In our previous reviews of various squat racks, we went into our buying guides with our primary focus on your budget. From The Top 3 Power Racks Money Can Buy to The Best Cheap Squat Rack – Top 3 Options, we’ve got you covered when it comes to being a money-minded squat rack shopper.
But what if your main concern, when furnishing your in-home gym with a new squat rack, isn’t cash but space? Enter adjustable and folding squat racks. Unlike their power rack and cage frame squat rack counterparts, adjustable squat racks are designed to be compact and easily stored.
If you want to know more about the best adjustable squat racks for your in-home gym, then keep reading. Oh, lastly, if space is a concern then you might also want to check out the best foldable benches for your home gym.
Top 5 Best Folding Squat Racks
1. Yaheetech Pair of Adjustable Squat Rack Standard 44-70 Inch Solid Steel Squat Stands
Product Description:
Yaheetech Pair of Adjustable Squat Rack Standard 44-70 Inch Solid Steel Squat Stands provide you with all the benefits of a full-size squat rack in less than half of the space. Each side of the squat rack takes up less than 2 sq feet of floor space and is extendable in height from 44 inches to as high as 70 inches.
With a max load capacity of 480 pounds, the Yaheetech Pair of Adjustable Squat Rack Standard 44-70 Inch Solid Steel Squat Stands is sturdy enough to handle most standard and Olympic sized barbells, making it a cost-effective and space-saving solution for your in-home gym.
Pros:
- Anti-skid pads prevent floor damage with or without a floor mat
- Stylish black metal finish matches most gym decor
- Each post has 14 adjustable safety pins slots spaced 2 inches apart to match your height
- Portable and small enough to be easily stored away after use
- Free shipping available on Amazon
Cons:
- While you can adjust the height to accommodate multiple users, it can be a tedious and time-consuming process
- Assembly tools are not included, so you’ll have to use your own
- Some users report receiving their squat rack with pre-existing cosmetic damages (i.e., scratches, dents, etc.)
2. AT-X Adjustable Height Squat Rack Barbell Free Bench Press Portable Dumbbell Rack
Product Description:
The Adjustable Height Squat Rack Barbell Free Bench Press Portable Dumbbell Rack from AT-X is designed for use with standard and Olympic barbells making it ideal for virtually any in-home gym equipment you may already have. It can also be paired with professional dumbbell stools and freestanding weight benches to accommodate bench press workouts.
The AT-X Adjustable Height Squat Rack Barbell Free Bench Press Portable Dumbbell Rack has a heavy-duty steel tube frame and weighs 39.07 lbs when fully assembled. This makes it one of the lightest models on our list, which is sure to come in handy if you need to reposition your set-up between workouts.
Pros:
- The strong steel frame holds a maximum load of 441 lbs to 550 lbs (depending on the finish you choose)
- Height adjusts from 42.12 inches to 63.77 inches with 8 safety spin slots
- Comes with anti-skid feet for additional stability and to prevent damaging floors
- Available in your choice of black or white finish
Cons:
- Because it’s a heavy set of equipment, shipping costs are relatively high from Amazon
- The instructions for the assembly process can be challenging, and set-up is time-consuming
- The manufacturer does not provide the dimensions of the base, so you’ll have to guesstimate your space allotment
3. F2C Max Load 550Lbs Pair of Adjustable 40″-66″ Rack
Product Description:
The F2C Max Load 550Lbs Pair of Adjustable 40″ – 66″ Rack is one of the most compact sets we’ve gone over thus far. With a super compact footprint of only 17.7″(L) x 20.1″(W) x 41″-66″ (H), it’s the perfect size to fit in most closets, garages, and small sheds.
Built with premium, thick gauge steel, the F2C Max Load 550Lbs Pair of Adjustable 40″ – 66″ Rack uses an H-shaped frame base for improved stability and safety. Like some of the other products featured on this list, it also comes equipped with hard rubber end caps to provide grip and prevent floor damage.
Pros:
- Holds up to 440 lbs at the tallest height setting and 550 lbs at the lowest height setting
- 14 adjustable safety spotters spanning from 40 inches to 66 inches in height
- All mounting hardware is included with easy to follow instruction manual
- Super lightweight at only 18.5 pounds per individual squat stand
- Free shipping available on Amazon
Cons:
- The retail price has increased significantly over the past year following demand due to the pandemic
- Some reviewers have expressed concern with stability issues when the height is raised to its maximum adjustment
- If you use improper tools or tighten the bolts too much during assembly, you may experience some warping of the frame as it’s primarily steel tubing
4. IWTGR Split Squat Rack Bench Press Multi-Function Barbell Rack
Product Description:
The Split Squat Rack Bench Press Multi-Function Barbell Rack from IWTGR is made with durable steel pipes and has a maximum weight capacity of up to 400 lbs.
Suitable for use indoors or outdoors, this adjustable squat rack is tough and versatile enough to withstand any strength training workout regimen.
Although the specific dimensions are not currently available from the manufacturer’s information provided, the IWTGR Split Squat Rack Bench Press Multi-Function Barbell Rack is described as being compact and light enough to transport.
Pros:
- Features four threaded rubber foot covers to prevent damage to your floors
- Functions as a squatting rack, barbell rack, and is suitable for use as a bench press
- Available in black and white finishes to match your home gym decor
- Height adjusts from 37.5 inches to 58.5 inches through 10 levels of adjustment
- Free shipping offered through Amazon
Cons:
- Dimensions (other than height) are not provided, so you’ll have to guesstimate the space you’ll need
- Relatively expensive in comparison to some of the other adjustable squat rack options we’ve discussed
- Customer service from IWTGR is only available via email
5. PRx Performance Murphy Rack Fold in Squat Rack
Product Description:
First seen on an episode of the television show Shark Tank, The Performance Murphy Rack Fold in Squat Rack from PRx is unlike any of the other products we’ve gone over in our list of the top 5 adjustable squat racks so far.
Rather than a free-standing set-up, the PRx Performance Murphy Rack Fold is a wall-mounted squat rack that studs in your home and folds out into a full-size cage squat rack.
The dimensions when folded into the wall are 49 inches (W) x 90 inches(H) x 6.75 inches, and, when fully extended, they’re 49 inches (W) x 90 inches(H) x 27.5 inches.
The uprights on the PRx Performance Murphy Rack Fold in Squat Rack are made of 14 gauge steel and paired with 10 mm J-Cups, and each piece is powder-coated black to add even more strength and resilience.
Pros:
- A folding rack that turns into a frame and out of the way for quick storage
- Locks in place with four safety pins so you don’t have to worry about it swinging open
- Wicked high maximum weight capacity of an unprecedented 1,000 lbs (that’s half a ton!)
- All mounting equipment, hardware, and detailed instructions are included; there’s also a YouTube video to help you with the installation process if needed
- Patented design provides all of the benefits of a full-size cage-style without sacrificing the floor space
- Can be combined with other PRx products like their wall-mounted folding bench press and 2×3 spotter arms
Cons:
- When fully extended, it does take up more space than the rest of the options on this list
- By far the most expensive option on the list
- Requires a minimum ceiling height of at least 91 inches high
Buying Guide: Folding Squat Rack
1. Durability
The most important factor to take into account when purchasing your folding rack is durability. In the middle of a workout with heavyweights, the last thing you want to experience is equipment failure.
To prevent this, pay attention to the materials used for construction; stick to a tougher, metal like steel, as it’s more likely to be able to withstand repeated heavy use without sustaining damage, cosmetic or otherwise. Many squat racks are available with coatings that can also help to reinforce and protect the rack.
2. Height and Other Dimensions
You’re going to want to keep your tape measurer, a notebook, and a pen handy when researching folding racks for your home gym. You can plan out the area you’d like to use for your folding rack before you buy by clearing a space in your garage or workout space and taking measurements.
Remember, the folding racks we’ll be going over are adjustable, so many of them will have two sets of dimensions. One set for the height, length, and width at full extension, and another set for the dimensions when the rack has been compacted for storage.
Make sure that you can accommodate both sets in your home ahead of time to avoid the unnecessary hassle of returning and refunding equipment that doesn’t fit later.
3. Steel Gauge
All of the adjustable squat racks we’ll be reviewing below are constructed with steel, and one of the terms you’ll see referenced often is the gauge (or ga). Gauge is the dimensionless number associated with metals that denotes the metal’s thickness and is attained through weight.
Unfortunately, the numbers denoting gauge for metal can be a bit confusing. This is because the higher the gauge, the thinner the metal is. For example, if you had a 16ga sheet of steel and an 18ga sheet of steel, the 16ga steel sheet would be the thicker of the two.
4. Build Quality
The last key feature to take notice of is the build quality of the squat racks. Like durability, the quality of the squat rack’s construction isn’t something that can be quantified. Rather, it’s established in the details of the manufacturing process and can only really be discovered through experience and testimonials.
Strong weld points that don’t deteriorate or rust, a tough but well-balanced frame that won’t bend or snap with repeated use, and a finish that won’t easily scratch or crack are just a few of those details that can make all of the difference.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
We’ve gone over all five of the top adjustable squat racks and gone over some of the key aspects to keep in mind when purchasing a squat rack. That takes us to our final question to answer: which folding rack should you buy for your in-home gym?
When it comes to saving space and delivering everything you need for a full-body squat and strength training workout, you can’t do better than the PRx Performance Murphy Rack Fold in Squat Rack. Although it may be more expensive, it’s more than worth the extra cash considering its ease of use and its unrivaled durability and reliability.
If you like this article, you might want to check out our article on The Best Power Rack with Lat Pulldown.
