5 Best Half Racks for Home Gyms – 50+ Reviewed by Trainer

Hi there, and welcome to the last guide on half racks you’ll ever need.

That’s a cliche, but I honestly believe it…

My name is Steve Hoyles. I’ve been a weightlifting coach and a gym owner for two decades now.

I know squat racks.

I’ve bought them, used them, and sold them.

I know how and where they’re made and the people making them.

I know all the good stuff and I know where they’re cutting corners.

This guide called for some serious elbow grease.

I’ll be honest – it felt too much at times…

To be specific…

We compared 32 half racks in 16 categories – from steel thickness to attachments…from footprint to stability…from tube profile to color choices.

We looked at every quality aspect, and we looked at every half-rack that deserves attention.

Also…

We talked to some of the top industry experts and first-hand users.

The results below are a melting pot of all that.

Let’s get to it…

Budget Option

Sunny Health Power Zone

Check the price here

Best Overall

Bells of Steel Hydra 3×3

Check the price here

Premium Option

Rogue Monster Lite

Check the price here

You can find all of our best squat rack picks in this epic guide.

5 best half racks for home gyms

1 – Best half rack for home gyms overall (and top budget pick) – Bells of Steel Hydra 3×3

Rating: 78.2 out of 100

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a good half rack on a budget.

Pros:

• Cheaper than main competitors.
• Optional height of the uprights (84, 90, or 108 inches).
• Compatible with a range of attachments (from BOS and other brands).
• Safety bars included.
• Westside barbell spacing

Cons:

• Bigger footprint than most half racks (possible concern if space is tight in your home gym)
• Finishes and tolerances are not premium (compared to Rogue).

*BOS – Bells of Steel.

Summary

BOS Hydra 3×3 is the best half rack for most home gyms because it nails all the key quality factors.

And all for 30-35% less than Rogue and REP.

In other words, it’s the best value for money.

For you, that means more green left for other toys around the gym.

Let’s unwrap that…

The main competitors to the Hydra are:

1. HR-2 and Monster Lite from Rogue
2. Titan X-3 stand (paired with the half-rack conversion kit).

Hydra is made from the same steel (11 gauge, 3×3), has the same weight capacity, and has similar warranty terms (lifetime on welds and frames).

But it costs much less.

It costs about 30% less than the HR-2 and 60% compared to the Monster Lite*.

*At the time of the last update to this guide.

Why is it so much cheaper then?

Two reasons:

1. The brand’s market positioning – offering budget alternatives is kinda their thing.
2. It’s relatively new and not popular – you could say it’s a hidden gem.
3. Margin size – are the other manufacturers perhaps being a bit greedy?!

BOS Hydra and Titan X3 tall stand (paired with a conversion kit) cost about the same.

In my opinion, Hydra is the superior half rack because it’s designed with a sole purpose. That means the designers sat down and thought of what goes where and why.

On the other hand…

I’m generally not a fan of stuff that becomes other stuff.

Titan X3 is designed as a stand and “becomes” a half rack when you add the two extra uprights. But do you sacrifice quality/functionality? Two ‘quite good’ things rather than one great thing?

Specs

2 – Best premium half rack (money-no-object pick) – Rogue Monster Lite

Rating: 68.1 out of 100

Who it’s for: Anyone with the budget for it.

Pros:

• Premium, precision build.
• Can be bolted down.
• Compact yet stable.
• Easy to convert to a full rack (or mimic it with the longer crossmembers).

Cons:

• Expensive.

Summary

Rogue’s Monster Lite half rack has no real competition in the money-no-object category.

You could argue that it competes with its baby brother, Rogue HR-2, and the PR-5000 from REP.

That’s not exactly the case…here’s why…

Compared to REP PR-5000

With the shortest crossmembers, PR-5000 has no additional support. You have to bolt it down for stability.

Verdict: not a direct competitor.

Compared to Rogue HR-2

If you go with the longer crossmembers, the distance between the upright of the Monster Lite becomes 24 inches.

For most people, that’s enough to lift inside.

You can’t do that with the HR-2.

And if you decide to go full-rack somewhere down the line, you can easily do it with the Monster Lite.

With the HR-2…not so much.

Specs

3 – Best budget half rack – Sunny Health Power Zone

Rating: 64 out of 100

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a cheap half rack that’s still decently built.

Pros:

• Cheap.
• Included spotter arms and plate storage pegs.
• Multiple pull-up bars.

Cons:

• Biggest footprint in our Top 5.
• Lesser gauge and tube profile than any of the Top 5.
• Lighter than most (hence less stable).
• No Westside spacing

(Yes, I said HENCE).

Summary

This Sunny Health half rack is the cheapest you can go without facing substantial quality issues or the rack becoming too basic.

In other words, it doesn’t suck, and it’s cheap.

Moreover…

It comes with more accessories than you’d expect – even some not included with the pricier units (like jammer arms and weight pegs).

The steel used is not as thick, and the tube profile is smaller compared to the rest of our picks.

It’s a 12-gauge, 2×2 tube.

Even with its substantial footprint of 22.57 square feet, it will never be as stable as BOS, REP, or Rogue.

That’s especially important for re-racking.

If you’re an advanced lifter who lifts alone and to failure, this is not the rack for you. It will wobble on fierce re-racking and might feel unsafe. It’s also not a great idea for anyone lifting serious numbers – it’s not going to be hard-wearing over the long term.

Specs

If money is your main focus check out our budget power rack picks here.

4 – Best half rack for small spaces – REP Fitness PR-5000

Rating: 63.1 out of 100

Who it’s for: Anyone looking to save the most space and still get a classic half-rack.

Pros:

• Smallest footprint among the Top 5.
• Great build – beefy and customizable.
• Easily converts to a full rack (modular).
• Multiple pull-up bars available (all great).

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Needs to be bolted down.

Summary

Including the PR-5000 as a half-rack pick will raise some eyebrows because it’s known as a full power rack.

Let me clarify…

I’m specifically referring to the PR-5000 version with 16-inch depth (also available at 30 and 41 inches). 

In my book, that’s a half rack because there’s not enough space to lift inside it.

With under 6 square feet, this stunner has the smallest footprint among our recommended racks.

Even the folding rack from PRx is much bigger (9.66 sqft).

The trade-off is this – you must bolt it down.

It’s just not big enough to be stable on its own. Especially when you factor in heavy weights being re-racked on it. 

When connected to the floor, it’s a brawny thing and as robust as the competitors from Rogue, Sorinex, or Eleiko.

Specs

5 – Best folding half rack – Profile PRO by PRx

Rating: 61.7 out of 100

Who it’s for: Anyone who likes the idea of folding the rack when it’s not in use.

Pros:

• Minimal folded footprint – folds up almost flush to the wall.
• As stable as it gets.
• Cheaper than most folding units.
• Customizable uprights (8 colors).
• Strong enough to cope with heavy weights (1000 lb max weight capacity)

Cons:

• No pull-up bar.
• Costs more than most folding half-racks.
• Not for ceilings lower than 7’7”.

Summary

The Profile PRO is the top-rated half-rack among the folding units.

The main reason is this – it folds up (not inwards or outwards like most).

That’s a unique solution, and it frees up the bottom section of the wall.

Also, the pneumatic mechanism is more convenient than contrived systems of pins and pegs.

It’s ideal for the basic user, but it won’t suit anyone looking for a pull up bar.

Specs

Find the best folding squat racks here.

Buyer’s guide to choosing the best half rack for your needs

Below is a comprehensive guide on all things to consider when buying a half rack.

Give it a thorough read if:

• You don’t like any of our picks and want to continue hunting for half racks in the wild.
• You’re conservative with your budget and want to understand before you spend.
• You want to look wicked smart next time the subject is broached in your bro tribe.

My goal is to make this guide comprehensive yet concise and super practical.

Let’s see if I can do it…

10 primary factors to look for in a half rack

#1 – Structural build of a half rack – steel gauge and profile size

(0 to 28.2 points in our ratings)

Here’s another way to look at this – if you’re getting a classic mid-level half-rack, don’t pay more than $3 per pound of steel (PPS).

Let’s call that the 3PPS rule.

Bear with me for a second – I’ll use an example to explain it more clearly…

The weight of the BOS Hydra starts at 225 lbs and goes up as you add stuff.

At the current price, you’d pay $2.6-2.7 per pound of steel.

That’s well within the 3PPS range, and it’s good value.

Simple reason – I’ve seen brands straight out lie about gauge because no one will measure it.

The weight of the half rack is more on the nose, and I’ve never seen them lie about it.

There are 2 exceptions to this rule:

1. Wall-mounted racks – there’s no second upright, so the unit weighs less, and the folding mechanism adds cost.
2. High-end half racks like Rogue and REP – expect to pay $4-7 per pound of steel for these.
   
   That’s because you’re paying for premium finishes, laser-cut holes, and all that stuff.

When considering a half-rack, divide the price by the weight in pounds.

• If the result is less than 3, you’re looking at solid value.
• Only pay over $4 for premium brands or folding racks.

And yes…that applies to any gauge and any profile.

#2 – Weight capacity of half racks

In my book, the weight capacity of a half rack is a secondary indicator.

I say that for 2 reasons:

1. You’re not going anywhere near the capacity.
   
   An elite male lifter will have a max squat of 2.5 times their body weight.
   
   Most good racks have a capacity of 1,000 lbs…you do the math.
2. The people making the racks define the number.
   
   OK, the top brands are actually testing stuff and basing the numbers on that. It’s common for the lesser brands to just list a number that looks cool.
   
   I’m not saying they’re lying. I am saying they could lie without getting caught.
   
   That’s because they’re aware of point #1 above.

So yeah…consider the weight capacity, but take it with a grain of salt and only as part of a larger durability picture.

The more telling parts of that picture are the weight of the rack, the thickness of the steel, and the profile size.

#3 – Size of half racks – footprint, floor space (and some new stuff to think about)

(0 to 9.9 points in our ratings)

Most people who go for half instead of a full rack do it to save space.

And it doesn’t have to be a small home gym either…

Some of us simply prefer a space that “breathes” and isn’t dominated by one unit.

To put things into perspective, let’s look at the outliers.

• A classic full-size rack like Rogue Monster has a 53×53 “ footprint.
• A 16-inch deep half rack like the REP PR-5000 has a footprint of 5.64 sqft.

That brings the difference to a whopping 14+ square feet.

That’s a big deal.

If you go with the longer crossmembers (30 inches), the footprint of the BOS Hydra will be over 21 square feet, which is more than the Rogue Monster.

But less than half of that depth bites into your space – about 36 inches.

Let’s call that aerial footprint.

Below is an illustration that shows both “footprints” using the example of the BOS Hydra.

When space is really tight, the aerial footprint tells you more than the listed width and depth.

Why?

Because you can step over a 3-inch tube.

Below are two graphs to illustrate why it makes a difference.

The first compares the actual floor space, and the second shows our “invented” value – the aerial footprint.

#4 – Height of half rack – average ceilings, garages, and basements

(no specific number of points in our ratings)

The height of a half rack can be a substantial factor in 4 scenarios:

1. You have low ceilings.
2. You’re using the half rack for chin-ups.
3. You’re a tall guy/gal.
4. Combination of #1, 2, and 3.

Here’s an important point – the pull-up bar height is “adjustable” on all good half racks.

This means you can mount it lower to give yourself clearance for pull-ups.

Let me be precise in these 3 points:

1. All our top half racks will fit average US ceilings – 8 ft (96 inches).
2. If your ceiling is 7.2-7.5 feet, go with the Bells of Steel Hydra and choose the shortest 84-inch uprights.
   That will bring the total height to 86.25 inches, which is just under 7.2 feet (check out our short power racks here if your ceiling height is a concern).
3. If your ceiling is 7.1 ft or lower, a half rack is a no-go.
   
   Go for a short squat stand – you can see our guide on the best squat stands here.

#5 – Half racks and attachments – compatibility and versatility

(no specific number of points in our ratings)

If you’re looking for a central unit for your home gym, versatility is the name of the game.

In the world of half racks, versatility means being compatible with attachments.

It comes down to the profile size, hole diameter, and spacing between pegs and pins (if there’s more than one).

My #1 advice here would be to stay within a brand when pairing a half rack with attachments.

For example…

If you want to add a dip bar to the rack, make sure that the brand makes it and that it’s compatible with the rack.

Why?

Because cross-brad compatibility has a way of becoming an issue.

Yes, even when all the numbers match.

Bottom line – if possible, make it a one-stop shop.

Special consideration – the pull-up bar

The pull-up bar is one of the key separators between a squat stand and a half rack. The same goes for a power rack squat rack.

If you’re big on pull-ups, go with REP or Rogue Fitness – their portfolio of pull-up bars is great.

In my experience, other common attachments that add the most versatility to a half rack are weight storage, dip bars, pulleys, and cables.

My point is this – if you don’t already have a standalone, pay special attention to the pull-up bar. Maybe go with one of the better brands that offer more than a standard pull-up bar – fat, slim, multi-grip, adjustable.

#6 – Hole spacing – if in doubt, go Westside

(0 to 14.1 points in our ratings)

The spacing of a half-rack is the distance between the holes on the front side of the uprights.

It’s crucial because it defines the height of your J-cups and spotter arms.

Over 90% of half racks have either Westside or 2-inch spacing.

Westside hole spacing on a half rack means the hole-to-hole distance is 1 inch in the benching area and 2 on the rest of the uprights.

Do I need it?

If you’ve never owned a rack with Westside spacing, you probably think it’s a detail.

It’s not.

Bottom line – perfect placement of hooks and arms gives you the confidence to test and move your limits…and that’s how you grow.

Two-inch spacing (as on the PR-5000) is not a deal-breaker and will do the job, but I prefer Westside.

#7 – Can it be bolted down?

(0 to 5.6 points in our ratings)

Most half racks are stable on their own (without bolting them to the floor).

I’d say that’s the case for 3 half-racks in our Top 5.

The two that I’d bolt down are:

1. Sunny Health because it’s too light and will wobble on aggressive re-racks.
2. PR-5000 because of the small footprint.

Bolting it down won’t make a difference if the rack is moving because of loose joints or thin uprights.

For example…

Even when bolted down, the Sunny Health rack will never be as rigid as the BOS Hydra or the Monster Lite.

If the whole rack moves, bolting it down will solve it.

If the base stays still and the uprights “work” (move/bend), bolts will do nothing.

Most people won’t need to bolt down a half rack.

If you’re unsure, below are a few rules of thumb:

1. If the half-rack weighs over 200 lbs and the footprint is over 15 square feet, it’s gonna be stable without bolts.
2. If it weighs 150-200 lbs, bolting it down will be a good idea (especially if you lift heavy, rack aggressively, and do kipping pull-ups).
3. If the footprint is under 10 square feet, bolt it down.
4. If it weighs 150-200 lbs, the footprint is less than 15 square feet, it’s over 7 feet tall AND it has a pull up bar, BOLT IT DOWN PROPERLY!

# 8 – Customizable half racks – a rare breed

(0 to 7 points in our ratings)

If you want to add a pop of color to your half-rack, your choices are (very) limited.

Two of our top five half-racks allow you to choose the color:

• PRx’s Performance PRO – 8 colors (for uprights only).
• REP’s PR-5000 – 6 colors for the uprights and 8 for the cross members.
  
  It’s worth noting that 4 of those “colors” are metallic and matte black, clear coat and white. So it’s really 5 colors – black, white, green, and blue.

If you want a classic half-rack with some pizazz, there’s a third option I like for you.

Hear me out…

Rogue recently started offering the SML-2C stand in 11 colors.

And it’s compatible with their half-rack conversion kit.

The pair will cost you (much) less than the Monster Lite.

#9 – Finishes, tolerances, and attention to detail – the finer things club

(0 to 12.7 points in our ratings)

This one’s simple – if you like finer things in life and if cool gym stuff motivates you, go with one of the top half-rack brands like Rogue, REP, or PRx.

You’ll find the welds to be cleaner.

You’ll find the coats to be smoother and more resistant.

You’ll find that everything lines up better – from pins and pegs to cups and laser-cut holes.

First of all, it’s your money – so if it makes you feel good, it is worth it.

Secondly – if having a cool half-rack means extra dopamine at the thought of working out, it’s absolutely worth it.

The most expensive piece of equipment is that which stays unused.

#10 – Prices of half racks

(0 to 56.4 points in our ratings)

A good half rack will cost between 350 and 2500 bucks.

In my experience, the top value of the half-rack market is in the $500-1500 range.

Below is a price comparison graph of our top 20 half-racks.

*Bonus factor – the warranty terms

The typical warranty of half-racks is this:

• Lifetime Warranty on frame and welds (often Limited)
• 180 days to a year on parts (like Jcups or rubber on the legs)

I’ve seen guys drop 500 pounds onto half-racks spotter arms without even making a dent.

So, you’re not likely to claim the warranty because you’re not likely to break or bend a steel tube.

Methodology – how we assess and rate half racks

Below is a short outline of our methodology.

I’m including it to make a simple point – none of our half-rack picks are random.

We don’t just go, “Oh, this one’s nice, add it…”

It’s all based on first-hand experiences, expert opinions, and (above all else) a massive database of racks we’ve reviewed over the years.

The database is 400-strong and growing.

Anyway, here’s how we chose the top 5 half racks:

1. We filtered the raw data of 400+ racks to only choose the one that fit the criteria.
2. We checked the 30 online sources and sellers to make sure we’re not missing any new arrivals.

At this point, we had a list of 35+ potential candidates.

3. We defined the initial rating criteria – 30+ of them.
4. We started gathering any missing data to accurately rate the half-racks.
5. We revisited the rating criteria – added some, and cut some based on whether the information was available.
   
   This gave us the final list of 16 rating criteria.
6. We completed the half-rack database, which is 560 data points.
7. We defined the gravity of each criterion (its importance) and balanced that out through 3 iterations.

Why do that?

Because some things are more important than others. The powder coat is less crucial than the steel thickness or hole spacing.

8. We decided on the number of half racks to recommend as “best.”
   
   The goal is to be comprehensive –  to cover all needs and budgets without confusing you.
   
   We ended up with 5 picks.
9. We went back to the experts and consulted on our picks to ensure the list accurately and fairly represents the market.
10. We regularly update the half-rack database, the ratings, and this guide to keep things relevant.

Other half racks – close-but-no-cigar

Below is a list of racks that fell just below the red line.

It’s home to some great units.

“If they’re so great, how come they’re not ‘the best?’ “

Because we limit the number of picks for simplicity.

Simplicity means some awesome racks get left out…racks that might be a better fit for you than any of our top 5.

Here they are:

• Rogue HR-2 half rack – good but less imposing than the Monster Lite.
• REP Apollo – great half-rack with a flat-foot base*. Apollo lost its spot to the PR-5000 because it’s similar to the Rogue HR-2 (but costs about 10% more).
  
  *Flat foot design means it will be stable without bolts.
• Sorinex XL – a beastly thing that’s overkill for most home gyms (expensive, too).
• CAP Barbell Multi-purpose half squat rack – decent and cheap…too basic to compete with Sunny Health for the budget spot. The adjustable pull-up bar, safety arms, and plate storage made the most difference.
• Build Limitless by PRX – a good half rack that’s not unique enough to deserve a separate spot.
• PRO and Edge Half Power Rack Series by Vulcan Strength – both awesome, both expensive.

Best half rack for home gyms – resume and key takeaways

Half racks are a massive market…and a messy one, too.

My goal today was to help you navigate it, avoid the junk, and get your money’s worth.

I feel we found some clear winners:

• In terms of value, the Bells of Steel Hydra is second to none. In all key aspects, it’s on par with half-racks that cost 2 or 3 times more.
• If money is not an object and you simply want the absolute best, Rogue’s Monster Lite is the half-rack for you. Top-to-bottom, it’s a thing of beauty.
• If saving money is a priority, we pinpointed the Sunny Health half rack as the top pick.

If you want to take another look at all the picks, click here to skip to the top table.

If you’re unsure you need a half rack in the first place, click one of the other options below.

Best Squat Racks By Type

Best rack overall (all types included) REP Fitness PR-4000
Best power rack (guide here) REP Fitness PR-4000
Best folding rack (guide here) PRx Profile Rack
Best squat rack (guide here) REP SR-4000
Best short power rack (guide here) REP PR-1050
Best budget power rack (guide here) REP PR-1100
Best half rack (guide here) Bells of Steel Hydra 3×3
Best combo rack (guide here) Rogue Combo Rack
Best outdoor rack (guide here) Get RX’d Galvanized Rig
Best independent squat stand (guide here) Bells of Steel 3.0