Squat Racks are essential in weightlifting training. One of the challenges among powerlifting enthusiasts is the equipment size since we want to maximize our work-out spaces, especially when we have a modest room to fit all our fitness equipment. Hence, the foldable squat racks that are fully functional. But not all foldable squat racks are made equal. And to spot a good quality one that’s worth your investment is crucial. Here’s what we considered in selecting for this list:
- Ease of folding and assembling
- Material
- The size and practicality
- Price
Considering all these factors, PRX Performance Profile Squat Rack is a fantastic piece by a home run for its flawless and quick foldable patented design and durability that withstands 500 lbs. and extra-durable material and finish without costing you an arm and a leg. Squat racks should be safe to use, bear your weight load, and, most importantly, give you value for money. To make your hunt easier, here’s what we have come up with in our search for the best folding squat racks in the market today.
Best Folding Squat Racks at a Glance
It has a single pull-up bar suitable for use by athletes. It has patented designs that have gas shocks located on each pivot point.
One of the easiest to fold racks around with 11 gauge super strong steel making it sturdy and can hold a lot of weight.
Minimalist but sturdy enough as it is made from a heavy-duty 3 * 3 11-gauge Steel tube.
PRX Performance Profile Squat Rack – Best Overall
What we like
- 100% free fitness app
- It can accommodate a maximum weight of 1000lbs
- Quickest patented folding
- 4 100-lb. gas shocks
What we don’t like
- Not suitable for bench press exercises because it has no westside hole spacing
- It does not come cheap
The PRX Performance Profile Squat Rack comprises a single pull-up bar designed specifically for athletes. It is important to note that the bar is powder-coated black and has an added grip texture that makes it safe to use.
Another reason why the PRX Performance Profile tops this list as the best folding squat rack is that it can be used in all parts of the house, such as the basement and garage, without it taking much space.
These squat racks can be mounted on the wall creating a storage space for all your workout equipment.
The PRX rack has a front spacing of 2 inches and a centered spacing of 5/8 “ per hole. This performance profile equipment is 42” long and has a diameter of 1.25”. It is important to note that this pull-up bar equipment has a maximum weight capacity of 1000 lb.
We like that these folding squat racks have a patent design that enables them to be easily folded up and down. In addition, the brand has received funding from shark tank, which means that it is a reliable and trustworthy brand.
Another factor that made this the best folding squat rack and our editor’s favorite is that it is one of the few racks in the market that can be wall-mounted and folded away simultaneously.
When reviewing this folding rack, we realized that it was easy to install because all it needed was four wall studs spaced 16” from the center.
If you have three wall studs, you can mount them with a spacing of 24” from the center. If you do not have wall studs, you can use a string board instead. The user can find more detailed instructions on attaching the squat rack to the wall.
It is important to note that for a successful installation job, your house ceiling should have a minimum height of 108”. If the ceiling is less than 108”, you can modify the squat rack by shortening the rack distance from the floor.
The special powder-coated grip texture has been applied to all three pull-up bar options: the kipping bar, strict pull-up bar, and multi-grip bar.
Also, another thing that we liked about this rack is that it has a heavy-duty J-cup. The cups are manufactured from 10 mm steel, meaning that they are strong enough to accommodate most weights.
Another factor that made this squat rack be our editor’s choice is that it comes with a PRX Fit app. Unlike other pull-up bars in the market with a subscription-based app, this app shows 100% free workouts. Overall this is a great piece for its size, performance, and decently priced.
Titan Fitness T-3 Series Folding Power Rack – Best Budget
What we like
- Affordable with the same functions as expensive brands do
- With one westside hole spacing for bench pressing
- It has height adjustment levels of between 81” and 91” and a great weight capacity of up to 1000lbs.
What we don’t like
- Lock & pin hinge system on folding isn’t swift
- It does not come with stringers, so you have to buy it separately
If you are looking for a budget-friendly folding squat rack, consider the Titan fitness T3 power rack.
It is the best budget-friendly squat rack on this list because users can pay for it in monthly installments of $35. Keep in mind that this is an interest-free payment option that will require you to have approval from the Amazon Rewards Visa Card Program.
Titan T-3 is made from 2 x 3” 11 gauge steel uprights. This folding squat rack comes in two versions: a short version that is 82” while the tall version is 92” tall.
Some of the general specifications you need to know about are that these squat racks have an overall weight of 46” and an overall height of 91.37”. In addition, the hole size is 11/16 -in, and the pull-up bar has a maximum height of 89-in. The pull-up bar offers a good grip because it has a diameter of 1.25-in.
When this squat rack is not in use, it can fold 5 inches from the wall. Some of the accessories that come with this folding squat include; 2 top and bottom side bracings, a 1.25-inch single pull-up bar, and 2 J hooks with UHMW plastic.
The UHMW plastic-coated J-hooks help protect the uprights from scratching and the bars from knurling. It is important to note that this is a sturdy space-saving rack, and it is strong enough to accommodate a maximum weight capacity of 1,000 pounds.
When buying this product, accessories not included are a rock stringer wall plate and wall mounting hardware. When mounted on the wall, it will have a depth of 22.5” while the pull-up bar depth will be 20.5”. The total weight will be 145 lb.
When you buy this folding squat rack for the first time, keep in mind that the manufacturer recommends two people assemble it to reduce the chances of being injured.
PRX Performance Profile PRO Squat– Best for Small Apartments
What we like
- Only takes 4 inches of space when folded
- Comes with stringers that help with wall mounting
- With 3×3 heavy-duty J Cups
- (2) 11-gauge 3×3 steel uprights (7’6″ or 8′)
What we don’t like
- More expensive than the PRX Performance Profile Squat Rack with little difference
- No westside hole spacing for bench press
PRx Performance Profile Pro is manufactured in many colors, ranging from black, blue, red, yellow, and green. It has a kipping bar with pull-up bars across uprights.
The Kipping bar allows the user to perform a wide range of kipping movements and grip pull-up exercises.
We like that when doing kipping pull-ups, the user tends to have a firm grip, which is attributed to a powder coating applied on the kipping bar.
This home gym equipment can be used in the basement garage or even mounted in a spare room with relative ease. It has a patented design consisting of 4 gas shocks welded on four pivot points.
The gas shocks make it possible for this wall-mounted rack to fold down or upwards easily. It is important to note that you have to hold the rack using a safety pin when folding it upwards.
This model is made from a 3 x 3 11 gauge Steel with ten height adjustment options ranging from 90 – 96”.
These squat racks are suitable for heavy users because they have a maximum load capacity of 1,000 lbs. Also, the same rack is made from an 11 gauge steel tube, which means that it will not easily break.
This folding rack also comes with a pair of plastic-coated J-cups, which protect the barbells from wear and tear.
Another thing that we liked about this wall-mounted squat is that it has a PRx fit app. The app enables users to access 100% free workout training sessions. This comes in handy if you are a first-time user because you will be guided on using the equipment.
Valor Fitness BD-20 Wall Mounted Folding Squat Rack – Best for Beginners
What we like
- Affordable
- Height adjustable pull-up bar of 69-92.5 inches
- Compact dimensions of 23.5 in (depth) x 47.5 in (width) x 94.5 in (height)
- 750 lbs. maximum user weight
What we don’t like
- No accessory compatibility
- Lower maximum capacity
The Valor Fitness BD-20 is a wall-mounted folding squat rack that is best for both beginners and lightweight lift training.
This equipment has a dimension of 23.5 * 47.5 * 94.5 inches. It has a maximum weight load of 750 lb, making it suitable for use in both a home gym and a light commercial gym.
When you buy this product, it will come in two separate boxes, and it will have a warranty of 3 years.
It is important to note that this home gym equipment matches the strength of a commercial power rack because it is made from an 11 gauge 2.5” * 2.5” solid frame tube.
Another thing that we liked about this rack stand is that it has rubber base cups on the bottom, which increases the stability of this gym machine. In addition, the rubber base cups also protect the floor from damage while exercising.
We also like the versatility of this equipment because you can use it to perform a wide range of exercises, just as you would with a power rack in a commercial gym.
Another important feature worth mentioning is that it has a 42.5” inside working space and that the J hooks can be adjusted from 13.75” to 61”.
The pull-up bars can also be adjusted from 69” – 92” depending on your exercise needs.
AKYEN Adjustable Squat Rack Stand – Best Adjustable Multifunction Rack
What we like
- It has safety knot technology for sturdier inner and outer square tubes
- It has 15 height adjustment levels for different users
- Versatile equipment for various exercises
- Durable heavy-gauge steel with powder coat finish
What we don’t like
- Quite large footprint but adjustable in height
- Adjusting the width of the rack is complicated
AKYEN carries the day as the most adjustable squat rack of this roundup. It is durable and reliable. When you buy this squat rack, expect it to have a dimension of 28 x 23.3 x 46 inches. Its estimated weight is around 48.7 pounds.
It is the best adjustable squat rack on this list because it has 15 height adjustments levels ranging from 46 – 72”.
In addition, it has four width adjustment levels ranging from 25 – 42 inches. This square rack is made from heavy gauge steel with a durable powder coating. The heavy gauge Steel enables the Akyen rack to withstand loads of 850 lbs.
One thing that we like about this power squat rack is that it has a 3 -in – 1 design. This means that the user can use it for various types of exercises such as squats and barbell exercises. This rack can also be used as a dip bar if configured correctly.
Other exercises that can also be performed with this squat rack are pull-ups, leg exercises, push-ups, and dips.
Another feature that we liked is its save space design, which applies to both the height and width. It is also important to note that you do not have to worry about damaging your floor because it has non-slip footpads. The non-slip foot pads also prevent the device from slipping when exercising.
Another feature we liked about this squat rack is that the handgrips are coated with a UVA material. The UVA material minimizes hand fatigue by Increasing friction. In addition, the UVA material also reduces the chances of users suffering from hand blisters.
Unlike other squat racks in the market, this squat rack uses safety knot technology that stops the inner and outer tubes from shaking when the equipment is being used.
FringeSport Wall Mount Foldable Power Rack – Best for Pull-Up Bar Exercises
What we like
- It has a UHMW plastic coating that protects the barbells
- Pull-up bar can be adjusted from 70” – 88” from the floor
- Generous 1 year return policy
- 2-way folding mechanism (side-in or out)
What we don’t like
- It is complicated to assemble, especially for first-time users
- Not suitable for heavy-duty use because it can only accommodate weights of upto 800lb
- It has no westside hole spacing
FringeSport is one of the most retractable wall-mounted racks in the market. It is designed to fold inwards or outwards depending on your individual needs.
If you are looking for a folding squat rack suitable for use in a home gym with limited space, you should consider this folding rack.
It has a dimension of 49 * 90.5 * 25 inches, and when it is retracted, it will have a size of 5 inches.
This wall mount rogue rack is made from a 2 * 3 11 gauge steel tube, making it strong enough to withstand 800 lbs loads.
Fringe sport rogue rack has the best adjustable pull-up bar in the market. The user can use these adjustable power racks to perform a wide range of exercises such as chin-ups, hanging leg raises, and hanging knee raise exercises.
This is possible because the bar can be adjusted 70 – 88” from the floor. This folding squat rack can be folded either from the inside or outside. When folding it, you will have to pull out four pins from the rack hinges and four pins from the pull bar.
It is also important to note that this folding squat has a UHMW plastic-coated J-hook. The plastic coating helps protect the barbells by minimizing wear and tear.
When you buy this power rack, it will come with accessories such as a mounting bracket, a j-cup, a foldable rack, pins to lock the frame in place, and a wall-mount rack.
PRX Performance Murphy Rack Fold Up Squat Rack – Best Wall-Mounted Folding Rack
What we like
- Space-saving as it extends to only 4” from the wall
- Best folding rack with a free 100% fitness app
- Suitable for heavy-duty use because it can carry weights of up to 1000lbs
- Can be installed to suit two different heights of 95” – 108
What we don’t like
- Pricy
- It tends to wobble when doing intense workouts
If you are looking for a squat rack that you can mount on your wall and fold up nicely for easy storing, consider the Murphy fold-up model. It uses patented technology for swift folding, is budget-friendly, and most importantly, is durable.
This folding rack is created to accommodate a maximum weight load of 1000 pounds. All parts are made from high-quality steel with a black coat finish.
In addition, these folding squat racks are designed to save on wall space because it has a dimension of 52 * 108 * 22.5” when folded upwards. when folder downwards, it will have a dimension of 52 * 90 * 39.5”.
The best way to set up this wall-mounted squat rack is to know the distance of your ceiling height from the floor. If the ceiling height is 108” or taller, this wall-mounted square rack should be mounted at least 19 – 88” from the ground.
This foldable rack saves on wall space because it will stand 90” tall and be 22” from the wall when it is mounted. Also, it will be 108” and 4 inches from the wall when folded and not in use.
You can increase the versatility by adding a PRX Performance folding weight bench that you can buy separately.
Nisorpa Adjustable Squat Rack – Best Portable
What we like
- Portable and with easy to remove horn bars for bench pressing
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- With 14 height adjustment holes
- Sturdy H-frame foundation with rubber-tipped footing
What we don’t like
- Lighter weight capacity of 440 lbs.
- Not suitable for use as a commercial equipment
These squat racks are the best portable square racks in the market because they weigh just under 33lbs. In addition, they have a dimension of 66.14 * 18.9 * 17”.
The squat racks are made from high-quality steel frames, with the outer layer having a powder coating. The coating is important because it helps the squat rack become scratch-resistant.
Though this rack does not have a weight plate storage feature, we like that it has anti-scratch rubber feet that are also skid-resistant.
The rubber feet are advantageous because they make the equipment safe to use and protect the floor.
This multifunction barbell rack has a load-bearing capacity of 500 pounds. We like that it has four adjustable height levels and 14 height adjustment holes to increase or decrease the intensity of your workouts.
Another thing that we liked about this squat stand is its safety support features. One support feature worth mentioning is that it has an H-shaped square base. The H-shaped square base prevents this square stand from easily topping over.
These squat racks have two barbell storage racks, making it easy to transition from one exercise to another. This power rack can be used to do a wide range of exercises ranging from push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and shoulder press exercises.
GRIND FITNESS Chaos 4000 Power Rack – Best Half Rack
What we like
- Safe to use because it can be bolted to the ground
- It has numbered uprights that help with barbell balance training
- Great weight capacity of 1500lbs
- Easy to assemble and with smaller dimensions for ease of storage
What we don’t like
- Paint tends to chip off quickly after some time.
- Could be better with 2” height spacing instead of 1”
Chaos 4000 half rack is designed to save space in your home gym or garage and measures 85 x 53 x 51, and it saves more space when compared to a full power rack with four posts.
This power rack weighs 185 lbs. It has a black powder coat with an orange accent and heavy-duty weight pegs.
The weight bench is designed to enable the folding squat to hold weight plates to economize on space.
It is also designed to keep the rack stable by balancing the weights on all sides. This is achieved by having three evenly spaced weight pegs on each side of the squat rack.
The pegs can carry Olympic weight plates of different sizes ranging from 45 – 25”.
Do not worry about this home equipment breaking because it is made from commercial-grade steel.
Some of the features that make this squat rack equipment suitable for home use include a multi-grip pull-up bar used to perform exercises such as chin-ups, a spotter arm for safety, and lined J-cups.
The J-cups have a static weight capacity of 1500 lbs. Unlike other wall-mounted racks in the market, The J-cups of this model have a rubber coating to protect the barbells from wear and tear.
Another advantage of having these folding racks is that they have 18 numbered uprights, and this is advantageous because it will be easy to know whether the barbell is balanced.
It is important to note that this rack can be easily bolted to the ground, unlike other racks in the market, making it safe to use.
Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Squat Stand – Best for Small Commercial Gym
What we like
- 18 Point adjustable J Hooks
- Includes basic essential pieces like the Olympic plate storage and adjustable spotter arms
- Small footprint
- Affordable and durable
What we don’t like
- Basic features
- Weights have to be purchased separately
If you’re looking for a squat rack that can hold up to 800 pounds and fit an Olympic bar, this offering from Sunny Health and Fitness gets the job done. The no-frills design includes adjustable spotter arms, so nothing is holding your weight towards the ground when performing squats or other exercises with heavy loads like deadlifts.
This squat rack is perfect for all your home workout needs. It comes with adjustable spotter arms, storage space for Olympic plates (weights are not included), and an angled pull-up bar for wide and narrow grips and is adjustable to eight different positions.
We particularly liked the safety latches on the spotter when squatting with heavyweights. You can also upgrade the power rack with a lat pull-down attachment and a weight bench at an additional cost.
Another advantage to note is that assembly is a piece of cake.
Overall, if you are looking for a simpler squat rack for heavy weight training, the Sunny Health and Fitness piece is a runner-up in the list, strong enough with its heavy-duty frame, and ideal for small commercial gyms.
Final Verdict
There you have it. When selecting the right rack, choose the one that doesn’t just suit your space, but also gives you the functionality that works for your fitness goal.
The winner for the best folding squat rack for this roundup goes to PRx Performance Profile Squat Rack. It is the best squat rack on this list because it can accommodate more weight than other squat stands. For example, this squat stand has a maximum load capacity of 1000 lbs. It is also best for small spaces because it is easily folded away when not being used.
The second runner-up is the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Folding Power Rack. It is made from a strong 11 gauge steel tube with decent weight capacity and functionality and easily folds to just 5 inches from the wall when not in use. It is a suitable piece for cramped-up apartments or limited spaces like your garage.
How To Choose The Best Folding Squat Rack
Folding squat racks are advantageous because of their space-saving design. It helps athletes train at the comfort of their homes cost-effectively.
Folding squat racks only require an empty wall space and a few inches of free space from the floor to open into a full-sized rack. Generally, folding wall racks are less expensive when compared to a free-standing power rank.
So what should you consider when buying a folding power rack? When you are looking for a wall-mounted squat rack or any other rack for that matter, you need to consider factors such as the design, accessories, pricing, and construction quality, just to name a few.
Below, we are going to look into these factors in a more detailed manner:
Consider the Accessories
Most racks have basic accessories that enable you to do one or two exercises at most. When looking for foldable racks, ensure they have the necessary attachments to help you achieve your weight lifting goals.
Some of the accessories that you need to have are:
- chin-up bars
- Benches
- J-hooks
- Monkey Bars
- Knee holder for lats
- Plate holders
- Lat pull down seat
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity entirely depends on your fitness goal. Suppose you are an advanced user or heavyweight training, we recommend you buy a power rack with a weight capacity of 1,000 lb. There are models that allow you to customize the weight stacks and resistance to fit your workout requirement. Keep in mind that the machine’s capacity to hold the weight isn’t always maximized to maintain safety while using.
Dimensions
When buying a wall mount rack, you need to consider the dimensions of the rack when it is in use and when it is not being used. This will make sure that your purchase fits the space you allot it for. Measure the width, height, and clearance, and of course, if the machine moves ergonomically for your body type.
Hole Spacing and Number
Hole spacing is essential because it will determine the intensity and safety of your workouts. The best hole spacing should be roughly ½ – 1” apart. Small increments allow you to adjust things like safety spotters and j-hooks with relative ease.
In addition, you also need to buy affordable racks with well-numbered holes. Stands that are well numbered are easier to use because you do not have to guess whether or not the bar is leveled or not.
Safety
Most people who have a home gym tend to be alone as they work out. Therefore, you should only buy folding squat racks that are safe to use by evaluating the safety features of the squat stand in question.
The best folding squat In the market should offer several safety features such as:
- Safety straps
- The ability of the rack to be screwed to the floor
- Safety spotter arms
- Safety sling attachments
- Safety bars
- It should be made from high-quality materials
It must be noted that folding squat racks made from steel tubes with a gauge of 12 and below are more stable and safer. The lower the number of the gauge, the stronger the tube.
Budget
Another factor that you need to consider is the budget. Consider a rack that you can afford without straining your finances.
Although some cheap folding racks are generally made from low-quality materials making them a short-term investment, it’s smart to know that not all expensive items are the best.
An example of a budget-friendly home gym rack is the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Folding Power Rack. It is a space-saving rack that lets you perform exercises that other more expensive brands do. You can also rely on its durability, keeping you company for many years of moderate to heavy use.
Return Policy
Lastly, keep in mind that cheap folding racks generally do not have a return policy or a lifetime structural warranty. The best folding racks should have at least a 30-day return policy. This way, you will have a little time to use it before deciding whether or not it is a good fit for you.
