The 12 Best Weight Benches for Your Home Gym in 2024

In addition to a barbell, squat rack, and weight plates, a weight bench is an essential piece of home gym equipment, and there are thousands of different options to select from. There are adjustable benches, FID (flat, incline, and decline) benches, flat utility benches, and then a myriad of unique benches for specific movements.

“As a home gym owner and personal trainer, I use weight benches for bench presses, seated dumbbell and barbell work, triceps dips, step-ups, weighted leg raises, and, most importantly, a place to rest between sets,” says weightlifting coach and GGR Head of Content Kate Meier.

Our team of certified personal trainers, competitive weightlifters, and home gym equipment experts have tested more than 50 adjustable weight benches and fixed weight benches and rated them based on the following factors:

• Stability: Does the bench provide a stable foundation?
• Construction: Was it made with durable materials?
• Training experience: How did it feel when used for bench presses and other movements?
• Foam and covering: A good weight bench should have just enough padding to provide comfort, but not so much that it feels you’re sinking into a pillow.
• Adjustability: If it’s an adjustable bench, how many adjustable positions are there?

In this guide, we’ll break down all of the options that we’ve tested and reviewed over the years and give you our recommendations for the best weight bench for different price points, space constraints, training goals, and strength levels.

The 12 Best Weight Benches for Your Home Gym 

• Best Overall Adjustable Weight Bench: REP AB-4100 Adjustable Weight Bench
• Best Budget Adjustable Weight Bench: REP AB-3100
• Best Overall Flat Weight Bench : Titan Flat Weight Bench
• Most Versatile Flat Weight Bench: REP FB-5000 Flat Bench
• Best Folding Weight Bench: PRx Profile Folding Bench
• Best Budget Flat Bench: Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench
• Best Luxury Flat Weight Bench: Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0
• Most Versatile Adjustable Weight Bench: Ironmaster Super Bench Pro
• Best Ultra-Budget Incline Weight Bench: FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench
• Best Nordic Bench: Shogun NORD-EX
• Best Ultra-Budget Flat Weight Bench: GRIND 3-Post Flat Bench
• Best Amazon Pick: AmazonBasics Flat Weight Bench

How We Picked And Tested The Best Weight Benches

In order to properly recommend the best weight benches, it requires spending a large amount of time with your back on a lot of different bench pads.

And we have likely used, owned, and reviewed more weight benches than just about anyone in the world.

Research

As with all of our best-in-class Reviews, we first started by taking stock of what we had on hand. This includes all of the benches in Coop’s garage gym, his personal training studio, and his friends’ garage gyms where he stores other equipment. 

After seeing what we had on hand, as well as reviewing the hundreds of benches that readers of Garage Gym Reviews have rated and reviewed on our Product Dashboard, we began to narrow down the list.

In addition to all of this, we researched all of the major marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay, as well as the manufacturer sites like Rogue Fitness, Titan Fitness, REP Fitness, EliteFTS, and others.

The fact of the matter is, this was one of the clearest cut rankings we’ve ever done for a product category. Others, like barbells and bumper plates, were much more difficult in determining how to rank, but this was not so for benches (especially flat benches).

Testing

After compiling our list, we set out to use as many of these weight benches as possible using them for everything from bench presses (of course) to skull crushers, step-ups, and incline benching (for the adjustable ones). We also tested its weight capacity by placing heavy weights on top and put them through rigorous, albeit unnecessary tests such as dragging an AmazonBasics bench with a truck (it came out unscathed).

Best Weight Bench Video Review

Best Overall Adjustable Weight Bench: REP AB-4100 Adjustable Weight Bench

Good for: Those who want an incredibly versatile and high-value adjustable bench

Best Overall Adjustable Bench

REP AB-4100 Adjustable Bench

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Budget-friendly adjustable weight bench
• 7 back pad adjustments
• 3 seat adjustments
• Affordably priced

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Meets IPF standards for weight benches (on an adjustable bench. Not typical!)
• Same number of adjustments as the REP AB-5200
• Sells for just under $400, a great price for a quality weight bench
• Seven different color options

Cons

• Back pad is a little shorter than the AB-5200
• Doesn’t have a decline option
• Nit-picky here, but the knobs feel unnecessarily cheap

Bottom Line

An affordable, lightweight, and heavy-duty adjustable weight bench perfect for most home gym owners.

Garage Gym Reviews founder and home gym equipment expert Cooper Mitchell knew almost immediately that the REP AB-4100 would be his go-to pick for the best adjustable weight bench for most home gym owners. Why? Well, it offers just about the same amount of back pad and seat adjustments as more expensive options, has a minimal pad gap, only weighs 85 pounds, and it meets International Powerlifting standards (which isn’t common in adjustable benches). 

All that for under $400 with free shipping makes this a no-brainer for those who need an adjustable bench. The only major downside is there’s no decline option, but if that’s something that’s important to you, we recommend the REP Blackwing Bench. The Blackwing is a true FID (flat, incline, decline) bench and the only reason it’s not our No. 1 choice is because it’s more expensive than the AB-4100.

“The only thing I don’t like is the knobs on the adjustment feel cheap, but that’s such a minor detail that I don’t think it will bother most people (it bothers me, though),” Coop says.

The AB-4100 has seven back pad adjustments and three for the seat, which is enough for it to earn a 4 out of 5 on adjustability. That’s just as many positions as the slightly more expensive REP AB-5200, our previous pick for best adjustable weight bench, and only a few less than the much more expensive Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0. In other words, you get a lot more bang for your buck with this bench. 

Coop’s also, rightfully so, a big fan of this bench’s storing capabilities, which scored a 5 out of 5 on our rating scale. For one, it’s 85 pounds and comes with a handle for easy transportation. Beyond that, it can be stored upright without fear of it falling over and has a built-in vertical storage post so it can be hung on a wall if desired.

The areas where you sacrifice quality come down to the powder coat, knobs, and vinyl gripping, all of which are not as nice as the AB-5200 or Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0. But we don’t think those will be much of a problem for most who just want a good weight bench in their home gym. 

Coop also notes this adjustable bench has one of the smallest pad gaps, at around 1.57 inches, which eliminates the space between the back pad and the seat. “That’s fantastic for an adjustable weight bench,” Coop says.

The maximum weight capacity is listed as 700 pounds, which would be fine for most, but the tripod design and use of 7- and 14-gauge steel (the lower the number, the thicker the steel) throughout the frame lead us to think it can withstand more than that. 

“That back leg helps keep the bench very stable no matter how much you’re pressing,” Coop says.

We go more in-depth on this bench in our full REP AB-4100 adjustable bench review. 

Best Budget Adjustable Weight Bench: REP AB-3100

Good for: Home gym owners who need an affordable adjustable bench that still performs well

Best Budget Adjustable Weight Bench

REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Affordable
• Easy assembly
• Narrow seat
• 6 adjustable back positions
• Three-post design for no interference

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rated for 1,000 lbs rated,
• Affordable at less than $200
• 17” height
• 3 seat pad adjustments from flat to incline
• 6 back pad adjustments from flat to 85 degrees
• 2.5” pad thickness
• Matte black powder coating
• Small, 2-inch gap between the seat and back pad
• 11.5 inch pad width
• Quick and easy assembly
• 10-year frame warranty that

Cons

• Fairly large footprint
• Only locks when the bench is horizontal
• Wide, circular, steel feet with no rubber padding
• No decline option
• May not work for many larger users

Bottom Line

If you are looking for an adjustable bench and do not need a decline option and cannot pay close to $1,000, then the Rep Fitness AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3 is one we'd suggest. It is made overseas and comes with a 10-year frame warranty and high quality steel construction. It can adjust to six positions and is rated to 1,000 pounds. For the price, you may not find a better or higher quality adjustable bench.

Is the REP AB-3100 the most budget-friendly adjustable bench out there? No, but sometimes it’s worth paying just a little bit more to get more out of your home gym equipment. When it comes to this bench, this means having something that has a 3-foot post design for maximum stability, six back pad adjustments (from flat to 85 degrees), and three seat pad positions (our testers gave the adjustability a 4 out of 5 rating). 

The listed weight capacity is only 700 pounds, but the 3-post design and use of 4-gauge steel in parts of the bench mean it can probably withstand more than that. 

That’s a good amount of features for a bench that costs under $300 (with free shipping) and is available in four different colors. And it meets the IPF standard for weight bench height at 17 inches. You’ll also get a 10-year warranty for the frame, which for the price is an incredible deal. In other words, the value scores a perfect 5 out of 5.

“REP Fitness is known for making great-value products that perform just as well, if not better than more expensive options,” home gym equipment expert and Garage Gym Reviews founder Cooper Mitchell says. “For the price, I think it’s a really good value.”

As with any budget home gym equipment, there are some conveniences and features that you’ll sacrifice on this bench. One of the biggest is the feet are steel, rather than rubber, which could potentially scratch and damage your floor. It also utilizes a ladder-style adjustment, which isn’t quite as secure as a lock pin but we don’t think there will be many issues with REP’s benches.  

RELATED: REP Fitness Coupon Codes

Best Overall Flat Weight Bench: Titan Flat Weight Bench

Good for: Someone who wants a feature-filled bench with a high weight capacity at a good price

Best Budget Flat Weight Bench

Titan Flat Bench

GGR Score: 4.4

Community Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Very affordably priced
• 17” bench height, which meets IPF standards
• Weight capacity is listed at 1,000 lbs
• Rubber grip pads on feet prevents sliding
• Free shipping

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very affordably priced
• Handle on the front and wheels on the back for easy maneuverability
• 17” bench height, which meets IPF standards
• Weight capacity is listed at 1,000 lbs
• Stitched Titan Fitness logo, which looks cool
• Spine and legs are fully welded
• Rubber grip pads on feet prevents sliding
• Free shipping

Cons

• Titan is known for having shipping issues
• Improved welds still need work
• Light powder coating, which means it may experience corrosion
• Two massive feet instead of a post at the front

Bottom Line

The Flat Weight Bench from Titan Fitness is a good, budget-friendly bench. In our review, we've found that it's a great value, although benches like the REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench should first be considered due to the cost difference being minimal. If you're looking for a flat bench for your home gym that meets IPF standards, has wheels and a handle, and don't want to spend too much, this isn't a bad option, but again, we do think there are better ones available.

The Titan Flat Weight Bench combines a high weight capacity and good features at a great price. This is pretty much Titan’s bread and butter: Selling imported equipment that gets you 90 percent of the way there, compared to equipment that costs twice as much. 

RELATED: Titan Fitness Coupon Code

“Sure, the quality of the welds, packaging, vinyl, etc., isn’t at the level of Rogue or some of the other brands on our list, but in terms of ‘getting the job done,’ it pretty much hits every checkbox,” says home gym equipment expert and GGR founder Cooper Mitchell.

Despite the low price of around $170 (depending on the deals, such as Black Friday or Labor Day, it might cost considerably less), the Titan Flat Weight Bench has a max weight capacity of 1,000 pounds and complies with international powerlifting standards. Coop says this is a 5 out of 5 value.

To be honest, weight capacity ratings are a bit subjective. Although it says 1,000 pounds, it could likely hold more than double that, but suffice it to say, it will basically be able to hold any weight you plan to use for chest presses.

The one thing we’ll note is this is a four-post bench, which may not be the best for people who are looking to get a good leg drive on bench presses. “Some people find it more difficult to get their legs in the right spot with this type of bench,” says certified personal trainer and GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly.

In addition to the high weight capacity, the bench includes two wheels on the back and a handle on the front leg for easy maneuverability. There are similarly priced benches that I weighed against this one, but what put this bench over the top was the addition of the wheels and handle for a similar price. It scores a 5 out of 5 for portability.

As with many Titan Fitness products, there are many issues discussed in the customer review sections. Things like pieces missing, the packaging being broken before the customer received it, surface rust within the tubes, and other minor things. This is incredibly annoying, but most of the faulty reviews are from 2017 and 2018, and Titan has cleaned up their act in recent years (though if you’re a part of our Home Gym Community on Facebook you’ll know they pop up from time-to-time). 

Most Versatile Flat Weight Bench: REP FB-5000 Flat Bench

Good for: Anyone at any fitness level looking for a high-value flat weight bench

Most Versatile Flat Bench

REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench

GGR Score: 4.5

Community Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• Great price on a high-quality bench
• Compatible with REP Wide Pad or Thompson Fat Pad
• 3" x 3" 11-gauge steel provides solid construction

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great price for a good value bench
• 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel
• Sturdy 3-post bench
• Nothing in the way of your feet when you bench
• Rated to 1,000 pounds
• Meets the IPF specs for length, height, and width
• Comes with a 4” thick pad on a plywood base with durable vinyl upholstery and the option to purchase an extra wide pad
• Comes with a handle and wheels
• Compatibility with 2 other bench pads including the extra wide and the Thompson Fat Pad
• Easily assembled in less than 20 minutes.
• Available in multiple colors and designs.

Cons

• Shipping not included in price
• Short manufacturer’s warranty
• Some assembly required
• 30-day return period and restocking fee applied to returns

Bottom Line

The Rep FB-5000 Flat Bench is the best value flat bench we've tested and reviewed. It offers an incredible combination of price and quality that many companies have overlooked for some time. With over 250 customer reviews, there is not 1 under 4 stars and most of those are for less than minor complaints. If you need a flat bench, this is the one we suggest. You could pay more, but it would still probably not be as good. Seriously.

When you factor in the number of great features and detailed thought that went into the REP FB-5000 Flat Bench and compare it to the price point of the competition, it’s no wonder that this bench received over 80 percent of the votes when we initially asked the Garage Gym Community what the “best flat bench for most people” was.

This is a competition-style flat bench with a heavy-duty design capable of handling weights up to 1,000 pounds. REP covered every detail, including grippy vinyl to help push against during the bench press. 

“Whether your max bench press is 135 pounds or 500 pounds, there are few weight benches that I’d say have a better value,” says GGR founder and home gym equipment expert Cooper Mitchell.

Construction-wise, this bench has a 3-inch by 3-inch 11-gauge steel frame, with 7-gauge connecting plates. We rated it a 4.5 out of 5 on construction and durability—this is a bench you’ll eventually pass down to your children’s home gym.

It features a height of 17 inches from the floor to the top of the pad, and, most notably, a three-post design with wheels and a handle for easy maneuverability and the ability to tuck your feet uninhibited under the bench.

“The fact that you can train on something that’s very similar to what you’ll see in a powerlifting competition makes a big difference,” says Coop, who rated the dimensions a 5 out of 5. “I know many hate when they trained on benches that were higher or lower; thinner or wider; whatever the case may be; and then having to go to compete and the bench was different.”

REP absolutely dominates most other companies in terms of great value benches, and this is their magnum opus. 

The thick foam pad is similar to the Rogue Competition Fat Pad and the Thompson Fat Pad, though not quite as big (which is a good thing for most people). “Despite the thicker width, the padding itself is pretty firm—not the same level of firmness as you would get with Rogue, but again, given the price of this bench, which is just under $250, I don’t think you’ll have any complaints about it,” Coop says.

In addition to all of the specs we listed, the REP FB-5000 also comes in a variety of colors to match your rack. We’re partial to the glossy black version, but the red, blue, and textured versions look great as well.

Read our full and in-depth REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench review to get more details.

Best Folding Weight Bench: PRx Profile Flat Folding Bench

Good for: Those who need a foldable bench to optimize their floor space

Best Folding Weight Bench

PRx Folding Flat Bench

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Foldable flat bench that can be easily secured to your wall
• Allows the bench to be easily stowed away when not in use
• Not the best, but a good enough pick if saving floor space is a high priority

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact
• Sturdy design
• Great value, at around $400

Cons

• Not adjustable (although they have it as a more expensive option)
• Requires putting holes in walls and is permanently affixed
• Only comes in black

Bottom Line

The PRx Folding Flat Bench is a compact piece of equipment that can be drilled into your wall, allowing you to easily stow your flat bench when not in use.

Some of us have the challenge of having to play Tetris every time we want to use our home gym, which is where a product like the PRx Profile Folding Bench comes in handy. Right off the bat, this thing is pretty compact at just 45 inches in length (the lower end of the 45-50 inch industry standard) and 12 inches in width. 

But its main drawing point is that it can be mounted to the wall, and folded flat when not in use. This can also be seen on PRx’s folding squat racks, which similarly give you back a good amount of floor space when not in use. 

“The PRx folding flat bench accomplishes something rare in most weight benches: providing a sturdy platform for bench presses without taking up an ungodly amount of space when no longer in use,” says home gym equipment expert Cooper Mitchell, who gave this bench’s dimensions a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. “Space is one of the most important features in a home gym, and having a piece of equipment that is used maybe one time a week taking up necessary real estate is pretty unfortunate.”

The stability earned a respectable 4 out of 5 rating, with Coop’s only complaint being that the bench pad is slightly uncomfortable for the price. That said, it’s more stable than other flat benches and can be used for lifts up to 1,000 pounds.

Of course if you live in a place where you can’t drill into the wall this might not be the best pick. If you fall into that category, we recommend checking out what we think is the best weight bench for small spaces, which happens to also be our pick for the best ultra-budget incline weight bench: the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench. 

As a bench, this thing will help you get the job done. The frame and vinyl padding are not the best, but it’s good enough that you’ll feel comfortable during heavy lifts. 

RELATED: PRx Performance Profile Squat Rack and Bench Review

There is an incline bench version as well, but it’s close to $1,000 and in our opinion not worth the price. 

Best Budget Flat Bench: Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench

Good for: People who just want a basic and affordable flat weight bench

Best Budget Flat Bench

Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench

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Product Highlights

• Under $200
• 661-lb weight capacity
• Lightweight
• 2" thick pad

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $200
• 661-lb weight capacity
• Stable
• 2" thick pad
• Lightweight

Cons

• Four-leg design isn't best for benching
• Uses thinner steel
• Only 180-day warranty for upholstery

Bottom Line

An ultra-affordable and surprisingly durable weight bench that's great for beginners, people who don't plan to lift heavy, or those who are on a budget.

The Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench is a budget-friendly flat bench that’s perfect for people who don’t plan on lifting heavy weights. That said, it still has some impressive features for a bench that costs under $200.

There’s a 2-inch thick pad, a 661-pound weight capacity, and a stable design. A quick note on the design: benches with four legs are not best for people who plan to focus on pressing movements as you can’t get your feet in the perfect position to amplify your foot drive (which helps generate power).

“On the bright side, the pad is grippy and thick,” says GGR founder and home gym equipment expert Cooper Mitchell.

If you’re simply looking to do some light dumbbell presses, step-ups, or other movements that simply need a bench then you can’t go wrong with this one. We mean this in the best way possible, but there’s not much else to say about this bench.

There are no transport wheels, though we’re sure most able-bodied people will be able to pick up this 37.2-pound bench and move it when needed so we’ll rate it a 3.5 out of 5 for portability.

Read more in our Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench review.

Best Luxury Flat Weight Bench: Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

Good for: Those looking for the crème de la crème of flat weight benches

Best Luxury Flat Bench

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

GGR Score: 4.5

Community Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• 3x3” 11 gauge steel
• Single column front foot
• Front handle and rear wheels for portability
• Safe upright storage
• Rubber feet for added stability
• Available in standard or shorty height

Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Beefy and stable flat bench
• 11-gauge, 3" x 3" steel
• Shorty and tall versions
• Post instead of feet on the front
• Back feet have rubber caps for stability
• Designed to stand on a plastic cap for easy storage
• Wheels and handle for portability
• Powder-coated to prevent corrosion
• Lightweight but durable

Cons

• Textured powder coat may show scuffs and chalk easier
• Handle isn’t knurled
• Wobbles in vertical stored position
• Frame doesn't extend all the way to the end of the Fat Pad
• No washers included with the bench

Bottom Line

The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is a good bench, but not the best we've reviewed. The Monster Series line is supposed to represent Rogue's best efforts; because of this, we think this bench doesn't meet the standard of say, a Rogue RM-6 Monster Power Rack or Rogue Monster Rhino Belt Squat. With some minor changes, we think this could be one of the best benches on the market. However, currently, we'd have to recommend the Rep FB-5000 Bench over this one. Unless you just love Rogue or really want a made in the USA product, then I'd go that direction.

The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 has a soft spot in GGR founder and home gym equipment expert Cooper Mitchell’s heart because after an initial review where he rated it “pretty average,” Rogue redid the bench based on his recommendations. 

Is it perfect? Of course not, but man it’s a sweet bench and well worth the $300 price tag. If you’re asking, “How could it be worth that much?,” let us tell you. 

Right off the bat, it’s made in the USA from U.S.-sourced steel. It uses 3-inch-by-3-inch steel all throughout the bench, including the frame and the cross member, and legs. That’s 11-gauge steel, which is the same steel as what’s on a Rogue Monster Rack.

What this translates to is being able to put as much weight on it as you’d like. No matter if you’re benching or doing some other sort of strength training, the bench won’t budge.

“This is the most stable or one of the most stable flat benches I’ve ever used,” Coop says, giving it a 5 out of 5 on stability.

The Monster Utility Bench 2.0 uses multiple pad options, including the almighty Rogue Thompson Fat Pad, with a three-post design, wheels on the back, and a handle on the front, as well as the ability to stand up to store away.

One thing about the standup option: It’s not very secure. Coop has the Fat Pad on his, and if you walk by it in the gym it teeters and totters, making you nervous it’ll fall over. It wobbles because the pad is so thick and there isn’t enough weight.

Rogue also has a Shorty Version designed for a Thompson Fat Pad, or their Competition Fat Pad. This allows the bench to sit 17 inches from the floor to the top of the Fat Pad.

Now, this is the Monster bench, which means it’s Rogue’s top-of-the-line, crème de la crème  bench—the best offering they have—but they’re using the same textured powder coat they use on the Infinity line. We don’t get why you would use a textured powder coat on this when you could use gloss black or other colors.

See our full Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 review for more information.

Most Versatile Adjustable Weight Bench: Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2

Good for: Lifters who want an adjustable bench that can do it all 

Most Versatile Adjustable Bench

Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2

GGR Score: 4.7

Community Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• Extremely stable, durable and versatile flat-incline-decline bench
• Lower height profile (17.2" in flat position)
• Revised locking ring system
• Commercial grade high-density back pad
• Transport wheels and additional Ironmaster PRO attachment options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• IPF height (17.2 inches tall)
• Compact and lightweight (64 pounds without seat, 68 pounds with seat)
• 11- and 12-gauge steel frame
• Wide base and large footpads increases stability
• 11 lockout angles give you incline, decline, flat and upright positions
• Compatible with most Ironmaster PRO attachments
• High-density, commercial grade pad is very dense/firm
• Free shipping
• Some parts come pre-assembled
• Vertical storage
• Great warranty (10 years)

Cons

• 10.25-inch width back pad may be narrow for some
• No handle to assist with transport and storage
• The seat does not have its own adjustment and is always at a 90 degree angle
• Some reviews reported that the tapered seat is narrow and uncomfortable
• Upholstery on back seat is not non-slip

Bottom Line

The Ironmaster Super Bench PRO is undoubtedly a well-constructed, sturdy, and extremely versatile bench that is a great option for most home gym users. However, if a narrower back pad and seat is something that bothers you, this bench may not be your cup of tea.

If you’re looking for the Swiss Army knife of weight benches, the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2 is the answer. On its own, it’s capable of being used as a flat, incline, decline, and upright bench so no movement is off limits here. 

All told, this bench has 11 different lock-out angles that are super secure, so you don’t have to worry about the bench moving on you while you’re using it (if you’ve ever had that happen to you, you know how scary that can be). 

If that wasn’t enough, Ironmaster sells several attachments that can be added to this bench such as a leg curl attachment. There are also crunch sit-up, dip bar, and preacher curl attachments. Essentially, this thing can act as its own home gym. That earns it a 5 out of 5 score for versatility.

The one downfall of this bench is that the seat is always at a 90-degree angle, but Ironmaster has made the seat detachable to increase its versatility. “Definitely a positive upgrade over the original,” says home gym equipment expert and GGR founder Cooper Mitchell. “It’s actually my personal favorite now and the one I use in my garage. They’re minor improvements, but overall they add up to a great product.”

Another improvement over the original Ironmaster super bench is the addition of a handle for easy maneuvering. That, along with the fact it weighs, only 65 pounds, earns it a 5 out of 5 score for portability. Coop admits he wishes it was a little heavier to add extra stability, though it was stable enough to earn a 4 out of 5 rating on perhaps one of the most important factors.

“It remains solid throughout,” Coop notes in our Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2 Review.

The back pad may also be a bit too narrow for some users at 10.5 inches (the industry standard is closer to 11.5 to 12 inches). 

We’re also not big fans of the fact that there’s no handle to help you move it, though it does come with transport wheels. You’ll just have to deadlift the entire bench if you ever need to move it to a different spot in your home gym.  

Best Ultra-Budget Incline Weight Bench: FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench

Good for: Anyone on a budget who still wants a functional adjustable bench 

Best Ultra-Budget Incline Bench

FLYBIRD Adjustable Workout Bench

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• High-value weight bench
• Comes with a number of adjustment positions, including incline and decline, and a foot pad
• Can hold up to 800 pounds of weight
• Folds to around 30 inches
• Should last a number of years

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely affordable, at around $150
• Only weighs 29 pounds, and it folds for easy storage
• Offers decline and incline adjustment positions

Cons

• Customers still complain of the bench being a bit too tall for some users
• Max weight limit is 800 pounds, which may be too light some lifters
• Pad gap between back and seat pad is around 2 inches

Bottom Line

An affordable, high-value, and compact weight bench, the FLYBIRD Adjustable Workout Bench is a great pick for those who aren't focused on lifting super-heavy weights.

At under $200, you can’t do much better for an adjustable bench than the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench. It comes with seven back pad positions, four for the feet pad, and three for the seat. That’s more than some benches on this list that are double, and even three times, the cost. 

For those looking for compact exercise equipment, this bench is at the top of our list. It’s only 49.2 inches in total length (most are 50 or a little more), and when folded it goes to around 30 inches in total length. 

Certified personal trainer and home gym owner Nicole Davis felt pretty stable on this bench whether she was using it as a flat or incline bench, and the lockpin system gave us peace of mind that it wasn’t going to budge on her.

“I don’t think this is a good option for serious weightlifters (definitely not as durable as a REP or Rogue bench), but it would do the trick if you just needed something for small daily lifts,” she says, scoring it a 3 out of 5 for stability (the weight limit is 800 pounds and it only weighs 29 pounds).

Where the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench falls short, so to speak, is its height. From the ground to the pad it’s 18.8 inches tall, which is actually shorter than the bench used to be (it was reduced based on customer complaints stating shorter users had trouble using it). 

Even after that adjustment, 5-foot, 3-inch Nicole still had trouble getting enough foot drive on this thing and had to press with her feet on the pad. 

“Doesn’t feel as supportive as a more expensive bench but still sturdy,” she says, rating the training experience a 3.5 out of 5.

There’s also a pad gap of about 2 inches, which you’re always going to have on an adjustable bench unless you have the REP Fitness AB-5000 Zero Gap Adjustable Bench. 

Want to learn more about this bench? Our FLYBIRD Adjustable bench review has all the details you need to know. 

Best Nordic Bench : Shogun NORD-EX

Good for: Those who want to focus on leg day

Best Nordic Bench

Shogun NORD-EX

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• 2 machines in 1
• Nordic curl bench and back extension machine
• Fully adjustable to fit most people
• Compact footprint at 41” x 25”
• 11-gauge carbon steel main frame
• Custom-molded self-skinning polyurethane foam
• 35- to 55-degree adjustments for back extension
• 15, 30, or 45 degrees for assisted Nordic curls 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Adjustable angles for back extension and assisted Nordic
• High-quality, heavy-duty materials
• Compact footprint
• Able to store with caster wheels and handle
• Innovative design
• Free shipping in the Continental U.S.

Cons

• Expensive
• Ships in 3 separate boxes

Bottom Line

A truly innovative product, the NORD-EX is a fully adjustable Nordic bench that can be converted into a fully adjustable back extension machine. Able to adjust in multiple angles for a back extension as well as an assisted Nordic curl, the NORD-EX can also be folded and stored away, leaving it a very compact footprint when not in use. At just under $1,000, it’s a bit pricey, but the innovative design is built with quality, heavy-duty materials.

Alright, you can’t do a bench press on the Shogun NORD-EX but you can use it to strengthen your posterior chain. It’s actually two machines in one: a back extension and a Nordic curl bench.

Cooper Mitchell, home gym equipment expert and founder of Garage Gym Reviews, says he doesn’t often recommend machines like this but was pleasantly surprised at how much he liked it. “This feels pretty much like any other Nordic curl board except, honestly, better,” he says.

He’s been able to progress with Nordic curls because the machine can be used at three angles—15, 30 and 45—which is not something you see in many Nordic benches. The back extension ranges between 35 and 55 degrees and remains stable when used for weighted back extensions.

“While using it, I’ve never worried about it not holding up to the weight,” Coop says in our Shogun NORD-EX review. He rated the bench’s overall stability a 4.5 out of 5.

One of the reasons Coop loves this machine so much is because it’s so durable. It uses high-quality steel, including 4-gauge steel for the side plates and 8-gauge steel on the foot plate (the lower the number, the stronger the steel), which is enough to give the construction a 4.5 out of 5.

And while it weighs 126 pounds and isn’t the easiest thing to schlep around your home gym, the compact profile means it will stay out of the way when not in use.

Best Ultra-Budget Flat Weight Bench: GRIND 3-Post Flat Bench

Good for: Those who want a basic flat weight bench for not a lot of money

Best Ultra-Budget Flat Bench

GRIND 3-Post Flat Bench

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Only costs around $99
• Can still hold up weights above 600 pounds
• Pad firmness and welding are lacking
• Not the best weight bench out there, but a great pick for budget shoppers

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Costs around $100
• Weighs 24 pounds, make it very easy to move
• Three-post design and rubber feet make it very stable

Cons

• Somewhat low weight capacity
• No transport wheels
• Requires some assembly

Bottom Line

A very affordable flat weight bench that can still support heavy lifters.

When it comes to a flat weight bench, the GRIND 3-Post Flat Bench is as basic as they come. What you see is what you get, and that’s a bench. Nothing more, nothing less, and all it costs you is just under $100. 

“You can get as strong as you like with a bench like this,” says GGR founder and home gym equipment expert Cooper Mitchell. “It takes a lot of things we see in much more expensive benches and uses it in a more affordable platform.”

The rubber feet and three-post build help make this thing incredibly stable, and multiple reviewers claim they can comfortably lift 300+ pounds with ease on it, which is pretty impressive for a bench at this price range. We’ll give it a 4 out of 5 for stability and functionality.

The listed maximum weight capacity is a little over 600 pounds, but it should be able to hold a little more than that (but not by much, as this thing is not made with the most durable materials). 

RELATED: Dumbbells Vs Kettlebells

Reviewers also state the vinyl padding is grippy, and they had no problems when lifting heavy weights on it. But because of the price, the construction of this bench isn’t the best. The pad isn’t the firmest, and the welding is a little shoddy in some areas (not distractingly so, but enough that you can notice). 

It’s also incredibly lightweight at 24 pounds, so even though there are no wheels or handles there should be no problem moving it when needed. 

Best Amazon Pick: AmazonBasics Flat Weight Bench

Good for: Those looking for an incredibly inexpensive bench that still offers some value

Best Amazon Pick

AmazonBasics Flat Weight Bench

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Priced under $50 shipped free with Prime
• 17.1" height makes it right around IPF Powerlifting Standards
• Tested with heavy weight with no issues

Pros & Cons

Pros

• At under $50 shipped most often, the AmazonBasics Flat Weight Bench is one of the cheapest benches available.
• There's nothing flashy about it, it just works.
• 17.1" height makes it right around IPF Powerlifting Standards.
• Although the weight limit is low, we tested it for much more than what they suggest without any issues.

Cons

• Low suggested weight limit.
• Weak gauge steel.
• Short warranty.

Bottom Line

The AmazonBasics Flat Weight Bench is an extremely cheap bench that does what it's supposed to do. In our review, we found it to hold more weight than expected, be more sturdy than expected, and just overall well worth the price. If you want a cheap weight bench that just works (and don't mind the low weight limit) this is your best bet.

The AmazonBasics Flat Weight Bench is one of the most surprisingly good pieces of equipment we’ve used. It’s under $60 with Prime Shipping, has a good height, a decent weight capacity for most users, and assembles quickly.

RELATED: Building a Budget Home Gym on Amazon

Amazon lists the total weight capacity of the bench at 220 pounds. This means that between the user weight and the barbell/dumbbell weight, the bench isn’t recommended for a weight higher than 220 pounds. Don’t scroll away just yet, heavy lifters.

Home gym equipment expert and GGR founder Cooper Mitchell has tested the bench at a much heavier weight and experienced no flexing or issues. In fact, he’s dropped a 1,000-pound barbell and dragged this bench with his truck and it still holds up.

“It’s just ridiculous how strong these are despite them saying they can only hold a little bit of weight,” Coop says. Four out of 5 stars for durability.

Understand that this is still an ultra-budget bench. The dimensions and size are pretty small for a utility weight bench. Also, it’s not adjustable, which means there are no decline or incline features. The foam padding isn’t outstanding and neither is the vinyl, and though it’s sturdy, in comparison to some of our other picks, it’s not quite there. 

The construction and comfort are solid, but this is something you’d find in a home gym and never in a commercial gym setting.

Benefits of Weight Benches 

If you’re still wondering why we, and just about everyone else, puts weight benches at the top of their home gym shopping list, here are just a few reasons: 

Versatility

Benches can, of course, be used for pressing movements, but they can also be used for pulling exercises such as seal rows and dumbbell rows, can act as a platform for step-ups, and if you have an adjustable bench, can help you target different muscle groups. 

Support

A weight bench is going to put your body in a more optimal position for all sorts of movements, especially compared to doing them on the floor or sitting without a backrest. 

Maximize Return on Dumbbells and Barbells

A weight bench will allow you to do more moves with the other home gym equipment you have, especially barbells and dumbbells. 

RELATED: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Maximize Your Strength Training 

The bench press is the undisputed greatest upper body strength training exercise ever created. There’s a reason it’s one of only three lifts used in powerlifting. There’s a reason the 225-pound Bench Press Rep Test is judged as part of the NFL Scouting Combine (the all-time Rep record stands at 51 reps by the way.)

And, there’s also a reason that nearly every home gym in the known universe has a weight bench of some shape or form. There are few that would argue against the efficacy of heavy bench presses for increasing strength and muscle mass.

Flat Benches vs Adjustable Benches

There’s some debate on which should be purchased in terms of fitness equipment: a flat bench, adjustable bench, or both?

Unfortunately for most reading this, you’re likely looking at getting one or the other. Although we’d love to recommend to all of our readers that you should have as many benches as possible, the fact of the matter is that there’s little need or even want for most people to have more than a solid flat bench and a versatile adjustable bench. So which should you choose? 

Let’s break both of them down a bit. 

The Flat Bench

First off, the flat bench is vastly superior to the majority of adjustable benches (also known as incline benches, FID–flat, incline, decline–benches, and decline benches; all of which will be used interchangeably throughout this review) on the market.

A flat bench, thanks to its no-frills design, is rock-solid making it great for benching with both a barbell or adjustable dumbbells (as well as other implements like kettlebells, Fatbells, and CMBs), and can also be used for other full-body workout movements like dumbbell rows, plyo-box jumps, box squats. If so desired, it can be stacked on plates for seal rows. Simplicity is great for its cost-savings and reliability.

However, the flat bench isn’t perfect, because it doesn’t offer quite the versatility that the adjustable bench does.

The Adjustable Bench

For most lifters, the adjustable bench does everything a flat bench does, as well as it does, but also has increased multipurpose functionality.

Now, someone who has spent a lot of time with their back on a bench pad knows that a flat utility bench with a welded spine and a high weight capacity is superior to an adjustable bench that rocks, flexes, and has a much lower capacity for slag iron.

With this said, we suggest an adjustable bench for most people. If you’re into powerlifting, compete in a strength sport, or just want to know that you’re using optimal equipment, you should get both.

An adjustable bench, though, will allow trainees the ability to increase their exercise selection dramatically, target different primary movers, and never have to Macgyver something because they lack the equipment for the movements they want to do.

RELATED: How to Build a Powerlifting Home Gym

So, should you get an adjustable bench or just a flat bench? Beginners who are just getting into strength training or aren’t sure what to do should just go with one of our budget flat bench picks.

Others who know their way around the gym a bit would be fine with just an adjustable bench. Those that compete, like having a lot of versatility, or are just gear heads like me should get both.

Other Types of Benches

Although flat and adjustable benches are the most popular, they’re not the only types on the market. Here are others you might run into. 

Olympic weight bench: An Olympic weight bench typically comes with some kind of rack attached to the bench, which is usually a little wider than normal weight benches that are free-standing. 

Folding weight bench: A bench that can fold for easy storage, but typically has a lighter weight capacity than your average weight bench 

Preacher curl bench: This bench comes with an attachment that allows the user to fully execute the preacher curl. 

What To Look For In A Weight Bench

If you’re looking for the best weight bench for your home gym, the first step is deciding if you need an adjustable bench,  or a flat utility bench. Then, there are a few more factors you should consider before you purchase.

Materials

The overall construction of a weight bench is related to which materials are used and how they’re combined from an overall perspective. The question here is, how does the construction of the bench compare to its cost? I like to look for 11-gauge or other heavy-duty steel. If there is a lot of plastic, move on.

Size

Give consideration to the measurements and size of the bench, especially if you’re limited on space or want to use the bench with a power rack or other home gym.

Range of Motion

As with any exercise, you want to make sure you get full range of motion (or allowing your joints and muscles to go through a full movement), and when it comes to weight benches, that means allowing your feet to be firm on the ground and the barbell in a place where it’s not too far for you to reach but also not too close.

Accessories and Attachments

Most weight benches are just benches, but many (including some on our list) allow for attachments like a preacher curl pad to be added. Most of the time these are unnecessary but they do help to increase the value and versatility of a bench.

Weight Capacity

Regardless of whether the weight bench is flat or adjustable, it should have a weight capacity that allows the trainee to increase the weight they’re lifting without fear of damage to the bench. Up to a point, a bench should also increase its weight capacity in accordance with the asking price.

The average bench might support about 600 pounds, but the quality ones will be rated for 1,000 pounds or more. That’s higher than most of us will likely ever need for our weight training, but it’s nice to have goals.

Warranty

Does the bench come with a warranty? Does the company selling the bench have a history of servicing warranties and will they be around for as long as the product is warrantied? You’ll see a lot of benches come with 10 years to up to a lifetime warranty. Stay away from benches only guaranteed for a year.

Shipping/Packaging

Does the equipment come in beat-up cardboard boxes often? Is the shipping timely? I often hear from readers about issues in regards to their shipments and it can play a big part in the equipment if parts are missing or there are broken pieces.

Also, factor potential shipping costs into the overall price of the equipment. Some of these benches have attractive prices but level out once you account for shipping.

Assembly

A lot of home gym equipment is made overseas today, and as such, things often come disassembled with a lot of nuts and bolts and assembly required on the user’s end. The amount of assembly required should reflect the price point. Benches are typically pretty easy to assemble.

Bench Height

The IPF standard is 17 inches from the floor to the top of the bench, and this is what we prefer. It’s harder to have a 17-inch-high benchtop on an adjustable bench due to the mechanisms required for inclining the top, but the closer the better. The reason you don’t want an extremely tall benchtop is that it’s difficult to arch during the bench press, which is what most powerlifters do.

Foam Density

The foam, or cushioning, used on the bench pad should be dense enough to provide stability, but soft enough to allow for comfort. If you’re shopping online, that’s not an easy thing to test. You can take my recommendations and read user reviews for starters.

“A good bench will provide you with a sturdy pad that you actually use as leverage to push against while you exercise,” says weightlifting coach Kate Meier. “Kind of like pushing your feet into the ground as you stand up out of a squat. Too much cushion, and you risk sinking into the padding and getting out of alignment or losing your bracing.”

Vinyl Grippiness and Durability

The vinyl on the benchtop should be grippy to allow the trainees’ traps and shoulders to dig into the bench without sliding. The vinyl should also be durable to last years without ripping or overly stretching. This is another factor that you either have to test in person, take my word for it, or read user reviews.

Stability

The more stable the bench, the better—obviously. I am a big fan of flat benches that have a single post on the front leg to allow the trainees’ feet to push under them, but it does often come with a sacrifice in stability. Adjustable benches should be stable at all incline seat positions, especially if they’re going to be used with attachments for things like declining sit-ups.

Ease of Use

If the bench is flat and light, it’s pretty easy to move around without a handle and wheels. However, if it’s heavy, has movable components, or is just awkward, wheels aren’t just wanted, but needed. Nearly every adjustable bench should have wheels and a handle.

Seat and Back Pad Adjustment Positions

The more positions for the back pad and seat pad to be adjusted to, the better. It’s also nice if the back positions have markings for the pad angle in degrees (laser-cut is superior to stickers), and if the angles are available at different positions like 30, 45, and 85 degrees.

Pad Compatibility

Most bench frames use a standard pad mount pattern. The reason this matters is that there are now more third-party bench pads available, and if your bench frame doesn’t stick to a standard mounting pattern, you won’t be able to use the pads.

Other Weight Benches We Researched

There are quite a few weight benches we’re aware of, but have either not tested or just don’t recommend. Here’s just a few of them: 

Bowflex 5.1s Stowable Weight Bench: This bench actually offers a good amount of features, including both incline and decline positions. It can also be easily stored upright for those tight on space. It’s $450, but only has a weight capacity of 600 pounds. 

Marcy Multi-Position Workout Utility Bench: The maximum weight capacity of this bench is only 300 pounds, so we can’t see how many home gym owners would find use out of this bench. That aside, it does offer incline and decline adjustment positions, and can fold flat for easy storage. 

Weider Platinum Standard Weight Bench: It’s ironic that a product named after the man who popularized bodybuilding is, to put it frank, not one we’d recommend for bodybuilders. This bench has a 410-pound weight capacity, is made with cheap materials, and only comes with a 90-day parts and labor warranty. 

Escape Fitness Multi Purpose Fitness Station Deck: This “bench” (a term we use lightly) is fine if you’re someone who’s focused on bodyweight or bootcamp-style workouts, but it’s not one we’d suggest for those interested in strength training. It can be turned into a ramp, comes with resistance band pegs, and internal storage. 

NordicTrack Workout Bench: To be honest, there’s not that much information about this bench online but the few reviews we were able to find were not complimentary. Users complained of difficult assembly and an unstable finished product. 

Everyday Essential Steel Frame Flat Weight Training Bench: If you really need a weight bench and don’t want to spend a lot of money, this $40 bench should get the job done. It’s rated for 600 pounds, and according to online reviews holds up pretty well during use.  

PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench: At just a little more than $100, this bench offers incline and decline adjustments and can reportedly hold up to 500 pounds. And with close to 7,000 5-star Amazon reviews, it seems to have a lot of fans. One reviewer said it pretty bluntly: “Holds Thicc Boys.” 

Rogue Combo Rack: While this is a heavy-duty, quality combo of a bench and a squat rack, the $3,000 price tag was just too much for us to get past.

The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Weight Bench: While this is a highly-versatile and affordable bench, it’s just not comfortable or durable enough for things like bench pressing. If you’re just using your bodyweight, then this is a good choice.

Best Weight Benches FAQs

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT, CNC

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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