I personally spent over 80 hours researching 165 power racks on the market. And Steve (certified PT & gym owner) signed off on all these picks. He has worked with a manufacturer to design the perfect squat racks for his own gym…
We ran all of the racks against our ‘weighted’ criteria of 10 crucial buying factors, including thickness of steel, pull up bar options, Westside hole spacing and pricing.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Our team has tested dozens of these racks over the years. I’ve also spoken to dozens of friends and home gym owners to find out what racks they use in their garage or basement (many have ceilings under 8 feet high). This has left 6 short power racks to help you find the perfect rack for your budget and space.
In addition to squat racks, we have also run our tests on short barbells, weight benches, and bumper plates. Rather not buy separate items? Check out our all in one home gym machines.
Editor’s note: This review was updated on March 5, 2024, to ensure product availability and accurate pricing. We changed the folding pick from the PRx Profile to PRO since they upgraded this rack.
Compare short power racks
Best for | Overall | Folding | Premium | Runner up | Budget | Squat stand |
Rating (*) | ||||||
Quality | 73% | 93% | 95% | 73% | 67% | 90% |
Versatility | 74% | 72% | 97% | 72% | 70% | 74% |
Compactness | 93% | 98% | 82% | 94% | 93% | 96% |
Price | 95% | 63% | 65% | 89% | 96% | 70% |
Price | $ | $$$$$ | $$$$$ | $$ | $ | $$$ |
Ceiling height (") | 84 | 79 | 92 | 83 | 84 | 72.5 |
Height (") | 72 | 73 (78-90 folded) | 80/93 | 71/83 | 72 | 72.25 |
Depth (") | 48 | 18-26.75 (9 folded) | 16/24/30/41 | 50 | 47.5 | 48 |
Width (") | 58 | 53 | 50.8 | 56 | 43.62 | 49 |
Weight capacity (lbs) | 700 | 1000 | 1000 | 850 | 650 | 1000 |
Steel material | 2x2" 14 Gauge | 3x3" 11 gauge | 3x3" 11 gauge | 2x2" 14 gauge | 2x2" 12-14 gauge | 3x3" 11 gauge |
Hole spacing (") | 2 | 2 (1 bench area) | 2 (1 bench area) | 2 | 4 | 2 (1 bench area) |
Hole size (") | 1 | 5/8 | 5/8 | 1 | 1 | 5/8 |
Footprint (sq ft) | 19.3 | 9.8 | 14.5 | 19.4 | 14.4 | 16.3 |
Warranty | Lifetime | 10 year | Lifetime | 1 yr | 5 yr frame, 1 yr parts | 5 yr frame, 1 yr parts |
Rack weight (lbs) | 123 | 114 | 330 | 125 | 103 | 122 |
Our testing and selection process
We always use a 5 step process in our reviews:
- We start as the buyer- most of our team have bought power racks before. One member owns his own 8,000 sq ft gym where he designed his own power racks with a manufacturer
- We do a ton of research – we collect information on as many power racks as possible and insert it into a spreadsheet
- We rate each product using our exclusive ‘weighted’ rating system. You can learn more about this in the section below.
- We use data to decide our top picks rather than personal biases towards brands.
- We get our hands on as many of the top picks as possible. Our community is great at helping with this.
127 squat racks have been run through this criteria to find the best ones…
Power rack compactness (30%)
- Is it under 80” tall?
- Most power racks are 90” or taller
- If it is under 80” tall it scores a point.
Short power rack quality & safety (25%)
- 11 gauge steel or better
- The lower the gauge the thicker and stronger it is.
- 11 gauge steel is about ⅛” thick and very strong.
- 11 gauge steel or better is more than enough for 99.9% of gym users.
- 1000 lbs+ weight capacity
- Not all products share their “weight capacity”. Many companies overstate how much weight it can take so 1,000 lbs or more is a good sign.
- Typically 11 gauge steel can take up to 1,000 lbs of weight on it.
- If the rack weighs less than 100 lbs it’s a sign that weaker steel may be used.
- Can spotter arms/ bars/ straps be used?
- Safety/ spotter arms are one of our essential recommendations if you are working out alone.
- Some racks do not come with spotter arms or straps.
- Some folding racks do not recommend using spotter arms.
- Lifetime warranty
- A lifetime warranty is a good sign that the company takes their racks seriously. Good brands are starting to include this for all squat racks.
- Only lifetime warranties score a point in our tests.
Short power rack versatility (20%)
- Is it safe without anchoring?
- Some people do not want to have to anchor their rack to the floor or wall.
- If the rack has “flat feet” it’s normally safe to use without anchoring.
- If the rack uses good steel and weighs more than 150 lbs it’s a good sign the rack is safe without anchoring it.
- 1″ or “Westside” hole spacing
- Westside spacing uses 2” spaces between the holes on the rack and 1” spaces in the bench press area (the part that matters).
- If the rack has 1” spacing between holes it means you can be more precise with your safety arms.
- When you bench press you don’t want to have your spotter arms too high (or you’ll hit them on every rep). If it’s too low they will be pointless and it will still be painful when you can’t lift that last rep!
- Pull up bar included
- Having a pull up bar on your rack saves having to install one somewhere else.
- Does it have plate storage?
- If your rack doesn’t come with plate storage you may need to consider buying storage racks.
- Storing plates on your rack also helps to weigh the rack down which makes it less wobbly or likely to fall.
Power rack cost (25%)
- Good value
- A squat rack under $400 with at least 11 gauge steel scores a point.
- A half, power or folding rack under $600 using at least 11 gauge steel scores a point.
Find the perfect short power rack for you
Overall | Folding | Premium | Runner up | Budget | Squat stand
1. Best short power rack overall
A great price point, lifetime warranty, and 2 pull-up bars make this rack stand out.
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- Overall value for the price
- Lifetime warranty offers peace of mind
- 2 pull up bars provides variety for pull ups & other exercises i.e. hanging resistance bands or cable pulley systems
- Weight horns on the back provide extra stability & storage
Cons
- 14 gauge steel isn’t as strong as 11 or 12 gauge (but more than enough for most people)
- No 1″ spacing around the bench area- you may not be able to position the safety pins at the perfect height when you bench press
REP Fitness’s reputation had a big impact on the score here (pun fully intended).
There was very little between the Titan T2, but the PR-1050 is cheaper, has a longer warranty and has two pull up bars.
The REP PR-1050 gets my number one pick for a short power rack because of the price, the lifetime warranty and the two pull up bars.
The Titan T2 short power rack was a very close second and in some ways, it’s a better rack. The PR 1050 uses 14 gauge steel compared to Titan T-2’s 12 gauge steel.
Whilst 12 gauge steel is 2/64” thicker than 14 gauge steel here’s my honest opinion about it…
There’s really not a great deal of difference!
You can certainly tell the difference between an 11 gauge steel rack. But a 12 gauge steel vs 14 gauge steel rack has minimal impact. Manufacturers claim they can both hold over 700 lbs of weight. However, I wouldn’t want to be lifting more than 500lbs inside one of these racks if I was working out alone.
Therefore, as the REP PR-1050 short power rack is around $75 cheaper than the T-2 it gets my top spot. It also comes with a lifetime warranty unlike Titan’s power rack. The 1.25” and 2” diameter pull up bars provide a variation of grips to use for pull ups which is another added feature many short racks do not have.
I must also say… the REP Fitness customer service is superb and I’ve yet to hear anyone have a bad word to say about them.
2. Best short folding power rack
By far the best folding rack on the market due to the patented gas cylinders that make it folding away very easy.
*Note the rack on Amazon is the older version without 1″ hole spacing
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- Space saving- it has a 21” depth and only takes up 4” of wall space when folded away. This allows you to use the space for something else when not in use. In short – this one’s the best space saving power rack.
- 11 gauge steel- it’s very strong and you can’t buy many squat racks with thicker steel than this.
- Patented folding design- allows you to fold the rack away and out in seconds.
- Lifetime warranty- peace of mind for any faulty issues.
- Westside hole spacing- setting the spotter arms to the perfect height for a bench press is not as easy.
Cons
- Not a full power rack- some people prefer to work out in between the 4 steel uprights for safety when lifting alone.
- No pull-up bar- you can buy a “topper bar” if your ceiling is 90 inches high
The best all-round space-saving design on this list.
You may be on this page to buy a power rack but bolting this folding rack to the wall makes it incredibly safe and sturdy.
It scores low for versatility because it comes without a pull up bar and isn’t a full rack. But the new “topper” pull up bar makes it a great option if money is not a concern but you have a low ceiling. Here’s the biggest compliment I’d give it…
It’s the rack I’d go for on this list.
The PRx PRO is by far the best space saving squat rack and compact power rack design on this list.
You will need 78” height in the room for when the rack is folded away, but it’s only 4” deep from the wall. When it’s in use it’s only 73” tall with a 21” depth. The down side here is this doesn’t come with a pull up bar attached.
There are options you can purchase with a pull up bar. But these are 90” tall and need around 100” of height when folded away.
However, PRx has recently come out with the “Topper bar”- see below image…
This means you can add this above your rack if you have a 90″ ceiling… or buy it and add it on the wall somewhere else if you have a lower ceiling.
It’s the best folding rack on the market thanks to the patented technology that makes it so easy to fold away and fold out. It uses 4 100lb gas shocks, which makes it easy to fold down and up – just like the trunk of your car!
Most other folding racks on the market use this awkward pin and hinge system that makes it a right pain to fold away.
This means most people don’t do it and they may as well buy a normal squat rack!
You can check out our best folding squat rack options with a buying guide here, if you’d like to compare these.
It’s also the first rack on the list that uses 11 gauge steel. This is 1/8″ thick and it can cope with a lot of weight dropped on the spotter arms.
If you have a low ceiling then chances are you may be short on space in your garage or wherever you plan on building your home gym. This compact power rack folds to just 4” off the wall allowing you to park a car or use the space for something else when you’re not working out.
All in all, the PRx PRO is a serious contender for the best short squat rack.
3. Premium pick
The rack that does it all for a very decent price. It can grow with you if you want cables, more uprights, and more attachments in the future.
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- 3×3” 11 gauge steel- the thickest and strongest rack on this list.
- Westside hole spacing- ideal for placing your spotter arms to the perfect height when doing a bench press.
- Lifetime warranty- peace of mind and proof of great customer support.
- Variety of add ons and colors- personalize your home gym to your taste.
Cons
- Must be bolted down- some people prefer not to bolt their rack down/ can’t on certain floor types.
- 80” height- taller than some other options on this list.
If I had to design a rack this is what it would be. And you simply can’t beat the quality of this for the price point.
If you ever want a cable machine you can add it to the rack with the REP Ares and Athena add ons. Plus you can expand it with more uprights and more attachments if you ever want them in the future.
However, the lowest option is 80″ making it the tallest rack on this list.
The REP PR-4000 is the rack I would recommend for most people.
The great thing is that there is an 80” option. It’s taller than some of the other racks on this list so far, but it’s also far shorter than the standard 90”+ power racks on the market.
Scoring 9 out of 10, this rack simply ticks all the boxes (apart from the pricing)!
It has:
- 3×3” 11 gauge steel
- Westside hole spacing
- Lifetime warranty
- Pull up bar
- Plate storage options
- A range of safeties
There are a ton of customizations you can make to the rack and add ons you can buy over time. You can even decide what color you want the rack to be.
And best of all, the price is not ludicrous like some other power racks out there. It’s the most expensive option on this list but it’s the best value power rack you can buy for all of the qualities it has.
If you have a ceiling that is over 90” (7.5 feet) then this is a rack you need to put on your radar.
4. Runner up
A great price point, it’s slightly more expensive than the RPE PR-1050 which is why it’s our runner up.
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- Affordable price tag- pretty cheap compared to many other power racks.
- 71” height- ideal for low ceilings.
- Built-in weight horns & holes to bolt it down- it won’t wobble at all.
- Optional 10” extension kit with weight plate storage- extra sturdy.
Cons
- 1-year warranty- Titan doesn’t offer lifetime warranties, unlike many other reputable brands.
- No westside hole spacing- setting the spotter arms to the perfect height for a bench press is not as easy.
A great price point, it’s slightly more expensive than the RPE PR-1050 which is why it’s our runner up.
It can (and has) been argued that the Titan T-2 is the best short power rack available.
It’s rare to find a power rack under 80” in height and many big companies (like Rogue) simply do not make them.
However, Titan has made a great rack if you have particularly low ceilings. It uses 14 gauge steel, which is the same as the PR-1050.
Even though it’s more expensive than the PR-1050 it’s still a very affordable power rack.
If you want to make this even more sturdy you can purchase the additional 10” extension kit too. This will give the rack 6 uprights instead of the standard 4.
Similarly to REP’s model, the built in weight horns also help to anchor the rack down to make sure it’s secure and won’t wobble when using it. The Titan option also comes with holes to bolt the rack down unlike the PR-1050.
There really isn’t much in it between this rack and my top pick.
5. Best budget short power rack
A great price point and it does the job. The 4″ hole spacing and narrow width can be annoying for some people though.
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- Convenient to purchase- available on Amazon, which suits a lot of people.
- Cheapest option- you won’t find a cheaper short rack than this.
- Strong enough for the average person- if you don’t intend on lifting over 300lbs then this rack does the job.
Cons
- 4” hole spacing- not ideal for setting spotter arms to the best height for a bench press.
- Poor quality J-hooks- these can scratch your Olympic barbell.
- 12-14 gauge steel- thinner than 11 gauge steel so it’s not as strong as other options on this list.
- 43″ wide is much narrower than most racks which can feel awkward for things like a bench press and squats pinching your hands when re-racking the bar.
A great price point and it does the job. The 4″ hole spacing and narrow width can be annoying for some people though.
You should check out the CAP Barbell power rack if you’re looking for the cheapest short power rack option.
This 6ft squat rack uses 12 and 14 gauge steel and claims to be able to hold over 500lbs of weight.
As I already mentioned I really wouldn’t want to be lifting anywhere near 500lbs on a rack with steel thinner than 11 gauge.
Especially if I was alone! But 400lbs would probably be my limit here.
The rack comes with metal catches for the barbell instead of J hooks. This can actually damage your barbell as it’s metal on metal and some people have complained that paint has come off the safety arms onto their barbell.
If you go this route it’s probably wise to buy some relatively cheap J-hooks like these, which have a plastic pad to avoid scratching your bar. It may seem like an additional cost now.
But it could save you a few hundred dollars needing to replace your barbell that has lost some grip from the knurling wearing away on cheap J-hooks (if you want to learn more about j-hooks – check out our best j-hooks for squat rack guide).
You also need to be aware this rack has 4” hole spacing. Getting your spotter pins to a decent height to catch the weight when you bench press is very hard with this large spacing.
Some people are creative and put plates under their weight bench to change the height.
But this is not ideal as it makes the bench higher. You miss out on using your legs to start the drive of the bench press when a weight bench is too high. Check out our full weight bench buying guide and recommendations here to learn more about this.
This is still an option if you’re on a really tight budget and you know you won’t be lifting any serious weight from home.
If you want to learn more about budget rack options, be sure to check out our best budget power rack guide.
6. Best short squat rack
Super high quality with 1″ hole spacing around the bench area.
Quality
Versatility
Compactness
Price
Pros
- 3×3” 11 gauge steel- the thickest and strongest type of squat rack you can buy for an affordable price.
- 72” height- this Rogue short rack model is ideal for low ceiling rooms.
- Westside hole spacing- set the spotter arms to the perfect height when bench pressing.
- Made in the USA- high quality steel and stay patriotic.
Cons
- Not a power rack- you won’t be able to squat between the 4 uprights for additional safety.
- No pull-up bar- you’d need to buy a pull-up bar separately.
Super high quality with 1″ hole spacing around the bench area.
The downside is that it isn’t a full rack.
The Rogue SML-1 is my low profile squat rack alternative pick.
I know this is a list of the best short “power racks”. But this is a squat stand option you shouldn’t overlook.
Similarly to the PR-4000, this Rogue shorty rack ticks all of the main boxes.
Sure it doesn’t have a pull up bar or plate storage but it does come at a very decent price point. It’s only a bit more expensive than the Titan T-2. But once you add spotter arms (which is a must in my opinion) it does come in a couple of hundred dollars over it.
However, at only 70” tall, this Rogue short power rack could easily fit in any low ceiling room you have. Simply buy a well priced pull up bar like this and you basically have the same thing that a power rack does.
This Rogue power cage is a beast of a squat stand. If you’d like the quality of the PR-4000 for a bit cheaper, then this may be ideal for you.
How to choose a short power rack
These are the 4 main areas you’ll need to consider before purchasing any power rack…
- How much space you have
- Safety & quality of the rack
- Practicality & type- what do you need it to do?
- Budget
I expanded these areas into 10 criteria that I assessed each power rack against. You can find out more about this process here.
How tall should your power rack be?
Most power racks are 90” or taller.
This is mainly because it allows people over 6 foot tall to walk into them without bumping their head on the pull up bar. It also means when they perform pull ups they can let their legs hang without touching the floor on each rep.
However if you have an unusually low ceiling, these tall power racks won’t be an option for you.
Here are some things you need to do to work out how tall your power rack can be…
First step is to choose your space for your home gym and work out how tall your ceiling is.
Most ceilings are now 9 foot high and many new buildings have taller 10 or 12 feet ceilings. However, there was a time when 8 foot ceilings were the norm.
If you are living in an apartment with 8 foot high ceilings or you have a low ceiling garage, then you simply cannot buy a 90” power rack. Sure it may just about fit in, but there are other factors to think about…
If you are making a serious home gym, your flooring is a factor you must consider. Buying good rubber mats like these can save you from needing to replace damaged equipment, or even your floor (and yes, even concrete floors can crack under dropped weights)!
It’s a good idea to buy your rubber flooring and fit a platform if you are planning on doing so before purchasing your rack.
That way you can measure how thick this is and account for this reduced space. It may not seem like much, but you would be surprised at the difference this can make!
The importance of flooring is not to be underestimated. If you want to learn more about flooring options – be sure to check out our in-depth best home gym flooring buying guide.
Another thing you must do is allow about 1 foot for your head to go above the pull up bar. This is the main reason that if you have an 8 foot ceiling you won’t be able to use a 7.5 foot power rack easily.
If you’re doing full range of motion pull ups, most people will need those 12 inches above the bar.
Calculate your maximum rack height
Use this simple formula to work out what the height of your power rack can be…
Total vertical height – gym floor – 1 foot for pull ups – 2” contingency = max height of power rack
For example:
96” – 1” – 12” – 2”= 81”
If you have an 8 foot ceiling that means you will probably need to buy a power rack under 81”. Luckily for you that includes a contingency for any miss calculations and every single rack on this list has you covered!
If your ceiling is lower, then you need to adjust accordingly.
Short power racks FAQs
Is a short power rack safe for squats?
A short power rack for squats is safe if stable, with proper spotter arms, suitable barbell height, weight capacity, good technique, and a level floor.
Also, picking a good model, such as our top pick – the REP PR-1050, enhances the safety aspect.
Whatever short power rack you go for, consider a spotter for heavy lifts and regularly inspect your rack, safety bars, and all components for signs of wear and tear.
What is the best short power rack?
The best short power rack for most people is the REP PR-1050 due to its quality and value.
It’s 72″ (6 foot) tall, 4 feet wide and deep, and uses 2×2″ 14 gauge steel.
This is more than strong enough for most people using a smaller space such as a spare room or low ceiling garage as it can still rack 700 lbs.
How high should a ceiling be for a power rack?
A ceiling should be at least 15” higher than a power rack.
If you are buying a power rack like the REP PR-4000 that is 6.7 feet (80”) tall then it would be wise to have a ceiling that is 8 feet (95”) high.
This allows for space for your head when performing pull-ups and any additional gym flooring you may use underneath the rack.
What are the flooring considerations for a power rack?
The flooring considerations for a power rack involve choosing a dense, durable material like rubber or foam to provide adequate support and protection for both the equipment and the floor.
It’s essential to select a flooring option that can withstand heavy weights being dropped, minimizing impact and preventing damage to the underlying surface.
Additionally, the flooring should offer sufficient grip to ensure stability during powerlifting movements.
Do you have to bolt down a power rack?
You absolutely have to bolt down your power rack before using it.
Failing to secure it in place may result in it moving, tipping, and/or causing injuries.
If it’s impossible to bolt the power rack to the ground – make sure to add heavy weights to keep the power rack firmly secured on the ground before doing any exercises with it.
Short power racks: The bottom line
The first thing to do is to work out how high a power rack can be for the room you are planning to put it in. Use the formula above to work this out.
Most people with low ceilings will find the PR-1050 ideal for them. This rack will be more than enough for you unless you plan on lifting more than 500lbs regularly by yourself. It is the cheapest option for a decent-quality short power rack.
Be sure to then check out our full best squat rack buying guide here. It will show you the best options of racks that currently exist and give you much more detail about how to choose a squat rack that suits you.
If you are looking to add a short barbell to your home gym, we have prepared an extensive article on the topic that you can find here.
Compare all the racks in this article again in this table.
