Power racks – or even a compact squat rack – are the bread and butter of strength training. With this hefty equipment, you can explore a multitude of exercises, movements, and programs. However, not all of us are blessed with a mansion that we can bombard with every piece of equipment or machine we want.
So what to do about it? Shall you just throw in the towel and buy dumbbells?
Nope, not really! Before you give up on your fitness goals, we’re here to tell you that power racks for low ceilings exist for lifters with a dilemma like yours. Small space? Low ceiling? Don’t fret – we got you!
This article focuses on reviewing 10 short squat rack cages and power racks that fit spaces with low ceilings, be it your basement, garage, or bedroom while providing basic to premium features you’ll need to achieve your dream physique and keep healthy and strong in the long run.
We allocate a detailed review for every short power rack, starting with our Top Pick, the Fitness Reality 810XLT, then proceed with a Buyer’s Guide and FAQS surrounding the best power rack, power rack dimensions, how much space they cover, and more.
Best Short Squat Rack at a Glance
An 84” height dimension may not be the lowest squat rack height in the market, but it trades off with its 19 adjustable height levels, 800 lbs weight capacity, and multipurpose pull-up bar for a full-body workout.
Power racks don’t come in short packages, yet the compact 81-inch tall HulkFit Adjustable Rack proves that you can enjoy a full-body workout without cramming your gym station.
Get a full cage power rack that fits your vertical clearance and budget, and lets you punch in a great workout session featuring 500 to 750 lbs maximum weight capacity, adjustable safety catches, and heavy-duty construction for your safety and security.
Fitness Reality 810XLT Squat Rack – Best Overall
What we like
- The excellent weight limit for experienced lifters
- Complete power rack for rigorous everyday lifting
- Strong and rigid construction built to accommodate intense movements
- Compatible with third party attachments and accessories
What we don’t like
- Ideal for gym spaces with at least 8 ft vertical clearance
- Wide setup dimension takes up significant floor space
The Fitness Reality 810XLT is definitely not the shortest power rack on the list, but if your home has the vertical clearance for it, then we say give this cage a shot! It’s made with a 2” x 2” square steel frame so durability worries are out of the question. You can rest assured that this power rack will stand by you through the test of time.
We appreciate its 19 levels of height adjustability so there’s plenty of room for you to change the heights up depending on your exercise. Be it squats, shrugs, bench presses, or even chin-ups, this power rack has all the dutiful features you’ll need to max out your workout. All in all, it pans out to a lengthy 84” in height at the top of the pull-up bar.
Other features we love are its 800 lbs weight capacity, safety bars compatible with Olympic bars, and its weight plate storage that can hold up to 270 lbs of plates.
HulkFit MultiFunction Adjustable Rack – Best for Small Spaces
What we like
- Numbered holes for easy recognition
- H-shape and triangle lock provides maximum stability and safety
- Adjustable chin-up bar depending on the desired height
- Available in three colors: black, red, and yellow
What we don’t like
- Low weight capacity compared with other squat racks
This rack’s decent dimension of 50 by 46 by 81 inches would properly suit small spaces like apartments, basements, or any low ceiling room in general. Its 81” height is the cherry on top.
It also has numbered adjustable height levels with a fair 2” hole gap in between. Its included pull-up bar can be mounted according to your desired height, so there’s no such thing as compromising your room’s vertical clearance. This half rack is also equipped with heavy-duty J hooks for exercise versatility and rear weight plate holders for mess-free storage.
The only “faulty” feature we find in this half rack (which is not even so much of a big deal), is its 500 lbs weight capacity. Unless you’re a Viking preparing to toss a combatant over your shoulders, there’s no need to max out this weight limit on a regular gym day.
Cap Barbell Full Cage 6Ft Power Rack – Best Budget
What we like
- Rubber stoppers for a stable setup
- Heavy-duty construction meets and exceeds industry standards
- Ideal power cage for low ceiling room
- Adjustable safety catches and bars
What we don’t like
- No weight plate storage
- Height holes not numbered
It’s almost impossible to find the best short power racks that would be conducive for rooms with low ceilings. This is exactly what makes the Cap Barbell Full Cage special among other power racks with its 6ft vertical height.
This whole exercise equipment measures 47 by 43.62 by 72 inches. If you ask us, this takes up insignificant floor space in your garage gym or basement gym. Given its pull-up bar, this cage passes as a full cage power rack that provides plenty of exercise options. This also has an impressive weight capacity of 750 lbs while the safety bars have 500 lbs load limit. The power cage is available in black, green, and red colors.
Marcy MWB-70500 – Best for Beginners
What we like
- The walk-in design ensures easy entry to the cage
- Slip-free rubber feet for added stability
- Perfectly pairs with other Marcy equipment like utility benches or weight sets
- Slim structured rack for small spaces and low ceilings
What we don’t like
- Significantly low weight limit in the bar catch
- Unnumbered height adjustment holes
- No weight plate pegs
Shopping for a low ceiling power rack gives you a narrow list of choices, and the Marcy MWB-70500 is one of the promising best short power racks you could consider. Off the bat, it has a standard 84-inch vertical height that suits standard homes and low ceiling rooms, provided chin-ups are not in your program. Plus, an average 300 lbs weight limit for beginners.
With a dimension of 47 by 54 by 84 inches, this squat rack looks compact, friendly, and apt for compound basics such as squats, bench presses, and overhead presses. It comes with a multi-grip pull-up bar that caters to wide and narrow grips and provides 300 lbs of weight capacity. The barbell catches carry the same 300 lbs limit and are fully adjustable.
For an added touch, this squat cage has built-in resistance band anchors for versatile exercises and rubber non-slip feet for complete safety.
BangTong&Li Squat Stand – Best Stability
What we like
- The safety locking system ensures efficient adjustment and complete safety for all exercises
- A safe and secure H-shape structure promotes stability
- “Collapsible” design saves space in your home gym
What we don’t like
- Unnumbered holes
- No pull up bar
Power racks require immense stability over anything else. The BangTong&Li Squat Stand proves that you can find the strongest built even in a compact structure. This one is made with a 2 x 2” square tube with a powder-coated finish, so you have no worries about its durability and strength. Its 500 lbs weight capacity is great for serious, everyday lifters.
It comes with an adjustable barbell rack that can be arranged from 50 to 57 inches or 6 horizontal adjustments in total. It also has spotter arms with an anti-slip sheet, anti-skid foot cover, and barbell storage pegs for your ease of packing up. As with its design, the BangTong&Li Squat Stand is available in colors red, black, and black + yellow.
Marcy SM-8117 6 ft. Squat Rack – Best Multifunction
What we like
- Efficient walk-in design for stress-free entry into the cage
- Convenient Olympic plate storage posts and bar rack for 6ft and 7ft Olympic bars
- All-in-one workout station to perform a full-body program
What we don’t like
- Unnumbered height holes
- Measly maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Power racks are designed to be multifunctional and versatile to accommodate plenty of different exercises. The Marcy SM-8117 is one to take this challenge to heart, starting with its multi-grip pull-up handles. It also has adjustable safety catches that allow you to perform solid squats and presses without compromising your safety.
The resistance band and tube anchors provide excellent points for working out from different angles without the need for additional attachments. All you need are straps or resistance bands, and you’re good to go! The sturdy foam pads on the pull-up bar allow a more secure and comfortable grip.
Doeplex Upgraded Multifunction Squat Rack – Best for Lightweight and Non-Competitive Lifting
What we like
- Multifunctional design with a retractable base to save space after use
- Rubber pads on J hooks increase tack lifetime by reducing friction between barbell and rack
- Inclusive of rear weight plate holders
- Anti-slip grip on dip station provides extra support and protection for the floor
What we don’t like
- Unnumbered height holes
A half rack like the Doeplex Upgraded Multifunction may be on the short end, but don’t underestimate its construction quality. This one is made with an enhanced frame that supports all its incorporated features. It has an excellent load capacity of 550 lbs, which will allow you to take your strength training further than you could imagine.
It has an eye-catching color combination of black and red, encompassed in a dimension of 26 by 48 by 70 inches. Taking this measurement, we believe its vertical height is apt for rooms with low ceilings. This half-rack should be more than enough, especially if you’re a lightweight trainee or non-competitive lifter.
For your safety and preference, feel free to explore the 12 adjustable levels from 46.8” to 70”, as well as the base width which could be retracted from 30.3” to 48”. The security spring lock and butterfly nuts and screws on the adjustable levels provide security and stability.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-XF9925 – Best Weight Capacity
What we like
- Textured grip on a pull-up bar for a more secure hold
- Inclusive of safety clip
- Multi-grip pull-up bar
What we don’t like
- The height adjustments have no laser numbering
- Produces some wiggles
Out of every full power rack and squat stand we’ve reviewed so far, the Sunny Health and Fitness Strength Rack has the best maximum weight limit thus far. If you’re serious about strength training and aim to venture heavy lifting soon, you’ll be pleased with the 1,000 lbs capacity of this thing.
Beyond its durability, this equipment is highly versatile as well. It’s equipped with an adjustable and reversible pull-up bar that allows 4 different positions and a wide or narrow grip. Of course, you can’t miss out on the 6 resistance band posts that provide a variety of anchor points, whichever way you’d like to go, and its 18 adjustable height levels.
For your convenience, this rack has its own weight plate storage to organize your plates. For safety purposes, there are safety lock hatches in place. You could also go the extra mile and bolt down this rack on the floor for zero wobbles and shakes.
Nisorpa Adjustable Squat Rack – Best Portable
What we like
- Space-saving free-standing movable barbell posts
- H-shaped structure not easily tipped over
- Best rack for low ceilings in terms of vertical clearance
- Enhanced stability with the triangular column post
What we don’t like
- Short barbell catches
They say that great things come in small packages. In this case, it’s portable. The Nisorpa Adjustable Squat Rack is known for its free-standing style that you can tower on the floor in whichever width gap you’re comfortable with.
Supporting its free-standing style are 14 adjustable height levels that you could choose from to align with your comfortable height. There are anti-skid and anti-scratch rubber feet in place to stabilize the squat stand further, as well as a safety locking system for your safety training.
As with its durability, you got nothing to worry about given this stand’s thick steel tube and anti-rust powder coating. Overall, it provides a 66-inch vertical height that would suit your room with a low ceiling.
Uboway Barbell Rack and Squat Stand – Best for Short Users
What we like
- Stable triangular structure and T-type post prevent overturning and provides stable base
- Designed with comfort and portability in mind for short lifters
- Retractable structure for semi-disassembly after use
What we don’t like
- No barbell plate pegs
- Unnumbered holes
A power rack has an average vertical height of 84 inches. Being a short individual may render the extra space futile, especially when you have a small workout station, to begin with. We provide a practical remedy in the form of the Uboway Barbell Rack and Squat Stand, putting emphasis on its 55-inch vertical height.
This squat stand is made with 2” x 2” thick square tubes with an impressive load capacity of 550 lbs, given its compact stature. It comes with 12 adjustable vertical levels, ranging from 36.2 to 55.1 inches, and 10 adjustable width levels from 24.8 to 42.9 inches. With a total vertical height of 55 inches, this tiny but mighty rack has no contender in the short category.
The retractable design of this barbell rack furthers its storage-saving capacity, while its dip bar station makes for a great calisthenics area for bodyweight program fanatics. The dipping station is equipped with comfortable foam handles for secure and safe gripping.
Our Verdict
Searching for a short power rack that suits low ceilings only gives you a number of options. Anything that goes above 81 inches seems a bit iffy, to begin with, much more racks that go beyond 84 inches.
Considering this, our Top Pick, the Fitness Reality 810XLT, fits the bill with its 83-inch top height, multifunction structure, and excellent load capacity for heavy lifters. Now, if your home gym has a seriously low ceiling and you can’t afford to be ambitious with your power rack, the Uboway Squat Stand is a clear winner with its 55-inch vertical height.
Buying Guide: How To Select The Best Short Squat Rack For Your Home Gym
Height
The height of a rack essentially depends on its main structure. There are four rack types you could choose from – power cage, squat rack, half rack, and collapsible rack. Power cages are massive by default. Thus, squat rack, half rack, or collapsible rack are your best choices.
To properly measure the appropriate vertical height for your squat stand, consider this formula:
| Ideal squat rack height = room height – floor thickness/protection – pull up clearance |
On that note, consider whether you want a pull-up bar or not, since this will require an additional 1 to 1.5 ft for consideration. Suffice to say, the ideal squat stand for smaller spaces is 6 ft. This is especially applicable for apartments, attic rooms, low ceiling rooms, and low basements.
Weight Capacity
The average load capacity of a squat rack to a power rack ranges from 500 to 1,000 lbs, depending on its structure, features, and main exercise program. There are also squat racks with significantly lower load limits, such as the Marcy 7500 with only 300 lbs. Choosing a power cage based on weight limit would depend on your lifting program and strength capacity.
Adjustability
This plays a huge role in your freedom to shift from one exercise to the next. More increments mean more control and versatility. Hole spacing for height levels is ideally 2 inches apart while a numbering system helps you eliminate the guesswork and efficiently determine where to hook the J cups for squats, bench press, overhead press, etc.
Your Available Space
As discussed in the Height subsection, the best power racks for your choice relies on your average ceiling height. For quick estimates, leave a foot for sufficient space for your flooring protection and overhead clearance, plus approx. two feet for pull-ups. In line with this, consider your whole program and how much space is required for your mobility needs.
Material, Construction, and Finish
A power rack or squat rack is the centerpiece of any home gym. Choosing premium-grade steel construction prolongs the equipment’s longevity, durability, and usefulness. By rule of thumb, the lesser the gauge means, the thicker the steel; thus, 11-gauge steel is the best way to go. Other power racks for low ceilings with 12 or 13-gauge steel are as good and durable.
Price
The bigger the power rack, the pricier it’s most likely to be, whereas smaller or shorter ones are undeniably cheaper. To sum the price points of the racks we reviewed, expect a wide array of prices ranging from $100 to $1,000. Size and features are the main variants for a rack’s selling price. The fewer features you demand, the less you pay for.
