Some people have a whole garage or basement to dedicate to lifting. The rest of us? We’re trying to squeeze a legit workout into a corner without turning our homes into an episode of Hoarders. That’s where a folding squat rack becomes the MVP.
The right one gives you the stability for heavy squats, the versatility for presses and pull-ups, and then, like a magic trick, it disappears against the wall when you’re done. No tripping over it. No angry partner wondering why the living room now looks like a powerlifting meet.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best folding squat racks out there. We looked at stability, ease of folding, build quality, and price, and then tested them in real workouts. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or commercial-grade, you’ll find a rack here that fits your training style and your space.
Now, let’s find the one that’s going to earn its spot in your home gym.
If you want a folding squat rack that feels rock-solid, takes heavy weight without flinching, and doesn’t crush your budget, the Rep Fitness PR-4100 is the one to beat. It’s built for serious training but still folds away, which is a win for anyone short on space.
Made from 11-gauge steel, this thing doesn’t wobble or shake when you load it up. With a 41-inch depth, you’ve got room for kipping pull-ups, muscle-ups, and pretty much any big lift you want to throw at it.
The locking pin system is simple enough to manage, even if you’re moving it often. And the 1-inch Westside spacing in the bench and press zones means you can fine-tune bar height exactly how you like it.
For most lifters, it hits the sweet spot between price, durability, and versatility. That’s why it’s our top pick, it just works, day after day.
Pros
Has 1-Inch Westside Spacing For Perfect Spotter Placements
Uses 3×3″ 11-Gauge Steel Tubing To Carry An Insane Amount Of Weight
Priced Very Well Considering Its Tubing & Depth Option
Its 41-Inch Depth Makes It Great For Most Pull-Up Varieties
Cons
Does Use A Locking Pin System, Which Some May Find Frustrating
Doesn’t Come With Stringers If You Want To Wall-Mount It
If you want a folding squat rack that feels like pro-level gear but doesn’t need to be bolted to the wall, the Force USA MyRack is the one that turns heads. It’s a true stand-alone that can handle serious weight without wobbling, which is rare in this category. And when you’re done, it folds away so you get your space back.
Setup is simple thanks to its pop-pin system. Lock it into place, add your attachments, and you’re ready to train. Speaking of attachments, you’ve got the option to deck it out with more than ten different add-ons, so you can build it exactly how you want.
The frame is 12-gauge steel, each upright measuring 2.4 inches square, with over 54 Westside-spaced holes for perfect bar placement. It’ll hold up to 2,000 pounds, which covers pretty much everyone outside of world-record squatters.
It comes with a multi-grip pull-up bar right out of the box, plus a lifetime warranty for peace of mind. Force USA didn’t just make another folding rack, they built one that can keep up with whatever you throw at it.
Pros
Comes With Multi-Grip Pull Up Bars
Has Over 10 Different Attachments Available For Purchase
Westside Hole Spacing Has 54 Different Height Options
At 12 Gauge Steel & With A Carrying Capacity Of 2,000 Lbs
Cons
Spotter Arms & Other Essential Add-Ons Are Sold Separately
If you want a solid squat rack without blowing a hole in your bank account, the Bells of Steel Folding Power Rack is tough to beat. It’s under five hundred bucks, built to last, and it can handle just about anything the average lifter is going to throw at it.
The frame is 12-gauge steel, good for over six hundred pounds. That’s plenty for most people, unless you’re planning on setting a world record in your garage. It’s got 1-inch Westside spacing in the bench zone too, which means you can dial in the bar height for presses or squats until it feels just right.
And here’s a nice touch, it comes with a lifetime warranty. If anything ever goes sideways, you can get it fixed or replaced. The only real drawback is it doesn’t come with a stringer, so if you want to mount it on the wall you’ll need to pick one up separately.
For the price, though, this rack punches way above its weight. It’s the kind of gear you buy once and keep for years.
Titan Fitness has built a reputation for giving lifters serious value, and the T-3 Folding Rack is right in that sweet spot. It’s tough, versatile, and doesn’t cost a fortune, which is exactly what most garage gym owners are looking for.
This rack is made from 2×3 inch 11-gauge steel and can hold up to 1,100 pounds without flinching. You can get it in two heights, 82 or 91 inches, and two depth options, 21 or 41 inches, so it actually fits your space instead of forcing you to rearrange your life around it.
No matter which setup you go with, you can use the full lineup of Titan attachments to customize it for your training. And the fact that it ships free? That’s just icing on the cake for anyone watching their budget but still chasing a serious setup.
Pros
Very Affordably Priced
Perfect For Those Starting Out
Great For Lifters Who Want To Add A Lot Of Weight
Takes Up Very Little Wall Space When Not In Use
Cons
Doesn’t Come With A Warranty Longer Than A Year
Isn’t A Full-Rack, Instead Only Working As A Two-Post Rack
#5. Monster RM-3W Fold Back Wall Mounted Rack – Rogue
Best Premium Pick Folding Squat Rack
The Rogue RM-3W is one of those racks that makes you stop and think, yeah, they nailed it. It’s strong, it’s versatile, and it even manages to look sharp when it’s mounted on the wall with stringers. Most folding racks don’t exactly scream style, but this one pulls it off.
You get two depth options, 20.5 inches or 40.5 inches. Go shorter if you’re tight on space, or pick the deeper frame if you want room for big moves like kipping pull-ups, reverse rows, or setting up a solid incline bench press. Either way, it’s built to give you plenty of exercise variety without feeling cramped.
The pull-up bar is adjustable and quick to attach, so whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, you can set it where you need it.
If there’s a knock against it, it’s that you’ll want a bit more space to really make the most of it. In a small room, it can feel like it’s hogging the floor. But if you’ve got the square footage, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another rack that balances performance, looks, and build quality this well.
Pros
Super Adjustable
Can Be Folded Inwards As Well As Outwards
Its High Depth Makes It Great For A Ton Of Exercises
If you’re working with a small space but still want a legit rack, the Fringe Sport Retractable Power Rack is a smart pick. It’s built for lifters who want something sturdy without committing half their garage to it. You can get a serious workout in, then fold it back against the wall so the space is yours again.
The adjustable pull-up bar is a nice touch, with four height settings from 70 to 88 inches. Whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, you can set it where it feels right. The power rack handles over 800 pounds, which is more than enough for most lifters. Even if you’re just getting started, you won’t outgrow it anytime soon.
The uprights are built from heavy-duty steel and feel solid under load. Westside hole spacing in the bench area gives you the flexibility to fine-tune bar height for presses or squats, which is something you usually see on more expensive racks.
It’s not the flashiest setup on the market, but that’s kind of the point. This rack is about getting the job done without draining your bank account or eating up your floor space. For home gyms where every inch counts, it’s hard to do better.
Pros
Very Low Footprint Requirement
Westside Hole Spacing Great For Powerlifters
Perfect Weight Options For Beginners
Cons
Pull-Up Bar Can’t Go Below 70 Inches
Rack Can’t Be Extended Beyond Its Current Settings
The PRx Performance Fold-In-One Squat Rack is one of those rare finds that nails the balance between price and quality. It’s affordable without feeling cheap, and it comes ready to handle a serious amount of weight while giving you room to customize with attachments.
This wall-mounted rack can hold up to 1,000 pounds, which covers most lifters from day-one beginners to seasoned athletes steadily adding plates. The adjustable pull-up bar and included J-hooks make it ready to train right out of the box, and the folding design means it tucks neatly against the wall when you’re done.
Yes, it’s made from 14-gauge steel, which might not be the top choice for powerlifters moving monster loads, but for home gym owners buying their first rack, or anyone who wants a dependable, space-saving setup, it’s more than up to the task.
When you stack up the price, the capacity, and the convenience, there aren’t many options in its range that hit this many marks.
The PR-4100 Folding Squat Rack isn’t just another solid choice on the list. It’s the kind of rack that makes serious lifters stop and take a second look. Built tough, priced right, and ready to handle real weight, it’s made for people who train hard and expect their gear to keep up.
The frame is 3×3 inch 11-gauge steel, which is about as beefy as it gets in a home gym setup. You can load it with up to 1,000 pounds and it won’t even flinch. No wobble, no rattling, just rock-solid support so you can focus on your lift instead of worrying about the rack.
Westside hole spacing runs through the bench and press zones, so you can dial in your bar height exactly how you like it, no matter your build. And if you want to expand what it can do, there’s a whole lineup of attachments waiting for you, from spotter arms to dip stations to landmine setups.
For lifters who want a rack that’s strong, versatile, and built to last, this one checks every box.
Pros
Its 3×3″ 11-Gauge Steel Makes It Great For Heavy Lifters
It Works Well In Tight & Small Spaces
Can Be Used With A Variety Of Attachments
Westside Spacing Offers A Ton Of Options For Bench Pressing & Squats
Cons
It Doesn’t Come With Certain Attachments Like Spotter Arms (Which May Be A Problem)
The HULKFIT Folding Wall Mount Power Cage Rack is the kind of starter rack that surprises you. It’s priced so low you might expect compromises, but then you see what it can do and realize it hangs with some of the big names. For new athletes or anyone curious about folding squat racks, it’s a smart way to get in the game without emptying your wallet.
It holds up to 1,000 pounds, which is more than enough for most home gym lifters. The footprint is compact at 87 inches tall, 38 inches wide, and 24 inches deep, so it fits in tighter spaces without feeling cramped when you’re under the bar. And with a 2-year warranty, you know they’re willing to back it up.
You also get an adjustable pull-up bar, plus stringers and J-hooks right in the box, so mounting it to your wall is straightforward. For the price, the setup, and the durability, this rack makes a strong case for being the best budget-friendly wall-mounted option out there.
As the name implies, a folding squat rack is a squat rack that can be folded in place and stored. This allows you to save space in both smaller as well as moderate-sized home gyms. They also offer some of the best aspects of a rigid station while also being easy to pack up and either cart around with you or throw in a storage area.
Folding squat racks are great as they are available in a multitude of different sizes and shape structures, with many coming with several structural additions to offer even more workout opportunities and options.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Folding Squat Rack
Interestingly enough, folding squat racks are one of the best pieces of equipment one can get for their home gym setup. Not only does it offer a plethora of different exercise options (based on the additions used) but it’s reasonably priced and can be stored just about anywhere.
Below, we’ll take a look at some of these different benefits and why they make the folding squat rack worth seriously considering.
#1. Space Saving
Starting with the most obvious benefit, wall-mounted folding racks are one of the few full-body workout machines that let you put it away when you’re done, this makes folding squat racks worth every penny for those short on space. This means you can set it up, get a complete workout in, and fold it together to completely empty the home gym. This is something very few full-body workout machines can even attempt to do, with even most squat racks only able to save a bit of space by comparison, let alone the space a full power rack can take up.
#2. Cost Effectiveness
Simply put, folding racks can perform as much as any other full-body workout while doing so at a fraction of the price. As an example, while most other home gym equipment can be in the thousands of dollars, the folding squat rack can start at around a few hundred, with the best of the best barely scratching $2,000.
#3. Functionality
Another impressive benefit of folding squat racks is their inherent functionality. These full-body squat racks allow you to add other additional pieces of equipment to them, ranging from pull-up and dip bars while also working well to hold barbells for bench presses and squats. This all speaks to the range of versatility offered by a durable folding squat rack, often at a level comparable to much larger, heavier, and more expensive rack machines.
#4. Safety
In terms of safety, the folding squat rack is great for use even when alone. As an example, if you’re doing a PR squat, you can use the spotter arms (either already included or available as an additional purchase) or safety pins to act as an otherwise intermediate spotter. This helps prevent you from suffering any injuries when lifting some especially heavy weights.
#5. Convenience
Whether it’s wall-mounted or stored away in a corner, the foldable squat rack is an incredibly convenient system that alone can make it increasingly difficult to advocate for going all the way to the gym or investing in expensive alternative garage gym equipment. And when you consider the fact that it’s much more affordable compared to other pieces of equipment, it really is one of the most convenient options out there.
Types Of Folding Squat Racks Available
Interestingly, there is more than just one type of folding squat rack, each having some of its specific strengths and weaknesses going for them. Below, we’ll touch on each of them so that you’ll know what the best type is for you and what you’re looking for in a workout.
#1. Stand-Alone Squat Rack
First on our list is the stand-alone squat rack. This is the type of folding squat rack that most people think of, as it offers users complete freedom on where to put it. Unlike the wall-mounted and door-mounted squat racks, the stand-alone squat rack isn’t held to anything and thus can be folded and stored when finished.
The downside to this is that this squat rack has the least amount of strength, stability, and rigidity compared to the others. This means that it can be more difficult to perform tasks that require heavier weights or effectively “pull” on the machine more. That said, it’s also true that the majority of the highest-quality and strongest racks available are part of the stand-alone section, combining strength with efficiency and value.
#2. Wall-Mounted Squat Rack
Wall-mounted folding racks are similar to stand-alone squat racks with one major exception. Unlike stand-alone racks, wall-mounted racks are bolted to the wall using several bolts and a drill machine. This loses out on the folding aspect of the squat rack while also giving it a great sense of strength and rigidity when performing your exercises. These are meant for individuals with larger at-home gyms, with a designated area to place your squat rack.
The challenge ultimately comes down to the fact that wall-mounted squat racks require a great amount of complexity in the setup process compared to their stand-alone alternatives. If you are someone that enjoys putting something together and have a large home gym space, it would be.
#3. Door-Mounted Squat Rack
The door-mounted squat rack is one of the least talked about of the three. This option somewhat acts as a compromise between the two earlier options. Here, the rack uses the beams on either side of a doorway. This makes it the ideal platform for doing incline bench presses.
The drawback here is that they share the same permanent placement as wall-mounted racks. Still, this is made up for by being set to the door, completely eliminating how much space was being wasted in your gym space. This method is ideal for those in smaller homes or apartments.
Considering the number of different options out there, we had to use several different methods to determine the best options to include:
Sturdiness: What was the weight capacity & how strong was the steel?
Pricing: How much did it cost for what it offered?
Installation: How easy was it to put together?
Customization: Could its spacing holes be distanced in a way for easy options?
Compactness: How much space was required and used for the rack?
What To Consider When Getting A Folding Squat Rack
If you plan to get a durable folding squat rack, there are a few things you want to keep in mind as you’re making this larger purchase. From how much you plan to spend to how much space you’re willing to commit, it isn’t quite as simple as picking the first one you see.
#1. Pricing
The first thing you want to do is establish a proper budget range for how much you plan on spending. By starting off with a price range in mind, you allow yourself breathing room to seriously take the time to look a folding squat rack over. As an example, if your budget doesn’t go over $1,000 or under $400, you can immediately filter out some of the different options available.
As a general rule, while many folding squat racks aren’t the most expensive piece of home gym equipment out there, they can still set you back if you aren’t careful. Make sure you have your budget in mind as well as what number you’re most interested in hitting.
#2. Build Quality
After pricing, you want to spend a bit of time deciding on what is going to be the best overall build quality for your squat rack. Since you hopefully want to only get one squat rack for your workout lifetime (maybe two tops), that means you should definitley look for a high-quality squat rack. For most people, that means opting for 11-gauge steel and their uprights should be 2×3 or 3×3. Even at the lower end of things, you want your rack to be able to easily and comfortably lift and carry over 1,000 lbs. In addition to the rack’s build and density, you should also be on the lookout for a rack with hole spacings.
You also want to make sure that the hole spacings are considered “Westside” with sizes of 25mm and 50mm.
#3. Size & Floor Space
After-build quality is how size you want this rack to be as well as how much floor space you’d like to dedicate to it when it’s fully put together. For one, you’ll need to ensure that your height is properly accounted for. Not only the height but the length and depth as well. You don’t want to be hitting your head on the ceiling as you’re doing pull-ups, so take the height measurements for your room and make sure you have more than enough space.
You also want to make sure that you’ve got the wall’s width measured in case you plan to have it wall-mounted. While it won’t be ideal for everyone (since you’re giving up the folding feature) but if you’ve got a designated space, and your home gym is big enough, having it wall-mounted has a lot of upsides that you shouldn’t necessarily ignore. Just make sure you can safely install the rack without it falling out while you are in the middle of an exercise!
#4. Assembly & Installation
It’s important that you also pay attention to how easy the assembly and installation process is. Quite frankly, while a bit of hardware is to be expected, the more you can do with just the tools supplied the better. Still, if you plan to bolt it to the wall for a permanent location, you’ll need to make sure you have some drilling tools too.
#5. Folding & Storage Abilities
You should also make note of how easy it is to fold and store your squat rack. You should look for options that come with folding mechanics that are easy and not too overly complicated. Not only will this make the aforementioned assembly and disassembly easier, but it’ll also make sure you have more than enough room in your gym for other exercises when you’re done. Overall, while virtually all folding squat racks will have a folding feature, it’s always best to pick the ones that use a hinge & pin system, as these are easier to fold up or fold down.
#6. Available Attachments
The attachments are another important factor to keep in mind. You want to make sure the rack has at least a few different attachments available. For example, in addition to the base frame, a rack should come with attachments like the spotter arms or J hooks.
It’s important that, before you buy anything, you know exactly what is and isn’t included in the final purchase and what may be an additional charge. For example, if you see an attachment on the box, you want to make sure you know whether it’s actually included or if it’s sold separately. Otherwise, you may end up calling the company upset that you’re missing something that may just not be coming.
#7. Online Ratings & Reviews
Last on the list are ratings & reviews. While this shouldn’t be the main thing you focus on when deciding on the type of squat rack you want, you want to make sure you’re using a product that already has a proven track record with real people. The truth is that, while everything can certainly be great on paper, it’s only when looking over the reviews or watching their ratings that can you better understand how the finished product operates in real life.
At the same time, don’t be suckered in by 5-star ratings on their own merit. You want to read over these ratings to see what worked and what didn’t. It’s only by doing this that you’ll have a complete understanding of whether the rack is for you or not.
FAQs
#1. How Can I Know I Have A Good Folding Squat Rack?
As with most pieces of gym equipment, there is no one set answer you can use to determine if what you have is good or not good. The truth of the matter is that there are a lot of different factors you need to seriously consider. These can range from product cost, overall build quality, or how versatile the rack is.
In general, you want to make sure your folding squat rack uses high-grade steel with universal hole sizes and spacings. You also want to make sure you’re paying a reasonable price that isn’t too much or too little. Ideally, the product should have some type of extended warranty with quality customer service.
#2. How Much Should I Pay For A Folding Squat Rack?
Folding squat racks can vary greatly in terms of pricing. The good news is that they will rarely go over $1,000, though it’s also true that they’ll seldom cost less than $350. Keep in mind that these are base prices, with additional accessories and upgrades likely costing more. If you’re looking to fully deck out your squat rack, the prices can rise to between $500 and $1,500 depending on the initial quality as well as the quality of the additions.
#3. Does My Folding Squat Rack Need A Lot Of Attachments?
The reality is that you don’t need more than the base rack to perform a lot of exercises, with many people able to get a great workout just with that. For most people, however, it can get a bit stale and boring if you don’t mix things up a bit. Exercises like the one-arm press are very unique and can’t be performed without the necessary attachments included.
#4. How Good Are Foldable Squat Racks Really?
Folding squat racks are one of the better home gym pieces of equipment out there. Not only are they great in terms of space availability, but they can perform a huge list of exercises without the need for any additional pieces of equipment. There are many at-home weightlifters and bodybuilders that use a folding squat rack as their only method of exercise.
#5. Are You Able To Bench With A Foldable Squat Rack?
Not only is benching with a folding squat rack possible, but it’s one of the more commonly used exercises. If you don’t have a lot of accessories added to the squat rack, combining a bench with it is a great way to handle heavier barbell loads without a designated setup.
#6. What Is The Best Bar Size To Do A Squat?
Generally, your bar should be between 7 and 8 feet long as this gives you enough space to sit comfortably on the rack while also not being too long for balancing issues. You want to ideally use a barbell that works best with the exercise you’re planning for.
#7. Are Folding Squat Racks Safe?
Folding squat racks are incredibly safe, if properly mounted (if they’re a mounted rack). They may even be safer than freestanding racks since children can’t access them when closed
Conclusion
Let’s be real, if you want to turn your home gym from “decent” to “dangerous,” a folding squat rack is the move. It’s compact, tough, and ready for anything from light warm-up sets to max-effort lifts that leave you staring at the ceiling after.
The right one will keep showing up for you, day after day, whether you’re chasing a new squat PR, knocking out pull-ups, or setting up for a heavy bench. And this list? These aren’t filler picks. They’re the racks worth spending money on, the ones that balance price, build, and versatility without cutting corners.
So take a minute. Measure your space. Figure out your budget. Then get the one that’s going to have your back for years. Because once it’s bolted in, the excuses are gone. No waiting for equipment. No fighting for space. Just you, the bar, and the kind of training that actually moves the needle.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic with over 25 years in the industry. He’s run half marathons, tackled mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, and coached everything from wrestling to girls’ soccer.
Along the way, he’s tested hundreds of supplements and built a deep well of supplement knowledge. His work has appeared in Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review, and more. Today, he’s the editor-in-chief of this site, still training hard and helping others reach their goals. Connect with him on LinkedIn below.
Rogue fitness is the only way to go if you ask me, more expensive but all of the stuff I have gotten from them has been high quality.
Ian
May 22, 2023 12:11 pm
You guys weren’t kidding on that Rep Fitness Power rack. I bought it last month and I couldn’t believe how sturdy it was for a folding power rack. It’s just as strdy as the traditional non folding power racks. When I tested it out and did some kipping pull ups on it didn’t even budge and I weigh over 200 lbs.
Rogue fitness is the only way to go if you ask me, more expensive but all of the stuff I have gotten from them has been high quality.
You guys weren’t kidding on that Rep Fitness Power rack. I bought it last month and I couldn’t believe how sturdy it was for a folding power rack. It’s just as strdy as the traditional non folding power racks. When I tested it out and did some kipping pull ups on it didn’t even budge and I weigh over 200 lbs.