When building your ideal home gym, a worthwhile set of dumbbells or kettlebells can be a great place to start — what are you supposed to lift, after all? Well, once your resistance is secured, now it’s time to think about how you’ll work through your exercises, and I doubt your entire regimen involves standing modalities or loads of floor presses.
Weight benches provide that comfortable backing you need to really push your physique to new heights, with plenty of convenience factors built into each impressive silhouette. Outside of being a damn fine seat for post-set cooldowns, having a worthwhile weight bench at the ready can also help you attack muscle groups at different angles for a more refined frame. This can help keep workouts refreshed and engaging, and many profiles can be compatible with larger equipment like power racks or squat racks if you choose to expand your pain cave, too.
I often recommend a weight bench as one of the first purchases for budding home gym enthusiasts outside of weights and barbells, as the training possibilities only grow by adding one to your setup. With that said, though, you don’t want to be on the wrong end of a failing seat mid-lift, so choosing a top-performing weight bench from the start is a must.
How We Tested
Throughout my years in strength training, I’ve had the pleasure (and sometimes displeasure) of working out atop a number of weight benches, including some of the profiles included in this guide. When choosing a weight bench to train atop, I often look at key characteristics including a wide back and seat pad, sturdy adjustment points and an overall durable build. Conveniences like wheels and other modality-supporting accessories are always nice touches, too, which I speak to with some of the picks below. Above all else, though, your experience with strength training is only as strong as your gear, which is why I’ve selected weight benches with at least a 600-pound weight capacity.
Ready to dive in? Grab a seat, get your working weights in order and let’s get into the best weight benches available today.
The Best Weight Benches for Your Home Gym
Rep Fitness AB-4100 Adjustable Weight Bench
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 700 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: 12”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: 13”
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 36”
Rep Fitness makes some of the best weight benches around, and for home gyms, I highly recommend this AB-4100 silhouette. There’s versatility throughout the build with its 21 available setup angles, giving every workout session a unique sense of comfort and support. Plus, the AB-4100 Adjustable Weight Bench meets the International Powerlifting Federation’s height standard — a novelty amongst other adjustable benches.
I also appreciate the closed ladder design across the back and seat angle ranges. This keeps the locking mechanism in-place when making smaller adjustments rather than falling back to a flat position with each change in approach. This slight annoyance may seem minuscule for some, but the convenience can definitely be felt when quickly jumping from flat presses to incline flyes. I do recommend keeping a workout towel handy for those extra-sweaty sessions, though — the CleanGrip pad material can become slippery if you start to develop a pool over extended reps and sets.
Hammer Strength Home Multi-Adjustable Bench
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 845 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: 11.5”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: 12.5”
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 32.7”
Don’t let your max lifts go unsupported and upgrade your lifting setup with this impressive bench from Hammer Strength. The 845-pound weight capacity is prime for those extra-heavy sets, and I also admire this bench’s -10º decline setting, perfect for targeting the lower pectorals. Additionally, moving the Home Multi-Adjustable Bench around your space is a breeze thanks to the rubber wheels, convenient front handle and lightweight 85-pound frame.
While this Hammer Strength bench can be a fine addition to most pain caves, I do caution those with taller frames. The shorter back pad length means you may need to slide your bottom lower toward the edge of the seat to achieve that ideal neck and back support. If you’re lifting in an inclined position, you can also run the risk of your head hanging over the top. For anyone less vertically-gifted, though, this is a premium pick without question.
Flybird Fitness Adjustable Weight Bench FB299
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 880 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: 13.8”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: N/A
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 30.1”
Budget workout benches can be fickle, offering wallet-friendly prices without any sense of durability baked into the silhouette. Thankfully, this adjustable bench from Flybird Fitness shakes off those stereotypes with a profile that’s plenty sturdy without putting a dent in your finances. The frame has a max weight rating of 880 pounds, and I also like how the FB299 folds up easily for added storage convenience when not in use.
While this can be a great do-it-all bench for most home athletes, I would caution about the pinned adjustment systems. The sliding mechanism can stick at times when off-plane, and if you want to make any angle changes mid-set, you need to hop off the structure, whereas ladder-style adjustments can be done on the fly, albeit with some practice. Additionally, I recommend placing this bench on a tacky gym floor during training, as the rounded feet can slide at times if on a smoother surface.
Rep Fitness AB-3100 v3 Adjustable Weight Bench
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 700 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: Back: 11.75” tapered to 9” / Seat: 10.5” tapered to 8”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: 13”
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 34.75”
For athletes looking for an adjustable bench to kickstart their home gym, Rep Fitness has you covered with the brand’s latest iteration of the AB-3100 Adjustable Weight Bench. I appreciate the simple ladder design that’s easy to toggle in-between sets, and the tapered back and seat makeup creates a comfortable bracing experience that doesn’t set your body too wide during exercises. Plus, the rubberized feet and convenient wheels won’t scratch or scuff your training floor during use, perfect for keeping aesthetics clean and tidy.
The AB-3100 also carries a weight capacity of 700 pounds, which should be more than enough for average athletes. Just be certain your locks are set in their desired teeth before getting into a lift, and ensure you’re ready to control the weight. Some athletes have stated the back pad can wobble from side to side during heavier sets, especially when propped at a more aggressive incline.
Get RX’d FIDAB-2 Adjustable Weight Bench
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 1,000+ lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: 12.5”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: 11.4”
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 41.7”
When tackling decline presses, you want a bench that’s plenty stable. Well, thanks to a weight capacity that surpasses 1,000 pounds, it’s hard to ignore the Get RX’d FIDAB-2 Adjustable Weight Bench for these needs. Aside from the beefy frame, I also enjoy the high-density, fully-recycled foam padding that keeps setups comfortable yet rigid enough for confident training.
The FIDAB-2 also has some unique accessories to help push this weight bench into that top-performing category, including a leg roller attachment for Nordic curls, Russian twists and decline sit-ups as well as a dumbbell rack for seal rows and spider curls. With all this brawn, though, the FIDAB-2 is not the most maneuverable weight bench. The 115-pound frame can be difficult to move, even despite the included wheels and convenient handle. Oh well, at least when the bench is set in place, you’re plenty prepared to push your totals up a peg or two.
Bells of Steel Powerlifting Flat Weight Bench 2.1
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 1,000 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: 11.8”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: N/A
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 47.2”
Flat weight benches can still be versatile additions to your home gym, providing excellent support across various presses and pulls alike. This powerlifting-minded profile from Bells of Steel is great for a variety of athletes thanks to its 1,000-pound weight capacity and thick, comfortable pad makeup. One of the biggest conveniences across this silhouette, however, is the three-point design. This design is stable enough for most presses, but also gives room and convenience for narrower stances with your legs and feet. This can help you get into the most comfortable positioning possible for optimal leg drive, perfect for pushing through those final reps.
At less than $220, this Bells of Steel weight bench is plenty affordable, but I recommend shoring up your gym flooring before adding this structure to your setup. The feet don’t use a rubber boot, so the exposed steel can create some scratches and scuffs if you’re not careful.
Rogue Fitness Monster Utility Bench 2.0 with Thompson Fat Pad
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: N/A
- PAD WIDTH: 14.5”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: N/A
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 50”
Weight benches featuring a wider pad width can be great for those wanting added security at the base of their lifts. This can be especially pertinent for more broad-shouldered athletes that may feel unbalanced on skinnier pads. With over 14 inches of width to play with, the Thompson Fat Pad makes the Monster Utility Bench 2.0 from Rogue a true standout in this subcategory of workout benches. While there’s no listed weight capacity for this setup, having used Rogue Fitness products in the past, I can confidently say it’s capable of supporting your heaviest training days without fail.
The Thompson Fat Pad makes it easy to find the right setup for any intense lift, and isn’t an expensive add-on at just $50. While this doesn’t feature the adjustment perks like others on this list, if you’re looking for a well-executed flat bench with more comfort between the shoulder blades, look no further.
Flybird Fitness Foldable Flat Weight Bench
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 1,000 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: 11.8”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: N/A
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 45.3”
Naturally, your “home gym” may have to double as a living room or office space when not in training mode, so having a bulky weight bench can be more of a burden than not for some. Thankfully, this well-to-do profile from Flybird Fitness folds nicely into itself for a silhouette that packs away under a couch or desk. I like this convenient setup for lightweight training purposes, but wouldn’t hesitate to test its 1,000-pound capacity if the situation really called for it.
The reason I’d reserve this Flybird Fitness bench for light sessions or pull days is because the pad, while comfortable and supportive, is shorter than other silhouettes and my lengthier torso has some difficulty finding that ideal platform at times. I either need to sacrifice head support or lower body support, which isn’t the most ideal setup when dealing with heavy overhead weight totals.
Titan Fitness Competition Bench and Squat Rack Combo
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 1,000 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: 12”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: N/A
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 48”
To be an effective powerlifter, it helps to train at competition standards. The Bench and Squat Rack Combo from Titan Fitness is built to those regulations, creating a performance-laden training environment for anyone chasing those three white lights. Having lifted on one of these impressive rigs, I appreciate how rock-solid the build is thanks to the sturdy 11-gauge steel frame.
The 1,000-pound capacity is another added perk, especially for those advanced powerlifters eyeing a four-figure squat total. While the silhouette is rather stagnant — it can be difficult rearranging the 225-pound frame — if you’re getting into competitions, this is a great do-it-all profile that takes up much less space than your normal power rack.
Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 700 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: Back: 10” / Seat: 16”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: 16”
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 34”
Nordic curls can be a great addition to any workout regimen, particularly for athletes looking to build their hamstring strength. The Nordic Weight Bench from The Tib Bar Guy features a wide seat pad that can create a welcome brace for your knees during this specialized modality, all while still delivering the versatility you’d want in an adjustable weight bench. I also appreciate the adjustable incline settings that allow you to stay supported during those beginner days with Nordic curls where your hamstrings are likely too weak for a full range of motion.
The leg pads are also comfortable in securing your ankles, making this a great pick for ATG Training enthusiasts. The versatility is also hard to ignore, but the narrow 10-inch back pad isn’t the best platform for traditional heavy pressing modalities. This narrow setup could leave your shoulder blades unsupported, so it may be best to reserve this pick for the lighter days or the more specialized exercise altogether.
Marcy Pro Olympic Weight Bench with Preacher Curl Pad and Leg Developer
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 600 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: Back: 12” / Seat: 15” tapered to 12”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: 14”
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 30”
While I really like this bench from Marcy Pro for the included preacher curl attachment, adding another layer to your arm day, it takes just one look at this structure to see it’s far more capable than just that bicep-targeting modality. Featuring a leg developer and barbell rack for barbell bench presses, this silhouette is a great pick for budding athletes that want the full experience of strength training.
There’s a reason, however, that I didn’t choose this as my go-to weight bench for powerlifting, and that lies in the Olympic Weight Bench’s lighter weight capacity. 600 pounds might seem like a lot, but for more advanced athletes targeting higher totals, it might not be enough to withstand the rigors of intense training. For most fitness enthusiasts, though, there’s plenty of meat left on the bone for worthwhile workouts.
Editor’s note: Marcy Pro also offers the Olympic Weight Bench in a two-piece model that allows the bench to be slid out for squat modalities, adding to the versatile nature of this effective rig.
Harison Adjustable Weight Bench with Leg Extension and Preacher Pad
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: 800 lbs.
- PAD WIDTH: Back: 13.39” tapered to 12.99” / Seat: 13.39”
- SEAT PAD LENGTH: 14.17”
- BACK PAD LENGTH: 29.53”
Multi-faceted weight benches are ideal for budding athletes looking to make the most of their space, and this Harison Adjustable Weight Bench is excellent for those leg-targeting modalities thanks to comfortable padding and an impressive 180-pound sleeve capacity. This impressive kit also includes a preacher curl pad, giving the weight sleeve even more versatility.
In terms of back adjustments across this Harison Adjustable Weight Bench, there’s plenty of angles to choose from for both decline and incline modalities. Just be sure to set enough time aside to make these alterations, as some athletes have said the adjustments are more involved than other weight benches. With so many exercise capabilities across this sleek, sturdy silhouette, however, a few extra minutes away from the weights could be a good thing for your training.
The Differences Between Weight Benches
While workout benches might seem like a universal piece of fitness equipment, they can become rather complex once you dig into the nuts and bolts of each build. For one, there are three basic types of weight benches to know, each with its own characteristics and features designed to get the most out of every sweat-riddled set.
Flat
This style of bench can be a great introductory course to strength training. The padded cushioning sits perpendicular to the legs, creating a flat training surface ideal for presses and other modalities. If you're looking to work on your bench press or just need to add a well-cushioned structure to your home gym setup, consider these versatile silhouettes.
Adjustable
Adjustable benches are the second most versatile benches out there, allowing athletes to set up inclined and seated exercises for more training possibilities. This style of workout bench can be signified by the adjustable notches across the crossbeam and seat, creating a plethora of angles to target different muscle areas across the body. If you want to step up your training from the traditional press or curl, consider this option.
FID
FID stands for Flat, Incline and Decline, meaning these are the Rubik's Cube of the weight bench realm. The increased range of potential angles allows for inclined and declined movements, creating a wider range of workout possibilities. While there's no true price difference between adjustable and FID benches, it is something to consider, especially if you really want to target those lower pectoral muscles with decline bench presses.
What to Consider When Choosing a Weight Bench
Adjustability
When thinking about a weight bench, it helps to consider just what you intend to use the bench for. As stated above, there are differing silhouettes between workout benches, so having the possibility of varying angles is critical when purchasing one for your home gym.
While flat benches are plenty versatile for novice athletes, I still recommend opting for an adjustable bench that allows for inclined exercises. These weight benches can be useful in a number of scenarios, and while FID benches offer more versatility, you're likely to find inclined exercises more popular in your routine than declined modalities. If you're more serious about strength training, however, and understand the benefits of declined exercises, FIDs are your best bet.
Mobility
Because of their metal construction and ability to stabilize hundreds of pounds, it's not uncommon for weight benches to feature a bulky, cumbersome silhouette. This can make moving your equipment around your space more of a workout than your training session itself. To ease this strain, look for weight benches that feature wheels at one support beam. This can make adjusting your layout much easier, especially when rearranging your power rack from bench presses to squats. Some workout benches also feature metal handles, adding another sense of convenience to their effective profile.
Weight Capacity
The last thing you want when pushing your muscular limits is to have your structure come crashing down underneath you — gravity is undefeated in that particular matchup. To create that rock-solid setup for big gains, you need a weight bench that can easily hold not just your bench total, but your body weight as well. The average weight capacity for a weight bench is around 600–700 pounds, but many benches can support upwards of 1,000 pounds, so there's some range to consider when making a purchase. Think through your training capabilities and goals, then choose a bench that can accommodate those totals and then some. After all, you don't want to be on the wrong end of a bench's max load.
