The 4 Best Folding Squat Racks for Small Spaces

For the glute and hamstring-building baddies, having a reliable and sturdy squat rack that can support your heavy lifts is a fundamental aspect of their workout routines. But they’re also usually large, bulky pieces of equipment that don’t work well in small spaces or garages. 

But thanks to the modern and tech-savvy world, we now have folding squat racks that are designed to solve these issues – giving us the chance to get the benefits of a full-size version without being limited in space. To help you find the best folding squat rack for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the top 4 fold-up options on the market.

In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks

Why You Should Trust Us

The BoxLife team is made up of training professionals and enthusiasts who strive to make the world of fitness more accessible to the average user. We’ve had extensive run-ins with different pieces of workout equipment, both in our own homes and in the gym, and we use our experience to provide you with the most accurate product information.

We know how challenging it can be to navigate the limited space that many of us have in our homes and garages while still getting the desired results out of our workouts. As such, we’ve gone out of our way to ensure that the products featured in this guide have enough space-saving features, as well as live up to the safety and performance standards we’ve set out.

Who Is This Guide For?

Anyone who struggles with limited space in their dedicated training area, but doesn’t want to compromise the performance and structural integrity of their equipment, will find this guide useful. Our recommendations are suitable for both beginner and intermediate lifters who don’t have plenty of space to work with, all while focusing on a reasonable price and quality of construction as well.

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How We Picked the Best Products

In order to compile this guide, we relied on our team’s individual experiences mixed with other reliable reviews and consumer ratings in order to achieve a well-rounded and comprehensive product list. To start with, we had to check out the lengthy discussion threads and comment sections across Reddit and Quora, which are full of no-nonsense information and honest opinions of squat rack users.

We then moved on to popular and trustworthy customer reviews from online stores, such as Amazon, Titan, and Rogue Fitness, which allowed us to get a more encompassing idea of the features and design elements that each rack has. Here we had consumers of all ages speak their minds on each product, as well as any issues they may have encountered.

How We Graded Each Product

When we’d heard and read enough from each member of our team and the users online, it was easy enough to compile a comprehensive list of the candidates for the best folding squat rack. We took our time to consider all the relevant features and specs that each product has and compared them to our trusty grading system, which consists of the following aspects:

• Versatility – At first glance, all these racks are quite similar. But what makes them special is the fact that they can perform multiple exercises, such as squats, bench presses, and pull-ups all within a limited space. This depends heavily on the hole spacing of the uprights to accommodate different barbell heights, as well as the length and height options of the bar itself.
• Construction Quality – As with any piece of exercise equipment, it is essential to pay attention to the way it’s built. We looked for racks with thick steel frames that offer stability and durability, as well as fixtures with extra bolts and solid welds to make sure everything stays in place.
• Weight Plate Storage – While having a separate storage rack might seem like an obvious solution, you can actually save up a lot of space by having some of the racks featured in this guide come with their own weight plate holders. This also makes them more dynamic in terms of exercise variety and gives you more freedom to work with different amounts without having to move around your equipment.
• Safety Features – When you’re handling heavy weights with limited space, safety is a priority. Not only can you damage your garage or home gym, but you may also put yourself in harm’s way if things go south. With this in mind, some models may need to be anchored to the floor for extra stability, while others come with additional safety straps or spotter arms for added security.

The Products

As the finishing touches to our research endeavors took shape, we were able to take the findings and evaluate each product on its own merits. As such, the four main contenders took their spots in their respective categories, with some excelling in certain areas while others offered a more complete package.

Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack – Best Overall

This wall-mounted squat rack by Rogue Fitness is a versatile and space-saving solution for anyone with limited room in their gym or garage. It offers exceptional stability, thanks to the heavy-duty 11-gauge steel construction, with reinforced gussets and industrial-grade hardware to boot. It also comes with a standard pull-up bar and J-hooks to accommodate a variety of exercises.

Key Specs

Dimensions (Unfolded)	49” W x 25 – 44” D x 90”H
Upright Sizes	3×3 11-Gauge Steel
Product Weight	190 lbs
Max Weight Capacity	1000 lbs

Why It’s Great

There’s no denying that the Rogue RML-3W is built like a tank with its 3×3 11-Gauge Steel construction and reinforced gussets. It feels rock-solid when used and doesn’t require any anchoring to the floor, which could save your concrete or wooden floor from damage. You get ample space to work with since the J-hooks are far enough apart to accommodate a variety of barbell movements.

You can opt for either 21.5-inch or 41.5-inch depth options in order to fit your specific needs, and the laser-cut stringer system provides a wide variety of hole spacing options for increased exercise versatility. The exact hole size is set at 5/8″ in diameter and they can comfortably fit the Monster Lite Series from Rogue’s own equipment lineup.

Plus, the 1,000-pound weight capacity brings enough strength to handle even the toughest of workouts, while the powder-coated finish and rubber feet provide extra grip for added safety. The dedicated mounting brackets that are used to distribute the weight evenly across the wall also come included with this package.

Finally, the rack comes with tons of attachments and accessories from Rogue’s gym essentials lineup that are used to enhance your training sessions, including squat racks, spotter arms, dip bars, plate holders, and more. When you’re done training, the fold-back design easily slides away from the wall to free up extra floor space, given its minimal 5-inch mounting depth.

Who It’s Best For

If stability and durability are your primary concerns, the Rogue RML-3W Wall Mount Rack can give you the peace of mind you need. Its heavy-duty construction is more than capable of handling the toughest of workouts. It’s also a more practical choice for anyone who wants to buy their fitness gear from the same place as Rogue has all the additional attachments and accessories that are compatible with their racks.

Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack – Best for Beginners

The X-3 series from Titan Fitness offers a solid middle-of-the-road solution for people who don’t need the premium-level features of the more expensive models, but still want a quality piece of equipment as their starting point. This folding power rack is constructed with the same 3×3 11-Gauge Steel uprights found in more expensive models but with a few cost-saving measures, such as fewer accessories than the Rogue model.

Key Specs

Dimensions (Unfolded)	42” W x 21 – 41” D x 91”H
Upright Sizes	3×3 11-Gauge Steel
Product Weight	160 lbs
Max Weight Capacity	1100 lbs

Why It’s Great

Even though the product’s more affordable price tag is visibly reflected in its build quality, there’s still plenty of value to be had from this model. The powder-coated finish is both abrasion and rust-resistant, with smooth edges and thick padding to prevent any discomfort when using the unit. While it does have slightly cheaper bolts and nuts, they provide sufficient stability and grip when using the rack.

The depth of the uprights is adjustable, going as low as 21 inches and as high as 41 inches, with adequate spacing to fit any barbell movement. You can also adjust the spotter arms and dip bars as needed to fully customize your workout and add new exercises, such as pull-ups or muscle-ups, to your routine.

The hole size is comfortable at 11/16 inches, with the 1,100-pound weight capacity on the main beam of the rack giving you plenty of security and a sturdy base for your training sessions. Although that number itself is admirable, we wouldn’t exactly go as far as the limit since the J-cups can be slightly weaker and prone to rattling.

Even with all its fantastic features, the initial assembly might be a bit tricky since it doesn’t come with dedicated instructions out of the box. This means that the assembly process could take a bit longer and require more careful attention because you’ll be left to your own devices when it comes to putting the product together. But at least you’ll have no shortage of attachment opportunities once the whole thing is up and running.

Who It’s Best For

Given the product’s user-friendly and beginner-oriented design, the Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack proves to be a terrific starting point for someone who doesn’t want to invest too much at the beginning of their fitness journey but still wants a quality piece of equipment. It packs enough features and customization options to cater to any beginner’s needs, and it will still be able to handle more advanced routines as you progress.

Fringe Sport Garage Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar – Cost-Saving Option

Boasting an even more budget-friendly price tag than the Titan Fitness model, the Fringe Sport Garage Squat Rack with Pull-Up Bar brings the beauty of a wall-mounted rack to your living room or garage at a solid price. Superb quality and stability come in the form of sturdy 2×3 11-Gauge Steel with a 5′ x 4′ footprint for both kipping and banded pull-ups or other common exercises.

Key Specs

Dimensions (Unfolded)	46.5” W x 62” D x 91.5”H
Upright Sizes	2×3 11-Gauge Steel
Product Weight	110 lbs
Max Weight Capacity	660 lbs

Why It’s Great

At first glance, this model might seem like a basic rack, with minimal features and subpar stability. And sure, the price itself dictates that there can’t be any luxurious extras or top-tier build quality, but even with its simplistic design, it manages to hold its own against the more expensive models. Plus, if you take into account the free shipping policy, then you’ve got yourself an absolute banger for the price.

Now, the first compromise that’s made when buying a budget-friendly model like this one is the 2×3-Inch 11-Gauge Steel build quality. It’s still strong and stable enough for the average user, but it won’t exactly stand up to any serious weightlifting. Given its thinner design and slightly lighter weight capacity, it brings certain limitations to the kinds of exercises you can incorporate into your routine.

The ever-popular 5/8″ hole size is also used in this model, with plenty of attachment adjustments to modify your exercise intensity. Even though a quick-attach pull-up bar is included in the package, buying add-ons such as a dip station or safety spotter arms will have to be done separately. This is partially an expected consequence of buying an affordable product, with more expensive models compensating for this with the inclusion of such extras.

But even in a budget-oriented package, this rack manages to provide a quality product that could perform admirably for any beginner’s needs. It won’t be as flashy or feature-packed as its more expensive counterparts, but it will serve its purpose with plenty of stability and user-friendliness.

Who It’s Best For

Since its price tag isn’t too steep, the Titan Fitness X-3 Series Folding Power Rack can be a superb option for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts who don’t want to splurge on the extra features that come with more expensive models. Its stability and adjustable height result in a respectable unit that has all the essentials for a good workout at home without breaking the bank.

PRx Performance Profile Rack – Best Customization

More advanced and experienced users might find that they need something more than a simple starter set – something with more features, greater capacity, and better build quality. The sheer stability and customization provided by the PRx Performance Profile Rack tick all of these boxes, but it also brings an appropriately hefty price tag.

Key Specs

Dimensions (Unfolded)	52” W x 39.5” D x 96 – 114” H
Upright Sizes	3×3 11-Gauge Steel
Product Weight	123 lbs
Max Weight Capacity	1000 lbs

Why It’s Great

If there was ever an example of a professional-grade and premium option, this is it. Designed to be both user-friendly and highly adjustable, the PRx Performance Profile Rack comes in two different height options, with the taller one being 114” and the shorter one coming in at 96”. This gives you more options when it comes to ceiling heights, as well as allowing greater flexibility in your exercise routine.

The frame itself is made of 3×3-Inch 11 Gauge Steel that’s coated with a matte finish in a whopping 10 shades, with superb stability and strength to boot. It also comes with a bench pad that can be adjusted in width, height, and depth for greater flexibility when it comes to upper-body workouts.

In terms of customization, PRx Performance has you covered with the common size of 5/8″ for the accessory holes, which are both numbered and laser-etched for better clarity. This means that you can easily add or remove attachments such as a dip station, safety spotter arms, or a pull-up bar without any compatibility issues. With the exception of the first two which have to be purchased separately, of course.

Another interesting feature of this model is the easy-folding mechanism. This allows the rack to be moved from one side of the wall to the other with minimal effort, or just folded up against it when you don’t need it anymore. You can actually do so with one hand, making this one of the most convenient folding racks available.

Who It’s Best For

Given the cost and feature set of this product, we’d say the PRx Performance Profile Rack is best suited for more experienced and serious weightlifters. Its adjustable design, stable build, and easy-folding mechanism are a suitable match for those seeking a durable, user-friendly wall-mount rack that can cater to their specific needs.

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The Buying Guide

Even if the exercise equipment you buy can fit in your available space, that doesn’t mean it will necessarily be able to perform correctly or safely. More often than not, the footprint or folding mechanisms are just the tip of the iceberg, with several other factors hidden underneath.

Steel Thickness

This refers to the thickness of the steel used in the construction of the frame, which is commonly known as the gauge of the material. Naturally, the thicker and heavier the steel, the more durable and sturdy it’ll be.

The most common option is the 11-Gauge high-quality steel as a solid baseline, with thinner options such as 12-Gauge steel being less durable and heavier ones such as 7-Gauge often considered as overkill given their massive size. You don’t necessarily have to swing for the thickest option, but rather pick one that fits your needs and budget.

Structural Warranty

Even with the highest-quality steel, there’s always a possibility that something could go wrong after prolonged use. This can be in the form of bending or warping due to excessive loading, or even cosmetic damage from normal wear and tear.

That’s why many manufacturers offer some sort of structural warranty that covers any potential issues related to their product. While it doesn’t hurt to have one in place, we suggest having a look at the fine print as it might not apply to all kinds of damage and misuse. A minimal one-year warranty is a good starting point, with higher-tier models having longer policies in place.

Attachment Compatibility

Much like Apple users can’t make do with Android accessories, the same goes for exercise equipment. Different manufacturers have different sizes and types of accessory holes, which inherently means that they each require their own set of attachments.

Oftentimes, brands will make the attachment holes a specific size to go with their own products, while some are common enough that they can be used with almost any accessory out there. While larger hole sizes offer more flexibility, they also tend to be less secure and sturdy. Smaller ones, on the other hand, offer a tight fit but might not be able to accommodate all kinds of attachments.

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Load Capacity

As is the case with most training products, weight capacity is a crucial factor in determining the actual usability of a folding squat rack. Not only should it be able to handle all of the bars and plates you have, but it should also be able to do so without any risk of damage or failure.

The weight rating is the number that indicates the maximum load that the rack can handle, and it’s usually expressed in pounds or kilograms. Higher-end options have higher ratings with some being able to support up to 1,200 pounds, while others are suitable for lighter loads of 600-700 pounds. Knowing your own needs beforehand can help you pick the right product with relative ease.

Ceiling Height Requirement

While folding models bring some flexibility to the table, they also require that you have enough headroom in order to be able to set them up properly. This means that if your ceiling is too low, even the most compact options won’t be able to fit in. As a general rule of thumb, most folding models require around 8-10 feet of ceiling clearance in order to be able to function adequately.

Sometimes, this can be solved by adjusting the arms of the rack to a lower position and potentially even removing the pull-up bar, which allows it to fit in tight spaces. If this isn’t an option, then you might have to look for other models with adjustable arms and rubber feet which can help reduce the total height requirement.

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