Finding the best weight bench is vital when it comes to unlocking new exercises at home. A bench gives you a platform to perform lifts you would otherwise struggle to execute comfortably, hence why they're a must-have item in a gym.
This is particularly the case if teamed with one of the best power cages or squat racks, as it can be used to support core lifts to help you build size and strength.
Not only that, but a weight bench is also fairly useful when it comes to executing some of the best back and shoulder exercises for mass as well. With a set of adjustable dumbbells, for instance, you can perform seated shoulder press with ease.
So, based on price, reviews, and features, we've put together a selection that we feel really stands out from the crowd to kick off your search in the best way possible.
Feature-wise, we've picked out benches that, for the most part, are adjustable, plus those which come with adequate padding and support to ensure you're comfortable whilst exercising.
With this in mind, if you're searching for something foldable, like this Bowflex 5.1s, or an all-in-one bit of kit, like this Marcy Olympic Weight Bench, then our list has you covered.
We've also answered some of the most commonly asked questions regarding weight benches to help you come to an informed decision on which bench is best for you. Before that though, here's our list of the best weight benches available now...
Best weight bench
- Best weight bench for home gyms - Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench
- Best flat weight bench - BangTong&Li Flat Weight Bench
- Best foldable weight bench - Bowflex 5.1s
- Best adjustable weight bench - Escape Fitness Deck V2.0
- Best weight bench for back support - NordicTrack Utility Workout Bench
- Best premium weight bench - Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
- Best compact weight bench - REP Fitness AB-5000 Zero Gap
- Best weight bench for variety - Rogue AB-3
Best weight bench for home gyms - Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench
This Flybird Adjustable Weight 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.
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You're getting the option to decline 35 degrees here, which is more than enough if you wanted 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.
Best flat weight bench - BangTong&Li Flat Weight Bench
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 steps ups, and without the gap between pads, you can do so with confidence.
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This BangTong&Li bench is also foldable, which is great if you want it out of sight.
It's also incredibly heavy-duty, holding up to 660lbs, 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!
Best foldable weight bench - Bowflex 5.1s
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.
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On top of that, its premium build means it has a max weight capacity of 600lbs. 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.
Best adjustable weight bench - Escape Fitness Deck V2.0
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.
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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.
Best weight bench for back support - NordicTrack Utility Workout Bench
This NordicTrack Utility Workout Bench looks to be a great pick if you're looking for something adjustable with a ton of padding to provide support.
In fact, NordicTrack boasts its bench features high-density foam to keep you as comfortable as possible whilst training.
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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.
Best premium weight bench - Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench
If you want to go all-in with a weight bench, you'll want to check out this one from Marcy.
This has pretty much everything you could want, including a leg extension and preacher curl attachment to support some of what we believe to be the best bicep exercises for mass.
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Of course, you can use this adjustable bench for all the classic movements, but thanks to the squat rack you could even start training your legs effectively at home too.
Moreover, you can switch exercises quickly and create some impactful supersets or simply put together a HIIT circuit to even introduce some cardio into the mix. All in all, we feel this Marcy Weight Bench ticks a lot of boxes to make it a top option to consider.
Best compact weight bench - REP Fitness AB-5000 Zero Gap
The REP Fitness AB-5000 looks to be a great choice for home workouts thanks to its 11-gauge steel construction that allows you to perform flat, incline, and even decline movements with ease.
Thanks to its sturdy frame, REP Fitness boasts its bench can hold a maximum of 1000lbs of weight which should give you peace of mind when attempting a heavy bench press, one of our favourite chest exercises in the gym.
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The most notable feature though is its zero pad gap in all positions which is designed to completely eliminate any discomfort when attempting a lift.
This also helps keep the dimensions to a minimum to help you maximise space in your home or garage gym. This is particularly useful if you wanted to add in one of the best exercise machines for weight loss, for example, to improve your cardio.
Ultimately, we feel there's a lot to like about this bench, with its compact size a particular highlight.
Best weight bench for variety - Rogue AB-3
This heavy-duty Rogue AB-3 bench looks to be a great pick for keeping your workouts varied as it boasts an impressive 50+ seat and back-pad position combinations.
Not only can you perform the usual incline and flat bench exercises, but the addition of the removable foot catch allows you to complete decline movements as well.
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The bench should be pretty durable as well having been made from sturdy 11-gauge steel capable of supporting significant amounts of weight.
Overall, this bench looks to be a great pick, especially as it's made from one of the leading brands in fitness gear right now.
Frequently asked questions about weight benches
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 the 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.
This will vary depending on the materials used and the weight of the bench itself.
As seen in this list, compact and adjustable benches, like the Escape Fitness Deck, 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 grown 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 provide protection 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.