A high-quality squat or power rack can take your home gym to the next level. You don't have to settle for calisthenics or dumbbells. Instead, you can master different lifts and acquire the gains with a lifting rack. Squats, deadlifts, military presses and more are all made possible by these racks. They are the foundation of many strength training programs and can open up a new world of training possibilities.
Explore the rack types, space considerations and the top squat and power rack deals below.
Squat Rack vs. Half Rack vs. Power Rack
There are three main types of lifting racks. Squat racks are the simplest of the three. They are composed of two uprights, each of which is equipped with a J-hook and an adjustable spotter arm for safety purposes. They take up the least space and allow for basic barbell exercises, such as squats, rows and military presses. Some may come with weight storage racks to make loading the bar and storing plates easier.
Half racks are the bridge between squat racks and power racks. They often come with built-in plate storage and pullup bars, in addition to the standard spotter arms and J-hooks. They are slightly larger than a squat rack but not quite as large as a power rack, meaning they provide more versatility and stability than a squat rack while taking up less space.
The power rack is the largest, safest and most versatile of the three. It has four posts and typically comes with two additional posts for plate storage, in addition to pullup bars. It also has a larger footprint than the other racks. Power racks also come with adjustable safety pins, straps and spotter arms to ensure that the lifter is as safe as possible. Lifts can also be done from within the cage created by the four posts or facing the two posts in the front, increasing its versatility.
Key Rack Features to Consider
First consider the rack steel gauge and total weight capacity. The latter is typically only relevant for more advanced lifters, as some racks may not be able to accommodate their heaviest lifts or goals. The former, however, refers to the thickness of the steel used in a given rack, which directly impacts rack stability. Some racks have a steel gauge of 12, but 11 is the standard across both commercial and home gyms. Typically, 11 is the lowest number you want to shoot for.
Keep an eye out for basic safety features. Lifting can be dangerous, so any rack you purchase should include adjustable spotter arms. These may come in the form of fabric safety straps or pin-and-pipe arms, or a more basic arm attachment. Whichever form they take, the spotter arms are vital because they allow you to set a failed lift down without issue. The arm support holes should be spaced about one inch apart, as it gives you more options to ensure safe lifting.
Attachments should also be considered. Some racks are compatible with core landmines, dip bars and lat pulldown attachments. Others aren't. If you are interested in a full-body workout, these attachments are a must.
The Best Racks for Your Home Gym in 2025
Review some of the best racks for home gyms below.
Best Squat Rack for Small Spaces
If you're looking for smaller squat racks due to limited space, it's important to assess how much room you have. Measure the floor footprint — the width and depth of the space you have for the rack. Measure the ceiling height to ensure the rack is able to fit and accommodate pullups. Having these measurements on hand will allow you to immediately eliminate racks that are too large from consideration.
The XM Fitness Squat Rack is one of the best budget-friendly squat racks on the market currently. It has the following features:
- Depth of 47 1/8"
- Width of 72 ¾"
- Height of 85"
- 700-pound weight capacity
- Steel gauge of 12
- Plate storage
- Heavy-duty spotter arms
- Fat and regular pullup bars
- Peg station
- Dip station
The XM Fitness Squat Rack is compact and highly versatile, giving you access to pullups, dips and more at the price point of a squat rack. The plate storage features make your workouts more convenient while also adding stability to the rack overall. This rack is a perfect fit for those looking to take their home workouts to the next level without taking up too much space.
Best Half Rack for a Home Gym
The half rack may be perfect for you if you're looking to up the versatility and storage capacity of your rack without the financial and spatial costs of a full option. As with the squat rack, you need to assess your floor footprint and ceiling height before committing to any rack in particular.
Half racks are larger than squat racks, so you will need to have a bit more space in your garage or multipurpose room in order to accommodate one.
The XM Fitness Rig Half Rack may fit your needs perfectly if you're looking for the following:
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Depth of 62"
- Width of 64"
- Height of 96"
- Weight capacity of over 1,000 pounds
- Steel gauge of 11
- Six plate storage bars for easy organization
- Highly adjustable J-hooks and spotter arms
- Robust straight bar for pullups
This rack makes both arranging and lifting easy with its mix of additional features and highly flexible safety mechanisms. It is powerful and ideal for those looking to take their workouts to the next level. It is a bit more costly, but it more than makes up for that cost with quality.
Best Budget-Friendly Power Rack
Power racks tend to be the largest and most expensive of the three racks, but they don't have to be. If you're looking for the best power rack under $500, the IRONAX XP1 Power Rack is the one for you. This rack is just $399 and includes the following features:
- Lifetime frame warranty
- One-year parts warranty
- Depth of 49"
- Width of 59"
- Height of 83"
- Steel gauge of 14
- Weight storage bars
- Weight capacity of 700 pounds
- Pullup bar with a total capacity of 400 pounds
- Laser-cut holes that are only an inch apart
- Compatibility with add-ons
More expensive power racks may include more features and a higher weight capacity, but this rack packs an enormous bang for a smaller buck. It's also extremely compact, making it perfect for smaller home gym setups.
Find Other Lifting Racks and More in Canada With The Treadmill Factory
Import fees and duties can make it hard for Canadians to access the equipment they need to pursue their fitness goals at home. With The Treadmill Factory, those unnecessary expenses are a thing of the past.
We ship the highest quality equipment to all the Canadian provinces and territories in as little as three days, and we've been doing it since 1988. We partner with some of the best brands in the industry and even offer attachments and parts to ensure your home gym is functional and convenient.
To learn more about our lifting racks, give us a call at 888-465-4780 or visit any of our seven locations in person.
