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The 10 Best Dumbbell Racks, Recommended by a Personal Trainer
For different levels, spaces, and budgets
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Jessica Murtaugh, CPT, CNC, is a digital marketing and branding consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. A personal trainer and nutrition coach, she is passionate about life-long, balanced wellness.
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Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT is a New York City-based telehealth registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications expert.
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Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is the associate editorial director for Verywell Fit.
Verywell Fit / Amelia Manley
Strength training is an important component of any effective fitness program. And lifting free-weight dumbbells is great, thanks to their versatility, relatively small footprint, and many other benefits. When pumping iron at home, dumbbell racks are helpful because they provide storage for your weights, allow you to organize your dumbbells according to size, and also limit any injuries that can occur when you leave your weights on the floor versus the rack, says trainer Daniel Sullivan, CPT.
With so many options on the market, finding a dumbbell rack that is sturdy and durable but also fits your gym space and budget is important. To narrow down the top options, we first consulted experts to learn more about what key features to look for when shopping. Then, we researched dozens of top options, evaluating each one for size, material, design, durability, price, and weight capacity.
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High weight capacity
Sturdy
Can hold lots of dumbbells
Might be too wide for some spaces
We chose the CAP Barbell Rack as our best overall pick, thanks to its sturdy, durable construction and ability to hold many dumbbells of different weights for a home, school, or professional gym. With a maximum capacity of up to a whopping 1,000 pounds, it stands comfortably about hip height for most. Its three staggered, angled shelves help you clearly see the weight of each dumbbell before picking it up, allowing for a safe lifting experience.
Like many of the racks we chose for this list, the CAP Barbell rack is constructed with durable steel tubing and has rubber feet on the base, making it stable and not damaging to floors. Arrange it against a wall or next to your weight bench or power rack, and enjoy some space-saving organization. We also like its sharp black finish, which adds a professional touch to even the most basic home fitness space.
What the Experts Say: “The great thing about a dumbbell rack is that its durable build makes it not only easy to access your weights but seamlessly fits into whatever space you are working with. Racks require little space while neatly organizing your dumbbells compactly,” says Sullivan.
The rack can hold 11 or more pairs of dumbbells, depending on their shape and weight.
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 51.6 x 25.6 x 37.4 inches | Weight: 50.69 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
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Quality construction
Small-space friendly
Can’t hold as many dumbbells as other options
A sensibly-priced investment for a reliable piece of gym gear, we recommend Marcy’s 3-Tier Dumbbell Rack as a great pick for the budget-conscious. The DBR-86 is a dependable, welded steel rack that is space-saving and looks nice, too, thanks to a dark gray powder coat finish. A bit smaller than our top pick, it’s better for smaller workout spaces, but with an equal weight capacity, it’s still a sturdy pick.
Despite its affordability, this rack is solidly-made. We appreciate the quality of the angled shelves, frame, and the rubber feet, which make it look like a much more expensive model.
What the Experts Say: “The Diesel team loves the Marcy brand for dumbbell racks. They're made up of high-grade steel, have a durable coating that stands up against wear and tear, come in many different sizes, and have slim space-saving designs that can work in a home gym of any size,” says Sullivan.
This rack can support eight or more pairs of dumbbells, depending on their size and weight. An ideal pick for beginners, it offers lots of storage space for lighter weights. And when you’re ready to upgrade to more sets of weights or heavier options, just double up on this rack and place two side by side for even more storage.
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 37.01 x 24.1 x 31.89 inches | Weight: 48 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
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Small-space friendly
Short assembly time
Can’t hold as many dumbbells as other options
If you’re tight on space, we recommend the free-standing Marcy Compact Dumbbell Rack. This petite but mighty stand can house weights on two minimalist shelves as well as on either side of its tree-style ends. The simple design of this vertically-loading H-frame conserves room but also allows ample space for larger weights. It safely resists tipping when loaded properly, bottom to top, with the help of an L-shaped base.
Organize your small set in the rack’s open shelving that makes gear easy to access from either side. Easy to move around a home gym, this rack is quick to assemble and bears up to 400 pounds of neoprene or hex dumbbells, medicine balls, and other workout items.
Key Specs:
Style: Two-tier horizontal with tree weight storage | Dimensions: 27 x 9 x 21 inches | Weight: 14.33 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Minimal assembly required
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Small-space friendly
Available in multiple colors
Highly movable
Can’t hold as many dumbbells as other options
Low weight capacity
For those new to strength training, we recommend this A-frame rack by CAP. Its small footprint is compact for any corner of your space and holds five pairs of essential dumbbells to get you started on your fitness journey. The triangular A-frame design of this stand makes it stable and easy to pick up and move if necessary.
A reliable maker of fitness equipment, CAP constructed this modest rack to hold up to 200 pounds and threw in some flare, too. Available in eight colors, you can match this rack to your personal style with a pop of color or classic neutral.
Plus, this rack requires minimal assembly, so you can get started with your routine shortly after it gets delivered.
Key Specs:
Style: A-frame | Dimensions: 15 x 13 x 26 inches | Weight: 10.5 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Minimal assembly required
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Sturdy
Fits very small and very large weights
Small-space friendly
Tall and narrow design may not fit all spaces
The Ader four-tier makes a great rack for home or gym use or making use of vertical space without sacrificing valuable floor space or storage. For the sake of safety, we usually avoid taller dumbbell racks due to stability concerns, but thanks to its sturdy design, this Ader rack is an exception. Designed to be positioned securely against a wall, it is space-saving and versatile, with four shelves that can hold a variety of dumbbell types and sizes.
The top shelf can accommodate pairs of weights as light as 2 pounds, whereas the bottom shelf is better suited for heavier dumbbells. The rack can hold up to 8 to 12 pairs of dumbbells, depending on their size and weight, while still maintaining stability.
We like the rubber protective foot covers that help buffer the weight’s impact on your floor. And we also like that it’s relatively easy to assemble without professional help.
Key Specs:
Style: Four-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 18 x 28 x 38 inches | Weight: 45 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 450 pounds| Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
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Fits a complete set of dumbbells
Easy to rack weights
High weight capacity
Too large for small spaces
Rubber feet could be thicker
If you routinely lift heavy dumbbells and anticipate needing a rack that holds multiple heavy pairs, we recommend this option. Made from industrial steel, this high-capacity rack can hold a complete set of weights—including dumbbells up to 100 pounds—and an impressive maximum weight capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Long and strong, this dumbbell rack isn’t made for small spaces like some of our picks but will equip a larger home or advanced gym well. Its two tiers organize dumbbells into a nice palette for gains as you work toward your personal best. Plus, its height and simplicity make for easy on and off post reps for even the heaviest pair.
Key Specs:
Style: Two-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 26.97 x 64.57 x 28.54 inches | Weight: 66 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,500 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
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Excellent, professional quality
Can purchase with weights
Lifetime warranty
Too expensive and advanced for most non-professionals
Professional gyms or lifters need an elevated level of quality and durability in their setup, and commercial maker Inflight makes a variety of racks to meet such requirements. A much larger investment and rack size than most on our list, this industrial, welded steel rack is made to withstand the kind of frequent wear-and-tear present in environments like fitness establishments.
Another visible design difference with this rack is the full, tray-like shelves. These heavy-duty, slanted trays are spaced properly to display and hold dumbbells securely. This design also makes reach and release safe and easy during quick sets.
If necessary, this rack can also hold a variety of other equipment, like kettlebells and medicine balls, and can also be purchased with a full set of weights. It even comes in shorter 54-inch or double-wide versions to suit your needs.
If you’re a professional or just serious about your gear’s longevity, no matter the cost or space, we think this rack is for you.
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 69.5 x 35.5 x 45 inches | Weight: 295 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,200 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Some assembly required
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Unique and versatile flat top shelf
Stands freely without a wall
Two year warranty
Cannot hold complete set of dumbbells
When building a home gym, variety, function, and value are key. We like that Marcy provides all of this and beyond with this rack, which has a unique shelf combination and space-conscious design. The versatile full-tray top shelf sits level to store weights and other fitness equipment like kettlebells, bands, and smaller dumbbells. And the two lower shelves sit sufficiently spaced and open below, slanting toward the lifter for unencumbered access and ideal for heavier weights.
A popular choice with home lifters, this is an overall straightforward and durable home dumbbell rack for a designated workout space. We love that its angled design and sturdy base make it free-standing. Marcy even backs this rack with a two-year warranty, so you know your investment is protected.
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 37 x 24 x 32 inches | Weight: 56 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 800 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
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Sturdy, steel construction
Rounded shelf corners for safety
Anti-scratch coating
May not hold complete set of dumbbells
A similar design to some of our other top dumbbell rack picks, this Akyen rack is made from extra heavy-duty, thick A3 steel. Bearing up to 1,100 pounds, it can fit most dumbbell sizes, up to 150 pounds. It also has the option of reversing shelf lip directions to customize each level according to weight sizes, and assembly is pretty easy.
Equipped with anti-slip, floor-protecting feet, the Akyen rack scores extra points with us for its rounded shelf corners, a unique safety feature that protects you when lifting and setting down weights. Finished with a nice anti-scratch coating, this otherwise classic weight stand is subtle in your space, but is sure to solidly outlast its warranty and then some.
Key Specs:
Style: Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 37.6 x 24 x 37.44 inches | Weight: 52.4 pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,100 pounds | Material: Steel | Assembly: Assembly required
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Very durable
Holds over a complete dumbbell set and variety of equipment
Optional caster wheels for portability
Very heavy shelves
Too large for most home gyms
One of our favorites on our list, this ultra-versatile Rogue Storage System is a highly-rated rack that can be customized to your liking before shipment. Choose between two or three rack levels and an optional combination of a flat top shelf and two slanted bottom shelves.
With just the two bottom shelves alone, this reinforced 11 gauge steel-constructed rack can hold an entire set of hex dumbbells. Adding the top shelf allows you to store even more equipment, like kettlebells, medicine balls, or another smaller weight system.
In addition to the massive storage and weight capacity, we love the adjustable shelves, which move up or down to whatever height you need, making rearranging and organizing all kinds of equipment super easy.
With the optional caster wheels, this very heavy rack can be moved with the help of some friends with muscle, but it’s always best to free it up from weights before moving. Large and built like a tank, you likely won’t have this in your personal home gym unless you’re a serious lifter, but it’s definitely an inspiring rack to work up to.
Key Specs:
Style: Two- or Three-tier horizontal, staggered shelves | Dimensions: 23.75 x 76.5 x 29.25 (two-tier) or 45.25 (three-tier) inches | Weight: 200 (two-tier) or 250 (three-tier) pounds | Maximum Weight Capacity: Holds complete set of hex dumbbells and more | Material: 11 gauge steel | Assembly: Assembly required
How We Selected the Best Dumbbell Racks
To choose the best dumbbell racks on the market, we spent hours researching dozens of options from the best-in-class manufacturers of strength training equipment. We only chose picks that ranked highly in key areas, including size, design, construction and durability of materials, weight capacity, ease of assembly, protective and technical features, and value.
We further narrowed down our top picks by consulting a certified personal trainer: Daniel Sullivan, CPT, CNC, a certified personal trainer and IFBB Professional Bodybuilder
—including a certified personal trainer and a professional bodybuilder, both of whom own gyms—to get the best advice for choosing safe, quality dumbbell racks. We also consulted and cited academic journals and scientific findings to support any claims made throughout the article.
We will continue to keep an eye on the market to update our recommendations as safety, technology, and versions of weight-training equipment change over time.
What to Look For When Shopping For a Dumbbell Rack
- Size: When it comes to selecting a dumbbell rack, how many dumbbells you need to store, as well as the size of your workout space, are both important factors to consider. If you are tight on space, you may need a compact rack, especially if you plan to fit other equipment in the area as well, such as a treadmill or elliptical machine. If you only have a few weights, you can also opt for a smaller dumbbell rack. On the other hand, if you have a larger or complete dumbbell set, you can find clever space-saving, vertical loading racks or much bigger stands, as long as your area can accommodate them.
- Weight capacity: In addition to the size of your workout environment and the number of dumbbells you have, consider how much weight you need the rack to hold. A complete set of dumbbells ranging from 2 or 5 pounds up to 50 pounds each will need a sturdy rack with a higher maximum weight capacity.
- Design: All of the above factors (workout space, quantity of dumbbells, and weight capacity needed) will dictate which rack design is best. The most common dumbbell rack designs to consider are horizontal racks, angled horizontal racks, A-frame racks, and vertical tree racks.
- Construction: Ensure the material and construction of your dumbbell rack can safely bear the load required. We recommend looking for a rack made of high-grade steel–the heavier the steel, the sturdier the rack will be, Sullivan says. High-grade steel, along with welded joints, reinforced corner brackets, and stainless steel rust-resistant bolts and screws, will last longer, hold massive loads, and withstand the force impact of released dumbbells.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you need a dumbbell rack?
Investing in storage for your weights depends on how much equipment you have and your personal preference. “If you only have one pair of dumbbells, then no, you really don't need a rack,” Sullivan says, “but if you're looking to grow your collection we can't recommend a dumbbell rack enough.”
Besides keeping your space tidy and safe, you’re also prolonging the condition of your items. “You're investing in the longevity of your workout equipment by giving it a safe docking station, protecting your weights from being banged against other objects, and organizing your weights appropriately,” Sullivan says.
“Depending on how many dumbbells you have, you could even make a rack or buy a set of interchangeable dumbbells before having to spend the money on a rack,” Lachance says. “But there are always smaller racks if you only have three to five pairs of dumbbells you need to store,” she adds.
- How to build a DIY dumbbell rack
Beginners, the budget-conscious, or those needing custom organization may be tempted to hack a dumbbell rack. But is it possible or more work than it’s worth? Sullivan weighs in. “You are most certainly able to build your own dumbbell rack at home,” he says. “There are many resources online that you can tap into that act as a guide on how to build your own dumbbell rack. With a long list of building supplies to choose from, you can build a rack that best suits your space and spending,” he adds.
Above anything, if you choose to DIY a home for your dumbbells, safety should be a priority. Ensure the materials, design, and construction of your finished rack will meet the load-bearing requirements of the weights you will place on it. Always use protective gear such as gloves and glasses and enlist a friend for any lifting or construction as needed.
Rather than “reinventing the wheel” entirely, consider scrapping the two-by-fours and opt for sturdy, store-bought materials or solutions. Lachance offers this store-bought trick. “One DIY trick I have seen used a lot is buying a metal storage rack from your local hardware store. These are always rated for over 1,000 pounds, which is plenty of weight for most people’s dumbbells, and you have extra space to store more things in it!” Lachance says.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A life-long athlete and certified personal trainer, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, knows her way around the weight room and regularly researches the latest and best options in fitness gear and strength training equipment. For this guide, she researched and prioritized manufacturers and brands that provide safety, durability, value, and versatility in their dumbbell racks for the overall health of their users. She is careful to recommend products and brands that are reliable, safe, and trustworthy and is dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers.
Westcott WL, Winett RA, Annesi JJ, Wojcik JR, Anderson ES, Madden PJ. Prescribing physical activity: Applying the ACSM protocols for exercise type, intensity, and duration across 3 training frequencies. Physician Sportsmed. 2009;37(2):51-58. doi:10.3810/psm.2009.06.1709.
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