6 days ago
The best barbells of 2025, tested and reviewed by personal trainers and everyday lifters
Barbells aren't just for powerlifters or bodybuilders. The best barbell is a valuable tool to help you develop the full-body strength necessary to support independence and quality of life as you age, powering exercises like chest presses, squats and deadlifts. Noelle McKenzie, CPT and correctional exercise specialist says that barbells are extremely useful in a home gym setting because they allow you to load the body more easily than holding dumbbells and are more practical for heavy lifts.
"Barbells should become a staple in everyone's home gym," says Cassandra Padula Burke, CPT, adding, "They are versatile and allow you to perform a wide range of upper- and lower-body exercises to improve strength, power, endurance and overall health."
Although barbells may seem straightforward — just a long bar with space for adding weight plates on the ends — it turns out that they're not all built alike. In fact, there are some critical differences to be aware of before adding one to your shopping cart. For instance, the spin on a barbell greatly affects which types of exercises it's best suited for. Knurling — the textured grip pattern on a barbell — is also key, as it impacts both your comfort level and safety when lifting.
Like other gym equipment, barbells are designed for specific uses and functions. To help you choose the right one for your home gym, we asked personal trainers, powerlifters and casual gym-goers to test six top-rated barbells in home and commercial gym settings over the course of several months. Their input and feedback helped us determine which ones you should consider. Just remember, it's a good idea to pair your barbell with a weight bench and plate weights — we've tested and reviewed those too.
As you can see from our list, barbells aren't cheap — and they're not particularly convenient to return. Plus, choosing the right barbell for your needs can make a major difference in the safety, comfort and effectiveness of your workout. With that in mind, here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:
The most important factor when choosing a barbell is your training goals. For example, are you preparing for a powerlifting competition, or do you just need a reliable bar for basic workouts in your basement? Your answer can help you decide which type of barbell to choose and whether you need a heavy-duty bar with high tensile strength or can get by with a less expensive training bar.
According to our experts, an Olympic barbell is an excellent all-around choice for most people due to its versatility. However, older adults or those with limited strength might benefit from a lighter weight standard barbell. Burke also suggests planning for your future needs by selecting a barbell with a weight capacity that allows you to lift heavier as you progress. A few of the most common types of barbells include:
Standard barbells: A standard barbell is usually around 7 feet long, weighs between 15 and 25 pounds and has a 1-inch diameter. It typically has smaller, non-rotating sleeves and is best for holding lighter weights.
Olympic barbells: Olympic barbells have a standard length of at least 7 feet, though some are slightly longer. They typically weigh 45 pounds, have a larger 2-inch diameter and are used for heavy compound lifts, including squats, hip thrusts, dead lifts, overhead presses, chest presses and rows. Olympic barbells are also subdivided into men's and women's bars, which have a grip diameter of about 28 mm and 25 mm, respectively. Regardless of men's versus women's, Olympic barbells are designed to hold between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds and have large rotating sleeves.
Fixed barbells: These bars, which can be curl or straight bars, are already weighted and cannot be adjusted. They're typically used for arm exercises, such as curls or lighter presses, though they can also be used for lower-body exercises like squats and dead lifts as well.
Trap/hex bars: These barbells are hexagonal shaped instead of straight and fit around the body for dead lifts, squats and carries.
McKenzie advises selecting a barbell with a tensile strength that matches the amount of weight you plan to lift. For durability, she recommends a tensile strength of at least 150,000 psi, especially for heavy lifters.
"Knurling is a textured grip on the barbell that helps you hold on securely, even when your hands get sweaty," says Umo Callins, CPT and board-certified sports dietitian. "It's key for stability, especially with heavy lifts," she adds. Knurling comes in three main styles — hill, mountain and volcano — each providing a different level of grip:
Hill knurling: This style typically looks like flat surfaced diamonds and offers the smoothest grip. While less likely to leave your hands calloused or blistered, bars with hill knurling are harder to hold, especially when your hands are sweaty.
Mountain knurling: This pointy pattern provides the most aggressive texture for maximum traction. It's typically reserved for one-rep powerlifting moves, though some serious lifters like it for dead lifts too.
Volcano knurling: Often considered the ideal style, volcano knurling has rounded, rather than pointy, peaks that allow for a relatively comfortable yet still secure grip.
If knurling options are limited, weightlifting gloves offer a good solution for improving your grip and protecting your hands.
The finish of a bar contributes to its durability and use. McKenzie recommends a stainless steel finish, which she says is naturally grippy and rust-resistant. The finish is especially important for home gyms where temperature and humidity can fluctuate. Callins also cautions against barbells with cheap coatings, as these can flake and wear down quickly, leading to rust and reduced grip.
"Spin performance refers to how smoothly and quickly the sleeves of the barbell rotate," McKenzie says, adding that spin performance is especially important for dynamic lifts such as snatches and clean and jerks.
Callins notes that the spin performance of a barbell is primarily determined by the type of mechanism in the bar sleeves. "Bushings provide smooth rotation for general lifting; ball bearings offer a faster spin for Olympic lifting and needle bearings provide the most precision, ideal for serious athletes," she says. For general strength training, Callins recommends looking for a model featuring either bushings or bearings, though she adds that high-spin barbells are intended more for Olympic lifting and aren't essential for general strength training.
For optimal versatility, look for a barbell that combines bushings and bearings in a composite design.
Callins says that a barbell's whip allows the bar to bend when being moved at high speed with a heavy load. "It redistributes the load toward the edge of the bar, which makes it easier to lift," she says.
Whenever possible, she recommends avoiding barbells with low whip grading, as they're more likely to bend. Instead, if you plan on lifting heavy weights, she recommends choosing an Olympic barbell, which is designed to have high tensile strength and increased whip.
Our experts recommend investing in a high-quality bar that meets your needs. "Quality bars last a lifetime with proper care, so they're a solid investment," says Callins. To extend the life of your barbell, she recommends storing it upright to reduce exposure to dust and moisture.
To determine the best barbell for every lifter, we tested six barbells in home and commercial gym settings. For a comprehensive view of pros and cons, each barbell was tested by professional trainers, powerlifters and casual gym-goers of varying ages and fitness levels. Barbells were evaluated based on their performance, durability and comfort. Tester feedback combined with expert insights from personal trainers and our own lifting experience, helped us determine the best barbells, including options for a range of training goals and preferences.
What type of barbell is right for me?
A standard Olympic barbell is a good option for most people looking to increase their strength as it accommodates nearly every exercise, from squats to benching to overhead presses. However, if you plan on doing mostly quick, more dynamic movements, like snatches or clean and jerks, look for a barbell with spin-rotation bearings.
How much weight can a barbell hold?
All barbells are different, but a standard barbell usually can hold up to 500 pounds, while Olympic barbells typically accommodate 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.
What's the difference between bushings, ball bearings and needle bearings?
Bushings, ball bearings and needle bearings refer to the spin rotation of a barbell's sleeves, which are the ends of the barbell that hold the weights. A barbell needs to spin to offset the torque movement of weights being loaded on the bar, especially during fast movements. Bushings are standard on bars intended for more stable movements, like straight bench presses or squats, because the bar doesn't need to spin as much. Ball bearings, on the other hand, allow for more spin and are suitable for faster movements, like snatches. A needle-bearing barbell has total free spin and is often used for Olympic-style or CrossFit movements.
How do I maintain my barbell and prevent rust?
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your barbell in mint condition. While it's always best to follow the manufacturer's specific care instructions, most barbells benefit from a simple routine:
Cleaning: Wipe down the barbell with a cloth or use a nylon brush to remove chalk, sweat and debris that can accumulate during workouts.
Oiling: Apply a non-corrosive oil periodically to protect the metal and keep it functioning smoothly.
Rust prevention: If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier in your gym space to reduce moisture and prevent rust from forming on the bar.
Proper care extends the life of your barbell and ensures optimal grip.
What safety precautions should I take when using a barbell?
The first step is purchasing equipment you trust from a reputable manufacturer and regularly inspecting your bar for any signs of damage, like cracking or wear. If you're new to using a barbell, it's a good idea to learn proper form and technique from a certified fitness trainer to reduce the risk of injury.
When using a barbell, it's best to start with lighter weights and only increase weight if you're able to maintain proper form. It's also important to use appropriate safety measures, such as using clips or collars to keep your weight plates from sliding off. Safety bars, squat racks, bumper plates and rubber flooring can also help create a secure lifting environment. Finally, never skip a proper warm-up — it's essential for preparing your body and preventing strain during barbell exercises.
Raymond Agostino, DPT, sports performance coach and owner of Agostino Athletics in Fort Myers, Fla.
Cassandra Padula Burke, MFS, RDN, CPT, owner of Catalyst Performance Lab in Finksburg, Md.
Umo Callins, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, CPT, board-certified sports dietitian and fitness coach in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Noelle McKenzie, correctional exercise specialist, certified personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York City.
Tim Strunk, CPT, former head trainer at Eighty Twenty Club in Lapeer, Mich.
Jason Wrosch, CPT, head trainer at Eighty Twenty Club in Lapeer, Mich.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
