Choosing the Best Garage Squat Rack: Top 8 Picks

This is the only guide you will need on picking the best garage squat rack for 2023. So, if you’re looking to level up your home workouts and get the centerpiece your home gym needs, read on.

With so many options on the market, picking the right rack can be a challenge. Because of that, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you to compile a list of the best options across different categories: half racks, folding racks, premium options, and more.

Whether you’re new to training or a seasoned lifter, on a tight budget or ready to splurge, this guide has you covered.

Let’s dive in and discuss.

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The 8 Best Garage Squat Racks For 2023

1. Best Overall: REP Fitness PR-1100 Power Rack
2. Best Runner-up: Profile® ONE Folding Squat Rack
3. Best Half-Rack: Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
4. Best Budget: CAP Barbell Multi-Functional Power and Squat Rack
5. Best Folding: Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack
6. Best Power Rack: Titan Series Power Rack
7. Best Squat Stand: REP Fitness SR-4000
8. Best For Beginners: Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Cage

1. Best Overall: REP Fitness PR-1100 Power Rack

The REP PR-1100 power rack offers a wide range of workout options. It is designed to be safe and stable, with a respectable capacity of 700 lbs, making it ideal for most lifters.

Its high quality ensures durability and longevity, even after years of regular use. Customers often report that the rack feels quite sturdy during training. The assembly process is also straightforward and somewhat quick, which is a great advantage for people who aren’t that good with tools.

Its relatively thin frame and 3” hole spacing are the only drawbacks worth noting. First, a thinner frame could raise some concerns about its long-term durability, especially for people who routinely want to load 500 or even 600+ lbs on it.

Second, the 3” hole may not provide the adjustment precision you want during your workouts.

2. Best Runner-up: Profile® ONE Folding Squat Rack

The Profile® ONE Folding Squat Rack is a high-quality rack designed for easy installation and space efficiency. Its standout feature is its ability to fold, making it an excellent option for people with limited space.

The frame has 2x3” 11-gauge steel uprights, which ensure durability and stability during training. It also comes with gas shocks for easy folding and unfolding, adding to its convenience. The quick setup time is a huge advantage, allowing people to get on with their workouts and fold the frame against the wall quickly.

One drawback of this folding rack is its price. It costs more than other racks on the market, which could make it less accessible. However, given the unique folding feature and high-quality materials used to make it, many users find the price justified.

As a whole, the Profile® ONE Folding Squat Rack is a robust and convenient option for those looking to maximize their workout space.

3. Best Half-Rack: Rogue HR-2 Half Rack

The Rogue HR-2 half rack is a high-quality piece of equipment that offers excellent stability despite the small size and the fact that you don’t need to bolt it to the ground. As such, you can enjoy productive workouts and use it even if you don’t have much space.

You can also pick up the HR-2 with plate storage pins, allowing for a tidy workout area and easy access to the weights.

However, one downside of the Rogue Hr-2 half rack is its price. It costs a lot for a half rack and doesn’t come with any attachments.

Read my full review of the HR-2.

4. Best Budget: CAP Barbell Power Racks and Attachments

The CAP Barbell power rack is a simple piece of equipment designed to withstand some decent training. It is rated to support up to 500 lbs, which isn’t enough for advanced lifters but is plenty for beginners and intermediate-level trainees.

It is reasonably priced, making it an excellent option for people on a budget, and it has a decent height of 85”, so it works well even for taller individuals.

The rack provides a good grip, which is essential for safety and performance. Users have praised its sturdiness and stability, which provide peace of mind and allow for more dynamic training.

One potential drawback is its overly-simplistic design, which means it doesn’t come with the same bells and whistles as other racks. As such, it might be more limiting and affect the training experience for people who enjoy changing up their workouts.

5. Best Folding: Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack

The Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack is a compact training solution designed for serious trainees with limited space. Made from heavy-duty steel, it boasts a weight capacity of 1,000+ lbs, making it a great option for even the strongest lifters.

The frame consists of 3x3″ 11-gauge steel uprights, which make it quite durable. Its wall-mounted, folding design stands out, allowing trainees to save space in their workout area when not using the rack.

One drawback of the Rogue RML-3W rack is the time it takes to fold. Some users have reported that it takes longer to put away than other folding racks, which could be inconvenient for people with a busy schedule and those who want to use it multiple times a week.

6. Best Power Rack: Titan Series Power Rack

The Titan power rack is another fantastic option for serious lifters. Its 3x3” 11-gauge steel frame is solid, durable, and can withstand serious poundage. The rack is made of quality materials and is likely to last for many years.

Users have reported that the rack is also easy to assemble, which is an advantage and means you don’t have to be that savvy with tools to make it work. The rack is also highly customizable, allowing users to adjust it to suit their needs.

There are a couple of drawbacks to consider. The Titan power rack is quite expensive, which means it isn’t as accessible as other options on our list. Additionally, it comes with a short warranty (only one year), which might not be the coverage you need.

However, despite these drawbacks, Titan has proven itself to make quality gym equipment, and this power rack remains a popular choice among strength enthusiasts thanks to its overall quality, durability, and customization options.

7. Best Squat Stand: REP Fitness SR-4000

The REP Fitness SR-4000 is another functional, customizable, stable squat rack praised for its bombproof construction. It is designed to offer a ton of usability, making it the ideal choice for any home gym.

The rack is relatively easy to set up, and many users report that it provides a lot of value for the dollar. You can also pick between two height options: 96” or 103”.

Despite only being a squat rack, the frame is compatible with many REP Fitness attachments, such as monolift and spotter arms. These add additional layers of versatility, allowing you to enjoy diverse workouts for many years.

Despite having only one color option (black), the SR-4000 looks great.

8. Best For Beginners: Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Cage

The Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Cage is a lightweight but solid rack that works great for beginners. It has a decent working area of 23.75” by 39.5” and can hold up to 400 lbs, which is plenty for any beginner.

Thanks to its low total weight of only 115 lbs, it is also easier to move around your home gym if you decide to shift things around or if it gets in the way sometimes.

The rack is praised for being the ideal size for an average-height individual, and the simple assembly process makes it an excellent option for a home gym.

That said, the squat cage is also criticized for its height, which might not work well for people at 6’2” and above.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Squat Rack

1. Space and Size

The first thing you should consider when looking for a squat rack, stand, or power rack is your available space. You don’t want to end up in a situation where the frame doesn’t fit in your home gym, or it takes up the majority of space.

A folding or half-rack might be the only good option if you work with limited space.

2. Budget

Budget is also something to consider, though I always recommend spending more if possible. Unless you have to sell the rack at some point, it will likely last a lifetime, so there is no use cheaping out now, only to regret it later and sell it because it’s no longer useful.

3. Weight Capacity

The rack’s weight capacity is generally not something most people will ever have to worry about. Even the 400 lbs weight capacity of the Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Cage will be plenty for the average trainee.

That said, if you are stronger or aspire to build strength over the years, leave yourself room to grow by picking a frame that can hold at least 700 lbs.

4. Height

Consider the frame’s height before purchasing because it can significantly affect your training experience. For example, if you’re taller, it’s best to go with a rack that’s 90” tall or more. That way, you can comfortably reach up and grab the pull-up bar and do reps without bending your knees.

Similarly, shorter trainees should go for a shorter frame to grab the pull-up bar more easily without stepping on something.

Keeping the height in mind is even more important if your home gym space has a low ceiling––this is common with basements.

5. Hole Spacing

Hole spacing is generally not a deal breaker because even 3” can offer enough flexibility to adjust the barbell at near-perfect heights for most exercises.

However, just as I recommend loosening up the purse strings if possible, I also advise you to go with a rack that has Westside hole spacing.

Having the holes spaced 1” apart allows for more flexibility when adjusting the barbell’s height, which can be particularly beneficial on movements like the flat and incline bench press.

Garage Squat Rack Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different types of squat racks?

• Full rack - a four-post frame with space for lifting inside; ideal for heavy barbell training
  
  
• Half rack - the same as a full rack but smaller and better for smaller spaces
  
  
• Squat stand - a two-post frame with a large base; great for basic barbell workouts
  
  
• Folding rack - a frame that gets attached to a wall; it can fold to save space when not used

2. How do I choose the right squat rack for my garage gym?

Look at factors like the frame’s dimensions and your available space, its height, cost, weight capacity, and hole spacing. 

3. Why do I need a squat rack in my garage gym?

A squat rack is a versatile piece of training equipment that allows you to perform various barbell and bodyweight exercises.

4. What is the difference between a full power rack, a half rack, and a squat stand?

A full power rack is generally larger, stabler, and more versatile. Half racks are smaller but also versatile, though they aren’t as stable, given the narrower base. A squat stand is the most basic kind and works well for people with a limited budget.

Final Words

There you have it:

Eight of the best garage squat racks you can pick from. Of course, these are just some of my picks, as there are other racks that offer versatility and stability at an affordable price.

Always do your independent research before placing an order and consider all the important factors: its dimensions, weight capacity, overall versatility, upgrade potential (compatibility with attachments), etc.

Read next:

• Bowflex SelectTech 552 Review: 6 Great Things (2023)
• REP Fitness PR-4000 Review: The Powerhouse of Racks
• Buying a Squat Rack? Here are 10 Must-Know Things.