Best Squat Rack for Small Space: 5 Compact Squat Racks for Strength Training

If you’re looking to build a home gym, then a squat rack should be top on the list of the equipment you need. Unfortunately, not everyone can boast of having the luxury of space to accommodate a power cage or a fully packed rig. Like most homeowners, this can leave you asking what the best squat rack for a small space is.

Well, a compact squat rack for a home gym with limited space should have a small footprint such that it’s able to fit into a garage or basement with a low ceiling. Also, it should have an adequate weight capacity to accommodate users of different sizes while being reasonably priced.

Of course, finding such a rack might not be an easy task considering the huge number of options out there. But don’t worry; we are here to take away the guesswork.

In this write-up, we will look at why you need a squat rack, how to choose a squat rack, and the top five models currently available in the market in 2023.

If you’re ready like we are, let’s delve in!

Our Top 5 Best Squat Rack for Small Space

01. Editor’s Choice: F2C Pair of Adjustable 40″-66″ Squat Rack

To kick off the list, we have one of the most budget-friendly options out there – the F2C Adjustable Squat Rack. Despite having a relatively low price point, the machine is well built with a solid 50mm steel tube that supports up to 550 pounds at minimum height and 440 pounds at maximum height. However, we don’t recommend stacking up to that amount of weight as the rack can get a little shaky.

The net weight of the unit is about 40 pounds which put it on the lighter side. That said, it’s still sturdy enough for daily squats and bench presses. The squat stand is made for barbells and can be adjusted to fit different user heights – specifically, 40” to 66.5”. We like the J-Hook design of the top bracket; it helps to secure the barbell on the rack.

Assembly is quite easy. It takes about 1 hour. All the parts are provided and fit well.

Safety-wise, the barbell stand comes included with adjustable safety spotters, which can help prevent accidents while working out. The spotters are also made from high-grade steel, just like the posts, with up to 14 height adjustments.

Overall, for the price, we are satisfied with the quality of the rack. And highly recommend it for bench and handing press as well as squats (if you’re lifting light weights).

Specifications

Pros

• Stable design
• Considerable weight capacity
• Great quality
• Quick and easy adjustment
• Great for newbies

Cons

• Get a little unsteady over 330 pounds

02. Yaheetech Pair of Adjustable Squat Rack

If you want a squat rack for individual training, then this adjustable model from Yaheetech will make an excellent choice. With a weight limit of 441 pounds, it’s obviously not the ideal choice for more experienced lifters; however, it’s a good match for beginners. Though it only weighs 44 pounds, it is sturdy, stable, and doesn’t wobble.

The unit is equipped with two barbell rack stands made of a heavy-duty 50mm steel tube frame with a weight limit of 441 pounds. You can adjust the stands according to your needs. To be more specific, there are 14 adjustable safety pins on each post on the stands with 5cm gaps. This allows you to adjust the height from 114-119cm (45″-70.5″). The H shape of the base helps to provide stability while the machine is in use.

Interestingly, the rack also features metal nuts and washers for additional safety and stability. You are advised to fasten the nuts using a wrench to make it right. Please don’t do it with your hand!

The feet of the stands are fitted with anti-slip pads to protect your floor from scratches and damage.

Overall, this unit comes recommended for single persons who want a budget-friendly squat rack that holds a fair amount of weight.

Specifications

Pros

• Great for individual application (especially beginners)
• Perfect for squats and bench presses
• Very affordable
• Fairly easy to build
• Easy to store
• Holds a decent amount of weight

Cons

• Height adjustment can be difficult

03. Yes4All Adjustable Barbell Squat Rack

Moving on, we have another adjustable barbell squat rack that provides a lot of value for the price. Yes4All is highly recommended if you want a versatile model that provides the ultimate body training from the comfort of your home. It can be used to perform more than just squats. You can also use it for pull-ups, bench presses, and many other exercises.

Like the previous models we reviewed, the unit is reasonably priced. It is made of solid steel capable of supporting up to 550 pounds of weight.

So the rack is very sturdy. It features a crossbar that connects the two legs, making it safer. Extra pegs are provided, which you can use for the barbell rows. As long as you tighten all the bolts, you shouldn’t experience any shaking.

Furthermore, the unit is equipped with brackets with PVC covers for extra convenience and efficient barbell training. The storage peg is about 8″ and stores the weight plates when not in use. It also features a safety locking system that allows you to adjust the bracket height and width.

Specifications

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction (built to last)
• Reasonably priced
• Supplied with safety pegs
• Adjustable bracket height and width
• Great value

Cons

• Not the best for heavy weight lifting

04. BangTong&Li Squat Rack Stand

This squat rack from BangTong&Li is an excellent choice for anyone beginning weight lifting or someone who needs home equipment for strength training. It is designed to give you a total body workout by building your upper and lower body strength.

One of the major highlights of the rack is the fact that you can adjust it and how easy it is to do it. It has a compact design that doesn’t take up a lot of space, unlike regular full set weight racks or smith machines.

For the weight capacity, the rack can support up to 500 pounds, which makes it ideal for performing squats and bench presses. In other words, you can set it low for bench presses and raise it high when you want to do your squats.

Now, about the squat bar – it’s made from heavy-duty steel and powder-coated to prevent rust. For your safety, it has a safety locking system that locks the height adjustment in place while securing the bar. The bracket height range is around 50″ to 57″; so, you can adjust the spotters to match your height needs.

The unit also comes equipped with two barbell storage racks, making it even more functional. This allows you to perform other exercises besides squats and bench presses such as dips, overhead lifts, shoulder presses, and more. The H shape of the base helps to improve stability and ensures it doesn’t turn over.

Another likeable aspect of the equipment is that it is supplied with a “perfect” set of instructions which makes it very easy to assemble. Metal nuts are provided, with a non-slip washer inside already. You will basically need only two wrenches to tighten the bolts and nuts. Everything should take about 30 minutes, or even 20, depending on your speed and experience. Make sure to tighten all the screws when you’re done setting up the unit.

Specifications

Pros

• Adjustable width and height
• Comes with two barbell racks
• Sturdy design
• Very affordable
• Suitable for small space
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• We couldn’t find any

05. Doeplex Multi-Function Adjustable Squat Rack

Lastly, we have the multi-functional adjustable squat rack from DOEPLEX – another excellent model for toning or bulking up. It has a weight capacity of 550 pounds which makes it perfect for benching and squats. It provides a full-body workout that can benefit both newbie weight lifters and experienced athletes. Of course, it’s not meant for the Olympics, but it will help you get a few reps here and there.

The unit comes with large anti-slip grips to secure it in place, while the rubber padding helps to reduce wear and tear. For the construction, it uses high-quality steel with an enhanced frame that can hold up to 550 pounds of weight.

Like the other models we touched, the rack is fully adjustable. In fact, there are 12 height adjustments, from 47.8″ – to 70.1″, while the base width can be adjusted from 30.3″ – to 48″ for extra stability. So, it can be used for more than just squats; it’s also ideal for bench press, dip, and more. Being able to adjust the height and width easily also makes it easy to match the rack to your exercises and build and challenge yourself with more weights.

We found the color scheme quite attractive, which is a plus if you care about aesthetics. Moreover, the bold appearance can add a flare of dynamic energy to your home gym. It’s hard not to take notice of the red bar, and two weight rests.

Our only complaint about the unit is that it doesn’t come with detailed step-by-step directions. Only an outline of the parts and assembly is given. That said, it is not difficult to set up.

Specifications

Pros

• Built with safety in mind
• Suitable for a wide array of exercises
• Reasonably priced
• Easy to adjust
• Easy to use
• Sturdy construction

Cons

• No step by step instructions

Best squat rack for small space: Buying Guide

Not all gym equipment is the same, especially when they are squat racks. So, don’t think every model you come across will be able to meet your needs. To ensure you find the right model for your small space, here are the things to consider.

Available Space

Before putting out your money for any squat rack, you must first determine how much room you have. This will enable you to know whether the footprint of the machine will fit into the available space. Even the best squat rack might not be useful to you if it can’t fit into any of the rooms you have. So, make sure you consider the dimensions of the machine and the available space you have before hitting the purchase button!

Price Range

The next thing to look at is how much you’re willing to spend. While we don’t believe you have to splurge thousands of dollars to get a good gym machine, we don’t advise going for the lowest price. The problem with such products is that they are often made with low-quality materials, which in most cases are not sturdy enough. There are many great squat racks that are not overly expensive yet still offer incredible quality and performance. The best plan is to have a specific budget in mind and opt for the best product within that price range. As you can see, most of the bikes reviewed here are affordable.

Weight Capacity

Another thing you should consider while choosing a squat rack is the capacity or the thickness of the metal they are made from. Some models won’t give any information about the metal thickness, but most will certainly reveal their weight capacity. And in many cases, this will be a lot.

The weight capacity doesn’t only let you know who can use the equipment but also gives you an idea of how stable and durable it is.

It is best to go for a squat rack that can accommodate a lot of weight, even if you’re just starting out. Generally, anything below 500 pounds is not recommended. If you’re an experienced lifter, then you might want to target a capacity of over 800 or 1000 pounds.

Type of Exercise

If you’re only planning to perform bench presses and squats with your rack, then a simple squat stand will be usually enough. However, if you intend to use the machine for other types of workouts, then you will obviously need something more sophisticated. In this case, you can look for a model that comes with attachments such as a pulley system, cables, a pull-up bar, and so on. With such racks, you can perform squats and bench presses as well as cable rows, dips, pull-ups, and so on.

Safety

Safety is another thing you should take seriously when choosing a squat rack. First, make sure you get a rack that can comfortably support you. Also, the unit should have one or more safety components to catch a fallen bar. These can be safety pins, arms, or straps. Besides protecting you from injuries, having these features allows you to use weights that are ordinarily beyond you. Over time, this can affect your progress in a big way!

FAQs

Do I need mats to install a rack?

Yes, make sure your rubber mats or flooring are in place before setting up your rack. This is because, once the rack is installed, it is difficult to adjust the height.

Is there any difference between a squat rack and a power rack?

Yes, there is. Squat racks are specifically geared towards performing various squat styles and bench presses and for racking the barbell. Power racks, on the other hand, can be used for the same purpose. But in addition, they provide more allowance to diversify your movements and offer more space to store plates.

What is the best squat rack for a small space?

From our end, that would be F2C; however, you can’t go wrong with any model on the list. F2C and Yaheetech just happen to be our favorites.

How can I get these racks?

Simply click on the corresponding link to go to the product page.

Conclusion

Getting a squat rack might be the most important investment you can make for your home gym. Hopefully, this article should have helped you decide on the best squat rack for small space out there. Again, before hitting the purchase button, make sure your chosen rack conforms to your available space and fitness goals. Let us know if you have any more questions. Until then, happy squatting!