The Best Budget Power Rack for Your Home Gym: My Top 7 Picks (2025)

Sep 22

Building a home gym is one of the best investments you can make in your health, time, and consistency. I've been working out for over 20 years and have had the privilege in that time span to try a ton of equipment. Now, as someone with a voice in the home gym and garage gym community, I have worked with some of the top names in the fitness industry and can say with confidence that not all equipment is created equal. For the garage gym owner, it can get confusing trying to sort through the endless options. That's where I come in.

My garage gym is a second home for me - seriously, I spend an insane amount of time in there. That's why I know that, at the center of every serious garage gym is one essential piece of equipment: a power rack.

A power rack (sometimes called a squat rack, half rack, or squat stand) provides safety, stability, and versatility for big lifts like squats, bench press, pull-ups, and more. But if you’re putting together your garage gym on a budget, you don’t want to waste money on the wrong rack.

Unlike other lists that cover every single rack on the internet, this guide is different. These are the racks I have personally tested and reviewed & racks that I've lifted in, banged up, and put to the test in my own garage gym.

My TOP Budget Power RacKs:

Best Overall Pick – MAXUM SX2
Best Budget All-in-One – RitFit M1 PRO w/ Stack (use code RFLUKE)
Best Folding Rack – Delta Fitness Wacker Rack (use code LUKE10)
Best Beginner Rack – Drone 1 Major Fitness

#1: Delta Fitness Wacker Rack

Alright, let’s talk about the Delta Fitness Wacker Rack. When I first rolled this thing into my garage gym, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if it was going to earn a permanent spot or just be a pit stop on my endless quest for the perfect power rack. Spoiler: it surprised ya boy in a few ways.

First off, the build. We’re talking 11-gauge steel, and you can feel that sturdiness right away. This isn’t some flimsy budget squat rack that wobbles when you re-rack your bar. Nah, this thing has a legit flat foot design that makes it feel locked to the ground without me needing to bolt it down. For my setup, that’s a win because I like being able to rearrange the space when I’m messing with different rack attachments or moving stuff for conditioning work.

Now, let’s get into the weight capacity. Delta claims 1,000 lbs, and while I’m not out here pulling Eddie Hall numbers, I threw on some heavy squats and rack pulls to see what it could do. Zero issues. The safety bars caught the bar clean when I intentionally dumped it (yes, I sacrifice my ego for the review). The spotter arms also feel legit, thick, solid, and long enough to make me trust them when I’m benching solo.

What about usability? The hole spacing is tight enough that I could find my sweet spot for bench press without the annoying “too high, too low” situation you get with some racks. It’s not Westside spacing all the way through, but it’s solid where you actually need it. The rack also comes with pull-up bars, which I tested for both strict pull-ups and some kipping nonsense. No flex, no shake. Just a sturdy bar that can handle my swinging without feeling like it’s gonna rip out of the uprights.

Shop the Wacker Rack – use code LUKE10

Key Features:

Wall-mounted foldable squat rack
Multiple hole spacing options
Solid pull-up bar included
Folds flat to save floor space

Would I Recommend It?:

If you’ve got the room and you want a full power rack that feels like something out of a commercial gym, the Wacker Rack slaps. If you’re strapped for floor space or you’re just hunting the best foldable squat rack for apartment vibes, this isn’t the move. But for ya boy’s garage setup? She earned her keep.

DELTA FITNESS WACKER RACK

Type: Folding Rack
Pull-Up Bar: Straight
Steel: 11-gauge
Price: $599.99
Warranty: Lifetime Warranty*
Color Options: Matte Black, Red, Blue, White
Discount Code: LUKE10

Best For	Small, limited space
Skill Level	Beginner-Friendly

Rack Height	90.375”
Inside Width	18.9”
Inside Length	42.1”
Overall Width	49”
Hole Spacing	2”

Pros:

Price includes stringer
Easy assembly
Pull-up bar included
Can store out of the way
Universal hole size & spacing
3x3 Uprights

Cons:

Weight capacity is lower than premium racks
No attachments included
Stringer installation can be a hassle

#2: Major Fitness B52 Pro

The Major Fitness B52 Pro is one of those racks that looks like it’s about to take off and fly out of your garage gym. Basically, it’s the kind of rack that makes your neighbors peek in the garage and go, “Oh, this dude’s serious about lifting.” And ya boy? I had to see if it lived up to the hype.

First impressions: this thing is a full power rack with all the bells and whistles. The front uprights are thick, the finish is slick, and you can immediately feel that it’s built to take a beating. The weight capacity is rated at 1,500 lbs, which is way more than I’ll ever push, but I still had to load it heavy just to see. It handled everything without even flinching: squats, rack pulls, bench press, the works. This is a sturdy rack, no question.

The hole spacing on the B52 is tight, which I appreciate because I’m picky about where the bar sits for bench and overhead press. And with laser-cut numbers, I don’t have to count holes like a caveman every time I move my J-hooks. A small touch, but it makes life easier.

Let’s talk pull-ups. The B52 Pro has a multi-grip pull-up bar, and I really enjoyed using it because of the variation. I ran through wide grip, neutral grip, even some sloppy kips, and it didn’t budge. Basically, the bar pull-up bar has two separate handles - one for neutral grip and one for wide, so it’s not a combined PUB option. But, if you’re someone who likes to mix in gymnastic-style training or just bang out strict sets, this bar delivers.

One of the standout features here is the weight storage. You’ve got built-in plate storage pegs, which not only clear up floor space but also add stability to the rack when it’s loaded. That combo of utility and function is something every home gym owner can appreciate. One thing to note here: Make sure you give yourself about a foot of clearance from your wall to make sure you can slide weight on and off. Don’t learn that one that hard way!

Now, it’s not all roses. This rack takes up a good chunk of real estate. If you’re rocking a tight garage or basement gym, you might find yourself wishing you went with a half rack or squat stand. And while the dip bars attachment option is decent, it doesn’t come standard, which means, yep, more cash out of pocket. It does have built-in weight stacks and has different colors to choose from, though. So you really just have to weigh what’s important to you.

Shop the B52 Pro

Key Features:

12-gauge steel front uprights (the rest are 14-gauge)
Multi-grip pull-up bar
Built-in plate storage pegs
High weight capacity (1,500 lbs)
Aluminum Pulleys
170 lbs Weight Stack on Each Side

Would I Recommend It?

If you’ve got the floor space and you want a flashy, fully loaded rack that can grow with you as your training evolves, the B52 Pro is worth every penny. It’s not a space-saver, but as a centerpiece in a dedicated home gym? This thing’s a beast.

MAJOR FITNESS B52 PRO ALL-IN-ONE HOME GYM SMITH MACHINE

Type: All-in-One Smith Machine
Pull-Up Bar: Multi-Grip
Steel: 12-gauge (front uprights)
Price: $2,499.99
Warranty: 1-Year
Color Options: Tactical Black, Patriot Blue, Recon Dese
Purchase Link: Shop for Your B52 Pro

Best For	Strength training & erfecting basic movements
Skill Level	Beginners & Intermediate Lifters

Rack Height	82.6”
Inside Width	43.0”
Inside Length	55.2”
Overall Width	78.7”
Hole Size	1”

Pros:

12-Gauge Steel on front uprights
170 lb Weight Stacks
Pull-up bar included
Can store Smith Bar out of the way
Over 30 upright holes
Aluminum pulleys
First responder, Teacher, & Military Discount

Cons:

2:1 Weight Stack Ratio
2x3 uprights aren't always universal for other brand attachments
1-Year Warranty Only

#3: RitFit M1 PRO Power rack W/ Stack

Grab the M1 2.0 – use code RFLUKE

The RitFit M1 2.0 with Stack is kinda like that friend who shows up to the party with a surprise cooler. Let’s be honest, you didn’t expect much, but suddenly they’re the MVP. I’ll be real with you: RitFit isn’t the first brand I think of when I’m hunting for a heavy-duty power rack, but after putting the M1 PRO through its paces in my garage gym, I came away impressed.

What makes this rack stand out is the weight stack attachment. That’s right, you’re not just getting a squat rack, you’re getting a whole cable system baked right in. Lat pulldowns, low rows, triceps pushdowns… ya boy was cooking up full-body sessions without needing to clutter my gym with extra machines. For anyone piecing together a home gym on a budget or dealing with limited floor space, this combo is a game-changer. And I like that it has built-in weight horns on the stack for heavier pulls since the stack only goes up to 132lbs.

Structurally, the rack’s weight capacity clocks in at 1,000 lbs, which is plenty for most lifters. The uprights aren’t quite as thick as something like the Delta Wacker Rack, with this at 14-gauge steel, but paired with the safety bars and spotter arms, it feels secure. I dumped a few reps just to test, and the bar landed clean every time. That’s peace of mind if you train solo like me.

The pull up bar on the M1 is basic but solid. I tested some strict pull ups and chin-ups, no wobble or sketchy flex. Plus, RitFit offers a bunch of optional rack attachments like dip bars, landmine, and extra plate storage, so you can level it up as you go. The hole spacing isn’t quite “Westside tight,” but it’s versatile enough to find good positions for bench and press work.

Now, the trade-off: it’s not as compact as a foldable squat rack. But if you’re buying this rack over a folding one, then that’s a no-brainer. But in exchange, you’re basically getting a mini-commercial gym in one unit. For the price, that’s a steal.

Key Features:

Integrated weight stack attachment for cable work
1,600 lb weight capacity
Solid multi-grip pull-up bar
Compatible rack attachments (dip bars, landmine, etc.)
Safety bars and spotter arms included

Would I Recommend It?

If you’re building a home gym and want maximum versatility without buying ten separate machines, the RitFit M1 Pro punches way above its weight. It’s not the sleekest rack out there, and it takes more floor space than a half rack, but for lifters who want both free weights and cables in one spot? This rack is hard to beat.

RitFit M1 PRO Power rack W/ Stack

Type: Multi-Funcitonal Smith Machine + Squat Rack
Pull-Up Bar: Multi-grip
Steel: 14-gauge
Price: $2,399.99 (The OG M1 is less than $1,100)
Warranty: 3-Year Warranty*
Color Options: Black, Red, Pink
Discount Code: RFLUKE to save 12%

Best For	Garage Gyms & Strength Training
Skill Level	Beginner-Friendly & Intermediate

Rack Height	85.3”
Overall Width	68.1”
Hole Size	1”
Cable Pulley Ratio	2:1

Pros:

GREAT Price with frequent discounts
Weight horns to add to weight stack
Pull-up bar included
3 systems in one machine
Universal hole size (1")

Cons:

2:1 Cable Pulley Ratio
Weight Stack only goes to 133lbs

#4: Major Fitness Drone 1

Check out the Drone 1

Alright, let’s talk about the Major Fitness Drone 1. When I first set this thing up in my garage gym, I wasn’t expecting much, but it’s definitely on the budget squat rack side of the spectrum. But ya boy was actually impressed with how much they packed into a rack that doesn’t chew up a ton of floor space or your wallet.

Build-wise, it’s not rocking the heavy-duty 11-gauge steel like some of the pricier options, but it’s solid enough to handle what most of us throw at it. The flat foot design keeps it from sliding around, and while it’s not the most rigid rack I’ve tested, it never felt sketchy during squats or bench. For a basic squat rack, it does the job.

The pull-up bar is surprisingly decent. I tested both strict pull-ups and some swinging, and while you’ll get a bit of flex at higher weights, it’s not deal-breaking. You can also add on dip bars, spotter arms, and other rack attachments, which makes it more versatile than I expected for an “entry-level” piece of home gym equipment.

Another thing I liked was the built-in plate storage. Having weight plate storage on the uprights not only saves floor space, but it also gives the rack a little extra stability when it’s loaded up. Small detail, big difference.

Now, for full transparency: Major Fitness already dropped the Drone 2. I haven’t had the chance to personally test it yet, but from what I’ve seen, it looks like they tightened up the stability, improved the hole spacing, and upgraded the pull-up bars. Basically, it seems like they addressed the main issues I noticed with the Drone 1.

Key Features:

Compact design for smaller home or garage gyms
Flat foot design (no need to bolt down)
Pull-up bar included
Plate storage built into the uprights
Includes: Dip Handles, Barbell Pad, Weightlifting Belt, Tricep Rope, Ankle Strap, Lat Bars, and Lfiting Straps

Would I Recommend It?

If you’re hunting for a budget squat rack that still gives you options for pull ups, dips, and weight storage, the Drone 1 is a solid starter. But if you want something sturdier that you’ll grow into over the long haul, keep an eye on the Drone 2, it looks like the upgrades are worth the jump.

🎥 Watch my Drone 1 review on YouTube.

MAJOR FITNESS DRONE 1 Power Cage

Type: Cable System + Power Rack
Pull-Up Bar: Multi-Grip
Steel: 14-gauge
Price: $599.99
Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
Color Options: Black, Red, Tan

Best For	Small, limited space
Skill Level	Beginner-Friendly + Intermediate Lifters

Rack Height	84.84”
Upright Width	47”
Rack Length	65.9”
Overall Width	63.69”
Hole Spacing	2”

Pros:

Budget-Friendly
Space Efficient
Includes a ton of attachments
Pull-up bar included
Great for beginners

Cons:

Weight capacity is lower than premium racks
Only 1 Year Warranty

#5: RitFit Buffalo Rack

Check out the Buffalo Rack

The RitFit Buffalo Rack is designed for lifters who want a heavy-duty power rack without spending commercial-gym prices. Built from 14-gauge steel, this rack offers the kind of durability and weight capacity you’d expect from a premium setup, making it an excellent addition to a garage gym or dedicated home gym space.

One standout feature is its flat foot design, which provides excellent stability without the need to bolt it into the floor. For lifters who are renting or simply don’t want to drill into concrete, this is a big win. The rack also comes with safety bars and optional spotter arms, giving you confidence when training heavy squats or bench press alone. Note: The smith machine is the exact same build as the M1. If you need a deeper comparison of the RitFit M1 Pro vs the RitFit Buffalo Rack, I have a video on it here!

The RitFit Buffalo Rack includes multiple pull up bars, which support a variety of grips for pull ups and chin-ups. You can also expand the setup with dip bars and other rack attachments to transform it into a multi-station training unit. Its thoughtful design helps maximize floor space while offering plenty of versatility.

When it comes to weight storage, the rack offers pegs for both plate storage and weight storage pegs, which keeps your lifting area organized and safe. This feature is particularly valuable in smaller garage gyms where clutter can quickly become an issue.

Another highlight is the hole spacing on the uprights, which allows for precise adjustment of safety bars and spotter arms. This makes it easy to set the right height for your lifts and ensures you’re always training within a safe range.

Key Features:

Full power rack with good weight capacity
Includes pull-up bar
Option for dip bars and spotter arms
Compact design compared to bigger racks

Would I Recommend It:

It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. If you just want a no-BS basic squat rack that’s safe and stable, this is it. Overall, the RitFit Buffalo Rack strikes a strong balance between performance and price. It’s not the cheapest budget squat rack, but the build quality and versatility make it worth the investment if you want a sturdy rack that will last for years. For lifters seeking a full power rack with excellent stability, customizable options, and long-term durability, the Buffalo Rack delivers. In comparison to the M1, I do lean towards the M1 more because, to me, its the better option. But the Buffalo Rack does offer upgrades to the j-cups, footplate, and spotter arms, AND there should be a weight stack option available soon, too!

PS: The Buffalo Rack Review I did is one of my top watched videos on my channel. Do with that information what you will…but 147K people can’t all be wrong. Right??

RITFIT BUFFALO RACK

Type: Multi-Functional Smith Machine
Pull-Up Bar: Multi-Grip
Price: $1,759.99
Warranty: 3-Year Warranty
Color Options: Matte Black, Red
Discount Code: RFLUKE for 12% off

Best For	Moderate sized spaces - Good for lower ceilings
Skill Level	Beginner-Friendly

Rack Height	83”
Rack Width	68”
Rack Length	79”
Holes	1”

Pros:

Tons of storage
Leg Press Attachment
Pull-up bar included
Good for spaces with lower ceilings
Solid jcups and spotter arms

Cons:

2x3 uprights
Steeper price than some other similar racks

#6: ForceUSA G15

Shop the Force USA G15

If there’s one rack that made me feel like I was stepping into a full-blown commercial gym without leaving my garage gym, it’s the ForceUSA G15. This thing is basically the Cadillac of racks, just a straight-up full power rack with every attachment you could dream of baked into the setup. It’s not for the faint of heart (or the faint of wallet), but man, it delivers. “Luke, if its not a budget rack, why is it on the list?” Great question! “Budget” looks difference for everyone and I decided that, since I love this rack so much, it should make the list on that merit alone. Anddd if you’re someone who has some wiggle room with pricing, I’d be remiss to leave this one out.

The first thing you notice about the G15 is just how much is packed into one unit. We’re talking a functional trainer, Smith machine, half rack, pull up bars, dip bars, plate storage, weight storage pegs, the WORKS. If you want a home gym in one piece of equipment, this is it. Ya boy was literally doing heavy squats, cable crossovers, and pull-ups in the same session without walking more than three feet. That’s next-level convenience.

Let’s get into the build. The uprights are thick gauge steel, and paired with the flat foot design, this thing is rock solid. The rack’s weight capacity is well over 1,000 lbs, and you can feel that sturdiness right away. I racked up some heavy squats and presses, and it didn’t budge. The safety bars and spotter arms are also heavy-duty, which is key if you’re training solo like I usually do.

Note: The MASSIVE 289lb weight stack is one of the biggest on the market - which is awesome. HOWEVER, it only offers 2:1 or 4:1 ratios. The way I’ve worked around this is to use a stack pin that I bought from Amazon.

The G15 also wins big on rack attachments. You’ve got multiple pull-up bar options, dip bars, landmine attachment, and integrated cable systems with adjustable hole spacing that makes it crazy versatile. So, if you’re benching, doing rows, or cranking out pull-ups, there’s no shortage of training variety.

Now, the trade-off: this beast takes up serious floor space. If you’re in an apartment or looking for a foldable squat rack, this ain’t it. The G15 demands a permanent spot in your garage or basement, and it’s heavy enough that once it’s there, you’re not moving it around on a whim. But for folks who want a sturdy rack with every feature under the sun, it’s worth every inch.

One small bonus I loved? The weight plate storage and weight storage pegs keep everything clean and accessible. No more tripping over plates while trying to hit a PR, everything has a place. Not only that, but ForceUSA can be credited with starting the all-in-one rack trend, which is nuts. They’ve been around since 2008 and they offer a lifetime warranty - that just goes to show that this brand knows what they’re doing and has full confidence in their products. Which is IDEAL when shopping for gym equipment!

Key Features:

Combo half rack, Smith machine, and functional trainer
Built with thick 14-gauge steel and flat foot design
1,000+ lb weight capacity
289lb stacks (4:1 and 2:1 ratio)
Multi-grip pull-up bars, dip bars, and tons of rack attachments
Integrated plate storage and weight storage pegs

Would I Recommend It?

If you’re serious about your training, have the floor space, and want to invest in one rack that does literally everything, and can accept the 2:1 and 4:1 ratio, the ForceUSA G15 is a no-brainer. It’s not a “budget squat rack” or even a “starter rack,” it’s a full-on home gym in one piece of equipment. For me, this is the kind of rack you buy once and use for life.

FORCEUSA G15 All-in-One Trainer

Type: All-in-One Training System
Pull-Up Bar: Multi-Grip
Steel: 11-gauge
Price: $5,499.99
Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
Color Options: Black

Best For	Garage Gyms with LOTS of space
Skill Level	Intermediate & Advanced Lifters

Rack Height	87.5”
Rack Width	79.5”
Rack Length	53”
Inside Width	40.5”

Pros:

Money back Guarantee
A TON of attachments included
Storage Included
SMOOTH Cable and Smith Machine

Cons:

Big foot print
Higher price point
2:1 and 4:1 Ratio

#7: MAXUM SX2 Power Rack

Shop the SX2

Alright fam, time to talk about the MAXUM SX2. Now, before you say “Luke, this isn’t budget” - yeah, I know. But I had to include it because, while it is heavy on the price side - it is TOTALLY worth the cost. So I threw this in for anyone who is wanting to buy a complete system with all the bells and whistles and not overpay for it. So, while I understand this is outside of the budget for some (okay, maybe most) people, I also know that some of you would rather “buy once, cry once” and this rack definitely hits that category. I also deemed this my favorite new power rack, so I couldn’t not include it. If I had to crown one rack as the king of versatility in my garage gym, this bad boy is it.

The SX2 isn’t just a power rack; it’s basically an all-in-one home gym disguised as a rack. You’ve got your squat rack foundation with sturdy uprights, but layered in is a Smith machine, functional trainer, squat stand, pull up bars, dip bars, and more. It’s like MAXUM looked at every lifter’s wish list and said, “Why not just give ‘em all of it?” And honestly, for folks who don’t want to piece together a Frankenstein gym setup, the SX2 is a dream.

When it comes to weight capacity, the SX2 doesn’t play around. The free weight side can handle heavy squats, presses, and pulls without feeling sketchy, while the Smith machine tracks smooth as butter for accessory work or those “push to failure” days when you don’t want to risk it. The safety bars and spotter arms on the rack side are beefy enough that I actually trust them with my heavier lifts, no cheap thin steel nonsense here.

Beyond that, the BEST part of this rack by far is the articulating arms on the Functional Trainer. MAXUM has patented articulating functional trainer arms on this rack that follow you where you need to go for each lift. AND you can even bring them together to leverage both stacks at the same friggin time. GAME CHANGER.

One thing I really like is the pull up bar options. It’s multi-grip, so I can hammer neutral, wide, and underhand pull-ups without needing to bolt an extra bar into the wall. And when I wanted to spice things up with attachments? The SX2 takes it all: dip bars, landmine, cable handles, weight storage pegs, you name it. The versatility here is insane.

Now, the one catch: this thing eats floor space. You’re not buying a compact half rack or a foldable squat rack; you’re committing a whole corner of your garage or basement to this beast. But if you’ve got the room, it’s worth every square foot. Think about it: instead of buying a separate cable machine, Smith machine, squat stand, and plate storage, you get all of that in one setup.

As for build quality, the uprights are thick and solid, and the flat foot design keeps it planted. I’ve shifted this thing around in my garage, and it never once felt wobbly or unstable. Throw in the fact that it’s made with 11-gauge steel, and you’ve got yourself a sturdy rack that can keep up with serious lifters.

Key Features:

All-in-one Smith machine, functional trainer, and power rack
Articulating Arm for the Smith Machine
3x3 11-gauge steel uprights
1000lb weight capacity
Dual (220lb) steel weight stacks
Counter balanced smith machine
Tons of rack attachments and weight storage options

Would I Recommend It?

In short? YES. If you’re like me and you want one rack that can do it all (squats, bench, cables, pull ups, even Smith work) the MAXUM SX2 is the move. MAXUM is the most underrated brand on the market right now. It’s not a budget option in terms of floor space, but for what you get, the value is insane. Buy once, cry once, my friends! As someone who is VERY money-conscious, this is hands-down the best overall rack I’ve tested.