A barbell and plates are essential for a home gym, especially if you want to lift weights and get strong. Weight plates enable you to adjust the amount of weight you’re lifting so that you can continue to make progress and adapt your workouts to meet your fitness goals.
The 13 best weight plates are:
- Prosource Fit Color Training Bumper Plates – Best Overall Weight Plates
- Rep Fitness Competition Bumper Plates – Best for Long Warranty
- Prosource Fit SR Bumper Plates – Best for Beginners
- Chicago Extreme Color Bumper Plates – Best Budget Weight Plates
- Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates Set – Best for Minimal Bounce
- Fringe Sport Olympic Iron Plates – Best Cast Iron Weight Plates
- Rogue Echo V2 Weight Plates – Best for Meeting IWF Standards
- Rogue Fitness Calibrated KG Steel Plates – Best IPF-Approved Weight Plates
- American Barbell Color KG Sport Bumper Plates – Best Weight Plates for Olympic Weightlifting
- REP Fitness Iron Weight Plates – Best Weight Plates for Easy Handling
- REP Fitness Animal Print Bumper Plates – Best for Uniqueness
- Bengup Olympic Bumper Weight Plates – Best for Buying Multiple Plates at Once
- REP Fitness Urethane Coated Equalizer Weight Plates – Best Urethane Weight Plates
If you’re looking for top-quality weight plates to purchase for your home gym, keep reading. We’ll cover the 13 best weight plates for a home gym to help make your decision easier.
Why You Should Trust Us
The team here at PowerliftingTechnique has decades of combined experience training ourselves and our clients. We have worked with athletes and competitors at the highest levels and have expert knowledge to provide you with the best product recommendations.
We’ve tried several brands of weight plates to determine which are the best based on their functionality and quality.
Featured Products
- Prosource Fit Color Training Bumper Plates – Best Overall Weight Plates
- Chicago Extreme Color Bumper Plates – Best Budget Weight Plates
- American Barbell Color KG Sport Bumper Plates – Best Weight Plates for Olympic Weightlifting
13 Best Weight Plates
| Product | Weight | Diameter | Thickness | Material | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prosource Fit Color Training Bumper Plates | 25 lbs – 55 lbs | 450 mm (17.72”) | 25 lbs: 30 mm 35 lbs: 41 mm 45 lbs: 53 mm 55 lbs: 60 mm | Rubber, zinc steel inserts | Three years |
| Rep Fitness Competition Bumper Plates | 25 lbs - 55 lbs | 450 mm (17.72”) | 25 lbs: 33 mm 35 lbs: 41 mm 45 lbs: 53 mm 55 lbs: 66 mm | Rubber, zinc steel discs | Five years |
| Prosource Fit SR Bumper Plates | 10 lbs – 45 lbs | 450 mm (17.72”) | 10 lbs: 25 mm 15 lbs: 32 mm 25 lbs: 46 mm 35 lbs: 58 mm 45 lbs: 72 mm | Rubber, zinc steel inserts | One year |
| Chicago Extreme Color Bumper Plates | 10 lbs – 45 lbs | 450 mm (17.72”) | 10 lbs: 25 mm 15 lbs: 32 mm 25 lbs: 48 mm 35 lbs: 61 mm 45 lbs: 74 mm | Rubber, zinc steel inserts | One year for 10 and 15 lbs Three years for 25, 35, and 45 lbs |
| Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates Set | 10 lbs – 55 lbs | 450 mm (17.72 “) | 10 lbs: 26 mm 15 lbs: 30 mm 25 lbs: 48 mm 35 lbs: 60 mm 45 lbs: 74 mm 55 lbs: 81 mm | Virgin rubber, stainless steel insert | One year for 10 and 15 lbs Three years for 25, 35, and 45 lbs |
| Fringe Sport Olympic Iron Plates | 1.25 lbs – 45 lbs | 1.25 lbs: 115 mm 2.5 lbs: 165 mm 5 lbs: 197 mm 10 lbs: 241 mm 25 lbs: 280 mm 35 lbs: 350 mm 45 lbs: 444 mm | 1.25 lbs: 10 mm 2.5 lbs: 13 mm 5 lbs: 19 mm 10 lbs: 19 mm 25 lbs: 38 mm 35 lbs: 38 mm 45 lbs: 38 mm | Cast iron | One year |
| Rogue Echo V2 Weight Plates | 10 lbs – 45 lbs | 450 mm (17.72 “) | 10 lbs: 21 mm 15 lbs: 26 mm 25 lbs: 38 mm 35 lbs: 48 mm 45 lbs: 61 mm | Rubber and stainless steel | -90 days for 10 and 15 lbs Three years for 25, 35, and 45 lbs |
| Rogue Fitness Calibrated KG Steel Plates | 0.25 kg to 50 kg (0.55 lbs - 110 lbs) | 0.25 kgs (0.55 lbs): - 0.5 kgs (1.1 lbs): 112 mm 1.25 kgs (2.75 lbs): 134 mm 2.5 kgs (5.5 lbs): 160 mm 5 kgs (11 lbs): 190 mm 10 kgs (22 lbs): 229 mm 15 kgs (33 lbs): 325 mm 20 kgs (44 lbs): 400 mm 25 kgs (55 lbs): 250 mm 50 kg (110 lbs): 450 mm | 0.25 kgs (0.55 lbs): 6 mm 0.5 kgs (1.1 lbs): 8 mm 1.25 kgs (2.75 lbs): 12 mm 2.5 kgs (5.5 lbs): 16 mm 5 kgs (11 lbs): 21.5 mm 10 kgs (22 lbs): 21 mm 15 kgs (33 lbs): 21 mm 20 kgs (44 lbs): 22.5 mm 25 kgs (55 lbs): 27 mm 50 kg (110 lbs): 50 mm | Cast iron | -90 days for 10 and 15 lbs Three years for 25, 35, and 45 lbs |
| American Barbell Color KG Sport Bumper Plates | 10 kgs to 25 kgs (22 lbs – 55 lbs) | 450 mm (17.72 “) | 22 lbs: 42 mm 33 lbs: 57 mm 44 lbs: 72 mm 55 lbs: 86 mm | Rubber and stainless steel | One year |
| Rep Fitness Iron Weight Plates | 2.5 lbs – 45 lbs | 2.5 lb: 156 mm 5 lb: 195 mm 10 lb: 223 mm 25 lb: 272 mm 35 lb: 363 mm 45 lb: 450 mm | 2.5 lbs: 15 mm 5 lbs: 19 mm 10 lbs: 25 mm 25 lbs: 38 mm 35 lbs: 38 mm 45 lbs: 38 mm | Cast iron | One year |
| Rep Fitness Animal Print Bumper Plates | 10 lbs – 55 lbs | 450 mm (17.72 “) | 10 lbs: 25 mm 25 lbs: 45 mm 35 lbs: 61 mm 45 lbs: 71 mm 55 lbs: 81 mm | Rubber and zinc plated steel | Six months to one year |
| Bengup Olympic Bumper Weight Plates | 10 lbs – 45 lbs | 450 mm (17.72 “) | 10 lbs: 25 mm 15 lbs: 33 mm 25 lbs: 50 mm 35 lbs: 61 mm 45 lbs: 71 mm | Rubber and stainless steel | |
| Rep Fitness Urethane Coated Equalizer Weight Plates | 2.5 lbs – 45 lbs | 2.5 lbs: 159 mm 5 lbs: 195 mm 10 lbs: 223 mm 25 lbs: 311 mm 35 lbs: 363 mm 45 lbs: 450 mm | 2.5 lbs: 23 mm 5 lbs: 25 mm 10 lbs: 35 mm 25 lbs: 51 mm 35 lbs: 51 mm 45 lbs: 46 mm | Cast iron and urethane coating | One year |
1. Prosource Fit Color Training Bumper Plates – Best Overall Weight Plates
Rating 4.5/5
Pros
- Competition colored according to IWF standards
- Minimal bounce thanks to good durometer
- Calibrated to within 15 grams of target weight
Cons
- Sold individually, so could be expensive if you need a full set
The ProsourceFit Color Training Bumper Plates are made with premium rubber and zinc materials. They’re colored according to IWF competition standards, making it easy to distinguish between weights.
These plates are appropriate for powerlifting, weightlifting, and CrossFit, as they’re some of the best deadlifting, clean and jerk, or bench press plates. They’re accurate to within +/- 15 grams of the stated weight.
Each plate is sold separately, which is both a positive and a negative. You can purchase the product in just one weight if needed, but it will be fairly expensive to buy all four different weight plates.
2. Rep Fitness Competition Bumper Plates – Best for Long Warranty
Rating 4.5/5
Pros
- Built to absorb maximum shock and force as the plates hit the ground
- Patented design and raised lettering and numbering
- Five-year warranty on all competition bumper plates
Cons
- The lowest weight increment is 25 lb, which might not be ideal for new lifters
The Rep Fitness Competition Bumper Plates are the best choice for those training for an upcoming Olympic weightlifting competition. They have bright and vibrant colors, each corresponding to a different weight (between 25 lb and 55 lb).
These plates have a strict weight tolerance and are built to withstand heavy weights. The extra inner steel ring enhances shock absorption and dispersal of force, enabling you to enjoy smooth and silent lifting.
There is a five-year warranty on all REP Fitness competition bumper plates, so you can go all-out with your workouts, knowing that you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
3. Prosource Fit SR Bumper Plates – Best for Beginners
Rating 3.5/5
Pros
- Durometer of 88 for minimal bounce
- Lowest weight is 10 lb, which is ideal for new lifters
- Quick delivery
Cons
- All the same color, so it could be hard to distinguish between different weights
- Sold individually, so could be expensive if you need a full set
The ProsourceFit SR Bumper Plates are ideal for beginners. They are available between 10 and 45 lbs, so they’re suitable if you’re a new lifter and want to start training with relatively low weights.
The downside to these plates is that they aren’t color-coded. However, they are manufactured with top-quality rubber and zinc inserts and have low bounce, so they won’t fly when you drop them after your sets.
4. Chicago Extreme Color Bumper Plates – Best Budget Option
Rating 4/5
Pros
- Color-coded so easy to distinguish between each weight plate
- Affordable compared to other brands
- Three-year warranty for the heavier plates
Cons
- Only a one-year warranty for the 10 lb and 15 lb weight plates
The Body-Solid Chicago Extreme Color Bumper Plates have bright, vibrant colors that add some color to your home workouts. They are manufactured to the highest standards and meet the IWF diameter requirements of 450 mm.
Each plate is sold separately, but they cost much less than similar products sold by other brands. They are ideal if you’re building a home gym on a budget.
Although there is a three-year warranty on the three heavier plates (25 lbs, 35 lbs, and 45 lbs) for commercial use, the two lowest-weight plates (10 lbs and 15 lbs) have just a one-year warranty.
5. Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates Set – Best for Minimal Bounce
Rating 4/5
Pros
- Fast shipping
- Durometer of 85 to 90 for low bounce
- Three-year warranty for the 25 lb, 35 lb, and 45 lb plates
Cons
- Every plate is black, so it can be difficult to distinguish between different weights
- Only a one-year warranty for the 10 lb and 15 lb weight plates
The Black Bumper Weight Plates from Fringe Sport are a high-quality yet affordable product. The plates have a plethora of 5-star reviews, with customers praising the product for its high quality and low bounce and the company for its fast shipping.
Every plate is made out of black virgin rubber with a stainless-steel insert. Each has a durometer between 85 and 90, so you don’t need to worry about them bouncing too much when you drop them on the floor.
6. Fringe Sport Olympic Iron Plates – Best Cast Iron Weight Plates
Rating 4.5/5
Pros
- All plates are coated in black satin enamel finish to reduce the risk of rusting
- Each plate states both pounds and kilograms
- Machine-bored holes in each plate for easier loading and unloading
Cons
- Each weight plate increment has a different diameter
- Iron plates are louder than rubber options, which might not be suitable for a home gym
Fringe Sport also sells these cast iron weight plates, which are available between 1.25 lbs and 45 lbs. Although the plates are all the same color, each weight increment has a different diameter and raised letters and numbers so that you can distinguish between the weights. The plates state both the total pounds and total kilograms.
However, the differences in diameter may be a disadvantage in some cases. For example, if you want to start deadlifting and start with the smaller weight plates on the barbell, the bar will sit very close to the ground, making it difficult to maintain good deadlift form.
7. Rogue Echo V2 Weight Plates – Best for Meeting IWF Standards
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros
- Durometer of 88 for minimal bounce
- Meet IWF standards
- Approved for use as part of the United States Army’s Combat Fitness Test
Cons
- The weight plates all look very similar
The Rogue Fitness Echo V2 Weight Plates meet IWF standards and weigh within 1% of the target load. They are approved for use in the United States Army’s Combat Fitness Test.
These virgin rubber weight plates have a high level of durability and a durometer of 88 for a minimal bounce. They’re all equal in diameter, which makes them great for deadlifts and cleans.
8. Rogue Fitness Calibrated KG Steel Plates – Best IPF-Approved Weight Plates
Rating 4.5/5
Pros
- Available between 0.25 kgs and 50 kgs
- Accurate to within 10 grams of the stated weight
- Includes calibration pumps for a higher level of precision
Cons
- Might not be compatible with all barbell brands due to the 50 mm center
The Rogue Fitness KG Calibrated Weight Plates are approved by the International Powerlifting Federation and are manufactured to a high level of precision. Every plate weighs within 10 grams of the stated weight, so you know exactly how much you’re lifting during training and competitions.
The smooth finish on these plates offers maximum protection to reduce wear and tear, and the plates are color-coded for easy recognition. The downside to these plates is that their 50 mm center might be too small for some barbells.
9. American Barbell Color KG Sport Bumper Plates – Best for Olympic Weightlifting
Rating 4/5
Pros
- The plate’s colors are vibrant and aesthetically pleasing
- Rubber coated for extra durability and reduced noise when dropped
- 450 mm diameter meets IWF standards
Cons
- No warranty available, and the company doesn’t offer any returns or exchanges
- Lowest weight available is 22 lbs (10 kgs), which could be too heavy for beginner lifters
These colored KG bumper plates from American Barbell are ideal for Olympic weightlifting. They have a thick rubber coating that reduces noise and bounce when you drop the plates from overhead. They are available in weights between 22 and 55 lbs and are as vibrant in person as they look online.
Although these plates aren’t available in lower weights, they’re suitable if you’re an intermediate to advanced weightlifter and want some great equipment for your home workouts.
10. REP Fitness Iron Weight Plates – Best Weight Plates for Easy Handling
Rating 4.5/5
Pros
- Wide range of weight increments available
- Raised lips for easy handling
- Coated with a matte finish for durability
Cons
- Iron plates can be noisy when dropped on the ground
The REP Fitness Iron Weight Plates are available from 2.5 lbs to 45 lbs, with the plates at each increment having a different diameter. They have raised silver letters and raised lips, making them easy to load and unload onto your barbell.
These plates are made from tough cast iron, making them durable but at risk of rusting over time. Iron can be noisier and cause more damage to your floor than rubber bumper plates, so you’ll need to be careful not to drop them.
11. REP Fitness Animal Print Bumper Plates – Best for Uniqueness
Rating 4/5
Pros
- Unique animal print designs that won’t wear away over time
- All plates are the same diameter and fit a standard 2-inch Olympic barbell
- Plates are made to a 1% tolerance for a high degree of accuracy
Cons
- The animal print design might not be everybody’s preference
- The warranty for these bumper plates is just six months to a year for home use
These unique weight plates from REP Fitness come in zebra, snake, tiger, giraffe, and leopard prints. The animal print patterns are built into the plate, so you won’t need to worry about the designs wearing away over time.
These plates comprise a thick rubber coating with a steel center ring that reduces noise and bounce when the plates are dropped on the ground. The warranty lasts just six months for at-home use of the 10 lb plates but three years for at-home use of the 25 to 55 lb plates.
12. Bengup Olympic Bumper Weight Plates – Best for Buying Multiple Plates at Once
Rating 3.5/5
Pros
- Available in multipacks of several plates
- Calibrated to a weight error of just 5% for high accuracy
- No strong odors
Cons
- Thin edging on the plates, causing them to wobble slightly on the ground
- Lettering and numbering can begin to peel over time
The Bengup Olympic Weight Plates are available between 10 and 45 lbs, although the 35 and 45 lb options only come as single plates. You can purchase sets of multiple plates weighing a total of 190 or 260 lbs, which is cheaper than buying single plates.
The plates have an aesthetically pleasing design with blue lettering and numbering, although a couple of customer reviews complained that the letters began to peel after a while.
These Bengup weight plates are calibrated to within a 5% weight error, so they’re highly accurate. They have a low bounce to reduce force exertion on the barbell and the ground.
13. REP Fitness Urethane Coated Equalizer Weight Plates – Best Urethane Weight Plates
Rating 4.5/5
Pros
- Urethane coating provides increased durability and noise reduction
- Precision-cut grip holes for easy handling of the weight plates
- Weight tolerance of 3%
Cons
- Not ideal to use with other plates because of the non-uniform plate diameters
The Urethane Coated Equalizer Weight Plates by REP Fitness offer a high-quality, durable, shock-resistant option for your home gym. They’re compatible with standard 2-inch Olympic barbells, although REP Fitness doesn’t recommend mixing them with other weight plates because of the varying plate diameters.
The urethane coating surrounding the cast iron center reduces noise and bounce when the plates make contact with the ground. The grip holes enable you to transport the plates easily. They have a weight tolerance of 3%, so they are accurate against their stated weights.
Buying Guide: 5 Things To Look For in Weight Plates
When searching for the best brands that sell weightlifting plates, there are certain factors to keep in mind. Several characteristics contribute to the quality, durability, and price of weight plates and their suitability for certain exercises.
Whether you’re looking for the best rubber weight plates, iron weight plates, or a tough steel weight set, here are some important factors to consider to ensure that you find the best weight plates for a home gym:
- Weight tolerance
- Traditional vs. bumper plates
- Main materials
- Colors and designs
- Total price and your budget
1. Weight Tolerance
Weight tolerance refers to how accurate the actual weight of the plate is to its target weight. Competition Olympic lifting plates must have a high weight tolerance to meet the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) or International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) standards.
The IPF standards state that Olympic plates must be accurate to within +0.1% and -0.05% of the target weight. The best weight plate should have a high weight tolerance between 1 to 4%.
The IWF standards state that weight plates below 5 kg must have a weight tolerance of +0.1% to -0.05% and +10 grams to -0 grams per part for weight plates above 5 kg. Training discs can have a tolerance between +0.8% and -0.8%.
2. Traditional vs. Bumper Plates
There are different types of weight plates. The most common weight plates for a home gym or commercial gym can be split into two main categories – traditional plates and bumper plates.
Traditional plates are metal weight plates. Usually, they are cast iron plates and have various materials covering them to provide extra durability and rust protection. Generally, a metal weight plate set will comprise thinner plates than bumper barbell plates.
Bumper plates are coated in rubber or urethane. They are designed to be dropped with minimal noise or bounce and protect floors from damage. All Olympic plates for weightlifting are bumper plates for this reason.
Bumper plates are often the best rubber weight plates for a home gym because they’re quieter, shock absorbent, and more durable than iron metal weight plates. They’re the best option for practicing Olympic lifts or CrossFit movements because you can drop them from overhead.
However, iron plates are denser than bumper rubber plates, so they take up less room and enable you to load the barbell with more weight. Therefore, if you have limited space to store your home gym equipment or can lift some serious weight, cast iron plates are a more suitable option.
3. Main Materials
Another key factor to consider when finding the best plate weights is their main material. Most of the best barbell plates are manufactured using metal or rubber.
Consider whether metal plates or bumper plates will be better for you. Once you’ve decided which option to go for, look at the subcategories of each option.
Most metal weight plates are cast iron or stainless steel. Both options are rust-resistant, but cast iron plates tend to be cheaper. Some metal plates also have a thin strip of rubber or urethane around the edges.
Bumper weight plates have either a rubber or urethane coating. The former is cheaper and less durable, but both options are appropriate for the average lifter.
Rubber or urethane bumper plates usually have a zinc or brass-coated steel ring around the center. Zinc has the potential to rust over time but is more scuff-resistant than brass.
4. Colors and Designs
Although the colors and designs of your weightlifting plates don’t affect their durability or quality, they can help to make adjusting your weight easier during workouts. Color-coded bumper plates are easy to distinguish between and are nicer to look at than standard cast iron metal weight plates or black bumper plates.
If you want something more unique for your home gym, you can go for an Olympic barbell weight set with a funky pattern, such as the animal print plate weights mentioned above.
5. Total Price and Your Budget
The price is fairly obvious to consider when shopping for a weight plate set for your home gym. Traditional cast iron plates are your cheapest option if you’re working out on a budget. However, metal plates can be costly depending on the coating materials (such as urethane) around the iron.
Cheap weight plates are usually less expensive because they are lower in quality. Suppose you’re serious about strength training or practicing for an upcoming powerlifting or weightlifting competition. In that case, it’s worth investing in a higher-quality barbell and weight set that is built to last.
If you’re also shopping for a barbell but have a tight budget, check out our list of the best cheap barbells that are still high quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cheapest Type of Weight Plate?
Generally, the cheapest type of weight plates is cast iron plates. However, if they have a urethane coating and are built according to IPF standards, they could be more expensive than bumper rubber plates.
Are 45lb and 20kg Plates the Same?
Many people refer to 20 kg and 45 lb weight plates interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference between the two. Twenty-kilogram plate weights are actually 44 lbs. A plate that weighs exactly 45 lbs equates to a 20.4 kg plate.
What Are the Best Weight Plates for Powerlifting?
The best weight plate for powerlifting exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, is a cast iron or stainless steel plate. They are thinner than rubber bumper plates, so you can load more onto your barbell. And since you won’t drop weight from overhead, you can avoid using bumper plates.
Can You Drop Metal Weight Plates?
We strongly advise against dropping metal plates, especially if you’re dropping the weight from overhead. Metal weight plates can make a lot of noise as they contact the ground and will cause some serious damage as they do so.
How Much Do Weight Plates Cost?
The cost of weight plates depends on the brand, the materials, the total weight, the weight tolerance, and the durability. On average, bumper plates cost $1.70 to $7/lb, and cast iron plates cost around $1.40/lb. Calibrated weight plates used in powerlifting or weightlifting competitions can cost even more.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Weight Plate?
Based on all of the key factors noted above, such as weight tolerance, materials, and price, the best weight plates for a home gym are the Prosource Fit Color Training Bumper Plates. They’re color-coded based on International Weightlifting Federation standards, so they’re easy to use whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter training for a future competition.
These plates aren’t the cheapest, but they’re not the most expensive option either. Plus, they will last you a lifetime, so they’re worth the investment!
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.
