The Best Home Gym Equipment for Every Budget and Gym Bro

Best Power Rack for Serious Lifters: REP Fitness PR-5000

I’ve trained in plenty of gyms with flimsy racks that shift under heavy weight, so having a home setup that feels rock-solid is a must. This one doesn’t budge. The 3×3-inch 11-gauge steel frame can handle anything I throw at it, and the ability to customize it with pull-up bars, dip stations, and spotter arms makes it feel more like a complete strength training station than just a squat rack. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a dedicated gym space—this thing isn’t going anywhere once it’s set up. And if you want all the add-ons, the cost can get steep. But if you want a long-term powerlifting setup, this would be the rack to buy.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells: Bowflex SelectTech 552

We know, we know, the REPINs are goated—they’re also $1,100, and for most people looking for a pair of adjustable dumbbells, that’s a little out of range. I love how convenient adjustable dumbbells are, and this set from Bowflex is easily one of the best-designed models at a much easier-to-swallow price. Changing weights is as simple as turning the dial, and I can go from biceps curls to presses without wasting time fumbling with plates. The weight range—5 to 52.5 pounds—is enough for most exercises, and they’re way more compact than a full dumbbell rack. My biggest complaint is that the plastic casing doesn’t feel as durable as traditional iron dumbbells—a.k.a. I wouldn’t drop them after heavy sets. But as a space-efficient, all-in-one dumbbell solution, however, these are at the top of my list.

Best Barbell and Plates: Rogue Ohio Bar + Competition Plates

A great barbell makes all the difference in strength training, and this setup is the best I’ve used. The Ohio Bar has the perfect balance of stiffness and whip, and the medium knurling gives me a solid grip without feeling overly aggressive. The competition plates feel just as good—low bounce, smooth loading, and a durable finish that holds up over time. It’s definitely on the pricier side, and unless you’re serious about lifting, a budget-friendly barbell might be a better choice. For heavy training at home, though, this is the one I’d go with.

Best Kettlebell for Versatile Training: REP Fitness Kettlebells

Kettlebells are one of my favorite training tools because they work for everything—strength, conditioning, mobility. These stand out because of their build quality. The single-cast iron design means there are no weak points, and the grip gives me just the right amount of control without tearing up my hands. I prefer traditional kettlebells over adjustable versions because they just feel better to move with, but the trade-off is space. Still, if I had to pick just one kettlebell to own, this would be the one.

Best Home Gym Add-On: Massenomics Drink Spotter XL

“Drink safety is a top priority when it comes to outfitting a home gym,” explains GQ’s senior commerce editor Ian Burke. The Drink Spotter XL is a top-tier home gym add-on, magnetically attaching to your rack and providing a secure spot to hold your water bottle, phone, wrist wraps, and pretty much anything else you’d rather not place on the floor in-between sets. “Plus,” Burke explains, “you can whack it onto any magnetic surface, so even if you don’t have a power rack at home, your beverages will still be squared away.”

Best Interactive Cardio Machine: Peloton Bike+

I’ve used a lot of stationary bikes, but none have kept me as engaged as this one. The massive rotating touchscreen makes it easy to follow along with classes, and the instructors somehow always know how to push the right buttons to keep me from slacking. The resistance changes automatically based on the class instructor’s cues, which means I don’t have to think about when to crank it up—it just happens. The biggest drawback is the price—not just for the bike itself but also for the ongoing membership. That said, for anyone who needs an extra push to stay consistent with cardio, it’s hard to beat.