The Best Weight Benches For Home Gyms in 2023

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 to get a great workout just using a floor mat, the versatility that comes with a weight bench is unmatched. 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 more than a dozen different products, keeping those factors in mind to find the best weight benches for all fitness goals. Simplify your search and take a look through our top picks.

Best Weight Benches

• Best Weight Bench Overall: REP Blackwing
• Best Budget Weight Bench: Force USA MyBench
• Best Weight Bench for Home Gyms: REP AB-3000 2.0 Adjustable Weight Bench
• Most Comfortable Weight Bench: REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Weight Bench
• Best Heavy Duty Weight Bench: REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
• Best Foldable Weight Bench: Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench
• Best Weight Bench with Preacher Curl: Force USA MyBench
• Best Weight Bench with Leg Extension: Force USA MyBench
• Best Weight Bench for Sit-Ups: REP Blackwing
• Best Weight Bench with Squat Rack: Competition Bench and Squat Rack Combo
• Best Weight Bench for Powerlifters: REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
• Best FID Weight Bench: REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Weight Bench

Best Weight Bench Overall: REP BlackWing

Specs

• Dimensions: 25.8″W x 59.5″L x 17.2″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
• Product Weight: 131 lbs
• Material: 11-gauge steel

Pros

• This one has one of the highest weight capacities at 1,000 pounds.
• You can try a ton of different positions to accommodate flat, incline, and decline bench, as well as military press, and more.
• This bench is 12.2 inches wide, in line with IPF standards.

Cons

• There’s no weight rack included with this bench.
• If you only want a flat bench, you can find cheaper options.
• This does not come with a leg roller attachment — you need to buy it separately.

A weight bench is more than just a piece of gym equipment. It’s a central piece to any gym and is used in tons of different exercises. That’s why it’s important to find a high quality product you know can handle the weight you’re pushing. Our top pick overall has a great weight capacity and is adjustable in every way to help you perform any exercise you can imagine. Meet the Rep Fitness BlackWing.

With this product, you can accomplish the work of five different benches, which is why we made it our overall best pick. It can be used for flat bench, incline, military press, decline, and an abdominal bench, all in one. With seven different backrest positions and three seat adjustments, this bench can go from -11 degrees up to 85 degrees. The 12-inch wide pad provides a broad surface to brace against too when putting up a bench press PR.

The weight rating is no joke at 1,000 pounds of capacity, a factor many overlook. If you’re a powerlifter weighing in at 242 pounds and benching in the 300-pound range, you’ll be right at the max capacity for a lot of cheaper benches. That’s why this bench is constructed from heavy-duty 11-gauge steel tubing and commercial-grade bolts to provide a weight rating that very few people will ever approach or exceed. 

If you’re looking for a sturdy, high quality bench that will last many years, you’ve struck gold with the BlackWing. The weight rating and versatility are best in class. You can perform pretty much any workout you need to with this one piece of equipment, from rows to curls, and any type of pressing. 

Best Budget Weight Bench: Force USA MyBench

Specs

• Dimensions: 26.5″W x 61″L x 17.5″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 705 lbs
• Product Weight: N/A
• Material: Steel

Pros

• At $399.99, this bench is cheaper than most alternatives.
• You get an included leg developer and preacher curl pad, which most other benches don’t include.
• The wheels and handle make this bench easy to move.

Cons

• This has a lower weight capacity than other products (705 pounds).
• Some athletes may not like the gap between the seat and back.
• This one is more narrow (11 inches) than other options.

Weight benches are central pieces of equipment in any gym and are important for ensuring a complete workout. That doesn’t mean they need to cost an arm and a leg though. You can get a high quality bench that offers great value for the price paid — like this pick, the Force USA MyBench.

The Force USA MyBench offers a lot of usability in one piece of equipment. You can quickly and easily adjust it from flat to incline to decline, thanks to the laser-cut design. On top of that, it includes a separate leg developer and preacher curl attachment to add versatility to your workouts. Plus, who doesn’t love getting a sweet bicep pump from some preacher curls?

Take a look at our tester’s video to see this bench in action.

You get your bang for your buck when it comes to versatility. The back pad here adjusts from -25 degrees to 75 degrees in six positions, while the seat pad adjusts independently in three different positions. Force USA even put back wheels on this bench, so it’s easy to move around. One downside? The weight rating is lower than others (705 pounds), which may be too low for some athletes.

Force USA stands behind their product with a lifetime structural warranty, so you know you’re getting a high-quality piece of equipment. You can pick up one of these benches up for just around $399.99, not including taxes and shipping. And Force USA also offers financing, depending on credit, if that’s too steep to pay all at once.

Read our full Force USA MyBench Review.

Best Weight Bench for Home Gyms: REP AB-3000 2.0 Adjustable Weight Bench

Specs

• Dimensions: 25.8″W x 56.6″L x 17.1″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
• Product Weight: 89.3 lbs
• Material: 11-gauge steel

Pros

• This bench can accommodate many different exercises, so you won’t need to buy a ton of additional equipment (ideal for saving space in your home).
• The wheels and lightweight 89-pound build of this bench make it quite maneuverable when you need to free up space for guests.
• At $319.99, this is a cheaper option than most.

Cons

• Though you can move this one around, it does take up 9.85 square feet. 
• Flat benches are generally cheaper.
• This one isn’t suitable for USAPL or IPF standards.A

Home gyms often don’t have the luxury of a ton of space like commercial gyms do, which means versatile equipment is a priority. Why buy four machines when one can suffice? We’ve searched through the options and found that the REP AB-3000 2.0 Adjustable Weight Bench is the best option for home gyms thanks to all it can do, even in a tight space.

The AB-3000 2.0 is a highly versatile flat-incline-decline adjustable bench with eight different back pad adjustments — more than the original AB-3000 (the OG version). These range from 85 degrees to -12 degrees giving you a range to perform any kind of bench press you’d like to target specific areas of your pecs.

Want an idea of how this bench looks and moves? Watch our tester try it out.

The seat pad also adjusts in five different positions, providing a ton of different possible configurations. REP even includes a leg attachment, which swings out when in a decline position to secure your feet, so you don’t go sliding off the bench. 

The REP AB-3000 2.0 is made to be heavy-duty with 11-gauge steel and a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds to accommodate heavy lifters. The AB-3000 2.0 accomplishes this while only weighing 89 pounds, making it easy to move around your home gym when you’re working with limited space.

The slightly wider-than-usual measurement of about 26 inches allows for more lateral stability, ideal if you’re training in your garage without a spotter. The REP AB-3000 2.0 Adjustable Bench is available in five colors, metallic black, red, blue, white, and matte black, and is a more affordable option at $319.99 before taxes and possible shipping charges.

Read our full REP AB-3000 2.0 Adjustable Weight Bench Review

Most Comfortable Weight Bench: REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Weight Bench

Specs

• Dimensions: 21″W x 57″L x 17.5″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
• Product Weight: 110 lbs
• Material: 11-gauge steel

Pros

• The pad is non-slip and has zero gap between the back and seat for ultimate comfort and stability.
• This one has wheels, making it simple to move around.
• It has a 1,000 pound weight capacity, which is sufficient for most.

Cons

• At $449.99, this is one of the more expensive picks.
• The AB-5000 has a footprint of eight square feet, so it takes up a good amount of space.
• This one doesn’t come with any attachments.

The saying, “no pain, no gain” is a popular one among gymgoers, but that certainly doesn’t apply to your bench. If the bench you have is uncomfortable, you probably won’t get the most out of your lifts. So, you want a comfortable, easy-to-use bench and REP’s AB-5000 Zero-Gap Weight Bench is the right choice.

If you’ve had your fill of adjustable benches that feel unstable and slippery, let us offer you a reprieve. The AB-5000 has a non-slip pad that’s almost sticky, so you don’t slide around during a heavy set. This bench is about as comfortable as you can get, as it has no gap in all configurations, whether you’re lifting on an incline or decline.

Skeptical of the Zero-Gap technology? Watch our tester give it a try.

The back pad is wider than most pads, too, measuring 12.25 inches wide for extra stability and comfort. The 11-gauge steel frame can support up to 1,000 pounds, so it works for most athletes. 

But no piece of equipment is perfect, unfortunately. There are cheaper benches out there (this one is about $450) but you probably won’t get the same level of comfort and stability. So, if you’re an athlete pushing some serious weight or someone dealing with back issues, it may be worth the money.

Read our full REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Weight Bench Review.

Best Heavy Duty Weight Bench: REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench

Specs

• Dimensions: 21″W x 50″L x 16.9″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
• Product Weight: 62 lbs
• Material: 11-gauge steel

Pros

• This bench is made with heavy-duty 11-gauge steel.
• At only $239.99, this bench is more cost-friendly than other options.
• This comes in different colors, like blue, red, black, and clear coat. 

Cons

• This bench can’t be adjusted to an incline or decline.
• The pad is about 4 inches thick, which may feel too cushioned for some.

Athletes putting up some serious weight need a bench that’s heavy-duty with high-quality, durable materials. That’s where the REP FB-5000 comes in. 

This bench is made from 3×3-inch, 11-gauge steel, making it one of the toughest benches on the playground. It can handle up to 1,000 pounds of weight, and has a four inch thick pad made from high-density foam and covered in non-slip vinyl. Basically, this bench is made for competitive powerlifters and heavy benchers. 

Want to see how tough this bench really is? Watch our expert put it to the test.

Made with a stable tripod foot design, the bench’s legs are out of the way, so you can get the exact foot placement you want, allowing for maximum leg drive. You can even swap out the 12-inch bench pad for a wider 14-inch pad if you prefer.

Another bonus? The price is right, especially considering the quality. This one comes in at only $239.99 for the narrow pad and $269.99 for the wider version — both before taxes and possible shipping.

Read our full REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench Review.

Best Foldable Weight Bench: Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench

Specs

• Dimensions: 14″W x 47″L x 17″H
• Max Weight Capacity: N/A
• Product Weight: 48 lbs
• Material: 11-gauge steel

Pros

• This bench folds up, making it easy to stow away.
• At only 48 pounds, this bench is lightweight and easy to move around.
• The pad is textured to create an anti-slip surface. 

Cons

• This bench can’t be adjusted to a decline or incline.
• There is no specific weight rating for this one.
• Although it’s light, it doesn’t have wheels, so you need to pick it up to move it. 

Space is a big factor to consider when setting up a home gym. Having equipment that folds away can be a huge help, which is why we love the Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench. 

Unlike most other benches, this one has hinged legs, secured in place by a detent pin, which you can easily remove to collapse and store. Rogue even includes a wall-mounted steel bench hangar, clearing up precious floor space for your gym when the bench isn’t being used. Plus, it only comes about eight inches off the wall when hung up.

This pick features a high-density neoprene pad and rubber feet to help protect your floors and prevent sliding. The angle of the legs is wide-set for maximum stability. Weighing just 48 pounds, this bench is easily maneuverable around your gym, and if you can pick up a 45-pound plate, you can likely hang this bench on the wall with ease. 

One big downside here is that Rogue doesn’t explicitly state the weight capacity of this bench, but does offer that it’s, “heavy-duty enough for a tank to sit on it.” We’re off to look up how much a tank weighs, and get back to you on that one.

Best Weight Bench with Preacher Curl: Force USA MyBench

Specs

• Dimensions: 26.5″W x 61″L x 17.5″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 705 lbs
• Product Weight: N/A
• Material: Steel

Pros

• The preacher curl and leg developer attachments allow for a wide versatility of exercises.
• Thanks to the wheels, this one is easy to move around.
• The seat adjusts to three positions and the back adjusts to seven different positions.

Cons

• The 705-pound capacity may not be enough for all athletes.
• The pads can’t work for abdominal work.
• The 11.5-inch pad width is more narrow than other options.

Want a bench that offers a little more versatility? The Force USA MyBench comes with preacher curl attachments, so you don’t have to neglect your arms while training. This adds even more flexibility to your workouts than a regular FID bench can offer. The preacher curl attachment is height-adjustable to work for people of all sizes, and has non-slip lining on it. 

The weight bench itself is high-quality with seven backrest positions that adjust from -15 degrees to 80 degrees for various exercises. It comes with a leg developer as well, so you can squeeze some leg work in along with those biceps curls. 

If you’re lifting pretty heavy, this bench’s weight rating may not be quite enough, as it’s only about 705 pounds. So, be sure to calculate your heaviest lifts, plus your weight before you buy.

The Force USA MyBench is a great option for those who value utility and versatility. This bench can support pretty much any exercise you can do with a bench, and it comes with a height-adjustable preacher curl attachment too, so you can get a sick arm pump. 

Best Weight Bench with Leg Extension: Force USA MyBench

Specs

• Dimensions: 26.5″W x 61″L x 17.5″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 705 lbs
• Product Weight: N/A
• Material: Steel

Pros

• This bench comes with a leg developer, so you can do some lower-body work while training.
• For extra comfort, this one has high-density foam padding.
• You get a lifetime structural warranty with this bench.

Cons

• The attachments can be distracting if you need ample leg space for your lifts.
• Folks who use standard plates may need to look elsewhere for a leg developer that can accommodate that size of weight plate — this only takes Olympic plates. 
• There are cheaper bench options available. 

For those of you who love to train legs, Force USA includes a leg developer attachment with their MyBench, so you can crush those leg extensions and hamstring curls anytime you want.

The Force USA MyBench does some heavy lifting itself, serving as a flat, incline, decline, or military press bench. And thanks to the included leg developer, you can get a real, full-body workout all from one piece of equipment. Rated with a capacity of 705 pounds, this high-quality bench features high-density foam padding and a lifetime structural warranty.

You can adjust the backrest to six different positions from -15 degrees all the way up to 80 degrees for whatever exercise you’re doing. The leg developer fits Olympic plates, and allows you to train both leg extensions for the quads, and leg curls for the hamstrings. Few other benches will allow you to get such a complete workout using just one piece of equipment.

Best Weight Bench for Sit-Ups: REP Fitness BlackWing

Specs

• Dimensions: 25.8″W x 59.5″L x 17.2″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
• Product Weight: 131 lbs
• Material: 11-gauge steel

Pros

• Thanks to the decline, this bench allows for ab work, including sit-ups.
• Thanks to its 131-pound weight, this bench is plenty stable.
• You can choose between a standard and wider pad, depending on your preference. 

Cons

• At $599.99 this is one of the most expensive picks on this list.
• This one doesn’t come with a leg roller, so you’ll need to buy it separately.
• Although this one can be stored vertically, it’s still not too space-friendly.

Weight benches are great because they’re so versatile. Even a flat bench can allow you to work a lot of exercises, but there’s nothing like a decline sit-up on a stable bench to get your abs burning and core firing. That’s where the REP BlackWing excels.

When you’re doing sit-ups or leg lifts on a bench, stability is key. This bench is heavier than most others (131 pounds) and is available with a wider pad, so you don’t have to worry about tipping or moving the machine. One downside is that it doesn’t come with built-in leg rollers. So, for those who need some extra support during their sit-ups investing in the attachment is a good call. 

The bench has a 1,000-pound weight capacity, so it works for most athletes, especially if you’re focused on core work. And the CleanGrip pad material offers plenty of friction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping during a set of particularly sweaty crunches.

Best Weight Bench with Squat Rack: Titan Competition Bench and Squat Rack Combo

Specs

• Dimensions: N/A
• Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
• Product Weight: 225 lbs
• Material: 11-gauge steel

Pros

• This bench has built-in spotter arms for squats.
• The biggest gym purchases are usually a squat rack and bench, which this covers in one go. 
• The j-hooks are quick and easy to adjust on this machine.

Cons

• This bench is quite a bit more expensive than other options.
• At 225 pounds, this is pretty heavy.
• Considering it has an attached rack, this takes up more space than a standard bench.

Bench Press and squat go together like peanut butter and jelly for full-body muscle development. Usually, you need a separate bench and squat rack to do these movements, but occasionally you find a product that puts the two together in a convenient combination that makes training easier and requires less equipment. That’s exactly what Titan Fitness did with this pick, and their Competition Bench and Squat Rack Combo.

Whether you’re tired of single-leg bench split squats and step-ups, or you’re simply ready to step up your lifting game, the Titan Fitness Competition Bench and Squat Rack Combo is the way to go. When you’re done benching and want to squat, simply remove the safety pin from the bench and roll it back to make use of the squat rack alone. This product also features an element of safety with the squat rack assisting in spotting with a customizable spotter arm length. 

This product can make great use of a small space, but does take up some room itself — it’s 225 pounds on its own with measurements of 81 inches wide, 59 inches deep, and a maximum squat pin height of 61 inches. If you’re on the tall side, you may have to do a half squat just to unrack the bar. This combo rack is heavy-duty though, with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds and diamond-plated footplates for your spotter to stand on.

If you’re in the market for a combo rack, this one from Titan Fitness can do it all. The attention to detail with non-slip spotter footplates and easily adjustable spotter arms make this a great choice for anyone looking to get a combination bench and squat rack.

Best Weight Bench for Powerlifters: REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench

Specs

• Dimensions: 21″W x 50″L x 16.9″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
• Product Weight: 62 lbs
• Material: 11-gauge steel

Pros

• Powerlifters will like that this bench is made to IPF competition specs.
• This bench is made of heavy-duty 11-gauge steel for heavy lifts.
• Ideal for larger athletes, this one has a 1,000-pound weight capacity and four-inch thick padding.

Cons

• This bench can only sit flat with no decline or incline.
• Compared to other benches, you don’t get as much exercise versatility.
• The pad on this one may be a little too thick for some athletes.

The equipment powerlifts use should match the intensity that these lifters put out. The REP FB-5000 weight bench is made with the competitive powerlifter in mind, and it shows. That’s why it’s our top pick for weight bench for powerlifters.

The REP FB-5000 is a weight bench made for powerlifters. It’s available in a normal, 12-inch competition width, or for those of you who have backs wider than billboards, there’s a 14-inch wide option too, so you can feel more stable. The non-slip covering over the four-inch thick pad is made from heavy-duty vinyl, so you won’t be ripping it the first time you use it (or the thousandth time). Every aspect of the design of this bench was engineered with huge presses in mind. 

The tripod foot design allows you to get your feet exactly where you need them for optimal leg drive, and the heavy-duty 3×3-inch 11-gauge steel has a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds. Grooved, rubber feet help to hold the bench in place when you’re driving with all the power you can summon. They also help to protect your floor, which is a nice touch. It should be easy to build strength with this cost-effective, yet highly durable bench.

The REP FB-5000 is a robust bench made for robust lifters. This bench can handle nearly anyone’s bench press with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, and the non-slip vinyl is there to hold you in place, even when maximizing your leg drive thanks to the tripod design. 

Best FID Weight Bench: REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Weight Bench

Specs

• Dimensions: 21″W x 57″L x 17.5″H
• Max Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs
• Product Weight: 110 lbs
• Material: 11-gauge steel

Pros

• This bench can sit flat, incline, or decline, ranging from -15 degrees to 90 degrees.
• The bench is 110 pounds, so it’s a little more stable than others.
• Unlike other benches, this one has zero gap between the back and seat.

Cons

• At $449.99, this option is a little pricier than others.
• This one doesn’t meet powerlifting standards.

When you see FID used to describe a weight bench, it means flat, incline, decline. Most people don’t have room for three different benches in their gym, nor do they want to pay for all three. Our top FID pick can do all three — introducing the REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Weight Bench. 

The REP AB-5000 has patented technology that allows the seat to slide forward and backward to eliminate the gap between the seat and back pad, no matter the position. The bench can hit seven different back angles, from flat to 90 degrees, and five seat angles from -15 degrees to 45 degrees. You can add an optional leg roller attachment for options all the way to -75 degrees — great for doing decline sit-ups and core work.

The bench adjusts to incline or decline easily with pop-pins for security. Just because this bench moves doesn’t mean it’s not sturdy. The REP AB-5000 has a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, is constructed from 11-gauge steel, and has grooved rubber feet to keep the bench in place. The wider base and heavier weight than most benches at 110 pounds make this bench very stable, even when doing sit-ups, which raises the center of gravity. 

This bench is on the pricier side at around $599 before taxes and possible shipping charges — but, we think it’s a high-quality piece of equipment that can last you many years if taken care of. You have your choice of matte black, red, blue, metallic black, or (for an upcharge) clear coat. 

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. The floor press is a great exercise on its own because it can help you train the lockout of your bench, but for full chest development, you want a wider range of motion. A bench can also help you achieve a better range of motion with rows too 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, too.

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.

Utility

This is perhaps one of the most overlooked benefits of owning a high-quality bench. You can do so many different exercises with a weight bench (especially an adjustable one) that are simply not available to those without one. Spider curls, chest-supported rows, and seated lateral raises are a few that come to mind that we do all the time. If nothing else, the weight bench offers a great place to sit in between sets when you’re too exhausted to stand. You can even train lower-body with a basic bench by doing step-ups, split squats, or hip thrusts. The possibilities are only limited to your imagination (well, and safety always comes first, of course).

How We 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. When pulling this list together, we selected only reliable picks, so you know your money spent will be worth it.

We considered many variables, such as durability and price. When you invest in a piece of equipment, you expect to get your money’s worth. Any of the weight benches on this list — as long as you don’t abuse them too badly — should last for years and years.

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. As long as you clean and care for your equipment properly, wiping away any excess sweat, our picks won’t break on you.

Additionally, some of the padding on cheaper benches can be super thin — like 0.25 inches thin. You won’t want a bench whose pad is less than one inch thick (trust us), but no pad on this list is less than two inches thick. Rest assured these benches will not only be comfortable, but their padding won’t deflate down to the hard frame as you use them. 

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 benches with squat racks. Whether you have a lot of space and want a bench with more accessories, or you live in a studio apartment and want something basic that folds up and slides under your bed, we’ve included a solid pick for you.

How Much Do Weight Benches Cost?

Weight benches are some of the less painful purchases you’ll make when building out a home gym. Though they can become quite pricey with options near $1,000, the majority of weight benches hover somewhere in the $400 range. Being that weight benches are pieces of equipment that you’ll use nearly every session, it might be a good idea to spend a little extra on a higher-quality one. Notable exceptions do exist, and there are certainly some budget options out there, but you’ll want to check the weight capacity on them. Remember the weight on the bench isn’t just the weight you’re lifting — it’s your bodyweight plus the weight lifted.

Best Weight Bench Overall	REP BlackWing	$599.99
Best Budget Weight Bench	Force USA MyBench	$399.99
Best Weight Bench for Home Gyms	REP AB-3000 2.0 Adjustable Weight Bench	$319.99
Most Comfortable Weight Bench	REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Weight Bench	$599.99
Best Heavy Duty Weight Bench	REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench	$239.99 or $269.99 for wide
Best Foldable Weight Bench	Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench	$320
Best Weight Bench with Preacher Curl	Force USA MyBench	$399.99
Best Weight Bench with Leg Extension	Force USA MyBench	$399.99
Best Weight Bench for Sit-Ups	REP BlackWing	$599.99
Best Weight Bench with Squat Rack	Competition Bench and Squat Rack Combo	$1049.99
Best Weight Bench for Powerlifters	REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench	$239.99 or $269.99 for wide
Best FID Weight Bench	REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Weight Bench	$599.99

There are some affordable high quality choices here, and you can easily get away with spending under $300 for a bench that will last you a lifetime with occasional reupholstering. If you want a bench that’s adjustable or one that doubles as a squat stand then you need to be prepared to spend more money. The weight benches on this list vary in price from around $240 to $1,050, so anyone can find a great option no matter their budget.

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.

Flat vs. Adjustable

When it comes to the two main types of weight benches, you’ll be choosing between a flat bench and an adjustable bench. Flat benches offer a lot of versatility at the most basic level. You can perform bench presses, pecs flyes, dumbbell pullovers, iso-dumbbell holds and much more, all without needing to raise or lower your back for incline or decline. A flat bench is great for anyone who wants to take their upper body dumbbell work up off the yoga mat on the floor and onto a more comfortable surface.

Watch this video to learn how to choose between a flat, incline, and decline bench.

An adjustable bench takes these basic moves to the next level by adding options for incline and decline. While you can still use the bench laying flat, you can also opt for a range of different angles, and work more exercises like shoulder press, dumbbell fly, and the incline versions the same exercises you can perform flat. 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.

Weight Capacity

Since your bodyweight and the pounds you are lifting are both supported by the bench underneath you, you’re going to want to make sure your bench can accommodate both. The average weight capacity for a weight bench is around 600 pounds, but many benches can support upwards of 1,000 pounds. 

Typically, the listed capacity is referring to the overall weight, which includes both the user’s weight and the weights they are lifting. There are some who list their weight capacities differently, so before you commit, make sure you’re retaining the proper information from what you’re reading. After all, the last thing you need to worry about when you’re pressing hundreds of pounds over your head is if your bench is going to hold up or come crashing down on you. You don’t want to end up on a gym fails video. 

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 developer 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. 

Final Word

A bench may not be the biggest piece of equipment in your gym, but it’s still a key resource for a great workout. While you can utilize your floor for some upper body and core work, a bench takes everything to the next level and adds comfort and support for your back, as well as extends your range of motion during certain movements (think floor press vs. bench press) as you work. From chest flyes and skullcrushers to box jumps, a bench provides much more versatility than a basic floor mat. 

As you’re going through your wants — flat or adjustable? Squat rack or no squat rack? Preacher curl or leg developer attachment? Or maybe both? — simply weigh them up against this list, pick what’s right for you, and add a lift to your at-home workout routine.

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