Blog

The 10 Best Home Power Racks for 2023, Tested by Fitness Trainers

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Get everything you need to lift heavy at home. standard barbell weight plates

The 10 Best Home Power Racks for 2023, Tested by Fitness Trainers

AN ESSENTIAL for every home gym, especially weightlifters, CrossFitters, and powerlifters, is the power rack. Sometimes called a power cage, a power rack is the perfect setup to work on your bench press, overhead presses, barbell squats, deadlifts, and more.

Whether you like to train solo or with a friend, having easy access to lifting equipment at home is a huge convenience. This is particularly evident with power racks, as they're versatile enough to perform so many exercises, including heavyweight movements such as squats and bench presses. Eliminating the frustration of waiting for a rack to free up or even head to the gym, having a rack at home is a total luxury for anyone who likes to lift.

What's really great about power racks? There are a lot of options out there, allowing you to tailor your buy to your fitness needs. Power racks are available at different price ranges to match your budget and offer a variety of features, from essential safety catches to added elements like pull-up bars and weight storage. Some are built for outdoor or backyard use, while others are the perfect piece for your garage gym (or even smaller spaces). It comes down to which features matter the most to you. Plus, most come with tons of optional attachments, allowing you to dial in on a setup that works best for your favorite workouts. Some brands are more compatible than others with third-party add-ons, so beware you might be wed to the brand from which you buy a rack.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

Over the past few years, we've been assessing power racks in just about every gym we visit. Our extensive testing process involved a holistic assessment of multiple factors, to evaluate each rack's durability, value, versatility and overall aesthetic. We thoroughly tested each power rack by performing powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting exercises, completing a collective 10+ sets and 100+ reps for each movement, using both comfortable and near-max weights. Attachments including pull-up bars and spotter arms were utilized and considered in testing as well. We consulted with both our MH Advisory Board, and our Strength in Diversity trainers to poll them on their experiences with the top racks, too.

Continue reading to discover 10 top-notch home power racks that will complete your home gym setup. (And if you're looking for more gear, don't forget to check out the best lifting shoe options, according to trainers.) 2023 Home Gym Awards | Best Home Gym Equipment | Best Smith Machines | Best Weight Benches | Best Barbells | Best Dumbbells | Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets | Best Workout Mirrors

In our experience using the REP Fitness PR-4000 Rack, it's a true all-in-one solution that can elevate any home gym. With its sturdy construction and versatile design, this rack feels built to last, and accommodates a wide range of exercises even for heavy lifters. Whether you're into powerlifting, CrossFit, or just want to get in a solid workout at home, the PR-4000 is our favorite power rack for home gyms.

At the heart of the PR-4000 lies its solid steel frame, which feels stable and secure while pushing heavy weight. With a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, this rack is capable of handling even the most intense sessions. We find the adjustable spotting arms, pull-up bar, and J-cups hold up to the rack's durability and add more versatility, allowing for a range of exercises from bench press to chin-ups.

When it comes to a home-gym set up, the PR-4000 is a step above other full-sized power racks thanks to its compact design. The PR-4000 is built with space-saving in mind, so you don't have to sacrifice your entire room for your workout space. It's ideal for those who have limited space or want to make the most of their small home gym, but also just as sturdy as many larger frame-models.

Read more: Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets

The Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack is a solid pick at a considerably more reasonable price point than many of our other favorites. It's made with a sturdy steel frame with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, making it suitable for more advanced fitness levels.

We really like this set up for its modular design, which allows you to customize your setup according to your specific needs and preferences. With interchangeable attachments and accessories (available for additional purchase), you can add weight storage, spotter platforms, and other features as you grow and progress in your training. We found it to be a super flexible and scalable solution that can grow with you, all at a pretty great price.

Read more: Best Weightlifting and Strength Training Shoes

"This foldable from Fray has been a mainstay in my home gym. It's easy to install (especially if you get the stringer) and so tough and durable that you feel comfortable bench-pressing and even doing heavy rack pulls," says Ebenezer Samuel, Men's Health Fitness Director. Designed for those in need of an alternative to bulky equipment, this foldable rack can free up precious square footage in even the tiniest home gyms.

In our experience using this rack, the heavy-duty steel construction can handle just about anything we've thrown at it. It's built to last and accommodate a wide range of exercises without taking up nearly as much space as a free-standing, 4-post set up, and that it does. And with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, you can be sure that this rack is not compromising on stability, either.

"It doesn't fold completely flat when turning the posts in, though, which is the lone downside" says Samuel.

Nonetheless, the innovative foldback design allows it to be easily folded away against the wall, allowing for more valuable floor space when not in use. It also features adjustable pull-up bars, J-cups, and spotting arms, giving you the versatility to perform a wide range of exercises from pull-ups to squats.

Read more: Best Home Gym Equipment

Made of heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated black finish, this simple-yet-beastly power rack comes equipped with weight plate horns, pin/pipe safeties, reinforced J-Hooks, and a single pull-up bar. It's available in two heights: 71 inches and 83 inches—the shorter of which is ideal for short spaces like basements. We really like it for its wide walk-in design, which is spacious enough for even bigger guys to perform a wide range of exercises both efficiently and safely, without feeling crammed.

It's well-reviewed on Amazon and elsewhere with many buyers commenting on the quality of the build, especially given the price. Most buyer complaints note difficult assembly. Still, at less than $400 delivered, it's our pick for the best mid-range home power rack of 2023. Overall, it's a solid product for the price.

Throughout our testing, the Rogue Fitness RML-690C Power Rack 3.0 held true as a beast. With its heavy-duty construction and no shortage of add-on features, we found it to be an extremely versatile and heavyweight-approved cage. For anyone with few limits on budget and space looking to invest in a power rack that will take their home-gym to the next level, this is a reasonable option.

We feel what sets it apart from other power racks is its heavy-duty construction and solid steel frame, which is capable even for heavyweight lifters. Adjustable spotting arms, pull-up bar, and J-cups are available for additional $$, too.

This cage also features an updated version of Rogue's Westside Hole Pattern, meaning greater adjustability to your preferences.

It sports a sleek and stylish aesthetic, with black powder-coated finish that's both durable and good-looking. Though it's a pricier option compared to others on this list, it delivers on both design and function worthy of the hefty price tag.

Read more: Best Weight Benches

Don't its stripped down footprint fool you–this squat rack delivers on stability and function. Most lifters can go beast mode without worrying about wobbles, thanks to a sturdy build that can handle up to 405 pounds. It's also easy on the eyes.

Its depth takes up less floor space than a yoga mat, while its about just as wide as one. Just make sure your ceilings are at least 7' 3" tall to allow for some vertical breathing room.

It comes with all the perks you'd want–a Monkey Bar pull-up option, standard bar supports and catches, and 11" weight horns for stacking plate. For just north for $2,000, it's not the most affordable rack of its kinda, but it's made right here in the good ol' USA and under a 10-year warranty, so you can trust this rack is in it for the long haul.

With its compact yet bulletproof-sturdy design, this half rack is perfect for both home and commercial gym settings. The 3" x 3" 11-gauge uprights are constructed with longevity in mind, and feature laser-cut holes and numbering for easy and accurate adjustments during your training sessions. Plus, it looks elite.

"This is a gym-quality power rack, the kind I can test maxes on with ease," explains Samuel. "I've never felt more comfortable dropping weights in a rack than I do with this one. The adjustable spotter arms are super-sturdy with very little give, making this perfect for advanced training concepts like iso-hold squats and deadlifts."

The HD Athletic NX Half Rack is equipped with a 2-handle 1.25" pull-up bar (a Hammer Strength classic), which offers mixed configurations for a natural and varied grip.

Though the price-tag is hefty, this rack comes with a few essentials included to prove its worth: two standard bar supports, two standard bar catches, and eight 7" horns at the back for weight storage. (Each weight horn can hold up to four 45-pound Olympic plates or three 45-pound bumper plates). It's surely an investment, but this rack is guaranteed to outlast cheaper alternatives by a long shot, saving you money in the end.

Read more: Best Indoor Rowing Machines

The HR-2 is designed with a smaller footprint, making it a great option for those with limited space. Which makes it great for home gyms, garage gyms, or even small apartments, (although you'll need 7+ foot ceilings to accommodate its height).

Like many of the other full-racks on this list, it's built with solid steel and boasts a 1,000-pound weight capacity. It features adjustable spotting arms and a pull-up bar, providing you with plenty of versatility when it comes to movements.

Out of all the half-racks he's tested, this is one of Samuel's classic favorites. In his experience using this rack, its ultra-sturdy pull-up bar is perfect for explosive moves like muscle ups.

This half-rack also features a range of accessories and attachments comparable to many full racks, allowing you to fully customize your setup to fit your specific needs. Whether you're looking to add weight storage or a spotter platform, this half-rack has you covered.

Read more: Best Smith Machines

The SR-4000 Squat Rack from REP Fitness is another powerhouse in our experience. And it's an especially good choice for anyone looking to take their strength training to the next level without all the extra frills of more extensive racks.

This squat rack may be our best barebones pick, but with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, we've never found it to lack stability.

With adjustable spotter arms, and J-cups and a pull-up bar included, you can perform a wide range of exercises from lunges to rows, giving you the ability to target multiple muscle groups from one compact piece of equipment.

In addition to its versatility, we also like how easy it is to assemble (even in tight spaces). Which makes it a great option for home gyms, garage gyms, or even small apartments.

Read more: Best Bumper Plates

This durable, multi-use cage combines the benefits of multiple machines into one seamlessly, making a full-body workout accessible from a compact footprint. It's more full-featured than virtually any rack on this list when it comes to attachments, featuring a pull-up station, shiver bar, and a dips bar, as well as pulleys for resistance training with a maximum capacity of 410 pounds.

As a moderately basic option with some extra features, this is a great buy at around $400 delivered. Plus, we love the solid two-year warranty (when many others are one year or less). Most consumer complaints are minor and involve the time-consuming assembly process due to individually wrapped parts (which is to be expected with this many bells and whistles).

Out of more than 700 Amazon reviews, 92% recommend the Marcy Home Gym Cage System Workout Station with at least a 4-star rating.

Power racks (a.k.a. “power cages”) are deceptively simple. Most models look like a durable, rugged steel cage that’s designed to serve as a base for your weighted workout equipment. Most also require adding optional add-ons if you want to use them for non-barbell exercises. There’s a lot to consider when shopping for the best home power rack for you:

Style and functionality: Power racks can serve a wide variety of functions, including as a pull-up bar, a bench press, a squat rack—the list goes on. The best models are multifunctional to allow for dozens of full-body workouts. It all comes down to your workout style. Consider your regular workouts, and shop for power racks that offer everything you need. If you're short on space you can skip the pull-up bar. For a more full-featured option, you might want a beefy full power cage with multiple add-ons and attachments that expand your workout options.

Weight capacity: Every power rack has a corresponding weight limit with most models ranging between 300 and 1,500 pounds. Always aim for a rack that has at least a 500-pound weight capacity. No, you may never lift 500 pounds on any single movement, but you'll thank yourself for having that margin for error if you ever miss on a squat and lose control of the bar.

Customizability: The best power racks are customizable to fit your personal routine. From If you're tight on space, you might opt for a foldable racks, because they're great. From foot print size to height to additional accessory options, every cage will offers a slightly different level of customization. If you have larger home gym and are interesting in building things out, consider a power rack a strong starting point, and shop closely for the features that matter to you the most.

Attachments: This is another place where, if you can afford it, it’s worth splurging on a rack with more adjustability to adapt to your workout needs now and in the future. In the long run, purchasing a rack that can grow with you will allow you to get more out of your home gym investment. At the very least, make sure the rack you choose comes with the basics like safety bars or straps, says David Otey, C.S.C.S., fitness writer and NYC-based strength coach. "I would also recommend a landmine to diversify movements and band pegs to add variety to movements."

Durability: The type of construction is heavily tied in with a rack’s total weight capacity. Almost every model on the market today is made of steel, alloy steel, or powder-coated steel. The true measure of strength is the gauge of steel used. The higher gauge, the stronger the cage. Beginners may not need to worry about this when starting out. But better-quality steel will always be safer, more durable, better equipped to handle heavy weights, and more long-lasting.

As you might've noticed, we've included a few half racks in the list above. There's a distinct difference between power racks and half racks, but we've found that most people either don't have the space for a full rack, or don't really need more than a half rack at their fitness level. It's up to you to decide which would better suit your needs.

"A power rack is a 4-6 post rack you would do most of your lifts IN," explains Otey. Think of a power rack as a cage-like structure. It also features at least two horizontal bars catches on each side, which are adjustable in height and function as mechanical spotters. Most power racks leave room to be outfitted with a variety of accessories like pulleys, a lat pull down bar, etc.

A half rack, on the other hand, is a shallow 4 post where lifts are executed on the outside of the rack, Otey told Men's Health. Half racks are comprised of 2 vertical posts and can also feature horizontal safety bars. That being said, the stability and maximum weight capacity associated with a half-rack is typically inferior compared to a power rack. There's also less room for add-on accessories. If you are limited on space or are a beginner, a half-rack could be a solid choice for you. If you only have room for a half rack and are concerned about stability, look for one that gives the user an option to anchor or bolt the equipment to the ground.

It all comes down to one thing according to Otey: safety.

Yeah, you can lift a barbell at home without a power rack, but when it comes to lifting safely without a human spotter, we highly recommend using it. "The key to working out at home is ensuring you are safe and there is no better way than having a power rack," he says.

It's not a substitute for a human spot on your heaviest lifts (that's how injuries happen!), but it does offer you security and assurance you might not have otherwise. The right power rack can also set you up to do pull-ups, hanging abs movements, and much more. Especially in this era, when racks are expandable and have added attachments that can push you farther.

As our Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel puts it, "This is the centerpiece of your home gym and it insures you're pushing yourself with leg training."

With a home power rack, you can have access to more weight and versatility compared to dumbbells and other home-gym accessories combined, allowing you to progress your lifts without scrambling to find heavier dumbbells or compound movements.

Many power racks offer a selection of accessories that allow you to perform additional strength training exercises straight from the rack. These add-ons will cost you in addition to the cage itself, but if you want to get the most out of your home gym investment, you'll use a good power rack in a variety of ways.

A power rack can be used for virtually any barbell exercise you can think of. Think squatting, deadlift, bench pressing, all of the major lifts, says Otey. "A power rack can be a one-stop gym where everything can be accomplished."

It's important to note that benches are often sold separately, and may not be included with a purchase of a cage. Depending on a rack's specifications and add-ons, you may be able to use it to perform a variety of non-barbell strength exercises such as lat pull downs, pull ups, and pulley exercises. Although many of these accessories are compatible with various racks, it’s important to use them only with the equipment they were designed for.

Additionally, be sure to only shop for a power rack that your space can accommodate. Power racks should only be utilized on an even, non-slip surface (check out these best home gym flooring options), away from stairs.

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

Our in-house fitness experts and staff, including certified trainers Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH Fitness Director, and Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, have tested dozens of power racks throughout the years. Through our extensive testing process, we considered every essential feature from construction and durability to overall dimensions and weight capacity, plus any extra features, such as delivery, warranties, ease of assembly, and aesthetic.

Each rack was put to the test with powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting exercises, with a minimum of 10 sets and 100 reps performed at both comfortable and near-max weights for each movement. Attachments including pull-up bars and spotter arms were utilized and considered in testing as well. We consulted with both our MH Advisory Board, and our Strength in Diversity trainers to poll them on their experiences with the top racks, too.

Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.  

Talene Appleton is a fitness and food writer and editor, certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), and former professional dancer based in New York City. Passionate about both exercise and cuisine, she merges her fitness, nutrition and culinary expertise with the goal of motivating others to embrace balanced healthy living. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, General Surgery News, The Food Institute, The Nessie, and more.

David Otey, CSCS is a fitness writer, NYC-based strength coach, and Men's Health Advisory Board member who specializes in strength and hypertrophy protocols as well as athletic performance. For more on Otey check out www.oteyfitness.com.

The 7 Best Back Extension Machines of 2023

The Best Indoor Rowers for Your Home Gym

Step Up Your Home Gym With These 8 Stair Climbers

The 11 Best Exercise Bikes for Your Home Gym

The Best Weight Benches for Your Home Gym in 2023

The 10 Best Treadmills You Can Buy in 2023

The 7 Best Massage Guns on Amazon

The 7 Best Plyo Boxes for Next-Level Workouts

20 Amazon Prime Day Fitness Deals To Shop Now

10 Resistance Bands for Your Workouts

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

The 10 Best Home Power Racks for 2023, Tested by Fitness Trainers

Dumbbells Set For Sale ©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.