Finding the best weight bench is crucial for effective home workouts, offering a platform to perform exercises that might otherwise be challenging.
Paired with top power cages or squat racks, they facilitate core lifts for building size and strength, while also adding versatility, supporting various back and shoulder exercises, particularly when used with adjustable dumbbells.
Considering factors such as price, reviews, and features, we've curated a selection of standout benches to streamline your search for one of these excellent training additions. Our selection primarily focused on adjustable benches with sufficient padding and support, like this Bowflex 5.1s, ensuring comfort during workouts. However, we've also picked out a rigid flat option in case you're after a little more stability.
In this guide, we also delve into the features of each recommended weight bench and address common questions to help you in making an informed decision. Before diving into the specifics, though, here are the best weight benches available now, each chosen for its combination of functionality, user feedback, and value for money.
Best weight benches
- Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench - best for a home gym
- BangTong&Li Flat Weight Bench - a great flat option
- Bowflex 5.1s - a top-tier foldable choice
- Escape Fitness Deck V2.0 - an interesting adjustable alternative
- NordicTrack Utility Workout Bench - a superb choice for tall people
- Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench - an excellent all-in-one setup
- DMoose Adjustable Bench - high-end excellence
1. Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench
Best weight bench for home gyms
Max. Weight: 800lbs
This Flybird Adjustable bench looks to be a great pick for home gyms, especially as it features a 700lbs capacity thanks to its reinforced, heavy-duty steel construction and triangular structure that should make it sturdy enough to keep you supported, even when attempted PBs.
Perhaps more intriguing than the weight limit though is the fact that this bench is completely adjustable.
You're getting the option to decline 35 degrees here, which is more than enough if you want to bring in decline chest press, pull-overs, skull-crushers, or even decline crunches into your workout.
Furthermore, you can lock yourself in with the leg hooks, meaning you won't be slipping off the bench anytime soon.
It's a fantastic offering from Flybird yet again, and the added foldability makes it almost a no-brainer for those trying to save space.
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2. BangTong&Li Flat Weight Bench
Best flat weight bench
Max. Weight: 660lbs
Going for a flat bench is arguably a less versatile piece of kit than some of the more adjustable options out there, but there is still a place for them, namely for those who also want to use it for more dynamic exercises.
In fact, these can double up as quite sturdy platforms to perform box jumps or step-ups, and without the gap between pads, you can do so with confidence.
This BangTong&Li bench is also foldable, which is great if you want it out of sight. What's more, it's incredibly heavy-duty, holding up to 660 lbs, making it a decent choice if you're training heavy at home.
It may not have all the bells and whistles, but just like some of the best dumbbells under 150, sometimes simplicity is best!
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3. Bowflex 5.1s
Best foldable weight bench
Max Weight: 600 lbs
On the topic of saving space, this Bowflex 5.1s looks to be a great pick if you're after something foldable for easy storage, but also adjustable to tackle flat, incline, or even decline chest press.
This is down to the bench having 6 adjustable angles ranging from a 90-degree upright to a -20-degree decline, both of which are ideal if you're looking to keep your push workouts varied.
On top of that, its premium build means it has a max weight capacity of 600 lbs. This should be more than enough, even when tackling some of your heaviest lifts.
Ultimately, we believe this Bowflex 5.1s is well worth considering if you're looking for a well-rounded foldable weight bench.
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4. Escape Fitness Deck V2.0
Best adjustable weight bench
Max Weight: 330 lbs
Not every weight bench needs to be geared towards heavy compound movements, and this Escape Fitness Deck is one of the many examples out there that are tailored more towards aerobic and circuit training styles of workouts.
Unlike the cushioned comfort of some of the other entries on the list, you're getting a non-slip surface which makes it ideal for more dynamic movements.
It features 16 configurations, giving you a ton of variety, and it should even work with resistance bands, which are fantastic for a whole range of different movements and warmups.
This bench is really for those who enjoy doing classes from home and like to switch between exercises in a flash. It's even got storage built-in... win win.
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5. NordicTrack Utility Workout Bench
Best weight bench for tall people
Max Weight: Unspecified
This NordicTrack Utility bench looks to be a great pick if you're looking for something adjustable with a ton of padding and height to provide support.
In fact, NordicTrack boasts its bench features high-density foam to keep you as comfortable as possible on its large backrest while training.
You can also adjust the bench to a flat, incline, decline, and even a straight-up military position to cover a whole range of movements and exercises.
As a result, we feel this bit of kit from NordicTrack is definitely one to consider to take your home setup to the next level.
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6. Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
Best weight bench and rack
Max Weight: Unspecified
If you're looking to invest in a top-tier weight bench, the Marcy model is worth considering. It offers a range of features, including a leg extension and preacher curl attachment, the latter of which is great for targeting your biceps.
In addition to the classic exercises, this adjustable bench comes with a squat rack attached, which means you could, in theory, train your legs as well.
What sets this bench apart is its versatility. You can quickly switch between exercises, enabling impactful supersets or the creation of a HIIT circuit. This versatility also allows you to incorporate some cardio into your workouts.
Ultimately, the Marcy bench checks off many boxes, making it a top contender to consider.
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7. DMoose Adjustable Bench
Best premium weight bench
Max. Weight: 1000lbs
Finally, we come to the most expensive option so far in the DMoose Adjustable Bench. Don't be put off by the price tag though, as this highly versatile bit of kit can help you perform comprehensive full-body workouts with ease, offering a ton of support in the process.
More specifically, it has been designed to be adjusted through 10 back pad positions, ranging from 0 to 88 degrees, and three seat settings to give 30 combinations in total for all manner of exercises.
DMoose hasn't skimmed on its build either. It's made from high-quality 3x3" 11-gauge steel that can support upwards of 1000 lbs on its 10.5" foam padding. What's more, it comes with rollers on the bottom, allowing you to move it around as needed to every corner of your home gym. And it's not as though this thing takes up all your floor space as well, as it occupies just 3.1 sq ft. due to an ingenious compact design.
Overall, we'd say this weight bench is the ultimate choice if you've got the cash to spare.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Even though these benches look simple, there's a lot you'll want to factor into your choice, which is why we've asked a fully qualified personal trainer to 'weigh' in on a few frequently asked questions...
Is a weight bench worth it?
Weight benches can give you access to exercises that are just not possible without them.
Of course, there are loads of hacks you can do (and kudos to those who've found creative ways of keeping fit) but for stability, durability, and portability, you really can't beat a weight bench.
For instance, a weight bench is key to performing some challenging chest exercises, like a bench press, which requires a full range of motion as your elbow will be able to travel past 90 degrees without coming into contact with the floor.
Incline presses in particular are difficult to achieve without a weight bench too; however, an incline press is something we'd recommend as research by Rodríguez-Ridao et al. has shown it produces a greater activation of your pecs compared to a horizontal bench press.
What should you look for from a weight bench?
Some of the most important areas to look for with a weight bench are size and whether it's adjustable.
For heavy lifting, we'd recommend something adjustable, but only if it's very heavy-duty and preferably quite wide also.
For lighter workouts, you can focus more on the thinner, smaller benches, or even some of the fitness decks.
Flat benches have their place too, more so for doubling up as a stepper or for a pseudo box jump, but for the most bang for your buck, adjustable is a good way to go.
Should you get a squat rack with a weight bench?
We'd say yes, purely for the sake of having more exercises at your disposal.
They're not essential and we wouldn't go so far as to say that you should be lifting hundreds of pounds in your living room, but if you've got an outside or garage gym they can be worthwhile.
It's a good add-on, but the bench by itself is a great place to start.
Do weight benches come with a weight limit?
Most bench manufacturers will state the maximum amount of weight their bench can hold, although this will vary depending on the materials used and the weight of the bench itself.
As seen in this list, compact and adjustable benches often come with a lower maximum weight compared to heavier, fixed alternatives.
If you spend slightly more and pick up an Olympic-standard bench, then you should find it's able to withstand a significant amount of weight which is ideal if you're looking to load up the plates and lift heavy.
If you're unsure how much a bench can take, it's worth checking the product description as there should be some indication there.
How much is a good weight bench?
There is no definitive answer to this question as weight benches can vary drastically in price depending on a number of factors like the materials used, the maximum weight limit, or the number of additional features.
However, that doesn't mean a weight bench towards the cheaper end of the scale won't be good and suitable for your home gym setup.
It all comes down to what you're looking for from a weight bench. For example, if you're searching for a simple flat bench, then this relatively inexpensive bit of kit from BangTong&Li Flat should be more than capable of fulfilling your needs.
However, if you're after something adjustable with additional arms for bench press, then you may find looking at some of the more premium benches, like this Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench, to be most beneficial.
How tall should a weight bench be?
A weight bench needs to be the right height in order to perform lifts safely and to the best of your ability.
Typically speaking, a weight bench will sit about 17 to 18" off the ground when flat based on IPF-recommended height. This allows it to be low enough to provide adequate barbell clearance space, yet tall enough for you to comfortably plant your feet on the ground.
How wide should a weight bench be?
Similar to height, a weight bench needs to be wide enough to support your back, but not so wide as to interfere with your range of motion.
This is perhaps most crucial when bench pressing in order to feel comfortable and supported throughout each stage of your lift.
In general, the standard weight bench width is between 10 to 12" (25–30cm); however, there are a few benches available that come with even wider backrests than that.
Generally speaking though, a weight bench with a width of 11" should be suitable for you and your workouts.
How heavy is a weight bench?
There's no definitive answer to this question as it will vary between different benches depending on their size and the materials they're made from.
That said, benches can sometimes be quite heavy, around 25-50lbs at times, to ensure enough stability to support the amount of weight that you may attempt to lift whilst sitting or laying on one.
As a result, some weight benches come with additional wheels to make them a little easier to transport rather than having to carry them.
Most manufacturers will likely share information on the weight and dimensions of their bench. So, if you're unsure, then we'd recommend checking with the manufacturer first before making your purchase.
Do you need a mat underneath a weight bench?
A weight bench doesn't necessarily need a mat beneath it; however, we'd recommend adding rubber mats to improve safety and stability, especially if you use your bench inside your home.
Mats help provide cushioning and should also protect your floor if you end up dropping your dumbbells, for instance, during or at the end of your set.
Adding a mat can also help cover imperfections like holes or other gaps in your flooring, plus protect from splinters if you end up training on a wooden surface.
Ultimately, while not essential, we believe a mat along with a weight bench is a good idea.
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