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If you’re serious about toning up your body, gaining muscle, or simply getting in better shape you need a weight bench.
Weight benches can help broaden your range of motion, isolate specific muscles and muscle groups more easily, provide a soft yet stable surface, and much more.
However, they come in a ton of different types and builds, so you’ll want to select something that suits your needs.
We’ve taken our first-hand experience along with that of countless other lifters to bring you the top weight benches on Amazon.
Best Weight Benches
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series | Marcy Folding Standard Weight Bench | Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench | |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions: | 49" x 28" x 61" | 69" x 29" x 64" | 43" x 14" x 17" |
Max Weight: | 600 pounds | 300 pounds | 600 pounds |
Folding: | No | Yes | No |
Features: | 6 Adjustable angles, removable leg brace | Arm curl facets, foam roller pads | High density foam |
For more of my fitness recommendations, have a look through these popular Women’s Workout guide links: Kettlebells, Adjustable Dumbbells, Medicine Balls.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Weight Benches For 2024
- Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series
- Marcy Folding Standard Weight Bench
- Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench
- Weider XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench w/ Squat Rack
- Finer Form Multi-Functional Bench
- Weider XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench w/ Preacher Pad
- DERACY Adjustable Weight Bench
Our reviews to the top rated weight benches with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right weight bench for you.
Weight Bench Reviews
#1 Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series
- Dimensions: 49.5 x 28 x 61 inches
- Weight Limit: 600 pounds
- Folding: No
- Features: Space-saving design, 6 adjustable angles, removable leg brace
Bowflex is one of the most popular brands in the fitness world, due to their innovative, effective designs.
Their Bowflex 5.1S Stowable Bench may not be as complex as some of their machines, but has definitely come to be the best weight bench for many due to its user-friendliness.
The black and red colorway stands out in all the right ways, and will look excellent in your home gym.
The 70-pound bench is just heavy enough to stay sturdy while you’re using it, though is capable of holding up to an impressive 600 pounds!
That is more than enough to support most people and the weight they’re pushing around. This is thanks to the brand’s heavy-duty commercial construction which is designed to hold up through years of consistent use.
To adjust the bench to your liking, you have 6 different positions to choose from: decline, flat, 30 degrees, 45, 60, and 90 degrees.
The seat pan is also adjustable for incline exercises and sit ups! That, along with the leg hold-down brace offers a nice amount of versatility, with extra leverage and isolation on certain exercises.
The bench is not foldable, but if you need something space-conscious, don’t shy away yet.
The 5.1S features a space-saving design by clicking the button and simply lifting the bench, maximizing more than 50% of space!
#2 Marcy Folding Standard Weight Bench
- Dimensions: 69 x 29 x 64 inches
- Weight Limit: 300 pounds
- Folding: Yes
- Features: Arm curl facets, foam roller pads
The Marcy Folding Standard Weight Bench is quite possibly the best weight lifting bench if you’re really looking to place a special focus on your upper body.
This model consists of arm curl facets, back/seat pads, and a leg developer so you don’t leave anything out.
A huge selling point here is the fact that it’s foldable, so while it may be comprehensive it’s actually quite compact and easy to store when not in use.
Comprised of a heavy-duty steel construction, the frame is ergonomic yet stable.
However, it doesn’t come anywhere near as close as some others on our guide regarding weight capacity. This one can comfortably support up to 300 pounds.
If you’ve been lifting weights for a while, you’ve likely already experienced how uncomfortable it is to lift on a bench lacking adequate padding.
That will soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the high-density upholstery and padding found here.
If you’d like to do some leg curls or extensions, you will also find comfortable foam roller pads to avoid chafing or sore points.
To offer an ergonomic fit for your body as well as versatility while working out, you can adjust it to an incline, decline, or flat position.
While it doesn’t offer quite as many incline options, it’ll be just fine for most lifters. It’s also foldable so it isn’t occupying space when not in use.
#3 Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench
- Dimensions: 43 x 14 x 17 inches
- Weight Limit: 600 pounds
- Folding: No
- Features: High density foam, boxed upholstery
The best gym bench doesn’t have to be the most complex; that’s evidenced in the Marcy Flat Utility Bench.
With a huge weight capacity of 600 pounds, it may be simple but it’s anything but inadequate. Perfect for all types of weight training and ab exercises, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get yourself one sooner!
You may be wondering how such a relatively compact bench is capable of holding so much weight!
That’s due to its highly resilient steel tube frame which is made specifically for operation under great levels of stress.
Reinforced with a powder coating, it not only adds to the smooth matte black edgy appearance, but to resist against regular wear and tear and sweat.
If you’re serious about lifting heavy weight you don’t have to worry about going easy on this one – it can withstand even the most strenuous workouts.
While the padding isn’t quite as robust as some others out there, it does feature high-density foam and boxed upholstery that won’t thin out or rip.
The red branding on the top of the bench is a nice touch and gives it an even more premium feel to an already well-constructed piece of equipment.
If you’re tight on space or just want something more streamlined, then you can’t go wrong with this gem. It will help maximize mobility while giving you the advantage you need to work your entire body.
#4 Weider XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench w/ Squat Rack
- Dimensions: n/a
- Weight Limit: 300 pounds
- Folding: No
- Features: Included squat rack, preacher pad
As one of the most successful bodybuilders of all time and the creator of the legendary Mr. Olympia competition, Joe Weider knew a thing or two about lifting weights and quality gym equipment.
It comes as no surprise then that his Weider XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench with Independent Squat Rack and Preacher Pad is one of the best workout benches for home gyms on the market today.
Designed to work the entire body, it offers more than most do at this price point.
The inclusion of a removable preacher curl pad and curl yoke is prime for really growing impressive bicep peaks as well as toning the forearms, biceps, and front deltoids.
The fact that it is removable makes it even more convenient should you happen to be tight on space.
Aside from that, is an independent Olympic squat rack which offers you space to perform quite possibly the best exercise known to man: the weighted squat!
With adjustable uprights and spotting arms you can lift to your full abilities and one rep max without an actual spotter there. It’s also great for performing other exercises like deadlifts, shoulder presses, barbell rows, and more.
As you are looking at benches there’s a huge chance you’re looking to perform traditional chest presses. That’s one of the best exercises for building the upper body and for evenly training the pectoral muscles.
The upholstery on the bench is smooth yet high-quality – resistant to tears, fraying, and even fading.
#5 Finer Form Multi-Functional Bench
- Dimensions: 44 x 14 inches
- Weight Limit: 660 pounds
- Folding: No
- Features: All-in-one design, adjustable decline and flat settings
Another one of the best home weight bench models, the Finer Form Multi Functional Weight Bench is ideal if you’re looking for an all-in-one body workout.
No matter if you’re a complete beginner to the sport or are a seasoned pro, this is one bench that you’re sure to get plenty of use out of.
Abs, back, chest, lower body, and core – it’s possible to train them all right here in one compact design.
The black and red design is sleek, modern, and will look great in any home gym.
The high grade steel is made to be super tough on its own, but they’ve even finished it off with a powder coat finish to resist against moisture, salt, and general abuse that comes with weight lifting. T
he triangle-style frame proved to be particularly stable, even under heavy weight. Speaking of which, the bench can support up to a whopping 660 pounds – the most we’ve seen from a bench of this size!
The fully adjustable bench offers 1 flat and 2 decline bench settings, along with 4 foot adjustments and 8 thigh support cushions to work with all sizes and heights of users. We found that adjusting the height was very smooth and easy to do.
If you’re a beginner or simply want some new ideas, they even throw in a free workout chart!
It’s very handy hanging it on a wall in your home gym and always having something to refer back to if you’re feeling like breaking out from the regular routine.
#6 Weider XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench w/ Preacher Pad
- Dimensions: n/a
- Weight Limit: 660 pounds
- Folding: n/a
- Features: 5 bench positions, removable preacher pad, leg developer
We’re back again with yet another Weider product – this time we have the XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench with Removable Preacher Pad and Integrated Leg Developer.
This best adjustable weight bench is an excellent selection for full-body use while remaining nice and compact.
It also comes with a removable preacher curl pad and curl yoke attachment which is perfect for really growing bicep peaks and toning the arms.
To tone up the legs, you have your integrated leg developer that can be used with 2” Olympic-sized weight plates to train and/or build your quads and hip flexors.
These are great for slow, isolated movements to also enhance mobility – perfect if you have a sedentary desk job.
5 different bench positions offer more exercise modifications and variety in your workouts but are also able to ensure a more ergonomic position for you.
We love the feeling of the smooth and soft upholstery against the skin, which feels expensive as well as durable. You don’t have to worry about it tearing or fraying, even if you’re particularly rough with your exercise equipment.
Overall, if you’d like a more complete workout but don’t have the space or the budget to purchase the equipment all separately, this is an excellent solution.
#7 DERACY Adjustable Weight Bench
- Dimensions: 48 x 18 inches
- Weight Limit: 660 pounds
- Folding: No
- Features: 7 positions, ergonomic design
Last but not least is the best bench for home gym use: the Deracy Adjustable Weight Bench for Full Body Workouts.
It’s one of the most versatile of its kind, with the ability to adjust it to 7 different positions: 7 backrest pad positions and 3 front-seat positions.
This makes it wonderful for isolating different parts of the upper body, performing ab work, and more.
With the ability to support up to 660 pounds, it’s easily one of the toughest on the market today. This is thanks to the heavy-duty steel construction that will support you and the serious weight you’re lifting.
The triangle structure helps to provide excellent stability and won’t tip over, so you can lift without restraint.
While it’s tough, it’s anything but uncomfortable. The ergonomic design will reduce the risk of pulling muscles, and the dense foam padding offers a soft yet firm surface which is perfect under heavy weight and extended use.
The red metal design with black padding looks like classic bodybuilding equipment but is also quite aesthetic!
Aside from functionality, we found this bench to also be one of the easiest to assemble so if you’re not particularly “handy” this will be a fine option for you.
Weight Bench Comparison Table
Weight Benches | Dimensions | Max Weight | Folding | Features | Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench | 49" x 28" x 61" | 600 lbs | No | 6 Adjustable angles, removable leg brace | 4.6 / 5.0 | |
Marcy Folding Weight Bench | 69" x 29" x 64" | 300 lbs | Yes | Arm curl facets, foam roller pads | 4.1 / 5.0 | |
Marcy Flat Weight Bench | 43" x 14" x 17" | 600 lbs | No | High density foam | 4.7 / 5.0 | |
Weider XRS 20 Workout Bench | n/a | 300 lbs | No | Included squat rack, preacher pad | 4.2 / 5.0 | |
Finer Form Weight Bench | 44" x 14.3" | 660 lbs | No | Adjustable decline and flat settings | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
Weider XRS 20 Olympic Bench | n/a | 660 lbs | No | 5 bench positions, removable preacher pad, leg developer | 4.2 / 5.0 | |
DERACY Adjustable Weight Bench | 47.6" x 18.3" | 660 lbs | No | 7 positions, ergonomic design | 4.4 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Weight Bench – Buying Guide
Now that you’ve had the chance to read through all the best weight bench models on the market today, have you decided which one is best for you? If you still have some questions or can’t seem to choose between a few, there’s no need to worry.
We know it can be difficult when there are so many excellent choices to select from. Due to that, we’ve decided to write up a user-friendly buying guide to give you a deeper understanding of what to look for and why so that by the time you’re finished reading, there will be no doubt which model is perfect for you and your goals.
Purpose
First off, you need to determine what you’ll be using your new weight bench for. Are you just looking to increase mobility or do some light lifting?
Then you’ll probably be fine with just your standard flat bench. If you are more advanced and are looking for greater versatility, check out the benches that you can adjust flat, incline, decline, etc. as well as those that come with extras like an included squat rack, preacher curl pads, leg developers, and so on.
Of course, there’s a chance that you may fall in love with weight lifting and want a bench that will grow as your skills and experience do. To get the most out of your investment, you’ll probably be best off with more versatile options as this happens often with beginners.
Keep in mind that if you are just doing the basics, the most common exercises are bench presses – on flat, incline, and decline as they each work different sections of the chest, shoulders, triceps, traps, etc.
Build
The build needs to be sturdy enough to support not only your weight, but the weight you’ll be lifting as well. For example, if you’re 200 pounds and are going to be lifting 100 pounds altogether, your bench needs to at least be able to support 300 pounds.
Of course, you shouldn’t be working so close to the weight limit of a bench, but you get the idea.
We highly recommend you opt for a bench with a steel frame. There’s simply no comparison – not even aluminum as it doesn’t have the tensile strength that steel does.
Even better, look for a steel frame with a powder coating. This will further extend the lifespan of your bench, as it will help resist against dents, scratches, moisture, sweat, and more. After all, you don’t want your bench rusting because you got some sweat or water on it!
Also take a look at the upholstery. You want the cover to be tear-resistant yet soft against the skin as you’re likely going to be wearing shorts or a tank top at one point.
The padding should be soft enough to offer comfort yet dense enough that you don’t feel the metal bars against you, even under heavy weight or during longer sessions.
The padding should cover the entire surface of the bench and all be of one thickness. We prefer high-density foam as it tends to stay thick and not thin out or separate easily.
Adjustability
We already touched on this a little bit earlier, but adjustability plays a big factor in how much you can get out of it. To make the most of a bench, you’ll want at least 3 positions: flat, incline, and decline.
These will allow you to do just about every exercise that requires a bench. However, you may notice that there are models that have 6 or 7 adjustability settings! These can add even more versatility, while ensuring a completely ergonomic fit for your body.
Space
How much space do you have available to use your bench and what do you plan on using it for? You should have at least a couple of feet of space around it so that you don’t accidentally hit a wall or furniture with a dumbbell or barbell!
Also consider if you’re going to leave it out when it’s not in use, or if you’ll need to stow it away when you’re done.
If it’s the latter, we recommend finding a bench that has some kind of space-saving technology where it can either fold up completely or become more compact by the push of a button, like our first model on the list can.
Accessories
As you’ve probably noticed, there are some models that are not only a bench but have extra accessories that come with it.
You’ll most often see leg developers with foam rolls on them to protect the legs. Preacher curl pads are probably the second most common and are excellent for helping you keep form while performing curls, and rapidly developing the biceps.
A lesser-seen but still relatively common accessory is the squat rack, which is a wonderful compound exercise and one of the best for toning up and sparking muscle growth.
Price
How much do you want to spend on one of the best weight benches? It’s a good idea to figure out a budget for yourself and not go over that number.
That way you don’t end up spending more than you’d originally planned, which can end up being buyer’s remorse.
We want you to be absolutely happy with your purchase, and it’s definitely feasible. The selections on our guide will fit just about any budget out there, so there’s no need to feel restricted.
Warranty
The warranty is another factor to consider when thinking about the price and your budget. After all, sometimes the warranties on a more expensive product will cover much more time than the less expensive alternative does.
That could very well mean that you’ll end up evening out when you take into consideration that a shorter warranty could often mean you have to go out and buy a whole new model instead of getting it fixed for free. Not to mention, you’ll get the improved user experience from using a more high-quality design.
FAQs About Best Weight Benches
Q: How do I choose a weight bench?
A: First, determine what you’re going to use it for. Are you just going to use it for flat bench presses? Do you want the whole shebang with highly-adjustable seats and various accessories? Then make sure the bench of your liking fits in your home realistically, can be folded up as needed, and is tough enough to not only support your weight, but you and the weight you’re lifting.
Q: Is a weight bench worth it?
A: Absolutely! If you’re serious about toning up and/or gaining muscle, then in our opinion, a weight bench is a necessity. They will help isolate muscles better, offer greater mobility, and comfortable support. Just look at the flat bench press. If you were to do them lying down on a floor, you would not be on a secure surface. You would be very uncomfortable as your spine would be pressing into the hard floor. You would not have the necessary range of motion to develop your mobility nor to properly develop your muscles.
Q: Should I buy a flat bench or incline bench?
A: Ideally, you’d select a bench that can be used in both a flat and incline position. Flat benching offers a more even stress all along the pectoral muscle, so you’ll see a more even development in the muscle and strength. Incline focuses more on the upper section of the pectoral muscle, as well as the front deltoids. Combine that with some rows and you’ll see a very even development of the deltoids as well.
Q: Is decline bench necessary?
A: That all depends on your goals. Decline benching is much less stressful on the delts and focuses more on the lower pecs. However, most people don’t really care about lower pec development unless you’re participating in bodybuilding or fitness competitions where you’re judged on the smallest facet of visual aesthetics and symmetry.
Tips For Choosing Bench Presses
#1: Try to select a bench that will grow with you.
If you’re a bodybuilder, we mean this literally as well. Don’t select a bench that can support only a few more pounds than you currently weigh. What if you end up building muscle? You’ll have to buy a whole new bench! Not only that, but if you’re a beginner to lifting weights, you may very well get bored of flat benches and want to expand into incline and even decline capabilities.
#2: Make sure to always wash your bench off when you’re done with it.
No, you don’t have to start scrubbing it or anything. Just spray it with a bit of soap and water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. The upholstery should be resilient enough to hold up to regular wear and tear, but this will help extend its life and minimize the growth of bacteria.
#3: If you’re tight on space, get a folding or space-saving model.
This will really come in handy if you don’t have the space to leave the bench out when it’s not being used. There are so many benches out there that can fold up within just a few seconds and are completely feasible if you’re just renting a room or living in a studio/other tight space.
Weight Bench Workouts For Beginners
Summary
Now that you’ve had the opportunity to read all about the best weight benches for home use, have you decided which model is the one for you? We hope that our guide has helped you narrow things down, and given you a deeper understanding of what to look for in a high-quality bench.
No matter which one you select, the good news is that you’ll be receiving one of the best products currently on the market. However, what’s most important is that you take your specific requirements into consideration. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again soon!
How We Researched
To come up with the top weight benches, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.
The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.
By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.
With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.
The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.