Weight benches are highly versatile and can enhance your home gym by supporting classic weightlifting moves and adding variety to bodyweight workouts. To identify the top options available, we interviewed three personal trainers to learn which features matter most in a quality weight bench. We then spent over 20 hours testing 31 different models in The Verywell Testing Lab. Our diverse team of testers and from beginners to seasoned lifters performed five exercises on each bench. We assessed each one for stability, adjustability, portability, comfort, additional features, and overall value.
Top Picks
We were pleasantly surprised by the Flybird Adjustable Bench’s performance, especially considering its budget-friendly price. It was easy to assemble, lightweight, and offered a decent range of incline and decline positions. While it held up well for moderate workouts, we noticed some wobble under heavier loads and the materials felt a bit less durable over time.
Pros:
Great value for beginners
Quick assembly and foldable design
7 adjustable backrest positions
Lightweight and portable
Compact for small spaces
Cons:
Not ideal for heavy lifting
Some wobble during intense use
Narrow pad may feel unstable for larger users
Padding isn’t very thick
Shorter bench length for taller users
The Bowflex 5.1S impressed us with its clever folding mechanism and solid construction. It felt stable in all six positions and is ideal for home gyms where space is limited. The bench was supportive for most movements, though we found the gap between the seat and backrest noticeable when flat.
Pros:
Stores vertically to save space
Solid and sturdy for most exercises
Six adjustable positions
Durable build quality
Easy to move around
Cons:
Seat/backrest gap is uncomfortable when flat
Heavier than it looks
No decline beyond slight tilt
This was easily one of the most premium benches we tested. The REP AB-3000’s zero-gap feature is a game-changer and it lets you adjust the seat and back independently to eliminate the usual gap. It’s incredibly stable, rock-solid under heavy loads, and offers commercial-gym quality at home. It’s not portable, though, and the footprint is large.
Pros:
Zero-gap design is truly comfortable
Extremely stable for heavy lifts
Excellent range of incline positions
Commercial-grade materials
High weight capacity
Cons:
Very heavy and hard to move
Takes up a lot of space
No decline position
More expensive than average home benches
The SelectTech 4.1 bench is a solid mid-range option with four adjustable positions and good overall comfort. It performed well in our moderate-weight tests and was easy to adjust. While not as advanced or portable as newer models, it’s a reliable bench for casual lifters.
Pros:
Simple and sturdy design
Decent adjustability (flat to incline)
Comfortable padding
Easy to use for most exercises
Reasonable price point
Cons:
No true decline setting
Fixed seat may limit positioning
Slight wobble in high incline
Takes up floor space when not in use