Best Value
Hulk Fit
Our Top Pick
Fitness Reality 810XLT
Most Affordable
REP PR-1100
There’s no doubt that when it comes to squat stands and power racks, the best ones are usually priced north of $1000. Aren’t they?
Well that’s what I believed for the longest time.
With that thought firmly rooted in mind, I had almost given up on my dream of having a squat rack or a power rack in my mini garage gym.
Luckily, I happened to chance upon a ‘DIY gym design’ on a messaging board and started conversing with the dude who set it up.
Eventually, the talk veered towards the best cheap squat racks and I was actually quite surprised to learn that there are tons of budget priced options in the market.
After a month of research, I was overwhelmed with all the choices that I had dug up.
Eventually I settled for a beefy power rack at less than 70% of the cost that I expected to pay for it initially.
The point that I am trying to drive home, is that you can easily find a cheap squat rack and stand, or a power rack for your home gym setup without paying through the nose for it.
I found thousands of budget priced racks, of which, I narrowed down on 17. All of them, perfect for home use.
That’s the list that I am going to share with you in this article.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, there’s one important thing that you must decide.
Squat Rack & Stand vs Power Rack
Assuming that you are a normal mortal like the rest of us and not Bruce Wayne or Richie Rich, there’d only be enough room to accommodate one of these in your home gym.
The question is, what’s better?
Is it a squat rack & stand, or is it a power rack?
Let’s find out.
Power Rack
The Power Rack is hands down, the most underrated piece of equipment in any fitness setting. Also called the Power Cage, the Squat Cage, or the Power Tower, it allows you to perform heavy barbell training without a spotter and without any sort of movement restrictions.
For those who may not be familiar with the name, it’s four metal posts that are connected with horizontal frames and resembles a cage. The vertical posts have adjustable safety pegs, which can grab the bar if you fail midway.
You step into the cage, lift the barbell, perform the move and rack it back.
Depending on the make and model that you choose, there will be enough room to perform a wide range of compound movements. Some types of full-sized power racks, also incorporate additional components, such as a pulley attachment and a pull up bar, which increases the versatility of the rack.
Given a chance, most home owners would happily choose a power rack over a squat stand
What Is It Best For
As an old school bodybuilder, my bodybuilding routines are firmly rooted in the fundamentals, and barbell training forms a key part of it. So when setting up a home gym for bodybuilding adding a power rack was a no-brainer.
A power rack allows me to perform a variety of compound moves.
I can move a lot more weight than I would ever consider moving without a spotter, because the safety catches have me covered even if I fail at the bottom of a rep.
I can max out at the bottom of a squat. I can stretch my 1 rep max without ever having to worry about how I am going to rack the weight back.
I have a power rack with a lat pulldown, and a bench and I counted 30 different exercises that I can do easily; there is a ton of power tower workouts that you can do.
To summarize this, here are the pros and cons.
Advantages of a power rack
- Tons of compound movements
- Safety. No need of a spotter
- Can move more weight without risk
Disadvantages of a power rack
- Takes up a lot more space than a squat stand. But I always had enough room for a rack. For me it was just a matter of how many more workouts I could perform with it and the rack was a clear winner.
Our Top Pick
Fitness Reality 810XLT
Editors Choice
- Best Value for Your Money
- One I Bought for Myself
- Highly Rated and Highly Reviewed
- Great for Both Commercial Use and Home Use
- Built Like a Tank
Squat Rack and Stand
The Squat rack and stand is a relatively smaller piece of equipment as compared to a power rack. So if you are crunched for space, and want to get home gym equipment for a small place then this is probably your best bet.
It’s exactly what the name implies, a stand with two vertical posts that’s used to rack the barbell.
The posts are usually height adjustable, which gives you a little leeway to fine tune the positioning according to your height.
Some stands can also have pre-drilled holes that can be used to mount brackets, called spotter arms, to catch the bar.
However, a squat stand does not have solid steel safety catches, which means that you should not risk moving a lot of weight like the way you would in a power rack.
What’s It Good For
Squat stands are a space-saving and budget-friendly option.
Also, it allows you to perform almost all the basic, fundamental barbell moves, including the squat, the bench press and the shoulder press.
So unless you are looking to lift seriously heavy weight, you could very well opt for one of these.
Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of a squat stand
Pros
- Compact design
- Allows you to perform most compound lifts
- Budget friendly
Cons
- You might need a spotter if you intend to move heavy weight
- No safety catches to grab the bar
Note: Unfortunately, the Fitness Reality 810XLT is currently out of stock on Amazon. But don't worry, we've got you covered with two amazing alternatives - the Hulk Fit and REP PR-1100.
Best Budget Power Racks
Without further ado, let me share with you some of the most amazing power racks that I found during the course of my research.
For your easier understanding, I have described them according to the feature that stands out.
#1 – Editor’s Choice – This Is the One I Own - Fitness Reality 810XLT
Best Features
- One I Personally Own
- Highly Rated and Highly Reviewed
- Best Value for Money
- Sturdy steel frame construction
- 46” wide and 50” deep foot print
- Solid 1” thick safety bars
- Does not wobble even when you drop 800 pounds (I tried it)
- Works with Olympic bars
Fitness Reality 810XLT Review
The Fitness Reality 810XT is an amazing power rack that features a 14-gauge 2x2 tubular steel frame and has a maximum weight load capacity of 800 lbs.
That ticked two of the most important boxes that I was looking for. I squat 500 lbs. plus and I needed a rack that could tackle that weight without wobbling.
At this price point, the 810XT was a no-brainer choice.
What I Liked the Most About It
- It’s built like a tank. You’d expect cheap power racks to look and feel flimsy as compared to the ones you see in the gym. Not this one. It’s as good as any commercial-grade unit.
- 19 Holes that are 3” apart, for adjusting the safety bar. That more than suffices to cover my full range of motion for both, the squat and the OHP. I perform the OHP outside the rack.
- Pull up bar on the top. My back routine just got a shot in the arm with this.
- Two 1” thick, solid steel safety bars on the inside of the rack and two 3 1/4” bar catches on the outside. That’s a safe and stable rack. Just the way I like it.
- 800 lbs. max weight capacity. Enough said.
- Great pricing
Things that I Didn’t Like, but Weren’t Deal Breakers
No plate storage. It’s probably because the frame is so stable. I would have liked to see a couple of storage pegs on this though.
What’s the Customer Feedback on This?
With a rating of 4.7 from 5019 reviews, the Fitness Reality 810-XT is the top rated power rack in this list.
Customers are mighty impressed with the quality of the rack and the weight rating. There are professional bodybuilders who use this for their home gyms and that speaks volumes about the quality.
#2 – Cheapest Option – REP PR-1100
Best Features
- Cheapest full-sized rack
- 700 lbs. max weight capacity
- Built from 14-gauge, 2x2 steel frame
- Multi-grip pull-up bar
- Plastic-lined J-Cups with numbered uprights
REP PR-1100 Review
The PR-1100 is the latest entrant into REP’s entry level power rack models, that surprisingly have some of the best in-class features.
For starters, the PR-1100 is crafted from 14-gauge steel that’s 2mm thick. Secondly, it has a max maximum weight rating of 700 lbs., which is insane at this price point.
If you are bootstrapping and would like to lift more than the 500 lbs., don’t even think twice. Go for this.
What I Liked the Most About It
- Incredibly well constructed rack. I have used Rep’s PR-1000 range of fitness equipment multiple times during my home bodybuilding journey. They are built like a rock and can withstand just about anything that you throw at them. (Had an old PR-1000 in an outdoor gym. Lasted forever.)
- It features numbered uprights. That makes it a lot easier to know where to position your J-cups. No more guesswork.
- Thick chrome plated safety bars. As much as I like J-cups, I always prefer a rack that has a dedicated pair of safety bars.
- Compatible with a whole range of PR-1000 accessories, including a bench, a lat pull down attachment, weight horns and landmines.
- Multi-grip pull-up bar that’s rated for 400 lbs.
- Comes in red.
Things that I Don’t
It’s a little wobbly when you drop 700 lbs. on it. To be honest, most people rarely lift more than 500 lbs. and it’s not necessarily a con. This stays rock steady at anything less than 700.
What’s the Customer Feedback on This?
The REP-1100 has almost 95% positive feedback on most online retail outlets. For a budget-priced rack, the quality is just incredible.
The only negative feedback has been about some rusted components. Nothing to do with the quality or the features.
#3 - Excellent Bang for Your Buck - Hulk Fit
Best Features
- 2.5” x 2.5” thick tubular steel frame
- 1000 lbs. max weight rating
- Sturdy safety bars
- Extra pair of J-hooks
- Multi-grip pull-up bar
- Capacious cage
Hulk Fit Review
With an 11-gauge steel construction and a 1000 lbs. max weight load capacity, the Hulkfit is one of the best power racks in this list.
To top it off, it comes in a sleek, yellow powder coated finish with contrasting black accents.
I usually don’t get hung up over aesthetics as far as the rack is sturdy. But a dash of color in an otherwise drab setting never hurt anybody.
What I Liked About It
- The Thicker frame: Most budget-priced power racks are made from 2” x 2” tubular steel frame. But the Hulkfit is constructed from 2.5” x 2.5” thick, 11-gauge steel. If you hate wobbly equipment that groans and creaks under heavy weight, check out this beast.
- Bonus J-Hooks: The Hulkfit features two solid-steel safety bars with J-hooks and as if it weren’t a great deal already, throws in another set of bonus J-hooks. This allows you to seamlessly workout inside and outside the rack without having to swap J-hooks.
- Multi-grip pull-up bar and dip bar: In most racks, you’d have to buy a dip bar separately. But you get a pair with the Hulkfit.
- Ample room: There’s ample room inside the rack for a barbell lunge. That for me is a sign that this is a spacious rack.
What I Didn’t
- The cage is 81” tall, which is great for a normal basement. But the pull-up bar on the front of the cage angles upwards and increases the height to around 84”. Add the lat pull down attachment (additional purchase) and the height is suddenly 86”. I feel that it’s a few inches more than it could have been.
- The assembly instructions are poorly written. Oh, it’s Chinese made as well.
How Good Are the Customer Reviews on This?
The Hulkfit has a customer rating of almost 4.5 out of 5 from a whopping 3000 reviews. That’s almost a 90% positive customer rating from a truck load of reviews. No mean feat.
#4 - Cheap Option with A High Weight Capacity – TDS Mega
Best Features
- Budget priced rack with a 1000 lbs. capacity
- 14g steel 2 x 2” thick tubular steel frame
- Zero wobbles
- 1” solid thick safety bar
- 31 numbered uprights spaced 2” apart
- Knurled chin-up bar on the front
TDS Mega Review
One of my biggest surprises came from lesser known brands like TDS, which have been around for 44 years in the fitness equipment business.
This sturdy power rack from the brand has a 1000 lbs. capacity at less than 80% of the cost of a branded one.
How good is that for a home gym?
What I Liked About It
- It’s a very well built piece of equipment. Don’t get swayed by the pricing. This is not one of those cheap ass racks that start to creak. It’s made from 2" Sq. Steel Tube and can withstand a solid amount of weight. Comes powder coated with rubberized feet, foam handles and numbered uprights.
- There are 31 uprights that are spaced 2” apart to adjust your safety bar and your J-Cups. Most other racks have between 18-22 uprights. 31 is just extremely good and a great addition to a home gym for beginners. It allows you to really dial down your lifts and rack the weight comfortably.
- Holes on the top side and rear beams. This comes with pre-drilled holes on the top side and rear beams for adding additional attachments. Also, there are weight horns to store your weights.
- 82.5” tall: That’s the perfect height for many basements and would be a great addition for an apartment home gym. Also, the knurled chin-up bar doesn’t add to the height, unlike the fancy ones that we see in some racks.
What I Didn’t
It’s described as 11 Gauge steel in the description, whereas it seems like 14 gauge at best. I don’t know if that’s intentional or a typo. That’s not to take anything away from the quality of the rack though.
What Are Customers Saying About This?
Barring a few negative reviews about the powder coating that starts to peel after a few months, the TDS Mega has a rating of 4.5 out of 5, which means it’s mostly positive.
#5 – Impressive Accessory Bundle - Valor Fitness BD-11
Best Features
- Budget priced rack with a pulley attachment and a pull up bar
- Rated for 650 lbs.
- 2.5” x 2.5” thick 12-gauge steel frame
- Rubberized feet
- 27 Numbered uprights
- 1” thick solid steel safety bar
- 8” Storage pegs
Valor Fitness BD-11 Review
The Valor Fitness BD-11 is a budget priced power rack that comes with a whole bunch of accessories, that make it as good as a home gym.
The rack is rated for 650 lbs., which is pretty good for home users and is constructed from 12-gauge steel, which is stronger than the 14-gauge ones in this list.
This is an excellent choice for budget-minded shoppers.
What I Liked About It
- Solidly built: The first thing that I check in any power rack is whether it can withstand the everyday wear and tear that happens when you throw a few hundred pounds on it, because some times I like working out 7 days a week. This can. It does not wobble unless you cross 90% of the weight that it’s rated for. The frame is 2.5” x 2.5” thick steel and there are rubberized feet on the base.
- Bunch of attachments: You can add a Lat station to the rack as well as a low curl bar. It already has a multi-grip pull up bar on the front. That’s pretty much the entire upper body for you if you add a bench to it.
- 27 Numbered Uprights: You can rack the bar at any height from 15” to 67”. There are 27 numbered uprights that are spaced 2” apart. Two solid steel safety bars complete what’s a well-rounded feature list.
- Storage pegs: The BD-11 also features two 8” storage pegs on the sides, which can accommodate both standard and Olympic plates.
What I Didn’t
Multiple people have received a few dented parts while shopping for this. So keep an eye out for that. Thankfully, the customer service is top notch and any issues are promptly dealt with,
What Do the Customer Reviews Say About This?
Like I mentioned, there are a few minor complaints about rusted and dented parts. Otherwise, most people are thrilled at the quality and the versatility of the BD-11 power rack. Almost every customer mentions that it is great value.
#6 – Budget Priced Rack - Merax Wall Mount Folding Squat Rack
Best Features
- Capacious design
- Rated for 1000 lbs.
- Comes with a utility bench for different exercises
- 3” x 2” thick steel construction
- Solid steel safety bars
- Ideal for garage gym
Merax Wall Mount Folding Squat Rack Review
With easy installation and range of exercises options, this budget-priced rack from Merax offers affordable solution for your fitness needs. This space efficient solution is designed with convenience and versatility in mind, making it a must-have for any fitness enthusiast.
Talking about heavy weights, this is a very solidly constructed rack that has a max weight load rating of 1000 lbs.
What I Liked About It
- Powder Coated finish: The heavy duty steel frame (gauge not specified) comes with a sleek, powder coated finish. There are no complaints of the coating peeling or flaking. The construction is top notch and almost matches a commercial-grade unit.
- Fold the rack up against the wall: The Merax wall mount folding squat rack offers conversation convenience as you can quickly fold the rack against the wall after the workout. It's equipped with easy to attach pull up bar and two sets of J-cups.
- Two additional weight catchers: Also included in the package are two additional weight catchers, which are essentially a type of J-Hook. This allows you to comfortably workout inside as well as outside the rack.
- Capacious design: The inner part of the cage is 47” wide and almost 23” deep, which is a enough even for a tall user like me. Most users of average height should be able to exercise easily in this rack.
What I Didn’t
While I loved the fact that this is a complete kit that includes a high pulley assembly and a low one, it increases the dimensions of the rack by a fair bit. The height extends to 91” and it adds an additional 18” to the rear.
What Are Customers Saying About It?
The Rack has a 92% positive customer rating, which is phenomenal for a budget-priced rack. Most customers sing praises about the quality and the value which it adds to a home gym.
#7 – Best Quality – Rogue R-3
Best Features
- American made power rack
- 11-gauge steel construction
- Uses the Westside hole pattern
- Comes with a fat and skinny bar for pull ups
- Two thick pipe safeties
- Black powder coated finish
Rogue R-3 Review
Constructed from a 2” x 3” thick 11-gauge steel frame, the Rogue R-3 is a commercial grade power rack.
Understandably, it’s not the cheapest option in this list. But if you are willing to stretch your budget a little, or seek the best quality and stability, look no further.
What I Liked About It
I liked most of the things about it. Too bad I didn’t have the cash to spare after setting up the rest of the gym.
- Incredibly durable: Old timers often say that quality fitness equipment lasts forever. This is one of those equipment. It can last for years, even with vigorous every day usage. It’s just built to perfection, and it’s American made.
- Two versions to suit the gym: The Rogue R-3 is available in two different heights. The standard one stands 90” tall and is better suited for gyms with higher ceilings. For smaller rooms and garages, there’s the Rogue shorty, which is 84” tall.
- Uses the Westside hole pattern: The Rogue R-3 is one of the two racks in this list that uses the Westside hole pattern for the uprights. For those who are unaware, the Westside hole pattern is considered to be safer for the bench press, especially for beginners. The holes are spaced just 25 mm apart at the lower end of the frame, which increases to 50 mm as you go upwards.
- Fat and Skinny pull up bars: Now you can add some variety to your pull up training with the fat bar on the R-3. Oh, it also has a Skinny bar by the way.
What I Didn’t
I am 6’2 and I like to stretch for my barbell lunges inside the rack. The R-3 has an inside depth of just 24” which is a little too cramped for my liking. This does reduce the footprint of the rack by a fair bit though.
What Do Customers Feel About This?
As expected, the Rogue R-3 has 100% positive customer feedback. The design, construction, features, everything is flawless.
Best Features
- No-frills design
- 12-gauge steel construction
- Rated for 600 lbs.
- Two heat-tempered lift off hooks
- Knurled chin up bar
- 24” wide and 44” deep, which gives you ample room
Body-Solid Powerline PPR200X Review
The Body-Solid Powerline PPR200X is a very basic power rack that does not have the bells and whistles of some of the other models in this list.
But with a 12-guage steel construction and a 24” wide walk-in design, it ticks off two of the most important boxes that one looks for while shopping for power racks.
It is extremely sturdy and it is roomy.
What I Liked About It
- Basic design: At a time when most brands are adding attachments and accessories to make their products seem more appealing, Body-Solid keeps it simple. This is as basic as it gets. It’s made of 12-gauge steel, has just 18-uprights for adjusting the bar and has a simple knurled chin up bar. There’s nothing fancy about it.
- Rated for 600 lbs: The PPR200X is perfect for home use. It’s rated for 600 lbs. That’s more than what a majority of home users will ever lift. Even when the bar is fully loaded with 600 lbs., there is no wobble, which is excellent.
- Two Lift offs: The PPR200X features two heat-tempered lift-off hooks. Well, they aren’t exactly shaped like actual lift-off hooks. But these are very useful in racking and lifting the bar during the bench press. As is the case with all the racks in this list, the PPR200X features a solid steel safety bar for catching the barbell.
What I Didn’t
The uprights are spaced a little far apart for my liking. If you are a beginner, you might find it a little troublesome to adjust the safety catch on this. Also, there was some wobble when I racked a 450 lbs. bar outside the cage. So if you are going as heavy as that, you might want to do it inside only.
What Customers Feel About This?
The Body-Solid Powerline PPR200X is rated at 4.5 out of 5, which means that the reviews are mostly positive. There are customers from all around the world, who call it one of the best budget-priced power racks that you can buy.
Best Cheap Squat Racks & Stands
If you have narrowed down on a squat rack and stand instead, then here are the best ones in the market currently.
#1 - Editor’s choice - Most compact & Most Versatile - Merax Barbell Rack
Best Features
- Heavy duty steel construction
- 550 lbs. weight capacity
- Stands just 56” tall
- 13 Uprights spaced 2” apart for adjusting spotter arms
- Compact footprint
- Comes with a dip station
Merax Barbell Rack Review
With a 550 lbs. max weight capacity and a very compact footprint, the Merax Barbell Rack is a stellar alternative to a full-sized squat rack.
It is fully adjustable and also features two spotter arms that work pretty much like the safety bar in a power rack.
What I Like About It
- Super easy to install. Most people are done with the installation in 45 mins.
- 550 lbs. are a sizeable amount of weight for a squat stand.
- There are 13 uprights for adjusting the spotter arms, which allows you to go really low in your squat.
- Very compact footprint.
- Comes with a dip station, which is a valuable add-on to the stand.
What I Don’t
The spring loaded pins that hold the spotter arms are quite flimsy and if you use this regularly, are likely to break after a while.
There will be a little wobble, especially if your flooring is not level. Use the storage pegs to secure the stand before you use really heavy weight.
What Do Customers Feel About This?
With a rating of 4.3 out of 5, the Merax Barbell Rack is quite well-received by customers. As expected, most of them are home users who will rarely lift more than 500 lbs. But they are quite satisfied with most aspects of the stand.
#2 - Best Quality for A Cheap Rack - Slightly More Expensive - SML-2 Rogue 90" Monster Lite Squat Stand
Best Features
- Top quality squat stand
- Rated for 1000 lbs.
- Heavy duty 3 x 3” 11-gauge steel frame
- No wobble even at the max load
- Laser cut 5/8” diameter holes, Grade 5 bolt hardware
- Commercial-grade rack
SML-2 Rogue 90" Monster Lite Squat Stand Review
The Rogue SML-2 is a commercial-grade squat rack that boasts of a 1000 lbs. capacity.
It is crafted from 11-gauge 3x3" square laser-cut steel frame and comes with a sleek, black powder coated finish.
What I Like About It
- Premium quality: Everything about this rack screams quality. Right from the heavy duty steel frames to the laser-cut 5/8" diameter holes and SAE grade 5 bolt hardware, it’s built for longevity and stability.
- It has a very compact footprint of just 49" x 48". It does stand 92” tall though
- Comes with a pull up bar (Can choose from Skinny or Fat)
- Westside Hole pattern for ease of racking the bar
- 1000 lbs. weight capacity. You will not get a better rack that’s rated for 1000 lbs. Even when the barbell is fully loaded, there’s zero wobble.
- J-Cups with plastic inserts that protect the knurling on the barbell
What I Don’t
The height. At 92”, it’s taller than most of the power racks in this list. Like I’ve said before, that’s not really a disadvantage if you have the room in your gym.
Also, no spotter arms.
What Customers Feel About It
The SML-2 is a top rated squat rack and stand. It has 100% positive customer feedback and is also used extensively in commercial settings.
#3 - Best Bang for Buck - REP SR-4050
Best Features
- 2.5” x 2.5” 11-gauge steel frame
- Rated for 1000 lbs.
- Two pull up bars
- Two spotter arms
- Two J-Cups
- Two storage pegs/ dip stand
- Built like a tank
- Great value
REP SR-4050 Review
The REP SR-4050 is another beefy squat rack that’s crafted from 11-gauge steel, which is the gold-standard in commercial-grade fitness equipment.
It is rated for a whopping 1000 lbs. and stands 94” tall with twin pull up bars on the top.
What I Liked About It
Just like the Rogue SML-2, the REP SR-4050 is one of the best squat racks that money can buy.
It is sturdy, you can rack a ton of weight on it (literally) and it does not even flinch even when you drop all that weight after a failed rep.
- Rock solid: The REP SR-4050 is one of the sturdiest squat stands that I’ve ever seen, and I have seen my fair share. The quality is markedly superior to most budget-priced models that we commonly see in home gyms.
- It is crammed with features, like two pull up bars (fat and skinny), two plastic-lined spotter arms, two plastic-lined J-Cups, two storage pegs that also double up as a dip stand and is rated for 300 lbs.
- It has one of the easiest assemblies that I have seen. The instructions are top notch.
What I Don’t
At 94” tall, 72” long and 48” wide, the footprint of the REP SR-4050 is almost on par with a power rack. That for me, kind of takes away the advantage of opting for a squat stand.
What Customers Feel About This?
The REP SR-4050 has a 100% positive customer rating. Every single customer who has purchased the stand speaks about the construction and the overall quality.
By the way, this is very reasonably priced for a commercial-grade rack. You can’t go wrong with this.
#4 – Best All-In-One Squat Rack - HulkFit Multi-Function Adjustable Power Rack
Best Features
- Multipurpose squat rack with a beefy frame
- 1000 lbs. weight capacity
- Tons of attachments for other exercises
- 49” x 49” compact footprint
- Great pricing
HulkFit Multi-Function Adjustable Power Rack Review
The Hulkfit Multi-Function squat rack is a full-sized rack that includes a whole bunch of additional attachments that greatly expand its capabilities.
There’s a multi-grip pull up bar, two spotter arms that also double up as dip bars, vertical storage as well as a landmine attachment for your plates and two J-cups to rack your bar.
I think this is one of the most versatile squat stands that I’ve ever seen.
What I Like About It
- The Design: Many a time, multifunctional exercise equipment sounds great in theory. But when you actually start to use it, you’ll quickly realize that it’s too cumbersome. Not this one though. The Hulkfit is one of the most intuitively designed stands in this list. Everything is well thought out. For example, the pull-up bars also feature hooks to attach bands. The landmine attachment can be used for weights as well as bands. When you use the spotter arms as a dip stand, you can deploy a safety lock. There’s no feature that interferes with your primary use of the rack.
- Build quality: This is a professional-grade rack with a 1000 lbs. capacity. It’s made from 11-gauge 2.5” x 2.5” thick tubular steel frame.
- Compact: At 49” x 49”, this is one of the most compact designs for a rack that’s rated for 1000 lbs.
What I Don’t
The spotter arm dip bars are too narrow for me to use. But I am 6’2 and have reasonably wide shoulders. I believe that a shorter, slimmer person might be able to use it perfectly.
What Do Customers Feel About This?
The Hulkfit is one of the top rated squat racks on almost all online retail platforms. It is also one of the most recommended squat racks for home use on messaging boards.
The build quality and sturdiness are frequently spoken about. So are the features, which are top of the line.
#5 - Most Popular Option - CAP Barbell Rack
Best Features
- Most popular squat stand
- Rated for 500 lbs.
- Industrial-grade construction and hardware
- 11 & 12-gauge steel frame
- J-Cups to rack your bar
- Compact footprint
CAP Barbell Rack Review
The CAP Barbell Power rack is a no-frills attached, squat stand with a reasonably good max weight rating, and a very solid construction.
It’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular squat stands amongst home users.
What I Like About It
- Lightweight and easy to assemble: The CAP barbell squat stand is designed for easy, DIY assembly. It’s a blend of 11 & 12-gauge steel tubular frames, which makes it lighter weight, but equally sturdy.
- Quality construction: It’s amazing how modern home gym equipment almost rivals their commercial counterparts in build quality. This is an exceptionally well made squat stand. The hardware is industrial-grade zinc and it has a sleek, powder coated finish in black. It is rated for 500 lbs. and even at weights slightly more than that, the frame does not even flinch.
- Very compact: It has a very compact footprint, which is one of the features that I believe a lot of home owners look for. It’s just 46” wide and 50” deep. Should easily fit into a corner of a home gym.
What I Don’t
If a tall and heavy user hangs on the pull up bar and tries to do muscle ups, the thing wobbles a tad. That’s not really a deal breaker for anybody who doesn’t do muscle ups though. When you are moving weights, this stays rock steady.
Another minor quibble that I have is that this does not come with spotter arms.
What Do Customers Feel About It?
The CAP Barbell squat rack has a customer rating of 4.5 from 3185 customer reviews, as I write this. That’s a phenomenal track record folks.
If this fits your budget and your intended application, don’t even think twice. It’s a no-brainer deal.
#6 - Cheapest Option in This List - HulkFit Multi-Function (Basic Red Colored Option)
Best Features
- Cheapest squat stand
- Exceptionally well built
- Rated for 500 lbs.
- No frills design with a pull up bar and two J-Cups
- Easy assembly, lightweight construction
- Can be mounted to the ground or secured with weights
HulkFit Multi-Function Review
If you are looking for a squat stand without spending an arm and a leg, then check out this lower-priced model from Hulkfit.
The earlier Hulkfit rack that we listed was a professional-grade one rated for 1000 lbs. This one is better suited for more generic use and is rated for 500 lbs.
Everything else, including the construction and the quality is identical to the pro-grade one.
What I Liked About It
- No Frills Design: The HulkFit Squat stand has a simple, no-frills design that works perfectly for home use. It is 50” wide, 46” deep and 81” tall. After an easy assembly, it weighs just 60 lbs. As expected, there might be wobble, especially when you rack 400-500 lbs. on it. HulkFit has thoughtfully added two weight pegs at the rear, which keep it stable. Rubberized feet protect the flooring from scratches and scruffs. The uprights are spaced 2” apart and are number coded for convenience.
- Available in three colors: This is one of the only squat stands that’s available in Red, Yellow and Black. The powder coated finish looks stunning.
- Can Mount to the ground: There’s also the option to mount the stand to the ground, if you are concerned about stability while moving 450 lbs. or more.
What I Didn’t
Looking at the design and the features, this is clearly aimed at the beginner bodybuilder or the recreational fitness buff. Considering that they might find it challenging to rack the bar perfectly every time, this should have included spotter arms.
But it doesn’t.
What Do Customers Think About It?
This is one of the best rated budget-priced squat stands in this list. There are lots of positive reviews about the sturdy construction and the barebones design.
But most of all, customers are talking about the incredibly low price for a rack this good.
#7 – Prosumer Grade Stand with Bells and Whistles - TDS Super Open Rack
Best Features
- Prosumer-grade unit at a reasonable price
- Rated for 1000 lbs.
- 31 numbered outrights
- J-Cups and Spotter arms for easy racking
- Can be bolted to the floor
- Has weight pegs for additional stability
TDS Super Open Rack Review
The TDS Super Open Rack is a prosumer grade equipment at a very reasonable price.
It has a lot of bells and whistles thrown in, like four band holder pegs on each side of the base frame, numbered uprights that are spaced 2” apart and a knurled chin up bar.
But users often fail to notice is that this stand is rated for 1000 lbs. It’s as good as any professional grade stand in this list.
What I Liked About It
- Unbelievably good price for the quality: The TDS Super open squat stand is designed like a half-power rack. The quality is exceptional and the price is even better. It is constructed from heavy duty steel tubing, is 62” wide and 48” deep, and is rated for 1000 lbs. For a rack that weighs just 90 lbs. when assembled, that max weight rating is phenomenal.
- Beginner-friendly safety features: Along with two J-Cups, the rack also features two spotter arms, which is always welcome in a home gym essential such as this one.
- Weight Storage pegs: There are two weight storage pegs on the rear and two on the sides. There’s also an option to mount this to the ground. I recommend that you do both, especially if you plan to rack more than 500 lbs. on this.
What I Didn’t
The plate storage on the side interferes with the band pegs, making it impossible to use both at the same time. So if you do plan to use bands, remove the weights from the storage peg on the side.
I personally feel that the 1000 lbs. rating is a little inflated. This can still handle 700-800 lbs. moving weight. But if you drop 1000 lbs. on the spotter arm or the J-Cup, the rack may not be able to handle it.
What Customers Feel About This?
The TDS Open rack has a customer rating of 4.5. The reviews are largely positive. The only few minor complaints that I found were about the assembly instructions.
Best Features
- Super easy assembly
- 50 mm steel tubing construction
- Rated for 480 lbs.
- Height adjustable from 44” to 70” which is perfect for squats
- Spotter arm with safety lock
- Can be bolted to the floor easily
- Budget friendly pricing
- Very compact footprint
Yaheetech Pair of Adjustable Squat Racks Review
This is a pair of adjustable squat stands that’s rated for 480 lbs. It’s a budget-prized option for people who cannot afford, or accommodate a full sized squat stand in their home gym.
It’s actually quite sturdy and well built. The construction is 50 mm steel tubing and it has a H-shaped base that can be mounted to the floor. There are rubberized feet which prevents it from moving around as well.
What I Liked About It
- The Yahateech Squat racks are super easy to assemble and use. Each rack has a base that’s 21” wide and 19” deep, which is extremely compact. The height can be adjusted from 44” to 70”
- There are 14 uprights that are spaced 2” apart.
- There are spotter arms which are quite long and do an excellent job at securing the barbell if you were to drop it.
What I Don’t
According to me, the quality is meh. The rubber feet frequently come off. The rack wobbles if you are using more than 250 lbs., even if you secure it to the ground. Also, if you are a tall user like me, using this to bench press is a little difficult.
The only reason why I see someone opting for this over the rest, is if they are shopping on a very tight budget, or if they have very little room to spare for a squat stand.
If you do, then I highly recommend mounting this securely to the ground and gluing the rubberized feet to the frame.
What Customers Think About It
Surprisingly, the Yahateech Squat racks have a customer rating of 4.4 based on 1034 ratings as I write this.
So it’s definitely working for a lot of people. There are customers who claim to have benched 400 lbs. on this with zero wobble.
Best Features
- Heavy duty steel tubing construction
- Rated for 600 lbs.
- Spacious design
- Spotter arms and J-Hooks for safety
- Multipurpose pull up bar that can also be used as a dip stand
- Multiple storage pegs to rack weights
- Powder coated finish in silver and blue
Fitness Gear Pro Half Rack Review
Last but not the least, we have this half rack from Fitness Gear Pro that’s constructed from heavy duty steel tubing and comes with an attractive powder coated finish.
It is a very capacious squat stand, almost on par in size with a full sized rack. The only thing missing are the two upright posts on the front.
What I Liked About It
- Spacious and sturdy: This is a very sturdy squat rack that stays rock solid even when its loaded to its max rating, which is an impressive 600 lbs. The extra wide feet on the base, keep it very stable. Further, you can also bolt it to the floor as it comes with pre-drilled holes.
- Multiple vertical storage pegs: There are six storage pegs, three on each vertical frame that can be used to secure the rack and prevent it from tipping over.
- Multifunctional Pull-up bars: On the front of the open rack, you have a multi-grip pull up bar that can be removed and attached to the inside of the J-hooks and used as a dip stand. That’s a great added functionality.
What I Don’t
There’s a slight wobble when you do pull ups, especially if you tend to swing your legs while you pull yourself up. Other than that, this is an exceptionally good rack for home use.
What Customers Feel About This
Most customers feel that this rack is complete value for money. The solid construction and the multifunctional features are most spoken about.
It has a customer rating of 4.5, which is might impressive for an entry-level half rack.
Buying Your First Power Rack or Squat Rack? Here's What to Look For
If this is the first time you are headed power rack shopping, get ready to be bombarded with a mind-boggling number of tech specs.
But don’t wreck your head over things that do not have any effect on the final product quality.
Here are some of the more important features that you should consider before you shop.
#1 – Space
I am sure you must have narrowed down on the exact part of the room where you plan to install the power rack or squat stand.
Ensure that you also account for the clearance around it, for racking and removing plates, wheeling the bench in and out, and the height required for completing your pull-ups ,a full range of motion during the overhead press and other workout machines you might have like lat pulldown machines or leg press machines.
Many a time, additional attachments such as a pulley mechanism can add 4-5 inches to the height of a rack, so be keen on the height clearance available, especially when setting up these racks in a basement gym with low ceiling.
Make sure that you have enough room for it, If you really have no room at all then maybe try something like the gorilla bow portable gym.
#2 – Internal Dimensions
The internal dimensions are a very underrated aspect of power rack selection. I am 6’2 and weigh 240 pounds, which means that I need a lot of room to workout comfortably.
I prefer racks that are capacious, even if it means compromising on some valuable real estate in the gym. Otherwise, you should be fine with a compact power rack if internal room isn't a concern for you.
What about you? Do you prefer a rack with tons of room on the inside? Then check the internal dimensions as well.
#3 – Construction
Most commercial quality racks will be made of 11 and 12-gauge steel. These are the gold standard in durability and sturdiness and typically have higher max weight ratings.
But even 13 and 14-gauge steel aren’t flimsy at all. A lot of budget priced racks in this list are made of 14-gauge steel.
Why, even the one I own is made of 14-gauge steel. Have had zero problems with the durability.
You will need such kind of strength, durability and reliability if you do full body workouts every other day on your rack and thus have to use it often.
Along with the gauge of the steel tubing, pay attention to the overall build quality. Is the hardware good? Are the J-cups lined with plastic? Do the pre-drilled holes align? Else you are going to have a tough time assembling the rack.
#4 – Safety Features
The more the merrier. If it’s a rack, look for solid steel safety bars that are at least 1” in diameter, and plastic-lined J-cups if you do some part of your workout outside the rack. For stands, look for spotter arms and J-Cups.
#5 – Add-Ons
Personally, I don’t get hung up over the add-on accessories. But a lot of people do. If you are looking at maximizing the functionality of your stand or rack, look at options that come with attachments such as a pulley, rowing bar and dip stand for those who love to do t bar rows and pump up muscles with dips.
Top Power Rack and Squat Stand Brands
Here are some of the top brands to consider while shopping for power racks and stands.
Rogue
Rogue is considered as one of America’s top fitness equipment manufacturers. Their power racks and squat stands are all commercial-grade and have the best in-class features. In a nutshell, if it’s a Rogue product, you can’t go wrong with it.
Fitness Reality
Fitness Reality is one of the world’s leading brands in strength and conditioning equipment. From very humble beginnings, they have quickly made large strides in the industry and are associated with some of the biggest names in the business. I really like their products. The quality is top notch and the pricing is very reasonable.
REP Fitness
If you are looking at high quality fitness equipment at pocket-friendly rates, REP Fitness is the brand for you. They are one of the few brands with an exceptional customer service rating as well. So if things go south, you can be rest assured that your concerns will be addressed promptly.
FAQ Most Buyers Have when Buying Their First Power Rack
Q. Should I Get a Power Rack or A Squat Stand?
A. By all means, get a power rack. The only reason why someone should opt for the latter is if there’s no room to accommodate a power rack. Otherwise, the power rack is a much superior and safer choice.; and with a few additions they can become a full body workout machine.
Q. Will I Need Anything Else in Order to Do Squats or Bench Press?
A. You will still need the barbell, wont ya? Unless you plan on skipping the upper body completely, you need a bench as well, possibly an adjustable one. In case you are wondering which ones go well with these racks and stands, I have just the thing for you. This is the barbell that I got for real cheap. Works like a charm with my power rack and I have lifted up to 800 lbs. on it, used the power rack to bench and squat on the same day, also used it to squat and deadlift on the same day, no problem.
Q. Since These Racks Are Cheap Does that Mean They Are Not Very High Quality?
A. Ever since American businesses started to import in bulk from China, the quality of fitness equipment has gone for a toss; cheap barbells, cheap dumbbells, cheap exercise equipment, you name it. So, you are not entirely wrong to assume that a low priced squat rack might be poorly built. But that’s precisely why I spent a month researching about these and handpicked these 17 racks and stands, based on the construction, the quality and the customer reviews. Each one of these are exceptionally good quality and are manufactured by some of the best brands in the business.
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Ben Mayz
Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now.
My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future.
I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics.
My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics.
Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward.
You can learn more about Fitlifefanatics on our About Page
