Best Weight Benches 2023

When the time comes to outfit your space with must-have workout equipment, there's a good chance you’ll find yourself comparing some of best weight benches. A workout bench, weight bench or strength training bench is a pivotal piece of equipment for your home gym that will give your lifts the support they need. But a weight bench isn't just for pumping iron—anyone dedicated to a fitness regimen can benefit from one of these simple pieces of essential equipment.

The best weight benches will boost your weight-lifting sessions with stable support

"The most common weight bench is a flat bench—usually one solid piece, or an adjustable bench with a lever to set at an incline or decline," explains Rachel MacPherson, CPT, performance coach and member of the Garage Gym Review's Expert Panel. Adjustable benches are optimal if you plan on performing any movements requiring an incline, like a bench press or seated shoulder press, adds MacPherson.

Although you'll drop a few dollars on the big brand names, some of the best weight benches won't break the bank. In fact, you can find highly rated ones for around $200 or less. Think about how often you will use a weight bench before making a decision. Does it justify spending more? What about your workout space—does it require a foldable model that saves real estate? After that, you can delve into even more details regarding the category. Heavy lifters with a laundry list of apparatus might prefer the enhanced support of an Olympic weight bench, whereas a flat bench can boost any run-of-the-mill workout.

If you’re overwhelmed by choice, our list of the best weight benches (based on expert and customer reviews) may come in handy to help you find a good fit for your workouts.

Amazon

Positions: 10 | Load capacity: 1,100 pounds | Wheels: Yes

If you’re on the hunt for a durable bench for an all-over body workout, the Deracy Deluxe might fit the bill. Featuring 10 back and four seat adjustable positions, its versatility means you can work through all variations of exercises.

"To perform plyo jumps or step-ups, for example, you'll need a sturdy bench that won't tip when you step or jump on it, even if your weight is distributed unevenly," says MacPherson. The H-shape base provides a solid grounding, and the bench can support up to 1,100 pounds. This may well be your ideal option, whether you want to lift heavy or go all-out on cardio.

If a lightweight folding bench is what you’re after, the Deracy Deluxe may not be for you—it's fairly hefty in weight at 77 pounds. But, it's stable with a heavy-duty steel structure to shuffle from place to place via its lift handle and back wheels. As a bonus, it rolls out of the box with mostly pre-assembled parts.

The Deracy Deluxe gets our vote as the best weight bench and all-around performer for every exercise style.

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Bowflex

Positions: 5 | Load capacity: 550 pounds | Wheels: No

A step up from the 3.1S in the SelectTech series, the Blowflex 4.1S is a stowable option for saving on space—ideal if your gym doubles up as your home office. Featuring five adjustable angles (including a decline at -20 degrees) and a leg holder for added stability when you need it—sit-ups included—the bench is multi-functional for all your lifting needs.

The padding is water-resistant, while the frame is made from heavy-duty alloy steel for a sturdy support of up to 550 pounds—not the highest weight capacity of benches but solid enough for lifts of up to 250 pounds, which is certainly enough for beginner and intermediate lifters. For a heavier load capacity, the SelectTech 5.1S supports 600 pounds with an additional incline angle to the 4.1S.

When your workout is complete, the bench can be stowed upright with the click of a button to save space.

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REP Fitness

Positions: 7 | Load capacity: 1,000 pounds | Wheels: Yes

The REP Fitness Ab-3000 adjustable bench is also known as a flat, incline, decline (FID) bench, and this particular bench uses an adjusted ladder style to alter its angles. Its built-in foot pads offer additional stability for your core-centric work, making it ideal for ab workouts.

Seven inclines (ranging from -20 to 85 degrees) can easily switch out, alongside a thick seat pad with three adjustment settings. It also perches under a cage, smith machine or power rack. Despite its 85-pound weight, its attached wheels and handle allow for easy repositioning, so you won't need to over-exert yourself between sets.

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Amazon

Positions: 1 | Load capacity: 800 pounds | Wheels: Yes

The Steelbody Deluxe Flat Utility Bench is a versatile add-on for your home gym. Made from durable alloy steel, it can support a hefty weight of up to 800 pounds, plus, to save your floor from scratches, the foot pads are fitted with non-marking caps.

You can really pack in the exercises on this workbench as it's also functional for cardio exercises—we're talking bench jumps and step-ups. And, it's simple enough to shift around with a handle and built-in transport wheels. The bench also comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty.

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Amazon

Positions: 1 | Load capacity: 600 pounds |Wheels: No

For a simple, flat and foldable bench around the $100 mark, Flybird has the edge. As simple as it gets, this lightweight bench made of alloy steel is a bargain buy. If you’re pinched for space, it can easily slip under furniture (5.7 inches high when folded) or perch on a wall. Yet, it still has ample surface space with a pad measuring 41 x 11 inches.

Despite its modest price tag, Flybird assures quality and safety with a dual locking mechanism and non-slip foot caps to enhance stability on uneven surfaces. This allows for bench push-ups, crunches and Bulgarian split lunges.

Powerlifters will appreciate that the bench is available in a 1,000-pound load capacity for an additional $20.

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Rogue

Positions: 10 | Load capacity: 1,000 pounds| Wheels: Yes

Boasting 10 ladder-set back pad positions (0 to 85 degrees) and three seat settings, the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is ideal for hitting a myriad of muscle groups at multiple incline angles.

You have two models to choose from: One with black powder-coated steel adjustment rails and standard bench wheels, or another with brushed stainless steel (for heavy-duty use) with premium rubber wheels. Whichever you choose, you’ll be on gym-standard material (a 3 x 3-inch, 11-gauge steel frame to be exact) and comfortably cushioned with thick, durable vinyl padding—which you can upgrade to a premium USA texture foam pad that claims to deliver a more ‘superior’ grip.

Aside from gliding effortlessly on wheels, it's a gym-grade piece of equipment that stores vertically to save space in your home.

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Amazon

Positions: 12 | Load capacity: 800 pounds | Wheels: Yes

It's hard to beat the SuperMax bench specs. Arguably the best all-round budget weight bench, it's adjustable, has an 800-pound load capacity, it's made from a powder-coated tubular steel frame and it's sturdy too—all for under $130. Plus, it's adjustable in both directions, ranging from a -20 decline to a +80 incline angle. The backrest on the latest model has been updated with two additional inches which gives your back some more valuable real estate.

Extended leg stabilizers are installed to prevent rocking motions, but it's still easy to move from place to place via wheels. There's also a detachable leg hold-down bar which can be installed at three positions. When folded, it measures 51 x 23.5 x 9 inches, making it easy to store upright or under furniture. Keep in mind, however, that the bench only comes with a one-year limited warranty.

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Walmart

Positions: 5 | Load Capacity: 600 pounds | Wheels: No

Weightlifting fanatics will appreciate the features of the Marcy Pro weight bench. With a squat bar catch featuring two bar catches to rest your barbell (alongside safety catches), this bench delivers gym-level professionalism for a fraction of the cost. It's also crafted with two weight storage posts to hang your plates neatly in one place.

It's a one-piece unit that attaches directly to the rack, so the bench doesn't compromise on stability. Five back pad positions (on a slide track) can easily switch out—and a decline option is included, in addition to an adjustable preacher curl pad (for all your bicep needs), leaving no muscle group untouched.

It's also designed with comfort in mind using high-density rolled upholstery and a dense foam to ensure unrivaled support.

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We handpicked the best weight benches by drawing on our experience in the health and wellness space: We’ve researched and published dozens of fitness equipment stories and we’ve tested a handful of weight bench options ourselves, including the Flybird Folding Flat Bench and the Bowflex SelectTech 4.1S Stowable Bench. Each option on this list comes from a reputable brand and features best-in-class materials and construction.

This story is regularly updated to ensure all product picks and information are up to date. It was last updated in December 2022.

If lifting is your primary concentration in the world of fitness, a weight bench may well pay for itself. If you plan to lift or workout often, it may be worth investing in a quality, high-end bench that will stand the test of time. And if lifting is more of a sporadic hobby, you can secure a top-rated bench for around $100, if not less.

Reflect on your workout routine, how often you'll utilize the bench and how much you’re willing to spend before bulking up your at-home gym.

The cost of a weight bench is a culmination of materials, fixtures and weight capacity—the higher weight range is typically an indicator of enhanced quality. "Industry rated benches need to withstand almost constant use, whereas home benches come in a range of different quality levels from plastic to thick and heavy steel frames," says MacPherson. "The pad thickness and material matter a lot too, since this is usually the first to become damaged." She suggests purchasing a bench with thick vinyl upholstery and the degree of padding you prefer, but look for options with padding around two to four inches thick for optimal comfort.

When the time comes to furnish your space with home gym essentials, you’ll want to add a weight bench that's comfortable, durable and within budget. It should safely support a maximum load that falls within your abilities, and it should benefit your workout space whether you’re creating a home gym in the garage or getting in a few reps before work. Ultimately, the best weight bench for your home will be the one that meets your needs and promotes an active lifestyle.

Strength, balance, cardio or core—the ways in which you can use a weight bench are endless. Get creative! Step-ups, hop overs and box jacks can make for an intense high intensity interval training spurt, whereas bicep curls, bench presses, skull crushers and incline push-ups help to pack on the muscle. When challenging your abs, elevated crunches, bench toe taps and hip raises will target your deep core muscles. However you choose to utilize your weight bench, remember that there's more way than one to ensure it meets your needs. And don't be afraid to pair your weight bench with other equipment such as a workout mirror to level up tour at-home workouts.