Squat exercises help strengthen your back and leg muscles, boost your stamina, and increase overall power in your lower bod. While you can do them without equipment, adding weight to your squats while maintaining good form, effectiveness, and safety could call for an investment in a good squat rack.
The right squat rack can further enhance your workout routine by helping you perform a variety of other moves, like deadlifts, overhead presses, barbell lunges, and more.
We’ve rounded up our fave options below to help you find the squat rack of your dreams.
9 top-notch squat racks
- Best overall: SML-2 Rogue 90″ Monster Lite Squat Stand
- Best on a budget: Get RX’d One-Piece Squat Rack 2.0
- Best folding: PRX Performance Profile Folding Squat Rack
- Best for small spaces: Powerline Squat Rack
- Best for outdoors: Get RX’d Galvanized Titan Guillotine Squat Rack and Pull-Up Bar Combo
- Best for feature variety: Sunny Health & Fitness Power and Squat Rack
- Best combo rack: Body Champ Two Piece Set
- Best high weight capacity: PRX Performance Profile Squat Rack with Kipping Bar
- Best for beginners: Rogue S-1 Squat Stand 2.0
How we chose the best squat racks
We considered several factors when choosing our top squat rack picks:
- Quality. The struggle is real: You buy something nice, but then — ugh! It breaks after the first few uses. Each of our selections is made with quality materials, so your new rack should last for many squat seshes to come.
- Cost. Quality equipment can be expensive AF, so we dug deep to bring you top-tier options at a variety of price points. You’re sure to find one that fits your budget.
- Versatility. We looked for options to suit various workout needs, whether you’re looking for a rack that’s sleek and simple or something with a little more va-va-voom.
- User reviews. Actual users are the best source of info on whether a piece of equipment is top-notch or total trash. We scoured the feedback to make sure good reviews far outweighed any not-so-good ones.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $300
- $$ = $300–$500
- $$$ = over $500
Our 9 best squat racks of 2021
Here are the racks that will do your squat right.
Best overall: SML-2 Rogue 90″ Monster Lite Squat Stand
- Price: $$
- Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds (lbs.)
- Dimensions: 48 x 49 x 92 inches (in.)
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
With the versatility of a power rack and the efficiency and design of a squat rack, Rogue’s Monster Lite Squat Stand is one of our fave squat racks around. Great for users of all sizes and skill levels, this rack is equipped for a variety of movements, including squats, bench presses, pull-ups, floor presses, and many others.
We’re not the only fans of this Rogue squat rack: More than 800 reviewers agree. They tout its versatility and availability of workout options, as well as its sturdy construction and longevity.
A few users find the rack to be shaky if it’s not securely assembled, and others have discovered chipping paint over time. But most reviewers don’t mention these issues.
Best on a budget: Get RX’d One-Piece Squat Rack 2.0
- Price: $
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs.
- Dimensions: 38 x 48 x 36–66 in.
- Warranty: limited 2-year warranty
The Get RX’d One-Piece Squat Rack is a great option for those looking to drop it low without dropping too much dough. With a simple design, this rack is perfect for establishing a basic squat routine.
Users like this rack’s reasonable price and straightforward construction. It takes up little space and is great for getting in that daily exercise. Some users wish it offered more versatility and held more weight, but overall reviewers say it delivers a solid, quality workout.
Best folding: PRX Performance Profile Folding Squat Rack
- Price: $$$
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs. (1,000 lbs. with reinforcement)
- Dimensions: 26.75 x 52 x 73 in.
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
Taking up only 4 in. of wall space when folded, the PRX Performance Profile Folding Squat Rack offers a sleek, space-saving design. It’s designed for every fitness level, so you’ll get a quality workout whether you’re a squatting newbie or an Olympic-level pro.
This rack comes with all the hardware you’ll need for an easy install, which reviewers love. They also enjoy its easy-to-fold functionality and sturdy construction.
Best for smaller spaces: Powerline Squat Rack
- Price: $$
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Dimensions: 36 x 46 x 30–60 in.
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
Looking for a nonfolding squat rack that takes up little space? The Powerline has you covered. This freestanding half rack adjusts from 30 to 60 in. tall and gives you the ability to do flat, incline, and decline exercises.
Reviewers are fans of this rack’s light weight and small footprint, so they can easily move it around and store it. However, some wish it had a higher weight capacity — with a 400-lb. limit, it may not be the best option for those looking for a little more heft in their lift.
Best for outdoors: Get RX’d Galvanized Titan Guillotine Squat Rack and Pull-Up Bar Combo
- Price: $$$
- Weight capacity: 1,000 lbs.
- Dimensions: 70 x 48 x 94 in.
- Warranty: limited 2-year warranty
The second Get RX’d rack on our list features a 245-lb. base for extra stability in addition to weather- and rust-resistant galvanized metal for an ideal outdoor workout if you choose. This rack is all-inclusive, suitable for not only squats but also dips, bench presses, and pull-ups.
Users enjoy the rack’s versatile workout options, as well as its long lasting construction. Due to its large size, those without a suitable outdoor space (or a large enough indoor space) might want to consider other racks. This isn’t the most budget-friendly option, either, so make sure it’s the right one.
Best for feature variety: Sunny Health & Fitness Power Squat Rack
- Price: $$
- Weight capacity: 800 lbs.
- Dimensions: 42 x 47 x 85 in.
- Warranty: limited 1-year warranty
Featuring a heavy-duty frame, adjustable J-hooks, spotter arms, resistance band posts, and a swivel landmine post, the Sunny Health and Fitness Power Squat Rack offers a variety of exercise options, so your workouts never get stale. It also has knurling — a unique set of indentations that give you a better grip — on the pull-up bar, which most other racks don’t have.
Reviewers love that this rack offers versatility in a compact size. They also enjoy its high quality construction and eye-catching design. A few users mention that they had some assembly issues but still enjoyed the rack once they got it together.
Best combo rack: Body Champ Two Piece Set
- Price: $
- Weight capacity: 600 lbs.
- Dimensions: 52 x 42 x 60 in.
- Warranty: limited 1-year warranty
Offering the best of both worlds, the Body Champ Two Piece Set gives you the glute-building benefits of a squat rack with the iron-pumping power of a weight bench. This versatile rack comes with multiple seat cushions and back pad settings, as well as two catch sets so you can perform in any position. It also features a no-pinch design and two locking hooks for extra safety and an ouch-free workout.
Users are impressed with the Body Champ’s affordability and quality. They also enjoy its adjustability. But some taller users (over 6 feet) find it too short for their liking. Those looking to lift heavier weights may also want to pass on this rack, since it has only a 600-lb. capacity.
Best high weight capacity: PRX Performance Profile Squat Rack with Kipping Bar
- Price: $$$
- Weight capacity: 1,000 lbs.
- Dimensions: 39.5 x 52 x 90 in.
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
If CrossFit is your jam, the PRX Performance Profile rack might be the one for you. Capable of holding up to a whopping 1,000 lbs. of weight, it’s an ideal rack for pumping heavy iron like a pro. It also comes equipped with a kipping bar, so you can add pull-ups, muscle-ups, and toes-to-bar movements to your workout routine.
Reviewers say this rack’s foldability makes it a great addition to any home gym, regardless of how large your space is. They also enjoy its easy assembly and high quality materials. Some taller users (over 6 feet) find the kipping bar to be a bit lower than desired but overall have little difficulty using it.
Best for beginners: Rogue S-1 Squat Stand 2.0
- Price: $$
- Weight capacity: 1,000 lbs.
- Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 72 in.
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
If you’re a squatting newbie, the S-1 Squat Stand is a great option to get you started. It’s simple, takes up minimal space, and has plenty of well-spaced holes so you can get your bar height just right. It also comes with a set of J-hooks to hold your barbells (not all racks do!). And for an added cost, you can get extras like barbells, plates, and a bench.
Users enjoy this Rogue rack’s sleek and simple design, as well as its sturdy construction. Many reviewers have exclaimed how easy the rack is to move around their home gyms and how little room it takes up, making it perfect for not just beginners but beginners with small spaces.
Who should get a squat rack?
Squat racks are a terrific tool for anyone looking to work their major muscle groups (including legs, hips, back, abs, and arms) and get their strength training on. Strength training can help:
- increase muscle mass
- lower blood pressure
- reduce arthritis pain
- prevent heart disease and osteoporosis
Proper form is essential to avoid injury when squatting. If you have any preexisting injuries or pain, talk with a doctor before adding squats to your workout routine.
How to choose the perfect squat rack
Wish finding your squat rack soulmate were as simple as swiping right? We can’t promise that, but here are some things to keep in mind to make your search a little less stressful:
- Set your #goals. When shopping for any piece of workout equipment, it’s important to keep your goals in mind. Look for options that suit your workout needs — do you want something strictly for squats, or do you need your equipment to provide more workout options?
- Weigh your weights. Different racks can hold different max weight. Consider how much poundage you’re looking to lift to make sure your new squat rack can handle it.
- Check the warranty. No warranty,
nodef a problem! A warranty gives you peace of mind in case any harm or wear and tear befall your squat rack. - Consider your space. Avoid the headache of choosing a rack that’s far too large (or too small) for your space by knowing your preferred dimensions ahead of time. Living space a bit small or cramped? A half or folding rack may be the way to go.
- Know your budget. Don’t click “add to cart” before considering the cost. Overextending yourself by buying a rack that far exceeds your budget will lead to more pains than #gains in the long run.
- Peep the reviews. Always look at what actual users have to say about a piece of equipment. Reviews will give you the inside scoop, so you aren’t left with any unwanted surprises.
The bottom line
A squat rack is a great addition to any home gym. It can help you add to your strength training routine, shape your glutes, and work muscles throughout your body.
While we’ve rounded up just a few of our fave squat racks above, there’s a slew of options on the market. Choosing the right one for you depends on your specific needs, including your workout preferences, fitness level, and available space.
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