A weight bench is central to any home gym. It lets you squeeze in a full-body workout with ultimate safety and support. However, top-of-the-line models are geared toward commercial facilities and hence expensive.
Most fitness freaks can have the best weight bench under 200 bucks for personal use. Sadly, there are many knock-offs ready to overpromise and underdeliver in this price range. You may have to scramble through a lot of them before finding the one that matters.
Don’t worry!
We’ve rounded up eight such dependable and affordable weight benches.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench.
PASYOU is the best adjustable weight bench under $200. You can customize its back support to seven angles, including a decline.
Top 8 Best Weight Benches Under $200 Reviewed
- PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench – Top Pick
- MARCY Deluxe Utility Bench – Runner-up
- STEELBODY Deluxe Utility Weight Bench – Premium Pick
- BALANCE FROM RS40 Workout Station – Best Bench with Rack
- FINER FORM Flat Bench – Best Foldable
- REP FITNESS FB-3000 Flat Bench – Best Flat
- FITNESS REALITY SuperMax Adjustable Weight Bench
- CAP BARBELL Deluxe Utility Weight Bench
1. PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench – Top Pick
This versatile bench can be swiftly adjusted to multiple FID angles. You can target different muscle groups, such as the chest, arms, shoulders, and abs.
- Adjustable Positions: 7
- Foldable: Yes
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Color Palette: Black
- Item Weight: 26 lbs
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 15.75” x 55.12” x 20”
- Additional Features: High-density foam padding, Triangular support frame, Foam rollers
PASYOU is the best adjustable weight bench under $200. You can customize its back support to seven angles, including a decline. Most premium models shy away from giving a core-centric downward slope. With Pasyou, you'll also get plush foam rollers for sit-ups or leg raises.
photo by unleashedfitnesswpg
The thickened steel tube frame is reliable, as is the ladder adjustment system. Hardcore powerlifters might not settle at its load capacity. In that case, you should check out the 2022 upgrade. The weight limit has been drastically raised to 880 lbs with an adjustable seat and feet. There is a lumbar support pillow as well. Most importantly, even the recent upgrades stay within our budget.
Positives:
Foam cotton rollers make comfy cushions for your feet
1.5 mm thick frame better withstands a dynamic load
Two-minute setup; all tools packed together
Could be better:
The bench is recommended for up to 6’ individuals
2. MARCY Deluxe Utility Bench – Runner-up
- Adjustable Positions: None
- Foldable: No
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Color Palette: Black
- Item Weight: 26.5 lbs
- Weight Limit: 600 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 44” x 17” x 19”
- Additional Features: T-shaped legs, High-density foam padding, Low-profile design
photo by limitlessdiva_
Marcy has evolved a lot over the years. This 2007 Deluxe still beats new releases, either on performance or price. It boasts a 14 gauge, powder-coated steel frame. No wobbles or corrosion!
The legs look like an upside-down T. It's the most practical and sturdy design for a flat bench. You can tuck in your feet when doing dumbbell curls, for example. Despite the single column, wide floor coverage doesn't allow it to slide. The double-stitched vinyl covering is 2.5" high and box-stitched for optimal comfort. It won't feel unnecessarily stiff or soft. If you're searching for a cheap workout bench, non-adjustable flat designs are more reliable.
Positives:
Powder coat finish resists corrosion and oxidation
- 2.5” foam padding with smooth PVC top
- The bench has an IPF-standard height of 17 inch
Could be better:
No handles or wheels to move the bench around
3. STEELBODY Deluxe Utility Weight Bench – Premium Pick
- Adjustable Positions: 10
- Foldable: No
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Color Palette: Black/Brown
- Item Weight: 53 lbs
- Weight Limit: 800 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 45” x 47” x 26.5”
- Additional Features: Faux canvas vinyl covering, Non-marking rubber caps, Transport wheels
STB-10105 is a heavy-duty weight bench for heavyweight lifters. It's crafted with exceptional materials, adjusting at both the backrest and the seat.
photo by williebsnazzy
This premium weight bench will make you stretch your expenditure, but it's worth every penny. You can infer the quality of the steel frame by its weight. It's not flimsy. That's why you'll have a handle at the front and wheels under the rear base for moving it across your home.
The backrest adjusts to six angles, from 70-degree upright to flat. The seat also raises by five positions through a locking pin. It's helpful when you're doing heavy incline presses. The edges of the pads are anatomically contoured for perfect posture.
Positives:
Sturdy and solid construction
Rubber pads to prevent scratching the floor
Could be better:
No decline setting in the adjustable backrest
4. BALANCE FROM RS40 Workout Station – Best Bench with Rack
This inexpensive weight bench makes a complete weight-training setup. You get multiple adjustments in the bench as well as a rack.
- Adjustable Positions: 16
- Foldable: Yes
- Frame Material: Iron, Steel
- Color Palette: Black & Red
- Item Weight: 32 lbs
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 40” x 18” x 19”
- Additional Features: Squat rack, Fixing belt, Dip handles
BALANCE FROM platform has a flat bench supported by an adjustable iron pipe on one end and an integrated barbell rack on the other. Pull out the locking pin – you can rearrange the recliner at several angles. The rack's foam-lined j-cups are also lowered to accommodate multiple users.
The rack is two feet wide. You can easily log shorter barbells, which is impossible with full-sized squat racks in the gym. Alternatively, you should avoid resting loaded Olympic barbells as they can get off-balance due to far-lying weights. There are safety pins as well. But you better call on a spotter when benching over 200 lbs.
Positives:
Multifunctional bench with an integrated rack
Folds and locks for vertical storage
No pad gap problem since the seat and back aren't separate
Removable handles for dips assist during assembly
Could be better:
Nuts and bolts not labeled; unhelpful assembly guide
5. FINER FORM Flat Bench – Best Foldable
- Adjustable Positions: None
- Foldable: Yes
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Color Palette: Black
- Item (Package) Weight: 27.5 lbs
- Weight Limit: 1000 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 45” x 12” x 18”
- Additional Features: Four-way foldable frame, High-density foam padding, 1-year warranty
Looking to move hundreds of pounds on a regular basis? This cheap weight bench has an extraordinary load-bearing capacity for you.
Finer Form produces no-frill equipment like Marcy Deluxe. However, it contains a few unique characteristics. The high-grade steel frame revolves four-way underneath the padding. In contrast to a single middle beam, it avoids imbalances or hotspots. Thus, you'll enjoy competition-level weight capacity. Making the frame collapsible was also a genius of engineering.
The padding might feel a little too hard. But it isn't squishy. Thus, it will last longer. Also, the bench lays above 18" off the ground. There is a chance that your feet might dangle in the air. The rest is first-class and definitely among the best cost-efficient choices.
Positives:
Extraordinary 1000 lb weight capacity
The collapsible design of the frame is space-saving
Legs quickly fold in and out with a single pin
Rubber-capped feet stabilizers add to the stability
Could be better:
The bench pad is thick but stiff
6. REP FITNESS FB-3000 Flat Bench – Best Flat
It’s the answer to Rogue’s impressive lineup of flat benches. Shopping from a reputable brand rips out all potential pitfalls that come with a cheap purchase.
- Adjustable Positions: None
- Foldable: No
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Color Palette: Black
- Item Weight: 45 lbs
- Weight Limit: 1000 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 47” x 12” x 17.5”
- Additional Features: New grippy pad, T-shaped legs, 10-year frame warranty
REP FB-3000 is a competitor of Rogue Utility Bench 2.0, which retails for above $200 and has a lower weight capacity. It's far ahead of its rivals when it comes to balancing quality and value.
These models have textured vinyl pads, followed by two dense layers of foam core and a plywood base. T-shaped legs allow all the leg drive you need to crush PRs. It could've been nicer if the entire post had been a single frame. You'll have to bolt in the legs and feet with four screws. It complicates the assembly.
Positives:
Weight limit is certified by ASTM
Easy-to-clean, anti-slippage, sweat-resistant vinyl pad
11 gauge steel frame is rare among budget benches
10-year frame warranty; 30 days on padding
Could be better:
Wall hanger is optional and not included with the purchase
It's the entry-level model of Fitness Reality. It brings stability and adjustability to your workouts that you hardly expect from a cheap adjustable bench.
- Adjustable Positions: 8
- Foldable: Yes
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Color Palette: Black/Gray
- Item Weight: 35 lbs
- Weight Limit: 800 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 23.5” x 59” x 48.5”
- Additional Features: Triangular support frame, Leg rollers, Transport wheels
The SuperMax targets a novice to intermediate category of lifters. Still, it features an 800 lb capacity. The triangular frame has a bigger hand in it than the construction. It uses light gauge steel. But a stable platform with ladder-style adjustment for the backrest makes it one of the best budget adjustable benches.
You’ll get an extended 33.5” backrest with six adjustable positions and a wide seat, as well as a leg roller with two possible inclines each. Fitness Reality gives premium access to a fitness app. It catalogs thousands of trainer-led programs.
Positives:
Flat, incline, and decline angles
Proactive customer service with 24/7 availability
Premium subscription to the fitness app
Extended backrest for neck and shoulder support
Could be better:
Leg rollers aren’t padded
- Adjustable Positions: 10
- Foldable: No
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Color Palette: Black/Silver
- Item Weight: 46.84 lbs
- Weight Limit: 500 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 53” x 27” x 46”
- Additional Features: Transport wheels, Resistance band posts, Foam padding
While in the learning curve, this adjustable exercise bench tries to offer more than other benches. And it does an excellent job for its price bracket.
photo by sarah.hofing
Cap is known for its free weights distribution. Although their cheap weight benches aren't new, they're yet to pass the learning curve. We see a lot of experimentation. This particular model comes with a round and square back pad. There are various colors to choose from. The pads are all black. Only the 2" x 2" steel tubing frame exhibits multicolor options.
At over 40 lbs, it isn't too cumbersome. Added wheels and a front handle make transportation a breeze. You'll also get special hooks in the base for stretch band workouts. It's a nice addition. Both the backrest and seat are adjustable with unique chromed crescents.
Positives:
Resistance band posts will come in handy
Multiple colors to spruce up your setup
Back tapers from midway up to allow unrestricted pressing
Could be better:
Wider space between the back and the seat might be uncomfortable
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Cheap Weight Bench vs. Expensive: What’s the Difference?
Adjustments
You'll notice a significant cut-down in adjustability as you scroll down the price range. Cheap adjustable benches tend to have fewer angles, thus restricting the ROM. Besides the backrest, seats should also have a few incline settings.
Attachments
Expensive weight benches come with detachable accessories. For example, a preacher can be the game-changer for your arm workout. Also, high-end benches integrate a leg developer. You can practice extensions and curls that will go on to improve your squats, deadlifts, etc.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity is the maximum load a bench can support without bending or breaking. An inexpensive weight bench will have a high difference between dynamic and static load capacity. Therefore, expensive ones are more suitable for commercial gyms.
Warranty
REP attaches a 10-year warranty for its sub-$200 product. That's an exception. The cheapest weight bench will have the least after-sales support and service. You’ll get little to no assurance for parts and labor.
What to Look for in Weight Benches Under $200?
Design & Material Quality
The frame should be stable and safe for you to plunge with weights. Commercial-grade steel of 18” minimum will be sufficient for at-home fitness regimens. Inspect the design of the backrest and seat. A narrower profile won't go with broad shoulders, for instance.
Weight Capacity
Mostly, manufacturers don't show gauge ratings. You can infer the same from item weight and load capacity. When the spec says max limit, it includes you. Remember, lightweight models are easier to relocate. So, it's a trade-off!
Adjustability
Flat utility benches are more durable and affordable because of fewer mechanics. But adjustable ones expand the workout variety a lot. They're more versatile, compact, portable – and costly! You should watch out for scams and traps.
Reliability & Price/Quality Ratio
The seller justifies the price tag as much as the product does. Weigh all the benefits against cost. What kind of functions does the weight bench have? How far does customer support extend? And what are other users saying about it? Then, put your training goals in the decision mix.
FAQ
How much do weight benches cost?
Generally, a weight bench may cost anywhere between $100-$1000. It depends on adjustments and build quality. You can expect to bring a good-quality platform home within a $200 budget.
Do I need a weight bench for my home gym?
If you're into lifting weights, a bench is a must-have piece of equipment. You can increase the return on your exercises. Even those who are heavily strapped for cash and space can find the best weight bench under $200.
Conclusion
A weight bench is fundamental for your fitness goal. Research says you need endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance movements for a healthy lifestyle. All these can be achieved through a stable and safe platform.
Budget constraints are legit. But you can have the best weight bench under $200 for home use, like PasYou Adjustable Weight Bench or Marcy Deluxe Flat Bench. What style do you use? Adjustable or flat? Don’t forget to pen down your answer in the comment section.
References:
- Four Types of Exercise Can Improve Your Health and Physical Ability // National Institutes of Health: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/four-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical-ability
- Adjustable Weight Bench: Flat/Incline/Decline Bench Review // King of the Gym:
https://www.kingofthegym.com/adjustable-weight-bench - Leg Extension vs Leg Curl: Differences, Pros, Cons // PowerliftingTechnique:
https://powerliftingtechnique.com/leg-extension-vs-leg-curl/ - Transform your Skinny Arms with the Preacher Curl – Benefits, Muscles Worked, Technique Tips and Variations // BOXROX: https://www.boxrox.com/preacher-curl-benefits-muscles-worked-technique
- Do You Need A Bench For A Home Gym? // Kalibre Fitness: https://kalibrefitness.com/do-you-need-a-bench-for-a-home-gym/
- How Much Does A Flat Bench Cost? What You Need To Know Before Buying One For Your Home Gym! // Kalibre Fitness: https://kalibrefitness.com/how-much-does-a-flat-bench-cost
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUYING ADJUSTABLE WORKOUT BENCH // Total Fitness Quest: https://www.totalfitnessquest.com/buying-a-weight-bench/
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships –105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.