If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you’ve probably seen that fitness equipment that looks like cages. Also known as a squat rack, squat cage, or power cage, a power rack is a piece of workout equipment that allows you to lift heavy weights safely. A power rack is highly versatile gym equipment for different routines﹘from squat stands to bench presses.
The REP Fitness PR 1100 Power Rack tops this review for the right reasons. Aside from being an affordable squat rack, this equipment comes with many advanced features: extended safety bars, height-adjustable multi-grip pullup arch, and laser engraved number uprights. All the features you need in a power rack are offered by the REP Fitness PR 1100 Power Rack!
We’ve rounded up 12 of the best budget power racks available today, so you’ll know what to invest in for your workout space. Use this review to compare options.
Best Budget Power Racks at a Glance
Aside from its advanced features, the REP Fitness PR 1100 Power Rack, this budget power rack is safe and stable. It’s made from 14 gauge steel with a double rear stability pull-up bar and can accommodate up to 250-pounds of weight plates.
The Cap Barbell Power Rack has multiple features, such as built-in bars and weight storage. Its 11 gauge steel tubing allows this bench to handle heavy weights safely.
The Sunny Health And Fitness power Zone Squat rack is one of the best cheap squat racks because of its heavy-duty frame, angled pull-up bar, and resistance band posts. This squat rack has a max capacity of 850 pounds.
REP Fitness PR 1100 Power Rack – Best Overall
What we like
- It offers a lot of space (inside cage dimensions: 44” wide x 45.5” deep), so you can freely move around when exercising
- Its pull up bar is designed with a stable grip
- Its frame feels and looks sturdy, thanks to its 14 gauge steel with doube rear stability bars
What we don’t like
- You need to use safety pins to secure dip bars
- Requires time and effort to assemble
One of the best things we love about the REP Fitness PR 1100 Power Rack is its quality without the expensive price tag. This budget power rack is well-built with decent 14-gauge steel frames and equipped with j-cups that can support up to 1,000 lbs. so you can lift with confidence.
We also love the multi-grip pull-up bar of the REP Fitness PR 1100 Power Rack, as it increases the stress on the forearms and numbered 3” hole spacing for a guided lift. We’re looking at a power rack with 48″ x 47.5″ rack that reaches 84″ in height dimensions.
Although Its structure has the potential to wobble when doing high-intensity exercises it can be bolted to the floor for reinforced sturdiness. With its well-rounded features, the PR 1100 can also be enhanced with several aftermarket accessories to upgrade should your budget permits.
Fitness Reality Super Max 810 XLT – Best Customizable
What we like
- Fairly affordable
- Offers built-in weight plates storage
- It has a weight capacity of 800 pounds
- With provisions for several attachments for a more personalized workout station
What we don’t like
- Requires a lot of space
- Attachments should be purchased separately
Based on the number of positive reviews earned by the Fitness Reality Super Max 810 XLT, we believe that this power rack should hold a position on our list. This is a good power rack as it’s constructed with a tubular frame of sturdy steel, and its design allows various exercises, such as bench presses, pull-ups, and squats.
It features 19 adjustable height levels on safety bars that are compatible with Olympic bars. The design is smartly made with provisions for customizability and aftermarket accessories such as the dip bars, weight plate holder, j-hooks, landmine, and flat bench.
If you are the type that is looking to build your own all-in-one station according to your exercise pattern, Fitness Realty Super Max 810 XLT makes the right choice. It is strong and sturdy enough for a multifunction and robust exercise and with a reasonable price, it is clear why it has been a long-time crowd pleaser.
HulkFit 1000-Pound Capacity Power Rack – Best Adjustability
What we like
- Adjustable multifunction pull-up grips for a variety of exercises
- Sturdy construction of high-grade steel gauge
- High-quality dip bar anmd T-bar included in the purchase
- Easy to assemble
What we don’t like
- Some nuts were missing
- Weight holders are not included upon purchase
In our experience with the HulkFit 1000-Pound Capacity power rack, we noticed how users love how this power rack is very easy to assemble. The HulkFit 1000-Pound Capacity power rack also offers more features than its competitors. With this home gym equipment, you can enjoy safety bars with j hooks and multi-grip dip bars.
Because of the well-thought design, provide a multi-grip function for either narrow front or angled grips for chin-ups, pull-ups, and even muscle-ups. It is uncommon to find dip bars in power racks, so the addition of the adjustable bars allows for more variety in your workout.
What this power cage is missing is the storage for weight pegs. This feature has become a standard in many power racks, yet the HulkFit 1000-Pound Capacity power rack doesn’t have them. This will require you to purchase them separately.
Merax Athletic Fitness Olympic Squat Cage – Best All-Around Rack
What we like
- Welds are strong, which ensures the safety of the user
- It’s a highly sturdy rack with an H-Frame base
- Comes with a low-row cable attachment
- Great price and with a decent 800 lbs. weight capacity
What we don’t like
- Its built-in cable system often gets rough and might require regular greasing
Aside from its rock-solid build, the Merax Athletic Fitness Olympic Squat Cage makes it to our list because it also includes a lat pull attachment and low row cable. We believe that these accessories offer more value to your money. It’s also stable enough to support weightlifters to do several reps of bench press, shoulder shrugs, squats, and military presses.
One issue we noticed with the Merax Athletic Fitness Olympic Squat Cage is its size. With a weight of 85 inches, length of 56 inches, and width of 44 inches, this fitness power rack might not be the best option for a smaller or compact workout space.
It features 17 variable positions for bar support and lat pulldown accessories and the utility curl bar is foam-padded. This power cage has a solid 47” walk-in entrance making it suitable for bigger users. The frame is very sturdy and even when we tried the pull-up bar, it stood perfectly well.
Extremely sturdy and welds are strong and smooth, this power cage is a great all-around piece for all types of users.
Body-Solid Powerline PPR 200X – Best Durability
What we like
- It comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on the parts
- Offers a total of 18 different positions, accommodating both short and tall people
- Easy assembly and user-friendly
- Sturdy and durable solid 11-gauge steel frame with electro powder-coating
- Wide walk-in for a comfortable side-by-side exercises
What we don’t like
- Hole spacing is a little wide, making it challenging for many to find the perfect position for benching
This Body Solid power rack is high-quality home gym equipment that enables you to perform a wide range of exercises. Because of its multiple adjustment levels, the Body-Solid Powerline PPR200x is an excellent option for both tall and short users. Its wide walk-in design also makes it very user-friendly and accessible and comes with heat-tempered lift-offs.
Strong and durable 3×3 11-gauge steel vertical support columns and powder-coated finish make up its construction that is chip and rust-resistant even after years of heavy use. It also has a wide walk-in design for roomy movements. The 18 adjustable positions accommodate a wide range of user heights and increase the possibility of more exercises it can enable.
We would like the body solid powerline PPR200X to improve the durability of its hooks. Some users of this equipment complained that the hooks don’t properly support them when doing bench exercises.
TDS Mega Power Rack – Best For Heavyweight Training
What we like
- Its chin-up bar is very easy to grip as the power rack comes with 4” Wide Padded Leather Belt
- High-quality construction with Impressive 1,000 lbs. weight capacity
- It comes in a smaller size, making it ideal for small or compact home gyms
- The brand is known to offer great customer service
What we don’t like
- The height inside the cage can become a problem for taller users
- The paint chips easily
The TDS Power Rack is different from its competitors because it supports 1000 pounds. This feature, along with its ability to offer a large number of adjustment possibilities, makes this workout equipment one of the best budget power racks. The TDS Mega Power Rack also has a professionally knurled chin-up bar, 11 gauge steel tubing, and one-inch solid steel safety pins.
The TDS Mega Power rack might not be the best option for people taller than six feet. The inside-the-cage clearance of this fitness equipment is only 72 inches.
Body Power Deluxe Rack Cage – Best Stability
What we like
- Well-designed power rack that comes with several accessories
- Versatile enough to support different fitness training routines
- Wide workout space for lateral movement exercises
- Several safety features and a built-in anchor for stability
What we don’t like
- Limited weight capacity
Whether you need a squat rack or pull-up bar, the Body Power Deluxe Rack Cage is the best power rack for you. This fitness equipment is also compatible with Olympic barbells and weight plates. Safety accessories, such as dip bar attachments and interchangeable band pegs, are also included in the equipment.
The machine is not short of safety features. The package comes with weight safety catches, interchangeable band pegs, and built-in anchors for optimal stability.
The Body Power Deluxe Rack Cage System isn’t ideal for stronger lifters. This power cage only has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, which we think is decent enough for beginners or recreational lifters.
Cap Barbell Power Rack – Best Budget
What we like
- With its affordable price and features offered, this power rack is already very cost-efficient
- Very easy to move yet very sturdy
- Straighforward and easy assembly
- Durable and maintenance-free powder finish and zinc hardwares
What we don’t like
- Limited weight capacity
- It only comes with a 30-day warranty
The Cap Barbell Power Rack has many notable features, but its durability is one of our favorites. This fitness power rack is made with commercial-grade 11-gauge tubular steel and is welded with mounting plates. It also features a solid top bar that can support chin-ups and pull-ups. The power rack comes in seven different colors to match your space.
Although the Cap Barbell Power Rack sounds like the perfect power rack, it still has some issues. One we’d like to improve is its weight capacity. If you’re wondering how much weight this equipment supports, the answer is 750 pounds but is recommended to 500 lbs. limit.
The design is simple and the function may be straightforward but it still has some room for functional attachments should you wish to add. While it may not be as complicated as others on the list, we think that Cap Barbell FM-905Q does the job really well for a price that wouldn’t turn you off. The durable powder-finish, energizing color selection, and zinc hardware for ease of maintenance are just sweet.
Tangchu Titan T3 Series – Best Foldable Rack
What we like
- Heavy-duty, comes in a 2” by 3” modular power rack
- Impressive weight capacity of 1100 lbs.
- It has a westside hole spacing
- Foldable
What we don’t like
- Reports of safety straps failing
- Has low-quality powder coating
If you’re looking for a power rack without too many bells and whistles, the Tangchu Titan T3 Series is a great option. We believe that this is one of the best budget power racks today because it’s compatible with many rouge fitness accessories and is very easy to deconstruct (ideal for people who tend to move their equipment around).
The Tangchu Titan T3 Series also offers an 1100-pound weight capacity, several j hooks, plate storage pegs, and band pegs. This rack’s feet also have holes so that you can secure it to the ground.
This rack’s feet also have holes so that you can secure it to the ground. It is a foldable rack made of 2×3 strong metal tubes with a pin and hinge device to detach the pull-up bar and can be easily folded against the wall when not in use.
It is a great piece when you have limited space at home. We only wish the powder-coated finish was made to last as some of the paint chips easily. Although this does not directly affect the performance, we think this could still be improved to keep the machine in good shape for years.
PRX Performance Wall Mount Squat Rack – Best For Small Spaces
What we like
- Excellent weight capacity for its price
- J-cups can hold up to 1000 lbs.
- Easy assembly and fould-up nicely on the wall with ease
- The brand offers a lifetime warranty
What we don’t like
- Plastic feet may require some rubber base
There are many reasons why we had to include PRX Performance Wall Mount Squat Rack into our list of the best squat racks. This equipment has a 42” kipping bar that provides sufficient room for you to try out butterfly pull-ups, muscle-ups, and even toes to bar. This affordable squat rack also surprised us as it has a pair of j-cups and four hydraulic assists at its hinges.
It folds up nicely on the wall with gas shocks for a smooth folding mechanism. It also comes with a safety pin to lock the rack up in position. It wouldn’t take more than 4 inches from your wall when not being used. It mounts well to your garage or small home gym.
Instead of having rubber feet, the PRX Performance Wall Mount Squat Rack plastic feet. This will require users to invest in rubber mats to keep the rack in place.
Sunny Health And Fitness Power Zone Squat Rack – Best Standard Rack
What we like
- Features are adjustable, suitable for individuals in different heights and fitness levels
- Has built-in power latches that ensure safety while you squat with heavy weights
- Due to its dimensions of 38 x 53 x 87 inches, this squat rack requires less space than other squat racks
- Great weight limit of 805 lbs.
What we don’t like
- Non-powder finish and may rust over time
One feature that sets the Sunny Health And Fitness power Zone Squat rack apart from other squat racks is its adjustability. With this equipment, you can adjust the position and height of the pull-up bar, the notches where you’re going to place the Olympic bar, and the position of the spot arms. The build of this squat rack is also known to match other market leaders. It can carry a sufficient 805 lbs. of weight.
It comes with an angled pull-up bar that can be adjusted to 8 different positions for angled or narrow grips. Although it lacks some useful accessories for a versatile workout, it is an uncomplicated rack that is simple, classic, and sturdy enough to do the job. Great piece for the price, it is portable, and it fits any space without being too bold.
Marcy Home MWM 7041 Gym Cage System – Best Multi-Use Cage
What we like
- Very versatile as you can do more than 50 exercises with this equipment
- Has an excellent price to value ratio
- All essential accessories are included (lat, shiver, dip, and safety bars)
- 1:1 resistance ratio
What we don’t like
- Complicated assembly
- Low weight capacity (can only support 300 pounds)
The brand behind the Marcy Home Gym Cage System has been producing home gym equipment since the ‘80s, making them one of the most trusted names in the industry. And they didn’t disappoint with the Marcy Home Gym Cage System, as it’s known for being foldable. This is a game-changer for individuals who want to enjoy a variety of exercises, such as squats and bench presses. The lat pulley system of this power rack is also ideal for cable exercises, like rowing and lat pulldown. a power rack but do not have sufficient workout space for it.
The maximum user weight capacity is 300 lbs. and the weight on plate storage is 450 lbs. which we think are very decent enough for a foldable squat rack.
What we don’t like about the Marcy Home Gym Cage System is that its assembly is difficult and time-consuming. Users reported that this power cage requires hours for its assembly.
Our Verdict
After going through thousands of customer reviews and carefully weighing the features of several cheap power racks, the REP Fitness PR 1100 Power Rack is the clear winner. With this fitness power rack, you can enjoy two integrated pull-up bars, full-length safety bars, and two j-cups. The brand behind this equipment clearly didn’t compromise quality for the price.
The safety features and stability of the REP Fitness PR 1100 Power Rack also influenced our decision. This equipment is made using 14 gauge steel, and its lat pull attachment can accommodate 250 pounds. But not all that is expensive are actually good. Our best budget entry from Cap Barbell Power Rack delivers a solid piece of equipment that does the job well at a fraction of the cost. While it may not be the most decorated piece, you can be assured that it is the type of rack that would keep you company for decades.
Buying Guide: How To Select the Best Power Rack For Your Home
With the number of exercises you can do with power racks, it’s easy to see why you need one in your workout space. This equipment is a must-have in every home gym regardless of your fitness levels and fitness goals. But since power racks are very common today, do you know which one to select? Are you aware of the factors to consider when buying a cheap power rack?
Our review doesn’t end up presenting you with some of the top cheap power racks. We’re also here to help you select the best power rack for your home.
Price
Before looking for a cheap power rack, come up with a budget first. List down the power rack features you want to enjoy and research the prices of the power racks that meet your requirements. This will help you shortlist options that suit your needs and budget.
Size
The power rack you’ll buy should fit your workout space, so make sure to measure your available space. How spacious (or small) is your workout space? Are you planning to add one power rack only, or will you invest in several?
The power rack size is a crucial consideration when buying a power rack because buying one that’s too big can restrict your movement, which can cause injuries and accidents. Buying a power rack that’s too big for your available space can also make your home gym look and feel cramped.
Frame
The frame of the power rack will support your weight and can significantly affect your safety when working out. Once you have already shortlisted cheap squat racks, pay attention to the frame. Only invest in a power rack that’s strong enough to support your weight and the weight pegs or plates you plan on using. The frame should also be durable enough to last for years.
Quality of the Materials and Build
The steel gauge contributes to the overall build and quality of the power rack. Aside from the thickness and durability of the steel gauge, you should also look into the welding quality and how well the attachments work (if there are any).
When comparing cheap power racks, don’t forget to check the quality of the materials and build. The best fitness power rack is one that’s made from high-quality materials and will stand the test of time.
Customizability/Add-On Provisions
You’ll be using different accessories with your power rack as you go along. You might need to use safety straps, safety bars, pull-up bars, and landmines in the future. The more you advanced in weightlifting, the more accessories you’ll need to use with your power rack.
When buying a power rack, assess if it’s customizable and supports add ons. This is an important feature to ensure diversity in your workouts.
Hole Spacing
The hole spacing is another factor to consider because it affects performing certain routines. For example, it’ll be very challenging for you to properly execute a max bench press if the safety pins in the roles are too low.
A good power rack offers several holes to have more lineup options. This will ensure your safety as you’re working out.
Capacity
Strength is very subjective—a strong power rack for you might not be strong for other lifters. The power rack you’ll buy should hold more weight than you can lift. Always aim high because your fitness level will improve as you use the equipment, which means that you’ll be adding more weight as you work out.
