Introduction
You may feel a bit lost if you are in the market for a bench for your home gym. There are many options, and many look remarkably similar if this is your first time buying a bench.
From flat to adjustable, budget to top-of-the-line, there are many bench options, and their prices can vary.
The article’s primary goal is to simplify the world of benches for you and ensure you don’t make inevitable mistakes.
The benches we recommend in this article are the best-value benches available, will last 10+ years if taken care of properly, and will be a safe option if used responsibly in your home gym.
The rest of this article breaks down the best benches for a home gym and covers the following:
- Adjustable Bench is the Choice for Most: An adjustable bench is likely the best option for you and is worth the additional price of a flat bench.
- Adjustable Bench Styles & Features: There are several features and two main styles for an adjustable bench.
- Adjustable Bench Options: Here is a list of the top benches within each price range. You’ll find additional information within each section.
| Pricepoint | Choice #1 | Choice #2 |
| Under $300 | AB-3100 (lowest priced option we’d recommend) | CF Heavy Duty Adjustable Bench 2.0 (best “no frills” bench |
| Between $300 and $400 | REP AB 3000 (best bench for most people) | REP AB-4100 (best in small spaces) |
| $400-$500 | REP AB-5200 (best value adjustable bench with wide pad) | Ironmaster Benches (most versatile) |
| Above $500 | The FIDAB-2 | Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 (best value USA Made |
| Other Top Tier | AB-5000 Zero Gap Adjustable Bench | Irwin Fitness AB-1.0 |
| USA-Made Top Tier | Bridge Built Phoenix Adjustable Bench | Straydog Strength Alpha Bench |
- Flat Bench Options: While an adjustable bench is the best option for most, there are still reasons a flat bench may be something you want to add.
- Mistakes to Avoid: We highlight three main mistakes people make when buying a bench for their gym.
Adjustable Bench for Most (as opposed to flat)
First, you must decide whether to go with a flat bench or an adjustable option. Hopefully, we can make that decision easy for you.
When we say adjustable, we’re talking about taking a flat bench and being able to adjust it into different incline settings up to 90 degrees for military presses. A few even allow you to adjust into a decline bench with the addition of leg rollers (FID benches).
Flat benches are a one-trick pony. They are made of one pad on a sturdy frame and used as is. While they can sometimes be slightly less expensive, you lack a lot of the versatility that a fully adjustable bench would bring you.
For its versatility, the fully adjustable bench is worth the additional cost. If you are picky with your bench, there are even adjustable benches with ‘zero gap’ and competition pads.
Flat benches would be recommended for the competitive powerlifter who wants a competitive feel to their equipment or as an addition to an adjustable bench for that gym that has the space and budget for luxury options.
Most should go with an adjustable bench first.
Adjustable Bench Styles & Features
Not all adjustable benches are the same. Companies are starting to offer different features for their benches to set themselves apart from the competition. There are also two main build types for adjustable benches.
Ladder Style or Pin Adjustment?
There are two main build types for adjustable benches: ladder style or pin adjustment. Both styles refer to the back pad adjustment, but the seat can also use both options.
Ladder-style adjustable benches use a stabilizing arm that fits into different slots on the base of the bench at different positions, like a ladder.
Pin-style adjustable benches use a pop-pin and a circular selector ring with different bench adjustments.
Pin-style adjustable benches are usually used on higher-end benches, while ladder benches are the more common. The ladder is much more convenient and easier to operate. Pin-style benches aren’t too difficult to use either, but they better secure the bench.
I believe most home gym owners would prefer the easier-to-operate ladder system.
Common Bench Features
The most common features companies offer with their flat and adjustable benches are different finish options, wheels, and handles to make them easier to move around and fit your space. Most, if not all, companies offer these options with their benches, but there are other, more unique features with benches.
Larger Pads
As fatter pads have become more popular, different pad options are available for many flat and adjustable benches. While the official ‘Fat Pad’ is available with Rogue, other companies have pads with similar specs.
Wider, thicker, and more premium padding options are available for flat and adjustable bench options. REP does an excellent job of offering these add-ons.
Decline Option
Benches like the REP AB 3000 or FIDAB-2 have a decline option with leg rollers under the seat pad to keep you on the bench. Companies like REP, Rogue, Titan, Get RXd, and others have a unique decline option for some of their bench options, with the legs rollers above the headrest to do decline movements like situps and decline bench.
Vertical Storage
Storage is a nice feature for an adjustable bench, and a handful of bench options allow you to store the bench vertically. Some flat benches can also be stored vertically, hung on the wall, or even broken down to lay completely flat.
Limited to No Gap
The gap between the seat pad and the back pad on adjustable benches is an issue for many users. Some companies have worked to minimize their gap with how the bench is built, while other companies like REP has a ‘Zero-gap’ bench that adds adjustment on the seat pad to eliminate the gap.
These are the more popular features offered with benches, but some companies have some very unique benches with features that are not as common.
Adjustable Bench Options
We asked the community which company you would or have bought a bench from. REP was the easy winner. REP is the most popular company for adding a bench to your home gym, which is why we recommend many options from REP when buying a bench. They provide solid options at every price point and have earned the trust of the home gym community. Get RXd has started offering some nice bench options at reasonable prices, which we’ll get to.
As we go through the rest of this, keep in mind that when you want to add a budget bench to your home gym, made-in-America will likely not be something you consider. The price differences are pretty substantial. If that is important, you need to expand your budget.
In addition, we’ve polled thousands of home gym owners and know that they don’t necessarily want to pay above $500. Below $399 seems like the sweet spot.
Nevertheless, below are recommendations in budget ranges that you should consider when adding an adjustable bench to your space.
Under $300
There aren’t many benches we’d recommend under $300, but a few basic ones will get the job done. Just keep in mind for a bit more; other options provide more features and versatility.
Choice #1: AB-3100
That said, the REP AB 3100 is one that we recommend in this price range. This one comes from REP’s line of benches and is as essential as possible. It uses a ladder-style mechanism for seat and back adjustments.
With a capacity of 700 lbs, this bench would get the job done in most home gyms and is priced well at $269.
Choice #2: CF Heavy Duty Adjustable Bench 2.0
A lesser-known name in the home gym industry, Crandall Fitness has its ladder-style bench, the CF Heavy Duty Adjustable Bench 2.0. It’s a bit more stout than the option mentioned above and includes all the essential features you need in an adjustable bench. Plus, the 2.0 bench now includes vertical storage.
Crandall is growing a solid reputation within the home gym community, and those who have it are typically very happy with their choice. It comes in 5 different color options and can store vertically, which is a rarity at this price point.
$300-$400
Choice #1: REP AB 3000
The top budget option for an adjustable bench, and maybe the best bench for most people, will be the REP AB 3000. With the newly released version 2, this bench is a ladder-style bench that allows you to adjust from 90 degrees down to a decline with leg rollers included.
The price tag for this recently updated bench is $320 and it comes in different color options.
Choice #2: REP AB-4100
Again, REP is going to be the most popular bench option in the home gym community, and the REP AB 4100 is one of the most popular benches with a mid-grade price tag. It is new to the 2022 year, uses similar features to the REP AB 5200, and could be considered its little brother.
With a price tag of $400, this option is a closed ladder-style bench with seven different color options, has a 700 lb rating, and can store vertically. It’s also incredibly easy to wield around and is the easiest to use of all the benches mentioned in this article.
This is a close challenger to the AB-3000 as “The Best Bench for Most People.”
Potential Challenger:
We don’t have much information on the FIDAB-100 Flat/Incline Bench from Get RXd yet, but with vertical storage and several other bench accessory options, this could be a challenger in this space.
$400-$500
Choice #1: REP AB-5200
REP’s AB 5200 is well received by home gym users, and it fills a ton of home gyms with happy lifters who crown it as their favorite bench.
You met the little brother with the AB-4100. This is the big brother. With a price tag of $499 with free shipping, this heavy-duty bench is just a few bucks more than some mid-grade options. Again, it is heavy (125 lbs), has a wide pad option, and can be stored vertically, making it a favorite in the community.
*While we have no experience with the Ironmaster Benches, many in the community greatly respect their versatility and would choose them over all others. They include several attachments and are likely the most versatile on the market.
$500 and Above
In this price range, you are looking at top-of-the-line benches. They either come with premium build quality and options or are American-made and very high quality.
Choice #1: The FIDAB-2 from Get RXd
The Get RXd FIDAB-2 flirts with being a more upper-end bench with a price tag of $489, but the cost of shipping puts it above $500. This bench also offers two bench attachments. One is the leg rollers to allow you to use the adjustable settings for decline movements. The other bench attachment is a dumbbell holder.
In General, Th FIDAB-2 is a well-built, versatile, stable, and high-value FID Bench. It includes many features that make this arguably one of the most versatile benches on the market. With the ability to be stored vertically, decline capabilities, seal row ability, firm but grippy pad, and overall stoutness, the FIDAB-2 is an option for many to consider.
Choice #2: Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 (USA Made)
Rogue is making some of the best equipment across the board, but with that quality and being American-made, you need to pay for it. While it may be tough to stomach the price tag, if you can swing it, you will have some of the best equipment on the market.
The Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is their ladder-style option. Everything about it is premium, from its 3×3″ 11 gauge steel down to its textured foam pad with the pressed-in Rogue branding. You can even take this bench to the next level by getting it in stainless steel, an option that not many (if any) companies offer when it comes to benches. The price tag for the standard version is $605, which doesn’t include shipping.
Other top-tier options:
AB-5000 Zero Gap Adjustable Bench: FID Bench, patented zero gap feature, and robust enough to handle any home gym abuse
Straydog Strength Alpha Bench: American-made, customizable, versatile, and heavy-duty.
Irwin Fitness AB-1.0: A premium Canadian Option, costly US shipping.
Bridge Built Phoenix Adjustable Bench: American-made, heavy-duty, can be broken down and stored (highlighted below).
Flat Bench Options
If you are going to add one bench to your space, we recommend adding an adjustable bench. Flat benches are for ultra-budget builds, powerlifters who want to train on specific types of equipment, and gyms that have the luxury of adding additional benches to their space.
If any of these apply to you, here are a few flat bench options.
When it comes to flat benches, you want to consider something with a tripod design that would eliminate any obstruction where you plant your feet.
In addition, since you’ll likely be lifting hundreds of pounds over your head, you don’t want to skimp on quality (similar to buying an adjustable bench).
The REP FB 5000 is their competition-style flat bench. Using the tripod design, it comes with a standard or wide pad option with a handle in the front and wheels in the back to make it easy to move around your gym. For $270, this would be an ideal flat bench for your space.
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is Rogue’s version of the flat bench. With 3×3″ 11 gauge steel, this sturdy flat bench allows you to store it vertically. Also, using the tripod design, it has a sleek handle in the front and wheels in the back. They give you four different pad options, including the trademarked ‘Donny Thompson Fat Pad.’ The price tag on this bench is a reasonable $345, but that is without shipping.
If storing and space are essential to you, then an option that can be broken down and hung flat on the wall is the Bridge Built Phoenix Flat Bench. This bench uses a ‘tripod-like’ design with slimmer front feet that won’t get in your way. When broken down, it will lay 6″ above the ground.
Mistakes to Avoid
When buying a bench, other people have made a handful of mistakes, and we suggest you try to avoid them.
Buying Flat Instead of Adjustable
Many people know they need to add a bench, and when they see the price difference between an excellent adjustable bench and a good flat bench, they choose the flat bench route, thinking they will be okay. Some buyer’s remorse typically follows this as they quickly wish they had the versatility of an adjustable bench.
We understand because the price difference is pretty substantial. However, When adding a bench, we want to reiterate that we recommend buying an adjustable bench to give your space the added versatility of this style of bench.
In addition, we have some data on the subject. Just 30% believe that an adjustable bench covers their home gym needs, while 82% think an adjustable bench does.
Buying Cheap
Starting a home gym is an investment. Equipment is expensive, and prices are only going up. Wanting to fill your space and balancing your budget is tricky. What you don’t want to do is buy inexpensive, cheap equipment. While you may find some good budget options here and there, you will be happier buying quality pieces in the long run. Having a quality bench is essential. Regarding your safety and having something that will last the life of your home gym, a good bench is a staple item.
For those of us on a tight budget, there are also quality benches with more petite price tags. Just make sure they fit your needs.
Considering Storage
If you are tight on space or want as much open space as possible, finding equipment that can be stored out of the way is essential. This is especially true with benches, as they take up a good amount of space, and wheeling them out of the way can be a pain. If you value the maximum amount of space you can achieve, searching for a bench with vertical storage like that will be very important.
Buying something clunky and constantly in the way can make you not enjoy it. There are plenty of benches with vertical storage (like REP AB-4100 or REP AB-5200), so if that’s going to be important to your space, search out these options.
Conclusion
There are plenty of other options on the market, some of which may be less expensive, and you might be able to lift with them for the life of your home gym. If that’s the case, then that’s a win. When it comes down to it, the benches listed here are benches that if you asked someone in the community what bench you should go with, they are most likely going to recommend one of the above.
These benches are recommended because they are trusted and come with little to no complaints. It is quite the opposite. These benches are some of the most praised on the market and can be trusted.
When choosing a bench, there are plenty of recommended budget options. If you decide to save more and spend less, make sure you find a safe option that will last, and you feel comfortable lifting on.
If you find another great option on the market, share it with the community and us!
More Home Gym Tips
If you want more tips in building out your home gym guide, where adding a bench is the sixth step.
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