13 Best Squat Racks

The squat rack is a vital piece of equipment for any gym, whether it be a commercial gym or a home gym. It allows you to get the most out of your training, as it will enable you to set up exercises you wouldn't be able to do without one. 

Finding one, on the other hand, can be tricky, as there are a lot of factors to consider when picking one out. They come in all shapes, sizes, and specifications, which can make researching and buying one confusing. We’re here to help you find the best squat rack for your needs.

The 13 best squat racks are:

1. Hulkfit Pro Series Power Cage – Best Overall Squat Rack
2. CAP Barbell FM-905Q Power Rack – Best Budget Squat Rack
3. Titan Fitness T-3 Series Space Saving Rack – Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces
4. Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 – Best Premium Squat Rack
5. PRx Performance Fold-In Squat Rack – Best Foldable Squat Rack
6. Titan Fitness T-3 Series Power Rack – Best Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar
7. REP Fitness PR-1000 Rack – Best Power Rack
8. Rogue HR-2 Half Rack – Best Half Rack
9. Rogue SML-1 70” Monster Lite Squat Stand – Best for Low Ceilings
10. Hulkfit Pro Series – Best Wall-Mounted Squat Rack
11. Titan Combo Rack – Best Combo Rack for Powerlifters
12. Rogue Monster Rig 2.0 – Best Rig for Big Groups
13. Rogue S-4 2.0 – Best Independent Squat Stand

In this article, I’ll break through the confusion to give you a clear guide on the best racks for home gyms and show you what to look for when deciding which one is right for you and your situation. 

Featured Products

• Hulkfit Pro Series Power Cage– Best Overall Squat Rack
• CAP Barbell FM-905Q Power Rack – Best Budget Squat Rack
• Titan Fitness T-3 Series Space Saving Rack – Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces

13 Best Squat Racks

1. Hulkfit Pro Series Power Cage – Best Overall Squat Rack

Rating: 4.8/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 47” D x 44” W
• Height – 85”
• Material – 13-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Lots of options for expansion
• Affordable
• Easy assembly

Cons

• It can wobble, which can be a stability issue
• Holes for J-cups can be at in-between heights for some people

The Hulkfit Pro Series Power Cage gets the nod for best overall squat rack for being affordable and easy to assemble. It has a lot of customizable add-ons like a lat pulldown cable, dip bars, and safety straps.

The spacing for the J-cup holes makes it a challenge to find the right height for some exercises. In some instances, they’re either too high or too low, and you have to pick the best option for the exercise you’re doing. The rack can wobble a bit when doing bodyweight exercises, like dips, but it does hold together.

But the value and number of add-ons you can bring to the rack makes it the best squat rack for a home gym.

2. CAP Barbell FM-905Q Power Rack – Best Budget Squat Rack

Rating: 4.0/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 50” D x 46” W
• Height – 85”
• Material – 11- and 12-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 500 lbs

Pros

• Affordable
• Assortment of colors
• Plate storage

Cons

• Can wobble, so sturdiness is a concern
• Lack of attachment options

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly home gym squat rack that doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, the CAP Barbell FM-905Q Power Rack is your best choice. It’s perfect for your lifting needs at an affordable price and is sturdy enough for most exercises, including squats and strict pull-ups. It also has two storage pegs to load your weight plates on.

Where this squat rack runs into trouble is in how much weight it can hold. It is only measured to support 300-500 lbs. If you are a lifter who needs more support than that, you may want to consider upgrading to another squat rack.

3. Titan Fitness T-3 Series Space Saving Rack – Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces

Rating: 4.7/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 12” D x 42” W, 18” D x 42” W, or 24” D x 42” W
• Height – 91” or 102”
• Material – 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Low price point
• Three depth options and two height options
• Small footprint

Cons

• No assembly instructions
• Mounting it to the wall can be a challenge

If you’re short on space but still want a squat rack, the Titan Fitness T-3 series is the best home squat rack for you. It gives you the functionality of a squat rack without taking up a lot of space. It also comes with three depth and two height options to make it more customizable to the space you have available.

The one drawback to this squat rack has nothing to do with the rack itself. It is the lack of instructions that comes with it in order to mount it to the wall. You have to download them from the website, which can be a hassle. However, they are clear and easy to read, and there are pictures and diagrams for you to follow along with.

That said, securely mounting the rack to the wall takes a bit of construction and more than one person. You may need to purchase a wooden stringer from a hardware store in order to mount it. I would recommend buying two pieces of wood measuring 2”x10”x52”. 

Looking for more squat racks that will work in small home gyms? Check out our favorite squat racks for small spaces.

4. Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 – Best Premium Squat Rack

Rating: 4.9/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 76” L x 49” W
• Height – 90”, 100”, or 108”
• Material – 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Very versatile
• Multiple options for attachments
• Plate storage

Cons

• Expensive
• Narrow width makes it hard for racking/unracking the barbell
• Takes up a lot of space

The Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 is one of the most impressive on the market, as it has all the bells and whistles you’d want in a squat rack. It is fully customizable in that you have options when picking the pull-up bar, J-cups, safety bars, and even the color of the rack.

There is also a wide range of secondary Rogue attachments you can add to it, such as a pulley cable system for upper body exercises, a single leg roller for exercises like Bulgarian split squats, or a landmine attachment for shoulder presses.

The downsides to this squat rack are that it takes up a lot of space and is very pricey, making it the pick for the best premium squat rack. If you’re going to go big, this is your choice.

5. PRx Performance Fold-In Squat Rack – Best Foldable Squat Rack

Rating: 4.6/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 27.5” D x 49” W
• Height – 90”
• Material – 14-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Space saving
• Super easy to fold
• Durable

Cons

• It’s tall, so ceiling height can be an issue
• Expensive

The PRx Performance Fold-In Squat Rack takes up very little room when it's set up, and even less room when folded up. If you’re looking to maximize space savings, this is the squat rack for you. It takes very little time to fold up for storage and unfold to get to your workout. Because of this, it makes it perfect for any home gym.

It does have a large height requirement, so if you don't have a lot of overhead space, you may want to look for a shorter squat rack, especially if you want to do something like pull-ups. You may want to have 1.5 to two feet of space above the pull-up bar so you don’t hit your head on the ceiling when doing pull-ups.

This squat rack can also be more expensive than other foldable racks, but it’s worth the price because of its quality and easy use.

Not sure if this is the right folding squat rack for you? Check out our top 10 foldable squat racks.

6. Titan Fitness T-3 Series Power Rack – Best Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar

Rating: 4.6/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 24” D x 46” W or 36” D x 46” W
• Height – 82” or 91”
• Material – 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Has a wide base, which increases stability
• Lots of attachments and accessories can be used
• Option for plate holders

Cons

• Needs to be bolted down

The Titan Fitness T-3 Power Rack is one of the best choices when it comes to a squat rack with a pull-up bar attached to it. While it does have to be bolted to the ground for maximum stability, this heavy-duty rack is safe and versatile for your lifting needs. 

The holes on the uprights are compatible with attachments from other companies such as Rogue Fitness, so you’re not limited to Titan Fitness attachments if you can’t find what you’re looking for with Titan. This expands your available options to customize your rack and maximize your strength and hypertrophy goals.

One of the downsides I noticed is that it can feel unstable and tip when performing pull-ups, but if the power rack is bolted down or you get the plate holder option, it takes care of that quickly.

7. REP Fitness PR-1000 Rack – Best Power Rack

Rating: 4.6/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 48” D x 58” W
• Height – 83.6”
• Material – 14-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 700 lbs

Pros

• Several add-on options
• Easy to assemble
• Affordable

Cons

• Small uprights
• Lightweight which could lead to stability issues
• REP provides no way to bolt it to the floor

The Rep Fitness PR-1000 Rack is my choice for best power rack because it comes in at an affordable price, and it’s durable and easy to put together.

One unique feature of this rack is that every fifth hole is numbered, which makes adjusting the J-hooks and safety bars a lot easier. You wouldn’t think it's a big deal until you’re counting holes for your setup.

Since it comes in at a light weight of 137 lbs, stability can be an issue, especially if you are lifting outside the rack. It does, however, have pegs on the back for plates to help keep it stable.

One of the highlights that I enjoyed the most, which led to this being my best power rack choice, was the availability of attachments. You can, for example, purchase a lat pulldown pulley system separately for more versatility.

8. Rogue HR-2 Half Rack – Best Half Rack

Rating: 4.5/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 48” D x 49” W
• Height – 92”
• Material – 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Very stable
• Customizable
• Small footprint

Cons

• Single pull-up bar
• Safety bars not included

The Rogue HR-2 Half Rack gives you a lot of value, as it comes with a pull-up bar and a small footprint, leaving plenty of room for other activities. It is still large and stable enough that it doesn’t necessarily have to be bolted to the floor, but it is an option.

There is a full list of customizable options, like adding plate storage pegs or safety pins. You can also choose between a 90/70-foot height or a 108/90-foot height, with the higher height in each option being the height of the pull-up bar.

However, the customizations come at an additional cost, which is something to consider. 

9. Rogue SML-1 70” Monster Lite Squat Stand – Best for Low Ceilings

Rating: 4.2/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 48” L x 49” W
• Height – 92”
• Material – 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Great for low ceilings
• Easy to put together
• Small footprint

Cons

• No pull-up Bar
• No plate storage
• Attachments sold separately 

The Rogue SML-1 comes in two heights, but the 70” one is the way to go if you're working with a low ceiling. This height can fit in most spaces, making it a top pick when deciding on a squat rack for your home. It does have a decent-sized footprint, which makes it sturdy and dependable, and it can withstand up to 1,000 pounds.

The one drawback to this model is there is no pull-up bar at the top, and you are limited with the number of attachments you can use. Since there is no upper attachment, the uprights can wobble a bit when there is a lot of load on the bar. 

10. Hulkfit Pro Series – Best Wall-Mounted Squat Rack

Rating: 4.6/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 23” L x 42.5” W
• Height – 86”
• Material – 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Good value
• Easy to assemble
• Sturdy

Cons

• Arms tend to wobble under high loads
• Bottom post needs a level floor 

If you’re looking for a solid squat rack to mount to your wall, look no further than the Hulkfit Pro Series Wall-Mounted Power Cage. It’s hard to argue with the price point of this squat rack. It’s easy to assemble, and the pull-up bar can be adjusted via a pin lock mechanism for height requirements. 

The drawback to this squat rack is the adjustable pull-up bar. It can make the rack feel wobbly, so I would skip something like kipping pull-ups. You also need to make sure the floor is level for the legs to sit flush, so that is something to be mindful of when setting up your squat rack.

11. Titan Combo Rack – Best Combo Rack for Powerlifters

Rating: 4.6/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 59” L x 81” W
• Height – 68”
• Material – 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Has wheels for easy transport
• More affordable than other combo racks
• Easy bench set up

Cons

• Lacks versatility, as its only good for squat and bench
• Takes up a lot of space
• Height adjustments are difficult

If you’re a powerlifter with a small budget, the Titan combo rack is a great rack to buy, as you can simulate competition without shelling out thousands of dollars. It meets competition standards regarding bench height, which is a plus, and the J-cups are roller cups that allow you to customize and improve your starting bar position.

The downside to this combo rack is that the J-cups are metal, which could scuff up your bar a bit. Additionally, the height adjustment system can be tricky with its pop-pin system.  

12. Rogue Monster Rig 2.0 – Best Rig for Big Groups

Rating: 4.5/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 60”- 288” L x 72” W
• Height – 108”
• Material – 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Endless upgrades and add-ons
• Choice of colors
• Can accommodate multiple lifters

Cons

• Takes up a lot of space
• Expensive

If you have a facility that needs to accommodate multiple lifters at the same time, the Rogue Monster Rig 2.0 is your choice for the best rig. A rig is a bunch of squat racks that are joined together, often with bars between each station. What is great about this rig is that you can expand them by length to add more stations for lifters.

The drawback to having a rig is that it takes up a lot of square footage on your floor. If you are in a tight space, it might not be the best option. This rig can also be pricey, depending on the length and number of stations you want.

13. Rogue S-4 Squat Stand – Best Independent Squat Stand

Rating: 4.5/5

Specifications

• Footprint – 26” L x 22” W
• Height – 72”
• Material – 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity – 1,000 lbs

Pros

• Best value 
• Wide footprint of each stand makes it highly stable
• Doesn’t take up a lot of space when you’re not using it

Cons

• Pricier than other independent squat stands
• No pegs to hang plates or bands
• No wheels to help move it around

Rogue’s products are made with high-quality steel, so you know you’re getting a great product here. The Rogue S-4 Squat Stand is my pick for the best squat stand as it takes up little room when you’re not using it, which is great if you’re trying to minimize your footprint.

Since the stands are independent, you can move them around depending on where you need them. However, they are heavy to move, which is great for the stability of the stands when using them, but not so great when you have to move them. 

If you live in an apartment, check out our tips for putting a squat rack in an apartment.

Why You Should Trust PowerliftingTechnique

Our team is composed of powerlifting coaches, athletes, physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and fitness experts who have competed and helped athletes and clients at the highest levels.

We’ve seen our fair share of squat racks through our years as coaches. We know which will provide the best bang for your buck and fulfill everything you seek.

How We Chose the Best Squat Racks

Choosing the best squat racks depends on several variables, but to ensure we found the best ones on the market, we tried and tested them to ensure they hold up to a particular standard. We tested the squat racks for quality, versatility, weight capacity, safety, size, and value and took into account each brand's reputation. 

Considering these factors, we created a list of the 13 best squat racks. We also recognize that everyone has different needs when it comes to choosing a squat rack, so as you go through the list, you can pick the one that best suits your needs.

Different Types of Squat Racks

A squat rack isn’t limited to one specific piece of equipment. It’s a term that can be used interchangeably to describe equipment classification.

Below, I’ll discuss the different shapes, sizes, and features for each type of squat rack. 

Independent Squat Stand

Independent squat stands are individualized, separate stands made to be movable and easy to store when space is limited. 

Linked Squat Stand

Like independent stands, linked squat stands feature a beam connecting the two vertical stands at its base. It takes up a bit more floor space but is more stable than the independent squat stands.

Squat Rack With Pull-Up Bar

A squat rack with a pull-up bar is like the linked squat stand; however, at the top, a pull-up bar is attached to each vertical post. This can make the squat rack more stable while adding more versatility to your squat rack.

Power Rack

Also known as cages, these have four vertical posts, which make this type of squat rack very stable. It usually has at least two beams across the top for added stability and many additional safety features, such as pin pipe safety bars.

Double Power Rack

A double power rack is when you take one power rack and attach it to another one to provide more training stations. It won't have as many stations as a rig but is great for up to four people.

Half Rack

A half rack is a smaller version of a full power rack, with two uprights instead of four. It usually has one horizontal bar for more stability for the entire frame and can have two spotter beams. The half rack is lighter and smaller, so it won't take up as much space as a full rack.

Wall-Mounted Squat Rack

This type of squat rack is one that you can bolt into the wall and is great if you’re lifting in a garage or home gym. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to your workouts, but it is a more permanent fixture on your wall.

Foldable Rack

A foldable squat rack is great if you’re looking for something that won't take up a lot of space when you’re not using it. It collapses flush against the wall, and when you’re ready for your workout, you can unfold it quickly for an easy setup.

Combo Rack

A combo rack is a type of squat rack that is set up for powerlifters and powerlifting competitions. It has a linked squat stand with posts that can be adjusted, depending on if you are squatting or benching.

Rig

A rig is a bunch of squat racks joined together, often with bars between each station. They are typically found in gyms catering to many people training at once. 

Buying Guide: What To Look For in a Squat Rack

When trying to make the best choice in a squat rack, there are a few considerations to look for.

Here is a quick checklist of things to look for in a squat rack:

• Type
• Steel gauge
• Versatility
• Weight capacity
• Safety
• Footprint
• Height
• Budget
• Brand reputation

Type

In the previous section, I discussed the different squat racks types. Choosing which type you want or need will narrow your search.

For example, if you are tight on space, you might want to consider a foldable rack or independent squat stand so that you can store the rack when you’re not using it.

But if you have a lot of space and are lifting heavier weights, a power rack might be a better choice because its sturdier and has more options for safety features, such as safety straps or pins.

Steel Gauge

The best quality squat racks are made of thick gauge steel, so you want to look for those with a strong thickness. One thing to note is that as a gauge number goes up, the thickness decreases, so try to find a squat rack that doesn’t exceed 12. This will ensure that the squat rack has the durability to last.

Versatility

The best squat racks will offer versatility, meaning you can use them for more than one thing: a different exercise, plate storage, other attachments, or adjustable heights.

As you look for the best home gym squat rack, you may want one that can be adjusted easily to accommodate other exercises like a bench press.

You will also want to look for a squat rack that you can add other attachments to, like a pull-up bar, landmine attachment, plate storage pegs, and dip bars.

Weight Capacity

For obvious reasons, if you’re putting a barbell on the squat rack to squat, you want it to hold up against what you’re lifting. This is not only for the durability of your squat rack but for your own safety.

When looking at weight capacity, pick one that will support more than you’d likely ever lift. Aside from size and budget, this is the most important thing to look for and not skimp out on. 

Safety

Speaking of safety, you’ll want a squat rack with safety features like adjustable safety bars to catch the weight if you’re lifting alone or don’t have a spotter. You’ll also want to ensure the squat rack has a sturdy base so that it doesn’t tip over or has the ability to be anchored to the floor or a wall. 

Footprint

The footprint of the squat rack is how much space it will take up on your floor, so you want to know how wide and deep it is. Knowing the space you have available, you’ll want to make sure the dimensions of the squat rack fit.

You’ll also want to consider the footprint with the addition of a barbell before making your choice. While you could get away with 12-18 inches on each side to load plates on, 24 inches will give you plenty of room so you avoid twisting and bending to load the barbell.

Height

Related to how much space the squat rack takes up on the floor, you’ll want to know the height that fits what you have available. If you happen to be training in your basement or a room with low ceilings, you may not have the height for some squat racks.

Budget

The squat rack you choose should align with the budget you set and the needs of your workout. However, while you can find cheap squat racks, it might be better to spend a little more as you weigh the cost with quality. A quality squat rack is a long-term investment, so it might be better to go with durability and quality over price.

Brand Reputation

There are several name brands on the market that are known for the quality of work they put out. Consider a company's reputation based on reviews from other customers and what you hear from those around you before making your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Squat Rack Worth It?

A squat rack is worth it if you want a safe, secure space to maximize your strength training and add versatility and efficiency to your workouts. It will allow you to squat, bench press, and overhead press with a barbell. If your rack has a pull-up bar, you can do pull-ups or hanging ab exercises.

How Much Does a Decent Squat Rack Cost?

A decent squat rack will cost you anywhere between $300 and $600 and will depend on a number of factors, like which style you want, as well as any added attachments you feel are necessary.

If a Squat Rack Is Cheap, Does That Mean It’s Unsafe?

A cheap squat rack doesn't automatically mean it’s unsafe. However, you’ll want to do your homework to make sure it's made of quality materials, has a steel frame, and has good reviews from other customers.

Are Power Racks Safer Than Squat Racks?

Power racks are generally considered safer than squat racks due to their added safety features, like safety bars or spotter arms. Additionally, with four posts instead of two, they will be more stable.

What Is the Difference Between a Squat Rack and a Squat Stand?

A squat stand and a squat rack may look the same, but there are a few key differences. A squat rack will have a wider base and usually will have one or two bars running across the top for extra support. The vertical bars on a squat stand are usually not linked.

Is a Half Rack or Full Rack Better?

A full rack is better if you have ample space, money, and goals that have you lifting heavy. If you have less space, need to stick to a budget, and are lifting a moderate amount of weight, a half rack will be fine. 

Final Verdict: What Is the Best Squat Rack for a Home Gym?

When considering all of the factors that went into making a decision on the best squat racks for home gyms, the Hulkfit Pro Series Power Cage is my top choice. It is cost-effective and comes with a lot of potential accessories.

If you’re looking for an option that takes up less room, I would consider the Rogue SML-1 70” Monster Lite Squat Stand. It’s available in a 70” height so that it can fit under low ceilings. While it does have a decent footprint of 48” L x 49” W, it’s still smaller than a power cage.