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A power rack is a quintessential piece of fitness equipment for any home-gym owner looking to bring their weight training to the next level. Whether you are looking to do some heavy squatting, bench pressing, or Olympic lifts, the best power rack will help you hit your fitness goals. It is the framework for any good barbell workout and probably one of the best investments you can make when building out your home gym. A good power rack, sometimes called a power cage, is versatile, tough, reliable, and sturdy.
Best Power Racks in 2023 - Our Top Picks
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Best Overall Power Rack: Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
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Best Power Rack for Home Gym: REP PR-5000 Build Your Power Rack
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Best Power Rack for Garage Gym: Force USA G9 All-In-One Trainer
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Best Short Power Rack: Sunny Health Power Squat Rack
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Best Power Rack with Pulley System: Get RX'd Builder Half Rack
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Best Folding Power Rack: Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack
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Best Budget Power Rack: Synergee Power Rack V1
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Best Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage
- Best Power Rack for Small Spaces: PRx Performance Profile Squat Rack
If you have started your search for a power rack, you know that there are a lot of options out there, varying in price and features. Truthfully, it can be overwhelming. To narrow down your search, you need to know what to look for and what features are most important. We've compiled a list of the best power racks on the market to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know before buying because not all power racks are created equal.
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Power Rack - Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 2,000 lbs.
- Hole Spacing: Westside spacing
- Material: 12-gauge steel
- Warranty: Lifetime structural warranty
The Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack is perhaps the most versatile and affordable 4-post power rack on the market today and makes for a fantastic addition to any home gym. The MyRack is completely customizable with 20 attachment options to meet any fitness needs. The rack itself comes with no accessories, so you will have to purchase these separately, but they are very affordable. And you have the option to start with some basic add-ons (e.g., J-hooks) and expand as your training needs change.
The Force USA MyRack Modular Rack is constructed with 12-gauge uprights. This is important to note because most power racks today use 11-gauge uprights. In part, the 12-gauge steel is what makes this such a budget-friendly rack, and truthfully, these uprights will be plenty strong enough for most users. Additionally, Force USA has added backer plates at all bolted joints to prevent potential damage and increase sturdiness giving it an impressive maximum weight capacity of 2,000 pounds.
What We Like
- Super affordable
- 20 attachment options
- Very versatile
- Westside Hole Spacing
- 54 adjustable points
- Cable cross-over attachment is not typical on power racks
- Built-in storage for Olympic and standard bar
- Users report easy assembly
What We Don't Like
- 12-gauge steel rather than the more common 11-gauge
- Only compatible with Force USA attachments
- Poor powder coating
BUY: Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
Best Power Rack for Home Gym - REP PR-5000 Build Your Power Rack
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
- Hole Spacing: 2"
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Warranty: Limited lifetime structural warranty
The REP PR-5000 is an incredibly well-made, customizable power rack for your home gym. This heavy-duty rack is constructed from 11-gauge steel uprights with 2-inch hole spacing and 1-inch pin holes. Offering a great variety of attachment options, the PR-5000 is not only built to last but is designed to grow with your changing fitness needs.
The REP PR-5000 is offered in two different height options: 80 inches or 93 inches. This is especially great for anyone looking to build out a gym in their basement or other room with low ceilings. You also get to choose a depth that suits your training: 30 inches or 41 inches. The 30-inch depth is plenty big enough and great for those looking to save space. REP recommends bolting the rack down at this depth. A 41-inch depth offers more space and provides enough room for things like box jumps. It is still recommended to bolt the 41-inch depth down, but REP has a rear base stabilizer accessory which will also do the trick.
What We Like
- 11-gauge steel
- 3x3" uprights
- 4-way hole design
- Endless options to customize rack
- 2 height and depth options
- 47" width is great
- Laser cut numbers
- Crossmembers even have numbers
- 4- and 6-post option
What We Don't Like
- Not made in the USA
- Quality of accessories does not match quality of the rack
- Often out of stock on attachments
BUY: REP PR-5000 Build Your Power Rack
Best Power Rack for Garage Gym - Force USA G9 All-In-One Trainer
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 992 lbs. for unit; 772 lbs. for smith machine and chin-up bar
- Hole Spacing: N/A
- Material: Not specified
- Warranty: Lifetime structural warranty; 2-year cable and pulleys; 90-day wear and tear on rack accessories
If money is not an issue but space is, the Force USA G9 All-in-One Trainer is a great solution. This bad boy is seriously feature packed and provides endless fitness options for anyone looking to bring their home training to the next level. The Force USA G9 All-In-One Trainer combines a power rack, functional trainer, smith machine, dip station, chin-up station, core trainer, low row, and leg press into one compact multi-station machine. This is the ultimate type of setup for anyone who likes a lot of exercise variety but has a limited amount of training space. There is a lot to love about the G9, so let's break it down.
The G9 functions more so as a squat rack than a power rack because you do not work out with the barbell inside the machine. However, users are able to perform nearly all the barbell movements you would in a full-sized power rack. What's more, you get the added benefit of a smaller footprint. Whether you want to squat, bench press, or hit some shoulder-to-overhead movements, you can do so without issue. And, with a 992-pound weight capacity, it is strong enough for all but the most elite lifters (one could argue it is enough for them, too).
What We Like
- 10-in-1 training system
- Incredible versatility
- Impressive weight capacity for an all-in-one trainer
- Relatively compact footprint
- Numerous attachments provided with purchase
- Sturdy design
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- No specs offered for steel uprights thickness or measurement
- No specs on hole spacing
- No band peg holes
BUY: Force USA G9 All-In-One Trainer
Best Short Power Rack - Sunny Health Power Squat Rack
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 800 lbs. for weight bar, 500 lbs. for pull-up bar, 265 lbs. for weight storage
- Hole Spacing: Not specified, 30 hook-bar settings
- Material: Heavy-duty steel, gauge not specified
- Warranty: 1-year structural frame; 180-day parts and components
The Sunny Health Power Squat Rack is a compact and multifunctional short power rack. Although the name includes the word "power" this is, in fact, a squat rack as it only has 2 posts. Equipped with 2 Olympic weight-plate storage posts, a 360-degree swivel landmine station, and a knurled grip pull-up bar, the Sunny Health Power Squat Rack is more than just your average squat rack (hence the name "power" squat rack).
Weighing just 117.95 pounds assembled and carving out a space of 42 inches long, 47 inches wide, and 85 inches tall, this rack is convenient, easily assembled, and light enough to move around your gym space. While Sunny Health and Fitness do not disclose the width of steel used for the uprights, this rack can support weights up to 800 pounds on the barbell, 880 pounds on the j-hooks and 16-inch safety spotter arms, and 500 pounds on the pull-up bar. Needless to say, this rack will meet most home-gym owners' lifting needs.
What We Like
- Knurling on pull-up bar for better grip
- 16-inch spotter arms included
- Standard 1-inch holes
- J-hook weight capacity of 880 lbs.
- Laser cut numbering
- Affordable
- Space saving
What We Don't Like
- Not stable enough for dynamic movements
- Users report parts missing upon delivery
- Reportedly poor customer service
- Disappointing warranty
BUY: Sunny Health Power Squat Rack
Best Power Rack with Pulley System - Get RX'd Builder Half Rack with Functional Trainers
Specs
- Weight Capacity: None specified
- Hole Spacing: Not specified
- Material: 11-gauge and 7-gauge powder-coated steel
- Warranty: Not noted on product page
Get RX'd Builder Half Rack with Functional Trainers boasts an incredible space-saving design offering users a half rack system with the versatility and multi-functional use of a functional trainer, or pulley system. Constructed with 11-gauge and 7-gauge steel, the Builder Half Rack is perhaps one of the strongest and sturdiest options for gym owners on the market at this price bracket. While the maximum weight capacity is not noted, we can confidently say that this is strong enough to support your training needs.
To customize your unit, you first select the number of 93-inch rig uprights desired and 1 pull-up bar between the pulleys. Depending on your space and intended use, you can then choose between a single or double functional trainer plate-loaded 2000 system. Additionally, you have access to one additional pull-up bar, choosing between a 6-foot powder-coated universal pull-up and monkey bar, a 6-foot universal multi-height bar, and a combination of a crown pull-up bar and square cross bar.
What We Like
- More compact than 2 different units
- Extremely versatile
- Compatible with over 60 attachment options
- Overwhelmingly positive user reviews
- Incredibly strong steel construction
What We Don't Like
- No specs available on dimensions other than height
- No weight capacity noted
- No warranty information
BUY: Get RX'd Builder Half Rack with Functional Trainers
Best Folding Power Rack - Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 1,100 lbs.
- Hole Spacing: Westside hole spacing throughout front upright, 6" side hole spacing
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Space is a hot commodity when building out your home gym. Enter folding squat racks. Folding squat racks are an ingenious solution for home gyms with limited floor space. When not in use, they simply fold up against the wall. The Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack provides all the functionality you need in a power rack but with a small footprint. Available in both short and tall models, the X-3 also offers depth options of 21 or 41 inches. When folded, the X-3 measures a mere 5- or 8-inches deep. With the power rack installed securely against a wall when not in use, home gym owners can really maximize space and still get optimal performance.
Titan's folding series comes with some incredibly impressive specs at an unbeatable price. Featuring heavy-duty 3 by 3-inch, 11-gauge steel square uprights, this formidable rack can support weights up to 1,100 pounds. Laser-cut holes are spaced 2 inches apart on the center, Westside hole spacing on the front of the uprights, and 6-inch hole spacing on the sides with a secure bolt-together design. Titan also provides reinforced J-hooks with UHMW plastic to protect the knurling on your barbell.
What We Like
- 2 depth choices
- 2 height choices
- Sturdy
- Affordable
- Space saving
- Comes with a pull-up bar
- Free shipping
What We Don't Like
- Difficult assembly
- Only 1-year warranty
- Pull-up bar is thin (1.25")
BUY: Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack
Best Budget Power Rack - Synergee Power Rack V1
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 750 lbs.
- Hole Spacing: 2"
- Material: 16-gauge steel
- Warranty: Limited lifetime structural warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee
When you're on a budget, you may feel like finding a power rack that checks all the boxes for you is an impossible feat. Here's the cold, hard truth: you simply won't get the same quality construction in a low-cost rack that you will on the pricey ones. It's just math, really. That said, it is completely possible to find a power rack that meets your budget and provides all that you need to get a killer workout. And with that, I present to you the highly impressive and incredibly affordable Synergee Power Rack V1.
The Synergee Power Rack has a compact feel which fits in most home gyms but is stable enough to support multidimensional athletes. The 16-gauge steel uprights feature 1-inch holes spaced 2 inches apart for easy adjustments. While I would prefer to see 11- or 12-gauge steel uprights, 16-gauge will do just fine for most people. With a weight capacity of 750 pounds racked and/or on the pull-up bar, the Synergee Power Rack is plenty strong enough for most lifting enthusiasts.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Comes with 2 j-cup hooks, 2 safety straps, and a pull up bar
- 1-inch holes
- Can be bolted to floor to ensure stability
- Compact
What We Don't Like
- 16-gauge steel is thin
- Will feel unstable when not bolted
- A few reviews report it dented upon arrival
Best Power Rack with Lat Pull-down - Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage with Lat Pulldown, Super Max 810XLT
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 800 lbs.
- Hole Spacing: Not specified, 19 adjustable height levels for safely bars
- Materials: Steel, gauge not specified
- Warranty: A 2-year protection plan is available via Amazon
The Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage with Lat Pulldown is a well-built, middle-of-the-road squat rack that provides users with a multi-functional workout station. Unfortunately, there is no information on the exact dimensions or the gauge of steel used. But, users have taken matters into their own hands and conducted their own measurements. Take these specs with a grain of salt, but for your reference, the height is noted as 83.75 inches at its highest point with a width of 46 inches and a depth of 50 inches.
Featuring a multi-position overhead pull-up bar and both a high and low-row pulley system, users can build muscle in a variety of ways. Each pulley system uses a high tensile strength nylon coated cable and comes with 39-inch and 20-inch bar attachments with foam grips. The ball-bearing pulley system has a very smooth feel. Additionally, a leg hold-down can also be secured with the safety bars by shifting them up or down the cage. This too comes with foam rollers.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Multi-functional
- Compatible with 2" x 2" attachments
- Ball bearing pulley system
- Vast majority of reviews are positive
- Multi-grip pull-up bar allows for variation
What We Don't Like
- Missing information on dimensions and steel gauge
- Storage post is short if using Olympic bumper plates
- A select few reviews reported it to shake
BUY: Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage with Lat Pulldown, Super Max 810 XLT
Best Power Rack for Small Spaces - PRx Performance Profile ONE Squat Rack
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
- Hole Spacing: 2"
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
The PRx Performance Profile Squat Rack is one of the most space-saving racks on the market today. Constructed with two 11-gauge, 2 by 3-inch steel uprights measuring 90 inches tall, the Profile is both sturdy and strong. With a weight rating of 1,000 pounds, rest assured that this folding rack will support heavy lifting.
Where the Profile Squat Rack stands out from other folding racks is with their 100-pound rated gas shocks located at all four pivot points, making for easy folding and unfolding. Using safety pins to secure the rack to the wall, the Profile measures a mere 4 inches in depth.
What We Like
- Space saving
- Easily folded
- Secure feel
- Impressive weight rating
- Multi-grip pull-up bar
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Pull-up bar is thin
- Shipping not included in price
BUY: PRx Performance Profile Squat Rack
How We Chose the Best Power Racks
Below are some of the factors we kept in mind when selecting the best power racks.
Construction
Alright, this is a big one. When you are looking to lift heavy, you need to be sure you are doing it on a piece of equipment that is made with quality components. That’s why we paid special attention to features like the types of holes and steel thickness when searching for the best power racks—a squat rack essentially becomes your spotter when performing heavy lifts at home alone.
We prioritized racks that came with a smaller gauge because the smaller the number, the thicker the steel. For home use, an 11-gauge rack is plenty thick enough for most users (unless you are a competitive, world-class Olympic lifter).
We also took into account the spacing of the holes. Many racks offer a uniform two-inch spacing. But, more recently, racks have integrated what is known as Westside Hole Spacing. In short, this spacing uses either a one-inch spacing or a combination of one- and two-inch spacing throughout the rack allowing for more precise hook placement. Most of the power racks on this list have Westside Hole Spacing.
Safety
These are some of the safety features we considered when looking at the best power racks: Is the rack anchored to the floor? Is there a stabilizer? Can the safety bars be easily adjusted to various levels? What kind of hooks are used to rack the barbell? We also prioritized power racks that had easily adjustable safety bars as well as racks that can be anchored to the floor.
Price
This kind of goes without saying, but knowing your price point is imperative. We chose racks from a wide range of price points so there’s a little something for every lifter on this list. Just keep in mind that lower-priced power racks may not have the same accessories and features, but it is all about how you intend to use it.
Benefits of a Power Rack
Safety
If you are serious about strength and power training from your home gym, you absolutely want to have a power rack. Power racks are truly the only way to safely lift heavy weights while performing barbell movements solo. In the absence of a spotter, you need a safety catch so you can perform movements such as squats and bench presses without risk of serious injury. Have you ever tried to max out on a bench press, hit that sticking point, and had a moment of massive anxiety before your spotter helped you out? If you haven't, believe me, it can be scary. So, if you plan to lift heavy, having a power rack is a no-brainer.
Versatility
Power racks are also one of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment you can own. Whether you are strength training, powerlifting, or looking to hit some high-intensity, multi-modality strength sessions, you will want a power rack. They can be a bit pricey, but the return on investment is fantastic. And, with the sheer number of rack configurations, attachments, and price points, you can find one that meets all of your fitness needs.
What to Consider When Searching for the Best Power Rack
Finding the right power rack to fit your needs is paramount. Let's take a deeper look into each factor to consider.
Size and Space
The most important thing you need to know before buying any piece of equipment is how much space you have to dedicate to it. Regardless of quality, features, or versatility, if you don't have floor space, it just won't work. Larger power racks with all the fancy extras are wonderful, but the reality is that not every gym lover has the space to store. Before you begin your search, measure out the floor space you have so you don't waste your time.
Features and Accessories
Power racks are extremely versatile and come with many features often dependent on your budget. Accessories to consider are pull-up bars, lat-bar pulleys, dip stations, weight storage, and band pegs. Knowing how you intend to use the rack will help you narrow down the features most important to you. Regardless of accessories, you probably want something that allows for different exercises (think bench press, squat, etc.).
Power Rack FAQs
Are power racks worth it?
Power racks are absolutely worth it! If you are looking to strength train, power racks provide safety when lifting heavier weights. They function as a squat rack, bench rack, and spotter, plus have many other functions that make them a versatile and quality investment.
Which power rack is the best?
As with any piece of fitness equipment, there is no single "best" option. The fact is, the best power rack for you may differ greatly from the best power rack for someone else. Knowing your fitness goals, typical workout, price range, and available space is the first step to finding the best power rack for you. Sure, there are specs that make some racks better than others (e.g., 7-gauge vs. 16-gauge steel), but if it is not a rack in your budget or one that fits in your gym space, it is not the best rack for you.
What's the difference between a squat rack and a power rack?
The difference between a squat rack and a power rack may seem insignificant but is actually important. A squat rack features two adjustable metal posts to support the barbell when lifting. Users position themselves under the bar and lift it off the stand to perform a lift. Most models do not include safety arms or straps.
A power rack features four metal posts (known as uprights) connected by a base frame. The uprights come with holes at a varied spacing to attach J-hooks or catchers designed to hold the barbell. Power racks come with safety arms or straps, which allow you to lift confidently and safely when alone.
Both power racks and squat racks are technically compatible with attachment accessories. However, a squat rack does not provide the level of stability needed to support the exercises that accompany attachments. Power racks take up more space, but are more versatile and can accommodate a wider range of movements, like pull-ups and dips.