11 Best Squat Racks to Buy in 2022

A squat rack is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any gym. With a squat rack, a barbell, some weight plates, and a weight bench, you can perform hundreds of exercises to build muscle and get stronger. I consider these pieces a part of the ‘core four’, which are the essentials for most gyms.

Squat racks can range in size, price, features, attachment compatibility, strength, quality, etc., which can be a challenge when narrowing down a list of potential options.

In this article, I’ll take you through some of the best squat racks to buy in 2022. Whether you’re a powerlifter, a CrossFitter, an Olympic weightlifter, or just somebody who wants to stay fit, this article covers everything.

TLDR; The REP PR-5000 is our top pick because of its features, configuration possibilities, and price. Moreover, it accepts dozens of attachments and is backed by one of the fastest-growing home gym brands in the industry.

Best Squat Racks (Updated September 2022)

Each rack outlined here has been personally tested by the team at Garage Gym Lab or meticulously researched through in-depth spec comparisons, user reviews, and trusted feedback from industry experts.

• Best Squat Rack for Most People – REP PR-5000 v2
• Best Premium Squat Rack – Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0
• Best Budget Squat Rack – REP PR-1100
• Best Wall Mounted Squat Rack – PRX Profile Pro Squat Rack
• Best Half Rack – Rogue Monster Lite Half Rack
• Best Squat Stand – Rogue SML-2C Squat Stand
• Best Squat Rack for Beginners – Titan T-3 Power Rack
• Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces – Bridge Built Phoenix Rack
• Most Versatile Squat Rack – Prime Fitness Prodigy HLP Rack
• Best Combo Rack for Powerlifters – Rogue Combo Rack
• Best All-in-One Squat Rack – Force USA G6 All-in-One Trainer

---

Table of Contents

1. The 11 Best Squat Racks
2. Types of Squat Racks
3. Important Factors to Consider
4. FAQ’s

---

REP PR-5000 v2 – Best Squat Rack for Most People

Price: Starting at $945.93 w/ Free Shipping
Tube Size: 3×3 11-Gauge
Hardware Size: 1″
Hole Spacing: 2″
Footprint: 39″-69.5″ long x 50.5″ wide
Height: 80″ or 93″
Numbered Uprights: Yes
Color: Multiple
Made in: China

I’ve owned the REP PR-5000 since 2020. It’s well-made, aesthetic, and includes several nice attachments, including the lat pulldown/low row. I’m a big fan of 3×3 racks with 1″ holes because they get the best attachments, and it’s how the market is moving overall. When you factor in the money, the PR-5000 is a great option.

You can purchase the PR-5000 as a four-post or six-post rack with either a 30″ or 41″ interior depth. Either depth is more than enough to accommodate lifters. You can also purchase the rack in an 80″ or 93″ height. I highly recommend the 93″ height unless your ceiling clearance doesn’t allow it. The taller height gives you more hole options for attachments and provides a fuller range of motion on pull-ups.

One of my favorite features of the PR-5000 is the outside upright width of 47″. This gives you more room to cleanly rack and un-rack your bar with little concern of clipping the uprights with your plates. Compare this to Rogue, which uses a 49″ width on their 3×3 racks. That extra inch on each side sits closer to the plates, which can lead to you hitting the uprights.

If you purchase the four-post rack, you will need to either bolt it down or use the front foot extensions. My PR-5000 was purchased and originally built as a 6-post rack, but I’ve since converted it into a half-rack with shorter 16″ crossmembers (same as plate storage crossmembers) and the front foot extensions. It includes the lat pulldown/low row and plate storage, and it’s absolutely rock solid.

While this rack claims to be 3×3 with 1″ holes, that isn’t entirely accurate as REP uses the metric system vs. the imperial system (US-made racks). Therefore the uprights are actually 2.95×2.95, and the holes are around 0.98″. This will affect certain US-made attachments. Single pin attachments work just fine. For example, I can use Rogue Fitness j-cups on the REP rack without issue. However, attachments that span multiple holes will potentially not work since the hole spacing is slightly shorter. Each hole includes laser-cut numbers for easy identification.

REP has numerous accessories, including various safety options, different J-cups, ISO arms, the lat pulldown/low, etc. Overall, it’s a highly configurable rack that will function great and look great.

Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack – Premium Squat Rack with Excellent Features

Price: Starting at $2,265
Tube Size: 3×3 11-Gauge
Hardware Size: 1″
Hole Spacing: 2″
Footprint: 76″ Long x 49″ Wide
Height: 90.375″, 100.375″, or 108.375
Numbered Uprights: Yes
Color: Multiple
Made in: USA

The Rogue Monster series is one of the most impressive rack lineups on the market. Including squat racks, folding racks, and power racks, it’s a comprehensive lineup that gets the most research and development from Rogue.

The RM-6 is the shining star in the line. This is a 6-post rack, meaning it’s not the best option if you’re tight on space. If you’re looking for something smaller but still premium, check out the Rogue RM-4 or RM-3. In terms of dimensions, the RM-6 has a footprint of 76″ long x 49″ wide. You can pick from three heights, including 90.375″, 100.375″, and 108.375″.

One downside of this rack is the 49″ width. A 49″ width creates less room for error when racking and re-racking a barbell because there isn’t as much space between the plates and the uprights. As such, you’re more at risk of clipping the uprights. I don’t think this is a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s one of the primary reasons we named the REP PR-5000 (47″ width) the best overall rack.

The RM-6 is constructed with 3×3 11-gauge steel, and it comes with 1″ holes and 2″ spacing. A unique feature of all Monster racks is the keyhole design on the side holes. While still 1″, the side holes include a smaller notch beneath, opening up more attachment compatibility. Rogue even sells attachments specifically for these keyholes.

Regarding attachments, Rogue has the most comprehensive lineup of any company in the industry. From basic J-cups to sophisticated lever arms, they have something for everyone. Not to mention their attachment quality is top-notch. Thanks to the steel size and 1″ hardware, you can also easily attach accessories from other companies like Sorinex, REP, etc.

You have several configuration options when building the RM-6, including pull-up bars, J-cups, safeties, and more. I recommend picking the single pull-up bar for the front, the nameplate for the back, the Monster sandwich cups, and the safety straps. The sandwich cups and safety straps are major improvements over the standard cups and pin & pipe safeties.

REP PR-1100 – Best Budget Squat Rack

Price: $379.99 w/ Free Shipping
Tube Size: 2×2
Hardware Size: 1″
Hole Spacing: 3″
Footprint: 48″ Long x 58″ Wide
Height: 82″ or 84″
Numbered Uprights: Yes
Color: Multiple
Made in: China

The REP PR-1100 is the most economically-priced rack in REP’s catalog. With multiple colors, a flat foot design, a lat pulldown/low row attachment, and a price of under $400 shipped, it’s hard to ignore the value it delivers. This basic squat rack is ideal for budget-minded, beginner, or recreational lifters.

In terms of construction, the PR-1100 is built with 2×2 14-gauge steel, which creates a weight capacity of 700 lbs. This power rack has a flat-foot design, so you don’t have to bolt it into the ground. Being a lighter rack, you will notice more sway when performing dips or racking a heavy squat, but structurally, it’s very safe. If you add the weight storage section and/or the lat pulldown/low row attachment, the stability increases significantly, and you’re still in the budget zone.

The PR-1100 uses 1″ holes, spaced 3″ apart. This isn’t uncommon for a budget rack, but when combined with the 2×2 upright, your attachment compatibility from outside companies is more limited. REP does sell the lat attachment, the weight storage, a dip attachment, and a landmine, so you’re still getting a versatile system at an affordable price.

The safety system on this rack is a simple chrome-plated pin, but it’s unique in two ways. The first is that it extends out from the rack by about 4.5″, essentially serving as another J-cup or barbell holder. The second is that it holds the dip attachment.

The footprint on the PR-1100 will appeal to those working in smaller spaces. Most of the rack is 48″ wide except for the rear stabilizer, which is 58″. The total depth is 48″, not including the lat pulldown attachment or weight storage. The height will either be 84″ or 82″, depending on which way you have the multi-grip pull-up bar facing. The multi-grip pull-up is one of the best features of this rack. Most budget racks only have a single pull-up bar, so to get something with multiple options is a huge plus. It offers neutral, straight, and angled grips for lat training. One side is 1.25″ in diameter while the other is 2″, so you can also train two grip styles.

All-in-all, for the money, it’s hard to beat the PR-1100. This is simply a great budget power rack. For more, you can read my full PR-1100 review.

PRX Profile Pro Squat Rack – Best Wall-Mounted Squat Rack

Price: Starting at $849
Tube Size: 3×3
Hardware Size: 1″
Hole Spacing: 2″
Footprint: 26.75″ Long x 52″ wide
Height: 73″, 90″, or 96″
Numbered Uprights: Yes
Color: Multiple
Made in: USA

PRX became a household name in the equipment space after landing a deal with Mr. Wonderful on Shark Tank in 2016. The once two-person business exploded into the premier wall-mounted squat rack manufacturer. These made-in-the-USA folding racks are very high-quality and include impressive specs and attachment compatibility.

I picked the Profile PRO over the Profile ONE from PRX because it includes 3×3 11-gauge steel with 1″ holes, and it comes in various colors. While the 2×3 Profile ONE is plenty sturdy, it doesn’t come with Westside hole spacing, which is one of the biggest reasons to go with a 2×3 rack. With this rack being a true 3×3 rack with 1″ holes and 2″ spacing, outside attachment compatibility is strong. PRX, of course, also sells attachments, including dip bars, spotter arms, pulley systems, benches, and more. The uprights also include laser-cut numbers for easy identification.

The biggest reason to go with a folding wall-mounted squat rack is to save space. They’re especially popular in garages where owners still want to park a car. The Profile PRO sits between 9″ and 22.5″ off the wall when folded up, depending on which version you purchase. These versions are separated by their different pull-up and height options. You can buy with a standard pull-up bar, a multi-grip pull-up bar, a kipping pull-up bar, or no pull-up bar. When folded out, the racks will sit from 26.75″ to 39.5″ inches from the ground. All of them are 52″ wide, which includes the bracket.

The unique design of the PRX folding racks is that they fold down instead of out as you see on others. Those ‘fold-out’ racks, mind you, came to exist after PRX invented their ‘fold-down’ rack. While this method creates very fast and easy action, it does increase height demands. For example, a 90″ Profile Pro rack will require 108″ of actual ceiling height.

Assembly of wall-mounted squat racks can be a little tricky, but PRX has solutions to help people with uneven stud spacing, ceiling clearance issues, baseboard bump-outs, etc. They also have videos available to walk you through the general assembly process. The brackets can accommodate 16″ or 24″ stud spacing, but you can also use a stringer/ledger board to mount.

If you’re looking for the best foldable squat rack, PRX will be hard to beat given their quality and excellent track record.

Rogue Monster Lite Half Rack – Best Half Rack

Price: $1,395
Tube Size: 3×3 11-Gauge
Hardware Size: 5/8″
Hole Spacing: Westside (1″) through bench zone and 2″ above
Footprint: 55″ or 62″ long x 53″ wide
Height: 90.375″
Numbered Uprights: Yes
Color: Black
Made in: USA

The Monster Lite Half Rack is a new addition to Rogue’s half-rack lineup. This rack includes several nice features, including Westside spacing, 3×3 uprights, a Rogue nameplate, etc.

The best thing about a half rack, in my opinion, is that you get efficient on-rack plate storage in a footprint similar to a four-post power rack. Not only that, but you don’t have to bolt the rack down, although you have the option if you want. The front foot extensions help stabilize the rack so that you can effectively lift off the front uprights and do pull-ups. These extensions include side holes so you can use band pegs. If you plan to perform banded movements, you will want to bolt the rack down.

All Monster Lite racks from Rogue are built with 3×3 uprights and include 5/8″ holes. This is a very common hole size, which accepts numerous attachments from Rogue and elsewhere. Monster Lite racks also include Westside hole spacing, which is 1″ through the bench zone. This helps dial-in bar placement on the bench press. The rack includes laser-cut numbers on every other hole through Westside and all holes above, which are spaced 2″ on center.

The Monster Lite Half Rack can be purchased in two depths: 17″ or 24″. My recommendation is to go with the 17″ to save on space. The 24″ option doesn’t give you more functionality unless you want to lift inside and you don’t have plates stored on the back. The rack comes with the weight storage pegs, a pull-up bar, J-cups, band pegs, and the front foot extensions. You can also purchase the safety spotter arms on the product page, which I highly recommend.

Aesthetically, this half rack looks outstanding. While I would like to see more color options like on some of the other Monster Lite racks, the all-black look is very nice. I also really like the Rogue all-black nameplate.

Rogue SML-2C Squat Stand – Best Squat Stand

Price: Starting at $535
Tube Size: 3×3
Hardware Size: 5/8″
Hole Spacing: Westside (1″) through bench zone and 2″ above
Footprint: 48″ Long x 49″ Wide
Height: 92″
Numbered Uprights: Optional
Color: Multiple
Made in: USA

The Rogue SML-2C is a part of their Monster Lite squat stand lineup. It’s built like the SML-2 but includes multiple color options and laser-cut numbers. With Westside spacing, numerous attachments, and over 800 4.9/5 star reviews, there’s much to like about this squat stand.

One of the biggest advantages of a squat stand is its footprint. The Rogue SML-2C is only 48″ long x 49″ wide, making it a strong option for the space-constrained lifter who wants a standalone rack at a solid price. Like other squat stands, this rack includes a flat foot base, so you don’t have to bolt it down. You can, however, purchase the floor mounting attachment if you want extra stability. This is a great option if you perform kipping pull-ups or banded movements. The stand is rated to hold over 1,000 lbs, so there is little concern over its overall strength and stability.

Like the Monster Lite Half Rack above, the SML-2C is built with 3×3 steel and uses 5/8″ hardware. Westside spacing through the bench zone helps fine-tune starting position, and 2″ spacing above is standard. With this squat stand, you have the option to include laser-cut numbers for an additional $50. This will include every other hole through the bench zone and every hole above. If it fits your budget, I would recommend the numbers. They help line up attachments easily, especially in the tighter-spaced Westside area.

While some squat stands don’t come with a pull-up bar, the SML-2C does. You can pick either the standard pull-up bar or the fat/skinny pull-up bar. With a max height of 88″ and 80.5″, respectively, this gives most users adequate height to perform full range of motion pull-ups.

You can purchase this stand in 11 different colors, which is a great benefit over the SML-2 and the more expensive SM-series squat stands. Regardless of which color you pick, the base will be black, creating a nice-looking two-tone aesthetic.

You will need to purchase the spotter arms with the rack if you choose to do so. I recommend them for safety. Overall, the SML-2C from Rogue offers tremendous value for a well-spec’d, and very-well reviewed squat stand.

Titan T-3 Power Rack – Best Squat Rack for Beginners

Price: Starting at $489.99 w/ Free Shipping
Tube Size: 2×3
Hardware Size: 11/16″
Hole Spacing: Westside (1″) through bench zone and 2″ above
Footprint: 32.75″ or 44.75″ Long x 54″ Wide
Height: 82″ or 91″
Numbered Uprights: No
Color: Black
Made in: China

Titan modeled the T-3 Power Rack after the old-school Westside racks. This low-profile, basic power rack is strong, versatile, and inexpensive. Beginner lifters looking for a rack they can grow into will love this rack, but it’s also suitable for lifters of all levels given its 1,000 lb capacity and other features.

The T-3 from Titan is constructed with 2×3 11-gauge steel and has a very small footprint. Buyers can pick between a 24″ depth or a 36″ depth as well as an 82″ or 91″ height. Unless space is challenging, I would recommend the 36″ depth and 91″ height. The Westside guys lift no problem in a 24″ rack, but it can feel claustrophobic for some people. The 91″ height will also allow most lifters to achieve a full range of motion on pull-ups.

With this being a small footprint four-post rack, I highly recommend that you bolt it down to the ground or a platform. This creates rock-solid stability and eliminates the risk of the rack tipping (mainly if performing kipping pull-ups or squatting heavy off the front of the rack).

The T-3 uses 11/16″ holes due to the metric system, but it’s very close to the 5/8″ holes used on imperial-based racks. Since these holes are slightly larger, you can use US attachments on the T-3, but there may be a very small amount of wiggle. The great thing about this rack, and Titan in general, is that they make dozens of attachments, so you should have no issue creating a versatile unit.

You will also find Westside hole spacing on the T-3, which is great for smaller bench adjustments. Above and below, you will have 2″ spacing, which is standard. The rack comes with two pull-up bars: a 1.25″ diameter bar and a 2″ bar.

With prices starting under $500 shipped, the Titan T-3 represents great value for a home gym power rack.

Bridge Built Phoenix Rack – A Portable and Space-Friendly Squat Rack

Price: Starting at $699
Tube Size: 3×3 11-Gauge
Hardware Size: 3/4″
Hole Spacing: 2″
Footprint: 48″ Long x 49″ Wide (when opened)
Height: 75″, 87″, or 99″
Numbered Uprights: Yes
Color: Multiple
Made in: USA

The Bridge Built Phoenix rack is an industry-first squat stand with a unique folding design. This is the best option for small spaces if you don’t want to wall-mount a squat rack. I’ve owned this rack since it launched in 2020 – it’s strong, small, and the craftsmanship is outstanding.

Most squat stands have a fixed footprint similar to the Phoenix rack (when opened). This rack measures 48″ long and 49″ wide, but where it shines is its ability to fold up to a mere 12″ in width. A handle sits in the middle of the rear cross-member with two articulating sides. Simple hitch pins keep them secure when in use, but once removed, lifters can pull up on the handle and collapse the rack for amazing space savings. It can sometimes require a little elbow grease, but it’s a seamless operation for the most part, and the result speaks for itself.

You can purchase the Phoenix Rack in multiple heights, including 75″, 87″, or 99″. If you want to add their adjustable pull-up bar, I recommend at least the 87″ height. This rack uses 3×3 uprights and 3/4″ holes spaced 2″. This hole size isn’t very common, so attachment compatibility from outside companies is limited. That said, Bridge Built does sell several attachments, including safety spotters, dip bars, landmines, leg rollers, etc. I’ll also add that their attachments are visually beautiful with a polycarbonate liner that exposes the steel or custom underlay beneath.

A great feature of the Phoenix rack, and something I 100% recommend, is the option to add a wheelset. This makes it much easier to maneuver around your gym. Another interesting and unique feature of this squat stand is the addition of carabiner holes in the uprights. There are smaller holes on the edges of the front and outer sides of every third hole. These holes let you clip in a carabiner for things like Crossover Symmetry, etc.

A common question with this rack is how stable and durable it is. Rest assured, this rack can handle the same load as any squat stand can. There are videos of Jujimufu lifting 700 lbs on the Phoenix rack with no sight of even the slightest concern. Another video shows 520 lbs being dropped on the safety arms – again, no concern.

The Phoenix Rack is a high-quality, USA-made foldable squat rack with unmatched space savings.

Prime Prodigy HLP Rack – Most Versatile Squat Rack

Price: Starting at $5,500
Tube Size: 3×3 11-Gauge
Hardware Size: 1″
Hole Spacing: 2″
Footprint: 62″ Long x 57″ Wide
Height: 92″
Numbered Uprights: Yes
Color: Multiple
Made in: USA

Prime Fitness wasn’t a household name in the home gym industry until they released the Prodigy rack. Prime has been making great equipment, particularly machines, for years, but this rack elevated their presence. With dual adjustable columns, dual fixed high pulleys, on-rack attachments, etc., its versatility is impressive.

While I don’t own the full rack, I have owned the Prime Prodigy Single Stack since early 2020, which is essentially just one-half of this rack. You can watch my video review above for a closer look. Everything is the same spec-wise, function-wise, cable-wise, etc., except the single stack cannot also be a rack.

The first thing to note about the HLP rack is that you can purchase it as a plate-loaded or selectorized rack. I prefer selectorized because adjustment speed is much faster than loading plates. The plate-loaded version is slightly cheaper, and it does offer one advantage in that you can switch from a 2:1 ratio to a 4:1 ratio on the adjustable column with the pull of a pin.

On the selectorized version, you order one of the two, and that’s what it is permanently. I recommend 2:1, which means you will feel 50% of the stated weight as opposed to 25% on the 4:1. Depending on which you pick, the high pulley will either be 1:1 or 2:1. This is another reason I recommend 2:1 on the adjustable column since it creates a 1:1 ratio up top.

The selectorized version of the Prime HLP rack includes two 350lb weight stacks, which is more than any other unit currently on the market. This is where those ratios come into play. On a 1:1 high pulley, you can feel 350 lbs of resistance.

The rack itself is constructed with 3×3 11-gauge steel, and it uses 1″ holes and 2″ spacing. The beauty of this piece is that the uprights have sliding cables, and attachment compatibility. For example, you can attach their lat pulldown seat to perform pulldowns or their low row feet to perform back rows, etc. This type of versatility makes the HLP rack one of the best squat racks on the market.

The rack ships freight, and it will arrive partially assembled. The rest of the assembly is relatively straightforward – I recommend having 1-2 other people help. The assembled unit measures 62″ long, 57″ wide, and 92″ high, which is fairly space-friendly considering everything you get with it.

If you’re looking for the best power rack with cables, the Prime HLP rack is a top contender.

Rogue Combo Rack – Best Combo Rack for Powerlifters

Price: $2,950
Tube Size: 3×3 7-Gauge
Hardware Size: N/A
Hole Spacing: 1″
Footprint: 60.4″ Long x 80.25″ Wide
Height: 29.46″-68.41″
Numbered Uprights: Yes
Color: Black
Made in: USA

If you’re a competitive powerlifter, specificity may be important to you. With combo racks being the IPF standard for competition, what better way to train than with an actual combo rack. The Rogue combo rack, for the money, represents a great option. It’s IPF approved and has received extremely positive feedback from users – even those who have used more expensive options.

Aside from specificity in competitive training, the biggest advantage of a combo rack is how quickly you can adjust it. You can go from benching to squatting very quickly, and you can also adjust the height of the J-cups and the safeties quickly. These adjustments are made possible with a jack system – the beauty of which doesn’t require you to unload the barbell – isn’t leverage cool?!

Another advantage to combo racks is the ability to angle the uprights inward, letting lifters use a wider grip on the bar for squatting. On the Rogue combo rack, you can angle them inward 5 degrees or leave them in the vertical position. These uprights are constructed with 3×3 7-gauge steel with laser-cut numbering, and the adjustable tubes are made of stainless steel.

The adjustable tubes can range in height on bench press from 29.46″ to 57.46″ and on squats from 40.41″ to 68.41.” The drop-in bench includes the Competition Thompson Fat Pad, which sits an IPF-spec’d 17.5″ off the ground. This bench also includes a large spotter deck for those PR attempts.

A downside to combo racks is that they take up more space than many squat racks. Due to its wide, angled base, it measures over 80″ in width. Its length is manageable at ~60″, and its height is no issue for any room. Another disadvantage of a combo rack is that it’s not nearly as versatile as a squat rack. This is made for squatting and benching only.

Force USA G6 – A Versatile All-in-One Squat Rack

Price: $3,999.99 (use code LAB5 to save 5%)
Tube Size: Varies
Hardware Size: 1″
Hole Spacing: 3″
Footprint: 63″ Long x 72″ Wide
Height: 91″
Numbered Uprights: No
Color: Black
Made in: Import

Where to start – that’s how I feel about All-in-One trainers because they do a lot. Force USA has one of the best reputations on the market when it comes to all-in-one trainers. They currently offer two plate-loaded trainers and three selectorized trainers. The G6 is the most economical of the three selectorized versions.

The G6 All-in-One Trainer includes two 220lb weight stacks connected to dual adjustable columns. This allows users to perform a variety of movements ranging from lat pulldowns to cable curls and everything in between. These pulleys carry a 2:1 ratio, so you’ll feel 50% of the stated load. Therefore, the max effective load is 110 lbs. This is adequate for many bodybuilding/accessory movements, but lat pulldowns and low rows may feel too light to some users. The more expensive G12 is another option, which includes dual 200 lb stacks but with a 1:1 ratio.

In addition to the cable options, the G6 also includes a Smith Machine with 12 locking positions. The smith machine is rated to over 770 lbs, and it includes a safety system that you can adjust based on the lift you’re performing.

The front uprights act as a normal squat rack with 2×3 steel and 1″ holes. These have wider spacing than most racks, but Force USA has all the attachments you need for their all-in-one trainer. In fact, they provide all 17 as standard, including things like safety spotters, a low row plate/leg press, a lat pulldown leg attachment, a dip attachment, various handles, and more. At the top of the rack are two independent multi-grip pull-up bars and a center ring for suspension trainers like TRX.

The footprint of the G6 is surprisingly compact considering everything you get. It measures 63″ long, 72″ wide, and 91″ tall. The unit will ship in two boxes, and assembly is required. At a minimum, you should get help from another person, but there is also the option for third-party assembly. It may be something to consider depending on your skills, the amount of time you have, and your temperament.

Types of Squat Racks

Power Racks

Power racks, or power cages, are the most popular type of squat rack. These can range in size and features, and generally speaking, they’re the best for most people. Power racks typically include a variety of holes for different types of attachments that can provide a lot of versatility in your training. They also include at least one fixed pull-up option, and their safety options are the most comprehensive of all squat racks.

If you have the space for a full-size power rack (four or six posts), I recommend one as the top squat rack choice.

Half Racks

Half racks are similar to power racks, except they’re smaller. A great benefit of most half racks is they include on-rack plate storage, which can be challenging on a four-post power rack. With a half rack, you’ll always lift outside of the rack. In other words, you don’t lift inside with safety straps or full safeties. Rather, you lift off the front with safety spotter arms. I often lift off the front of my power rack, so half racks are a great alternative.

These typically, but not always, have a smaller footprint and a lower price point. They include a pull-up option and the same holes for attachment configurations.

Wall-Mounted Racks & Folding Racks

Wall-mounted and folding racks have become very popular in the home gym space. As the name implies, these racks mount to the studs in your wall and fold out when you’re ready to lift. These are excellent options if you want to build a garage gym but still want to park a car in the garage. Another use-case would be building a gym in a small room inside your house.

Like any squat rack, wall-mounted racks will range in price and features. Most options will provide similar hole specs for attachments, but attachment options are generally limited compared to a power rack or a half rack.

Squat Stands

Squat stands are among the least expensive squat rack options. These include a flat-foot base, making them more portable and eliminating the need to bolt down. Depending on which squat stand you buy, it may or may not have a pull-up option. Many will include similar hole specs, but attachment options won’t be as high as a power rack.

While you may think a squat stand would provide a lot of space savings over a power rack or a half rack, that isn’t always the case. You can also purchase independent squat stands, which save a significant amount of space. However, they’re only used to rack your barbell – versatility is non-existent, and you don’t get any safety options.

Combo Racks

Combo racks are most commonly seen in powerlifting, specifically, competitive powerlifting. You can configure these racks for the squat or the bench press, and the biggest advantages are safety and adjustment speed. For instance, when training multiple athletes of different heights, you can use built-in “jacks” to adjust j-cup positioning quickly. Depending on the user, you can also quickly raise or lower the safety height.

All-in-One Squat Racks

All-in-One Squat racks, or all-in-one trainers, are highly versatile squat racks with many different attachments and features. These commonly include cables on both sides to use the rack as a functional trainer. Many of them will have an integrated smith machine in addition to regular uprights for free-weight training. If you want maximum utility in the smallest footprint, these are a contender but know that they’re among the most expensive squat racks available. You should also note that all-in-one trainers can often be “cheap.” If you buy one of these squat racks, buy from a reputable company with strong reviews. Force USA is a great example of a high-quality all-in-one squat rack manufacturer.

How We Ranked and Compared These Squat Racks

With hundreds of squat racks claiming to be the best, how do you choose the right one? At Garage Gym Lab, we’ve made it our quest to highlight products that are truly worth your money through in-depth reviews, comprehensive equipment spec sheets, and a network of trusted equipment experts.

Here are the key factors we considered when selecting the best squat racks in 2022:

Price

Squat racks can range in price from several hundred dollars to over $10,000 depending on the company, squat rack type, features, customization, etc. I always recommend starting with your budget and working your way down. While I live by the buy-once-cry-once mantra, know that you can always upgrade your squat rack. Many budget-friendly squat racks are functional, safe, and effective.

Footprint

One of the key factors in buying a squat rack is how much space it will take up. Measure your room and decide how much space you want to allocate to your rack. The good news is that there’s a squat rack for virtually every imaginable space. You can buy ultra-thin wall-mounted racks up to monstrous six and even eight-post racks. It’s also important to factor in height not only for ceiling clearance but also for pull-up height. For example, a 93″ rack may fit in your 8′ room, but you may hit your head on the ceiling when doing pull-ups.

Tube Size

Tube size is important for structural stability, weight capacity, and attachment compatibility. The most common tube sizes are 2×3 and 3×3 in 11-gauge thickness. These will generally hold 1,000+ pounds. They also come with the most attachment compatibility because many companies manufacture to these specs. You also may find smaller or larger tube sizes (2×2, 4×4, etc.) with thinner or thicker gauge steel (7-gauge, 14-gauge, etc.). I recommend 2×3 or 3×3 (11-gauge) for most people.

Hardware/Hole Size

Hardware size is important for attachment compatibility. The most common sizes are 5/8″ and 1″, although you’ll sometimes find 3/4″. All of these are perfectly acceptable from a structural perspective, but compatibility will differ. Consider that 3×3 racks with 1″ holes are becoming the most popular. Companies spend the most R&D on those racks and make the best attachments for them. Still, you can get great quality attachments with other hardware sizes.

Hole Spacing

In addition to hole size, it’s important to consider the spacing between them. You’ll most commonly see two types of hole sizing. The first is the standard 2″ spacing, which most manufacturers use. This offers a lot of physical hole options and lets most users find a comfortable position on lifts. The second type is Westside spacing, or 1″ spacing. This is commonly seen on 5/8″ holed racks. The benefit of Westside spacing is that it doubles the hole options and lets lifters find a perfect starting position. Keep in mind that Westside spacing exists only in the bench zone on most racks. Above, there will be 2″ spacing. You may also find 3″ hole spacing on budget squat racks.

Safety Options

Power racks will provide the most safety options, but all squat racks will provide some safety measures. You will most commonly see pin & pipe safeties come standard on many racks. From there, you can upgrade to safety straps, full safety bars, and half/spotter safety arms. I recommend upgrading to one or more of these, as they’re easier to set up, heavier-duty, protect your barbells better, and are much more versatile than pin & pipes.

Weight Capacity

Most squat racks are going to be able to support a lot of weight. I recommend avoiding anything incapable of holding 700 lbs, even if you don’t lift that much. For example, a 2×2 rack with 14-gauge steel should be rated for 700 lbs, making it a solid budget option. I recommend 2×3 and 3×3 squat racks for most people – these are generally rated to 1,000 lbs+.

Stability

Stability is an extremely important safety consideration. Some racks will require that you bolt them into the ground or a platform. Flat foot racks, six post power racks, half racks, and squat stands typically do not need to be bolted down. Four-post power racks, however, often need to be. If you see on a squat rack’s product page that bolting down is recommended, I highly recommend you do so. That said, there are ways to increase stability through rear stabilizers, front foot extensions, etc., available through the manufacturers. Stability is also important just from a usability perspective. A heavier/larger/bolted-down rack will sway less and feel more solid.

Attachments/Compatibility

In today’s strength equipment environment, versatility is key. Companies are constantly coming up with rack attachments to provide more training variety. Modular racks with front and side holes are highly adaptable and versatile. 2×3 racks with 5/8″ holes and 3×3 racks with 5/8″ or 1″ holes provide the most flexibility when it comes to attachments and compatibility. By compatibility, I mean with other companies. For instance, you can purchase a Rogue squat rack and use Sorinex attachments.

Keep in mind that racks made outside the USA use the metric system, and racks made within the USA use the imperial system. A rack made with the metric system may state that it’s 3×3 with 1″ holes, for example, but it’s actually 2.95×2.95 with 0.98″ holes. True 3×3, 1″ holed single pin attachments will work, but attachments that span multiple holes may not since the spacing isn’t quite the same.

Storage

A great benefit to modular squat racks is that they provide options for plate storage. Half racks and six-post racks are excellent options if you’re looking for integrated storage. You can also store plates on some four-post racks, but depending on the depth of the rack, the plates may interfere with some lifts. An additional benefit to plate storage is that it greatly increases the stability of the squat rack.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

In our opinion, the REP PR-5000 is the best squat rack for most people. It’s heavy-duty, highly configurable, and available in multiple sizes and colors. Not to mention it accepts loads of attachments to take your training up a notch.

If you’re looking for a premium option with the best attachments and strongest brand name, we recommend the Rogue RM-6.

Alternatively, we recommend the REP PR-1100 for budget shoppers looking for a basic squat rack at a great price.