One of the most fundamental parts of your home gym, especially if you’re into weight training, is a weight bench. It might be really hard to decide which weight bench is great for you, though.
There are a lot of weight benches with ranging prices, and although we tend to think that higher-priced weight benches are of greater quality, sometimes cheaper benches can also do the trick.
When I was starting to build my own home gym, I found that although I knew that weight benches are an important part of your gym equipment arsenal, it also feels like something I didn’t actually need! I tried to make do with different furniture, which was great for me as a beginner weightlifter.
I finally purchased a weight bench, though, I realized how much I was missing on! Doing dumbbell presses on the floor wasn’t exactly ideal, and a weight bench really elevated my workouts. Though if you’re already going to the gym – you probably already know this. Here’s a list of some of the best rated weight benche available out there today.
Best Weight Benches For Home Gyms Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench | Fitness Reality | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series | Bowflex | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Flybird Adjustable Bench | Flybird | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Steelbody Deluxe 6 Position Utility Weight Bench | Steelbody | Check Price on Amazon |
 | PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench | PASYOU | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench
It can adjust to whatever kind of difficulty you want for yourself by adjusting the backrest positions, providing you with 12 total positions by using the front leg adjustments too.
Its back position spans from an incline to a decline, making it perfect for any weight exercise of your choosing.
Although it’s not necessarily foldable like other weight benches in this list, I like how it includes transportation wheels that you can use if necessary.
One of the things that make this bench most accessible to most people of any size is how it can accommodate 800 pounds of weight!
I honestly doubt that you would ever reach that maximum capacity even with added free weights, but at least you are certain that your weight bench is capable and durable. Durable it is with the steel frame construction that it has.
If you want their added features, you can download their app, My Cloud Fitness, which includes trainer-led videos and world tour rides, among others. This does charge you extra, though (with 30 days free trial).
Users praise the comfort that this weight bench brings. Others, however, still claim that this is for lightweight use only. The width of the seat is also a problem for some, so if you have a smaller build, maybe consider another bench.
PROS
- Maximum capacity of 600 pounds
- Wide range of adjustment
- Transportation wheels
CONS
- Might be too wide for smaller frames, making for an awkward bench position
#2 - Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series
Its most basic model in the bench series can accommodate up to 480 pounds user weight, although that goes up to 650 pounds if you choose the higher model. It has 4-6 positions (again, depending on the model you get) and adjustable seat pants, which is great for accommodating any position you prefer.
What do you know? It also includes a leg hold-down brace, which is basically a tool for leg extensions or curls for additional lower body exercises. This is surprising to me because I find that you only find that on benches for all in one home gyms.
All models also include transportation wheels so you can easily move them around if you need to store them away. Only the Bowflex 5.1S (highest model) can be stowed away though with a click of a button.
The weight bench is obviously very durable at first glance. The quality is guaranteed by the years behind Bowflex and their experience in the sports industry.
PROS
- Maximum capacity of 650 pounds for the 5.1S model
- Heavyweight and durable
- Transportation wheels
CONS
- Pricey
#3 - Flybird Adjustable Bench
In particular, its seat can adjust by 4 increments, elevating your seat, while the back can adjust by 6 increments. This makes it possible to get your seat all the way up, which can help you keep your form with moves such as the seated military press.
Some heavy weightlifters might call this a lightweight bench from the way it feels, although the manufacturer claims that this bench can hold 500 pounds of weight. Still, if you’re not planning to be a powerlifter, this bench may suffice!
If you’re using this in a small space, no worries. It’s easily foldable so you can lean it against the wall when not in use. It’s also made of soft synthetic leather with some foam padding, which is the common material for most benches.
The only reason I did not put this as my top choice is that some users have experienced some flimsiness with this bench, which is not a great trait to have in something that is supposed to hold you up. Still, though, to the manufacturer’s credit, users have also reported great customer service and unit replacements.
Others have also complained that this bench is too short for taller people.
PROS
- Fully adjustable seat and back positions
- Can hold 500 pounds of weight
- Foldable
CONS
- Might be too short for taller people
- Users have reported flimsy benches having to be replaced
#4 - Steelbody Deluxe 6 Position Utility Weight Bench
I find that gym equipment meant to stay in one position tends to be more heavyweight, and the Steelbody Deluxe 6 weight bench proves this to be true. Its construction is high quality even at first glance! The thick heavy duty steel bars make it look really sturdy.
Its padding is also thick, so you’re comfortable as you do your workouts with its faux canvas vinyl. I would definitely recommend this for heavy weight lifting, especially under a bar for your bench presses and such.
You can also adjust the backrest position by 6 increments, while the seat position can be moved 5 positions. The thing I don’t like about this, though, is how it doesn’t have foot rests or cushions for when you want to develop your legs.
It also has a maximum capacity of 300 pounds. Some users have found the gap between the seat and the backrest quite awkward, but I think adjustments can be made!
PROS
- Heavy duty construction
- Thick padding for more comfort
- Relatively cheaper than other weight benches
CONS
- Awkward gap between backrest and seat
#5 - PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench
It has 7 backrest positions so you can adjust to whatever kind of exercise you want to do. It also makes use of a triangular structure to maximize its heavy duty construction.
The weight bench has a maximum capacity of 500 pounds, which makes it quite a stable bench for even your heavier lifts. I also like its padding in particular. It’s not the softest padding you’ve ever felt on a weight bench, but I like how firm it is. It makes for a more stable bench in my opinion.
You might also like the leg foam in case you need extra stability in your workouts. Some users, however, warn that they’ve been seeing some wobbly parts after a few months.
PROS
- Easily adjustable backrest positions
- Sturdy construction
- Leg foam
CONS
- Some users have reported wobbly parts after months of use
My Number One Pick
- 800 Pounds Weight Capacity
- Great for your home gym, or even for yoga
- Easy to store away when not using
What To Look Out For When Buying A Weight Bench For Your Home Gym
Buying weight benches are usually easy enough, but you’re still going to have to research a lot. You’re still going to have to shell out a good amount of money, so make sure whatever you buy is perfect for your needs!
Keep in mind your personal preferences and lifestyle as you choose whatever weight bench is for you. Ask yourself some of the following questions: how much space do I have for my weight bench? How often will I be using my weight bench? How heavy do I usually lift?
Durability
Not all weight benches are made equally, and some wobbly parts won’t do especially if you’re lifting really heavy weights. Stability and durability is very important in something that is meant to be supporting your bodyweight!
You also obviously want your weight bench to last a long time, so it’s worth investing in one that has good construction and heavy duty materials. Bowflex doesn’t disappoint with its SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series, a durable weight bench that can last you a long time!
Adjustability
Weight benches usually come with the ability to adjust them to any level you want. You need this for certain exercises because these positions can support your form.
It can also become necessary for when you want to make certain exercises more difficult. For example, sometimes I like using a decline when doing sit ups to make it more challenging.
The Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench has a great span of adjustments, with 12 total positions you can create for any exercise you want. I really enjoyed how flexible this weight bench could be.
Although all of the weight benches on my list are adjustable, some weightlifters prefer straight benches for a stable powerlift. There really is no particular advantage of having a straight bench, except maybe these kinds of benches tend to be more stable.
Usage and Capacity
Something you have to consider when buying a weight bench is how you use it. In particular, you would probably want to think about how heavy your weights usually tend to be.
Some weight benches are more heavy duty than others, although almost all benches on this list can take on great weights. For example, the Steelbody Deluxe 6 Position Utility Weight Bench has heavy duty construction and steel that makes for a weight bench that is capable of carrying up to 300 pounds.
For heavy usage and capacity, it’s safer to go with weight benches that aren’t meant to be moved around too much (like the Steelbody).
If you’re not a powerlifter and you aren’t too keen on getting to those bigger weights yet, then any basic level weight bench will do for you. Usually, these lighter weight benches will be more foldable and easily stored.
Although the manufacturer claims that this can carry 500 pounds of weight, users call the Flybird Adjustable Bench a lightweight bench.
Comfort
Comfort is definitely something to think about when buying weight benches. You don’t want to make workouts unnecessarily harder for you. Uncomfortable padding can lead to having the wrong form.
I like the padding on the PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench. Although it’s not the softest padding you’ll find, it’s firmness makes for a stable bench, which is important with weight lifting. It also feels great on the back!
Another reason to consider adjustable weight benches is if you are doing incline presses, alongside your typical bench pressing.
Storage and Transportation
If you live in a smaller space but want to turn your room into your own gym when you decide to, then storage and transportation is definitely something important.
Usually, weight benches tend to be foldable or stowable for storage. The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench 5.1S, for example, can be stowed away with the press of a button. The Flybird Adjustable Bench can also be easily folded to be stored.
Transportation wheels are also included in some weight benches so you can easily move it wherever you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Benches For Home Gyms
Q: What kind of weight bench would be good for beginners?
A: Lightweight adjustable benches such as the Flybird Adjustable Bench may be great for beginners if you want to adjust your bench to make your workouts slightly easier. However, the most basic bench would be the flat bench with no adjustments at all. No fuss!
Q: Is there a particular size that I need to look out for?
A: This list was curated with the thought that you were building a home gym, so you’ll find that these are more compact weight benches. However, if you’re going with a more professional, Olympic weight bench, expect a bigger sized weight bench!
Q: How do I know if I am in need of a weight bench?
A: I would recommend doing bodyweight exercises first if you’re a complete beginner. Make use of your yoga mat! You can even use your chair to create incline or decline, adjusting the difficulty.
Conclusion
Weight benches are an important part of your home gym. I would argue that it should be one of the first things you buy if you’re really into weight lifting! There are, however, a lot of poorly constructed weight benches. There are also other weight benches that won’t meet your needs.
To make sure you’re buying the right weight bench, be sure to do your own research. Although I am here to help you out, it’s important that you know your own preferences.
Most of the time, I find that seeing the product in real life can make that much of a difference than simply seeing it online. A product’s durability is much more obvious upfront!
Don’t overthink it, though. A weight bench is simply a tool to get you to the fitness level you desire!
While you’re here, check out these Bowflex Home Gym series reviews we’ve done which are also a great space-saver but effective piece of gym equipment. Check out these cardio machines for your home we’ve reviewed as well if you want to continue building the perfect gym. And remember, stay hard and keep lifting!
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.