14 Best Barbells for Your Home Gym

The best barbell for your home gym is the American Barbell Training Bar. It’s a versatile barbell that you can load up, take a beating, and won’t break the bank.

My top 3 picks for barbells for your home gym:

1. American Barbell Training Bar – Best Overall Barbell
2. REP Fitness Technique Barbell – Best Lightweight Barbell  
3. Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar – Best for CrossFit

Barbells are the most used piece of equipment in my gym. They’re a staple for a reason – you can progressively overload varying exercises more efficiently than dumbbells.

That said, many options are on the market, and you don’t want to buy the wrong barbell. I have several sitting gathering dust that I simply don’t use because they don’t suit my needs. Don’t let that happen to you – keep reading to find the best barbell for your home gym setup.

14 Best Barbells in 2024 

1. Best Overall Barbell – American Barbell Training Bar 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Suitable for men and women 
• Hard chrome coating for extra durability and resistance to corrosion 
• Dual knurling and rotating sleeves for dynamic lifts 

Cons 

• There are better options for powerlifting

Specs

• Weight: 33lbs + 44lb options.
• Knurling: Dual knurling – no center knurling
• Main Material: stainless steel + chrome coating
• Diameter: 28mm
• Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
• Warranty: Lifetime

I’ve given the award for the best Olympic bar in 2024 to the American Barbell Training Bar. It’s available in two weights (33 lbs/15 kg and 44 lbs/20 kg), so it’s appropriate for both men and women. 

The bar shaft is made of alloy steel with a hard chrome finish to reduce the risk of corrosion. The 45-pound bar has a standard diameter of 28 mm, and the 33-pound bar has a standard diameter of 25 mm.

Each bar also has a knurl ring on each side to improve your grip during Olympic lifts. There is no center knurling so that the bar will sit comfortably on your upper back during barbell squats. It also won’t irritate the neck area during front squats.

With excellent whip and rotating sleeves, this bar suits dynamic lifts, like cleans, jerks, and thrusters. It meets the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) standards and is also suitable for general weight lifting. 

2. Best Lightweight Barbell – REP Fitness Technique Barbell

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Affordable price 
• IPF and IWF knurl marks 
• Ideal for beginners who aren’t lifting very heavy weights 

Cons 

• Low tensile strength and maximum weight capacity, so would be unsuitable for powerlifting  

Specs

• Weight: 33lbs + 44lb options.
• Knurling: Dual knurling – no center knurling
• Main Material: stainless steel + chrome coating
• Diameter: 28mm
• Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
• Warranty: Lifetime

The REP Fitness Technique Barbell is a budget barbell that takes first place as a top-quality lightweight option. Its maximum weight capacity is 200 lbs, which is enough for most beginner lifters but may not be suitable for all powerlifters.

It has a medium knurl that won’t tear up your hands, even during high-volume training.

If you develop calluses from lifting and need help treating them, check out How To Deal With Calluses From Lifting (5 Tips).

3. Best Barbell for CrossFit – Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar 

Rating: 4.5/5  

Pros 

• Available in a variety of colors and finishes  
• Dual knurl marks and no center knurl for practicality and comfort  
• High tensile strength for heavy lifting 

Cons 

• The Cerakote sleeves can begin to show wear and tear or imperfections quickly  

Specs

• Weight: 33lbs + 44lb options.
• Knurling: Dual knurling – no center knurling
• Main Material: Stainless steel, Cerakote, and black oxide or hard chrome finish
• Diameter: 28.5mm
• Tensile Strength: 200,000
• Warranty: Lifetime

This barbell has high tensile strength, so it’s ideal for regular, heavy lifting. It has a standard 28.5 mm diameter, making it versatile, multipurpose, and perfect for CrossFit. 

The lack of central knurling also makes this bar ideal for CrossFitters. While the knurling on the grip sections helps improve your grip, the smooth center of the bar offers upper body comfort during popular CrossFit lifts like cleans or thrusters. 

This bar has various finishes, including stainless steel, Cerakote, black oxide, and black zinc. You can customize your bar according to your needs and preferences. You can also customize the bar's color, bushing type, and the sleeves’ coating.

4. Best Barbell for Olympic Weightlifting – REP Fitness Sabre Bar  

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Affordable price 
• Available in two different weights 
• The bar has dual knurl marks and ball bearings 

Cons 

• Relatively low tensile strength 

Specs

• Weight: 33lbs + 44lb options.
• Knurling: Dual knurling – no center knurling
• Main Material: stainless steel + zinc finish
• Diameter: 28mm
• Tensile Strength: 150,000 PSI
• Warranty: 1 year

The REP Fitness Sabre Bar is ideal for the Olympic lifts, is available in 33 lbs/15 kg or 44 lbs/20kg, and has knurl marks that match the IWF specifications. It’s also suitable for various exercises and is a multi-functional option for general strength training.

The only reason it’s not the best barbell for powerlifting is because it has a low tensile strength. Its 150,000 tensile strength is lower than many other barbells on the market. However, this would be adequate for most home workouts.

5. Best Barbell for High-Rep, High-Volume Training – American Barbell California Bar  

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Has a high tensile strength of 190,000 PSI, so it is suitable for regular, heavy lifters  
• Comes with a lifetime warranty  
• Has smooth sleeves 

Cons 

• Low or passive knurling 

Specs

• Weight: 33lbs + 44lb options.
• Knurling: Dual knurling – no center knurling
• Main Material: Alloy steel with cerakote and chrome finish
• Diameter: 28mm
• Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
• Warranty: Lifetime

The American Barbell California Bar is available in 44 lbs (20 kg) or 33 lbs (15 kg). It has dual knurl rings, so it is suitable for various exercises.

However, since the knurling is passive, it’s best for higher-volume training and high-rep exercises because it won’t tear up your hands. It isn’t the best option for heavy movements or powerlifting one-rep max attempts because the low knurling won’t offer maximum grip support. 

As a standard 28 mm barbell, it’s suitable for most people and training styles.

6. Best Barbell for Women – Rogue Fitness Black Zinc Bella Bar 2.0  

Rating: 4.5/5  

Pros 

• 25 mm in diameter and 33 lbs in weight, making it ideal for most female lifters 
• Olympic knurling for dynamic lifts 
• Available with different coatings 

Cons 

• Might be too lightweight for some advanced lifters 

Specs

• Weight: 33lbs
• Knurling: Dual knurling – no center knurling
• Main Material: Zinc 
• Diameter: 25mm
• Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
• Warranty: Lifetime

The Rogue Fitness Black Zinc Bella Bar 2.0 is one of the best Olympic barbells for women. It’s got a smaller diameter of 25 mm and weighs 33 lbs (15 kg), so it is easier to lift than a standard Olympic weight bar.

With five different coatings available, this 15 kg barbell is customizable. You can find the perfect options to add to your home gym based on your storage environment and needs. 

Check out our full review of the Rogue Bella Barbell.

7. Best Barbell for Men – Rogue Fitness Ohio Power Bar

Rating: 4.5/5  

Pros 

• Ideal for most male lifters with a 29 mm diameter  
• Suitable for powerlifting 
• High tensile strength of 200,000 PSI 

Cons 

• Center knurling may be uncomfortable for some lifters during squats 

Specs

• Weight: 45lb
• Knurling: Dual knurling + center knurling
• Main Material: stainless steel with chrome coating
• Diameter: 29mm
• Tensile Strength: 200,000 PSI
• Warranty: Lifetime

As with the Rogue Fitness Bella Bar 2.0, the Ohio Power Bar has five options: silver stainless steel, black stainless steel, E-Coat, bare steel, and black zinc.

The central knurling will keep the bar in place during heavy squats, though it might be uncomfortable for some. The bar has little to no flex, meaning the weight you’re lifting will feel accurate to the true weight of the bar. 

Because of this, and the fact that the Ohio Power bar is a 20 kg barbell with a 29 mm diameter, it is the best Olympic barbell for men. It has a high tensile strength and can be loaded for heavy powerlifting.

8. Best Budget Barbell – RitFit Olympic Weightlifting Bar

Rating: 4.5/5  

Pros 

• Suitable for general purpose use 
• Medium knurling for non-abrasive grip
• Needle bearings for smooth spin

Cons 

• Knurling may not be aggressive enough for heavy powerlifting

Specs

• Weight: 44lbs
• Knurling: Center knurling, no dual knurling marks
• Main Material: steel with chrome coating
• Diameter: 28mm
• Tensile Strength: 50,000 PSI
• Warranty: 3 years

The RitFit Olympic Weightlifting Bar is affordable for practicing Olympic lifts in your home gym. It’s a 28mm barbell that weighs 44 lbs and is compatible with 2-inch weight plates.

This barbell also has needle bearings that enable the bar to spin smoothly during dynamic lifts like cleans and snatches.

However, it does have a very low PSI, and I would not choose this option if heavy lifting is your goal.

Home gym on a budget? Check out The 10 Best Budget Barbells.

9. Best Barbell for Versatile Training  – CAP Barbell ‘The Beast’

Rating: 4/5  

Pros 

• High maximum weight 
• Medium knurling for improved grip 
• Relatively affordable

Cons 

• Black oxide finish isn’t the most protective coating 

Specs

• Weight: 44lbs
• Knurling: Dual knurling – no center knurling
• Main Material: Alloy steel with black phosphate finish
• Diameter: 28.5mm
• Tensile Strength: 110,000 PSI

I’ve labeled the CAP Barbell, which is nicknamed ‘The Beast,’ as one of the best Olympic barbells for versatility because you can perform various exercises with it. It’s suitable for use in a power rack or cage, and because of its high weight capacity of 1,200 lbs, you can load the bar to a heavy weight. 

There is medium knurling for improved grip but no knurling in the center, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on your preferences. Lack of central knurling is comfier on your upper back but reduces your grip on the bar during squats. 

The bar is coated with a black oxide finish, which isn’t the highest quality but will still provide some protection for the steel underneath.

10. Best Barbell for Powerlifting – REP Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Stainless steel bar, which is highly resistant to corrosion and rust 
• Designed with powerlifters in mind 
• IPF knurl markings 

Cons 

• Not ideal for dynamic lifts

Specs

• Weight: 44lbs
• Knurling: Dual knurling + center knurling
• Main Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 29mm
• Tensile Strength: 200,000 PSI
• Warranty:  Lifetime

This stainless steel Olympic barbell from REP Fitness was designed with powerlifting in mind. It has IPF knurl markings and medium knurling to allow good grip and minimal discomfort during lifts. 

With a maximum capacity of 1,500 lbs and tensile strength of 200,000, you can load up this bar for one-rep max lifts or heavy low-rep sets. 

The bar has a bushing design makes slower, more controlled strength or power-focused lifting easier and safer. However, this design isn’t the best Olympic weight bar for dynamic lifts, such as those you’d perform in CrossFit.

11. Best Barbell for Beginners – Titan Fitness Performance Series Olympic Barbell

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Low-maintenance, solid steel barbell  
• Versatile and functional for multiple types of training 

Cons 

• Mild knurling that might not be aggressive enough for very heavy powerlifting 

The Performance Series Olympic Barbell from Titan Fitness is a 20 kg, 30 mm barbell. It is suitable for both powerlifting and Olympic lifting and a great hybrid option for beginners who want to practice multiple training styles. 

This steel Olympic weight bar has a hard chrome finish and bronze bushing, making it a relatively low-maintenance bar. There are dual knurl marks for precision grip and no center knurl for smooth and comfortable squats.

However, for some, the knurling might not be aggressive enough for very heavy lifting. 

12. Best Multifunctional Barbell – Prosource Fit Multipurpose Olympic Barbell

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Available in two different sizes, one for men and one for women 
• Suitable for multiple types of lifting and functional fitness 
• Moderate knurling for comfortable but strong grip on the bar 

Cons 

• Not suitable for very heavy powerlifting 

Specs

• Weight: 33lbs + 44lb options.
• Knurling: Dual knurling – no center knurling
• Main Material: Steel bar with a black phosphate finish
• Diameter: 28mm + 25mm
• Tensile Strength: 160,000 PSI 
• Warranty: Lifetime

The Prosource Fit Multipurpose Olympic Barbell is one of the best Olympic barbells for functional fitness. You can use it for dynamic CrossFit movements or traditional weightlifting exercises. It’s available in two sizes – 33 lbs, 25 mm for women and 44 lbs, 28 mm for men. Both options are compatible with standard bumper plates. 

This durable steel bar has phosphate and chrome sleeves for extra protection. It has 160,000 PSI tensile strength and dual knurl marks to guide your hand positioning. It also offers a decent amount of whip for more dynamic movements.

13. Best Barbell for General Strength Training – Fitness Factory Body-Solid 7 ” Olympic Barbell

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Suitable for general strength training and Olympic lifting 
• Moderate knurling for improved grip 
• Solid steel bar with a chrome coating for high durability 

Cons 

• Relatively low weight capacity of 600 lbs 

Specs

• Weight: 44lbs
• Knurling: Dual knurling + center knurling
• Main Material: steel with chrome finish
• Diameter: 30mm 
• Warranty: Lifetime

The Fitness Factory Body-Solid 7” Olympic Barbell is a great choice if you're looking for Olympic barbells for general strength training. It’s compatible with standard 2-inch plates and suitable for traditional strength training workouts and dynamic exercises, such as cleans and jerks. 

The grip diameter is 30 mm. There is dual and center knurling for a strong grip during the bench, deadlift, and squat. 

With a decent level of whip, the bar will flex slightly during dynamic lifts to reduce the force placed on your wrists. For this reason, and because the bar’s maximum weight capacity is 600 lbs, I wouldn’t suggest buying this Olympic lifting barbell for heavy powerlifting.

14. Best EZ Barbell – Titan Fitness Olympic EZ Curl Barbell

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Great for working the upper body muscles 
• Strong knurling so the bar won’t slip out of your hands 
• Ideal for use in a home gym or outside  

Cons 

• Not suitable for deadlifting or squatting 

Specs

• Weight: 14lbs
• Knurling: Knurled hand grips, no center knurl
• Main Material: stainless steel with chrome coating
• Diameter: 28mm
• Warranty: 1 year

Titan Fitness is one of the best barbell brands for several types of barbells, but this EZ Curl Barbell particularly impressed me. It has a traditional EZ curved bar shape, with knurling on the inner and outer handles to offer a strong grip during your workouts. 

Although you can use this bar for lower-body movements, it’s much more suited to upper-body exercises, such as skull crushers, overhead presses, and bicep curls. It can hold up to 200 lbs. This bar is suitable for outside use because it’s made of durable, long-lasting steel. 

Interested in specialty barbells? Start with this: How Much Does a Barbell Weigh? 14 Types Explained

Why Trust PowerliftingTechnique 

PowerliftingTechnique is a team of powerlifters, coaches, and fitness experts passionate about powerlifting, strength training, and CrossFit. With our knowledge and professional experience, we can give expert opinions on which products are the best on the market. Our team understands the importance of using the most suitable equipment for your needs when working out at home or in the gym. 

How We Chose and Tested the Barbells

When I was deciding which barbells to get for my gym, I had to do a lot of research. There are many options on the market, and narrowing down the best barbell brand can be tough. 

When making this list, I looked at several factors that contribute to the quality and versatility of any barbell for a home gym, such as the materials, diameter, tensile strength, spin, and knurling. I also analyzed barbell reviews to ensure we’re only recommending products that other athletes are satisfied with.

Buying Guide: What To Look For in a Barbell 

Finding the best barbell for a home gym involves a lot of research. You need to consider several factors to discover which type of barbell is the most appropriate for your training style and goals. The most important factors to consider when choosing the best lifting bar are: 

• Steel: Opt for stainless or solid steel for durability, corrosion resistance, and high load-bearing capacity.

• Knurling: Look for moderate knurling that improves grip without causing hand damage; IPF-marked knurl rings are essential for powerlifting.

• Sleeve Rotation (Bushings and Bearings): Choose bushings for powerlifting with stainless steel, bronze, or composite materials; bearings are ideal for Olympic lifts, offering quicker rotation.

• Diameter and Whip: Thinner barbells have higher whip, suitable for CrossFit and Olympic lifts; practice with the competition's specified diameter for smoother transitions.

• Tensile Strength: Stainless steel barbells boast high tensile strength, resisting bending or breaking during heavy sessions; select a bar with suitable tensile strength based on your lifting style.

Best Types of Barbells: Olympic vs Standard

There are two different types of barbells: Olympic and standard. The chart below outlines the main differences between the two.

For this review, we only included Olympic barbells. Because they can handle more weight, they’re much more versatile, and you’ll get more bang for your buck. They also tend to be more durable. Olympic barbells basically tend to be the best barbells.

Olympic barbells can be split into categories based on their main purpose. The main types of barbells are:

1. Powerlifting barbells
2. Olympic weightlifting barbells
3. Standard barbells

You can also find specialty Olympic barbells like squat bars or deadlift bars. In some cases, they are even longer and heavier than regular Olympic barbells. However, since those barbells serve a specific purpose and are generally only used by the most elite powerlifters and strength athletes, they are not part of this review.

Powerlifting Barbells 

• Powerlifting barbells are used for the squat, bench, and deadlift. They’re great to use when you’re training for a powerlifting meet. 
• They tend to have aggressive, volcanic knurling and a thicker diameter (28 mm, 28.5 mm, or 29 mm), making them perfect for very heavy lifts and one-rep max lifts. 

If you know you want a powerlifting barbell, here are the 10 Best Powerlifting Barbells For Your Home Gym.

Olympic Weightlifting Barbells 

• Olympic weightlifting barbells are designed specifically for Olympic lifting. 
• Great for dynamic exercises like the clean and jerk and snatch. 
• Olympic lifting bars are available in two weights – 33 lbs (15 kg) and 45 lbs (20 kg). The former is designed for men’s weightlifting and the latter for women’s weightlifting.

Multipurpose Barbells 

• Multipurpose bars can be used for either general training or functional training. 
• They’re common in CrossFit.
• Usually, multipurpose barbells have a narrow diameter, making them easier to grip. 

Types of Knurling

Hill knurling is the perfect choice for newer lifters who are looking to incorporate some barbell work into their home gym. But your options vary. 

Knurling is the rough, slightly elevated patterns on the barbell. Its purpose is to improve your grip on the bar so you can lift larger weights without the barbell slipping out of your hands.

There are three main types of knurling on barbells – hill, mountain, and volcanic.

Hill Knurling

• Hill knurl patterns are sharp initially, but over time, the knurling becomes milder and each part of the knurling has a rounded top (forming a hill shape).
• This type of knurling is the least aggressive, making it perfect for a beginner, but not ideal if you are an advanced lifter looking to lift heavy. 

Mountain Knurling

• Diamond-shaped knurling that looks like the peaks of mountains. 
• It’s an aggressive type of knurling that is used on powerlifting barbells and is designed to help you maximize your grip during very heavy lifts, like one-rep maxes.

Check out more great bars for deadlifting: 8 Best Deadlift Bars.

Volcanic Knurling

• This type of knurling has a rim around each bump. 
• The rim increases the contact surface area between your hand and the bar, significantly improving your grip without damaging your hands. 
• It’s the most suitable knurling for Olympic lifts or powerlifting movements because it’s practical but also comfortable.

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About The Author

Athina is a Biochemistry and Genetics graduate, and a qualified personal trainer with a passion for women’s health and fitness. She is passionate about helping women to learn more about the importance of the menstrual cycle and how to balance their hormones. She is the host and producer of Fertility and Freedom podcast, which covers all things women’s health and hormones.