The barbell back squat is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best leg exercises ever. The Quadfather Tom Platz built his iconic wheels using squats and variations, and it’s been a staple for many other legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, and almost every champion since.
But one piece of equipment that made it possible for them to do that is a handy dandy squat rack. In this review, we’ve listed our top squat rack picks in a variety of categories.
Best Squat Racks Rank and Reviewed:
- Sunny Health and Fitness Power Zone Squat Rack SF-XF9931 – Buy here Editor’s Choice
- Fitness Reality 810 XLT Squat Rack – Buy here
- Cap Barbell FM-8000F Squat/Power Rack – Buy here
- TDS Open Rack Station – Buy here
- Fitness Reality 810 XLT Power Cage – Buy here
- Vanswe Squat Rack – Buy here
- Yaheetech Squat Rack pair – Buy here
- Kicode Squat Rack – Buy here
- Ollieroo Squat Rack – Buy here
Sunny Health and Fitness Power Zone Squat Rack SF-XF9931
The SF-XF9931 by Sunny Health and Fitness has everything you need to get fit.
There’s a height-adjustable angled pull-up bar which not all squat racks have. This is great because regardless of height, users can lower or raise it to perform pull-up variations.
The setup also features spotter arms for safety, a plate storage post, J-hooks to hold the bar, and exercise/resistance band attachment posts (three pins on each side) for more training versatility. The rack is also height adjustable.
The heavy-duty squat rack can support up to 805 lbs which is more than good enough for most exercisers.
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You can opt for the basic squat rack design with the features mentioned above, but you can also choose options with a bench, bench and lat attachment, or just the lat attachment.
Pros
- Adjustable angled pull-up bar
- Spotter arms
- Plate storage bars
- Band attachments
- Supports a lot of weight
- Option to purchase more features
Cons
- Few complaints about lack of accessory compatibility
- Some may prefer longer spotter arms
About the brand
Sunny Health and Fitness is a distributor and importer of exercise equipment that’s priced competitively. It’s headquartered in Los Angeles California and Xiamen China with 100+ employees and a fun family-like work atmosphere.
Fitness Reality 810 XLT Squat Rack
Fitness Reality makes some awesome workout equipment and we often include their products on our top product lists.
You choose the standalone rack, rack, and bench combo or the cage and no gap bench combo so there are a few different choices to consider before purchasing.
As for the features, this rack has a pull-up bar that can be used at a height of 78 or 81 inches.
There are two J hooks and two 19.5 inch long spotter arms with mechanically fixed rubber pads that protect the bar knurling.
We also really like how it comes with a landmine attachment that you can insert a standard or Olympic barbell into and do a variety of exercises like landmine rows, presses, and much more. This is a really useful feature that gives you so many options to overload your muscles and train for function and athleticism.
There are also weight storage bars and a place to attach resistance bands.
Users can adjust the height to 19 levels and the system supports up to 800 lbs.
Pros
- Different feature purchase options
- Height adjustable
- Two-position pull-up bar
- Long spotter arms
- Landmine attachment
- Supports a lot of weight
- Storage bars
- Resistance band attachment
Cons
- Complaints about angled spotter arms
About the brand
Fitness Reality is a division of Paradigm Health and Wellness Inc that was founded in 2007. Their motto is “Real People, Real Results” which is a testament to their offering a wide range of exercise equipment for almost anyone.
Related: 13 Best Home Gyms Reviewed for 2024
Cap Barbell FM-8000F Squat/Power Rack
Cap Barbell is a name synonymous with quality workout equipment and we also happened to include one of their squat rack stands in our best squat racks review for 2021.
It’s a very affordable, yet feature-rich option that has a fixed, straight pull-up bar for back, biceps, and suspension training. It’s equipped with 2 J-cup bar catches, 2 safety catches, and a band attachment feature to train various aspects.
The plate holders are also convenient for storage and you can adjust the catches to train at a variety of heights.
The squat rack is made of 12 and 14 gauge steel and it’s also powder finished so you get great durability and peace of mind.
It can support up to 300 lbs on the barbell catches and 300 lbs on the pull-up bar.
Pros
- Height adjustable
- Includes pull-up bar
- Has resistance band attachments
- Plate storage bars
Cons
- Not ideal for more than 300 lb lifts
- Not ideal for very heavy individuals
- Few complaints about quality control
About the brand
Cap Barbell has been a leading distributor and provider of fitness equipment for over 25 years and it’s a recognizable name in the industry.
TDS Open Rack Station
Unlike the usual power rack, this workout station from TDS has an open design but you’re still locked in and secure with safety bars. So you can do max weight squats without a spotter which is something the more simplistic designs aren’t as ideal for.
The rack has 82.5″ tall rear posts with 31 holes 2″ apart with numbers and 57″ tall front posts with 21 holes 2″ apart with numbers.
The straight pull-up bar has knurling for optimal gripping. There are options for various attachments and handles but are sold separately.
The TDS open rack station has a 1,000 lb weight capacity and it’s a very solid option for all types of training.
Pros
- Locked-in safety and performance-focused design
- Good for various heights
- Knurled pull-up bar improved grip
- Compatible with many attachment and handles
- 1,000 lb weight capacity (that’s a lot!)
- Excellent value overall
Cons
- Few complaints about paint on spotter bars coming off
About the brand
TDS fitness equipment is made of heavy-duty construction that’s built to last.
Fitness Reality 810 XLT Power Cage
If you prefer a full power cage setup then we highly recommend this one from Fitness Reality.
The 810 XLT power cage has good space inside and includes the option to buy a bench or lat attachment system but you could just get the cage alone.
The basic cage comes with two 23″ long chrome safety bars and two 3 1/4 chrome lock-on safety bars.
There’s a solid, multi-grip pull-up bar and a stability bar at the back that you can use for elevated push-ups and more. There are 19 adjustable levels as well.
The cage can support up to 800 lbs.
Pros
- Full power cage
- Height adjustable
- Multi-grip pull-up bars
- Different feature options
- Chrome safety bars
- Stability bar allows you to do push-ups, etc
- Supports up to 800 lbs
Cons
- No plate storage bars
- No J-hooks
- May not be ideal for really tall people
- Some complaints about quality of design and functionality
About the brand
Fitness Reality is a division of Paradigm Health and Wellness Inc that was founded in 2007. Their motto is “Real People, Real Results” which is a testament to their offering a wide range of exercise equipment for almost anyone.
Vanswe Squat Rack
For what the Vanswe squat rack offers, it’s a great value and unique features not seen in other options.
Not only is it height adjustable with 11 levels that range from 35.4-55.5 inches but you can widen the platform from 26-46 inches (10 levels) and this is a pretty awesome feature.
Not to mention, there are two angled 8-position adjustable bar catchers. You can also store your plates on the two 7.9″ pegs.
Want to be able to do bodyweight dips to build your chest and triceps? This setup includes dipping bars too.
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The rubber end caps will help to keep your workouts stable and prevent sliding.
The Vanswe squat rack has a 550 lb weight capacity.
Pros
- Height and width adjustable
- 8 position bar catchers
- Plate storage bars
- Dipping bars
Cons
- Only supports up to 550 lbs (good for most)
- Few complaints about functionality of bar supports
- Some issues with ease of adjustability
- Some question the durability
About the brand
Vanswe is an exercise equipment manufacturer with the “core mission to create a better work/home environment that takes the stress off the mind and body by thinking ergonomically“.
They use trusted suppliers and skilled workers to be able to offer the highest quality workout equipment.
Yaheetech Squat Rack pair
If you prefer to have two separate pieces that you can move around more easily and that will still hold up to your heavy squat sessions, we like the Yaheetech squat rack setup.
It’s made with strong barbell J-hooks, a safety locking feature to ensure the stands keep in place, anti-skid foot pads to prevent moving and sliding, and you can adjust it 14 levels for various heights (45-70.5inch/ 114-179 cm) using the screw buckles.
The squat rack can support up to 480 lbs/220 kg.
Pros
- Separate piece make easier to move rack around
- Height adjustable
- Safety locking inserts
- Anti-skid
Cons
- Only supports up to 480 lbs
- Few complaints about quality and adjustability
About the brand
Yaheetech is an e-commerce company that specializes in sales of heavy goods including a variety of categories from furniture to garden, beauty, pet supplies, workout equipment, and more.
They have operations around the globe and follow one principle, “MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE COMFORTABLE”.
Kicode Squat Rack
As we approach the end of our list of best squat racks, the Kicode squat/power rack system deservingly helps us round out our top picks for 2022.
It has a whopping 21 adjustable levels to suit all heights (84.6-94.5″), adjustable J-hooks, safety catch bars for heavy training, and movements that start from a low position.
You can use the barbell rack to store your bars upright behind the stand and there are plate storage racks.
Additionally, there are resistance band attachment points (three per side) and the pull-up bar adjusts to 6 levels for shorter and taller exercisers.
The power rack supports up to 800 lbs while the pull-up bar can handle up to 500 lbs.
Pros
- 21 adjustable height levels
- Adjustable pull-up bar
- Safety catches
- J hooks
- Barbell storage rack
- Weight plate storage bars
- Resistance band anchors
- Supports heavy lifts and users
Cons
- Few complaints about sturdiness
- Few complaints about parts and assembly
About the brand
From the website…
“We create uniquely designed furniture that’s shaped and crafted by true enthusiasts, with a perpetual focus on personality, pride and sustainability. Our vision unites the finest carpentry traditions with modern furniture design through the fusion of timeless steel, brass, copper, bronze, and wood.
Wood is our main source of inspiration. The love of organic material and uncompromising focus on quality is evident throughout the process, from the first design sketches to the final moments where the furniture is finished and surface treated by hand.”
Ollieroo Squat Rack
Last but most definitely not least is the Ollieroo squat rack.
It too adjusts both tall and wide which allows you to do a variety of workouts including squats, bench presses, shoulder press, and dips with the built-in dipping bars.
The rack adjusts from 40.6-64.2 inches tall and 31-49 inches wide.
The max load capacity is 480 lbs.
Pros
- Adjusts tall and wide
- Built-in dipping bars
Cons
- Load capacity only 480 lbs
- Not ideal for max bench pressing
About the brand
Ollieroo was founded in 2005 and has grown to be a large US e-retailer of a variety of items that includes stuff for the home, medical, pet, and sports and fitness.
According to the site, “Ollieroo Inc. offers Easy and Relax online shopping experiences for High Quality products at Competitive Prices with Superior Service to the customers all over the world.”
How We Chose The Best Squat Racks
Quality and functionality are the two most important factors to consider when choosing a squat rack or any piece of training equipment. Handling heavy weights requires a durable and reliable setup to avoid serious injury and it’s something you simply can’t skimp on.
Therefore, while you’ll find options at different price points, there’s no good “cheap” option that we’d recommend, although our picks are affordable.
Here are some things we took into consideration when choosing our top best squat racks for 2021.
Also read: The 12 Best Squat Variations for Hypertrophy and Strength
Budget
This one is the most obvious because not everyone is able to shell out a lot of cash for a squat rack. Therefore, you will find some options in the $100 price range which is great, and then for those who want more features or a little better quality, you’ll also have a few of those options too.
Space
If you’re considering buying a squat rack then chances are you’re aware that you’ll need space just for it.
We made sure to include options that have a smaller footprint as well as ones that take up more space. Most are adjustable in height while some also give you the option to adjust the width.
The one you decide on depends on both how much room you have, your goals, and your preferences. So before buying, make sure to check the dimensions to ensure your training space is adequate.
Features
This one is important because squat racks offer different features. Common options/features and add-ons you can get with a squat rack include a pull-up bar, bar catchers, dip bars, band anchors, landmine attachment, plate storage pegs, barbell storage, lat attachment, and a workout bench.
Not all squat racks have all of these features so you’ll need to determine what you’d like based on your goals.
We’ve made sure to include the key features of each squat rack in this review. Also, make sure to check the add-on options for each product.
Difference Between A Squat Rack and Power Rack
While both can typically be used for squats, bench presses, and rack pulls, there are differences and a reason for choosing either-or. Although, you can squat in any power rack.
Squat racks are typically more simplistic by design with pegs to support the bar, multiple levels for different heights, and sometimes other features. Squat racks often cost less as well.
Power racks, on the other hand, are usually larger and take up more space and also mostly feature a pull-up bar, sometimes dip bars, plate holders, options to attach other training equipment, and more. As a result, you may pay more for the additional features.
Wrapping Up
If you’re in the market for a squat rack, these are what we believe to be some of the best squat racks that offer a durable and functional setup you can use for home training.
They come in at various price points and designs with many different features so there’s no one-size-fits-all but we help we were able to help you pick the right one to assist you in building your best legs ever!
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