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You can do so much with a simple weight bench, which is why it’s is one of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment you can have. The range of exercises that use a bench is wide—as many as 57, actually—and you can hit just about every muscle on your body with a bench as your base. Of course, you can use the tools for way more than just the classics that bear its name, like the bench press. And you should.
Read More: Best Home Gym Equipment
According to Men’s Health Fitness Director and certified trainer, Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., “A weight bench allows you to do everything, like chest presses, dumbbell bench presses, incline bench supersets, skullcrushers, glute bridges, incline rows to hit your back, ab moves, quad and leg moves like split squats, and more biceps moves than you can imagine.”
Best Overall Flat Weight Bench
FB-3000 Flat Bench
Rep Fitness
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Best Adjustable Weight Bench Overall
Adjustable Weight Bench (AB-3100 V3)
Rep Fitness
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Most Comfortable Weight Bench
Workout Bench
NordicTrack
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Best Budget Flat Weight Bench
Flat Weight Workout Exercise Bench
Amazon Basics
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Most Space-Saving Weight Bench
Fitness Deck V2.0 Workout Platform/Adjustable Bench
Escape Fitness
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Best Value Adjustable Weight Bench
Deluxe 6 Position Utility Weight Bench
Steelbody
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Best Collapsible Weight Bench
5.1S Stowable Bench
Bowflex
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Most Versatile Adjustable Weight Bench
Adjustable Weight Bench
YouTen
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Best Budget Adjustable Weight Bench
Multi-Position Workout Utility Bench
Marcy
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Best Adjustable Olympic Workout Bench Kit
Adjustable Olympic Workout Bench
Sporzon!
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Beyond the basic workouts, there are so many benefits of adding a weight bench to your home gym. Most importantly, it will help you crush your lifts. Plus, benches don’t take up as much space as other equipment, like a big, heavy power rack. Since many are adjustable, you can easily change the focus and switch up the angle on your presses.
Whether you prefer to do your weight work with dumbbells or barbells, both are compatible. (Speaking of dumbbells, if you’re in the market for a new set, here are our picks for 11 sets of stellar adjustable dumbbells and the 12 best barbells out there.) Plus, many weight bench models include attachments and hidden features that allow for tons of different workouts, like a leg developer or squat rack.
Read More: Best Power Racks
Have we convinced you just how versatile the weight bench really is? If so, we’ve rounded up some of the best weight benches to help take your training and your home gym to the next level. You can’t go wrong with any of these 14 benches.
Best Overall Flat Weight Bench
Rep Fitness
FB-3000 Flat Bench
Style
Flat
Max capacity
1,000 pounds
Weight
45 pounds
Best Adjustable Weight Bench Overall
Rep Fitness
Adjustable Weight Bench (AB-3100 V3)
Style
Adjustable
Max capacity
700 pounds
Weight
77 pounds
Most Comfortable Weight Bench
NordicTrack
Workout Bench
Style
Adjustable
Max capacity
300 pounds
Weight
62 pounds
Best Budget Flat Weight Bench
Amazon Basics
Flat Weight Workout Exercise Bench
Style
Flat
Max capacity
385 pounds
Weight
26.45 pounds
Most Space-Saving Weight Bench
Escape Fitness
Fitness Deck V2.0 Workout Platform/Adjustable Bench
Style
Adjustable
Max capacity
375 pounds
Weight
30 pounds
Best Value Adjustable Weight Bench
Deluxe 6 Position Utility Weight Bench
Style
Adjustable
Max capacity
300 pounds
Weight
53 pounds
Best Collapsible Weight Bench
Bowflex
5.1S Stowable Bench
Style
Adjustable
Max capacity
600 pounds
Most Versatile Adjustable Weight Bench
YouTen
Adjustable Weight Bench
Style
Adjustable
Max capacity
1,000 pounds
Weight
38.6 pounds
Best Budget Adjustable Weight Bench
Marcy
Multi-Position Workout Utility Bench
Style
Adjustable
Max capacity
300 pounds
Weight
30 pounds
Best Adjustable Olympic Workout Bench Kit
Sporzon!
Adjustable Olympic Workout Bench
Style
Adjustable
Max capacity
800 pounds
Weight
90 pounds (bench and rack)
Best Standard Weight Bench
Weider
Platinum Standard Weight Bench
Style
Standard
Max capacity
410 pounds
Weight
50 pounds
Best Heavy-Duty Weight Bench
XMark Fitness
Heavy-Duty Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Bench
Style
Adjustable
Max capacity
1,500 pounds
Weight
77 pounds
Best Multi-Purpose Weight Bench
Power Systems
Fitness Deck
Best Amazon Basics-Alternative Weight Bench
Everyday Essentials
Steel Frame Flat Weight Training Exercise Bench
Style
Flat
Max capacity
600 pounds
How to Shop the Best Weight Bench (for You)
Weight benches are deceptively simple. Flat models are the simplest designs of all—they’re literally just extremely strong metal benches. Adjustable models add a bit more versatility with adjustable backs and seats that allow for dozens, even hundreds, of weighted exercise options. But, which weight bench is best? As with all things, there’s no “best” weight bench—it’s rather about the model that’s right for you. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a weight bench to add to your home gym:
Maximum weight capacity: First and foremost, you’ll need a weight bench that’s strong enough to accommodate your workout regimen. Typically, the heavier a bench’s construction, the more weight it’s capable of supporting. Most benches with a steel (or alloy steel) construction above 50 pounds are more than adequate for average at-home lifting. Even dirt-cheap models like the $40 Everyday Essentials Steel Frame Flat Weight Training Exercise Bench mentioned above can hold up to 600 pounds, which is well above what the average user can or will lift. But, if you’re looking to go heavy (literally), consider a bench that supports 1,000 pounds or more. It doesn’t hurt to buy a bench that’s overbuilt for your needs, especially if you can afford it.Adjustability: In general, the three types of weight benches are flat, adjustable incline, and adjustable incline/decline. The first two are pretty self-explanatory and the latter, of course, adds versatility for negative-angle exercises. This is a matter of personal preference. If you plan to stick to simpler lifting like traditional bench presses, a flat bench may be all you need. If, however, you’re into more complex movements, consider an adjustable model that will accommodate your preferred workouts.Storage: Like all home gym equipment, weight benches can take up a lot of room. If you’re tight on space or just appreciate being able to move your equipment out of the way, consider a collapsible weight bench or, at the very least, one with wheels. This will make it easier to stow and setup before and after your workouts.
For the past two years, we consulted with Men’s Health’s Fitness editors and writers on the top weight benches. Experts including our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. and fitness editor Brett Williams, NASM, put countless weight benches through the wringer to evaluate their weight capacity, comfort, and durability. We also considered top-reviewed weight benches that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S.
Ebenzer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men’s Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience.
Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008.
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