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Best Power Racks

Updated April 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
FITNESS REALITY X-Class Olympic Power Cage
FITNESS REALITY
X-Class Olympic Power Cage
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Most Durable
Bottom Line

Due to its impressive weight capacity and endless workout possibilities, our fitness expert notes that this power rack can accommodate experienced lifters.

Pros

The high-quality tubular steel frame is sturdy and durable. Holds up to 1,500 pounds. Dual multi-grip pull-up bars and adjustable rubber dip handles offer versatility. Rubber-coated safety bars prevent banging and scratching. Relatively easy to assemble.

Cons

Heavy and bulky. Somewhat pricey.

Best Bang for the Buck
Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Power Cage
Sunny Health & Fitness
Power Zone Power Cage
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A versatile midrange power rack designed to balance varied exercises with space-saving concerns; perfect for small home gyms.

Pros

A 1,000-pound capacity power cage that won't break the bank. Can stand freely or be bolted down. Includes pull-up bar and spotter bars. The cage features 18 vertical height settings.

Cons

This model has trouble fitting accessories.

HulkFit Multi-Function Adjustable Power Cage
HulkFit
Multi-Function Adjustable Power Cage
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

A heavy-duty power cage that offers variety by itself and can also welcome more accessories; it's perfect for advanced lifters, according to our expert.

Pros

Durable steel construction provides stability and safety. Maximum weight capacity of 1,000 pounds gives all lifters plenty of room for improvement. Varied grips for pull-ups. Includes two safety bars, dip bars, and four J-hooks. Assembly tools included.

Cons

Lat pull-down bar and cable can be incorporated but must be purchased separately.

CAP Deluxe Power Rack
CAP
Deluxe Power Rack
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Sturdy & Versatile
Bottom Line

A versatile, well-built workout station that is manufactured using 12- and 14-gauge steel.

Pros

This power rack has a 3-step powder-coat finish and capped frame ends to guard against oxidation. The model also features two plate posts, two J-cup bar catches, two safety catches, and a pull-up bar.

Cons

Some users had a bit of trouble with the assembly because the parts didn't line up perfectly.

Ethos Power Rack 1.0
Ethos
Power Rack 1.0
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Our fitness expert loves this power rack for its high-quality build and many premium features and recommends it to anyone looking for a home gym setup.

Pros

This adjustable power rack comes with two pull-up attachments to get an intense full-body workout and J-hooks and spotters for safety and to prevent damage to equipment. For stability, it has a powder-coated rectangular steel frame and 11-gauge backer plates.

Cons

They do not sell additional J-hooks for this power rack.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

36
Models
Considered
189
Consumers
Consulted
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Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best power racks

A power rack is one of the most comprehensive pieces of home gym equipment you can buy. You can use it to perform a variety of upper body, lower body, and core workouts that help you tone and strengthen while improving your flexibility, balance, and overall fitness.

Also known as a power cage or squat cage, a power rack has a durable frame that allows you to safely perform lifts. You can position safety bars and J-hooks at various heights to assist with bench presses, squats, and other exercises. Some models are half the size of a normal power rack, while larger and more advanced models may utilize pulleys, resistance bands, and weights to create a versatile workout.

Because power racks have so much potential, it’s important to find one that suits your needs as you progress through your fitness journey.

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The squat is one of the most popular exercises, as it targets multiple muscles and boasts a lot of slight variations. Squats tone and strengthen your glutes, calves, hamstrings, quads, abs, and core.

Key considerations

Rack type

There are a variety of home racks and lifts for fitness enthusiasts, but two types are commonly referred to as power racks: the half cage and the full cage.

Half cage: Sometimes called a “squat rack,” a half cage features two vertical posts connected by horizontal beams at the top and bottom. Half cages take up less space than full cages. The weight capacity and price tag also tend to be smaller. Half cages are great for beginners and intermediates. Experienced lifters may also find value in them, provided the weight limits aren’t too restrictive. Half cages also allow for better movement around the device, particularly when doing overhead lifts.

Full cage: A full cage has four vertical posts instead of two for enhanced durability, stability, and versatility. With a full cage, you can perform intense, high-weight workouts. Full cages take up more space than half cages and can sometimes be used by two people at once.

Expert tip
The most common mistake when it comes to using a power rack is laziness. People just don’t want to bother re-adjusting the safety pins and J-hooks, so they go straight to performing the exercise. Take your time to prepare this piece of equipment and adjust it to your specific needs. 
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Size

You'll need ample space to comfortably fit a power rack in your home. Most racks are 4 x 4 feet, though some may be longer. Consider the fact that incorporating a weight bench will extend the length.

In terms of height, many power racks stand about 7 feet tall. You’ll want to situate your power rack in a room with a tall enough ceiling to accommodate it.

Bear in mind that you’ll need more space than the mere dimensions of the rack. When you work out, you’ll need a comfortable amount of space in, around, and perhaps even above the rack.

Exercises

A power rack allows you to exercise without a spotter by incorporating safety bars that catch barbells when dropped. Presses, squats, shrugs, and other lifts can be performed. Power racks incorporate free weights and free movements; the motions of the exercises aren’t restricted or guided like other machines, which means you can target more muscles and areas of your body.

In addition to lifts, some power racks allow for pull-ups, incline push-ups, lat pull-downs, dips, and other exercises that incorporate free weights or resistance bands

Additional investment

Most power racks are simple cage apparatuses that don’t come with accessories. You may need to need to invest in barbells, weights, pulleys, bands, and maybe even a bench to make the power rack a comprehensive exercise site. Plates can be particularly expensive, so keep this in mind as you budget for your home gym.

Weight capacity

Half cages have a lower maximum weight capacity than full cages. Check the weight capacity before purchasing a power rack to make sure it aligns with your current and future goals. Bear in mind that the weight capacity may differ depending on the exercise being performed. For example, bench presses may have a lower weight capacity than pull-ups, as the former incorporates more force.

Weight

Most power racks weigh at least 100 pounds, but larger models may weigh twice as much. Once set up, a power rack is difficult to move.

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Did You Know?
A power rack can help you improve strength and even lose weight, but it’s not the best for cardiovascular fitness. For that, you’ll want an elliptical, treadmill, or rowing machine.
Staff
BestReviews

Features

Increments

The more increments a power rack has, the more personalized your workout will be. Some power racks have a limited number of increments, whereas others give you lots of options. You may appreciate a power rack with increments that are labeled or numbered. This can help you keep track of where to position the bar on different workouts.

J-hooks

Many power racks come with J-hooks. The hooks are used to catch and harness the bar when you perform bench presses and other exercises. The J-hook cradles the bar and prevents it from rolling off — a vital safety feature.

Not all J-hooks are created equal. The best J-hooks are durable and strong enough to withstand the force of a dropped bar … but perhaps not so abrasive that they dent or scratch the bar. Depending on quality, you may want or need to purchase additional J-hooks for your rack.

Attachments and accessories

Some power racks come with useful accessories, such as a weight bench or lat pull-down bar. This saves you from having to buy these items separately, and often, the price of buying the items in a bundle is cheaper than buying them separately.

Storage pegs

Some power racks double as plate storage, featuring heavy-duty pegs that can hold plates when the rack isn’t in use. As weight plate trees can be expensive and cumbersome, you may want to seriously consider a power rack with this type of storage, especially if you’ve got a lot of plates and bars.

Color

Most power racks are black or stainless steel. A handful of companies make power racks — usually of the half-cage variety — in different colors or with a splash of color to make an otherwise drab piece of equipment look more inviting.

Expert tip
To fully stabilize the power rack, make sure it has some plates on the plate holder bars on the sides.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Accessories


Adjustable weight bench

Most power racks don’t come with a weight bench, but it’s useful to have one, as you can use it to incorporate a variety of exercises.

Resistance bands

Resistance bands open the door to an array of flexibility and toning exercises. It’s an inexpensive and easy way to diversify your workout.

Yoga mat

Stretch and exercise your core with a versatile yoga mat. A yoga mat can also provide comfort when performing squats and other exercises within the cage.

Barbell

Most power racks don’t come with a barbell, so you’ll have to buy one separately.

Dyk3
Did you Know?
J-hooks and safety bars may include plastic covers or inserts. This allows them to catch a  dropped bar without denting it, which in turn helps preserve the integrity of the bar.
Staff
BestReviews

Power rack prices

Inexpensive

For under $250, you can purchase a half cage that allows for a variety of workouts. Notably, it may not have a high weight limit or any additional features or accessories.

Mid-range

You’ll find plenty of full power cages for $250 to $500. Items in this range may only come with a few features, but they’ll be of heavy-duty construction with reasonable weight limits.

Expensive

High-end power racks for fitness enthusiasts range from $500 to $1,000 or more. These products offer a large weight capacity and durable construction, and many come with a barbell or bench.

Tips

  • Create a plan. A lot of exercises can be done with a power rack, but for the best workout, you need a plan of action. Create a fitness plan before you start working out, and adhere to it in order to meet your goals.
  • Track exercises. With a power rack, you can adjust the height of the bar depending on the exercise you’re doing. Keep track of that height so when you return to the rack, you can start exercising right away.
  • Stretch and rest. Prepare your body for success by regularly stretching before and after exercising. Proper rest helps your muscles recover and avoid injury.
  • Add and remove weights evenly. Anytime you use a barbell, load and unload the plates by alternating sides to keep the weights as even as possible. Avoid leaving one side heavier than the other.
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Power racks welcome both types of bars: 1-inch standard bars and 2-inch Olympic bars. If you use Olympic bars, be sure to acquire a power rack that can withstand a lot of weight.

FAQ

Q. What’s the most effective way to use a power rack?

A. You may use your power rack in various ways depending on your fitness goals, but generally speaking, users focus on toning and building muscle. While power racks allow for a variety of exercises, it’s up to you to develop a plan with a trainer or through an online portal or app. Note that if your program doesn’t involve squats, bench presses, or other lifts, a power rack may not be the best investment.

Expert tip
While fully loading one side of the bar before moving to the other side may seem easier, don’t do that! Don’t be lazy, and load one of the big 45 lb plates on each side first. That will stabilize the bar, making sure it doesn’t tip over. Tipping over can leave you injured and cause property damage.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Q. What are the assembly requirements?

A. Most power racks require careful assembly. Proper tools and attention are required to build a power rack that is safe and effective. Some companies may offer expert assembly for an additional cost. If you plan on doing it yourself, it’s best to assemble with another person due to the heavy nature of the equipment. Construct the rack where it will be used, as it will be too heavy and bulky to move from room to room.

Q. Does a power rack require maintenance?

A. Most power racks don’t require a lot of maintenance. After use, you should wipe down any parts you’ve had contact with using sanitizer. Regularly check to make sure there are no loose parts. Set up your power rack in a dry, cool location to prevent corrosion and rust from occurring over time.

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