The 11 Best Barbells of 2025 (Personally Tested)

Despite being a relative newcomer to the barbell space, the REP Fitness Colorado Bar has shown its prominence thanks to its impeccable construction, approachable knurling pattern, and multiple color options. We also give this bar the title of ‘Best Barbell for Home Gyms’ due to its relatively affordable price point ranging between $320 and $330. “The Colorado can handle whatever you can throw at it,” says expert BarBend product tester Jake Herod.

In trials, we enjoyed the versatility at play with this well-made piece of fitness equipment. Our tester, a former Olympian, rated the barbell at 5 out of 5 for its durability, stating, “I especially loved the inclusion of composite bushings, which made the sleeves spin freely without hesitation while also boosting the durability during drops.” Plus, the Colorado Bar features dual knurling marks for IWF and IPF setups, although there is no center knurling patch to give you an added sense of grip during back squats or snatches.

Speaking of the knurling, we scored this feature at 4.5 out of 5. REP lists this volcano-style pattern as medium, although we feel it leans more toward the aggressive side of the spectrum in terms of toothiness. This is a plus from our perspectives — we’re big fans of a toothy barbell — but we know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

The REP Colorado Bar is available with either a chrome or Cerakote finish, and there are multiple colors to choose from within the ceramic options. While this can be ideal for adding a splash of vibrancy to your home gym setup, we have found that other Olympic barbells offer a wider color palette. 

Still, though, we found that the extra ceramic coating didn’t interfere with our grip or bar control during workouts, so we only docked the unit slightly, giving its coating options a 4.5 out of 5.

Lastly, REP does offer a lifetime warranty for its Colorado Bar, but we highly recommend reading the fine print. The warranty only covers defects present from the factory — not training-related issues. If you’re an athlete who uses and abuses your gear, you may need to rethink your handling before signing up for this high-quality option.

Read our full REP Fitness Colorado Bar Review.

Let’s get this out of the way — women can use any barbell they want. However, because many cis women may have smaller hand sizes than men, there are some barbell styles that can feel more comfortable in the throes of a lifting session. (1) These “women’s barbells” often feature a lighter overall weight, too, given their slimmer bar shaft. We think the Bella Bar 2.0 from Rogue is one of the best barbells for women due to its slim 25-millimeter shaft diameter and accommodating 15-kilogram weight. Our expert tester is a huge fan: “The Bella barbell has been my companion through over 100 workouts, and it hasn’t let me down. It gets a 4.5 out of 5 for overall experience.”

Outside of the above measurables, the Bella Bar 2.0 has a 190,000 PSI tensile strength, dual knurling marks for more convenient setups, and a 13-inch sleeve length perfect for pushing your PRs to new heights. I have three Bella bars in my home gym that I use with my personal training clients as well as in my own training. There’s plenty of room for stacking plates on plates on heavy weights. I give the overall construction a 4.8 out of 5.

In terms of the knurling, I personally like the pattern showcased across this barbell. It’s rough enough to give you a decent grip, but not something that is going to scratch up your body when throwing weight around in more dynamic movements. Still, though, athletes more accustomed to the aggressive knurling style more common in power bars may find the passive aesthetic underwhelming. For these reasons, I rate the knurling at 4 out of 5, and our expert tester agrees, noting that “I like the grip better on the black zinc Bellas than the pink and blue cerakote coatings.”

We score the Bella Bar 2.0 at 4.5 out of 5 for its versatility. We had no qualms with the bushings during strict or dynamic movements and found the sleeves to spin efficiently within our trial workouts. Naturally, we recommend those dedicated to a specific strength sport match their discipline to their barbell, but for general fitness enthusiasts, we feel this bar can get the job done. Our tester gives it a 4.5 out of 5 for spin. “I like the spin on my Eleiko IWF bar better, but you’ll also pay a pretty penny for that. Overall, this bar is most comparable to the Colorado, which is a big compliment.”

Lastly, this Rogue option features one of the widest arrays of coating options we’ve tested, with 14 options to choose from for a nice zest of color within your setup. According to our testers, though, the sleeves can easily become scuffed and scraped after just a few workouts. This can be a minor issue, especially if you’re not worried about your gear having some wear and tear, but it’s worth pointing out.

Compared to, say, resistance bands, Olympic weightlifting barbells aren’t the cheapest piece of equipment on the market. That being said, they don’t have to be the most expensive, either, thanks to the Giant Basic Beatdown Bar. 

When it comes to overall value, we gave this basic barbell a 5 out of 5 rating. This one costs only $159.99, which is significantly lower than most other products on this list (which are generally more than $200).

We like that this is a multi-purpose bar, so it can work great for beginners, general lifters, and even athletes dabbling in Olympic lifting for the first time. However, we did have to give the overall durability a 3 out of 5. The weight rating is about 700 pounds, whereas most others sit at more than 1,000 pounds. It also has a relatively low tensile strength of 100,000 PSI. “The tensile strength is pretty low at 100,000 PSI, too — but again, for a beginner, these things aren’t going to matter,” our tester explains. “And while I wouldn’t consider myself a beginner, the bar felt more than adequate for my average workouts.” They give it an impressive 4 out of 5 for overall experience.

Our team wasn’t super thrilled about the knurling either, giving this category a 3.75 out of 5. The knurling on this bar is pretty light or passive, so it won’t work for heavy lifters. That being said, knurling is definitely a preference factor. That said, this rating really depends on who you are: “A gentle knurling may well score a 5 out of 5 for beginners, so that can be great news for you,” explains our tester. If you want a more aggressive knurling, the Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell is a little more assertive than this bar, and if you can swing to a safety bar, Bells of Steel’s SS4 will give you that grit you want.

If you’re looking for a barbell to supplement your CrossFit dreams, we think the Wonder Bar V2 from Fringe Sport is up to the challenge. Of the many different types of barbells, we like the Wonder Bar for more dynamic movements — a common theme for CrossFit WODs — thanks to its passive knurling that won’t rip your hands to shreds, a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, and the option to choose between a bushing-based or bearing-based internal system.

For CrossFit WODs and other HIIT sessions, we’d recommend opting for the needle bearing option (a price increase of $20 from the starting cost), as this can be more fitting for the quick, seamless rotations you want in those workouts. 

“Bearings, on the other hand, provide more spin for superior wrist turnover in the Olympic lifts, making them a favorite amongst Olympic lifters and CrossFit athletes alike,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer.

As such, we rate the rotation of this bar at 5 out of 5. Plus, the fact that Fringe Sport gives you the option of bushings or bearings is impressive in its own right — other barbells typically operate with one system or the other. Still, if you prefer a bushings bar to avoid the occasional oiling for the bearings, the Rogue Ohio Bar is another great multi-purpose option.

As far as looks, the Wonder Bar V2 is coated with a sleek all-back zinc finish, which is as sharp as ever when it comes to style. We loved the look of this bar right out of the box, but we recommend savoring that sense of satisfaction — zinc coatings can begin to fade over time. We score the coating at 4 out of 5. It’s still a pretty barbell, but it will begin to show its age quicker than, say, a cerakote barbell.

The Wonder Bar V2 also showcases no center knurling patch, which can be seen as both a positive and negative. Yes, you won’t scratch your chin and neck when going for a heavy snatch or clean and jerk, but the lack of a center patch does limit your sense of control when setting up for a back squat. This is why most powerlifting bars feature a center knurling pattern.

Still, though, we do enjoy the more passive construction that’s prime for daily training, so we only dock the scoring slightly for a 4 out of 5 rating.

“Even without a center knurling, I feel pretty powerful with this bar,” explains our expert tester. “I can be having a casual training day or be at a meet trying to set a huge PR, and I’ll be confident that this bar will come through.” It gets a solid 4.5 out of 5 for overall workout experience.

Safety squat bars are a unique silhouette with padded shoulder braces and cambered design. While we wouldn’t recommend these bars as a singular, “do-it-all” profile for most home gyms, advanced athletes who know the benefits of such a device can benefit from having one available for leg days. In our opinion, the Bells of Steel SS4 sits at the top of the list thanks to its impressive sturdiness, well-padded shoulders, and modular handle system that allows you to change up your grip across four different setups.

Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-certified personal trainer, says that she had a fantastic experience with this safety squat bar, rating the workout at a 5 out of 5. “One of the first things I noticed was how balanced this bar was across my frame, even after walking out from the rack. I own other safety squat bars, and I typically need to readjust before dropping down for a squat.”

[Related: Safety Squat Bar Benefits]

“I loaded this as heavy as 235 pounds for squats,” Meier says. “The bar did fantastic at that weight and felt very balanced.” Another one of our testers went up to 315 pounds in their workouts, and note the same thing. “135 pounds or 315 pounds, the bar handled it the same, which is a very good thing.” They also rate their workout a full 5 out of 5.

We also enjoy the aggressive knurling strewn across the handles of this high-quality unit, rating it 5 out of 5 as well. Meier also pointed out that the additional handle attachments (starting at $39.99) feature a similar knurling, so there’s a good sense of consistency when changing up your grip placement. Naturally, though, we understand that not every athlete is willing to grate their hands through a workout, so be sure to take your personal preferences into consideration. Remember, too, as one of our testers points out, “Most of the weight will be absorbed by the cushion.” So, there won’t be that much pressure on that aggressive knurling, if you’re concerned.

The Bells of Steel SS4 also comes equipped with a black tetanized coating that can be ideal for rust prevention and easier cleaning. In testing, however, we did notice that this layer can flake off rather easily across the sleeves, especially when loading and unloading iron plates. As a result, our hands were left stained from the residue, leading to a 4.5 out of 5 rating. If you’d rather not scrub your hands after each session, you may want to opt for a different safety squat bar.

The Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell is ideal for beginners, boasting an impressive 190,000 PSI tensile strength, dual knurling marks, and a Cerakote finish (in red or black) that’s similar in quality to what you’d expect from tried and true barbell manufacturers such as Rogue or REP Fitness. It’s not overly pricey but still offers plenty of durability as you’re starting a new workout routine.

In testing, we rate the construction of this Olympic weightlifting bar at 4.5 out of 5 thanks to the sturdy feel and the multiple needle bearings in each sleeve. Typically, bearings are a more premium spin option for barbells, so having this feature in a bar costing less than $250 is a real steal. “The spin is phenomenal and effortless,” adds our tester. “I wouldn’t recommend this for slower lifts like squats or deadlifts, but for dynamic exercises, it’s a true winner.” Another tester loves the spin here. They explain: “The Synergee Regional bar has guided me through snatch PRs, and that’s got a similar construction with the needle bearings. The spin is a lot, yes. So a 5 out of 5 if you’re a fan of spin!”

We also like the knurling pattern across the Games Cerakote Bar, scoring it 4.5 out of 5. Our tester says that the teeth are passive enough for daily training, but there’s no lost sense of grip. “I’m a huge fan of the Games bar knurling,” they say. “It’s sharper than the Bella and Ohio Bar knurlings, but not on the same level as the REP Colorado. I love this happy medium.” Dual knurling marks for IWF and IPF setups can also be great cues for where you place your hands for varied lifts, making this a great barbell for beginners, too. 

Unfortunately, there is no center knurling patch, so squat specialists may feel a drop in security when lining up for a heavy PR.

As the name suggests, this Olympic barbell features a Cerakote finish, which can be ideal for preventing rust and corrosion. While we’d like to see a few more color options in this bar beyond the brand-oriented red and black schemes, we’ve had no issues with grime or corrosion thus far, leading us to a 4.5 out of 5 rating for the Synergee Games’s finish.

We do recommend, though, that you pay close attention to how you load weights across the barbell sleeves. These components are also coated, meaning scrapes and scuffs are bound to appear after just a few uses. If you’re looking to keep your equipment as pristine as possible, make sure to clean your barbell regularly. But if we’re being honest, we don’t mind a few battle scars. 

Trap bars can be a convenient specialty bar for athletes, especially those wanting to focus on their deadlifts that still haven’t mastered the sumo or conventional deadlift form. Unlike Olympic barbells, they offer a neutral grip and more upright body positioning, which can help reduce stress and strain on your spine, making this heavy lift far more approachable. (2) For our money, the Open Trap Bar from Titan Fitness is prime for these needs thanks to its built-in deadlift rack, high weight capacity, and ability to be placed in a standard squat rack for more elevated pulls.

While we rate this trap bar at 3.5 out of 5 for versatility — this is a bar more attuned to deadlifts, lunges, and pulls than other trap bar exercises — we still had a great experience in testing this unit and scored the workout performance at 4.5 out of 5. 

“I really enjoyed the knurling across the multiple handles,” notes our tester. “Other trap bars are typically sharp and aggressive, whereas this one is much more comfortable. Still, though, I had no concerns about dropping the weight — you definitely get that locked-in feel.” The knurling is similar to the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar, which is also less likely than other trap bars to make your skin sad.

There’s also a built-in deadlift jack that can make loading up for a heavy set much more convenient. Instead of propping up the bar to slide a 45-pound plate onto the sleeve, you simply rotate the bar onto its stand. This creates added space between the sleeve and your flooring, allowing you to seamlessly load up without any true complications.

The Titan Open Trap Bar carries a weight rating of 1,500 pounds, which we attribute to the boxed tube design. It’s very sturdy (and somewhat heavy) so we feel this profile, can carry athletes through plenty of grueling sessions. We rated the durability a perfect 5 out of 5, putting it among the best trap bars we’ve tested.

Admittedly, though, the 65-pound heft may be too heavy for beginners, so be sure to take your personal abilities into consideration before ordering.

Lastly, while we appreciate the Open Trap Bar’s rigidity and structure, housing this unit can be a pain for some. It’s a large piece of equipment at 88.5 inches long. This can be helpful when racking this trap bar in a squat rack for elevated pulls, but it may eat up more floor space than you’d desire when you’re not throwing around serious weight.

Powerlifting can be an excellent discipline to follow if strength is your main goal. That said, the sport’s emphasis on the “big three” — bench press, deadlift, and squat — puts greater emphasis on the gear’s ability to perform in stricter confines and planes of motion. While there are plenty of power bars on the market, we feel the Double Black Diamond Bar from REP Fitness is the current title holder.

REP built this rather new barbell directly in line with the needs of the powerlifting community. 29-millimeter barbell shaft diameter? Check. Sturdy 200,000 PSI tensile strength? Check. Knurling marks aligned with International Powerlifting Federation Specs? Double check. And our expert tester Jake Herod says that this bar can take a climate-relate beating. Triple-check.

“You won’t be dealing with much, if any, rust and corrosion with this barbell, either,” he explains in his review of this bar. “So, if you don’t have a climate-controlled home gym, you don’t need to stress cleaning your bar as frequently as you would with coatings like zinc, chrome, or bare steel.” So, if you don’t know how to clean a barbell (or just don’t want to do it super often), you’ll be OK here.

It’s not just the metrics that have us raving over this bar, however. In trials, our tester, a certified personal trainer, says that the durability is top-notch, rating it at 5 out of 5 for the category. “I wouldn’t put this bar through the rigors of commercial gym use, but I think it’s prime for at-home powerlifting,” they add. “With a little barbell maintenance every now and again, this Double Black Diamond Bar should last decades.”

This REP barbell also earns its keep thanks to an aggressive knurling pattern across the shaft, which we score at 4.5 out of 5. We also appreciate the presence of a center knurling patch for added control and stability in the back squat. Admittedly, though, this mountain-style knurling is pretty toothy, so those looking for a more passive in-hand experience may want to opt for a different silhouette. According to Herod, “The knurling is the perfect amount of abrasiveness for powerlifting, but it’s too aggressive for CrossFit and Olympic weightlifting.” You might want to opt for the Rogue Ohio Bar if you need a lighter touch.

Finally, the Double Black Diamond Bar is available in multiple colorways, including four Cerakote options. This can help differentiate your powerlifting bar from others in your collection while also giving your home gym a nice dash of vibrancy. Be mindful, though, that the stainless steel option may lead to more rust build-up than desired. We’ve had previous REP barbells with this coating, and found that the finish isn’t as resistant to corrosion as other stainless steel bars.

Read our full REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar Review.

Need an Olympic weightlifting bar that can truly do it all? Consider this 20-kilogram, 7.3-foot Ohio Bar from Rogue Fitness. Depending on the material, this barbell has a tensile strength of 190,000 or 200,000 PSI, making it tough enough to support heavy lifts, overhead presses, snatches, and just about any other strength workout. It does lack a center knurling patch, though, so it may not be the best bar for squats. Nevertheless, our tester considers it a “do-it-all bar,” scoring its versatility a 5 out of 5.

The Ohio Bar features knurl marks, which you’ll find on many multi-purpose barbells. The inner and outer markings are set by the International Powerlifting Federation and the International Weightlifting Federation, respectively. According to BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, “One thing Olympic lifters and CrossFitters will love about this bar is that it does not include a center knurling. This is ideal for not only movements like the clean & jerk, but also overhead presses, as your skin won’t get irritated from the grip.”

We score the knurling a 4 out of 5, though our testers are divided on its bite, with one finding the volcano-style pattern suitable and the other declaring it “too passive.” The REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar may be a more solid choice if you need a more aggressive knurling (plus center knurling).

That same tester, though, remains a fan of the Ohio Bar, “If your program has you performing tons of deadlifts and bench pressies, I think the Rogue Ohio Bar is one of the best investments you could ever make for your home gym.” They also note it plays nice with many of the best power racks. 

We also score its construction a 4.75 out of 5, noting its durable makeup and multiple coating options. We prefer the stainless steel option, as it has a higher PSI and can better prevent rust and corrosion. And did we mention the lifetime warranty? “Best in the biz,” says our tester, who scored the warranty a 5 out of 5. 

Read our full Rogue Ohio Bar Barbell Review.

The Competition Bar from Iron Bull comes equipped with dual knurl markings, a sturdy 200,000 PSI tensile strength, and a comfortable shaft diameter that’s right on par with other Olympic barbells specific to Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting disciplines. In essence, you can use it for just about any kind of lifting discipline.

Our team appreciates the build quality of this wallet-friendly barbell option, especially when it comes to the knurling marks and shaft diameter. The Competition Bar features dual knurling marks for both IWF and IPF setups, and the 28.5-millimeter diameter can closely replicate what you’d expect to feel on the competition platform.

But since don’t love that no weight rating is listed, we set out to investigate. “I loaded this bar up on one of the best squat racks, taking it up to 535 pounds. That’s when the bar started to bend in the middle. Not ideal. I give it a 2.5 out of 5 for durability and would recommend it more for beginners or athletes who aren’t going to load past 400 or so.”

On the other hand, we give this barbell a 4 out of 5 for its aesthetics, as well as great scores for knurling and spin. The black zinc coating does a good job of preventing rust and grime build-up, but it also just looks damn good in a home gym setting. We get it — black isn’t for everyone, but when it comes to moving heavy circles as aggressively and efficiently as possible, we’re okay with a little darkness to spark our motivation.

Our team gives the knurling a 4 out of 5. “The volcano knurling pattern gives a pretty good grip for a zinc bar, and it’s even better with chalk. It’s got a similar knurling feel to the REP Fitness Colorado Bar or the Fringe Sport W2 15KG Barbell.” The Rogue Ohio or Bella Bars are more passive in terms of knurling, if that’s what you’re looking for instead.

In terms of spin, our tester awards this bar a solid 5 out of 5. “For both clean & jerks and snatches, this bar does exactly what it’s supposed to in terms of helping explosive movements get up there without a hitch.”

For those who want a solid barbell that doesn’t cost a ton, gets the job done, and (bonus) is available on Amazon, we recommend the CAP Barbell Beast Barbell. This multipurpose barbell is budget-friendly and comes with several different coating and knurling options. “I got the black oxide,” says one of our testers, “but you do get some corrosion protection from the coating. That’s important, because at this price range, you’ll expect a bit of surface rust after a while.”

When it comes to value, we give this barbell a 5 out of 5 rating. Most other barbells cost well over $150, whereas this one starts at only $133.49. Amazon also offers protection plans you can add on, which you won’t find with all other barbells.

Our team gives the knurling on this bar a 4 out of 5 rating. While this one does have a standard medium-depth diamond knurl, it may be a little too passive for some lifters. It also lacks center knurling, which some athletes may prefer.

For competing athletes, we recommend opting for a different product on this list, like the REP Fitness Colorado Barbell. This bar also lacks competition-standard markings (don’t worry: REP has them, as do the Rogue Bella Bar and Ohio Bar, the Fringe Sport Wonder Bar V2, and the Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell). We also gave the overall durability a 3.5 out of 5, as it only has a tensile rating of 110,000 PSI (lower than others) and Amazon doesn’t state the weight capacity.