10 Weight Benches That'll Take Your Home Gym to the Next Level

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A SOLID ADDITION to any home gym, the best weight benches open the door to a ton of exercise possibilities. A solid weight bench allows for a wide range of exercises, allowing you to target nearly every muscle in your body using the bench as your starting point. (Which is why it's considered one of the most functional items in the gym.)

The best weight benches can be used for way more than just the classics that bear its name, like the bench press. And they should be. "They're good for everything from chest presses, dumbbell bench presses, incline bench supersets, skull crushers, glute bridges, incline rows to hit your back, ab moves, quad and leg moves like split squats, and more biceps moves than you can imagine," explains Men's Health Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., The list goes on. Neither flat nor adjustable weight benches occupy as much room as bulkier equipment, such as hefty power rack, either. And for those that are adjustable, you can easily change focus to switch up the angle on your presses.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

Over the years, Men's Health fitness editors and experts have put more than 30 of the best weight benches to the test, ranging from high-end commercial-grade options to more budget-friendly models. We rigorously assessed various aspects of the best flat and adjustable weight benches, such as size, longevity, performance, adaptability for different fitness levels, and value, to guarantee we recommend only the best. We examined each gym bench's capabilities, stability, and structural strength by using both comfortable and near-maximum loads in both flat and incline bench positions for a range of exercises.

Whether you prefer to do your weight work with dumbbells or barbells, the best weight benches are compatible. (Speaking of dumbbells, if you're in the market for a new set, here are our picks for 9 sets of stellar adjustable dumbbells.) Plus, many of the best weight benches include attachments and hidden features that allow for an even wider range of workouts, like a leg developer or squat rack.

We've gathered a selection of top-notch weight benches to elevate your training and home gym experience. Keep reading, because you can't go wrong with any of these 10 benches.

What is the Best Weight Bench for Home Workouts?

After extensive testing over the years, we've identified several exceptional options. However, our top choice for the best weight bench is the PRIME Fitness USA Adjustable Weight Bench. This adjustable bench from PRIME Fitness USA earned its top spot primarily due to its stability—unlike lighter benches, it stays put during exercises on nearly any surface we've tested it on. Boasting a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds when flat and 600 pounds in an incline position, it can handle substantial weights for various fitness levels.

Seven adjustable backrest positions provide more flexibility than most benches, and the cushioning strikes a perfect balance between comfort and stability. The bench's quick switch between incline settings is also ultra smooth and efficient.

Adjustable Bench

Why We Chose It

Heavy lifters will love how immovable this bench is: Unlike some lighter benches, it won’t slide away from you with exercises like chest-supported rows—regardless of the surface. With a weight capacity of 1,000-pounds when flat and 600-pounds in an incline position, we felt confident and stable pushing heavy weight on this bench.

The backrest offers seven adjustable positions, which means more adjustability than most benches out there. The cushioning manages to be comfortable while still providing a stable, sturdy base. Speaking of bases, the footprint on this bench is more sizable than most, so consider dimensions carefully if you're tight on space.

What MH Editors Say About It

"This is the sturdiest home bench I’ve ever used," says Samuel. ""I love this bench so much I wish it was in commercial gyms."

"It switches quickly between incline settings, making it ideal for dropsets and supersets that require different bench settings," he explains. "Each incline notch has the angle marked right next to it, so you know exactly how you're positioning your body for a movement."

Things to consider

One downside: It's one of the heavier options on this list. Built-in wheels make transport easier, but taking this thing up and down stairs is a doozy.

Adjustable Weight Bench (AB-3100 V3)

Why We Chose It

This bench shines in that it is as comfortable as it is durable. Few benches combine sturdiness, comfort, and versatility like this one from REP Fitness. It offers six different incline angles and a three-post design that anchors it to the floor no matter the exercise. It can also support up to 700 pounds, making it a solid option for novice to intermediate lifters.

What MH Editors Say About It

"The backrest feels way more cushioned than other benches in its class, yet still manages to deliver rigidity when I drive my shoulder blades down for a set of bench presses," explains Samuel.

"This bench is a total breeze to adjust from fully flat up to 90-degree incline. I've never had an issue with the either of the two adjustment mechanisms getting stuck," explains Talene Appleton, NASM, Fitness and Commerce Editor. "Three seat positions add to its versatility, too."

Things to consider

This bench has only a minimal gap between the seat and back, which has never interfered with any of my lifts. It's also not ridiculously heavy (< 100 pounds), so it's easy to move around my home gym we needed.

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5.1S Stowable Bench

Why We Chose It

Bowflex's flagship 5.1S Stowable Bench is a good mid-range weight bench for small spaces. What we love most about this bench is its collapsible design—when not in use, it can be stored vertically to reduce its footprint by more than 50 percent. For those who only use a bench at home from time to time and aren't pushing hundreds of pounds per exercise, this stowable option is a great choice.

It features six adjustable settings, including 30°, 45°, 60° 90°, flat and more decline range than most similar benches we've tested (-20°).

What MH Editors Say About It

"This bench is rated to support up to 600 pounds, but keep in mind that it's considerably lightweight," says Samuel. "Meaning if you line up on there for, say, incline rows or preacher curls, it may slip."

"I find it works best for me for bench presses and seated exercises like press, biceps curls, etc."

Things to consider

One more thing: the leg bar—we're not a fan. Especially for those moving heavy weight, we found it can act as a roadblock to setting up lifts properly.

Adjustable Power Weight Bench

Why We Chose It

Rated to support nearly 900 pounds, this is the most supportive and solid bench on the market for $500 or less. Behind considerably more expensive adjustable benches from Prime Fitness and Hammer Strength, this is next in line as the most durable bench to use at home.

Easy to use adjustment knobs shift the backrest from flat to an 85 degree incline (and 12 other spots in between), and two comfortable seat positions.

What MH Editors Say About It

"This is the bench I have in my own backyard gym setup, and it's as reliable and durable as the brand name implies for all the pressing exercises I include in my training," says MH Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM. "I've been using it for over two years, and it's just as sturdy as the day I put it together."

Things to consider

This bench hovers somewhere between mid-range and heavy-duty when it comes to the weight it can support and its price. It's not quite hefty enough for serious lifters, but it's considerably more expensive than most novice lifters need to shell out for a suitable bench. But for the folks somewhere in between, it's a Goldilocks choice.

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Workout Bench

Why We Chose It

NordicTrack flies under the radar when it comes to many of its strength equipment, but this bench is worthy of a mention. The bench has eight backrest settings and three seat settings to support flat, incline, decline, and military positions. And the design is sleek and simple without any unnecessary features—an ideal accompaniment to an in-home power rack or weight setup for any beginner.

Plus, it's portable enough to stow away for those of us who are short on space. We also like that the seat covers are sewn on, which we've found much more durable than traditional stapled-on alternatives.

What MH Editors Say About It

"I bought this bench when I first started lifting, but I don't see myself replacing it anytime soon," says Appleton. "I weigh less than 130 pounds and have never felt this bench slip on me, but bigger users should steer clear." It was incredibly easy to setup in Appleton's experience, too.

Things to consider

If you've already got the NordicTrack equipment "thing" going in your home gym, we get that you might be loyal to the brand. Yes, it's backed by a trusted name in home gym equipment, but it's also considerably less heavy-duty than the brand's cardio machines. At just 60 pounds, it's only rated to support up to 300 pounds total—bodyweight and additional weight included.

Multipurpose Adjustable Aerobic and Strength Training Workout Deck

Why We Chose It

Most weight benches are designed to be dead-simple and straightforward. But if you need something more, this unique weight bench is much more than just a weight bench. Think of it as a versatile home gym-in-one (for under $200, to boot). We've used it as a stepping platform, a plyometric box, for resistance tubes, and more. We love that it adjusts into 16 configurations to adapt to almost any type of workout.

The main reason to buy this bench over a classic, metal and upholstered bench is the space-saving design. It makes the perfect bedroom training weapon for a quick sweat because of how easy it is to move and store. It's incredibly compact and lightweight (just 30 pounds), which makes it easy to stow away under the bed or in a closet when it's not in use. We also like the small built-in bench compartment, which great for stashing smaller workout equipment like resistance bands, towels, sliders, etc.

What MH Editors Say About It

"I love this bench for indoor use because of how ultra versatile yet compact it is," says Samuel. "At its shortest, I can do step-ups and lunges on it (and it's even better than a traditional bench, thanks to its ultra-hard surface). I can also use it for incline biceps curls and light ab exercises."

Things to consider

Considering its lightweight build, know that this bench has its limitations. We won't press heavy on this deck, but it's nice to have around for just about everything else.

Home Multi-Adjustable Bench

Why We Chose It

This model from Hammer Strength was originally introduced in 2016 exclusively for athletics and clubs, and was designed to be a versatile bench with an Olympic rack system. It's American-made and sold around the world due to its high-quality, durable construction.

With seven different back pad positions (from -10 degrees for decline lifts and up to 75 degrees for military presses), it packs even more multi-functionality than most benches out there. Plus, it has built-in wheels, making it great for home gym spaces that require moving a bench around during workouts to accommodate space.

What MH Editors Say About It

From Samuel's point of view, this is one of the sturdiest benches he's ever used. "Its tough surface lets me create a great base for bench presses."

An underrated thing he loves: The comfort of the seat portion of the bench, which allows for locking-in a good position during overhead presses and incline curls.

Things to consider

It has a hefty price tag, though. Still, if you're looking to do some heavy lifting, it may be one of the best benches for you.

SportBench

Why We Chose It

If you've got $200+ to burn and are looking to add serious lifting capacity to your at-home gym, this adjustable bench from PowerBlock is a good choice. With a modest 550-pound rating, it was designed with novice lifters in mind.

In our experience, it's plenty versatile, with 5 adjustable back positions and seat adjustments. And an extra thick, three-inch Duracraft vinyl padding feels extra comfy during even the heaviest presses.

What MH Editors Say About It

"This is one of the first home benches I ever used, and it still holds up great today," says Samuel. "It has an old-school design and shape that works well for bench presses, and is a great bench for ez bar chest-supported row or curl concepts because of the simple incline adjustment that never gets in the way of your natural movement pattern on either exercise."

Things to consider

One downside: It'll slide a bit on cement or slick flooring, so make sure you place it on a yoga mat if that's how your space is set up.

FB-3000 Flat Bench

Why We Chose It

Flat benches often support more weight than their adjustable counterparts, but the REP Fitness FB-3000 tops the charts with the best weight capacity and comfort features of any flat bench we've tested.

Grippy vinyl upholstery prevents slippage on its surface when setting up for a lift, and firm, high-density foam cushioning makes driving down feel as stable as benches double its price. There's even an optional wall hanger for stowing it away when not in use.

It stands 17 inches from the floor to the top of the pad, and features a three-post design equipped with wheels and a handle to make moving it around easy. Its dimensions are largely consistent with benches used in powerlifting competitions, ensuring powerlifting users a training experience that closely aligns with professional standards. Talk about setting up for success, right?

What Our Editors Say About It

"For less than $200, there isn't a better flat bench on the market. Especially for competitive powerlifters," explains Appleton. "I love that the design allows me to tuck my feet underneath without any roadblocks when setting up for lifts like bench presses."

Things to consider

The FB-5000 distinguishes itself with incredible value, but it does come with the same limitations as any flat bench: You miss out on a range of exercises that incline positions on adjustable benches provide. A flat bench is great for most powerlifters, but limiting to the rest of us lifting at home.

Beyond its performance, this flat bench comes in various colors, including glossy black, red, blue, and textured versions, allowing users to personalize their gym setup.

Foldable Flat Weight Bench

Why We Chose It

This flat bench from Flybird is a suitable option for beginners who are tight on space, offering good value just north of $100. While there are higher-quality flat benches available at a higher price point, the foldable legs make it a standout choice for storage when not in use. The pin and lock system for the folding legs is efficient, taking less than a minute to set up or break down.

The bench is also extremely lightweight, making it easy to move and store as needed. However, for those performing lifts with dumbbells over 50 lbs., a heavier option is preferable for more stability. Despite its lightness, we found it reliable for various exercises like light dumbbell presses, curls, and skullcrushers at home.

What MH Editors Say About It

According to Samuel, this is a very solid entry level bench. "It's more on the cushioned side and actually very comfortable," he explains. "It's obviously not going to do incline and it is prone to sliding, so you definitely want a yoga mat under it."

Things to consider

It's a budget-friendly option suitable for novice and intermediate lifters, as long as precautions are taken to stabilize the bench.

How We Selected the Best Weight Benches

For the past few years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers on the top weight benches they’ve experienced firsthand. Experts including our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., have tested dozens of weight benches throughout the years, from high-end, commercial-grade versions all the way down to budget models.

Our extensive testing process involved a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors, including size, durability, performance, suitability for different fitness levels, and value, to ensure that we recommend only the best. We put each weight bench to the test through exercise routines that included flat and adjustable bench moves, covering a wide range of motions and use scenarios.

To determine their stability and structural integrity, we subjected benches to both comfortable and near-maximum weight capacities, allowing us to assess their performance at under varying loads. To gather diverse perspectives, we consulted with our MH Advisory Board and Strength in Diversity trainers, who provided valuable feedback on the top weight benches based on their expertise and experiences.

How to Choose the Best Weight Bench (for You)

Weight benches are deceptively simple. Flat models are the simplest designs of all—they’re literally just extremely strong benches. Adjustable models add a bit more versatility with adjustable backs and seats that allow for dozens, even hundreds, of configurations. But, which weight bench is best? As with all things, there’s no “best” weight bench—it’s rather about the model that’s right for you.

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a weight bench to add to your home gym:

Maximum weight capacity: First and foremost you'll need a weight bench that's strong enough to accommodate your training regimen—and even if you're not doing heavy-weight moves, you'll want your bench to accommodate a decent amount of load. That's because it's about more than your bodyweight and the weight of the load you're training with; each time you set up on the bench, there's potential for additional impact. In general, always aim for a bench that can support at least 500 pounds; that'll set you up for success in nearly all your training, and support you with more advanced exercises that offer even more impact (such as step-ups and plyometric Bulgarians).

Adjustability: In general, the three types of weight benches are flat, adjustable incline, and adjustable incline/decline. The first two are pretty self-explanatory and the latter, of course, adds versatility for decline-angle exercises.

“If you're unsure which bench to get, opt for a bench with incline-angle options. Sure, this may cost slightly more initially, but it'll set you up with a bench that can grow with you,” explains Samuel.

“In general, most website workouts and app workouts assume that, if you're training with a bench, it has incline options. So not having incline options can set you up for frustration. It'll also heavily limit your ability to vary your workouts in fun ways. The incline bench is the most future-proofed purchase option.”

If you're a powerlifter, or you're buying a bench for a particular program, a flat bench might be perfect.

Decline-angle benches, open up new movements (especially when it comes to core training), but they're generally unnecessary. Think of that as your luxury option.

Storage: Like all home gym equipment, weight benches can take up a lot of room. If you’re tight on space or just appreciate being able to move your equipment out of the way, consider a collapsible weight bench or, at the very least, one with wheels.

If you’re after an adjustable weight bench, wheels should be a top priority. Because they’re on the heavier side, this will make stowing away and setting up tremendously easier. You don't want setting up your bench every session to be a part of your workout.

What to Avoid When Shopping for a Weight Bench

Low weight capacity: Generally, it’s a good idea to shift away from any bench that doesn’t have a 500-pound weight capacity. Even if you don’t plan on lifting heavy, it’s important to opt for a bench that can safely support you, the weight you’ll be lifting, and any added impact that might occur during use.

That being said, there are a few sub-500-pound benches on this list that we do like. A bench like the one listed from NordicTrack is NOT sturdy to the level we'd want for heavy-lifters, but it also isn't pretend to be.

Every bench on the market should have a listed weight rating, so consider it a red flag if that information isn’t made accessible on a manufacturer’s product page. The thicker the steel used to make the bench, the stronger it is; we recommend opting for 11-gauge steel when possible, as it’s most commonly used in benches with at least a 1,000-pound rating.

As NYC-based trainer David Otey, C.S.C.S., states, "No one wants to buy a bench that is rickety and unsafe."

Short return or warranty period: Return policies and warranties represent the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. And with most home gym equipment manufacturers, the better the quality, the better the warranty. In the case that something goes wrong with your bench, it’s important to know your investment is protected, so look for benches that come with at least a 1-year warranty.

Padding: The right balance between stiff and cushioned padding is essential to ensure your bench will stay in good condition with use. Highly cushioned benches might feel nice, but they tend to deform over time, creating an even surface. While most padding is stitched to the bench, some is stapled, which tends to lift away from the bench’s frame eventually. Not enough padding isn't good either, as you'll feel like you're lying on a plywood board, according to Otey.

Pad gaps: If you plan on using your adjustable bench for flat bench variations, be mindful of the distance between the back pad and seat pad (otherwise known as the ‘pad gap’). Anything larger than 2 inches will be noticeable and may feel uncomfortable during certain lifts.

Price: The type of bench, specifications and features offered, quality of the materials, and durability of the build all contribute to the price tag you’ll pay for a given bench. As a rule of thumb, cheap options will ultimately pack less value in the long-term.

Other features: Consider the type of bench you’re looking for and whether you’ll need to move it around your at-home gym space. Adjustable benches tend to weigh more, so you’ll want one with wheels and/or handles to make setting up and stowing away a breeze.

Consider the bench’s base, too. Heavier benches (like the Prime Fitness or Hammer options above) are sturdy enough that, when you’re doing, say, a spider curl or incline row and you throw your chest against the bench, it won’t slide. But if you purchase a lighter-weight bench, such as a Bowflex or even a Flybird model, you definitely want something with rubber grips. Without them, the bench will slide away if you lean against it. If you opt for a model (or already have one) without grips, throw a yoga mat underfoot for some extra stick.

Is a Weight Bench Worth Buying for Your Home Gym?

"Absolutely," says Otey, "Your exercise options will drastically open up with a weight bench."

It's hard to know what equipment you really need in your home gym vs. what equipment will just end up collecting dust and occupying precious space—we get it. But you'd be wrong to consider a weight bench an unnecessary addition. The versatility an adjustable or flat bench can add makes it one of the most worthwhile investments for any at-home set up.

With a weight bench, you can unlock a wide range of exercises including dumbbell presses, incline curls, chest-supported rows, and so much more. You also make other exercises, like skull crushers (which sculpt your triceps) less awkward and more comfortable for your home workouts. Which can ultimately help you to target different muscle groups and achieve a more well-rounded workout.

Are Weight Benches Suitable for All Fitness Levels?

You don’t necessarily need a weight bench to get strong and build muscle, but having one gives you access to a host of exercises (regardless of fitness level), especially when it comes to upper-body training.

Most basic exercises that beginners should master, like dumbbell presses and single-arm dumbbell rows and hip thrusts, are much easier to execute with a bench (especially an adjustable one). Meanwhile, more advanced lifters can get incredible mileage out of a bench by unlocking more innovative moves like half-bench single-arm presses and single-arm rows.

Flat vs. Adjustable Benches

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Design: A flat weight bench is designed with a fixed, flat surface, whereas an adjustable weight bench allows you to adjust the angle of the bench to different incline or, in some cases, decline angles.

“The adjustable benches that offer a decline setting are a terrific value for anyone who wants to get creative with their core exercises while training at home,” notes Samuel.

Exercise variety: "Adjustable benches give you so many more options for your exercises," explains Otey. "Instead of just working at flat or upright, all of the angles in between can give you variety and diversity in your training options." Those angels allow you to bias muscle groups in different, more selective ways. A flat weight bench limits you to exercises that can be performed on a flat surface.

Convenience: Adjustable benches offer more convenience overall (especially well-built ones), offering access to more movements and angles. Adjustable benches also offer support for extra movements, such as overhead presses and lateral raises, which can allow for greater loading of those movements in the long term. But flat weight benches win for convenience in two areas. They're generally lighter, so you can more easily move them around your gym, and they're easier to stow when not in use, too.

Maintenance: Because flat weight benches generally have fewer mechanisms and lack a hinge of any sort, they'll be easier to maintain. Adjustable benches don't require a ton of maintenance, but it's worthwhile every so often to check on bolts and caps, and make sure your hinge mechanism is working smoothly.

Price: Generally, an adjustable weight bench is more expensive than a flat weight bench due to its more complex design and features.

Best Weight Bench Exercises

We consulted with Men's Health Fitness Editor Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., for the best exercises for beginners to get the most out of a weight bench:

Flat-Bench Moves

Dumbbell Row

Dumbbell Press

Dumbbell Skull Crusher

Elevated Plank Row

Bodyweight Hip Thrust

Adjustable Bench Moves

Alternating Incline Press

Chest-Supported Row

Dumbbell Spider Curl

Single-Arm Preacher Curl

Incline Bench Triceps Extension

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing in our in-house Fitness Lab before making any recommendations.

Our fitness writers and editors are experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage, which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

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