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Fitness enthusiasts who are starting a home gym would be wise to invest in a power rack. A power rack is considered safer than squat stands because the safety arms connect on both sides of the power rack, which can protect the lifter to a greater degree. They are also more solid and balanced.
The Best Budget Power Racks - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Rep Fitness PR-1100 Power Rack
- Best Budget Power Rack with Wall Mount: Rogue R-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack
- Most Versatile Budget Power Rack: Rep Fitness PR-4000 Rack Builder
- Best Budget Folding Rack: Force USA MyRack Folding Power Rack
- Best Budget Squat Rack: GRIND Fitness Alpha1000 Squat Stand
- Best Budget Power Rack for Small Spaces: Fringe Sport Commercial Squat Rack
The issue for some people is that a power rack is generally more expensive than a squat rack or squat stand. However, there are budget power racks that are friendly on the wallet and can still provide the safety a lifter needs. We have the best budget power rack options all on this list for your consideration when you're ready to invest in that home gym.
These power racks have been researched and approved by the ACTIVE Reviews Team, who made these choices based on research, experimentation, customer reviews, and prior knowledge in what to look for when it comes to a solid power rack.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Budget Power Rack - PR-1100 Power Rack
SPECS
- Dimensions: 85" H, 58.1" W, 48.5" D
- Rackable capacity: 700 lbs.
- Weight: 130 lbs.
- Finish: 14-gauge steel with paint in 4 colors (metallic black, red, blue, matte black)
The REP PR-1100 is a very strong and sturdy rack that will hold a lot of weight. REP Fitness had the beginner in mind when they produced this one. The steel uprights will last for a long time to come, and the holes are numbered so the user can easily adjust the J-cups and safety arms evenly on both sides of the rack.
The pull-up handles at the top not only help provide more stability, but you can use three different grips to perform the exercise in a way you're comfortable with. It comes in four different colors, and it can even be picked up in person if you're in the Pennsylvania area.
What We Like
- Holes in uprights are numbered
- Pull-up bar can be inverted for height
- Plastic-lined J-cups protect the barbell
- Choice of four colors to personalize
- 14-gauge steel provides ample support
What We Don't Like
- Safety arms have no covering
- No plate storage
- Can't be bolted down
BUY: PR-1100 Power Rack
Best Budget Power Rack with Wall Mount - Rogue R-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack
SPECS
- Dimensions: 90.375" H, 55" W Overall, 20.5" or 40.5" D
- Rackable capacity: Unknown
- Weight: 140-160 lbs.
- Finish: Black powder coat
The wall mount version of a squat rack allows you to set it up in a garage, basement, or any other room that you do a lot of different activities in. This rack looks great and will work very well. It comes in two sizes—20.5 inches and 40.5 inches deep. So, you can choose the rack you need based on the size of your workout space.
The weight capacity of this rack wasn't revealed by Rogue, but estimates from other reviewers based on their experience and comparable versions are around 1,000 pounds. You should make sure that your wall will support the weight you need to use and the ceiling is high enough for it to fit.
What We Like
- It folds away against the wall to save valuable space
- The quick-attach pull-up bar
- Mounting tools and pieces are included
What We Don't Like
- Very tall rack that may not fit in some rooms
- Stringer pair sold separately
BUY: Rogue R-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack
Most Versatile Budget Power Rack - REP Fitness PR-4000 Rack Builder
SPECS
- Dimensions: 80-93" H, 50.8" W, 16-41" D
- Rackable capacity: 1,000 lbs.
- Weight: Varies
- Finish: Powder Coat
This budget option is similar to a "build it yourself" toy set. You can choose the items, accessories, and even the number of uprights for the squat rack based on your individual needs and wants. They offer several attachments so you can create an all-in-one home gym, and more attachments are in development as of this writing.
The holes on the sides open even more attachment options, and all versions of this rack offer plenty of space for you to train however you need to without fear of bumping an upright. Measure your ceiling and floor space before making an order so you know the best sizes for the room you will exercise in.
What We Like
- Customizable to suit your needs
- Holes on all sides of uprights for attachments
- 2, 4, or 6 upright versions available
- Cable attachments can be added
What We Don't Like
- Not compatible with other racks
- The logo plate crossmember is required
BUY: REP Fitness PR-4000 Rack Builder
Best Budget Folding Rack - Force USA My Rack Folding Power Rack
SPECS
- Working dimensions: 86" H, 49" W, 41" D
- Folded dimensions: 84" H, 52" W, 20" D
- Rackable capacity: 2,000 lbs.
- Weight: Not listed
- Finish: 12 gauge steel with paint
Space is very valuable when it comes to a home gym, and having a rack that can be folded up to save space is a big benefit that comes with this one by Force USA. You don't even need to connect it to a wall like you would other foldable racks. Whatever weight you use, the rack itself will definitely hold up.
You can also get up to 10 attachments that will fit this rack. Those range from dip bars to stronger J-hooks, resistance band pegs, and even a landmine attachment. This rack can be an all-in-one gym for the serious trainee or someone who simply wants to start training with as many options as possible.
What We Like
- Lifetime structural warranty included
- 12-gauge steel uprights
- 54 different numbered holes for positioning
What We Don't Like
- J-hooks sold separately
- Odd upright dimensions (2.4" x 2.4") limit attachment options
BUY: FORCE USA MYRack Folding Power Rack
Best Budget Squat Rack - Grind Fitness Alpha 1000 Squat Stand
SPECS
- Dimensions: 83" H, 46" W, 44" D
- Rackable capacity: 750 lbs.
- Weight: 75 lbs.
- Finish: Black, Textured
People who have limited space or want something simple to work with can count on this squat stand by Grind Fitness. It's also a solid choice for people starting their home gyms with a tight budget. It will hold plenty of weight and you can train from several starting points thanks to the holes on the sides of the uprights.
The barbell holder and plate storage sleeves make this one a good choice for organizational needs, as well. Since the safety arms are sold separately, you will need to make two purchases or make sure you have a spotter with you when you train.
What We Like
- Lightweight, easy to move
- Plate and barbell storage
- J-cups have rubber coating
What We Don't Like
- No safety arms included
- No counterbalance on front of stand
BUY: Grind Fitness Alpha 1000 Squat Stand
Best Budget Power Rack for Small Spaces - Fringe Sport Commercial Squat Rack
SPECS
- Dimensions: 73" H, 47" W, 39" D
- Rackable capacity: 1,000 lbs.
- Weight: 125 lbs.
- Finish: 11-gauge steel with paint
Lifters that focus on powerlifting or Olympic lifting may want something that doesn't take up a lot of space because they only need a small space to work with. This rack fits that bill. It will support a lot of weight, and it can be secured to the floor if desired. The 1.5 inches of space between holes gives you more starting point options.
The manufacturer ships the rack to you in a flat box so there are less shipping charges, making this even better for the budget. Safety arms need to be bought separately if desired, but the value of this rack alone makes it worth the investment.
What We Like
- 5/8" diameter holes that can support universal attachments
- Dual triangle plates on the bottom for stability
- Can be bolted to the floor
What We Don't Like
- Safety arms must be purchased separately
- No crossbar at the top
What to Consider When Buying a Budget Power Rack
There are a few things you need to do first before you order any budget power rack. Measure your ceiling so you know the best height choice. Next, consider the width and depth of the space you need. You don't want to feel restricted when you're working out in a budget squat rack or power rack.
Also, consider the fitness discipline you follow and the weight you will be lifting. There is no need to order a rack with a 2,000-pound weight capacity if you never intend to go over 300 pounds. Also, think about whether you will want to add attachments later on. Racks with strange measurements may not be suitable for attachments.
Last but not least is the budget itself. You should take your time and do research before ordering a power rack, but as we show, you don't have to break the bank in order to do it. The rack you order will likely last you for several years if you take care of it. You want to know you made the best decision possible before hitting that "place order" button.
FAQs About Power Racks
Are power racks worth it?
We will always advocate for investing in safety, and a power rack with solid support arms will make you safer, whether you're performing moves on a bench like the bench press or a standing movement such as a squat. After you buy a barbell and weight plates, the next purchase for most, if not all, home gym owners should be a power rack.
What kind of power rack should I buy?
A power rack that has several positions for you to place the J-cups and safety arms are a solid choice. Racks come with either two uprights or four. If you have very limited space, you could get one with two uprights, but the power racks with four uprights are usually a better option, especially if you're serious about training with heavier weights.
What height power rack should I buy?
Most power racks stand anywhere from 6-7 feet tall. There are some that go even taller than that. You should measure your ceiling to confirm the height of the room before you purchase the power rack you have your eye on. If you plan on doing pull-ups on the squat rack, consider extra space for your head at the top of the pull-up, as well.
What's the difference between a power rack and a squat rack?
A squat rack has only two uprights that are connected by a crossbar and the bottom of the rack. Most squat racks have spotter arms, but they simply stick out to the sides with no connection on the opposite end.
A power rack has four uprights, and the spotter arms connect on both sides. The power rack also connects on all four uprights, making it more sturdy and promoting a safer training environment.
About the Author
Roger has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years in a variety of roles, including as a personal trainer, fitness class instructor, supplement advisor, nutritionist, and as a writer. He has contributed to Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, BarBend, Iron Man Magazine, and Bodybuilding.com.
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