Written by Andrew Lenau | ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
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A squat rack is the perfect centerpiece of most home gyms globally. After all, it's a must-have if you want to do the most important lifts, like bench press, shoulder press, squats, and deadlifts.
To help you in your research for a high quality squat rack, we've compiled a list of 10 squat racks we love after testing many on the market.
To find the best squat rack, you'll need to consider the amount of space you have, what training style you'll use, and how beefy of a rack you want. It's also important to think about how much money you're willing to spend. We cover all of these points with each squat rack below.
This in-depth guide should help you determine the perfect squat rack for your gym set up.
10 Best Squat Racks
- Best Overall Squat Rack: Force USA MyRack ($499.99)
- Best Budget Squat Rack: Fringe Sport Squat Rack w/ Pull Up Bar ($299)
- Best Premium Squat Rack: Pro Maxima PL365 Full Power Rack ($4,263)
- Best For Small Spaces: Body-Solid Pro Clubline Squat Stand ($395)
- Best On Amazon: Fitness Reality 810 XLT Squat Cage ($249)
- Best Squat Rack With Pull Up Bar: Fringe Sport Retractable Rack ($548)
- Best Bench & Squat Rack Combo: Sunny Health Squat Rack ($550)
- Best Folding Squat Rack: Force USA Folding MyRack ($699.99)
- Best Floor Mounted Squat Rack: Fringe Sport Floor Mounted Kip Cage ($849)
- Best Squat Stand: Fringe Sport Commercial Squat Stand ($455)
SFS Pick
Force USA MyRack
SFS Budget Pick
Fringe Sport
SFS Premium Pick
Pro Maxima
1. Best Squat Rack Overall: Force USA MyRack
The Force USA MyRack modular power rack is a well-balanced, strong, and functional power rack that is reasonably priced. The rack has lots of potential with the 20+ optional accessories that are all competitively priced. This means you can build the rack the way you want to without buying anything you don't wish to, making this one of the best racks to have in your home gym.
We've used this rack for countless sets and it's never failed to amaze us with its functionality and reliability. Because we've had a great experience with the MyRack, we often recommend that our clients purchase one for themselves when they're looking to build out a home gym.
Whether you train in weightlifting, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, calisthenics, gymnastics, or want to just get healthier, the Force USA MyRack modular power rack can help get you to the next level. Some of the optional accessories include a pull-up bar, dip bars, J-hooks, safeties, cable crossovers, monolift, and even cable crossovers.
This is the best squat rack and is built with Westside spacing with 54 numbered adjustment points to be able to position the bar for just about any sized user. It is also engineered using a combination of 12 gauge steel and 10 gauge support brackets, making this squat rack an absolute unit that is ready to be tested with some serious weight.
Price: $499.99
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- 20 optional accessories
- Instructions are thorough
- Great warranty
- Impressive weight capacity
- Westside hole spacing
Cons
- It should be made with 11 gauge steel
- The configuration makes the rack incompatible with most other brands' accessories
- It doesn't include accessories
- Doesn't come with weight plate storage
The Force USA MyRack Power Rack is the first truly custom power rack system of its kind. Configure your modular base rack with your choice of 20 attachments...
2. Best Budget Squat Rack: Fringe Sport Squat Rack with Pull Up Bar
The Fringe Sport Squat Rack w/ Pull Up Bar is one of the market's best value squat racks with a pullup bar setup. At 84.5″ tall with a 4’x4′ footprint, the Fringe Sport squat rack will fit in most people's spare bedroom, while also leaving enough clearance for fitness enthusiasts to lift their heads above the pull-up bar without bumping it on the ceiling.
This no frills squat rack is constructed out of 2” x 3” powder coated 12 gauge steel, making it solid enough to support most people's home gym equipment needs. Due to its construction, it is also incredibly lightweight at roughly 80 pounds, making it easy to move out of the way when you’re done with your workout.
Worried about stability? The Fringe sport squat rack has holes in the bottom frame that can be used to bolt it to the floor or a platform, eliminating the need to worry about any instability. And make note that it has a respectable maximum weight capacity of 600 lbs for squats and 450 lbs for pull ups.
The rack is also very solid as a pull-up bar. With the rack secured to the ground, you can even perform kipping pull ups without any fear.
Not only is this the best budget squat rack on our list, but it also includes a 12-month warranty to try out this rack without any worries.
Price: $299
Pros
- Includes some accessories
- Has a pull up bar included
- Fantastic price
- One year warranty with free returns
- Can be fastened to the floor
- Westside hole spacing
Cons
- Not built for strong lifters
- No knurling on the pullup bar
- Can get wobbly
- No weight plate storage
This rack was designed to provide an affordable, at home option for squatting, benching, and pull-ups. This rack works best for home use and not in a box. If you're looking...
3. Best Premium Squat Rack: Pro Maxima PL365 Full Power Rack
The Pro Maxima PL365 Full Power Rack cuts zero corners with its attention to detail. This commercial-grade power rack is built with 3”x 3” steel tubing and has an included rubber platform that is built to withstand just about anything you can throw at it. This power rack system comes equipped with a double pin weight bar support made of stainless steel, band pegs, and a dual pin adjustment system for maximum support in case of a failure while lifting.
The beautiful finished custom-colored powder coat includes pellet blasting and magnetic paint powder to ensure a durable hardened finish that is resistant to chipping and corrosion. Even the bumper plate storage was thought through, it has an amazing open design that makes it quick and easy to remove and rerack weight plates.
This is easily the most premium power rack option on our list with its practical and durable design that doesn't compromise any functionality. Just make sure you have plenty of space for this beast; this is definitely not a lightweight nor compact design.
Price: $4,263
Pros
- Includes rubber platform
- Commercial grade
- Great for all experience levels
- Made in the USA
- Heavy duty steel
- Pull up bar station
- Comes with weight plate storage and spotter arms
Cons
- Expensive
- It takes up tons of room
- Incredibly heavy
- Optional dip bars are expensive
This premium rack comes with plenty of weight storage and a full rubber platform for your intense training sessions. This is the Rolls Royce of squat racks...
4. Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces: Body-Solid Pro Clubline Squat Stand
The Body-Solid Pro Clubline Squat Stand offers unmatched strength and versatility in an incredibly compact frame. The SPR250 frame can be assembled at multiple widths, allowing for 5', 6', and 7' Olympic bars, and offers incredible customization for home gyms with space concerns.
Plus it offers a surprisingly robust 1000 lb weight capacity, making this a great basic squat stand for individuals who do rack pulls, squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and other heavy compound movements.
If you struggle with space and don’t know what squat stand will fit the space, your search is over. With its adjustable width and small footprint, the SPR250 Squat Stand can comfortably fit perfectly into most small home gyms. It may be a basic squat rack, but it's really all most lifters need.
Price: $395
Pros
- Adjustable width
- Large weight capacity
- Reasonably priced
- Lifetime home warranty
- 1" hole spacing
Cons
- Lacks accessories
- No plate storage
SPR250 - Fits 5' to 7' barbells with its adjustable uprights. Heavy duty construction uses 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel for a robust 1000 lb weight capacity...
5. Best Squat Rack On Amazon: Fitness Reality 810 XLT Squat Cage
The Fitness Reality 810 XLT Squat Cage is a highly stable, basic squat rack with a comfortable setup for training with heavier weights in your home gym setup.
Since the power rack is one of the most popular types of squat racks due to its stability, safety, and overall sturdy construction, the Fitness Reality 810 XLT power rack is no exception and includes a dual pull-up bar and optional attachments like J-cups for added adjustability and convenience. Its weight capacity is up to 800 pounds, which should be enough for even the most serious powerlifters.
Home gym enthusiasts will also appreciate its height: At just 83.5 inches tall, you won't have to worry about it hitting the ceiling in your home gym. Plus, the power rack comes with solid steel chrome safety bars, allowing for peace of mind during your lift.
It offers an unbelievable value, which is why we consider it the best budget power rack for home gym owners, especially for those who prefer to shop on Amazon.
Price: $249
Pros
- Great value
- 800 lb weight capacity
- Compatible with additional attachments
- Relatively compact
Cons
- Small uprights
- Low-end j-hooks
- Short warranty
Don't put your safety in the hands of a squat rack that hasn't been tested. Our Squat Rack was ASTM tested at...
6. Best Squat Rack With Pull Up Bar: Fringe Sport Retractable Rack
The Fringe Sport Retractable Rack folds for effortless storage and incorporates a pull-up bar and squat rack making it a great addition to a home gym that is limited in space.
The rack retracts easily for storage, making it a great choice if space is tight. The two 2” x 3” 11 gauge steel uprights have ⅝” holes that also include westside hole spacing in the bench area, you can also quickly adjust the pull up bar to the perfect height for your needs. It also has four mounting brackets and six securing pins to ensure the rack is in place whether it’s open or closed.
With free shipping, an adjustable pull up bar, impressive retracting capabilities, and a 365-day return policy, you would be crazy not to try out this awesome foldable squat rack.
Price: $548
Pros
- Folds away
- Great return policy
- Adjustable pullup
- Decent build quality
Cons
- Expensive compared to other folding squat racks
- Incompatible with other brand accessories
- No weight plate storage
The Retractable Power Rack makes a good addition to any home/garage gym. The rack retracts for easy storage and includes a pull up bar and squat rack. If you're tight on space you can unfold to use and stow away...
7. Best Bench & Squat Rack Combo: Sunny Health Squat Rack
If you are looking for a high-quality half rack loaded with sturdily built features, included attachments, and are shopping on a budget, then you should consider the Sunny Health Squat Rack with an included adjustable bench.
The half-rack itself is built surprisingly tough, with 2” x 2” high-quality steel pipe construction that makes this squat rack one of the most durable strength cages around. The included bench has a 1000 lb weight capacity, is tear/wear-resistant, and has seven adjustable positions making it a welcomed addition to the package.
You can easily perform nearly infinite strength and muscle-building exercises just off the Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone half rack. On its own, it isn't a terrible value, but when you add in the included bench, spotter arms, and J-hooks then it makes it easily one of the best bench and squat rack combo on the market.
Price: $550
Pros
- Affordable price
- Heavy-duty
- Decent warranty
- Impressive weight capacity
- Easy to assemble
- Includes adjustable bench and weight storage pegs
- Adjustable pull up bar
- 6 Horns for plate storage
Cons
- Good attachments are sold separately
- Non-standard hole size
Look no further for the ultimate in high capacity Power Racks; with a 1000 LB max weight capacity, you could make serious gains...
8. Best Foldable Squat Rack: Force USA Folding MyRack
For some, having enough space is a bigger obstacle than price when buying the best power rack. With that in mind, a collapsible squat rack like the Force USA Folding MyRack is a fantastic choice.
You'll be able to easily collapse this power rack when it's not in use for space-saving purposes in your home/garage gym, and it doesn’t need to be mounted to the wall, which offers more interior working space. While also being able to hold twice the weight of most folding racks, perfect for even the most advanced lifters.
Unlike most foldable squat racks, this one is entirely modular, meaning you can add up to ten different attachments and add versatility to your home gym. Including J-hooks, band pegs, safeties, dip bars, monolift, and more.
Price: $699.99
Pros
- Modular
- Space saver
- Solid construction (heavy duty steel)
- Great warranty
- Dual pull up bars
Cons
- You'll need to buy accessories to use the rack properly
- Not for tall people
The Force USA Folding MyRack Power Rack is the first fully folding power rack system of its kind. Configure your modular base rack with your choice of 10 attachments...
9. Best Floor-Mounted Squat Rack: Fringe Sport Floor Mounted Kip Cage
The Fringe Sport Floor Mounted Kip Cage has a wide footprint, making it a great and sturdy squat rack for functional fitness, Olympic lifting, weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding movements. The ample width and optional floor-mounted bolt-downs beneath each upright provide plenty of stability for bar work, pullups, and chinups.
To increase its value it comes equipped with pull-up bars and some plate storage, so you can easily access additional weight when pushing yourself to hit higher personal records. The rack is built with a heavy-duty, 11 gauge steel construction to ensure sturdiness and stability no matter how much weight you're throwing around.
Price: $849
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Sturdy
- Two pull up bars
- It can be bolted down
- Great customer service
Cons
- No extra bells and whistles
- Could be taller
Feeling Kong strong in this beast or attacking it like a Great White going after a shark cage won't be anything strange once you've lifted in it once. Either way, our power cage will...
10. Best Squat Stand: Fringe Sport Commercial Squat Stand
Even though Fringe lists this as a squat rack we'd consider it more of a squat stand. Squat stands are perfect for individuals severely lacking in the space department and on a budget. So if you're on the hunt for a small form factor squat stand, your search is over.
The Fringe Sport Commercial Squat Stand has an impressive 1000-pound weight limit, allowing you to set personal records without worrying about your stand failing.
Fringe Sport commercial squat rack combines decent features and a build that is built to last. It is made with 2” by 3” 11-gauge steel tubing that boasts a matte black powder-coat finish.
The box includes a pair of j-cups and holes that make it easy to bolt to the floor. The uprights have Westside hole spacing starting from 21 inches off the floor and going all the way to the top allowing plenty of configurations.
Price: $455
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Great customer service
- Easy to move
- Decent warranty
- 11 gauge steel tubing
Cons
- Wobbly with heavier loads
- To keep the base stable, you may need to buy sandbags
Enjoy awesome features and a super-high 1,000 pound weight limit on this light commercial grade squat rack from Fringe Sport. ...
Comparison Chart of the Top Squat Racks for Home Gyms
A squat rack is a quintessential piece of equipment for any home gym. Thus, it's important to choose one that best suits your need and budget. The chart below is a side-by-side comparison of the 10 best squat racks listed above.
|
Product Name |
Price ($) |
Size (dimensions) |
Warranty |
Weight Capacity |
Attachments Included |
Average rating |
|
$499 |
47″ W 55″ L 87″ H |
Lifetime Structural Warranty |
2000 lb |
None |
65 Reviews ★★★★★ |
|
|
$299 |
49.5″ W 46.5″ L 84.5″ H
|
1 year |
600 lb |
Pull up bar J-Cups Weight pegs Battle Rope anchor |
146 Reviews ★★★★.8 |
|
|
$4263 |
8' W 12' L 8' H |
NA |
1400 lb |
Rubber platform Spotter arms Storage Chin up station Band pegs |
NA |
|
|
$395 |
59" W 51" L 73" H |
Lifetime Home Warranty |
1000 lb |
J Cups |
2 Reviews ★★★★★ |
|
|
Fitness Reality 810 XLT Squat Cage
|
$249 |
46.5” W 50.5” L 83.5” H |
1 Year limited |
800 lb |
J-hooks Safety bars Multi-grip pull up bar Stability bars |
9,843 Reviews ★★★★.7 |
|
$548 |
47.25" W 25" L 91" H |
1 Year-No Drama return policy |
800 lb |
J-Cups Adjustable pull-up bar |
24 Reviews ★★★★★ |
|
|
$550 |
50.4” W 64.3” L 86.97” H |
1 Year structural frame |
1000 lb |
Adjustable pull up bar J-Hooks Spotter arms RB pegs |
187 Ratings ★★★★★ |
|
|
$699 |
Unfolded: 49" W 41" L 86" H |
Lifetime structural warranty |
2000 lb |
Multi-grip bar for chin ups |
11 Reviews ★★★★★ |
|
|
$849 |
48.5" W 34" L 90" H |
1 Year |
1000 lb |
J-Cups Weight plate holders |
14 Reviews ★★★★★ |
|
|
$455 |
47" W 39" L 73" H |
1 Year |
1000 lb |
J-Cups |
27 Reviews ★★★★★
|
Which Type of Squat Rack is Best: Power Rack, Half Rack, Squat Stand or Folding Squat Rack?
These pieces of gym equipment are compared as one and the same but there are subtle differences between a squat rack, power rack, half rack, squat stand, and folding rack. Below you'll find a brief description of each.
The common thread that all these share is that they all can provide a sturdy base to rest a barbell on when doing big compound exercises like squats. If you want to learn more about these pieces of equipment then check out our post Squat Stand vs Half Rack vs Full Power Rack, Which Type Of Squat Rack Should I Buy?
Power Rack:
A power rack is a fantastic piece of weight training equipment mainly used for free weight barbell exercises like squats, pull ups, bench presses, and anything else where you would typically need someone spotting you to keep you from failing a lift.
Since you work out inside the four vertical steel tubes of power racks, you typically want to use safety bars. You adjust the safety bars to a height just slightly below the bottom of your range of motion for the particular exercise to catch the barbell on a failed rep before the barbell crushes you. If you fall forward or backward inside a power rack, the barbell may hit the uprights and the safety bars, saving your life.
While power racks are great for safety, ease of use, and various exercises, there are drawbacks. The power rack takes up the most space, lacks portability, and is usually the most expensive rack on the market.
Related: The 9 Best Power Racks
Half Rack:
Half racks offer more support and adjustability than traditional squat stands, and they also feature safety bars, weight plate storage, and usually an overhead bar for pull-ups and other band attachments. A half rack will only have one set of uprights and won't form the enclosed cage as you would normally see with a full power rack. This type of rack provides you with awesome freedom in your lifting and provides the perfect solution for small spaces.
Working out in the open area in the front of the half rack provides a good option for lifts that are performed away from the rack, like Olympic-style movements and deadlifts. The half-rack is a considerably cheaper option, than most out on the market, but the flip side is that the versatility of a power rack is typically greater. Half racks don't match a power rack's full capabilities, but they're often cheaper and great for people who don't want to feel trapped when they're lifting.
One of the biggest drawbacks of a half rack is that they can be unstable and tip over if you drop weight on them since they are not as sturdy as power racks.
Squat Stand:
A squat stand is about as basic as a squat rack can get. Squat stands are made up of a wide base of durable metal that extends upward with one upright on either side. Each upright has holes drilled into it every couple of inches, allowing you to lock into place a set of brackets (J-cups) to hold your barbell. The top of the uprights are usually connected together with a pull up bar, which adds more functionality and stability.
Squat stands are perfect for beginners to learn the basics of weight lifting and be able to handle enough weight while you better your form. Since the squat stand is basic in construction and setup, they are a fantastic budget-friendly option and space saver for those who are building a home gym.
Folding Wall-Mounted Rack:
Folding wall-mounted racks are a fantastic alternative to full power racks or squat stands and have been a game-changing addition to the home gym market. The main benefit is that they are perfect for small spaces. Folding racks are fixed to the wall and can often fold to be just five inches off the wall. If you do not have a ton of free space to fit a big power rack or a squat stand, then a folding rack is ideal.
If you have a small spare room you could use it as a home gym most of the time, but also use the space for other things when it is folded away. Despite being flexible and moveable you won’t sacrifice any stability if you buy a folding wall-mounted rack. There are many well-known brands that design super high-quality folding wall-mounted racks, which can hold up to 1,000 lb of weight.
Related: The 8 Best Folding Squat Racks
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A POWER RACK FOR A HOME GYM:
We used the following metrics to select the best squat racks on the market today. These criteria should help you narrow down your search to find the perfect rack for your home gym.
1. Size
One of the biggest concerns when researching a power rack is if you will be able to fit it into your home. To avoid returning the equipment, you have to consider the rack's dimensions and if it'll fit your space. For example, if the area is tight or not tall enough, then you should consider a squat stand or folding rack with a smaller footprint. If you have plenty of space, like a garage, consider a modular power rack, where you can add extra options to increase the variety of exercises you can do.
A good estimate when checking out standard squat racks is that the space you’ll need should be a minimum of eight feet by eight feet. This is to ensure that a standard seven-foot bar, four-foot bench, and some accessories will comfortably fit within the space. The above estimate is just a general guideline, always do your own measurements.
If you’re still unsure on how much space you’ll need, it would be best to plan for some wiggle room by overestimating the space your equipment will take up. That way you have some room to grow into and add more attachments and accessories later on.
2. Build Quality
Power racks can be expensive, but making constant repairs and replacing equipment are more costly in the long run. So instead of wasting your money on cheap racks and accessories, choose one with durable materials, great features, and significant weight capacities. These high-quality power racks can offer higher functionality and features that optimize your workout and challenge you to improve your performance.
When it comes to high quality and heavy-duty squat racks, 11-gauge steel is pretty much the standard. You can still have a perfectly good rack that uses 12-gauge or higher, but if you’re looking at durability, 11-gauge is a good place to start.
You can’t forget hole spacing when talking about the best squat racks, the industry standard is Westside hole spacing, which means that near the bottom of the rack, the holes are closer together and the closer you get to the top of the rack, the holes are spaced slightly farther apart. Some racks will even have the holes numbered, which makes it easy when it comes to placing the bar level and other attachments.
3. Price/Budget
Squat racks range from just a couple hundred dollars or go all the way to $2,000+. You can easily find budget options, but remember that something affordable is also usually not the highest quality.
The price of your rack will go up quickly when you start adding attachments you want to add to your cart, as many racks can multi-function as a home gym once you start using the add-ons.
If you have a lower budget then a squat stand might be the best bet but if you're willing to shell out a few hundred more you could land a much more functional piece of equipment.
Try to keep this pretty straightforward, choose the best rack that fits your needs and is within your price range. You can also read up on price points more in our article: How Much Is A Squat Rack?
4. Difficulty of Assembly
The last thing you want is to buy the perfect rack for your home gym and then struggle for hours to put the thing together. Keep in mind that full power racks and buying many accessories will make assembly more complicated than just investing in a basic stand.
If you’re confident in being able to assemble your new rack, then go on the website and download the assembly instructions before you buy to make sure this is a project you’re willing to take on.
The best squat rack companies offer professional assembly services, but they aren't cheap. Pushing upwards of $200 plus, even for a simple rack.
5. Attachments & Accessories
This list can be pretty large as most recognizable brands offer racks that come with attachments so your squat or power racks have increased versatility, but we will just list the major options you should consider investing in. Investing in attachments increases the versatility of the rack and brings in an element of functional training to the lifting zone.
Typically you can find attachments or other accessories for:
- Dip bars
- Adjustable cable stations
- Multi-functional pull up bars
- Band pegs
- Jammer arms
- Lat pulldown attachment
- Assorted cable attachments
- Adjustable weight bench
- Safety spotter arms and safety pins
- Bar storage
- Westside spacing
- Safety straps
6. Storage
When building out your home gym you want to make sure you have as much storage space as possible. Chances are if you’re buying a good quality squat rack you will also be looking for a barbell and weight plates. Most reputable brands that sell power racks, squat stands, and half racks will have storage space either included or as an optional purchase for your accessories.
7. Usage
The different styles of racks have their unique pros and cons. So you want to make sure that you have the best squat rack based on your workout needs. This will help you decide on the type of squat rack you'll need, as well as other key components like size, budget, and versatility.
If you're looking to maximize your training with strength movements, you may need to consider a power rack instead of a half rack or squat stand. But if you are looking for a versatile squat rack to be able to do a bunch of different exercises, then a modular rack may be your best bet.
8. Weight Capacity
Most squat racks are designed to withstand a minimum of 500 pounds, which should be more than enough for most beginner lifters. There are some brands that make power racks that are able to support upwards of 1,000 pounds. So these types of racks might be a better option for you if you're a powerlifter, strongman, or just someone who lifts heavy and doesn't want to feel any instability in the structure when bench pressing or perform other compound movements.
9. Online Ratings
A surefire way of seeing if a product is good or not is by looking at the opinions of others that have bought the same power rack. These reviews offer valuable guidance from people who have already tested the product, making it easier to decide if it is worth investing in. If the review is mostly positive, the chances are that it would be a great purchase. If reviews are mostly negative, it is best to leave them alone and find a better option.
Reviews are important because as customers we aren’t always going to believe what a company tells us about their products. However, personal recommendations and customer opinions are much more powerful. Make sure to check trusted sites for reviews like the Reddit, Better Business Bureau, Google, and Facebook.
BENEFITS OF SQUAT RACKS
Is a squat rack worth it? Absolutely! There are a number of benefits to having a solid squat rack in your home gym. Below are some of the top reasons you should consider adding a rack to your arsenal.
1. Functionality
Squat racks are one of the most important pieces of gym equipment that every home gym should have. This is especially true for those trying to integrate more strength training into their routine. One of the essential purposes of a squat rack is versatility.
The squat rack can hold your bar at various heights, which means that you can use it for other forms of weight lifting, which include deadlifts, overhead presses, bench presses, and barbell lunges. Additionally, you can use a weight bench and other accessories with your squat rack to further increase its versatility.
2. Safety
The second significant purpose of having a squat rack is safety. Lifting heavy weights can be dangerous if you are not using the proper equipment. A squat rack allows you to safely integrate weight lifting into your workout routine from the comfort of your own home.
It would be best to purchase spotter arms for your rack for those who work out alone. The design ensures that if you fail a lift or drop the bar, the spotters will prevent you from being harmed.
3. Convenience
An essential factor in maintaining your fitness routine is convenience and money. Having a squat rack at home means you will be less likely to skip your workouts since you can do it around your schedule. Plus, you will save money in the long run since you won't need to pay membership fees anymore.
We talk about this in detail in our article: Is It Cheaper To Have A Home Gym Or Gym Membership?
4. Make Gains
Of course, the biggest benefit of a squat rack is the gains you’re going to see. Be honest, you want to buy a squat rack because you’re wanting to get stronger and in better shape. A squat rack makes it easier to go heavier because you simply have to take the bar off the rack to get started and not put any unnecessary strain on your body.
SQUAT RACK FAQ:
Are squat racks worth it?
Without a doubt! Buying the right squat rack for your home gym is worth the money and time you'll put into it. It is an excellent investment if you’re a powerlifter, bodybuilder, or just someone that wants to move some weights. A power rack, half rack, or squat rack will provide you with safety, functionality, and versatility to allow you to see some major improvements. However, if you don’t use it then your investment won’t pay off.
Can you squat without a rack?
Can you squat without a rack? Yes. Do we recommend it? Absolutely not. There are barbell variations, like the Steinborn squat, that allow you to barbell squat without a rack. However, they are incredibly risky and not for beginners to attempt.
So we recommend that you invest in a good squat rack, power rack or squat stand because it allows you to make heavy lifts from a comfortable position which allows you to make gains in strength while reducing the likelihood of injuries.
Which squat racks are the best for a home or garage gym?
Trying to decide on the best overall squat rack was a tough choice as there were many options to choose from. After careful consideration, we know the Force USA MyRack is the best choice for most home/garage gym setups. The MyRack is a well-balanced, modular, and functional. Making it the best power rack at a reasonable price.
However, it may not be the best fit for everybody. So the best squat rack is the one you will get the most use out of, do your research and investment in the rack that is best suited for your situation.
Are power racks better than squat racks?
Overall we'd say that because a power rack offers more functionality than a squat rack it would be the optimal choice.
However, it comes down to your goals, space, budget, and what you need the rack for. A power rack would be better if you do more powerlifting movements, have a decent amount of space and have more money to spend.
If you are new to weightlifting with a tight budget and not much space, then a decent quality squat rack, half rack, or squat stand may be a better choice to start with.
What's a good price for a squat rack?
The average price of a decent squat rack is around $500. Do your research to ensure that the rack you're interested in will fit your needs and help push you to hit new personal records. The most important factor to keep in mind is your personal budget, and to find something within your budget that you know you'll get a ton of workouts on.
What's the best power rack for low ceilings?
The Fitness Reality Squat Rack is the shortest power rack on our list; at 83.5 inches tall, it should accommodate low ceilings and small spaces. Make sure to measure the space you plan on putting the rack before purchasing one.
When measuring your space for your power rack you’ll want to have at least six inches above the rack to ensure it will fit. If you plan to use the pull up bar at the top of the power rack, you’ll want roughly 12-18 inches to allow ample room for your head.
If having a low ceiling makes it difficult to find a squat rack that works then you might consider a squat stand as there are more options that are shorter in height.
Are folding squat racks good?
If you are looking for a power rack, but don’t have the space then a folding squat rack like Force USA Folding MyRack would be perfect for you. More and more well-known brands are coming out with their own versions, with most of them being able to hold up to a 1,000 pounds. If you have a garage gym you would be able to get a full workout in, fold up the rack, and still park your car inside without any problems.
Can you bench press using a squat rack?
Of course! All you have to do is get a weight bench and slide it into the rack. The Sunny Health Squat Rack has a bundle option that comes with a bench. Make sure to adjust the j-hooks so you can reach the bar without much effort. To make sure you’re safe while performing a bench press in the squat rack set the safety bars low enough so you can hit the full range of motion, but high enough that if you fail, you can set the bar down without injuring yourself.
Can you deadlift with a squat rack?
If you have limited space in your home gym that prevents you from doing your deadlifts outside your squat rack then absolutely!
Almost all power racks are designed with deadlifts in mind. A barbell loaded with standard plates will not hit the lower crossbar of the power rack at the bottom of your deadlift. This means that you can deadlift inside a standard power rack without your loaded barbell hitting any interference.
If you are really trying to improve your deadlift game, check out the best deadlift bars.
Is a cheap squat rack an unsafe purchase?
Just because a rack is expensive, that doesn’t make it the best squat rack. The safety of a squat rack doesn’t rely on its price, but more on its quality. Squat rack costs have been getting cheaper and cheaper over the years due to the demand for them rising. These lower price point squat racks and half racks still have solid steel frames and some even still come with attachments and safety features.
A cheaper rack doesn’t immediately make it an unsafe option, but in most cases the more a squat racks cost, the safer it will be for your home gym needs. Nevertheless, our "budget pick" Fringe Sport Squat Rack w/ Pull Up Bar is very affordable, and even more so, high quality and safe.
Are squat rack attachments universal?
Squat rack attachments are unfortunately not universal. While racks mostly look the same, the hole dimensions and dimensions aren’t standardized. While some brand's squat rack attachments are compatible with multiple brands and models, there aren’t any attachments that work universally.
To see if an attachment would be compatible with your rig check the uprights dimensions, hole sizes, and the spacing between the holes to make sure you’re not wasting your money on incompatible accessories.
SUMMARY OF THE TOP SQUAT RACKS FOR HOME & GARAGE GYMS
A good squat rack is a great addition to a home gym or garage gym and should be one of the very first things you buy when you decide to put one together because it allows you to perform a large range of exercises, such as heavy squats, bench presses, pull ups, overhead presses, floor presses, and many other barbell exercises.
Squat racks will enable you to get in a workout right in the comfort of your home, which can save you money and time by not having to travel to a traditional gym.
However, a squat rack is a considerable investment, so it's important not to rush your decision and carefully select a model that works the best for you. Do your research and use this guide to help find the best squat rack that could work for your workout space, budget, and fitness goals.
TLDR: Our choice for the best squat rack is Force USA MyRack ($499.99).
The Force USA MyRack Power Rack is the first truly custom power rack system of its kind. Configure your modular base rack with your choice of 20 attachments...
Now you know our favorite picks for Squat Racks, don't miss our post that covers the Best Power Racks on the market.
Have more questions that we didn’t answer in this article? Comment them down below!
Andrew Lenau
Author