8 Best Weight Benches, According to Fitness Pros (2024)

This highly adjustable weight bench from Flybird has three seat positions, eight backrest positions and two foot pad positions.

It's relatively lightweight compared to other benches, yet it's made from durable materials. It easily folds to save space when not in use, according to experts and athletes that we interviewed. It's made with high-quality leather and has soft 2-inch foam padding to support you during the toughest of lifts. With up to an 800-pound weight capacity, it will keep you supported as you get stronger and the weights get heavier.

Amazon reviewers love how easy it is to quickly adjust the bench to different positions for various exercises and that it folds up for storage. "It's a favorite for many because of its comfortable padding and many back positions," says Certified Personal Trainer Andrew White, owner of Garage Gym Pro. "The compact design is a plus, though it might not be as heavy-duty as some might prefer for extremely intense workouts."

If you're looking for a budget-friendly bench, many of the weightlifting athletes and pros we spoke to mentioned this model from Marcy. It may not have all of the bells and whistles compared to more expensive options on this list, but it does the job. You'll find four adjustable backrest positions, as well as padded ankle and knee foam rollers for comfort and support during your lifts. We also like that it allows for flat, incline, decline and military-style presses.

"This bench is versatile and comes at a wallet-friendly price," White says. "It's suitable for beginners and intermediate users. Some advanced users might find it a tad basic, but for its price, it offers excellent value." Although it is somewhat foldable, it doesn't fold completely in half making it a bit tougher to store. One more thing to note: The 300-pound weight limit is on the lower end compared to other models.

Bowflex has historically performed well in our tests thanks to its thoughtfully made, state-of-the-art equipment, so it was no surprise that many athletes we spoke to gave the Bowflex 5.1S Stowable bench rave reviews. We like that the seat has six different adjustment angles, including a decline option. It has a 600-pound load capacity and even slightly folds for a more compact solution when not in use.

While this model is definitely on the more expensive end of the spectrum, the fitness pros who recommended it said that it is sturdy, well-made and very durable. "I love the flexibility this bench offers. It's not just adjustable, but it also has a stowable feature, making it perfect for home gyms with limited space," White says. "The only downside is it's on the pricier side."

Available in four different colors to match your home gym aesthetic, this adjustable bench from Rep Fitness is more than just good looks. It has a solid construction with six ladder adjustments and three different seat positions, though it does not decline. We like that it has wheels on the rear, making it easy to maneuver around your workout space if needed, but take note that it does not fold. It's still on the pricey side, but fitness pros we spoke to said it is fantastic quality and a bit better priced than some of the very high-end models.

"This bench is robust, has multiple adjustment angles and is budget-friendly. However, it might not offer as many angles as some higher-end models," White says. Craig Kleinberg, MA, CSCS, USAW-L1, NASM-CPT, who holds several weightlifting certifications and is the Director of Coaching at Athletic Lab, likes that this model from Rep Fitness is more affordable than some very high-end models but is still adjustable and made with a high-quality steel frame.

Flat benches are generally less expensive than adjustable benches since they have fewer special features, but they are still a useful and versatile piece of gym equipment. Plus, they often have a higher weight capacity and better stability than an adjustable bench. This well-made option from Rep Fitness has a heavy-duty frame and supports a 1000-pound weight capacity for serious lifters.

Suplicki recommends this bench since it is super sturdy at a lower price point. "In my experience, flat benches like this one are durable and wide enough that they give you a solid base of support. This flat bench is also light enough that it's easy to move around, as it has fewer moving parts than the adjustable bench," she explains. "The cons to purchasing this kind of bench are that it is flat only, so you do not have the versatility to get into an incline or decline position."

Ryan Horton, CSCS, has spent 20 years as a collegiate sports performance coach, most recently as the Director of Sports Science at Georgia Tech. He recommends the FB-3000 Flat Bench from Rep Fitness if you're looking for a no-frills flat bench that is well-built, sturdy and reliable. "In this price range, there isn't really anything even close."

Looking for something highly adjustable to accommodate the most complex lifts? This option from Titan Fitness, a brand that has previously performed well in our tests, offers tons of versatility with 10 bench positions and 7 head/set positions. It has wheels for transport and a removable foot roller attachment, but it does not fold for storage. It's pricey but came highly recommended by several athletes and fitness pros that we spoke to.

"With this bench, you can get into incline, decline and flat positions, offering versatility within your workout," Suplicki says. Horton agrees, adding that you have to be really careful when purchasing an adjustable bench that is budget-friendly, but that this option is solid, sturdy and durable: "Adjustable benches have more moving parts, and those parts can be quick to break down on cheap benches. This bench comes with a very simple adjusting mechanism that isn't prone to breaking."

Tom Eskey, ISSA-Certified Personal Trainer and founder of Garage Gym Revisited, has been training in a variety of disciplines including powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit for over 25 years. He says that Titan Fitness is an exceptional fitness equipment brand and that this bench goes a step beyond the typical adjustable model. It allows for more specialty bench exercises to be performed such as decline work. "I don't find it to be quite as sturdy as Rogue's offerings, but it is an excellent piece of equipment, nonetheless," he says.

Made in the USA, Rogue Fitness products are a leader in the industry. Several fitness pros and weightlifters we spoke to recommend this adjustable bench which is one of the most durable models on the market. It doesn't come cheap, but the construction and build are top notch. Available in 10 fun colors, this bench has 10 back pad positions and three seat settings. It also comes in two versions — a standard version with coated steel adjustment rails, or an upgraded brushed stainless steel version.

"Although this bench has a higher price point, it is always hard to argue with the construction and quality of Rogue Fitness products," Siplicki says. "This bench will allow you to get into incline and flat positions, which offers you more versatility than a fixed flat bench," she adds.

Kleinberg likes that this option from Rogue is more budget-friendly than the Sorinex but still made in the USA. "This bench has multiple seat and back positions, textured foam for reduced slippage and color options. It also folds up for vertical storage," he points out. Eskey is also a fan of this adjustable bench but notes that it is pricey, and if you're looking for a more affordable option with the same comfort and safety standards as the 3.0, the Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 is a solid choice.

Meet the king of weight benches, the Sorinex 0-90 NP3 Adjustable Bench. This premier bench is very expensive but is undeniably best-in-class, according to the fitness experts we spoke to, and it's made in the U.S.A. It's made from incredibly durable materials, adjusts to seven different positions, and also folds upright for storage when not in use. Reviewers say that it is heavy-duty and solid but also very mobile, making it great for any serious home gym setup.

"Sorinex is a top-of-the-line company with products made in the U.S.," Kleinberg says. "This bench adjusts from flat to vertical and even has optional spotter steps." He also likes that it folds up for vertical storage as a space-saving option.

Horton is also a fan of this model, recommending it for those who have more of a budget to play with. "This is closer to the quality of the bench that we would typically use in a collegiate weight room," he says. "It's wider than most lower-budget benches, which if you're a bigger person like me, is much more comfortable to bench on. It's also built like a tank and will likely last you pretty much as long as you have your gym."

Our fitness experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute evaluate all different types of exercise equipment and fitness products year-round to bring you our top-tested recommendations for durable options that will enhance any workout.

For this guide, we interviewed over 20 different athletes, coaches and fitness professionals with extensive weightlifting experience and backgrounds. This proved beneficial as we learned that different users have different weight bench preferences, which informed our final selection to accommodate a wide range of needs.

Our choices take into account all different types of personal preferences, from budget-friendly options that still provide a great experience to higher-end models for serious lifters. We looked for adjustable models that can be easily stowed when not in use, as well as options that come in a variety of colors to suit any home gym aesthetic.

Your space and workout needs will dictate what type of weight bench is best for you. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when making your purchase.

✔️ Stability: "When choosing a weight bench, stability is essential," White says. "Look for a bench with a sturdy frame and broad feet to prevent wobbling. The padding should be dense yet comfortable, allowing for prolonged workouts without discomfort."

Horton also adds that it's important to pay close attention to the weight limit. "This will usually give you a good idea of the stability of the bench," he says. "Even though you may not need a bench that can hold 1,500 pounds, it's generally going to be a much better quality than one that is rated for 500 pounds."

✔️ Size: "Consider what space is available and what size you will need for your training purposes," Kleinberg says. "A bench that is too narrow will not feel stable when pressing heavy weights, and a bench too wide will interfere with your range of motion and can alter mechanics." He also adds that if you typically train at a gym but want something to complement your regimen at home, try to find a bench that is similar in size.

For reference, the US Powerlifting Association recommends the following dimensions:

• Length no less than 1.22 m
• Width no less than 29 cm and no wider than 32 cm
• Height no less than 42 cm and no higher than 45 cm as measured from the floor to the top of the padding

✔️ Fixed vs. Adjustable: If you're looking to engage in a variety of exercises, a bench with adjustable features may be ideal. "A good adjustable bench should offer multiple incline and decline angles," White says. If you prefer a fixed bench, they typically come at a lower price point.

✔️ Price: "A weight bench is an invaluable piece of equipment for anyone serious about strength training," White says. "It's essential to invest in a quality bench to ensure safety, effectiveness, and longevity."

Kleinberg adds that if the bench is going to see a lot of use, investing in something high-quality will save money in the long run and provide a much better training experience. "Frequently, lower priced benches are made of lower quality steel, are less stable and have a lower weight capacity," Kleinberg says.

✔️ Special features: "There are some frills to consider," Kleinberg notes. "A handle on the front leg and wheels on the back are nice for moving the bench around." He also says that since padding eventually wears down or compresses, purchasing a bench with a standard pad attachment allows replacement.

"A weight bench is multifunctional. Not only is it vital for exercises like bench presses or dumbbell rows, but it also provides a stable platform for a myriad of other strength training exercises," White explains. "Using a bench ensures proper form and stability, which can lead to more effective workouts and reduced risk of injuries."

You may be used to performing certain movements such as a chest press off the floor and are wondering what benefit a weight bench can provide. "Generally, when training, you want to move through the full range of motion, but the floor stops your elbows from going any lower," Kleinberg notes. "The drawback is you miss the deepest range of motion, which is the weakest point of the lift."

White explains the different types of weight benches below:

✔️ Flat Benches: As the name suggests, these benches are flat and non-adjustable. They're straightforward but somewhat limited in versatility.

✔️ Adjustable Benches: These offer various incline and decline angles, making them suitable for a wide range of exercises.

✔️ Olympic Benches: Specifically designed for Olympic weightlifting, these benches often come with racks for barbell lifting.

✔️ Specialty or FID (Flat, Incline, Decline) Benches: These benches provide even more adjustability, including full decline positions for specific abdominal exercises.

This article was written by Stefani Sassos, who has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-certified personal trainer and women's fitness specialist, she uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for Good Housekeeping. From vigorously testing exercise equipment and workout apps to curating workout plans for GH readers, Stefani is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. She has been an avid CrossFitter for nearly a decade and is passionate about strength training.

For this story, Stefani interviewed the following fitness experts to gain insights into their favorite weight benches:

• Tom Eskey, founder of Garage Gym Revisited, is an ISSA-certified personal trainer, CrossFitLevel 1 trainer and PN1 Nutrition Coach. He has been training in a variety of disciplines including CrossFit, powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting and competitive distance running for over 25 years. His platform is dedicated to teaching people how to create functional and effective home gym spaces.
• Ryan Horton, C.S.C.S., has spent 20 years as a collegiate sports performance coach, most recently as the Director of Sports Science at Georgia Tech. He is the owner and operator of Horton Barbell. During his career, Ryan has had the opportunity to work with some amazing organizations, coaches and athletes.
• Craig Kleinberg, M.A., C.S.C.S., USAW-L1, NASM-CPT, is the Director of Coaching at Athletic Lab and manages their on-site coaching mentorship program. He is recognized as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a USA WeightliftingLevel 1 Sports Performance Coach, a Level 3 Certified High-Performance Coach by the Athletic Lab Coaching Academy and a Functional Range Conditioning Coach. Craig is also a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Craig has also spent four years on the Product Testing Team at Under Armour while working as a personal trainer and also worked as a strength coach with North Carolina State University Olympic Sports and a tactical strength and conditioning coach at Fort Bragg.
• Brittany Suplicki, M.S., C.P.T. has a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning. She is a powerlifting national champion with over a decade of experience in the Strength and Conditioning industry. One of the lead coaches at Macros Inc., the industry-leading one-to-one online fitness and nutrition coaching company.
  
• Andrew White is the co-founder of Garage Gym Pro and a certified personal trainer. As an expert fitness professional (gym-building nerd) with over 10 years of industry experience, he enjoys staying up to date with everything there is to do with modern fitness and the newest market innovations for garage gyms. When he isn’t testing out the latest fitness products, he’s usually out surfing or playing basketball.