The 7 Best Barbell Sets for Making Gains Right at Home
You don’t need a whole weight room to lift heavy; you just need a bar and some plates.
Strength training can be one of the most valuable forms of exercise. Not only does it (obviously) make you stronger, but it can also boost your metabolism, reduce your risk of injury, improve your heart health, strengthen your bones, improve your brain health, and even boost your mood. While weight rooms are filled with strength-building machines and racks of free weights, the reality is that you don't need that much equipment to tap into the benefits of lifting.
We'll fill you in on a little fitness secret: All you really need is a good barbell and a set of plates for weight lifting. By using just these tools, you can challenge your body with all kinds of compound, functional movements as well as more targeted exercises that will help you make gains in goal areas. But like so many fitness endeavors, it can be a little intimidating figuring out where to even begin finding the best barbell set for your needs. Luckily, we're here to help with that — and we've outlined some key shopping factors you should know before you invest in a barbell set.
Best Barbell Sets
- Best Budget Barbell Set: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Weight Pair
- Best 2-in-1 Barbell Set: DOYCE Adjustable Dumbbell Set
- Best Curl Bar Set: YAHEETECH Barbell Weight Set
- The OG Barbell Set: Rogue Fitness Bravo Bar & Bumper Set
- Best Starter Set: Powertec 300-Pound Olympic Set
- Adjustable Weight Settings: Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar
- Best Barbell Set for Beginners: Fringe Sport Weightlifting Technique Package
What to Consider
There’s very little room for error when you’re hoisting heavy weights over your body. The number one thing to keep in mind when shopping for a barbell is to “make sure it’s one that you feel comfortable and confident in to use for the exercises you love,” says Lauren Powell, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and performance coach at Future. If you’re not sure where to start, these parameters can help.
Type of bar: There are generally two types of barbells: Olympic and powerlifting. They look pretty similar to the untrained eye, but serve very different purposes, says Powell. “Olympic bars are created to have a bit of a whip as well as rotating sleeves that allow the lifter to maximize their lift,” she explains. “The power bar is often thicker, stiffer, and able to handle greater amounts of weight.” You can tell the difference by looking at the knurling marks — little spaces on the barbell where there is no cross-hatching. Generally speaking, power bars also tend to be a bit more versatile and affordable.
Bar weight and capacity: “The best part about the barbell is that you can add as much weight as you need; however, if you start with a bar that is too heavy itself, there is no way to make it lighter.” The weight capacity of the bar matters, too. Some barbells are designed to hold 250 pounds max, while others can handle 500 or 1,000 pounds. If you’re newer to lifting, a lower capacity bar may be more affordable and fine for your needs. Heavy lifters will want that extra capacity, though.
Now that you're armed will all the information you need to make a purchasing decision, find the best barbell set for you below.
