Weightlifting Bench Price Ranges: How Much Should You Pay?

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Weightlifting benches can vary widely in price and it can be confusing. What are you paying for and how much should you pay? You don’t want to end up with a useless piece of scrap metal but also not pay too much for a bench that has features you don’t need.

For home and garage gyms, a mid-range ($120-200) adjustable bench is going to be the best choice for most people. At that price, you get a bench that’s sturdy enough for the majority of people while also providing adjustments for extra exercise options.

In the rest of this article, we’ll dive into the numbers and differences between the price ranges, what you can expect, and how to find the best weightlifting bench for your needs.

Weightlifting Bench Price Chart

There is a wide range of weightlifting benches available. They have different features, designs, qualities, and load limits. And those things come at different price points.

Here is a summary of the price ranges of weightlifting benches.

Type	Price Range	Expected Load Limit
Entry-level flat bench:	$40-$80	Up to 500 pounds
Mid-range flat bench:	$80-$150	500-1000 pounds
High-end flat bench	$150-$300	1000+ pounds
Entry-level adjustable bench:	$70-$120	Up to +-250 pounds
Mid-range adjustable:	$120-$200	Around 500 pounds
High End adjustable:	$200-$1000	500-1000 pounds

A mid-range adjustable bench is the best choice for the majority of people building a home/garage gym.

These benches are sturdy enough to ensure longevity for most lifters, they support enough weight and their adjustability means you get a lot of extra exercise options compared to a fixed, flat bench.

Below, we’ll dive deeper into the differences between the types and price ranges. The load limits in this chart are what you can typically expect from a bench in that price range. Of course, there are always outliers.

Flat Weightlifting Bench Price Ranges

When it comes to flat weightlifting benches, prices can vary significantly based on the level of quality and load limit. In general, flat benches have a much higher load limit than adjustable benches for a lower price.

image of a flat, fixed weightlifting bench — *Example of a fixed, non-adjustable weightlifting bench.*

Here’s a breakdown of the price ranges for different tiers of benches:

Entry Level Flat Benches: Affordable Simplicity

Best for: People wanting to build a simple home gym on a low budget that need a higher load limit than cheap adjustable benches can offer.

Price Range: $40 to $80
Entry-level flat utility benches are an economical choice for those who are building a home gym on a budget.
These benches may come with some cosmetic imperfections due to cost-cutting measures, but they can usually handle a load of around 500 lbs.

Entry-level flat utility benches are an economical choice for those who are just starting their weightlifting journey or prefer a straightforward bench setup. These benches typically range from $40 to $80.

While they may come with some cosmetic imperfections due to cost-cutting measures, most of them can handle a load limit of around 500 lbs. These benches are suitable for individuals looking for a basic and functional bench without the need for heavy lifting or advanced features.

Keep in mind that 500 lbs. load limit is the absolute max. It’ll feel wobbly and unsafe quite a while before that point.

Mid-Range Flat Benches: Enhanced Performance and Comfort

Best for: People who need a solid, non-adjustable weightlifting bench that doesn’t break the bank but can handle heavy loads and lasts long.

Price Range: $80 to $150
These benches provide better fit and finish, along with an increased load capacity of around 1000 lbs.
A sturdier build and improved materials contribute to a more confident lifting experience.
Mid-range benches often feature thicker and more comfortable pads, making them ideal for heavy lifts.

Mid-range flat benches offer a step up in quality and performance. Priced between $80 and $150, these benches provide better fit and finish, along with an increased load capacity of around 1000 lbs.

A sturdier build and improved materials contribute to a more confident lifting experience. Additionally, mid-range benches often feature thicker and more comfortable pads, making them ideal for heavy lifts.

The combination of better design, improved materials, and enhanced comfort make mid-range benches a solid choice for those seeking reliable performance at a reasonable price.

High-End Flat Benches: Premium Quality and Durability

Best for: People who want a great, non-adjustable, weightlifting bench made from thick steel and has solid padding/upholstery that will last forever.

Price Range: $150 to $300
For serious weightlifters and those who prioritize top-tier quality.
These benches offer exceptional durability, construction, and load capacity.
With load limits surpassing 1000 lbs. (some without a listed limit due to their confidence in durability), these benches are built to handle heavy lifting.

For serious weightlifters and those who prioritize top-tier quality, high-end flat benches are the pinnacle of bench options.

These benches range from $150 to $300 and offer exceptional durability, construction, and load capacity. Some brands, like Rogue, are known for producing high-end benches that excel in both design and construction.

With load limits surpassing 1000 lbs. (some without a listed limit due to their confidence in durability), these benches are built to handle heavy lifting.

Moreover, high-end benches feature premium pads that offer superior support, comfort, and long-lasting performance. If you’re dedicated to lifting heavy weights and demand the utmost in quality and longevity, investing in a high-end flat bench is the ultimate choice.

Adjustable Weightlifting Bench Prices

When it comes to adjustable weightlifting benches, prices vary based on the complexity of features and build quality.

Image of an adjustable weightlifting bench in front of a rack or kettlebells. — *Example of an adjustable weightlifting bench.*

Let’s explore the different price ranges and what they offer:

Entry Level Benches: Basic Adjustability

Best for: People who need an affordable and flexible weightlifting bench to build a home gym with but don’t need super solid construction or high load limits.

Price Range: $70 – $120
Simple adjustability with limited versatility
Less sturdy mechanisms and lower-quality pad material
Suitable for lighter exercises (under +-200 lbs.) but may deteriorate over time

Entry-level adjustable benches, ranging from $70 to $120, provide a cost-effective introduction to adjustable bench setups.

While these benches offer simple adjustability, their mechanisms may lack sturdiness and versatility. The pad material and durability might not be top-tier, making them better suited for light exercises.

However, investing slightly more can lead to a significant upgrade in quality and longevity, as entry level benches might suffer from deteriorating adjustment mechanisms and pivot points over time.

Mid-Range Benches: Improved Performance and Durability

The Sweet Spot: Mid-Range adjustable weight benches are best for most people looking for a good fit for their home gym. These benches provide all the flexibility you need combined with solid build quality and features.

Price Range: $120 – $200
More adjustability
Sturdier construction and better design
Supports around 500 lbs. of load

Mid-range adjustable benches, priced between $120 and $200, offer enhanced adjustability options, sturdier construction, and better design.

These benches provide more reliable adjustment mechanisms and a more solid feel compared to entry-level options. With the ability to support around 500 lbs. of load, mid-range benches are suitable for most users and offer improved backrest support.

High-End Benches: Premium Adjustability and Quality

Best for: People who want an adjustable bench but also want the best they can get and don’t mind spending a bit more money. If durability and strength combined with adjustability and features are key, this is your bench.

Price Range: $200 – $1,000 (Most around $200 – $350)
Heavy-duty construction
Ideal for serious lifters and heavy lifting
Offers precise adjustability and solid back support

High-end adjustable benches, ranging from $200 to $1,000 (with most falling between $200 and $350), represent the pinnacle of adjustable bench options.

These benches are designed for serious lifters and enthusiasts who prioritize top-tier features and build quality. With heavy-duty construction, extensive adjustment options, and advanced design, high-end benches deliver a superior lifting experience.

The additional investment can be justified if you lift heavy weights regularly and require precise adjustability and solid back support.

Factors Influencing Weightlifting Bench Costs

When considering the cost of a weightlifting bench, several key factors come into play. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and workout needs.

Type of Bench

The type of weightlifting bench you choose has a significant impact on its cost. Different types of benches are designed to accommodate various exercises and provide different levels of adjustability. Here’s how the type of bench influences its price:

Basic Flat Weightlifting Benches: These simple, non-adjustable benches are often the most budget-friendly option. They are well-suited for basic strength training exercises like bench presses and dumbbell work.
Adjustable Weightlifting Benches: Benches with multiple adjustable angles cost more. The more adjustable features a bench has, the more exercises you can perform, making these benches a good buy. Some benches don’t only incline but also decline. Others don’t only have adjustable backrest but also an adjustable seat angle. All that adjustability adds complexity and thus cost.
Specialty Weightlifting Benches: Specialty benches equipped with specific attachments, such as leg extensions or preacher curl pads, typically have a higher price point. These attachments enhance the bench’s functionality and add value for targeted exercises. However, these aren’t always the best benches for heavy lifting.
Commercial-Grade Weightlifting Benches: Designed for professional gyms and heavy usage, commercial-grade benches are built with premium materials and construction. As a result, they tend to be the most expensive option due to their durability and robust design.

Image of a weightlifting bench set to an incline setting in a home gym. — *Adjustable benches provide many more exercise options.*

Materials and Construction

The materials used in the construction of a weightlifting bench significantly impact how much it costs. High-quality materials contribute to durability and longevity, ensuring that your investment lasts over time.

Steel Frame: Weightlifting benches with sturdy steel frames tend to be more durable and stable. High-quality steel enhances the bench’s load capacity and overall strength, which can impact its cost. Thicker steel is stronger and can handle more weight.
Padding and Upholstery: The quality of padding and upholstery affects comfort during workouts. Benches with thicker, more supportive padding and high-quality upholstery materials are more expensive. High-quality upholstery doesn’t only feel nicer, it also lasts much longer.

The size of the steel tubing makes a difference but also the thickness (gauge) of that tubing. Looking at the weight of a bench is actually a pretty good indicator of it’s strength and quality. The heavier it is, the more steel has been used.

All the best and thickest steel in the world isn’t going to help if it isn’t put together the right way. Most steel should be welded together. Certain parts can be bolted.

And after building the bench, the quality control is important. With more expensive/better-built benches, you also expect better QC.

Design

The design of a weightlifting bench encompasses both aesthetics and functionality. While aesthetics might not directly impact cost, a well-thought-out design can include features that enhance usability and value.

Compact and Foldable Design: Benches designed to be compact or foldable for easy storage might have a slightly higher cost due to their space-saving features.

Keep in mind that foldable benches usually can’t handle as much weight.

Features

Of course, adjustability and thick frames are a type of feature but there are some other ones;

Attachments: Some benches come with attachments such as leg extensions, preacher curl pads, or dip handles. These attachments expand the variety of exercises you can do, but they can also increase the price.
Foldable: Some benches are foldable for easy storage but these cost a bit more.

Brand

The brand reputation of a weightlifting bench manufacturer can impact its cost. Well-established and reputable brands often command higher prices due to their track record of producing high-quality fitness equipment. However, lesser-known brands might offer comparable quality at a more affordable price.

Picking The Right Bench For a Home Gym

Selecting the right weightlifting bench for your home gym is a crucial decision that aligns with your fitness goals, existing equipment, and budget. Taking these factors into account will ensure that you make an informed choice that supports your workout routine effectively.

Fitness Goals

Your fitness goals play a central role in determining the type of weightlifting bench that will best suit your needs. Consider the following:

Exercise Selection: Do the exercises you want to do only require a flat bench or do you need incline and decline? If you don’t know, an adjustable bench is a much safer choice.

Strength Goals: How much weight do you think you’re going to lift? What are your goals for a few years from now? Match the load limit to that number. It’s a good idea to look for a bench that has a load limit which is a good bit higher than your goals. Using equipment at their limits isn’t always the safest feeling.

Also, look at the diameter of the tubing and gauge of the steel for very high loads.

Image of a man doing single arm rows on a bench.

Size

Making sure the bench you pick fits in your gym is key. Weightlifting benches do come in different sizes and while most of the time it doesn’t matter, in very compact gyms it can make a difference.

A foldable bench might be a solution for storage but you have to be able to use the bench. Especially the length can differ quite a bit between models, so make sure to check if the bench fits you and your gym.

Also, don’t forget the height. For optimal leg drive during the bench press, you generally want the bench to be lower than 18″.

Budget

Your budget is a practical consideration that will guide your choice of a weightlifting bench. While investing in quality equipment is important, finding a bench that fits within your budget is equally essential:

Set a Budget Range: Determine a realistic budget range based on your overall home gym setup and financial capabilities. Be prepared for some flexibility, as quality benches might require a slightly higher investment.
Balancing Features: Consider which features are essential for your workouts and which ones you can compromise on. For example, if you’re primarily focused on strength training, investing in a more basic bench might be suitable.
Long-Term Investment: Keep in mind that a high-quality bench is a long-term investment in your fitness journey. Balance your budget with the value and durability the bench offers.

Looking for a great adjustable bench that offers amazing quality? Click here to find my recommendation.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for a weightlifting bench, it’s essential to account for more than just the upfront purchase price. Additional costs, such as shipping, handling, assembly, and necessary weights, can impact the total amount you’ll spend.

Shipping and Handling

The cost of shipping and handling is an important factor to consider when purchasing a weightlifting bench. The size and weight of the bench, and your location can influence shipping costs. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Shipping Fees: Depending on the retailer, shipping fees can vary. Some retailers may offer free shipping for certain models or when you spend a certain amount.
Location: Shipping costs can be higher for remote or international locations due to transportation logistics. Make sure to check if there are any additional charges based on your location.
Delivery Options: Some retailers offer different delivery options, such as standard shipping, expedited shipping, or even white-glove delivery services. Each option comes with its own cost considerations.

Before finalizing your purchase, carefully review the shipping details and associated costs to avoid any surprises.

Assembly

Some benches require assembly, while others don’t. Usually, it’s very simple and you just need very basic tools. However, if you really don’t know how to bolt a bench together, you might have to pay for someone to come out and do it for you.

Weights

While probably obvious, a bench alone doesn’t make a home gym. you’ll need some other equipment to help get a full workout done. Either a barbell and weight plates or dumbbells are necessary. Dumbbells are the easiest way to create a fully functional home gym combined with a bench.