert-developed equipment testing methodology to find the best weight benches for all fitness goals. Specifically, we looked at the following factors:
- Durability: Did the weight benches hold up to our exercises? Did padding rip or tear, and did the legs feel sturdy?
- Price: True, you can find some of the best weight benches on Amazon, but we also analyzed whether the higher-priced picks felt worthy of the price tag.
- Adjustability: We did include flat benches on this list, but for adjustable weight bench options, we looked at the incline and decline angles available and how easy the benches were to adjust.
Over the years, we’ve helped over 1.2 million people find the best strength equipment for their home gyms, so yeah, you can trust us. Simplify your search and take a look through our top picks.
The 12 Best Weight Benches of 2025
- Best Weight Bench Overall: REP AB-4100 Adjustable Weight Bench
- Best Budget Weight Bench: Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench
- Best Adjustable Bench: Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench
- Best Incline/Decline Weight Bench: Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2
- Best Nordic Bench: Shogun NORD-EX
- Best Flat Bench: Titan Fitness Elite Series Single Post Flat Bench
- Best Foldable Weight Bench: PRx Profile Flat Folding Bench
- Most Versatile Weight Bench: Force USA MyBench
- Best Weight Bench for Small Spaces: Fringe Sport Flat Bench
- Best Amazon Weight Bench: Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench
- Best Weight Bench for Larger Bodies: Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0
- Best Heavy-Duty Weight Bench: REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
Best Weight Benches Video Review
Check out our full video review of the best weight benches on the market in 2025 as Jake Herod, our expert tester and a certified nutrition coach, takes you through our favorites.
Best Weight Bench Overall: REP AB-4100
This REP Fitness adjustable bench has seven backrest positions and three seat positions, so there are plenty of angle options. This bench also has wheels and a handle for easy movement around your home.
Specs
- Price: $399.99
- Type: Adjustable bench
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 51.3″ L x 20.3″ W
- Max Weight Capacity: 700lbs
- Product Weight: 85lbs
- Material: 14-gauge steel
- Adjustable Positions: Seven backrest positions, three seat positions
Best Budget Weight Bench: Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench
The Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench is among the more compact weight benches you'll find. It's also among the more budget-friendly weight benches, too.
Specs
- Price: $149.99
- Type: Flat bench
- Dimensions: 17.3″ H x 44.4’’ L x 17.75″ W
- Max Weight Capacity: 661lbs
- Product Weight: 37.2lbs
- Material: 14-gauge steel
- Adjustable Positions: N/A
Best Adjustable Bench: Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench
This is a great adjustable bench if you're a shopper on a budget. It's also fairly compact for those who are tight on space.
Specs
- Price: $269.99
- Type: Adjustable bench
- Dimensions: 54” L x 24” W x 17” H
- Max Weight Capacity: 700lbs
- Product Weight: 62lbs
- Material: N/A
- Adjustable Positions: Six backrest positions, three seat positions
Best Incline/Decline Weight Bench: Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2
Specs
- Price: $499
- Type: Adjustable bench
- Dimensions: 17.2’’ H x 47’’ L x 22.5’’ W
- Max Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs (flat); 600lbs (incline and upright)
- Product Weight: 65lbs (69lbs with seat pad)
- Material: 11 and 12-gauge steel
- Adjustable Positions: 11 backrest positions, four seat positions
Best Nordic Bench: Shogun NORD-EX
The Shogun NORD-EX is a surprisingly compact two-in-one machine that can be adjusted from a Nordic bench to a back extension to facilitate a number of glute, hamstring, and lower back exercises. Forged from stainless steel, it can support up to 500 pounds.
Specs
- Price: $999.95
- Type: Nordic bench and back extension hybrid machine
- Dimensions: 41’’ L x 25’’ W
- Max Weight Capacity: 500lbs
- Product Weight: 126lbs
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Adjustable Positions: Five back extension angles, three assisted Nordic angles
Best Flat Bench: Titan Fitness Elite Series Single Post Flat Bench
One of our favorite flat benches, the Titan Fitness Single Post Flat Bench is made with heavy-duty steel, so you can expect it to last for years. It's also relatively light at only 56 pounds.
Specs
- Price: $169.99
- Type: Flat bench
- Dimensions: 17’’ H x 48’’ L x 26.375’’ W
- Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
- Product Weight: 56 lbs
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Adjustable Positions: N/A
Best Foldable Weight Bench: PRx Profile Flat Folding Bench
Flat benches can take up a ton of floor space and can be a hassle to hang when not in use. The PRx Profile Flat Folding Bench solves this problem by mounting the bench to the wall. Simply fold it out when needed and back up when not. Despite its sleek design, this solid bench can support 1,000 pounds when properly installed.
Specs
- Price: $449
- Type: Flat bench
- Dimensions: 19″ H x 45″ L x 12″ W
- Max Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
- Product Weight: 48lbs
- Material: Alloy steel
- Adjustable Positions: N/A
Most Versatile Weight Bench: Force USA MyBench
The Force USA MyBench comes with flat, incline, and decline settings, and also offers preacher curl and leg extension attachments. Though versatile, this bench still comes at a very affordable price.
Specs
- Price: $399.99
- Type: Adjustable bench
- Dimensions: 17.5’’ H x 61’’ L x 26.5″ W
- Max Weight Capacity: 705 lbs
- Product Weight: N/A
- Material: Steel
- Adjustable Positions: Seven backrest positions, three seat positions
Best Weight Bench for Small Spaces: Fringe Sport Flat Bench
Built with 11-gauge, 2-inch steel tubing, the Fringe Sport Flat Bench is a solid addition for home gym owners who want an affordable yet sturdy bench.
Specs
- Price: $175
- Type: Flat bench
- Dimensions: 47” L x 12” W x 17.5” H
- Max Weight Capacity: 880lbs
- Product Weight: 64lbs
- Material: Powder-coated 11-gauge steel
- Adjustable Positions: N/A
Best Amazon Weight Bench: Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench
Priced under $100, the Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench has a 600-pound weight capacity. It weighs just under 30 pounds, making it easy to move around your home gym.
Specs
- Price: $86.01
- Type: Flat bench
- Dimensions: 43″ L x 19″ W x 16.5″ H
- Max Weight Capacity: 600lbs
- Product Weight: 26.5lbs
- Material: Alloy steel
- Adjustable Positions: N/A
Best Weight Bench for Larger Bodies: Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is among the most heavy-duty weight benches. We also like the customization options, making this bench suitable for athletes with larger bodies.
Specs
- Price: $320
- Type: Flat bench
- Dimensions: 17.5’’ H x 47’’ L x 26.25″ W
- Max Weight Capacity: N/A
- Product Weight: 68 lbs
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Adjustable Positions: N/A
Best Heavy-Duty Weight Bench: REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
The REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench is a great option for powerlifting competitors to consider. It's made from 11-gauge steel, is rated at 1,000 pounds, and meets the height standards set by the International Powerlifting Federation.
Specs
- Price: $239.99
- Type: Flat bench
- Dimensions: 16.9” H x 50” L x 21″ W
- Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
- Product Weight: 62 lbs
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Adjustable Positions: N/A
Other Weight Benches We Researched
Not every weight bench we researched was deemed worthy of making this elite list. Here are a few extra weight benches we researched but ultimately didn’t include here.
Weider Platinum Standard Weight Bench: This bench caught our eye because it’s named after the athlete who made bodybuilding mainstream. Unfortunately, we think the 410-pound weight capacity is limiting, and the 90-day parts and labor warranty doesn’t meet our standards.
Bowflex 5.1s Stowable Weight Bench: While we were fairly impressed with the features and adjustability on this weight bench, we wish it had a higher weight capacity for the $450 price tag.
Marcy Multi-Position Workout Utility Bench: With a maximum weight capacity of emrely 300 pounds, we felt this weight bench wouldn’t be the right fit for most home gyms (unless you’re a true beginner on the lighter-weight side).
How We Tested and Chose the Best Weight Benches
We understand that it’s easy to search “weight benches” on Amazon and “add to cart” the cheapest option you find. This isn’t necessarily the option that’s going to be the most worthwhile purchase, and it’s definitely not the option that’s going to hold up if you’re lifting anything more than light dumbbells.
Our team of BarBend experts, including personal trainers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts tried about 54 different benches to build this list. These are the factors we considered.
- Durability: Sometimes cheaper adjustable benches can break along the fold after a good amount of use. We made sure that the options on here — in both the low and high price ranges — will hold up for their full lifespan, which tends to be around 20 years. We took these strength training benches through multiple workouts and prioritized the most durable materials. As long as you clean and care for your equipment properly, wiping away any excess sweat, our picks won’t break on you.
- Price: While you may be able to find some $50 benches on Amazon, these tend to be less durable, and they may even break before you even get your money’s worth. Our picks range anywhere from $250 to $1,000, but with each selection, you’re going to get a product that will last you years, instead of breaking within a few months.
- Product Range: Different athletes have different needs, so we wanted to have benches on this list that could meet a range of these needs. Many of the options you’ll find on here have different offerings, from basic flat benches all the way up to fully-adjustable, incline/decline options.
- Adjustability: While we do also include flat benches, we paid close attention to the adjustability on our incline benches and decline benches. We prioritized products that were easy to adjust as we went from one workout to the next. Our testers also looked for ample adjustability, selecting benches that offer a variety of angles.
- Footprint and Portability: Weight benches come in a broad range of sizes and weights. We understand that some athletes may not have a ton of space, so we made sure to include smaller or foldable options. Considering some products are pretty heavy, we also favored benches that have wheels for easy movement around your home gym.
Flat Bench vs. Adjustable Bench
When it comes to the two main types of weight benches, you’ll be choosing between a flat bench and an adjustable bench.
Adjustable Bench
The advantage of an adjustable bench is right in the name: it’s adjustable to many different incline and decline angles, and it can still be used as a simple flat bench. “An adjustable bench is more versatile, obviously, but is not always as comfortable for bench pressing and can make exercises like hip thrusts feel awkward (unless you go for a zero-gap option),” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. You can also change the angle to progress your workouts and challenge different muscle groups.
If you’re considering an adjustable bench, expect to spend a little more money, but know you’ll get a wider variety of exercises you can perform on your bench out of it. You should also “mind the gap” — a.k.a. the section between the seat and the backrest. The degree to which it bothers various athletes may vary, but if it’s important to you, look for a thinner gap or consider a flat bench. Finally, because there are more moving parts (literally), you might find that an adjustable weight bench wears and tears faster than a flat weight bench, or it may occasionally need mechanical attention.
Flat Bench
A flat bench is exactly that: flat, without the ability to adjust angles using a ladder or lock-pin adjustment system. “With a flat bench, your exercise selection becomes much more limited, because you can’t put yourself into different incline/decline positions,” says Capritto. However, they’re very lightweight and easier to move than their adjustable counterparts. Flat weight benches are also often much cheaper than the best adjustable weight benches.
Of course, the biggest con of a flat bench is that its versatility is limited and the user is unable to do any incline or decline exercises. If you have mobility limitations or have specialized training needs, a flat bench may not get the job done.
[Related: Floor Press Vs. Bench Press — Is One Better Than the Other?]
Other Types of Weight Benches
While flat benches and adjustable benches are the most common types of weight benches, there are a few other options worth considering:
- Decline bench: This bench is fixed at a downward slope angle, and it’s primarily used to target lower chest and abs.
- Incline bench: The opposite of a decline bench, the incline bench is fixed at an upward slope angle. It lends focus to the upper chest muscle group.
- Preacher Curl bench: This unique weight bench includes an angled pad to support the arms and a barbell/dumbbell rack. It’s used for arm isolation exercises (especially the biceps), but it can’t be used for lower body exercises, which limits its versatility.
- Sit-Up Bench: This type of bench features a padded incline and leg supports for core exercises like sit-ups and crunches. Its versatility outside of core training is limited.
Benefits of Weight Benches
Weight benches are integral pieces of equipment for any gym, and there’s a reason you’d be hard-pressed to find a gym without a weight bench in it. They offer a better range of motion, a stable surface to press off of, and a ton of utility. The number of exercises you can do increases exponentially when you add a weight bench to your gym, but more on the ways they can help your fitness journey below.
- Better Range of Motion: When pressing from the floor, the range of motion is limited to about 90 degrees of elbow flexion, but adding a weight bench can drastically increase your range of motion. A bench can also help you achieve a better range of motion with rows by supporting yourself on one leg with a knee on the bench — you can get a good stretch in your lats every rep. Larger ranges of motion are almost always better for your joints, and they can help increase your strength too. In fact, a 2022 study found that bench pressing through the full range of motion led to greater strength gains compared to partial reps, which just goes to show the advantage adjustable benches offer in supporting joint health and making your workouts more effective. (1)
- Stable Surface to Press From: Sure, the floor is a stable surface, but it may not be flat, or it could be kind of dirty if you’re in a garage gym. Pressing from a high-quality weight bench, like those on this list, will help give you the confidence that you’ve got a solid foundation to press from when you’re repping out your sets.
- Incline and Decline Settings: Adjusting your incline and decline settings via a weight bench can impact your workout quality in numerous ways. Specifically, research has shown that changing bench angles—like using decline positions—can significantly improve muscle activation, boosting engagement of areas like the anterior deltoid (the front part of your shoulder) and chest, which illustrates the versatility of adjustable benches for both upper- and lower-body work. (2)
- Utility and Versatility:According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, weight benches can be used for dozens of exercise, from bodyweight burnouts to barbell work to dumbbell exercises. “They are more versatile than they seem on the surface, and for that, they’re a great buy in my book.”
How Much Do Weight Benches Cost?
A weight bench can be an excellent addition to your home gym, but understanding how much these profiles should cost can be somewhat difficult, especially when trying to decipher price points between adjustable benches, flat benches, and specialized benches. We’ll clear up the confusion here.
Best Weight Bench Overall | REP AB-4100 Adjustable Bench | $399.99 |
Best Budget Weight Bench | Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench | $149.99 |
Best Adjustable Bench | Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench | $269.99 |
Best Incline/Decline Weight Bench | Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2 | $499 |
Best Nordic Bench | Shogun NORD-EX | $999.95 |
Best Flat Bench | Titan Fitness Elite Series Single Post Flat Bench | $169.99 |
Best Foldable Weight Bench | PRx Profile Flat Folding Bench | $449 |
Most Versatile Weight Bench | Force USA MyBench | $399.99 |
Best Weight Bench for Small Spaces | Fringe Sport Flat Bench | $175 |
Best Amazon Weight Bench | Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench | $86.01 |
Best Weight Bench for Larger Bodies | Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 | $320 |
Best Heavy-Duty Weight Bench | REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench | $239.99 |
What to Consider Before Buying a Weight Bench
As with most home gym equipment, weight benches don’t come cheap. So when you’re making a decision on which bench is right for your gym space, you’ll want to consider what kind of bench you need for your typical workouts, how much weight you’ll be lifting, and how much space you have.
Warranty
While the best weight benches are typically durable enough to last for several years, it never hurts to have a serious warranty in your back pocket. Consider buying from brands that offer a lifetime or multi-year warranty for peace of mind.
Stability
Stability is key in a weight bench so that you feel comfortable lifting as heavy as possible. The most stable weight benches have a wide base, with front and rear feet that extend far enough from the bench to create a sturdy triangle on the floor. You can also look for rubber “foot” caps, to help texturize the bottom of the bench and reduce movement.
Finally, determine whether you want a three-point or four-point contact design. A three-leg design offers your feet more placement options, but a four-leg design is usually more stable overall.
Seat and Back Adjustment Positions
If you’re shopping for an adjustable bench specifically, compare the various seat and back adjustment positions across your options. The more adjustment positions available, the more options you have with your workouts. That said, you may pay more for the versatility, so we recommend doing an audit of your go-to workout moves and listing out which angles you truly need from your weight bench.
Materials and Pad Quality
High-quality materials will make using your weight bench extra comfortable. We recommend thick, strong 11-gauge steel whenever possible. For padding, we prefer dense, firm foam padding that can withstand heavy weights. You may also consider what material covers the padding; it’s typically vinyl, and you’ll want it to be non-slip for sweaty workouts.
Price
Your weight bench’s price will vary based on material and whether it’s flat or adjustable. On average, a weight bench can cost anywhere from $85 to $1,000 — which is quite a wide range. You can expect to pay more for adjustable benches, which average around $400, than flat benches, which average around $165.
Weight and Portability
Weight benches do vary in, well, weight, with adjustable benches typically weighing more than flat benches (around 53 pounds vs. around 36 pounds, in our estimation). If you expect to move your weight bench frequently, you may consider a foldable weight bench or one with wheels on the end to make it easier to transport.
Weight Capacity
The average weight capacity for a weight bench is around 600 pounds, but many benches can support upwards of 1,000 pounds. While this may seem like plenty, don’t forget to consider the weight plates or dumbbells you’re lifting, too.
“The listed weight capacity for a bench is the total weight capacity, meaning your body plus the external load,” Capritto said. “So if a weight bench has a listed capacity of 600 pounds and you weigh 200 pounds, the most you can externally load it with is 400 pounds. This is far more than enough for the vast majority of people.”
Space
Though most benches are fairly small, taking up only the space you need for the bench itself and its supporting legs, some come with added accessories that require a lot more room. At the top of that range are benches that come with a full squat rack. With these, you’ll need more horizontal space to accommodate the width of the rack, as well as vertical space for the rack’s height.
If you like the idea of having equipment that works both your upper and lower body, but you don’t necessarily want a piece of equipment that requires half of your garage space, there are benches that come with a leg extension machine and preacher curl attachments. These options still need more space than your basic bench does, but they won’t take up as much as a squat rack, offering a nice in-between.
Attachments and Accessories
Although it’s not too common, some weight benches come with attachments or accessories, like a preacher curl extension or a leg developer. These can help add a little more versatility to your home gym without needing to buy additional equipment. Generally, weight benches with attachments are pricier but still more cost-effective than buying a separate machine.
Best Weight Bench FAQs
How long will a weight bench last?
Weight benches can last up to 20 years. If you keep your bench clean and try not to bang it around too much, you won’t need to peruse the web for a replacement for that full two decades. Just be conscious of the fold on adjustable benches — these tend to wear faster, so if yours starts feeling unstable after only 15 years, don’t ignore it.
What is the best weight bench?
There are a lot of different options for people seeking weight benches, like flat, adjustable, combination, and competition. The best one for you will depend on your budget, needs, and other factors. Right now, we’re big fans of the REP AB-4100. It’s versatile, affordable, and has a solid weight capacity, making it great for a wide range of users.
How much do weight benches cost?
On average, you can expect to pay roughly $320 for a high-quality weight bench.
Is it worth it to buy a more expensive weight bench?
In the long run, yes. While you may be spending more money upfront, these benches will last a full 20 years and won’t wear down nearly as quickly as the less expensive options. Some benches that come with a lot of accessories may cost upwards of $1,000 though, so if you’re considering one of those, make sure you’ll make use of each accessory you’re getting — otherwise, it won’t be worth that expensive price tag.
What’s the difference between using a flat bench vs. a mat on the floor?
Though you can still perform dumbbell chest presses, flyes and skullcrushers on the floor, a bench allows you to hone in on your technique by adding extra comfort and helping to anchor your lower body as you work. In addition, you can use a flat bench for lower body work — like step-ups — that you simply can’t do on the floor.
References
- Martínez‑Cava, A., Hernández‑Belmonte, A., Courel‑Ibáñez, J., Morán‑Navarro, R., & González‑Badillo, J. J. (2022). Bench press at full range of motion produces greater neuromuscular adaptations than partial executions after prolonged resistance training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(5), 1264–1271. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33871965/
- Krzysztofik, M., Golas, A., Wilk, M., Staśtny, P., Lockie, R. G., & Zając, A. (2020). A comparison of muscle activity between the cambered and standard bar during the bench press exercise. Frontiers in Physiology, 11, 875. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32848766/