Finding a well-built and durable barbell can be difficult, especially if you are on a tight budget. Many believe budget barbells are always of lower quality, but that's not the truth.
To prove that, I have researched and tested more than 50 budget barbells and singled out the ones I believe are the best.
All barbells were evaluated based on certain criteria, some of which include metal quality, center knurling, and tensile strength.
After reading the article, you will know everything about budget barbells and, hopefully, choose the one that will suit your home gym the most.
Our Top Budget Barbells for Home Gym (September 2023)
1 - Rogue Fitness Bella Bar 2.0 (Editor's Choice)
Rogue Bella Bar 2.0 is one of the most popular 15kg barbells on the market that is versatile enough for powerlifting exercises, Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and general fitness (bilateral and unilateral) training [1].
It comes with dual knurl marks, and after the testing phase, I concluded it is excellent for people with small hands like mine due to its grip size.
Furthermore, it has up to 190k PSI tensile strength, which is enough for some serious heavy lifting [2].
In addition, it comes with some extra coating options that add to its durability [3]. Overall, this barbell has no downsides except knurling, which may be passive for some lifters.
Product Facts:
- Snap-ring Bronze Bushings
- 190k Tensile Strength
- 25 mm Diameter
- Perfect for women who lift a significant amount of weights due to its grip size
- It arrives in just two days
- Highly durable, and it doesn't wear off
- It offers just the right amount of spin
- Black zinc coating fades after some time
2 - Rogue Fitness Black Oxide Ohio Bar
Rogue Black Oxide Ohio bar is a multipurpose budget barbell that uses black oxide shaft/sleeves, which add to its durability [4].
In addition, Rogue Ohio bar comes with dual knurling marks, bronze bushings, and a grip size of 28.5 mm, which is, according to our team of testers, perfect for both powerlifting and Olympic lifting.
Furthermore, the knurling of a bar has a flatter surface, making it excellent for high volume and high repetition training since it won't hurt your hands.
However, surface rust will eventually appear on a black oxide surface, which is something to keep in mind.
Product Facts:
- 28.5 mm Diameter
- 190k Tensile Strength
- Black Oxide Sleeve Coating
- Black Oxide Shaft Coating
- Grooved sleeves keep the plates on the bar effortlessly
- Very comfortable in the hands
- Perfect balance between rigid and whippy, making it versatile lifts-wise
- The chalk that builds up will eventually show signs of rust
3 - Rep Fitness Sabre Bar
Rep Fitness Sabre bar is one of the best budget bars for deadlifts since it has a grip size of 28 mm.
When testing this bar, I realized its medium-depth knurling is great for Olympic lifting without tearing your hands because it isn't so aggressive.
Also, you have the option to choose the bar with or without center knurling, which is to be left to your personal preference. You can choose between the 20 kg and 15 kg bars.
However, one of the downsides of this bar is the tensile strength which is just 150k, making it easier to get damaged when dropped on the floor.
Product Facts:
- 28 mm Diameter
- 150k Tensile Strength
- Zinc Coating
- It comes with a free shipping
- Performs excellent with bigger bumper plates
- The knurling is perfect
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
4 - Fringe Alloy Steel Wonder Bar
The Fringe alloy steel Wonder bar has a tensile strength of 160k PSI and yield strength of 200k, which is perfect for vigorous heavy lifting sessions.
The sleeves are built from stainless steel to ensure the highest quality and durability.
In addition, after testing the knurling, I realized it is perfectly positioned between aggressive and passive, which makes it excellent for sessions including higher repetitions and sets since it won't hurt your hands.
However, the bar spins insanely fast, which might not be the preference of some people enjoying heavy lifting.
Product Facts:
- Alloy Steel
- 25 mm Diameter
- 160k Tensile Strength
- Very well made barbell
- Perfectly spins when doing cleans
- Knurling locks hands perfectly for higher-rep sessions
- The zinc finish doesn't last as much
5 - Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
Bells of Steel Barenaked powerlifting bar 2.0 comes with a very aggressive knurling that is perfect for higher loads but less repetition.
I tested this budget powerlifting barbell with an enormous amount of weights to check if the tensile strength of 210k PSI is as stated.
It passed all the tests and is truly designed to meet International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) standards.
Also, it comes with a thinner block, allowing you to load the bar with more weight plates. Keep in mind that knurling can be inconsistent in some areas.
Product Facts:
- Alloy Steel
- 29 mm Diameter
- Chrome Finish
- Knurling is great for 1st post-starting-out bar
- It's very solid and doesn't flex with weights on it
- It doesn't have the fast spin
- The bar requires regular maintenance
6 - E.T. Energic Olympic Bar
E.T. Energic Olympic bar is the best budget Olympic barbell that comes with a tensile strength of 200k PSI and hard chrome sleeves, which ensure the durability of the bar.
In addition, it has a slightly aggressive knurl that is excellent for heavy lifting since it will stay in your hands.
Also, when I was testing this bar, I noticed it has the perfect amount of spin, which doesn't make the bar feel bouncy.
However, one of the downsides is that the black chrome isn't resistant to scratches, so you are likely going to see some wear and tear after some time.
Product Facts:
- Alloy Steel
- 28 mm Diameter
- 200k Tensile Strength
- Smooth needle bearings
- It fits nicely with all 2" regular-weight plates
- The bar feels solid and works well with Lock Jaw clamps
- The grooves on the sleeves cause a harsh vibration when putting weight plates
7 - Titan Fitness Atlas Bar
Titan Fitness Atlas bar is a multipurpose barbell that comes with a 28 mm grip size and up to 220k PSI of tensile strength, making it the best barbell for heavy deadlifts.
The sleeves are built from stainless steel, and with brass bushing and bearings create perfectly smooth and consistent spin.
Our testing found that it has medium dual knurl marks that are great for hand placement when doing lifts both on and off the rack.
However, the knurling isn't the best, and this bar may not be the best if you have rough hands and are already an experienced lifter.
Product Facts:
- Alloy Steel
- 28 mm Diameter
- 220k Tensile Strength
- Great quality and fast shipping
- Perfect spin for all-around workouts
- It doesn't require much maintenance
- It doesn't offer much grip because it lacks friction
8 - Synergee Games Cerakote Bar
Synergee Games Cerakote bar has a medium aggressive knurling that is excellent for Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting.
It has up to 190k tensile strength, which is enough for all heavy lifting, including heavy squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
We liked that it comes with a high-quality shaft that will protect the barbell from corrosion and rust.
Furthermore, both sleeves have five needle bearings which leads to faster spinning.
One of the downsides is that the bar doesn't come with a chrome sleeve option, which doesn't add much to its durability [5].
Product Facts:
- Alloy Steel
- 25 mm Diameter
- 190k Tensile Strength
- It comes with a pair of wrist wraps
- The bar feels sturdy
- It is rust-free
- The color wears away quickly
9 - XMark Blackhawk
XMark Blackhawk bar comes with medium knurling and can handle up to 185k PSI of tensile strength.
Upon testing it, I dropped it when it was loaded with heavy-weight plates, and it didn't wear, bend, or anything similar. In addition, it is built from high-quality steel, which adds to its durability [6].
It is affordable and has a medium knurling, which is neither rough nor soft.
However, the bar tends to collect dust and stay wet, so you will have to maintain it regularly to have a bigger lifespan.
Product Facts:
- Alloy Steel
- 185k Tensile Strength
- 28 mm Diameter
- The knurls are grippy and solid
- The rotation of the barbell is great
- The needle bearings are smooth and operate well
- Misses center knurling for squats
10 - RitFit ToughFit 7FT Olympic Barbell
RitFit ToughFit 7FT Olympic barbell has a solid construction and a weight capacity of 1200 lbs, which is excellent for the majority of heavy lifters.
It has a grip size of 28 mm, making it excellent for performing heavy deadlifts.
Also, one of the things I like about this good Olympic barbell is it is coated with chrome on the sleeves and has a black oxide finish on the shaft, which makes this barbell extremely durable.
However, the knurling may be too aggressive for some lifters, and the more inexperienced ones may hurt their hands due to bigger friction.
Product Facts:
- 28 mm Diameter
- 500 Pounds Weight Limit
- Chrome Finish
- It doesn't slip from hands when heavy lifting
- Very fast shipping
- The grooved sleeves perfectly fit the 2’’ barbell plates
- The color tends to come off after a couple of sessions
Buyer's Guide for Cheap Barbells for Home Gyms
If you are still trying to decide which budget barbell is recommended for your home gym equipment list, I have listed some factors below to guide you.
All the barbells on the list were selected after rigorous testing and research to ensure we only chose the best ones.
"Similar to any other big home gym equipment purchase, buying a barbell should be handled with care and attention."
- Jake Boly, Certified Personal Trainer
How to Find the Best Budget Barbell for Your Home Gym?
To find the best budget barbell for your home gym, you need to consider your goals, how you intend to use it, its weight capacity, build quality, and more.
Also, yield and tensile strength play a significant role in selecting a barbell since those are closely related to the overall durability of the barbell.
In addition, everything starts with a budget, so before you even begin searching for the perfect barbell, set the price tag immediately.
Related: 10 Best Barbells For Your Home Gym
Intended Purpose
All classic barbells fall into the categories of multipurpose or hybrid, Olympic, and power bars.
Depending on your intended purpose, you will choose the category accordingly.
The general rule is that the lower you go with the price, the blurrier the line gets between a multipurpose bar and an Olympic bar.
Most of the Olympic barbells have dual knurl markings.
Generally, these barbells can't be used by a professional Olympic weightlifter but are an excellent option for recreational Olympic lifters since they offer enough quality for the price.
Simply put, if you aren't sure which of these three categories you fall into, go with a multipurpose bar.
A multipurpose bar is a jack of all trades and, in my opinion, the best option for all beginner lifters looking for a budget barbell.
Weight Capacity of a Budget Barbell
Weight capacity plays another significant role in choosing the best budget barbell for your home gym since you don't want to buy something that can't withstand the amount of weight you want to lift.
You need to look for a couple of factors, and one of them is the quality of steel.
This is important because the bar can be listed to have 1500 lbs weight capacity, but if the steel isn't made from a high-quality and durable material, this doesn't count.
Most manufacturers lie about the weight capacity, and that's why you must evaluate the material quality first.
Yield and Tensile Strength
The barbell's tensile strength isn't the number that shows how much weight a barbell can tolerate.
The tensile strength is mainly important to evaluate if the bar is going to break, get damaged, or wear off when you drop it loaded with heavy weights on the floor.
The higher the tensile strength number, the less chance the barbell gets damaged after throwing it to the floor with a bunch of weights on it.
Keep in mind that barbells below 165 PSI might bend, and those below 150k shouldn't even be considered because they are the least durable.
Spin
Most of the budget barbells on the list will have a decent system in the sleeves that allows them to spin properly.
The quality spinning system is important because when the barbell spins, it protects your wrists from sudden changes in direction, making you less prone to injuries.
Usually, the power bars have little to no spin since stability is the most important factor when performing different squat variations, deadlifts, and bench presses.
Finish of the Sleeves and Shaft
The sleeves are the end parts of the barbell where you load the weight plates, and the shaft is the middle part you grab.
How resistant your barbell is to mechanical and chemical abuse is mainly determined by its finish or coating of it.
Most of the budget barbells are coated in either Chrome or Zinc and only for use Cerakote or inferior phosphate.
Stainless steel is generally missing in budget picks, so you should always look for barbells that come with hard chrome to ensure durability.
Warranty of a Good Budget Barbell
All budget barbells on our list have at least 1-year warranty.
However, some even include a lifetime warranty. In addition, one of the things you should look for when you see a 1-year warranty is tensile strength and quality of steel.
If the tensile strength is well below 150k PSI, there is a great chance that the barbell will wear off or break faster.
Price of a Budget Barbell
In my opinion, the budget is the most important to set at the beginning of your buying journey, so you can filter through the more expensive budget pieces and be left with the ones that are well within your price range.
Most of the barbells on our list are between $150 and $300.
"Owning a home gym is convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and more private."
- Andrew Gutman, Certified Personal Trainer
Who Should Buy a Budget Barbell for a Home Gym?
If you're still trying to decide which budget barbell is a must have piece of home gym equipment, I've listed some factors below to help you.
Budget barbells are an affordable way to perform heavy lifting at home.
However, you should also consider how much time you are going to use your barbell at home.
In addition, you should definitely buy a barbell for your home gym if you plan to use it regularly, at least a couple of times a week.
Related Articles:
Who Shouldn’t Buy a Budget Barbell for a Home Gym?
Everybody who isn't into Olympic lifts, powerlifting, or staple lifts, such as bench press, squat, and deadlift, shouldn't buy a budget barbell for a home gym.
In addition, there is no need to buy a barbell for your home gym if you are still a beginner lifter since you should probably start with some bodyweight training first.
Also, if you plan to use your barbell only a few times a month and leave it in your home gym to collect dust and rust, there is no need to buy it and waste money.
FAQs
Which Barbell Is Good for Home Gyms?
The Ohio bar is a good barbell for a home gym. However, any barbell that has more than 150k of tensile strength and is built from high-quality and durable steel can be suitable for a home gym.
How Much Should I Spend On A Barbell?
You should spend anywhere between $150 and $350 on a barbell. This price range has many excellent and high-quality home gym barbells to offer.
What Size Barbell Is Best?
The best size for a barbell is anywhere between 28 mm and 29 mm in diameter. These two diameters or grip sizes are the best for Olympic lifting and exercises such as deadlifts, squats, and bench presses.
What Is the Best Budget Barbell for a Home Gym?
The best budget barbell for a home gym is Rogue Fitness Bella Bar 2.0.
Rogue Fitness Bella Bar 2.0 is perfect for women who like lifting a significant amount of weight due to its grip size.
However, it is also suitable for men who like to lift heavy weights on a daily basis since it is durable and doesn't easily wear off compared to some other barbells.
In addition, it offers just the right amount of spin, meaning it is excellent for both powerlifting and Olympic lifts such as cleans and jerks.
Let us know which one of the budget barbells from the list is your favorite and why.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue Fitness Bella Bar 2.0
- Perfect for women who lift a significant amount of weights due to its grip size
- It arrives in just two days
- Highly durable, and it doesn't wear off
- It offers just the right amount of spin
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- Black zinc coating fades after some time
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