A home gym is never complete without a proper squat rack. With so many options on the market, picking one can be a daunting task. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we look at the top squat racks and power racks that come with pull-up bars and explain how they’re different. We point you in the right direction so you have everything you need to make a safe and confident purchase.
In a rush? Here are our top pics!
Table could not be displayed.UPDATE
Due to the situation that is plaguing us now, many of the racks reviewed in this article are out of stock because of the influx of consumers who are now interested in training at home; manufacturers cannot keep up with the demand.
But don’t fret! Below each review, you will find a link to an alternative rack. The alternatives are very close the original (in terms of specs, build quality, and price), and some of them are actually better. The links will be monitored and updated when anything goes out of stock.
Stock is running out quickly, and soon, there will be no racks left. Secure a rack now so you can continue training during the months to come.
Best Squat Racks With Pull-Up Bars!
1. CAP Barbell Power Rack Exercise Stand
The CAP Barbell Power Rack is without a doubt one of the best squat racks with pull-up bars. While marketed as a power rack, it is actually a squat rack/stand. It is nicely constructed and the best priced rack on our list.
This squat rack is great for beginners on a budget. It comes in orange (as shown to the right) and grey.
Construction
Build Quality: The build quality of this stand is superb. It stands 85 inches high, 50 inches wide, and 46 inches deep. The steel construction is comprised of 12 and 14 gauge thickness and is 3-step powder coated, which makes the steel very durable and fairly scratch proof. The open ends are capped to prevent oxidation (a common issue with other stands).
The most important aspect of a stand is that it doesn’t wobble. The CAP Rack does not wobble because the structure uprights are double gusseted, and all the tube seams are nicely welded.
Weight Capacity: This stand can only support up to 300 lbs, but this shouldn’t be an issue for bench pressing. As for squatting, most serious lifters are able to break the 315 lb mark. Whether weight capacity is an issue depends on the lifter.
NOTE: This is the company’s suggestion. Most customers were able to exceed this capacity and claimed that it wasn’t an issue as long as the weight is not slammed on the barbel catch.
Rack Weight: At 65 lbs, this is one of the lightest racks on our list, and it can be moved around easily.
Versatility
The CAP Power Rack is versatile. In addition to barbell exercises, it can be used as a body weight station or as a resistance training tool.
Adjustabilty: The barbell catch can be adjusted for a variety of barbell presses, such as a military and bench press.
Pull-up bar: The overhead workout bar is reinforced and perfect for a variety of pull-ups.
Folding: This stand has no foldable parts.
Price
This rack is the most affordable on our list. I think its amazing price negates many of its downsides. Click below for an updated price.
- Construction: Solid build quality. Weighs only 65 lbs, making it very easy to move around.
- Price: This is the best-priced rack available. Most customers purchased this stand for its unbeatable price tag.
- Solid pull-up bar: Comes with a reinforced overhead workout bar that is great for doing a variety of pull-ups and bodyweight exercises. For swinging movements, plates can be used to weigh down the rack.
- Easy to assemble: Customers enjoyed the ease of assembly. It takes about an hour and a half to assemble, and all the tools are available.
- Versatility: Great for squats, bench pressing, military pressing, pull-ups, and free-weight body exercises.
- Weight Capacity: Can be a major drawback, depending on the lifter. The official weight capacity is 300 lbs. Many customers claimed to exceed this capacity without issues as long as they didn’t slam the weight on the barbell catch.
- Feels Shaky: This stand is not great for doing kipping pull-ups and other swinging movements. Wobbling can be alleviated by weighing the stand down, but this seemed unsatisfactory for a lot of customers.
Is this product currently out of stock? We’re sorry about that! Consider the Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Squat Stand as a great alternative!
2. HulkFit Multi-Function Adjustable Power Rack
If you are a serious lifter looking for a squat rack with no limitations, look no further than the HulkFit Multi-Function Adjustable Power Rack. Unlike the CAP Power Rack, it has a high weight capacity, supporting up to 800 lbs!
Even more impressive is its ability to support a safety bar. This feature is typically only found in power racks.
For a squat stand to include this is simply amazing. Its comes in a cool yellow and black finish as shown on the right.
Construction
Build Quality: The build quality is, of course, exceptional. What else would you expect from a machine that can support this much weight? The heavy-duty square steel frame construction, along with the wide H-base, provides amazing stability. Two plate holders are provided if extra stability is needed.
Weight Capacity: This rack can support up to 800 lbs.
Rack Weight: It stands 81 inches tall, 44 inches wide, and 46 inches deep and weighs 110 pounds. It’s about twice as heavy as the CAP although no customers complained that it was too heavy.
Versatility
Adjustable Levels: The pull-up bars are adjustable with 7 different positions. Lifters as short as 5 feet tall should have no problem reaching it. The barbell catch and the safety bars can be adjusted at any position along the structure uprights.
Pull-up Bars: Unlike the CAP, this rack comes with two pull-up bars of different diameters.
Folding: This stand has no foldable parts.
Additional features: Bar dips are included, which can be attached to the outside of the safety bar. The safety bar itself is unusually long for a squat stand (which is great for safety), and customers emphasized its effectiveness and stability. It comes with 2 heavy duty J-cups.
Price
Even at more than twice the price of the CAP stand, this is an excellent value. In fact, almost all customers claimed that they expected far less and were blown away by the quality. Click below for an updated price.
- Weight Capacity: This rack can easily support up to 800 lbs.
- Extremely effective safety bars with dip handles.
- Two pull-up bars (different diameters) and dip handles. Customers experienced zero wobble even during swinging movements such as kipping/Crossfit pull-ups.
- Easy installation: One customer was able to set it up in less than 15 minutes!
- Great value: Many customers claimed that they expected a lot less for what they paid. Don’t let the price fool you. You are getting a professional-grade stand!
- Aesthetics: One of the best-looking racks available. Customers really appreciate the yellow and black finish.
- A few customers complained about the condition of the box it came in.
Is this product currently out of stock? We’re sorry about that! Consider the CAP Barbell FM-8000 as a great alternative!
3. Titan T-3 Series Tall Folding Power Rack
The T-3 Series Tall Folding Power Rack is an excellent option if you are tight on space. It is designed to fold upright against a wall to conserve as much room as possible.
A foldable option is not ideal for squat racks. While collapsible/foldable features seem like a great addition, they compromise safety. However, The T-3 series is a big exception as it is constructed properly and is bolted into the wall.
Titan is one of my favorite gym equipment companies and will make other appearances when we discuss power racks (AKA squat cages). The difference between a power rack and a squat rack will be discussed below.
The Titan T-3 Series is the best foldable squat rack on the market. It is a durable machine that can support up to 1,100 lbs! It is not only durable but also nicely designed and has a minimalist feel.
However, it is relatively tricky to install, but YouTube has videos to guide you. Most customers experienced no major issues with this, but it’s worth mentioning. The installation is only complicated compared to the other racks, so you should not have problems.
Construction
Build Quality: This rack stands 91” high, 50” wide, and 21.5” deep. When folded, it lies completely flat on the wall; 11 gauge 2″ x 3″ steel tubes are used throughout. While not as thick as the steel used in the racks mentioned above, stability is not compromised as it is nicely bolted into the wall.
All the parts are laser cut to prevent any problem with excess steel shavings. Laser cutting, compared to plasma cutting, hardens the outer edges of the material and produces a smooth finish. The parts also have a heavy powder coat, making them scratch resistant and long lasting.
Weight Capacity: Unbelievable! The weight capacity of this machine is 1,100 lbs. You will never be restricted in this category unless you are Brian Shaw, of course.
Rack Weight: Not really relevant as the rack is meant to stay in place, but if you are wondering, it weighs 150 lbs.
Versatility
Adjustable Levels: More than enough adjustable positions are available. They are also closely spaced so you can find the optimal height. To the side of the structure uprights, you will find 6″ side-hole spacing to add T-3 accessories and versatility to your rack!
Pull-up Bar: The pull-up bar is 2″ in diameter. The pin system allows you to quickly remove it to fold the rack.
Folding: This is the only rack I found that is both foldable and safe to use. The folding mechanism is top class and takes nothing away from stability.
Extra features: Included 4 J-Hooks! Most racks come with two at most.
Price
Many customers mentioned the price as its best feature. The price is half that of a high-end stand and misses out on absolutely nothing. It makes me wonder why anyone would purchase one the “high-end” stands! Click the button below for an updated price (and look out for free shipping!)
- The only foldable squat rack with a pull-up bar that is actually stable and safe to use
- Excellent build quality: Uses 11 gauge steel that is laser cut and powder coated.
- Comes with 4 J-Hooks (most racks comes with two at most)
- Stable and will not wobble as it is nicely bolted into the wall.
- Highest weight capacity on out list: Can support up to 1,100 pounds!
- More than half the price of the “high-end” stands.
- Relatively tricky to install: There are resources on YouTube to guide you. The instructions manual isn’t that great and confused a few customers. The brackets have no play, so you have to take your time and make sure the arms are perfectly leveled.
- Although the steel is powder coated, it still scratches up easily.
- DOES NOT COME WITH MOUNTING HARDWARE. You need to provide the 2x8s, bolts, drill bits, and washers.
Is this product currently out of stock? We’re sorry about that! Consider the Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Squat Stand as a great alternative!
4. Valor Fitness PRO BD-58 Half Rack
The Valor Fitness Pro is an absolute beast of a machine. It didn’t originally make the list as it was too expensive. With some additional research, it became evident that it is perfect for a specific audience — those looking to make an investment into a squat rack that will last a very, very long time.
Unlike the other squat racks, this one is built on four durable structure uprights. This will, at the very least, double its lifetime and make it as stable as a stand can be.
Other things that set it apart are a more advanced pull-up bar, the inclusion of plate holders and a barbell holder, and an extra long safety support bar.
It comes with a 5-year warranty, which is valid even when the rack is used in a light-commercial environment. This tells us a lot. If the company is willing to insure it for 5 years in a commercial environment, it will surely last a lifetime in a home gym.
If it wasn’t for this list’s high priority on affordability, this rack would have made it to the top. If price is not a limiting factor for you, this is certainly the best squat rack (with pull-up bars) for 2020!
Construction
Build Quality: The frame of the Valor Fitness PRO is built from 11-gauge steel and sits on the widest H-base support (50.25″ wide by 53.5″ deep) of any stand on this list. The main structure uprights are further supported by two uprights which contain 6 storage pegs.
This results in a hybrid of sorts. As Valor Fitness puts it, “[it] provides the rugged feel of a RIG, with the functionality of a Power Rack station.”
Weight Capacity: This rack is rated for 1,000 lbs, more than enough for even the strongest power lifters.
Rack Weight: This rack weighs 270 lbs and has dimensions of 85″ x 72″ x 53″ (including the plate pegs on the side).
Versatility
Pull-up Bars: At the top rack you will find an excellent multi-grip pull up station with 6 grips to allow for a wide variety of pull-ups. This is the best pull-up station of any squat rack available and is something only seen in expensive power cages.
Folding: No foldable parts.
Extra features: The safety bar is extra-long at 23”, yet very stable. Four band pegs allow you to attach resistance bands to make your workouts a little more challenging. Another excellent feature is the storage capacity. It comes with 6 long storage pegs for weights and two barbell holders to make for a safe and clean home-gym environment.
Price
The rack will set you back about twice as much as others but is guaranteed to outlast them. This is a real investment for your home gym and will never need replacing. Click below for an updated price.
- Best build quality of any squat rack on the market. The main structure uprights are reinforced with two additional uprights and sits on a very wide H-Base, resulting in power cage level stability and safety.
- Extra long support bars. Resistance bands can be attached to them to make you workouts even more challenging.
- 1,000 lb weight capacity
- 6 storage pegs and two Olympic barbell holders.
- 5 year warranty.
- Comes at a hefty, yet completely justifiable price.
5. Body Champ PBC530 Power Rack System
Suppose you really like the CAP Barbell Power Rack Exercise Stand. You appreciate its simplicity, and the price tag fits your budget.
However, you are put off by the stability issue and want something tougher. You would like to do swinging body-weight exercises without feeling that the stand is going to fall apart, and you are willing to pay a little extra for this.
Enter the Body Champ PBC530 Power Rack System, a rack that is almost identical to the CAP stand but has a few more features. It is rated slightly higher by customers and is priced about $30 more. The main difference is that it has an additional support bar to hold the uprights in place and comes with two pairs of adjustable bar holders. All other specs are identical to that of the CAP. Click the button below for more information and to check for the best price.
Is this product currently out of stock? We’re sorry about that! Consider the CAP Barbell FM-8000 as a great alternative!
What Is a Squat?
A squat rack, as implied by its name, is primarily used for squats. So, what is a squat?
A squat is a full-body exercise used in strength training and bodybuilding. It is often labeled as a lower body exercise and places emphasis on the muscles of the buttocks, hips, thighs, quadriceps, calves, and lower back. To perform a squat, start by standing up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your back straight, contract your abs, and bend your legs. Lower your position until your thighs are approximately parallel with the ground.
What Are the Benefits of a Squat?
If I had to pick one exercise to do for the rest of my life, it would be the squat! The squat is beneficial for so many reasons. First, it simultaneously activates almost every major muscle group in the body. More importantly, it is an excellent functional exercise, meaning that it will train your muscles to work in unison and will help with everyday tasks and in all sports.
Squats are the single best exercise to build athletic performance. It will increase your explosiveness by developing your hip extension strength. Why do nearly all athletes, from bodybuilders, to Olympic sprinters, to tennis players, perform squats?
The reason is that squats not only increase your ability to produce power but they also increase your ability to absorb it. If you are a bodybuilder or a power lifter, you may have noticed the effect squats has on other lifts. The squat is a excellent exercise for developing core strength, which translates to improvements in other lifts.
Squats target the core muscles in a unique way by forcing them to work extra hard to support your upper body. Finally, squatting can induce growth hormone and testosterone release (Craig, B., Brown, R., & Everhart, J. ,1989). While this is true for all exercises, the effect is proportional to the level of stress induced, which is greatest with squats.
One of the best tips I can give for improving your squats (along with almost every other lift) is to use a proper pair of weightlifting shoes. Picking out a pair can be difficult. You might not know what to look for and the number of options can be overwhelming. I have done all the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best weightlifting shoes for 2020. Please click here to check out the guide.
What Is the Difference Between a Power Rack and a Squat Rack?
First, an important distinction should be made. Many lifters use the two terms interchangeably, but a squat rack is not the same thing as a power rack/cage. In general, a squat rack (otherwise known as a squat stand) is built specifically for squatting.
Although doing other exercises (such as the bench press and military press) is still possible, it is not suggested as there is no safety/support bar to catch the weight. But there are some exceptional squat racks that come with a safety bar. Squat racks provide a single barbell catch (the position where the barbell rests before a lift) and sometimes a safety bar and a pull-up bar. Typically, they have only two uprights, which stand on an H-base. Here is a typical squat stand, 
the CAP Barbell Power Rack Exercise Stand:
As you can see, it comes with a single barbell catch, a pull-up bar, but no support racks. Here is a typical power rack (Popsport Power Rack);
Power Racks are designed with maximum safety and stability in mind. Instead of two structure uprights connected to an H-base, they are built with four vertical uprights which are connected both to each other and to the base.
Two adjustable safety bars are connected to the uprights and make squatting, bench pressing, military pressing, and any other barbell exercise safe to do alone and in comfort of your home. Some squat stands come with a safety bar (see HulkFit Multi-Function Adjustable Power Rack above), but they are connected to only one upright and will never be as safe as when connected to two uprights.
Power cages almost always include a pull-up bar, multiple barbell catches, and plate holders.
Pros
- Inexpensive: Compared to power racks, squat stands are much cheaper, at about half the price.
- Save space: If you are working with little space, a squat stand is a better option. They are less bulky and can fit into tight corners of your gym.
- Lightweight: Squat stands are very light and mobile. You can move them around easily when rearranging your gym. Or you can store them somewhere and take them out when needed.
Cons
- Less Safe: Most squat stands come with no safety bars. If they do, they will be connected to only one upright and will never be as safe as when connected to two uprights (as seen in power cages).
- Less versatile: With a power rack, you can perform a whole range of exercises safely. For instance, you can adjust the level of the barbell catch, position a bench inside the cage, and perform a bench press.
Why should I purchase a Squat Rack/Power Rack?
A squat rack is a brilliant piece of equipment to own. Think of it as a mechanical spotter for all your free-weight barbell exercises. Given the option of choosing a single piece of equipment for my home gym, it would certainly be a squat/power rack because it allows you to safely target every single muscle group in the body.
The key here is safety. Suppose you are alone in your home gym and going for a military press PR. What happens if you get stuck half way into the lift? Sure, you can drop the barbell. But that will absolutely destroy your floor. Depending on the type of rack you purchase, you can set up a safety support bar at a comfortable level and re-rack the weight.
The same is true for all other exercises. If you want to squat a heavy weight, without a spotter, simply set up a support bar so that when you squat all the way down, the barbell hovers an inch or two over it. Can’t complete the lift? Just go back down slowly and rack the weight. But make sure the support bar isn’t too low so you don’t hurt your back!
You don’t need a dedicated machine for every workout. A traditional bench press machine is unnecessary when you have a squat rack. All you need is is a sturdy bench (preferably one with adjustable positions) and voila, you can now do flat and incline barbell presses! As a matter of fact, I prefer to bench press inside a squat rack so that I can drop the weight on a safety support bar during a failed rep. You can also do the Bulldozer Bench Press, where you rest the bar for a few seconds before pressing again. If you don’t own a bench, check out the Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench. It is one of the highest-rated and best-selling benches around.
What Should I Look For In A Squat Rack?
Let’s define the metrics for rating both squat racks and power racks, which you should consider when choosing a rack:
- Construction. With safety being the primary function of a squat rack, a major emphasis will be placed on how it is constructed.
- Build Quality: A good squat rack should be built from strong, solid materials and have very little wobble.
- Weight Capacity. A good squat rack should have a relativity high weight capacity (around 700 lbs is adequate)
- Rack Weight: Most squat racks are designed to be movable, so weight is important. This is less relevant for power racks as they are not meant to be moved.
- Versatility.
- Adjustable Levels: The rack should have plenty of adjustable levels for the safety bars and barbell catch. The safety bars must have a locking mechanism.
- Pull-up Bars: For the purposes of this guide, a good squat rack should come with at least one pull-up bar. Ideally, the pull-up bar should allow for variations such as wide and neutral grip pull-ups.
- Folding: While collapsible/fordable features seem like a great addition, they compromise safety and will drop a rack’s rating.
- Extra features: Additional features such as a support bar, dip handles, and plate holders.
Price: With cost being a big factor in purchasing a squat rack, it will receive more emphasis than for power racks.
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