The 6 Best Folding Squat Racks of 2023, According to a Certified Trainer

Don't let limited space limit your gains.

IF YOU can't stand waiting for a rack to open up at the gym but don't have space to fit one at home, you're not alone. What if we told you there's a space-saving solution that won't compromise on the features you want out of a quality rack? That's right, you can have a squat rack that folds up neatly against the wall when you're done using it. It's like having a magical disappearing act for your home gym equipment.

So, if you're looking to maximize your space and your gains, you're in the right place. But don't let the compact size fool you–the best of these racks are just as sturdy and effective as their larger counterparts when set up properly.

"The key thing with any wall-mounted rack is safety and toughness," explains Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH Fitness Director. "In general, always aim to buy a rack that can handle 100-150 pounds more than the weight you think you'll be lifting in it. Especially if you train hard, after a tough set, you'll invariably return the weight to the rack with more force than the weight itself, and you want the rack to be ready for that."

But durability is just one factor you want to be sure a folding design isn't compromising. Depending on what exercises you want to be able to perform with a foldable squat rack, you'll want the option to add-on certain attachments.

"Not all wall-mounted racks are compatible with accessories (like dip bars and jammer arms) from other brands. Whatever brand rack you get, expect to be tied to that brand for rack accessories—and study up on those accessories you might want long-term," says Samuel.

Time to say goodbye to cluttered workout spaces and hello to a more space-efficient workout set up. Discover the best folding squat racks of 2023 below.

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"The PRx Performance PRO is one of the most unique folding racks on the market, folding upwards (instead of inwards or outwards)," says Samuel. Which makes it much easier to set up for workouts.

The rack features sturdy steel construction and can support up to 600 pounds, and up to 1,000 pounds with the purchase of a reinforcement kit for an additional $50 (which we highly recommend). It also includes a pull-up bar and J-cups for holding barbells.

According to Samuel, "there's a sturdiness to this rack that feels extra-safe during bench presses and squats."

Read more: Best Power Racks

Rogue set out on the challenge to create a wall-mount unit that saves space while maintaining the sturdiness of their standard Monster Lite rack. The result: A unique hinge-and-pin system that is easy to install and incredibly durable.

This rack can be used as a squat stand, pull up rig, or power rack, offering a superior experience compared to lighter setups that use thinner steel. It's American made, with heavy-duty 3x3" 11 gauge steel that is powder-coated for durability.

While the brand doesn't disclose a weight capacity, it does recommend purchasing a pair of stringers with the Fold Back Rack for optimal support. The custom-compatible stringers are made of laser-cut and formed 11-gauge steel, and finished with a black powder coat (same as the rack's uprights). The stringers are used to mount the top and bottom hinge brackets and extend 13/16" off the mounting surface when installed.

Read more: Best Folding Treadmills

The PR-4100 is available in two sizes: 21.5" deep (folded to take up just 6" from the wall) and 41" (folded left/right to take up 24" from the wall). Though the larger size may still seem big when folded, it's depth offers the ability to actually 'step inside' the rack, something many other folding wall-mounted racks do not.

Despite its compactness, the rack is sturdy, made of 3x3" 11-gauge steel uprights with a capacity of up to 1,000 pounds (when mounted correctly!). Heavy-duty pull-pins allow for quick setup or folding of the rack. Protective caps on the bottom of the uprights are designed to prevent damage to your floors during setup. With one-inch hole spacing through the bench zone and two-inch hole spacing everywhere else, it's compatible with attachments from different brands (in addition to REP's offerings). Most racks are only compatible with accessories from the same manufacturer, so this is a huge pro in our books.

Unfortunately, buyers report some hardware necessary for mounting isn't included with the purchase of this rack, so you'll need to acquire it separately.

Read more: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

If the idea of a rack with no shortage of customizable configurations that also folds, you'll want to check this one out. It isn't the most space-saving option out there, but it does take up less space than a traditional rack without cutting down on features and attachment options. It's free standing, so it doesn't need to be mounted to the wall, but still folds back to just 20 inches deep.

The rack is compatible with 10 attachments from the brand, including monolifts, dip bars, J-hooks, spotter arms, landmine and attachments. Which allows for a total of 100 different configurations, meaning you'll never get bored.

The rack itself boasts one-inch Westside hole spacing through the bench zone, a beefy 2,000-pound weight capacity, a multi-grip pullup bar, 12-gauge steel uprights, and a lifetime structural warranty.

Read more: Best Barbells

Ok, so this isn't technically a 'folding' rack. We know. But it offers the same space-saving solution most people look to a foldable designs for.

The brand spawned this design out of need, as a 'wartime' solution during pandemic gym closures. But now the cost- and space-effective rack is here to stay.

It has a thickness of 3/8" and is made of laser-cut steel. It's compatible with standard Olympic barbells, and is only 13.5 inches in depth. For added floor protection, you can add optional UMHW plastic to the rack's feet.

What's even better? The first two weeks of sales from the OFF GRID Rack were donated to fight COVID-19, so you can know you're supporting a brand who gives back.

Read more: Barbell Hack Squat

The Fray Fitness Savage Series foldback wall-mount rack is one of the toughest on the market. Made with 3" x 3" steel tubing and industrial-grade steel, it features gigantic 1" hardware, laser-cut numbers, and a laser-cut logo. The gigantic hardware seems like overkill to some buyers, as it limits compatibility with other brands' attachments and requires some pretty large tools that you may not own already. But it also means a sturdy build.

With its heavy-duty steel construction and robust design, it can handle just about anything you throw at it. It's is built to last and accommodate a wide range of exercises without taking up nearly as much space as a free-standing, 4-post set up. And with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, you can be sure that this rack is not compromising on stability, either. This rack offers a quality at a mid-range price point unmatched by any other rack on the market.

"Stability is key with a foldout rack, and Fray handles this so well that I've rack-pulled more than 400 pounds in the unit I have in my garage," says Ebenezer Samuel, Men's Health Fitness Director.

Read more: Best Dumbbells

Choosing the right folding squat rack for you all comes down to your workout style and the space you're working with. Here are a few factors worth considering when shopping:

Style and functionality: Folding squat racks can serve a wide variety of exercises, including pull-ups, squats, rows,—the list goes on. The best models are multifunctional and compatible with add-on accessories to allow for dozens of full-body workouts. If you're short on space, maybe you can skip the pull-up bar. For a more full-featured option, you might want a beefier rack with multiple add-ons and attachments that expand your workout options.

Durability: The type of construction is heavily tied in with a rack's total weight capacity. Almost every model on the market today is made of steel, alloy steel, or powder-coated steel. The true measure of strength is the gauge of steel used. The higher gauge, the stronger the cage. But better-quality steel will always be safer, more durable, better equipped to handle heavy weights, and more long-lasting.

Weight capacity: Every foldable squat rack has a corresponding weight limit, with most models ranging between 300 and 2,000 pounds. Always aim for a rack that has at least a 500-pound weight capacity (though most on this list are higher). No, you may never lift 500 pounds on any single movement, but you'll thank yourself for having that margin for error if you ever miss on a squat and lose control of the bar.

Size: If you're looking for a folding squat rack in the first place, you're probably dealing with limited space. So keep in mind that each rack has a unique footprint when folded and when in use, so be sure to only shop for a folding rack that your space can accommodate.

"Not all wall-mounted racks have room for somebody to step "inside" the rack and spot you," explains Samuel. "That's important to note especially if you're hoping to bench press in your rack. If you are, pass on ultra-slim options like Sorinex's OFF-THE-GRID."

One more thing: Free-standing racks should only be utilized on an even, non-slip surface (check out these best home gym flooring options), away from stairs.

Customizability: The best foldable racks are customizable to fit your personal routine. If you're tight on space, you might opt for a wall-mounted rack, because they're great. From footprint size when in use or folded, to height, to additional accessory options, every cage offers a slightly different level of customization. This is another place where, if you can afford it, it's worth splurging on a rack with more adjustability to adapt to your workout needs now and in the future. In the long run, purchasing a rack that can grow with you will allow you to get more out of your home gym investment.

There are a number of good reasons to buy a folding squat rack, the most notable of which is it's space-saving potential.

One of the biggest advantages of a folding squat rack, by far, is that it takes up much less space than a traditional squat rack. This is particularly important if you have a smaller home gym or a limited amount of workout space. Instead of taking up precious space and collecting dust when not in use, the rack can be folded up against the wall, freeing up floor space for exercises, equipment, or other living space.

Another advantage is that it's often more portable than a traditional squat rack (unless it's wall-mounted). This means that free-standing foldable racks can more easily be moved from one location to another, whether that's within your home gym or to a different workout space altogether (even outdoors, given an even surface to place it on). Some free-standing models even come with wheels, making it easy to move the rack around without having to disassemble it.

Because they're a lot less rack, folding squat racks also tend to be more affordable than traditional ones, which can be quite expensive. This is especially true if you opt for a simple model that doesn't come with a lot of extra bells and whistles, like the one from Sorinex.

And, just like a traditional rack, many foldable options are compatible with a variety of add-ons like pull-up bars and dip bars that make them more versatile. Meaning you can perform a variety of exercises using just one piece of equipment. That's what we call a space-saving solution.

A squat rack can be used for virtually any barbell exercise you can think of, even the folding ones (given it's construction is high-quality). It's important to note that benches are typically sold separately, which you'll need to perform some exercises. Depending on a rack's specifications and add-ons, you may be able to use it to perform a variety of non-barbell strength exercises such as pull ups, too. Although many of these accessories are compatible with various racks, it's important to use them only with the equipment they were designed for.

The process of folding and unfolding a these racks is unique to each brand's design. Some fold inward, while some fold upward, for example. It's important to follow the specific instructions associated with each product to ensure it's set up as intended for optimal support and safety.

Our in-house fitness experts and staff researched and evaluated dozens of the best-selling and top-rated foldable squat racks on the market. We considered every essential feature from construction and durability to overall dimensions and weight capacity, plus any extra features, such as free delivery, extended warranties, and ease of assembly. The list above represents our honest picks of the very best folding squat racks to shop in 2023.

Talene Appleton is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men's Health, where she covers fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She was previously the Associate Editor of General Surgery News, and a nutrition writer for The Food Institute. Talene is a retired professional dancer, and loves to spend her free time cooking elaborate meals for her friends and family.

Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.

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