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The 12 Best Weight Benches for Any Home Gym, Tested in Our Lab
After testing 29 weight benches, these top picks from Flybird, Bowflex, and more stood out from the rest
In This Article
In This Article
Black Friday Deals
- Pasyou Adjustable Weight Bench, $62 with coupon (was $100)
- Fitness Reality SuperMax XL Weight Bench, $231 (was $256)
- Bowflex SelectTech 4.1 Bench, $200 (was $300)
- Bowflex 5.1S Stowable Bench, $349 (was $499)
Weight benches are quite versatile and can expand the options for your home gym by helping you tackle classic weightlifting exercises and add elevation to bodyweight exercises. To find the best weight benches on the market, we consulted three personal trainers for their input on what key features to look for in a weight bench. We then spent 16 hours testing 29 weight benches in The Verywell Testing Lab.
Our testers, who ranged in exercise experience from beginner to advanced, completed five exercises on each bench. We evaluated each weight bench for stability, adjustability, portability, comfort, extra features, and value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article to ensure accuracy and safety surrounding weight capacities and different weight bench styles available.
10 adjustable positions
Foldable
600-pound weight capacity
Only one decline option
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (incline, flat, decline) | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Weight: 21.3 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 6 backrest positions and 4 seat positions | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It's For
Best for beginner to advanced exercisers who need a variety of seat and back positions and lightweight portability.
Why We Love It
Our best overall pick is Flybird's Adjustable Bench because it's crafted with sturdy steel, can handle up to 600 pounds, and folds up for storage. We found the bench simple to set up right out of the box when testing. Plus, it folds up compactly, includes an attached handle, and (at only 21 pounds) is easy to move around—allowing for convenient portability.
The bench’s seat is filled with plush foam and covered in durable synthetic leather, making it comfortable and easy to clean. The feet are lined with non-slip rubber, meaning the bench is safe to use on hardwood floors. We like that you can adjust the bench 10 different ways for a more versatile workout, thanks to the backrest with six different positions and the adjustable seat, which has four.
Potential Flaws
- Because it's so lightweight, the bench does wobble slightly during exercises like step-ups, but we still feel safe using it.
- The bench only has one decline option.
Most Valuable Insights
"Highly recommend; it is fully adjustable, lightweight, portable, collapsible, and comfortable. Everything you could ever ask for from a workout bench." —Justin Javier, Verywell Fit product tester
"My whole family, including my very active 60-year-old mother, uses this weight bench regularly. I think it's very practical for older adults or those with mobility issues because, while it's very sturdy, it's also super light, which makes it easy to carry from place to place." —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer, associate editorial director, and Verywell Fit product tester
VeryWell Fit / Conor Ralph
Flybird's Adjustable Bench vs. Bowflex's 5.1S Stowable Bench
Our testers compare Flybird's Adjustable Bench (left) to Bowflex's 5.1S Stowable Bench (right) in our Lab
Can be stored vertically
600-pound weight capacity
Decline positions
Heavier than other options
Difficult to set up
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (incline, decline, flat) | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Weight: 70 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 6 backrest positions | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It's For
Best for intermediate to advanced exercisers who need maximum adjustability and have limited storage space.
Why We Love It
This bench is our top pick for adjustability, not only because the back of the bench can be adjusted to six different angles but also because the seat and ankle supports can be adjusted independently. When testing, we found it easy and intuitive to adjust everything using the knobs and levers, and we found the bench to be stable in each position.
The heavy-duty bench is crafted from commercial-grade steel and boasts a 600-pound weight capacity. While it’s heavier than other benches on our list, Bowflex's Stowable Bench has built-in wheels on one end to make moving it easier. And we love that it can be stored upright in the corner of a room if you’re short on space.
Potential Flaws
- It's quite heavy compared to other options on our list, making it difficult to move for some and difficult to set up without help.
Most Valuable Insight
"It's a great bench that's easy to adjust and incredibly stable with extra features that make it a really versatile piece of equipment." —Ashleigh Morley, director of commerce and Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
8 adjustable backrest positions
Foldable
Decline positions
Leg holds may be too small for some
Seat isn't adjustable
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (incline, flat, decline) | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Weight: 26 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 8 backrest positions | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It's For
Best for exercisers looking for a stable, adjustable bench that's budget-friendly.
Why We Love It
Pasyou's Adjustable Weight Bench is foldable and can be used as a flat, incline, and decline bench. With a comfortable backrest that can shift into eight different positions and padded leg holds, this bench is versatile enough for all kinds of total body exercises. We also love that the foldable bench only weighs 26 pounds, making it easy to move and store.
Since the bench boasts a 500-pound weight capacity, we like that you won't have to swap it out when you start tackling heavier lifts. When testing, we found the bench very stable and felt the padding and added neck pillow were firm yet comfortable. We think this bench would be a welcome addition to any home gym. It's very easy to adjust, and the extra features had us thinking the price point would be higher.
Potential Flaws
- The leg holds on this bench, while padded, may be too small for some users.
- While the backrest is adjustable, the seat is not.
Most Valuable Insight
"Bang for your buck. Nice added features and a good height off the ground for step-ups. It was well cushioned, and the detachable pillow was a welcome addition for incline and neutral bench presses." —Matt Lubin, Verywell Fit product tester
PASYOU's Adjustable Weight Bench is foldable and can be used as a flat, incline, and decline bench. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph Since the bench boasts a 500-pound weight capacity, we like that you won't have to swap it out when you start tackling heavier lifts. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Legs fold for easy storage
Wall-mounted hanger is included
Sturdy
No decline or incline
Key Specs
Style: Flat | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 48 pounds | Adjustable Positions: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who It's For
Best for beginner exercisers who need a basic sturdy bench to add to their home workouts.
Why We Love It
Rogue’s Fold-Up Utility Bench is a solid bench with a large, flat surface for exercises like step-ups and chest presses. The wide angle of the legs provides a solid base of support so the bench won’t wobble, and pins keep the legs locked securely in place for added safety and stability. The legs are also hinged, so you can fold the bench up for storage. The bench also features a steel wall-mounted hanger, allowing you to hang it from a wall when not in use.
When hanging, the bench extends only 8 inches from the wall. And during testing, we found it slim enough to slide easily under a bed or other furniture. We also found it simple to assemble, but you will need your own tools to do so. While it’s at a higher price point for a non-adjustable bench, it’s worth the investment for its sturdiness and ease of storage.
Potential Flaws
- Since this is a flat bench, you can't reposition the backrest to a decline or incline, making it harder to do certain exercises (like incline chest presses).
- The wall-mounted hanger may not be appropriate for apartments.
Most Valuable Insight
"Super comfortable cushioning. It has a wide surface that supports my entire torso." —Justin Javier, Verywell Fit product tester
This bench's large, flat surface is great for exercises like step-ups and chest presses. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph The wide angle of the legs provides a solid base of support so the bench won’t wobble. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Foldable
800-pound weight capacity
No assembly required
Taller than other benches (not as small-space-friendly)
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds | Weight: 28.5 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 8 backrest positions and 3 seat positions | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who It's For
Best for exercisers needing the versatility of a bench with a declining backrest option.
Why We Love It
This Flybird Weight Bench can be used as an incline bench, a decline bench, or a flat bench—giving you the flexibility to tackle many exercises, like decline chest presses and angled sit-ups. The eight-position backrest and three-position seat combine for 21 different workout positions, including two declining positions below horizontal. Plus, we love the plush, comfortable cushioning and inclusive 800-pound weight capacity.
An automatic, spring-loaded locking pin keeps the seat and backrest safely in place. And we like that there’s no assembly necessary—just unfold it and insert the locking pins. The bench folds up to a compact 9 inches high, easily sliding under a bed or couch.
Potential Flaws
- While the bench folds up compactly, it may be too heavy to move easily.
- The bench is tall when set up so it's not very small-space friendly.
Most Valuable Insight
"This bench was well-cushioned and comfortable. It wasn't too squishy while I was standing on it, and I think it would be easy to clean." —Sarah Felbin, Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
850-pound weight capacity
No gap between the seat and backrest
Sliding seat
Heavier than other options
Narrow backrest
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capacity: 850 pounds | Weight: 63 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 7 backrest positions and 3 seat positions | Our Overall Rating: 4/5
Who It's For
Best for intermediate to advanced users that are taller or need more head and neck support.
Why We Love It
The Fitness Reality SuperMax XL bench is specifically designed for taller users, with a 37-inch backrest that can accommodate exercisers up to 6 feet 4 inches tall and help reduce neck and upper back strain. The bench provides plenty of adjustability with three seat positions and seven backrest positions. This bench also has detachable, padded leg holds that can be adjusted to three positions.
This bench boasts no gap between the seat and backrest in all positions, so there’s no pinching or discomfort during exercises like bench presses. When testing, we especially appreciated the sliding seat, which most weight benches don’t offer and makes for a more customizable backrest. The legs are wide and sturdy and the whole bench folds up for storage.
Potential Flaws
- The backrest on this bench is narrower than other benches on our list, so it may not be ideal for users with especially broad shoulders.
- While assembly is easy, the parts are heavy, so it may require two people to set up.
Most Valuable Insight
"The length of the back of the bench felt great, and my head didn't hang off in any uncomfortable fashion." —Kern Alexander, Verywell Fit product tester
This bench is highly adjustable with three seat positions and seven backrest positions. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph This bench folds flat, making it easy to store under your bed or couch. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph With a 37-inch backrest that can accommodate exercisers up to 6 feet, 4 inches, this bench is great for taller people. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph We tested the bench's sturdiness by performing various exercises on it, including rows. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph Because this bench's backrest is longer, it supports us during upper body moves. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph During testing, we had an on-site personal trainer oversee our form during exercises. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph The on-site personal trainer also helped us identify what to look for in a quality weight bench. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph This bench has detachable, padded leg holds that can be adjusted to three positions. PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Built-in storage
Can be used as a step, plyo box, and bench
No assembly required
May not be long enough for taller users
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capacity: 375 pounds | Weight: 27.7 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 4 backrest positions | Our Overall Rating: 4/5
Who It's For
Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers who need a compact bench.
Why We Love It
Escape Fitness’ Deck V2.0 Workout Platform is a compact bench that doubles as a stepping platform and a plyo box when flat. It's adjustable and can serve as an incline or decline bench. It also folds down for storage and is lightweight enough to move easily so you can tuck it away—ideal for home gyms already occupied by other equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines. The hollow interior of the bench can be used as a storage compartment for loose equipment like bands or dumbbells.
The bench itself can be lowered to the ground or lifted by adding or removing the two green "legs" of the bench. The backrest can be adjusted to three incline angles, can be made flat, and can also decline if you just remove one of the bench's legs and not the other. We love that the surface features an anti-slip rubber tread for added grip and stability. When testing, the bench felt sturdy enough for step-ups and had good shock absorption, which is great for plyometric moves. We also like that it comes fully assembled.
Potential Flaws
- This bench has a lower weight capacity than others on our list and may not be long enough for taller users.
- It doesn't have any padding, so it may not be as comfortable for some.
Most Valuable Insight
"I think this is great for small spaces or for shorter people. If you're tall and want more of a true workout bench, you'll want something else. But if you don't have much space or really like incorporating more cardio/step moves into your workouts, then this is a great option." —Ashleigh Morley, director of commerce and Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Easy to adjust
Moisture-wicking material
35 adjustable positions
Expensive
Heavier than other options
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds (flat), 600 pounds (incline) | Weight: 94 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 10 backrest positions and 5 seat positions | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who It's For
Best for exercisers with a dedicated home gym space who don't need to move equipment around.
Why We Love It
Prime Fitness' Adjustable Bench is the heaviest bench on our list, at 94 pounds—but this extra weight makes it extremely sturdy. When testing, we felt very secure stepping on it and comfortable leaning all our weight on the bench. The padding is thick and made from moisture-wicking material. Prime Fitness also offers optional add-on arm supports and an ankle support, sold separately.
The seat can be adjusted five ways, and the backrest can be adjusted 10 ways, from 0 to 85 degrees. A slot and bar system makes switching positions a breeze compared to the pin system many other benches have. We especially like that you can easily adjust this bench with just one hand.
Potential Flaws
- The bench is pretty heavy, so it's not as portable as other options on our list.
- Assembly was difficult, and we found the included instructions not very helpful, so we recommend setting some time aside to get started with this bench.
Most Valuable Insight
"Very sturdy and durable compared to other weight benches. Worth the price." —Kern Alexander, Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Can be stored upright
Very stable and supportive
Versatile
Large gap between seat and backrest
Leg pad end caps hard to install
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capacity: 550 pounds | Weight: 59.3 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 5 backrest positions and 2 seat positions | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It's For
Best for exercisers who have a small space to work with and need an easily movable and adjustable bench.
Why We Love It
Being able to easily move a bench around when you have a small exercise space is helpful, and Bowflex's 4.1S Adjustable Bench is easy to maneuver by one person with its built-in wheels and ability to be stored upright. This bench is compact, and we found it very easy to move around and store in a small home gym space. We also liked how stable this bench felt. It never wobbled or moved, and we felt very safe using it, thanks to the wide legs and leveling rubber feet.
The five adjustable backrest positions—from decline to upright—and leg holders provide versatility to use this bench for everything from overhead presses to sit-ups and core work. We especially appreciated the leg pads, a nice feature other benches often don't have. The seat has a flat position and a raised position that helps prevent sliding when the backrest is inclined. The bench is easy to adjust with a spring-loaded pin and we felt the backrest was long and wide enough to fully support our back and head.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, we found the large gap between the seat and the backrest uncomfortable, particularly in the flat and decline positions.
- When assembling the bench, we noted a rubber mallet was needed to properly install the leg pad end caps.
Most Valuable Insight
"I think my favorite thing about this bench is the ability to move it easily and to store it upright to create more room in my small workout room for other activities." —David Engler, Verywell Fit product tester
PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler PHOTO: Verywell Fit / David Engler
11 locking angles
High total weight capacity
Very stable
Add-on seat is a bit small
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (flat, incline, decline) | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds (flat), 600 pounds (incline) | Weight: 69 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 11 backrest positions and 3 seat positions | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It's For
Best for exercisers that want plenty of adjustability to add variety to their workouts.
Why We Love It
Ironmaster's Super Bench Pro V2 Weight Bench has 11 locking angle options and three seat positions to accommodate exercisers of different heights, making it an easy choice for most versatile. It also has a high total weight capacity—1,000 pounds in the flat position and 600 pounds in the upright and incline positions—expanding the range of exercise options even further. The built-in handle and wheels allowed us to easily move it out of the way when we were done exercising. And it can even be stored in an upright position.
The bench required minimal assembly. All we had to do was attach the bottom crossbars, and it only took about 20 minutes. We found during testing that this bench felt very stable and didn't slip or move at all, thanks to the rubberized feet and solid base. We also liked the firm padding, feeling like that helped support proper form. And the add-on seat was easy to take on and off whenever we needed it.
Potential Flaws
- We noted the add-on seat could be a bit larger for added comfort during upright and incline exercises.
Most Valuable Insight
"I truly believe it's worth the price. It's durable, portable, heavy (in a good, not slipping around way) and sleek looking. I would definitely recommend this bench to others, and I plan to keep using it regularly!" —Nick Frasher, Verywell Fit product tester
PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Nick Frasher
Compact, sleek design
Lots of available accessories
Very stable
Smaller weight capacity than other options
Heavy
Key Specs
Style: Adjustable (flat, incline) | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Weight: 60 pounds | Adjustable Positions: 3 backrest positions | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It's For
Best for exercisers with minimal space for exercise equipment and who are looking for an all-in-one option.
Why We Love It
Looking for a full-body workout in a compact design? We recommend KingSmith's Tone Up Workout Station. It comes in three different package options for different budgets and has a sleek, stylish design with a small footprint for your home gym. The included accessories make this bench exceptionally versatile. The resistance bands were easy to attach, and we liked that they allowed us to add more exercises to our routine, like chest flies. And the punching bag added a fun cardio feature. We also appreciated the dumbbell racks and the leg pads that helped us do core work.
Setup of this bench was intuitive and quick, taking us less than 10 minutes. The backrest and all the attachments were easy to adjust and felt very secure once they were in place. The solid design of the bench made it feel very stable—we felt safe and supported during all our exercises. We think this multi-function bench, with all its included accessories, is a great addition to your home gym and a good value.
Potential Flaws
- This bench has a smaller total weight capacity than most other options on our list.
- The bench is a bit heavy, but we found during testing that one person could still move it with the built-in wheels.
Most Valuable Insight
"This is the best weight bench I have used! It is a beautiful bench that is easy to move around and does not take up too much space. And it gives you full body workout options." —Tatiana Kennedy, Verywell Fit product tester
PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Tatiana Kennedy
Design allows proper foot placement
Lightweight
Sturdy and durable
Not as versatile as adjustable benches
Key Specs
Style: Flat | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds | Weight: 56 pounds | Adjustable Positions: None | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It's For
Best for exercisers who need a basic, budget-friendly bench that is durable and sturdy.
Why We Love It
For a basic, sturdy, budget-friendly exercise bench, consider Titan Fitness' Elite Series Single Post Flat Bench. It's a good value if you're just starting to build your home gym, or want to add more options for your workouts. We found this bench to be comfortable, secure, and stable. We never felt like it wobbled or would tip over. And with a 1,000-pound weight capacity, you can be confident it can be used for your heaviest lifts.
The single post design at one end of the bench allows for easy leveling on uneven floors and provides room for proper foot placement during exercises like pullovers or rows. The wide base at the other end helps with stability and grips the floor so there's no sliding. We also appreciate the built-in handle and wheels, and the light weight that makes it easy to move the bench out of the way. And it can be stored in an upright position if you have minimal space. We also noted no wear and tear during our testing period, so it held up well and is pretty durable.
Potential Flaws
- This is a great basic bench, but it's less versatile than many adjustable benches.
Most Valuable Insight
"My favorite thing about the Titan flat bench is the price. For a fair price, you get an extremely durable, comfortable, and stable bench that I imagine will be a staple in my home gym for a long time." —Grant Gordon, Verywell Fit product tester
PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Grant Gordon
What We've Updated
Since we last published this article, we've tested four new weight benches. Based on their features and performance, we added the following superlatives: Best With Wheels, Most Versatile, Best for Full Body Workouts, and Best Budget Flat Bench. Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
What to Look for When Shopping for a Weight Bench
- Style: There are three main styles of weight benches: ones with backrests that can only incline or remain flat; ones with backrests that can incline, decline, and remain flat; and flat benches with backrests that can't be adjusted to different angles. If you want a truly versatile bench that allows you to do all sorts of strength training exercises at all angles (think incline chest presses, decline chest presses, decline situps, and more), you may want to opt for the second, fully adjustable bench style. If you're a beginner and don't think you'll need the added challenge of a decline backrest, you'll probably be satisfied with a bench that only inclines or remains flat.
- Weight Capacity: Any time you’re buying a piece of fitness equipment, you need to make sure it’s sturdy enough to support you and all the weight you’ll be lifting. Double-check a bench’s weight capacity before purchasing and factor in the total weight you'll be putting on the bench—your body weight plus the weight of your barbell, weight plates, or dumbbells.
- Special Features: Depending on your exercise needs, you may want some special features in your weight bench. If you’re navigating a small space, consider a foldable weight bench or a bench with built-in storage. If you want to use your bench to accommodate a wide range of exercises, look for an option that has a built-in curl bar, leg extender, or squat rack.
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
How We Tested the Best Weight Benches
To narrow down the best weight benches for home gyms, we tested 29 benches in The Verywell Testing Lab by completing five exercises using each bench. When testing weight benches, we evaluate them for the following six key attributes.
- Stability: We first note if the bench sits flat and has rubber grips to prevent sliding. We use each weight bench to complete sets of eight to 12 repetitions of bench presses, dumbbell incline rows, chest flys, lying tricep extensions, and dumbbell step-ups. We note how stable and secure we feel with each exercise: Does the bench feel wobbly or slide around?
- Adjustability: Adjustability allows a weight bench to be more versatile. While using the weight benches, we note how many different adjustments the bench offers. We also evaluate how easy it is to make adjustments, including the mechanism style and whether it can be done one-handed.
- Portability: To test the portability of each weight bench, we first pay attention to the overall weight of the bench and whether it includes a handle or wheels. If the bench is foldable, we note how easy the folding process is and whether it needs two people to fold or carry it.
- Comfort: Weight benches should be supportive and firm. To evaluate the comfort of each bench, we take note of the material used, the thickness of the padding, and whether it's easy to wipe clean. When using the weight benches, we note if the bench feels soft and supportive but firm enough to be stable.
- Extra Features: Extra features, while not necessary, add versatility to a workout. With each bench, we take note of built-in storage, leg supports, or accessories like resistance bands. We evaluate each extra feature to determine if it works as intended and adds value.
- Value: After evaluating each weight bench for the other key features, we consider the cost and determine whether the bench is priced fairly for the features and attributes it provides. Weight benches that score well for overall value have what we believe is a fair price or a price that is even lower than what we would consider paying.
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Our Experts
For more insight into what key features make for a high-quality weight bench, we asked three experts for their buying tips and advice. They also helped inform our testing process. We spoke to:
- Evan Betts, CPT, certified personal trainer and founding trainer at GRIT BXNG in New York
- Kern Alexander, NASM-CPT, corrective exercise specialist and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York City
- Noelle McKenzie, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York City
Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a weight bench?
There are many different ways to use a weight bench. You can lie on your back to use it for upper-body exercises or core work or you can lie on your stomach to use it for upper-back exercises. You can also stand over it for support for other exercises, such as bent-over rows and squats. And you can sit on it for exercises like biceps curls. You can even use it to elevate your feet or hands during push-ups.
How do you clean a weight bench?
Weight benches are typically easy to clean, thanks to their durable upholstery and materials. Wipe down your weight bench using a disinfectant wipe or a paper towel and disinfectant spray after each workout, and you should be good to go.
How much does a weight bench typically cost?
Weight benches can cost anywhere from around $130 to $800 and up. However, a higher price point doesn’t always mean a better bench. Focus on finding a bench that meets your needs in terms of height, angle, and weight capacity. If you’re shopping on a budget, remember that you can start with something simple and build your setup over time. Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Verywell Fit writer Lindsey Lanquist has years of experience in the health and fitness space. For this shopping guide, she prioritized weight benches that are sturdy, comfortable, and adjustable. She also included a diverse range of weight benches with different features—like foldability, built-in storage, attached squat racks, and more—to help you find a weight bench that meets your exact needs.
Additional reporting by Jen Zeltwanger
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and long-time fitness writer. Jen has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications. Jen uses a weight bench often in her home gym and knows what works when it comes to home fitness.