Best Squat Racks of 2024

In this case, we curated this list based on trusted customer reviews and well-respected brands. We took into consideration the different type of squat racks that exist and the appropriate users for each one. Most importantly, we made sure that they were fitting for home use.

If you're in the market to buy a squat rack, chances are you have used one before in the gym. But before purchasing one for your home, there are a few things you should think about ahead of time.

Measure the space: Determine if you're placing the squat rack in your garage, basement, outside or another room in your home. Look up the dimensions of the squat rack to make sure it will fit well. If you're using your garage to also store your car, tools or other pieces of equipment, make sure the squat rack clears enough space for these items.

Versatility: Although a standard squat rack usually has racks to place a barbell, some styles come with a pull-up bar, dip bars or other accessories. Decide if you will only use the rack for leg day or if you'd also like it to have the versatility to do bench pressing, pull-ups or other exercises.

Safety: Make sure the squat rack you purchase offers safety features like safety or "spotters arms." This is important if you plan on lifting heavy weight alone and if you have to bail out of a lift.

Adjustability: Squat racks are meant to be adjusted to one's height, so you'll want to make sure it's easy to adjust if multiple people of different heights plan on using it.

Additions you will need: Squat racks require a barbell, weight plates and storage for said weights, which come at an extra cost. Usually barbells can run you upwards of $100 and will vary depending on the bar length and style. Weight plates for squat racks usually consist of five, 10, 15, 25, 35 and 45 pounds -- even 55 pounds in some cases. Prices for these vary and are based on weight, brand and if it's sold individually or as a set. These can quickly add up, so it can be helpful to decide if your budget allows to purchase a set at a time or all at once. Additionally, if the squat rack you're eyeing doesn't have a rack for plate storage, you will need to buy one as well.

Choose a squat rack that fits your needs: "Focus your time and energy researching those racks that fit perfectly into your space and for the height of the people who will be using the rack," said Steve Stonehouse, VP of education and programming at Body Fit Training. You'll also want to check the quality of the machine. "There is a different quality and standard for commercial racks as opposed to personal racks," he explains. When deciding on the quality of the rack, something to consider is the type and thickness of the steel that was used in manufacturing. You should also consider the amount of weight and frequency of use that the squat rack will see.

Decide if you will use it for other exercises: You'll notice some squat racks are sold as just squat racks with two steel beams intended to hold a barbell and its bare bones. On the other hand, a lot of power cages function as a squat rack, a bench rack, a spotter and more, all of which is more versatile compared to a basic squat rack. Depending on what you're using it for, you may want to consider a power cage if you want a rack that can be used for squatting, bench pressing or other exercises.

Use the safety bars: Squat racks come with "safety arms" which are supposed to assist you if you fail a lift. Stonehouse also recommends choosing a squat rack with a wide base or platform that prevents the rack from moving around when in use. Additionally, he advises to make sure the thickness or "gauge" of the steel is enough.

"The gauge can often be an important indicator of price and quality," he explains. He points out that usually commercial gyms use racks that use 7-gauge steel, whereas home-friendly racks use 11-gauge steel. "This is strong enough for almost any home gym scenario and will probably last you a lifetime," he said.

Bolt down the squat rack: Whenever possible, to add to safety measures, you should aim to have the rack bolted down. If you're unable to bolt the rack down, then you'll want to make sure the footprint is wide enough to provide the appropriate stability, even when using heavy weight.

Make sure it can hold a lot of weight: Making sure the squat rack you select can hold a lot of weight is important, especially if multiple people in your home plan on using it. Stonehouse says most standard home gym squat racks have weight capacities that can handle loads ranging from 300 to 1,000 pounds.

How to set up before using your squat rack: Before you even use your squat rack you'll want to set up the barbell on the rack appropriately for your height. You'll want to set it up so the J-hooks are shoulder height.

Check your foot positioning: If you're using the squat rack to squat, you'll want to take a few steps back from the J-hooks so there's clearance for you and the barbell to move. "But make sure you're staying over the safety "spotter" arms. "The safety arms don't do you any good if you step far enough back to where they can't help you," said Stonehouse.

Choose the right barbell: In order to use a squat rack, you'll need a barbell, which you will have to purchase separately. Generally speaking, most squat racks are designed to hold a 7-foot barbell. "This will provide around 52 inches of grippable barbell shaft between the sleeves [arms of the barbell], so it will fit on a 48-inch wide squat or bench press rack with the sleeves sitting just outside both sides of the rack." Some 6-foot bars are made to the same dimensions but with the sleeved ends cut short, so they also fit in a 48-inch wide rack. Make sure to do your research first so you choose the right barbell for your needs.