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There are some items that are essential for strength training. There are barbells, weights, a rack, and then there is a bench. Fitness athletes of all types can benefit from having a bench in their home gyms. This isn't just an endorsement for the bench press itself, either. Benches allow you to perform many movements from different angles than simply standing straight up.
The type of bench you need depends on the space you have to train, the way you train (standard or Olympic), and your personal comfort preferences. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has been hard at work putting benches through their paces, and these are our picks for the best weight benches.
The Best Weight Benches in 2023 - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Weight Bench: REP Fitness AB-5000
- Best Weight Bench with Barbell Rack: Rogue Monster Lite Bench
- Best Flat Weight Bench: Titan Fitness Hefty Bench V2
- Best Adjustable Weight Bench: REP Fitness AB-3000
- Best Foldable Weight Bench: Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench
- Best Weight Bench for Home: Titan Fitness Single Post Adjustable Bench
- Best Affordable Weight Bench: REP Fitness FB-3000 Flat Bench
- Best Stowable Weight Bench: Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench
- Best Weight Bench for Small Spaces: Rogue Flat Utility Bench
- Best Olympic Weight Bench: Titan Fitness Single Post Flat Bench
- Best Weight Bench on Amazon: Supermax Adjustable Weight Bench
- Best Budget Adjustable Weight Bench: REP Fitness AB-3100
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Overall Weight Bench - REP Fitness AB-5000
SPECS
- Price: $599.99
- Footprint: 17.5"H x 21"W x 57"L
- Pad dimensions: Back pad - 38.5"L x 12.25"W, Seat pad - 15"L x 12-8"W
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 110 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Able to withstand a massive 1,000 pounds of weight, the AB-5000 from REP Fitness is our pick for the best weight bench. It also boasts REP's zero-gap feature, meaning there is no gap between the seat and back pads when the bench is in the upright position. This bench can adjust to seven back angles (flat to 90 degrees) and five seat angles (-15 to 45 degrees). You can easily make these adjustments using the anodized aluminum pop-pins.
Want to perform decline sit-ups on your bench? Add the optional leg roller attachment and use the bench's decline of up to -75 degrees. The AB-5000 has a front stopper covered with grooved rubber to prevent the bench from tipping when you use it this way. Additionally, the bench comes partially assembled and is easy to finish. It also has wheels built into the 11-gauge steel frame giving you the ability to transport it around your home gym, depending on whether or not you're using it inside your power rack.
What We Like
- Zero-gap adjustments
- 7 back angles, 5 seat angles
- 4 paint colors to choose from
- Made from high-quality materials
- Easy to assemble and move
What We Don't Like
- You will have to pay extra for the leg roller attachment
- Not ideal if you just need a flat bench
Best Weight Bench with Barbell Rack - Rogue Monster Lite Competition Bench
SPECS
- Price: $645.00
- Footprint: 53.5” x 49.5” x 57.75”
- Pad dimensions: 17.5"H
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 158 lbs.
- Weight capacity: Not specified
Powerlifters and athletes looking to specifically improve on the bench press should get this weight bench as soon as possible. Lifters who are going to go heavy and hard often need something that can withstand the force that would be generated from heavy pressing. The frame of this bench is made of 11-gauge steel that will support a lot of weight for a long time to come. There are numbered holes on the bench so you can set up the J-hooks and safety arms where you need them to be. Training partners can easily do the same for themselves before taking their turns.
There are four pad options that you can choose from when ordering this bench: standard, competition pad, premium textured foam pad, and Thompson fat pad. Accessories such as a spotter deck and band pegs can be ordered, too. The lips of the J-hooks are angled and short enough that unracking and re-racking the bar is simple.
What We Like
- You can choose one of 4 pads for the bench
- The J-hooks can slide in and out of the holes on the uprights easily
- Designed for regular training as well as powerlifting competitions
- Easy to assemble
What We Don't Like
- Bench is in a fixed-flat position
- Safety arms must be purchased separately
BUY: Rogue Monster Lite Competition Bench
Best Flat Weight Bench - Titan Fitness Hefty Bench V2
SPECS
- Price: $239.99
- Footprint: 17.5”H x 53"L x 24"W
- Pad dimensions: 4.4"H x 50"L x 14.5"W
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 84 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 1,200 lbs.
If you're in the market for a simple flat bench that can get the job done, the Titan Fitness Hefty Bench V2 is our top pick for the best flat weight bench. It is durable due in large part to its 11-gauge steel construction and HeftyGrip vinyl upholstery. The cushioning on the bench has extra thick padding to improve your comfort and reduce stress on your joints while you train and the extra wide bench grants you added stability, especially when pressing heavy weight.
If you end up needing to move the bench around your workout area, the Hefty Bench has handles and wheels to make transport simple. Reviewers also love how easy it is to assemble.
What We Like
- Long lasting and durable
- Wide comfortable pad
- Grippy vinyl to keep you in place
- Affordable
What We Don't Like
- Pad material may scratch easily
- May be too bully for some
BUY: Titan Fitness Hefty Bench V2
Best Adjustable Weight Bench - REP Fitness AB-3000
SPECS
- Price: $319.99
- Footprint: 17.1”H x 53"L x 25.8"W
- Pad dimensions: Back pad - 36"L x 11.8"W, Seat pad - 15"L x 15-10.7"W
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 89.3 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 1,000 lbs.
For people who need a sturdy, adjustable bench to work with, this one is a great choice. The backpad can be adjusted to eight different positions between decline and high incline. Adjusting is simple using the ladder-style back adjustment, so you can easily transition from one angle to another if you're doing circuit-style workouts. As with other REP benches, you can choose from five colors for the finish.
The padding for the bench is a durable, grippy CleanGrip, so it should hold up even after numerous training sessions. For this model, the leg roller comes built into the frame. Whether you're training for physique benefits, athletic performance, or general health and wellness, this bench can help you have great workouts so you are more likely to see the results that come with the effort you put in.
What We Like
- Backpad adjusts to 8 positions
- Leg roller is built in
- 5 colors to choose from
- Solid steel frame
- Easy to assemble
What We Don't Like
- No warranty for cushion or pad
- Heavier than other adjustable models
Best Foldable Weight Bench - Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench
SPECS
- Price: $320.00
- Footprint: 47" x 14"
- Pad dimensions: 47" x 14"
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 48 lbs.
- Weight capacity: Not listed
Rogue's Fold Up Utility Bench is a great choice for people who have a smaller space to work with. After assembly, this lightweight bench folds up for easier storage using the orange detent pins to either lock the legs in place or fold into the bench when you're done training. The bench also comes with a wall mounted hanger for stowing the bench out of the way.
This would be a great choice for beginners or athletes who need a foldable bench to make the most out of a limited home gym space. Though, we wouldn't recommend this for powerlifters or other competitors as it won't be as sturdy as other benches.
What We Like
- Can be folded to save space
- Comes with wall mount
- Budget friendly
- Excellent bench for beginners
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't have incline or decline
- Can be difficult to assemble
BUY: Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench
Best Weight Bench for Home - Titan Fitness Single Post Adjustable Bench
SPECS
- Price: $289.99
- Footprint: 53"H x 56.75"L x 25.25"W
- Pad dimensions: Back pad - 36" x 11.75" x 2.25", Seat pad - 15" x 15" x 2.25"
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 71 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 1,500 lbs.
You might not expect a bench weighing 71 pounds to be able to hold 1,500 pounds of weight, but the Titan Fitness Single Post Adjustable Bench pulls it off. Not only that, it uses a ladder-style system that adjusts to seven back positions and four seat positions, making it a very versatile piece of equipment that would do well in any home gym. The high weight capacity also allows for all kinds of training from beginner-strength to Olympic lifting.
The footroller is included with the bench, so you can take advantage of the many decline options while training. Also, the plastic end caps on the benches steel frame prevent it from scuffing your floor. Want to move your bench around your space? Just use the handle and wheels to easily transport it. Overall, this is a solid bench at a great price if you're building your home gym.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- 7 back positions, 4 seat positions
- High weight capacity
- Plastic end caps to prevent scuff marks
What We Don't Like
- Some assembly issues
- Bench pad is not as wide as average
BUY: Titan Fitness Single Post Adjustable Bench
Best Affordable Weight Bench - REP Fitness FB-3000 Flat Bench
SPECS
- Price: $149.99
- Footprint: 18"H x 17.7"W x 47.2"L
- Pad dimensions: 11.8" W x 47.25"L
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 40 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 700 lbs.
This bench is strong and compact, making it a good option for people who want to add basic bench exercises to their repertoire. With a weight capacity of 700 pounds, you can test your strength on most movements. It's short enough that it could be used for exercises such as box squats because it provides stability when you sit on it, but it also allows you to reach proper depth when going down. And when you're workout is complete, you can easily hang it up on the optional wall-mounted hanger
This bench will fit inside any rack or between a pair of barbell stands, so you can perform seated or lying movements with it. The pad is high-density and firm, so it will be comfortable when lying on it for stretching or training, but not so padded that it negatively affects your form. Lastly, the price point is pretty great for the high-quality bench you're getting.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight and can be hung on wall mount
- Easy to assemble
- 4 frame colors to choose from
What We Don't Like
- Weight capacity is only 700 lbs.
- Wall hanger sold separately
BUY: REP fitness FB-3000 Flat Bench
Best Stowable Weight Bench - Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench
SPECS
- Price: $320.00
- Footprint: 47" x 14"
- Pad dimensions: 47" x 14"
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 48 lbs.
- Weight capacity: Not listed
We've already talked up how great the Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench is for small spaces, so it's no surprise that it's also our recommendation when it comes to a bench that can be easily stowed away. Using the orange detent pins, you can fold in the bench legs and hang it on the wall mount when you're done with your training session. As we said before, this bench is a great choice for beginners or athletes who need a basic, foldable bench to make the most of a limited home gym space.
What We Like
- Can be folded and stowed to save space
- Comes with wall mount
- Budget-friendly
- Excellent bench for beginners
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't have incline or decline
- Can be difficult to assemble
BUY: Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench
Best Weight Bench for Small Spaces - Rogue Flat Utility Bench
SPECS
- Price: $235.00
- Footprint: 47" x 14"
- Pad dimensions: 47" x 14"
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 40 lbs.
- Weight capacity: Not listed
Some home-gym owners have to make the most out of limited space. The Rogue Flat Utility Bench fits inside any rack and can be easily moved thanks to the light overall weight. It's also lightweight enough to store on one of Rogue's optional wall mounts when not in use. What separates this flat model from the foldable model is that it's fully welded and comes assembled, so it's extra sturdy and you won't have to worry about assembling it yourself.
The Rogue Flat Utility Bench is angled for maximum stability whether you're performing step-ups or bench presses and the attachable rubber feet help keep the bench in place while you move. As for the pad itself, you can choose between the standard vinyl or a premium foam pad option for only $15 more.
What We Like
- Lightweight and mountable
- Grippy vinyl reduces slipping
- Ships fully assembled
- Balanced and sturdy
What We Don't Like
- Have to purchase the wall mount separately
- Not foldable, so will hang about 18" from wall
Best Olympic Weight Bench - Titan Single Post Flat Bench
SPECS
- Price: $189.99
- Footprint: 17"H x 52"L x 21.65"H
- Pad dimensions: 47.25"L x 11.8"W x 2.36"H
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 37.5 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 1,000 lbs.
The Titan Single Post Flat Bench is our pick for the best Olympic weight bench because it uses a tripod-like design in order to give lifters for foot room while bench pressing. The rubber feet work to keep you in place while you perform different movements. It's also incredibly lightweight and has transportable wheels and a handle to move it in and out of your power rack.
As lightweight as it is, this bench can still handle up to 1,000 pounds of weight. It has durable vinyl upholstery and steel construction that can withstand all your heavy Olympic exercises. If you want to add a hefty pad to your bench, it is compatible with Titan brand pads.
What We Like
- Tripod design for roomier bench presses
- Lightweight and portable
- High weight capacity
- Budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- Vinyl may not be as grippy as desired
- May not be as good for other bench movements like step-ups
BUY: Titan Single Post Flat Bench
Best Weight Bench on Amazon - Supermax Adjustable Weight Bench
SPECS
- Price: $129.00
- Footprint: 59"L x 23.5"W x 48.5"H
- Pad dimensions: 17.5"
- Frame: Alloy steel
- Weight: 35 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 800 lbs.
If you're a beginner or just looking for a basic starter bench that can accommodate flat, decline, and incline exercises, the Supermax Adjustable Weight bench is a solid choice. For the price, it has a lot of great features including two adjustments for the seat and six adjustments for the backrest as well as a weight capacity of up to 800 pounds. This bench is also very lightweight and can be folded for storage.
The Supermax Adjustable Weight Bench ships partially assembled and is easy to complete. Just be aware that although the weight capacity is listed as 800 pounds, users report feeling unstable while pressing heavy in the incline position. Otherwise, you'll be getting a decent weight bench for a low price.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- 2 seat, 6 backrest positions
- Can be folded for storage
- Easy assembly
What We Don't Like
- Weight capacity not as high as others on this list
- Some reviewers had issues with the incline
BUY: Supermax Adjustable Weight Bench
Best Budget Adjustable Weight Bench - REP AB-3100 Adjustable Weight Bench
SPECS
- Price: $269.99
- Footprint: 50.5"L x 23"W x 16.75"H
- Pad dimensions: Back pad - 34.75"L x 11.75-9", Seat pad - 13"L x 10.5-8"W
- Frame: Alloy steel
- Weight: 70 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 700 lbs.
The AB-3100 Adjustable Weight Bench by REP Fitness is an excellent choice for people who like to use a variety of angles in their training. It can be adjusted to six different angles ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. The seat also adjusts to three different settings. It arrives partly pre-assembled so you can put it together in under 20 minutes and get straight to work. The bench has rubber on three contact points, which not only provides stability but will protect your floor.
The feet are also positioned so they don't interfere with your foot positioning when setting yourself up before a big set. To make it easier to move, the handle underneath the seat has a rubber grip for holding and lifting. The wheels on the back of the bench will roll across any surface so you can move it where you want it or out of the way when it isn't needed.
As for budget, it may seem like a lot compared to some of the other models on this list. But the quality piece of equipment that you're getting is a great value for the price point.
What We Like
- Adjust to 6 different angles, seat adjust to 3 settings
- Holds up to 800 lbs.
- Pad is a decent size
- Slip-resistant cover
- 4 frame colors to choose from
What We Don't Like
- No decline setting
- 1.7" gap when bench is flat
BUY: REP AB-3100 Adjustable Weight Bench
How We Chose the Best Weight Benches
We chose our list of weight benches by looking at brands and manufacturers that we trust with excellent reputations in the strength equipment market. We considered several factors including footprint, weight capacity, and price when narrowing down our top picks and read user reviews to get the full picture. We also used our experience in the fitness industry to determine which benches we would want to have in our own home gyms.
How to Choose the Best Weight Bench for You
Factors to consider when looking for a weight bench include:
- The size of your home gym or training space. If your area is small you may need a foldable bench.
- The exercises you wish to perform. If you want to perform incline or decline exercise, you will need an adjustable bench. If you want to perform movements like step-ups or bench dips, you will want to look for a sturdier bench.
- The width and thickness of the bench. This is important for your comfort levels and minimizing injury risk. Furthermore, what materials were used to make this bench, nd will they hold up over time?
- The amount of weight you plan on lifting. If you plan on lifting really heavy, you may not want a bench with a lower weight capacity.
- How much are you willing to spend? Think about your budget and what you will need from your bench. You can get a decent bench for a low price if you're a beginner, but you'll need more from your bench if you're a seasoned lifter.
Why Should You Buy a Weight Bench?
Having a weight bench doesn't mean you can only do the bench press, you can also train the shoulders, biceps, triceps, back, abs, and even do some leg exercises with a bench. Once you have one in your home gym, there are plenty of ways to add it into your regular routine. Whether the bench you use is adjustable or fixed, it will be worth the investment.
Best Weight Bench Exercises
Get your barbell or dumbbells ready: Here are our top 5 choices for the best bench press exercises.
Bench Press
This versatile exercise can be performed with a barbell or a pair of dumbbells in either the flat, incline, or decline positions. When performing a bench press, you'll want to keep your wrists straight, your arms shoulder-width apart, and your elbows at a 45-degree angle to your torso. Lower the barbell or dumbbells to your chest until you feel a slight contraction in your pectoral muscles, and then press back up to the starting position.
Seated Dumbbell Bicep Curl
After placing your bench in the upright position, sit with your back against the pad and your feet firmly on the floor. Let the dumbbells hang at your sides with your palms facing forward and then curl your forearms towards your chest while keeping your upper arms against your sides. Slowly lower your arms back down to the starting position. You can also perform this exercise in the incline position.
Bent-Over Dumbbell Row
If you're holding the dumbbell in your left hand, place the opposite (right) hand and knee on the bench to steady yourself. Extend your left arm toward the floor. Keeping your back straight, slowly pull the dumbbell up to the side of your waist using your elbow. Gently lower the dumbbell to your starting position.
Seated Shoulder Press
Similar to the seated dumbbell curl, you'll want to sit with your back against the bench in an upright position. Hold the weight at shoulder height and press up until your arms are fully extended. Slowly lower the weight back down to the starting position. You can perform this exercise with both barbells and dumbbells.
Bench Step-Ups
If you're performing this exercise with just your bodyweight, stand parallel to the bench with your feet hip-width apart. Step onto the bench with your starting foot and push off with the back leg to raise yourself onto the bench, then place your trailing foot next to the foot you lead with. Slowly step back down off of the bench using the starting foot to lead, followed by the trailing foot. Repeat for the opposite side. You can also perform this exercise by holding dumbbells with your palms facing in.
What’s the Difference Between Adjustable Benches and Flat Benches?
With a flat bench, you're getting a sturdy frame with a full back pad. This bench is fixed in place and is better suited to exercises that require more stability. An adjustable bench has the ability to transform from flat into an incline or decline position for more exercise variations and functionality. Adjustable benches also can often be folded for storage purposes, but they may lack the comfort of a flat bench due to the gap between the seat and back pads.
Best Weight Benches FAQs
What kind of bench should a beginner use?
Beginners or people putting together a home gym for the first time should have some sort of adjustable bench. Having a bench that changes angles allows you to try more exercises and feel more comfortable while you're working out.
What is the most important aspect of a bench to consider?
If you're training for strength, then make sure the bench you select can support the weight you're going to use. Think of your body weight as well as the weight you'll be lifting. If strength isn't your focus, then one that can be stored easily is an important feature for many people.
Does the size of the bench matter?
Yes, it does. If you're leaner or shorter, then a big bench wouldn't serve you very well. Conversely, a bigger lifter needs to feel connected to the pad and establish a solid base with the floor before attempting heavy weights.