The 13 Best Weight Benches to Gain More Muscles in 2022

The value of a piece of gym equipment can be measured by the number of exercises it enables you to perform. The stable surface provided by a weight bench is more versatile than its simplicity would suggest. We have reviewed flat, adjustable (flat to incline), and FID (flat, incline, or decline) benches so that you can choose the right weight bench for your specific needs. 

The Top Weight Benches Reviewed

	Product's name	Footprint	Height	Pad Dimensions	Weight	More Info
	Best Overall Flat Bench REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench	48” x 21”	17”	48” x 12” x 4” 48” x 13.75” x 4”	62 LBS 70 LBS	See Latest Price
	Best High-End Flat Bench Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0	47.375" x 26.25"	15.25” 17.5” 19.75”	47" x 12" x 2.5" 50" x 12.5" x 4.5" 50" x 14.5" x 4.5"	68 LBS 71.5 LBS 87 LBS	See Latest Price
	Best Budget Flat Bench Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench	52” x 17”	17”	48” x 12” x 2”	37 LBS	See Latest Price
	Best Budget Single Post Flat Bench Titan Fitness Single Post Competition Flat Bench	52” x 21.65"	17”	47.25” x 11.8” x 2.36”	37.5”	See Latest Price
[amazon fields="B072Z1WN4S" value="thumb"]	Best Affordable Flat Bench [amazon fields="B072Z1WN4S" value="title" title_length="75"]	41.25” x 19.13”	18”	41.25” x 11” x 2”	24 LBS	[amazon fields="B072Z1WN4S" value="button"]
	Best Sturdy Flat Bench Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0	48” x 14”	18”	47” x 12” x 2.25”	40 LBS	See Latest Price
	Best Overall FI Adjustable Bench REP Fitness AB-5200 Adjustable Weight Bench	55.5” x 20.5	18”	55.25” x 12” x 2.25	125 LBS	See Latest Price
	Best Budget FID Adjustable Bench REP Fitness AB-5100 Adjustable Weight Bench	53.25” x 20.3”	17.25”	53.25” x 12.25” x 2.5”	110 LBS	See Latest Price
	Best High-End FI Adjustable Bench Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0	56.5” x 24.75”	17.5”	52” x 11.25” x 2.5”	125 LBS	See Latest Price
	Best Budget FI Adjustable Bench REP Fitness AB-3100 Adjustable Weight Bench	54” x 26”	17”	49.25” x 11.75” x 2.5”	70 LBS	See Latest Price
	Best Overall FID Adjustable Bench REP Fitness AB-5000 Zero Gap Adjustable Bench	57” x 20.25”	17.5”	53.5” x 12.25” x 2.25”	125 LBS	See Latest Price
	Best High-End FID Adjustable Bench Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench	51.25” x 22.5”	18”	52” x 12” x 2.25”	117 LBS	See Latest Price
	Most Versatile FID Adjustable Bench Ironmaster Super Bench PRO	47” x 20.75”	17.2”	44” x 10.5” x 2.5”	64 LBS	See Latest Price

Find the right Weight Bench for You

The REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench offers high-end quality at a great price. 3×3” 11-gauge steel creates the frame and a 1000 LBS weight capacity. Firm 4” thick foam covered with durable and grippy vinyl makes it ideal for heavy lifting. Its 3-post design ensures unobstructed foot placement for chess presses. Handle and wheels for easy mobility.

The standard model has a 12” wide pad. Upgrade to a 14” wide pad with the FB-5050 Competition Flat Bench.

If you like the REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench but do not need some of the high-end features, check out the REP Fitness FB-4000 Comp Lite Flat Bench. The FB-4000 has a 700 LBS capacity and uses 14-gauge steel and 2.5” thick foam.

The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is ideal for those that like the REP Fitness FB-5000 but want a little more. Both models share many of the same traits (3×3” 11-gauge steel with 1000 LBS capacity), but the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 excels in a few areas. Rogue has some of the best vinyl on the market available for this weight bench. It also has a wider rear base and the ability to be stored upright adding stability and storability.

The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 has multiple pad height, width, and thickness options. Standard and ‘shorty’ frame options to pair with a standard or ‘fat’ pad to achieve your preferred height.

The Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench has a 1000 LBS weight capacity at a budget price. It uses robust 3×3” 11-gauge steel and features a handle and wheels similar to other higher-end weight benches. The vinyl and padding are inferior to those used by Rogue and REP Fitness, but the materials used are effective and get the job done. The traditional 4-post base can be annoying for foot placement, but some people prefer the added stability. 

Perfect for those that liked everything about the Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench except its 4-post base. Titan Fitness Single Post Competition Flat Bench is its 3-post counterpart. Same 3×3” 11-gauge steel and 1000LBS capacity.

Many people building a home gym are looking to save money where possible. The Amazon Basics Flat Weight Bench keeps its cost low by using thinner steel with lower quality vinyl and padding. Potential money-saver if a weight bench with extra features and a high weight capacity is not needed. Its simple design is surprisingly solid for its 385 LBS capacity (many reviewers have gone heavier without issue). Moving this bench around without a handle and wheels is made easier due to its 24 LBS weight. 

A weight bench needs excellent stability to reliably support exercises like step-ups, box squats, and box jumps. The welded single-piece frame of the Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 eliminates wobble, comes fully assembled, and will never require bolt tightening maintenance. A pair of angled and wide-set legs solidify its foundation. Weighing 40 LBS, it is heavy enough to remain planted and just light enough to manageably move.

It is easy to underestimate a simple design that maximizes stability over other features. This high-end weight bench is made with top-quality vinyl, padding, and 2×3” 11-gauge steel (1000 LBS capacity).

It is not cheap, but the REP Fitness AB-5200 Adjustable Weight Bench is the best flat/incline (FI) adjustable weight bench for the price. Made with high-quality grippy vinyl, firm padding, 7 and 11 gauge steel (1000 LBS capacity). Its ladder system allows 7 back pad positions and 3 seat settings.

It is packed with features like laser-cut numbered ladder with cage, minimal pad gap, nylon covering bolt to protect ladder interface, handle, wheels, 3-peg design, and the ability to store upright complete this high-end product. An 18” height is the ceiling of the ideal range.

If you love all these features and realize a shorter pad length with 7 and 14 gauge steel (700 LBS capacity) are adequate, check out the REP Fitness AB-4100 Adjustable Weight Bench. A money savings potential for those able to sacrifice some load capacity and 4.75” of overall pad length. On the positive side, the AB-4100 has a slightly smaller pad gap (1.57”) and a competition standard height of 17”.

The REP Fitness AB-5100 Adjustable Weight Bench is the pop-pin counterpart of the AB-5200’s ladder system. Both have similar materials and load capacities (1000LBS). The pop-pin system enables 2 more seat pad positions and decline bench capabilities. A wider front post provides the extra stability needed by front/incline/decline (FID) adjustable weight benches. 

The addition of an optional leg attachment is recommended to maximize the potential of the decline bench. The REP Fitness AB-5100 Adjustable Weight Bench has a larger pad gap due to the mobility demands of an FID adjustable weight bench. It is an ideal addition to a gym containing an adequate flat bench (or for individuals unphased by pad gaps). Provided adequate space available considering the AB-5100 is not designed for upright storage.

The Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is a top tier ladder style FI adjustable weight bench. Its most comparable competitor is the REP Fitness AB-5200. They have similar pad dimensions with identical load capacities and features. The Rogue weight bench has 3 more back pad positions, a smaller pad gap, sits a half-inch lower and is made with superior wheels, vinyl, and padding when compared to the REP Fitness model. Optional upgrades to stainless steel adjustment rails and a premium foam pad are available.

The REP Fitness AB-3100 Adjustable Weight Bench is a ladder style FI adjustable weight bench with a budget-friendly price. REP Fitness tries to deliver the most possible at an affordable price by stripping away the maximum without negatively impacting general performance. 

Utilizing 4 to 14 gauge steel reduces cost and provides a 700LBS capacity. Using good, not great materials, removing high-end details, smaller pad size, and 6 back pad positions vs 7 increase savings. Convenience features like a handle, wheels, and 3-post design are included for ease of use. Budget saving opportunity for those looking for a straightforward FI adjustable weight bench.

The REP Fitness AB-5000 Zero Gap Adjustable Bench is similar to the REP Fitness AB-5100 in almost every aspect. Two design features of the AB-5000 create versatility, giving it the slight advantage and best overall FID adjustable weight bench title. Addition of a third ‘foot’ on the front post increase the footprint and stability.

The zero-gap feature is an adjustment mechanism that allows the seat to slide and eliminate pad gap in any position.

The Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench is the most expensive weight bench that we reviewed. Premium weight benches good enough for commercial gyms do not come cheap. Years of heavy use are made possible by utilizing durable construction and materials. Its single-piece frame made with 11-gauge steel and welded joints is rock solid. It is extremely stable and has a 1000LBS capacity. Tough vinyl, firm padding, and a black powder coat finish helps resist the wear and tear of regular use.

It is also the most adjustable FID weight bench that we reviewed. The pop-pin system has 9 back pad positions and 6 seat settings possible. Take advantage of its adjustability in declined positions with the included detachable foot catch. Handle and wheels make moving this stout weight bench manageable.

The Ironmaster Super Bench PRO is the most versatile FID adjustable weight bench on the market. Designed to maximize the function of a home gym for an affordable price. This weight bench can perform tasks that would normally require multiple pieces of equipment and a larger space.

Its unique laser-cut ring with foot lever adjustment system creates tons of empty space under the bench without compromising stability. 

This gives the Super Bench Pro the ability to offer an amazing amount of optional accessories. 

The impressive list includes decline foot catch with handle, bar dip handles, seated press pad, chin-up bar, leg extension/curl, preacher curl pad, hyperextension bench, cable tower, front-wheel kit, spot stands, and back pad extender.

It is adjustable to 11 lock-out angles, giving it 21 bench positions (flat and 10 slots for each incline and decline). 

The seat used for incline positions attaches perpendicular to the back pad and moves with it, eliminating the possibility of pad gap at all angles.

Surprisingly strong, the Super Bench Pro is constructed from 11 and 12 gauge steel with a 1000LBS weight capacity in the flat position and a 600LBS capacity in other positions. Other notable features include 17.2” height, handle, and wheels.

Ultimately, its biggest drawbacks are the reasons for its competitive pricing. It has a smaller overall pad size, that is further reduced when using the incline bench seat (back pad extender attachment available to address this). Its slick vinyl and uncomfortable foam feel average. Its low-quality finishing details give it a cheap appearance.

Weight Bench Buying Guide

What to Look for When Buying a Weight Bench

An easy way to narrow down your search is to determine if you need a flat or adjustable bench. Make sure the footprint and overall size of the weight bench will fit into the space and integrate with existing gym equipment. Then there are several more options to consider to ensure you get the right weight bench for your home gym.

Construction and Weight Capacity

The materials and how they are utilized will usually determine the weight capacity, stability, and overall longevity of the weight bench.  Welded joints have more structural integrity than bolted ones. Quality weight benches with weight capacities of 1000 pounds or more utilize 11-gauge steel and 2×3”, 2×4”, or 3×3” bars. Your average weight bench will have a weight capacity of around 600 pounds.

Height

The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) standard height from floor to top of the pad is 17”. Staying close to this standard ensures that you will be able to firmly plant your feet into the ground when performing chest presses. Most adjustable benches will be slightly higher to accommodate the mechanisms that allow movement of the pads.

Pad Width

Most weight benches are 10-12” wide with some models offering 14” options. A narrower pad allows greater mobility but requires more stability from the user. Wider pads provide support to the upper back and shoulders but can restrict motion. The extra protection from wide pads are an ideal option for heavy bench presses.

Pad Thickness

Most weight benches have a pad that is around 2 – 2.5”. The thickest pads on the market are 4 – 4.5”. Thicker pads should be firm to provide support. If a thick pad is too soft it will feel unstable making certain exercises difficult. Thick pads are desirable for heavy bench presses.

Pad Length

Majority of people will not have an issue with a weight bench’s pad length. Individuals 6’4” and taller will want a minimum pad length of 45”. To be on the safe side, you can measure the length from the back of your knee to the tip of your head and find your minimum pad length requirement.

Foam Density and Vinyl Grip

The ideal pad is stable and firm with just enough give to be comfortable. Foam that is too soft may feel unstable, pack down sooner, and allow the vinyl to stretch more. The best weight bench vinyl is durable and should have some traction/grip. You want to be able to push into the bench without fear of sliding out of position.

3 Post Design

This design feature allows the feet to be firmly planted on the ground during a chest press without the frame getting in the way. Ideal for heavy bench press lifting position. Weight benches with this feature will lack stability towards the single post. Seated shoulder presses may need to be performed on the opposite end of the pad. This design may not be ideal for step-ups and box jumps.

Ease of Use and Storage

A few quality-of-life features go a long way. High-end weight benches can get heavy. This is nice for the added stability. Wheels and a handle make mobility and set-up easily manageable for one person. 

Some models are designed to be stowed in an upright position, clearing up needed floor space while protecting the vinyl from contact with the ground. 

FAQs for Weight Benches

Should I get a flat bench or an adjustable bench?

The ideal set-up would be to have both styles of weight benches. A rock-solid flat bench is simple to use and provides the best experience out of all weight bench types used in the flat position. The adjustable bench enhances the versatility of a gym with its decline and/or incline functionality. 

The reality is that most people are unable to have multiple weight benches. The best weight bench option is the one that best supports your training demands. If your training program does not require an incline or decline bench, do not spend money on features that will not be used, and go with a flat bench. Conversely, if decline and/or incline positions will be utilized an adjustable bench is the superior option.

Flat Utility Bench

Flat utility weight benches are simple and stable. They are not as versatile as their adjustable counterparts, but what the flat bench does, it does really well. 

A solid and seamless base to perform chest presses, one-armed rows, french curls, and many more. Its rigid base makes it more ideal for exercises like heavy bench press, plyometric jumps, and box squats compared to adjustable models.

Adjustable Incline Bench

An adjustable incline weight bench can do almost everything a flat bench can do with the added functionality of inclining. These weight benches can be set to flat and inclined positions. They commonly use a ladder-style adjustment system. 

Incline presses, supported shoulder presses, incline rows, and preacher curls are some of the exercises that become possible. They sacrifice some stability to be adjustable. Lower weight capacities, slight wiggles, and pad gaps are common drawbacks. Some models are able to minimize or eliminate the gap between upper and lower pads.

Flat Incline Decline (FID) Bench

Flat, incline, or decline adjustable benches have even more versatility with the ability to decline. The majority of FID weight benches utilize a pop-pin adjustment system.

This functionality opens the door for decline presses and a variety of core exercises. Like adjustable incline benches, FID benches tend to be taller than the IPF height standard in order to accommodate the adjustable components. 

Conclusion

Our top choice is the REP Fitness AB-5000 Zero Gap Adjustable Bench because of its versatility and high quality at a reasonable price. There are many other great options, and we hope that the information from these reviews can guide you in choosing your ideal weight bench. After all, the perfect weight bench is the one that you will utilize the most.