Best Folding Squat Racks for Home Gyms: Top 5 Reviewed

April 04, 2024

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A squat rack is one of the best pieces of gym equipment you can own. It's the key to unlocking many exercises, targeting nearly every muscle in your body. However, the reality of a home gym often means grappling with limited space. That's where the best folding squat rack comes in – a space-saving marvel that allows you to pack more into your fitness sanctuary.

We get it. Not everyone has room for a full-size power rack. And if you're crafting a home gym, you're probably brainstorming creative ways to maximize your space. A folding squat rack is a brilliant solution, granting you the versatility of a squat rack without a permanent footprint.

Today, we're not just listing squat racks but sharing our genuine favorites. Unlike other sites that might push products for profit, we're here to offer honest recommendations. These are the best folding squat racks on the market, handpicked for their quality and functionality, ensuring your home gym is nothing short of exceptional.

 

Best Folding Squat Rack for Home Gym — At a Glance

Before we explore each product in-depth, let's quickly glance at the best folding squat racks available for your home gym. Each option has been carefully selected to cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring a perfect match for everyone.

Category	Product Name	Special Features
Best Overall	Signature Fitness	●     3x3 steel tubes and 11-gauge thickness ●        Fully adjustable J-Hook and Safety Spotter arm positions ●        UHMW-coated J-Hooks ●        Adjustable height pull-up bar ●        Stringer for increased stability and easy installation
Runner Up	Hulk Fit Pro Series	●     Height adjustable Pull-Up Bar and J-Hooks ●     Stringers for increased structural strength ●     Laser Cut Numbering System ●     4-Way Locking Pins ●     Heavy-duty Rubberized Feet
Best Budget Option	Synergee 2200 Series	●     750 lb weight capacity ●     Wall-mounted and space-efficient design ●     Includes J Cups and Adjustable Pull-bar ●     Available in two size variations for space-saving
Best Door Mounted	Rogue RML 90 Slim	●     Doorway-mounted design ●     3x3” 11-gauge steel uprights with UHMW feet caps ●     Adjustable ML Pull-Up Bar ●     Includes 4 Stringers and Monster Lite J-Cups
Best Power Rack	Force USA Myrack	●     Modular with up to 11 attachment options ●     2,000 lb weight rating ●     Westside Spacing with 55 holes ●     Lifetime Structural Warranty

 

This table highlights our top picks in each category, offering diverse options for anyone looking to enhance their home gym experience. Keep reading to learn more about these exceptional folding squat racks and discover which aligns best with your fitness goals and home gym setup.

 

Best Overall: Signature Fitness SF-WRM1

 

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Key Features

• Price: $399.99
• Weight Capacity: 1000 pounds (453.59 kilograms)
• Tube Size: 3 x 3 inches (7.62 x 7.62 centimeters)
• Steel Thickness: 11 gauge

The Signature Fitness foldable squat rack clinches our top spot for a reason. It's a perfect blend of durability and affordability, making it an unbeatable choice for your home gym. We've rigorously tested this rack and can vouch for its robustness and value.

Let's talk about build quality. The rack is constructed with 3x3 steel tubes, which is typically the largest that you’ll find in a squat rack, and the tubes boast an 11-gauge thickness. Similarly, 11-gauge is usually the thickest steel used in squat racks, ensuring superior durability and sturdiness. Yet, Signature Fitness has managed to maintain an affordable price point, making this high-quality equipment accessible.

One of the standout features is its installation versatility. It mounts seamlessly into any wall and can fully collapse against it, making space-saving a breeze. It's the perfect fit for most home gyms with dimensions of 58 x 24 x 79 inches.

The rack's adjustability is another highlight. With fully adjustable J-Hook and Safety Spotter arm positions, including 47 vertical holes and "westside" spacing on the uprights, it caters to users of all sizes, ensuring a comfortable and safe workout. The UHMW-coated J-Hooks are a thoughtful addition, protecting your barbell from scratches and extending its lifespan.

An adjustable height pull-up bar adds to the rack's versatility, accommodating athletes of every size. And when not in use, the rack's ability to completely fold in is a game-changer for space conservation.

We found the Signature Fitness rack to stand out in its category during our testing. It's a solid, reliable choice for anyone serious about their home workouts, and its thoughtful design features make it a pleasure to use. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this rack is sure to meet, if not exceed, your expectations.

Pros

• It is built with robust 3x3 steel tubes and 11-gauge thickness for superior durability.
• Adjustable features, including J-Hook and optionable Safety Spotter arms, accommodating various exercises and user heights.
• UHMW-coated J-Hooks to prevent barbell damage.
• Includes a height-adjustable pull-up bar supporting a range of exercises.
• The inclusion of a back plate “stringer” allows for easy installation, and all the necessary hardware is supplied with the rack
• Wider footprint for a comfortable lifting experience

Cons

• As standard, the rack doesn’t come with spotter arms, although these are available to purchase separately
• The rack is shorter than other alternatives

 

Runner Up: Hulkfit Pro Series

 

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Key Features

• Price: $318.87
• Weight Capacity: 1000 pounds (453.59 kilograms)
• Tube Size: 2.35 x 2.35 inches (5.97 x 5.97 centimeters)
• Steel Thickness: 11 gauge

Taking the runner-up spot in our lineup is the Hulkfit Pro Series, a solid contender in the foldable squat rack category. This rack shines with its blend of functionality and convenience, ideal for home gym enthusiasts. Let's dive into what makes it stand out.

First up, it boasts a height-adjustable pull-up bar and J-hooks, providing versatile workout options. The pull-up bar is secured with a pin for added safety, while the J-hooks are essential for various exercises. Note that additional accessories like the Y-Dip Bar and Spotter Arms are sold separately, both fitting 2.35 x 2.35 inches (6 x 6 centimeters) upright poles with 1-inch mounting holes.

The Hulkfit Pro Series also emphasizes structural strength, which is especially important for those with drywall construction. Its stringers increase stability and can span across four studs, installed with the provided hex lag screws. While it's possible to set up the rack without stringers using the mounts, it's not recommended for heavy use as it could impact the rack's stability.

Another highlight is its space-saving design. This rack can be folded against the wall less than a foot deep, making it a perfect fit for multipurpose spaces like garages. You won't have to move the entire cage to park your car or use the space for other activities.

The rack also features a laser-cut numbering system on the upright poles, making it easy to identify the height of your accessories. Plus, the four-way locking pins ensure that the cage's upright poles lock securely into place.

Lastly, the heavy-duty rubberized feet are a thoughtful addition. They absorb shock from dropping equipment and help protect your floors from scratches, making the Hulkfit Pro Series a considerate choice for home use.

Pros

• Adjustable pull-up bar and J-hooks enhance workout versatility.
• Taller than the Signature Fitness alternative
• Designed for increased structural strength, it is ideal for various installation needs.
• Clear, laser-cut numbering for straightforward setup and adjustments.
• Secure locking mechanism for stability and safety during use.
• Rubberized feet to minimize floor damage and absorb equipment impact.

Cons

• Y-Dip Bar and Spotter Arms are not included and must be purchased separately.

 

Best Budget Option: Synergee 2200 Series

 

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Key Features

• Price: $299.95
• Weight Capacity: 750 pounds (340.19 kilograms)
• Tube Size: 2 x 2 inches (5.08 x 5.08 centimeters)
• Steel Thickness: 15 gauge

The Synergee 2200 Series stands out as the cheapest squat rack for home gym  enthusiasts, offering a combination of affordability and robust functionality. This rack isn't just budget-friendly; it's a powerhouse with a staggering 750 pounds (340.19 kilograms) weight capacity. Constructed with gussets and highly durable steel, it's built to handle heavy workouts.

Regarding space efficiency, the 2200 Series is a star performer. As a wall-mounted, foldable rack, it optimizes your workout area. When in use, it provides ample space for squats, presses, pull-ups, and more. After your workout, it folds flush against the wall, easily reclaiming your space. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need to maximize their training area.

The rack comes equipped with J Cups and an adjustable pull-up bar, ensuring you have everything you need for a full range of exercises. It's designed to elevate your workout experience, offering two variations - the SF2200 21" Folding Wall Rack and the SF2200 41" Folding Wall Rack. Each caters to different space-saving solutions, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every home gym.

The Synergee Folding Squat Rack stands 79 inches (200 centimeters) tall by 44.5 inches (113 centimeters) wide, with an impressive 750 pounds (340 kilograms) weight capacity. While installation is required, all necessary hardware and clear instructions are provided, making the setup process straightforward.

Synergee emphasizes customer satisfaction, ensuring a hassle-free experience from purchase to assembly. With the 2200 Series, you're not just buying a squat rack but investing in a durable, space-efficient solution for your home workouts without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Includes J Cups and an adjustable pull-up bar for diverse exercises.
• Two size variations are available to fit different space requirements.
• Straightforward installation with provided hardware and instructions.
• Strong and durable construction with gussets and sturdy steel.
• The finish of the rack gives a “high end” feel

Cons

• The rack doesn’t have a “stringer” plate at the back which makes installation more difficult
• The 150 gauge steel isn’t as sturdy as 11-gauge alternatives

 

Best Door Mounted: Rogue RML 90 Slim

 

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Key Features

• Price: $575.00
• Weight Capacity: 1000 pounds (453 kilograms)
• Tube Size: 3 x 3 inches (7.62 x 7.62 centimeters)
• Steel Thickness: 11 gauge

The Rogue RML 90 Slim is a standout choice in the door-mounted squat rack category. Crafted in the USA and boasting a patent-pending design, this rack is a testament to innovation and quality. Here's a closer look at what makes it a top pick:

This slim rack is designed to be doorway-mounted, offering a space-saving solution without compromising strength. It features 3x3” 11-gauge steel uprights with UHMW feet caps, ensuring durability and stability. The unit stands at 90 inches (229 centimeters) tall, with a weight of 170 pounds (77 kilograms), including stringers and the pull-up bar. This longer rack alternative is perfect for the taller individual.

In terms of dimensions, it extends 13" from the mounting surface when used and folds down to just 5" for convenient storage. The width is 49" (outside uprights) with 43" (inside uprights), providing ample space for various exercises.

The rack includes four 11-gauge steel stringers, each 19.5” wide, with laser-cut Rogue branding. An adjustable ML Pull-Up Bar is part of the package, reaching a maximum height of 86.5” to the center of the bar. This height can be adjusted depending on the placement of the stringers on the wall, which can be moved in 2” increments.

The Rogue RML 90 Slim is functional and aesthetically pleasing and is finished in a textured black powder coat. It comes with Monster Lite J-Cups and all the required hardware for installation.

If your selected doorway includes an attached door, consider the direction in which the door swings. This will affect the rack's compatibility and usability, especially in terms of the extra space behind the unit. Despite this consideration, the Rogue RML 90 Slim remains a highly versatile and convenient option for home gyms, particularly where space is at a premium.

Pros

• Compact design, ideal for doorways and small spaces.
• It is strongly constructed with 3x3” 11-gauge steel uprights.
• Includes adjustable pull-up bar and Monster Lite J-Cups.
• Features four durable steel stringers making for an easy installation.
• Taller than other squat rack alternatives.

Cons

• Slightly higher cost due to premium build and materials.

 

Best Power Rack: Force USA Myrack

 

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Key Features

• Price: $699.99
• Weight Capacity: 2000 pounds (907 kilograms)
• Tube Size: 2.4 x 2.4 inches (6.1 x 6.1 centimeters)
• Steel Thickness: 12 gauge

The Force USA Myrack, celebrated as the first fully folding power rack of its kind, revolutionizes home gyms with its patented, space-saving design. This modular power rack system is designed to grow with you, offering up to eleven attachment options and countless configurations. It’s an investment in your fitness journey, adapting to your training needs as they evolve.

With a staggering 2,000-pound (907 kilograms) weight rating, the MyRack is built for serious strength training. Its Westside spacing, featuring 55 holes, ensures precise adjustments for all types of exercises. The 2.4' square uprights add to the robustness of this rack, guaranteeing stability under heavy loads.

Adding to its appeal, the MyRack has been rated as the 'Best Folding Rack' by various leading publishers, a testament to its superior quality and functionality. It's not just about the product; Force USA also offers attractive perks such as free shipping on all orders, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 10% discount for military and first responders.

MyRack's lifetime structural warranty covers failures due to structural, cable, pulley, and workmanship defects, highlighting the brand's confidence in its product.

This level of support and assurance makes the Force USA Myrack a standout choice for those seeking the best power rack for their home gym.

Pros

• The patented power rack design uniquely allows for full folding, maximizing space efficiency.
• Modular system with up to eleven attachment options for diverse workouts.
• Impressive 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) weight capacity suitable for heavy lifting.
• It features westside spacing with 55 holes for precise adjustment.
• It comes with a lifetime structural warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Safety benefit comes from squatting inside of the rack as opposed to outside like other alternatives

Cons

• The rack doesn’t come with J cups, pull up bar or spotter arms as standard. These cost extra
• The warranty does not cover damage from transport/delivery or misuse.

 

How to Chose the Right Foldable Squat Rack for You

Size

When considering the size of a foldable squat rack, it's crucial to match it to the space available in your home gym. Foldable squat racks typically come in different depths, with common options being 21 inches or 41 inches (21 inches mimicking the size of a half rack). The choice between these sizes largely depends on how much room you can dedicate to the rack.

Remember that the larger 41-inch depth racks usually come with a higher price tag, often costing an extra $80-$100 more than their 21-inch counterparts. But this extra expense might be worth it for the additional space and versatility these larger racks offer.

Before deciding, take a moment to measure the area where you plan to set up your squat rack. Double-check these measurements against the size of the squat rack you're considering to ensure a good fit. It's not just about the rack fitting in your space; you also need room to move around and use it comfortably and safely.

 

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is a key factor when selecting a foldable squat rack, especially for those who take their lifting seriously. All the foldable squat racks we've listed boast a minimum weight capacity of 750 lbs, which is ample for most gymgoers. However, if you're a powerlifter or regularly lift heavy weights, you should lean towards the sturdier options with a higher weight capacity.

The weight capacity of a squat rack largely depends on the materials used in its construction. Two critical elements to consider are the tube size and the steel thickness. These factors are pivotal in determining the overall sturdiness of the rack. Typically, 11-gauge steel is the thickest you'll find in squat racks, and as a rule of thumb, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. Regarding tube size, 3x3 inches is generally the largest and most sturdy option, offering more stability and strength than 2x2 inch tubes.

For instance, our "Best Overall" pick is constructed from 3x3 inch tubes made of 11-gauge steel, making it one of the sturdiest options. It's ideal for those who prioritize durability and need a higher weight capacity in their workouts.

 

Safety

Safety is paramount in weightlifting, particularly when selecting a foldable squat rack. The standard structure of a squat rack includes two uprights, with exercises performed in front of the rack. This arrangement means that if you were to fail at the bottom of a rep, there would traditionally be nothing to catch the weight unless you have a spotter.

This reality underscores the importance of considering safety features when purchasing a foldable squat rack. One key feature to look for is the ability to attach spotter arms. These arms can be crucial for safety, catching the weight if you fail during a lift. However, not all foldable squat racks offer the option to fit spotter arms, so it's essential to check this feature.

A foldable power rack might be more suitable if you plan to lift heavy and push your limits to near failure. Unlike a standard squat rack, where exercises are performed outside the rack, a power rack allows you to perform exercises inside it. This design includes cross members between the front and back uprights, which can be adjusted to catch the weight if you fail on a rep, providing an added layer of safety.

Therefore, when evaluating foldable squat racks for your home gym, assessing the availability and compatibility of safety features like spotter arms or the design of a power rack is crucial, especially if your workout regimen includes heavy lifting.

 

Installation

Among the racks we reviewed, nearly all required wall mounting, except for the Force USA Myrack. This model stands out as the only freestanding option, not requiring attachment to a wall.

The Force USA Myrack is ideal if you prefer not to fix your squat rack to a wall. This could be due to various reasons: perhaps you like the flexibility of rearranging your gym setup, or your walls aren't suitable for mounting heavy gym equipment. In such cases, the freestanding nature of the Force USA Myrack makes it an excellent choice.

For those opting for wall-mounted squat racks, including a "stringer" is an important feature to look for. A stringer is a plate that attaches to the wall and supports the back of the squat rack. It is vital in distributing the forces exerted during use across the entire stringer and onto the wall rather than just through two cross members.

Additionally, stringers offer more installation flexibility. Without a stringer, the positioning of the squat rack would be limited to aligning with the stud work in your walls. This isn't always feasible, and you might need to install additional wood between the studs for secure mounting. In contrast, stringers typically come with multiple fixing points, making the installation process more straightforward and adaptable to various wall types.

 

Budget

Budget plays a significant role in deciding on the right home gym equipment, and foldable squat racks are no exception. It's wise to determine your budget beforehand, as this helps narrow your choices to those that fit your financial constraints.

In our guide, we've made sure to include a variety of options to cater to different budgets. We've highlighted the cheapest foldable squat rack available for those on a tighter budget. This option ensures that cost doesn't hinder building a functional home gym.

However, if your budget allows for a bit more flexibility, our "Best Overall" and "Runner Up" picks are worth considering. While these options might be slightly more expensive than the budget-friendly choice, they offer enhanced durability. This added robustness means they could offer better value in the long run, especially for those who plan to use their squat rack extensively.

Ultimately, the right choice balances cost with quality, ensuring you invest in a squat rack that fits your budget, meets your workout needs, and lasts you through many training sessions.

 

Warranty

Warranty is a crucial aspect to consider when investing in gym equipment like a foldable squat rack. Protecting your investment against any unforeseen issues that might arise after purchase is important. Nobody wants to experience their newly bought squat rack breaking or malfunctioning just a few months later, leaving them out of pocket and without a key piece of their home gym.

Therefore, it's essential to review the warranty provided by the manufacturer carefully. A good warranty not only offers peace of mind but also reflects the manufacturer's confidence in their product's quality and durability. It's a sign that they stand behind their equipment and are willing to support it over time.

Ensure you are comfortable with the terms of the warranty before purchasing. Understand what is covered, the duration of the coverage, and any conditions or limitations that may apply. This step is vital in ensuring you make a well-informed decision and choose a squat rack that not only meets your fitness needs but also assures long-term support and reliability.

 

Attachments

Attachments can significantly enhance the functionality of your squat rack, turning it into more of a multigym powerhouse. Many of the squat racks we've reviewed are compatible with various attachments, which is an important factor to consider if you want to expand your workout options.

Before finalizing your squat rack purchase, exploring the available attachments is a good idea. These could range from dip bars and pull-up bars to landmines and storage options, each adding a new dimension to your training routine. Check what each manufacturer offers regarding add-ons for the squat rack you're interested in.

An interesting point to note is that many brands design attachments to fit 3x3-inch tubes. This standardization means that if you opt for a squat rack with 3x3 inch tubes, but the manufacturer doesn't offer the specific attachment you want, you might still be able to find it from another brand. This compatibility across brands provides more flexibility and options in customizing your squat rack to your specific training needs and preferences.

 

The Final Say

Stepping into your home gym, equipped with the right foldable squat rack, transforms your fitness journey. Imagine the convenience of a versatile, space-saving workout hub right where you live. It's not just about saving space; it's about maximizing your fitness potential in a way that fits seamlessly into your life.

Whether you're a seasoned gymgoer or just starting, the perfect foldable squat rack is a game changer, empowering you to push your limits without stepping out of your comfort zone.

As you continue exploring the best options for your home gym, remember that the right equipment catalyzes transformation. And if you're looking to optimize your space further, take advantage of our guide on the best compact squat rack, which offers additional insights for a well-rounded home fitness setup.

Here's to making every square foot of your home gym count!

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