The 8 Best Weight Benches, Tested by Editors and Certified Trainers

ProsEasy set-upDurable, stable design forged from heavy-duty steelBeefy weight capacityCertified to commercial ASTM and EN standardsFeatures 10-degree declineConsPriciest option on this listThis model from Hammer Strength was originally introduced in 2016 exclusively for athletics and clubs, and was designed to be a versatile bench with an Olympic rack system. We're such a fan of this brand, we've got quite a few pieces in our own Men's Health gym. It's American-made and sold around the world due to its high-quality, durable construction.With seven different back pad positions (from −10 degrees for decline lifts and up to 75 degrees for military presses), it packs even more multi-functionality than most benches out there. Plus, it has built-in wheels, making it great for home gym spaces that require moving a bench around during workouts to accommodate space.From Samuel's point of view, this is one of the sturdiest benches he's ever used. "Its tough surface lets me create a great base for bench presses." An underrated thing he loves: The comfort of the seat portion of the bench, which allows for locking in a good position during overhead presses and incline curls.It's more expensive than other options in this guide, but if you're looking for a bench that can keep up with your biggest reps and hardest lifts, this pick has got your back.Read More: The Best Adjustable DumbbellsStyleAdjustableMaximum Capacity845 lbsWeight85 lbsWheelsYesAdjustable Positions7 backrest positions and 4 seat positionsProsAvailable in several great colors (Matte Black, Matte Red, Metallic Black, White)Grippy, fabric-covered cushionComfortable-yet-sturdyStable enough for step-upsEasy to adjustConsLess backrest positions than some comparable productsREP Fitness nailed it with this piece. This is the bench that I choose to lift with at home. The assembly is as easy as you hope for with a heavy-duty bench like this. A few separate parts connected with screws and an Allen key. Everything was put together and ready for my workout in less than half an hour (just enough time for you to feel accomplished but not tired).This bench shines in that it is as comfortable as it is durable. Few benches combine sturdiness, comfort, and versatility like this one from REP Fitness. It offers six different incline angles and a three-post design that anchors it to the floor no matter the exercise. It can also support up to 1,000 pounds, making it a solid option for novice to intermediate lifters."The backrest feels way more cushioned than other benches in its class, yet still manages to deliver rigidity when I drive my shoulder blades down for a set of bench presses," explains Samuel. This bench has only a minimal gap between the seat and back, which has never interfered with any of our lifts. It's also not ridiculously heavy (less than 100 pounds), so it's easy to move around my home gym when needed.It's also a total breeze to adjust from fully flat up to 90-degree incline. I've never had an issue with either of the two adjustment mechanisms getting stuck. Three seat positions add to its versatility, too. The roller pads help secure your lower body with decline sit-ups and decline presses.Read More: Our REP Fitness AB-3000 ReviewStyleAdjustableMaximum Capacity700 lbsWeight77 lbsWheelsYesAdjustable Positions5 backrest positions and 3 seat positionsAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGenerous maximum capacitySix adjustable settings from flat to 90 degreesCollapsible design stows verticallyGood price with free shippingCons5” gap between seat and back when flatBowflex's flagship 5.1S Stowable Bench is a good mid-range weight bench for small spaces and beginners. What we love most about this bench is its collapsible design—when not in use, it can be stored vertically to reduce its footprint by more than 50 percent. For those who only use a bench at home from time to time and aren't pushing hundreds of pounds per exercise, this stowable option is a great choice."This bench is rated to support up to 600 pounds, but keep in mind that it's considerably lightweight," says Samuel. "Meaning if you line up on there for, say, incline rows or preacher curls, it may slip. I find it works best for me for bench presses and seated exercises like press, biceps curls, etc."The position of the leg bar is not perfect, especially for those moving heavy weight, and we found it can act as a roadblock to setting up lifts properly. That being said, there is a good number of exercises that you can do properly with this bench not possible with others. It features six adjustable settings, including 30, 45, 60, 90 degrees, flat, and more decline range than most similar benches we've tested (-20 degrees).Read More: Best Cross-Training Gym ShoesStyleAdjustableMaximum Capacity600 lbsWeight70 lbsWheelsYesAdjustable Positions6 backrest positions and 1 seat positionProsMeets International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) standardsHigh max weight capacityDurable, stable design forged from heavy-duty steelRelatively lightweightGreat priceOptional wall storage hanger availableConsLacks adjustment featuresFlat benches often support more weight than their adjustable counterparts, but the REP Fitness FB-3000 tops the charts with the best weight capacity and comfort features of any flat bench we've tested. Grippy vinyl upholstery prevents slippage on its surface when setting up for a lift, and firm, high-density foam cushioning makes driving down feel as stable as benches double its price. There's even an optional wall hanger for stowing it away when not in use.It stands 17 inches from the floor to the top of the pad, and features a three-post design equipped with wheels and a handle to make moving it around easy. Its dimensions are largely consistent with benches used in powerlifting competitions, ensuring powerlifting users a training experience that closely aligns with professional standards. Talk about setting up for success, right?"For less than $200, there isn't a better flat bench on the market. Especially for simple, foundational lifts like the bench press," explains Thorp. "I'm a big fan of how simple this bench is, with even padding throughout, making it a solid option for weighted step-ups as well."The FB-3000 distinguishes itself with incredible value, but it does come with the same limitations as any flat bench: You miss out on a range of exercises that incline positions on adjustable benches provide. A flat bench is great for most powerlifters, but limiting to the rest of us lifting at home. Beyond its performance, this flat bench comes in various colors, including glossy black, red, blue, and textured versions, allowing users to personalize their gym setup.StyleFlatMaximum Capacity1,000 lbsWeight45 lbsWheelsNoAdjustable PositionsN/AAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBuilt-in wheels for easier transportBeefy weight capacityUltra-durable, stable heavy-duty steel constructionAmerican-madeConsHeaviest option on this listOn the pricier sideFollowing extensive testing over the years, we've determined this bench to be the most versatile, and a standout in this guide of solid choices, which is why it made our Men’s Health Fitness Awards. This adjustable bench from Prime Fitness USA earned its spot primarily due to its stability—unlike lighter benches, it stays put during exercises on nearly any surface we've tested. Boasting a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds when flat and 600 pounds in an incline position, it can handle substantial weights for various fitness levels.Seven adjustable backrest positions provide more flexibility than most benches, and the cushioning strikes a perfect balance between comfort and stability. The bench's quick switch between incline settings is also ultra smooth and efficient. Our Fitness Director Samuel enjoys this piece so much he wishes it was an option in the commercial gyms he frequents.Heavy lifters will love how immovable this bench is: Unlike some lighter benches, it won’t slide away from you with exercises like chest-supported rows—regardless of the surface. With the substantial weight capacity, we felt confident and stable pushing heavy weight on this bench. The trade-off is it's heavy itself, and while it has built-in wheels for transport, we wouldn't plan on taking it up and down the stairs a lot.The cushioning manages to be comfortable while still providing a stable, sturdy base. Speaking of bases, the footprint on this bench is more sizable than most, so consider dimensions carefully if you're tight on space.Read More: The Best DumbbellsStyleAdjustableMaximum Capacity1,000 lbs in flat position; 600 lbs in incline positionWeight89.3 lbsWheelsYesAdjustable Positions8 backrest positions and 5 seat positionsProsElevated aestheticExtremely easy to adjust incline anglesConvenient to move and storageSturdy and stable for moderate liftsConsNot as much weight capacity as some options on this listFor those in search of a better-looking bench fit for your living room or guest room, this new offering from Matrix is a great option. The build is commercial-grade, and fit for most heavy lifts. This bench is part of a set the manufacturer offers that includes adjustable dumbbells and storage rack, for those who are seeking a sleek-looking package."I like how easy it is to move and store this bench for how stable and sturdy it is," says Thorp. "Combined with the adjustable dumbbells, it brings everything that I need for a solid workout to my basement, with an aesthetic that elevates the room."As sturdy as the bench is, it lacks the weight capacity of the Prime or the Hammer Strength benches. Able to handle up to 650 pounds, it should withstand the majority of training scenarios, but if you're a bodybuilder looking to move some real weight, there are probably better places to look in this guide.The versatility of this bench is another highlight, with five different angles of incline and the ability to reverse the backpad to better support individuals with different body types or other comfort demands. The wheels and handle make it easy to move, and storing against the wall for additional floor space is simple.StyleAdjustableMaximum Capacity650 lbsWeight79.5 lbsWheelsYesAdjustable Positions5 backrest positions and 1 seat positionAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSturdy weight capacityLightweight, easy to move aroundFoldable design is great for tight spacesGreat for beginnersThis flat bench from Flybird is a suitable option for beginners who are tight on space, offering good value just north of $100. While there are higher-quality flat benches available at a higher price point, the foldable legs make it a standout choice for storage when not in use. The pin and lock system for the folding legs is efficient, taking less than a minute to set up or break down.The bench is also extremely lightweight, making it easy to move and store as needed. However, for those performing lifts with dumbbells over 50 lbs, a heavier option is preferable for more stability. Despite its lightness, we found it reliable for various exercises like light dumbbell presses, curls, and skullcrushers at home.According to Samuel, this is a very solid entry-level bench. "It's more on the cushioned side and actually very comfortable," he explains. "It's obviously not going to do incline and is prone to sliding, so you definitely want a yoga mat under it." It's a budget-friendly option suitable for novice and intermediate lifters, as long as precautions are taken to stabilize the bench.StyleFlatMaximum Capacity1,000 lbsWeight20.5 lbsWheelsNoAdjustable PositionsN/AProsSolid value for the price7 different backrest positions, including declineFolds for easy storageConsHigher quality benches will bring more securityPadding separation might be uncomfortable for some movementsNot super stable, despite weight capacityThis bench has become Amazon’s top-selling option because it comes almost fully assembled and seems easy to store. It isn’t the lightest option out there but, for the bench’s advertised versatility, the weight isn’t too bad and it folds up neatly.We have reservations about this bench though, as it isn’t as stable as it appears—while having a 660-pound capacity, that doesn’t mean you can count on security for all of the movements you might do with it. The padding separation that makes it possible to fold may cause some discomfort when doing decline presses or sit-ups.While it won’t be at the top of our recommendations for serious lifters (it will shift on you), it seems to be a decent budget option for beginners who aren’t sure how much they’re going to spend on home gym equipment. Though there does comes a little additional peace-of-mind from Amazon’s classification as a product that “customers usually keep.”StyleAdjustableMaximum Capacity660 lbsWeight23.1 lbsWheelsNoAdjustable Positions7 backseat positions, 4 seat positions and 3 leg adjustmentsCharles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.Ebenezer 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. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.