Best Home Weight Benches (Tested in 2024)
The best weight benches are durable, versatile, and lightweight. Our overall pick for home gyms is the Flybird adjustable weight bench.
12 min readUpdated April 9th, 2024
MLRNCWritten By Meg Lambrych RN, NASM, CPT
OVERVIEW
FLYBIRD Adjustable Workout Bench FB149
REP Fitness AB-4100 Adjustable Bench
Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench
REP Fitness AB-3000 Adjustable Bench
Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
Amazon Basics Flat Weight Workout Exercise Bench
Weight benches are one of the most foundational home gym equipment options you can invest in. They add versatility to your workouts and can be used in countless ways to support varying fitness goals.
We compared the best workout benches available today and picked our favorites for the following categories:
- Best for home gyms: Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench
- Best for overall strength training: REP Fitness AB-4100 Adjustable Bench
- Best for small spaces: Rogue Fold-up Utility Bench
- Best for versatility: REP Fitness AB-3000 Adjustable Bench
- Best for durability: Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
- Best budget pick: Amazon Basics Flat Weight Workout Bench
Our Equipment Experts
To create the most comprehensive guide possible, we consulted the following experts for insights on this article:
- Kevin Guild, RSCC, LMT, CEP, strength and conditioning coach and owner of Soma VT gym
Best Weight Benches for Every Goal
These weight benches were selected based on standardized criteria that compared their cost, weight capacity, warranty, overall design, dimensions, storage options, pad material, and attachment options, as well as expert interviews and my own experience with this equipment category.
How to Choose a Weight Bench
While a weight bench may seem like a straightforward piece of strength equipment, there are still quite a few features to consider when making your selection.
Benches can vary wildly in price and quality, so it’s essential you know what type of training you will be primarily using it for. A simple bench that’s just adding some variety to your bodyweight or general strength training workouts looks a lot different than a competition bench used by a powerlifter.
Take some time to think about your fitness goals and what type of training style you do most often before starting your shopping research.
Price
The least expensive bench on our list is around $50, while the most expensive is almost $600. Knowing what you plan to use the bench for is crucial and will help you narrow in on a reasonable budget.
If you’re not a competitive strength athlete and you just want one of the best weight benches that will hold up well and last, plan on spending between $150 -$350.
Shipping & Setup Options
As with any hefty gym equipment purchase, you’ll need to factor shipping costs into your overall budget. While weight benches aren’t as heavy as, say, a squat rack, they can still weigh up to 80 pounds or even more.
Some companies offer free shipping, especially for promotional deals, so check out those offers too, and be sure to check the financing options if you’d rather buy now and pay later.
Warranty
Most weight benches come with a standard 1-year warranty, while better brands offer more–at least on the frame–such as 10 years. Make sure you read the fine print to understand what exactly their warranty covers, what the return process entails, and if returns are guaranteed or if they go through an appeals process.
Adjustable versus Flat Bench
The most crucial feature you need to select when shopping for the best workout benches is whether you want a flat or adjustable bench.
Adjustable benches are much more versatile and allow for many different positions and exercises. Flat benches are preferred by powerlifters and heavy-strength athletes.
If you aren’t a powerlifter chasing bench press glory, I’d strongly urge you to opt for an adjustable bench. Maximizing space is crucial when designing a home gym, and an adjustable bench will give you much more bang for your buck.
Dimensions
Most weight benches are around 45 inches long by 20 inches wide by 15 inches high. Powerlifting benches and those suited for heavy lifting are usually a bit bigger, especially when you add specialty padding options such as the Fat Pad.
Optional attachments can add loads of training value, but they will increase its space footprint, so measure twice and order once.
Material
There’s not a ton of variation in bench materials. The frames are typically made of some type of steel, and the pads are often covered with leather, faux leather, or vinyl.
The one feature you have control over is how grippy you want the bench to feel. Powerlifters and other serious bench enthusiasts prefer maximum grip as it helps them set up a strong shelf with their shoulder blades.
Additional bench pads with different widths and grips are also available for purchase with most of the serious strength brands.
Attachment Options
If you truly want to maximize the versatility of your weight bench, opt for an adjustable option that comes with additional attachments, such as a foot or leg roller for decline work, a wall mount for easy storage, or even a dip station.
While most weight benches on the market offer a simple design, there are a few that offer some neat attachment options, so read what comes with your bench.
Ease of Position Change
As with any equipment that has a changing mechanism, some work better than others. If you have mobility, strength, or dexterity issues in your hands, you’ll want to consider how easy it is to make a position change.
Most adjustable weight benches utilize a simple pull-knob system, while a few require a rotation and a pull. The simple pull option is easier and requires less strength and dexterity.
Another common changing mechanism is the ladder system, which is even easier to use.
What Experts Say
Kevin Guild, RSCC, LMT, CEP, is an experienced strength and conditioning coach and owner of Soma VT gym. He’s also an expert in shopping for strength equipment. Guild has trained lots of people with varying backgrounds, from professional baseball players to older adults, and everyone in between. So, he knows a thing or two about what to look for when buying home gym equipment.
“For me, maximizing space is everything. You want to invest in equipment that can be used for multiple things,” said Guild.
Opt for adjustable weight benches that come with attachments, such as a footrest for decline work, and make sure you measure your space ahead of time, including with the attachment to maximize your workout options.
Thoughts From a NASM Certified Personal Trainer
When it comes time to choose home gym equipment, there are two variables that matter above all else: purpose and price.
How do you plan on using this piece of equipment? Once you answer that question, it will give you all the information you need to establish a reasonable budget.
If you’re a competitive powerlifter, you need a bench that’s rated for hundreds of pounds and one that will support the other aspects of your training. A budget for a bench like that will reasonably be between $300-600.
If, however, you are a pilates junky and you simply want a weight bench for some variety in your bodyweight home workouts, you can spend under $150 with no problem.
Before shopping for any kind of workout equipment, get clear on your goals, and that will help you establish your price point.
Individual Reviews
$169.99
FLYBIRD Adjustable Workout Bench FB149
Best for home gym enthusiasts
- Adjustable incline
- Height: 18.8'' (47.8 cm) (unfolded flat)
- Weight Capacity: 800lbs
- Item Weight: 28.5LB
Best for Weight Bench for Home Gym Enthusiasts
If you love working out at home and want to expand your equipment options, this bench offers everything you need and nothing you don’t. The frame is made of heavy-duty steel, so this bench offers durability at a great value.
The Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench is extremely popular, and it’s easy to see why.
Priced at only $169.99, this moderately-sized bench is rated for an impressive 800 pounds and is made of alloy steel with a faux leather pad covering.
This bench offers impressive versatility with seven different back positions and three seat heights. It even has a leg roller for stability and comfort. It also features an easy-fold design, and it’s very light and easy to move, making storage a breeze.
The only real disappointment for me is this bench only has a one-year warranty. And while the price point is very affordable, I expect more for steel-based exercise equipment.
You can find the Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench on Amazon, and they do offer a financing option. Overall I think this is a great option for casual strength enthusiasts and anyone looking for maximum training versatility at the lowest price point.
Flybird Reviews
With a 4.6-star rating and over 23,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s safe to say the Flybird adjustable bench is one of the most popular in the world. Customers love how easy it is to adjust, move, and fold. They also love the price.
Some reviewers note that the bench design can feel narrow. If you’re larger in stature, this can cause stability issues, so be aware and always lift safely.
FLYBIRD Adjustable Workout Bench Pros
- Affordable
- 800 lb capacity
- 7 back & 3 seat positions
- Light, folding design
FLYBIRD Adjustable Workout Bench Cons
- Narrow bench design
$399.99
REP Fitness AB-4100 Adjustable Bench
Best for overall strength training
- Built-in upright storage post
- 85 lb bench weight
- 7 back positions
- 3 seat positions
Best Weight Bench for Overall Strength Training
The best all-around weight bench for strength training comes from one of the best names in fitness: REP Fitness. This bench offers quality, versatility, and stability for less than $500.
REP is one of the biggest names in fitness equipment, and I am continually impressed with their varied options. Their AB-4100 Adjustable Bench is my top pick overall and absolutely the best option for anyone who seriously strength trains.
While $400 may seem pricey for the casual home gym enthusiast, a weight bench is one of the most-used pieces of equipment, and REP equipment is built to last and be enjoyed for years.
The details make this bench a cut above. It features a durable steel frame, tapered seat, and a bench pad covered with their CleanGrip material, which grips well and doesn’t let go. This bench features a tapered seat for comfort and comes in seven fun colors, so you can tailor the look of your home gym to your taste.
The bench has a closed ladder system for changing the seat angle, which is unique and easy to use. Each notch is engraved with the degree of the angle, which is nice, too. Open ladder systems can be annoying because if your hand slips, the bench will slam down, which can damage the bench. By closing the ladder, they’ve solved that problem.
When it comes time to store it, you can stand the bench up, and it’s easy to roll and secure thanks to its rubberized feet and large handle.
My only concern is the warranty: while 10 years on the frame is great, only 30 days on the upholstery seems suspect to me.
Best of all, shipping is free, and they have financing options available. I love this bench, and this company, and I truly believe you can’t go wrong with this option.
REP Fitness Reviews
With a 4.9-star rating and 467 reviews on the REP Fitness website, the AB-4100 bench is a crowd favorite. Customers love the bench’s sturdy yet sleek design, ease of movement, and customer service and shipping experience.
Not to be outdone, the AB-3000 model also has a 4.9-star rating and 813 reviews. Customers rave about the high quality and stylish design and the many exercise options, such as the ability to decline.
One customer was frustrated by the lack of phone support, making navigating a returns issue challenging.
REP Fitness AB-4100 Pros
- 700 lb capacity
- 7 back & 3 seat positions
- Stylish & 7 color options
- Easy closed ladder adjustment
REP Fitness AB-4100 Cons
- Weighs 85 lb
- Assembly required
$320
Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench
Best for small spaces
- Uniquely collapsible
- Premium textured foam pad
- Manufactured in Columbus, Ohio
Best Weight Bench for Small Spaces
Rogue is a highly respected name in fitness equipment that has skyrocketed in popularity largely due to CrossFit. They offer a wide variety of equipment options that can spice up your home gym, no matter your fitness inclinations.
The Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench is a fantastic option for space-limited home gyms. This flat bench has a super handy collapsible design, so it’s sturdy and easy to store.
Despite its small footprint, this bench is actually rated for up to 1,000 pounds, so it can serve even the strongest bench press athlete. Rogue offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 90-day guarantee on the upholstery.
All Rogue equipment is made in America, and shipping fees are based on your zip code.
This bench is a great option for space-conscious home gym owners who want a flat bench that will hold up.
Rogue Reviews
The Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench has 64 reviews and a 4.*7-star rating on its company site. Customers enjoy how sturdy the bench feels and how easy it is to store.
While the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 has a 4.6-star rating and 228 reviews. Customers love the durability, craftsmanship, and sturdiness of this bench and how easy it was to assemble.
Multiple customers have complained about damage in transit, difficulty returning said items, and occasionally missing hardware.
Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench Pros
- 1,000 lb capacity
- Collapsible & space efficient
- Wall mount included
- Made in USA
Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench Cons
- Non-adjustable
- Assembly required
$369.99
REP Fitness AB-3000 Adjustable Bench
Best for versatile workouts
- Built-in leg roller
- 8 back pad positions
- Improved handle and overall stability
Best Weight Bench for Versatile Workouts
If you’re looking to get as much use as possible out of a single weight bench, If you’re looking to get as much use as possible out of a single weight bench, look no further than the REP AB-3000 Adjustable Weight Bench.
Moderately priced at $369.99, this bench is an exercise workhorse with incline, decline, and flat positions, as well as 8 back and 3 seat positions. Rated for 1,000 pounds, there is nothing you can’t do with this bench. It also has a leg roller for decline work or added stability during your flat or incline sets.
The AB-3000 model has the same stylish design as other REP options and comes in five different colors. You can stand the bench up for storage, but it weighs almost 90 pounds, so some people may struggle to move it.
I don’t love the open ladder design, as the metal can jump the tracks, but I do really love the dampeners they put on the metal ends for quiet weight changes.
The AB-3000 bench has the same warranty as their other benches (10 years on the frame, 30 days on upholstery), and shipping is free. And there are assembly options available.
If you want one of the best weight benches that can give you many different exercise options for your home gym at a great value, the REP Fitness AB-3000 is my top choice.
REP Fitness AB-3000 Pros
- 1,000 lb capacity
- 8 back & 3 seat positions
- Incline, decline, & leg rollers
- Ladder noise dampeners
- Stylish & 5 color options
REP Fitness AB-3000 Cons
- Open ladder adjustment
- Weighs 89 lbs
- Assembly required
Best Weight Bench for Durability
One of my favorite benches on this list, the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is a splurge, but it’s worth it.
Priced at $595, this model has the same high-quality, durable frame and parts as the others in their lineup but a few standout features.
It’s rated for 1,000 pounds, so it can handle even the strongest lifter, but it weighs a whopping 125 pounds, so it’s not the best choice if you need to move it frequently.
Rogue spared no expense on the style and finish of this model. With 10 color options to choose from and the choice of their standard black powder finish or stainless steel detailing, you can customize it to your exact specifications.
The 3.0 also features a closed latter adjustment system, which makes changing positions a breeze, and a large handle for moving around the room or standing the bench up for storage.
Rogue stands by their products and offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and 90 days on the upholstery, but you do have to pay for shipping and assemble it yourself. Luckily, Rogue offers fast shipping.
This bench is a fantastic choice for anyone with a higher budget who values both style and function in their home gym equipment and wants maximum versatility.
Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 Pros
- 1,000 lb capacity
- Made in USA
- Closed ladder adjustment
- 10 color & 2 finish options
Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 Cons
- Expensive
- Weighs 125 lb
- Assembly required
Price Varies
Amazon Basics Flat Weight Workout Exercise Bench
Best on a budget
- Flat weight bench
- Durable steel tube frame
- Assembles quickly and easily
Best Weight Bench on a Budget
If you want the best bench for the absolute lowest price, the Amazon Basics Flat Weight Bench is unbeatable.
It features a simple alloy steel design with a basic pad covered in vinyl, and it weighs only 22 pounds, so it’s super easy to pick up and move.
It’s great for bodyweight exercises and some strength exercises, but note that it’s only rated up to 220 pounds. It also comes with a 1-year basic warranty. It appears to be capable of handling significantly more weight so the weight limit is a bit confusing - many users report feeling just fine with heavy dumbbells and weighing over 200 lbs.
This option is solid if you’re not looking for simple, affordable home gym equipment and just need something that quickly gets the job done.
Amazon Basics Bench Reviews
This affordable weight bench option has over 6,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. Buyers rave about the simplicity and ease of using this bench and its unbeatable price.
Some buyers complain of how flimsy the construction is or missing hardware.
Amazon Basics Flat Weight Workout Bench Pros
- Very affordable
- Simple design
- Lightweight
- Space efficient
Amazon Basics Flat Weight Workout Bench Cons
- Lower weight capacity
- Thin pad
- Assembly required
Compare Best Benches
| Weight Bench | Price | Weight Capacity | Material | Positions | Warranty | Storage Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flybird Adjustable | $140 | 800 lb | Steel frame, faux leather pad cover | Flat + 7 incline positions | 1-year | Foldable |
| REP Fitness AB-4100 | $400 | 700 lb | Steel frame, vinyl pad cover | Flat + 7 incline positions | Frame = 10 yearsUpholstery = 30 days | Stands up |
| Rogue Fold-Up | $320 | 1,000 lb | Steel frame, vinyl pad cover | Flat or folded | Frafetime = lifetimeUpholstery = 90 days | Collapsable |
| REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 | $320 | 1,000 lb | Steel frame, vinyl pad cover | Flat, incline, decline | Frame = 10 yearsUpholstery = 30 days | None |
| Rogue Adjustable 3.0 | $595 | 1,000 lb | Steel frame, vinyl pad cover | Flat + 10 incline positions | Frafetime = lifetimeUpholstery = 90 days | Comes with storage stand |
| Amazon Basics Flat Bench | $52 | 220 lb | Steel frame, vinyl pad cover | Flat | 1-year | None |
Bottom Line
Our top choice for the best overall bench is the REP Fitness AB-4100 Adjustable Bench.
We love the sturdy and sleek design that combines style and functionality for the perfect adjustable bench option. The ladder-style adjustment system is a cinch to use and allows you to easily switch between the 7 different back positions. With 7 different color options and a mid-point price range, you can’t go wrong with this bench.
Weight Bench FAQs
Are some weight benches specifically designed for bodyweight exercises?
Virtually every weight bench in the world is well-suited for bodyweight exercises and general fitness. If you don’t have any specific needs, you are free to choose a bench that fits your budget with confidence that it will add value to your workouts without breaking the bank.
Are there weight benches that can be easily folded and stored away?
Most weight benches have some kind of easy storage option, including folding, collapsing, or standing to be rolled and placed out of the way. Our favorite options include:
- Flybird adjustable weight bench
- REP Fitness AB-4100 adjustable weight bench
- Rogue fold-up flat weight bench
- Rogue adjustable weight bench 3.0
Are there weight benches that offer extra cushioning or padding for comfort during workouts?
Both REP Fitness and Rogue offer different padding options you can swap out for a broader base and more padded feel for an additional fee.
What weight benches have a higher weight capacity for heavy lifters?
All Rogue and REP Fitness benches are rated for at least 700 pounds, which sets the bar for powerlifters and serious heavy lifters. If you’re a serious strength athlete, you can’t go wrong with either of these brands.
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