The squat is the most basic, yet difficult movement to master. It can be done anywhere and requires only one simple piece of equipment: a solid squat rack that supports your back and enables you to place weight plates on it. The best budget squat racks are typically made primarily with metal bars attached to the wall so that you can safely load the barbell without any worries about safety or having enough room for a proper depth.
The Squat Rack is the perfect solution for space-conscious individuals, gyms of all sizes, or even individuals who want to build linebacker-sized muscles in the comfort of their own home.
A good squat rack can be used with a variety of different exercises, from bench presses to shoulder shrugs. It’s important to note, though, that the squat rack is only as good as its ability to support the weight loads placed on it. You should also decide how much room you have and which type of squat rack configuration works best for your space and loading needs.
Once you decide what your budget is and which features you need, it’s time to begin shopping around for the best budget squat rack option that suits your needs.
We ‘ve found the best rated, most durable, and safest squat racks for home use.
Best Budget Squat Rack
1. Body Solid Squat Rack
The Body Solid Squat Rack is a compact, durable piece of gym equipment that can be used for numerous exercises. It weighs in at just over 100 lbs., so it will take a little effort to assemble and place in the desired location. It is made of galvanised steel with a powder-coated finish for extra durability. The rack is sold pre-assembled, which makes for an easy installation process if you have the necessary tools available to tighten all of the nuts and bolts. The bar holders measure 24” on both sides and are adjustable up to 32”, which allows for a variety of exercises without any modifications needed.
The bar holders feature a unique double-prong pin that offers added security and stability. The rack can support a maximum weight of 500 pounds, and the metal frame measures six feet in height. This squat rack is sure to hold up to rigorous use over time, even if it is used by individuals who are very strong or who are eager to lift heavy weights. It can be used for a variety of exercises and features an adjustable height that makes it easy to use for people of different heights. The squat rack comes with Olympic-sized weight plates and allows for the addition of specialty bars, such as those used in Olympic lifts.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Pre-assembled for easy installation-Secure bar holders with added safety pin
Cons:
- A bit heavy and bulky to move around, especially if you don’t have assistance, or are a smaller individual.
2. GoFit Squat Rack With Pull Up Bar
The GoFit Squat Rack is designed to offer users a sturdy and secure base that can withstand intense weight training. It’s similar in size and design to some of the more expensive squat racks on the market, but it offers most of the same benefits at a very affordable price. The rack is made entirely out of high-quality steel and has been finished off with an attractive black powder coating.
The bar holders are located in the front of the rack, which allows for a wide range of exercises. The rack features a 9-position pin that can be adjusted to fit most Olympic bar sizes. The pull up bar has been made from cast iron and is mounted on a metal bar that can be easily removed when you don’t need it. The pull up bar is adjustable at the top and also features an optional safety strap to secure it in place when you aren’t using it. There are no tool-free assembly options, but assembly is pretty easy thanks to the pre-drilled holes that are included in the pack.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Sturdy, sturdy, sturdy. This squat rack is a beast.
- Fairly easy to assemble. It’s not difficult and requires no tools.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Adjustable shelves make it easy to set aside weights and other items while you workout.
- Great for pull ups as well. You can add on an additional pull up bar if you want more space for them.
- There’s enough room in the pull up bar to fit 2 people
- Adjustable height
- Has wheels so that it is easily movable during workouts. Handles can be detached when not needed
Cons:
- It’s very heavy and may require at least 2 people to assemble or move.
- Can dent easily and the paint can wear off.
- When set at full extension, the frame is not very stable and may rub up against the door.
- As it is adjustable in height, one will still have to find a way to get down from that height (unless ceilings or floors are very low).
3. CAP Barbell Power Rack Station
This squat rack is built to offer users easy storage and transportation options. It can be used in an apartment, a home gym, or even a commercial gym. The rack is made from heavy-duty steel that has been powder-coated for added durability. It features a pullup bar that measures 10” x 32” and will fit most power bars. This unit also has 1” hole spacing on the uprights to allow for additional accessories such as dip stations or chin up bars.The unit weighs in at 250 pounds and supports 300 pounds of weight capacity.
Each side of the rack comes with a bar holder that measures 24” x 36”. These holders are designed to fit many different types of bars including Olympic, Powerlifting, and even some specialty bars. The unit also features a safety pin that can be used to secure each bar holder in place if you need extra comfort or security while lifting weights.
It can be used for multiple exercises such as bench presses, squats, and dips for target work or to mix it up. It features an adjustable depth up to 45 inches and can accommodate lifters ranging from 4 feet 12 inches to 6 feet 11 inches in height.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Made from heavy-duty steel
- Large bar holders are well spaced out and don’t require you to lift your arms up too far to grab the bar.
- Powder coated finish is very durable and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
- It’s very easy to set up. No tools are needed as everything has pre-drilled holes for convenient assembly.
- There is plenty of room between the bottom of the rack and the ground, which makes it perfect for those who prefer to tuck their knees during squats.
- The pull up bar can be detached easily when not in use.
- It has wheels that allow you to move it around easily during workouts.
Cons:
- The adjustable height can be a bit of a pain, especially when you’re trying to get one that is the correct fit for your height.
- The pin that secures the bar holders in place can be hard to use (although it has a guide on the side to help you put them in place).
- There isn’t a whole lot of room between each bar holder, which means that you have to lift your arms up higher than with some other models.
4. Iron Gym Total Upper Body Fitness Center
This squat rack offers a multitude of benefits over other squat racks. It is made from steel that has been powder-coated for durability. It features 14 gauge uprights, 29mm chrome pins, and a 1”-diameter hole spacing for a wide range of accessories including barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and even sandbags.
The unit also has an adjustable depth and bench-height from the ground up to the top of the squat bar. The bench is 60 inches in height at its highest position and can be adjusted in order to accommodate lifters who are anywhere between 4 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 3 inches tall. The unit can hold up to 1000 pounds of weight on each end.
Pros:
- Can be used for multiple exercises such as bench press, dips, shoulder press, and squats
- Heavy duty steel construction makes it sturdy and durable
- Large holes are spaced out to allow for more accessory equipment.
- Extra accessories can be stacked on top of each other.- Super easy to assemble. No tools required for most parts of the assembly.
- Weight capacity is 1000 pounds in each end and can support lifters ranging from 4’10″ to 6’3″.
Cons:
- The height adjustment can be a little tricky. The unit is fairly heavy and it can be difficult to get the right adjustments.
- It doesn’t have wheels, so it can be difficult to move when it’s fully loaded with accessories.
- Assembly is a bit complicated. It may be difficult for those who are not experienced with this type of assembly.
5. Iron Gym Universal Bench And Lat Pulldown Station
This really cool squat rack can be used for multiple exercises such as bench press, dips, shoulder press, and squats. It features an adjustable depth up to 45 inches and a bench that measures from 60 inches to 80 inches in height.
The unit weights in at about 200 pounds and supports up to 300 pounds of weight capacity. It also features 29mm chrome pins instead of the traditional webbing for increased durability. The unit is designed to support a wide range of exercises and it can be used for multiple workouts.
The design and color of this unit are super cool. It features a black powder-coated finish, and blue adjustable lat bars with a metal tube that locks into place for added security during workouts. The unit comes fully assembled, so there is no need to hassle with lengthy assembly procedures before you can start working out. And it comes with a 5 year warranty so that you can purchase with confidence.
Pros:
- Can be used for multiple exercises such as bench press, dips, shoulder press, and squats
- Heavy duty steel construction makes it sturdy and durable
- Large holes are spaced out to allow for more accessory equipment.
- Extra accessories can be stacked on top of each other.- Super easy to assemble. No tools required for most parts of the assembly.
- Weight capacity is 1000 pounds in each end and can support lifters ranging from 4’10″ to 6’3″”.
Cons:
- Assembly is a bit complicated. It may be difficult for those who are not experienced with this type of assembly.
- The adjustable height could be better, especially for taller people. You may have to adjust it several times before you get it right, which can be a pain.
- There is no weight limit that’s listed, so it could potentially hold much more than the official weight limit of 300 pounds (although it should be fine for most lifters).
Features To Lookout For In A Squat Rack
Apart from the standard features, there are a number of other things that you should look out for when looking for a squat rack. Things like weight capacity, height adjustment capability and durability are all important factors to consider when you’re making your choice.
Most squat racks are made from steel or cast iron, which can be very stable for your workout. If you use the rack for squats, bench press, and deadlifts, it’s critical that the unit has extra stability. Also, if you plan to use it for several different types of exercises such as dips and pull-ups, an adjustable bench that goes up to 30 inches will be great for stability.
Bars that are spaced 45 inches apart can hold more than 500 pounds, so this is a factor to consider. The standard spacing of most racks is 45 inches, which means that the weight capacity is pretty high. Some racks feature bars that are spaced at 50 inches, which means that you can hold more weight in each end.
The height adjustment and range of height adjustment is important as well. You will need to raise it all the way up to the ceiling when you do squats and deadlifts, so you should look for a rack that will stand up on its own (and doesn’t have a bar in the middle). Most squat racks can be adjusted between 6 feet tall and 7 feet tall.
Conclusion
Depending on the purpose of your squat rack, you can choose from several different options. For example, you can go for a freestanding rack for deadlifts, or a squat rack that can support an entire home gym.
Improving your home gym will not only help you with your workout but will also make an enormous difference in your overall health. If you establish a routine at home, you’ll be committed to the process and will be able to stay on track with your fitness goals.
Whatever space and budget limitations you may have, there is surely a good option for you out there.
