The best weight benches in 2025: Tested for every fitness level

A workout bench is the backbone of any at-home gym setup. From chest presses and bicep curls to tricep dips and dumbbell rows, this simple tool unlocks countless muscle-building workout routines. Whether you're a serious weightlifter or simply looking to boost muscle mass, it's worth doing the research to find the best weight bench for your fitness needs.

Besides helping you perform upper-body weightlifting movements, like a bench press or chest fly, sports performance coach Raymond Agostino, PT, DPT, notes that workout benches can also be used for lower-body exercises, such as weighted step-ups and hip thrusts.

If you're looking to add a weight bench to your home gym, Agostino recommends looking for an adjustable one — ideally, with incline, flat and decline positioning options. To keep you comfortable and stable while you lift, he encourages choosing a bench with strong padding and a nonslip base. As for how heavy-duty your bench should be, it ultimately depends on your priorities. Agostino notes that a heavier base will be sturdier and better for plyometric exercises, though moving it around may be more challenging, a potential dealbreaker if you're short on space.

Clearly, when it comes to building a home gym, a weight bench is a must-have. To help you identify the right option for your space, we tested eight benches at both home and commercial gym setups and gathered expert feedback from trainers, powerlifters and casual exercisers. We focused on features like adjustability, weight capacity, ease of assembly and foldability to determine the best weight benches to buy in 2025.

Table of contents

Best overall weight bench

More weight benches we like for 2025

Types of weight benches

Workout benches offer functionality far beyond upper-body workouts. According to McKenzie, they can be used to train nearly every muscle group, making them a staple for any home or commercial gym.

While commonly associated with chest exercises like dumbbell presses or barbell benching, weight benches can assist with a wide variety of movements, such as rear-foot elevated split squats, box squats or hip thrusts. An adjustable bench can also be set to a decline position for sit-ups or used flat for planks to target your core.

The type of weight bench you choose plays a significant role in the exercises you can perform. Some benches offer specialized features, while others are more bare-bones. Here's a breakdown of the different types of benches to consider for your home gym:

• Flat benches: A straight, one-piece bench primarily used for lifting heavy weights. Someone focusing heavily on benching with an Olympic bar and plates, for instance, may prefer the stability of a flat bench that doesn't incline or decline.

• Adjustable bench: A bench with a seat and a backrest that can incline or decline independently. Most adjustable benches offer a range of seat and backrest angles, enabling lifters to target multiple muscle groups with precision.

• Foldable benches: These benches are often adjustable and are designed to fold down for easy storage, making them ideal for smaller spaces. Just keep in mind that the folding mechanism may compromise a bench's stability, resulting in a lower weight capacity compared to non-folding options.

• FID bench: Short for flat, incline and decline, an FID bench is an adjustable bench designed to accommodate these three key positions. Many adjustable benches qualify as FID benches. Their versatility makes them a popular choice for targeting multiple muscle groups.

• Olympic bench: Designed for heavy lifting and competitive powerlifting, an Olympic bench is built to handle loads of 1,000 pounds or more and is typically wider and offers more stability than standard benches. While they can be adjustable or flat, the flat design is the gold standard for serious lifters. Olympic benches typically include a barbell and an integrated rack for bench pressing, offering a complete setup for maximum strength training.

Factors to consider when purchasing a weight bench

When it comes to choosing a workout bench, you'll want to consider several factors, including the types of workouts you plan on doing and where you plan on using the bench. For example, McKenzie notes that if you plan on using the bench in a multi-function space, like a bedroom or living room, you may want to prioritize a bench that's easy to move or fold. On the other hand, if you're outfitting a dedicated home gym, a heavy-duty, more stable bench may be a better investment.

Here are some additional factors to consider when purchasing a weight bench:

• Frame: Umo Callins, MS, RD, CPT, a board-certified sports dietitian, says that the frame is the most important feature to look for to ensure a stable and quality option. She recommends opting for steel or cast iron frames whenever possible. "The fewer pieces it has for assembly, the better. Durability is [also] very important, so make sure to choose a brand that's reputable and well-made," she says.

• Safety features: McKenzie recommends looking for nonslip feet to prevent sliding. If you opt for an adjustable bench, choose one with locking mechanisms to keep the bench from moving or collapsing while you're using it. "Everyone has seen those videos online of what happens when an adjustable bench is not locked properly," Agostino says — you don't want to play a starring role!

• Stability: Agostino recommends benches with wide, sturdy bases to prevent tipping. "Avoid benches with thin, wobbly legs or overly narrow bases, as they tend to be unstable and unsafe," he says. He also recommends staying away from benches that feel flimsy or lack secure adjustability, advising, "If your first thought is 'I don't know about this,' then you should probably avoid it." This is particularly true if you plan to use the bench for exercises where you'll be moving on and off the bench during an exercise, like step-ups or plyometric jumps, where stability is incredibly important for safety.

• Weight capacity: Benches vary in how much weight they can support, so it’s crucial to check the load capacity. For example, if you weigh 250 pounds and can bench press an equal amount, you’ll need a bench that can handle at least 500 pounds. Even if heavy lifting isn't in your current plan, opting for a bench with a higher weight capacity is a smart investment — giving you room to grow as your strength improves.

• Storage and transport: If space is limited, a collapsible or wheeled bench is ideal. McKenzie highlights that these types of benches are easy to store and maneuver, making them ideal for compact home gyms or multi-functional spaces. Lighter-weight benches are also advantageous when frequent repositioning is necessary, ensuring your workout setup stays flexible and efficient. Foldable designs can be tucked away when not in use, while wheeled options offer effortless mobility without compromising stability.

• Comfort: Chris Pruitt, certified personal trainer and CEO of WorkoutHealthy, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing comfort when selecting a weight bench. A padded seat can make a significant difference in the quality of your workout, ensuring a more enjoyable experience. Callins further advises steering clear of aluminum frames or benches with thin foam pads, as they can compromise both comfort and support during use.

• Value: While budget certainly plays a role in purchasing home gym equipment, Agostino suggests investing in a quality weight bench that can grow with you on a fitness journey. "Don't sleep on the importance of a good bench," he says. "A good quality bench should last for years. Opting for quality means it'll last years and support a variety of exercises as your fitness goals evolve."

How we chose

To identify the best workout benches, we tested eight models over several months in home gyms and a commercial gym. Our testing process included a diverse range of users, including certified personal trainers, professional bodybuilders, daily weightlifters, casual gym enthusiasts, a postpartum parent and an older adult returning to exercise. This comprehensive approach allowed us to evaluate how each bench performed across different fitness levels and needs.

As an active weightlifter and registered nurse, I personally tested each bench to evaluate its features. To ensure well-rounded recommendations, I consulted certified personal trainers to identify critical factors to consider when choosing a weight bench for a home gym. Our final picks reflect a combination of hands-on testing, expert insights and user feedback.

Other products we tested

While it didn't make our top list, the Sole SW116 is worth considering if you prioritize comfort — and don't mind the hefty price tag. Our testers liked the bench's smooth adjustment mechanism and commercial-grade cushion pad. However, at nearly $700 ($600 when on sale), its performance didn't outshine our best overall pick — the Dick's Sporting Goods Ethos Bench, which costs less than $300 — making it hard to justify the cost. Plus, with a total weight capacity of 500 pounds, the Sole SW116 isn't ideal for more heavy-duty lifting.

We also tested the BowFlex 4.1S Adjustable Weight Bench, which is proven to be a solid option for a home gym. However, it didn't offer any standout features that would warrant a specific recommendation. It's also currently out of stock.

FAQs

What type of weight bench is right for me?

Adjustable benches offering flat, incline and decline positions are the most versatile, making them a good option for most home gym users. When paired with a weight cage and barbell for more serious weightlifting, a flat bench may be a better option for added stability and higher weight capacity.

How much weight can a weight bench hold?

Many weight benches offer a weight capacity ranging from 500 to 1,000 pounds. That said, every weight bench has a different weight capacity, so always check the listed weight limit before use. The bench should list a user weight and a weight limit for a combined weight capacity.

What safety features should I look for in a weight bench?

Look for a steel frame, sturdy base, nonslip feet and secure locking mechanisms to keep you safe while lifting.

How do I adjust the bench for different exercises?

Adjustable weight benches vary in how they're adjusted. Some models have an open bracket system, while others may have a more precise pin mechanism with a knob for loosening and fastening the pin.

How do I clean and maintain my weight bench?

When cleaning exercise equipment, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. In general, most workout benches can be cleaned using a damp cloth and mild soap. Metal frames should be thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent rusting.

Meet the experts

• Raymond Agostino, PT, doctor of physical therapy and sports performance coach, owner of Agostino Athletics in Fort Myers, Fla.

• Noelle McKenzie, correctional exercise specialist, certified personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York City

• Chris Pruitt, certified personal trainer and CEO of WorkoutHealthy

• Umo Callins, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, CPT, a board-certified sports dietitian and fitness coach based in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.