Best Weight Plates for 2022

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Best Iron Plates - REP Fitness Old School Iron Plates

REP Fitness Old School Iron Plates harken back to the good old days of Arnie, Columbo, Serge Nubret, Sandow, and many other legends of the bodybuilding world.

Old School Iron Plates aren't just excellent for their aesthetic qualities, they're damn find weights too. They come in either pairs of sets if you're looking to get a few iron plates and mix with bumper plates, or if you want an entire set of iron.

Using a durable matte finish, the plate exterior is good quality so it won't succumb to much rust damage which is crucial for iron as it's exposed unlike rubber bumper plates.

The deep lip of the weights on the marked weight side also makes it easier to carry which can be a problem for iron plates - but not these ones.

REP also provides these plates at a very good price as far as iron plates go. A full 425 Lb. set will run just under $800, which is plenty of weight for most home gym owners.

On the downside, iron plates are loud so think about if your neighbors will like or hear the sound of metal on metal. They have a 3% weight tolerance, which is a bit higher than desired, but not a deal breaker.

Finally, iron can scuff and scratch, so if you're worried about how they'll look in a few years time, take that into consideration.

Overall, I love the combination of durability and classic look that the REP Old School Iron Plates brings to a garage gym, and at a great price too.

Best Urethane Weight Plates - American Barbell Pro Urethane Bumper Plates

The American Barbell Pro Urethan Bumper Plates come out as among my favorite bumper plates around, especially urethane coated weight plates.

Great value is found here as they run from $352 - $550 (Lb. Pair) and $330 - $550 (Kg Pair), which may seem like a lot, but they're high-quality urethane.

As you can see, they either come in pounds or kilograms. Kilograms is recommended for anyone that is lifting for competition or Olympic lifting as that's the weight units they use.

The virgin rubber they use for coating is very durable and provides minimal bounce, but oddly, these plates can be loud when dropped. Similarly, the urethane is a bit slippery and the lipped-edges on either side make them a tad harder to pick up off the ground.

But, the pebbled coating itself is very grippy when you're handling the plates which is a plus and the eye-popping colors are very vibrant and visually striking.

If you want some high-quality urethane bumper plates, look no further than the American Barbell Urethane Bumper Plates.

Best Alternative Urethane Weight Plates - Bells of Steel Urethane Bumper Plates

If you're looking for an alternative for high-quality urethane bumper plates, then the Bells of Steel Urethane Bumper Plates may be the answer.

These urethane plates offer a good alternative for a few reasons. First, they're slightly better in terms of cost and they come in either pairs or sets which is handy if you want to buy an entire weight set right away for your home gym.

At $159.99, the 55 Lb. weight plate pairs are a great price.

Secondly, they provide a bit better grip when picking up off the floor thanks to a unique inner lip design that's sort of waved.

They also come in weight coordinated colors for easy changing out of weights, have minimal bounce, and have a low 1% weight tolerance.

My only gripes with the Bells of Steel Bumper Plates are the fact that the set only goes up to 340 Lb. which likely means you'll have to buy more plates in the future and the powder coating isn't the best.

Other than that, these are an excellent option that are quality but won't break the bank.

Best Competition Bumper Plates - Rogue Competition Bumper Plates

Best Cast Iron Weight Plates - Rogue Deep Dish Plates

Best Weight Plates with Grips - REP Fitness Urethane Coated Equalizer Plates

Best Calibrated Metal Weight Plates - Rogue Calibrated Steel Plates

In the same vein as the competition rubber plates, the Rogue Calibrated Steel Plates are ultra-accurate, very thin, and insanely high quality.

Whether you want them in kilograms or pounds, the 15 gram weight tolerance makes them very tight to the stated weight as they are machined to be calibrated.

Thinner plates allow for more weight on the bar is a huge bonus for heavy lifting for powerlifting. They're steel so they aren't a great choice for Oly or CrossFit lifting, sadly.

Still, they're IPF-approved which is more than many steel plates can say, but they aren't without minor faults.

Primarily, as high-quality as these calibrated plates are, the paint coating can chip easily which I find disappointing for more expensive sets/pairs of weight plates.

A center ring issue is that it's slightly smaller so it might not fit cheaper barbells, but why would you want to use a cheap barbell anyways?

If you want some steel plates that are very tight weight tolerance and equally appealing in looks, then the Rogue Calibrated Steel Plates should make it on your 'want' list.

Best Premium Calibrated Competition Plates - Eleiko IPF Powerlifting Competition Plate

Oddly, I was expecting Eleiko IPF Powerlifting Competition Plates to cost a ton more, but they're actually fairly affordable all things considered.

Eleiko is considered a premier leader in strength equipment, especially barbells, but their competition plates are equally well-known and you've probably seem them somewhere or other.

As you'd expect, they're IPF-approved, which is no surprise, but what is a surprise is that they only sell them individually. They range in weight from 10 Kg - 25 Kg, so they cover all of the basic weights you'll need plus they sell change plates.

I wouldn't recommend these for most lifters as these are pretty expensive for novice lifters that don't need razor-thin weight margins. A super tight 10 gram weight tolerance is one of the lowest I've seen which is impressive.

You can expect them to last a long time thanks to quality, but Eleiko offers a 10-year warranty to soothe your nerves over any potential faults.

Best Ultra Budget Plates - CAP Barbell Olympic Grip Plates

On the opposite end of the spectrum are the CAP Barbell Olympic Grip Plates.

I won't lie, these plates aren't my go-to suggestion but they are great for the budget lifters looking to add some plates to their home gym for cheap.

CAP's weight plates have a 3-hole design for easy grip which is nice for a budget plate, but they come in odd weight pairings and individual plates. The heavier plates come in pairs, while the lighter plates come in sets.

Regardless, they don't go more than $100 so again it's good for rounding out your weights, or if you're just starting out.

They don't offer what their weight tolerance is which is probably because it's not that low. Available on Amazon, they make up for weight tolerance questions with fast shipping.

Not very durable is the enamel coating, but in a pinch, the CAP Barbell Olympic Grip Plates are a good ultra budget choice.

Best Budget Bumper Plates - Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates

Budget and bumper plates usually aren't found together, but the Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates are a good budget choice that don't sacrifice on quality.

The biggest pro here is their 10 Lb. bumper plates which have a good durometer rating of 90, making them very low bounce and durable, but it has a smaller insert.

Larger weight plates for the Fringe Bumper Plates have a lower durometer rating, but are still low bounce and have good quality because of the insert ring. The plates are also stiffer for the 10 Lb. plates so they'll last longer than other thinner plates.

You can get them in sets or pairs to fully build your home gym without breaking the bank.

Best Durable Bumper Plates - Vulcan Alpha Bumper Plates

Vulcan Alpha Bumper Plates are the most durable bumper plates on the market that also come at a reasonable price, something that's hard to find.

A weight tolerance of 1%, virgin rubber, and a color fleck pattern are the highlights of these plates.

You can get either pairs or sets, which range from 10 Lb. - 55 Lb. or 160 Lb. - 370 Lb. for sets. 

An 89 Durometer rating provides low bounce too so they can be dropped often without too much concern. Again, a big appeal is their fleck pattern which is weight/color coordinated. 

You've seen the pattern on other plates before but Vulcan claims that they originated it. This isn't something I can confirm or deny, same as their claim that the plates are the quietest bumper plates.

Heavier plates come with up to a 4-year warranty, so even if they do have manufacturer faults, you're covered.

Unfortunately the center insert isn't stainless steel and the plates can be thicker so less plates on a bar.

All in all though, the Vulcan Alpha Bumper Plates are very durable.

Best Change Plates - Rogue KG Change Plates

Saving the smallest for last, the Rogue Change Plates (KG and LB) are a great addition for lifters that need more precise weight denominations.

Change plates are good when you want to make linear progress for your lift PRs or weekly improvements but need smaller increments below the typical 10 Lb. plates. 

The Rogue Change Plates come in kilograms and pounds, and in sets or individual for both units. I'd recommend kilograms again because they're competition-styled in weight units and are more precise to actual weight.

Both have a miniscule 10 gram weight tolerance, so regardless, the stated weight is very close to the actual weight.

Rogue's change plates are rubber coated for durability, but I noticed the rubber coating can get dirty easily.

Sadly, for change plates, they can be a little expensive, but these are plates you'd add after you build your home gym and get your bigger plates first.

Why You Need Weight Plates for Your Home Gym

What good is a barbell without some weights? Those two pieces of equipment combined unlock the potential to perform nearly 100% of all the exercises you need. A barbell and two 45 Lb. plates is better for your home gym than even the best cardio machines or even the best dumbbells you can find.

Barbells and plates allow you to do squats, bench press, deadlifts, overhead press, rows, good mornings, lunges, cleans, snatches, and so much more. You can even add accessory work with a barbell. Things like skull crushers, bicep curls, deadlift variations. The best barbell exercises are best when you combine it with weight plates.

No matter if it's a metal plate or a bumper plate, they're a staple in a home gym. Good weight plates will last a lifetime with the proper care and make your life better as a lifter.

Metal Plates vs. Bumper Plates

People will try to make arguments for metal plates over bumper plates, or bumper plates over metal plates, but there's no slam-dunk winner. They both serve a purpose and offer plenty of value for lifters. The right weight plate is the one that works best in your gym and for your goals.

Bumper Plates - These plates are best for Olympic lifting and dynamic fitness training (ex. CrossFit). Planning on dropping the bar from overhead positions or above the rack? Bumper plates are the way to go. The reason is that bumper plates use rubber for material, with an iron/steel inner plate that is protected by a layer of rubber.

Metal Plates - Metal plates do not have a rubber or protective outer layer. Metal plates should not be dropped for that reason. If you're planning on doing powerlifting, instead of Olympic or CrossFit, then metal plates are a good option. Iron or steel plates can be noisy, either from the clanging against each other, the bar, or when lowering the bar on the ground or racking weight.

How to Pick the Best Weight Plates for Your Home Gym

Picking the best weight plate for your home gym isn't so cut and dry. What works for you might not work for someone else, much like every piece of strength equipment.

Choosing the best weight plates for a home gym comes down to many factors, which include these important factors.

Construction & Materials

Rubber plates vs. metal plates is the eternal debate when figuring out how to pick weight plates for a home gym. It's a bit more nuanced than just that, but it's a good place to start as almost any weights you'll find are in one of the two material categories.

After you've chosen between the two, you can pick between subcategories of materials for rubber or metal plates. Say you pick bumper plates, do you want cheaper, but lower quality recycled rubber types like crumb rubber? Or would you prefer a pricier, but better build rubber with more density and less bounce like urethane rubber? If you choose metal plates, check out the differences between steel and cast iron. 

As with all plates, pay attention to the calibration of the weight. Weight tolerance will help you see how close the true weight of the plate is to the stated weight.

Look at what the center ring of your weight plates are made of. A stainless steel center ring is the best in terms of durability (rust-protected, strong). Some coated center rings, like zinc-plating, are good but are prone to scratching/scuffs and could rust over time depending on environment. Brass rings are lowest quality, soft and scuff-prone.

Durability

Following on construction and materials; durable, higher quality weights will be pricier, but hold up longer. 

Urethane rubber plates are higher quality than crumb rubber. They are pricier, but they'll hold up longer than crumb rubber. Metal plates are durable, but can be susceptible to oxidation (rust) so it's best to find metal weight plates that have powder coating, e-coating, or rubber-coating to prevent rust and wear.

Price

Price of weight plates, and your budget, will determine whether you get higher quality, more durable weights with a tighter weight tolerance or lower quality weights. 

Lower priced weights have lower weight accuracy, may have more bounce, or have lower quality build overall.

Training Needs

How you train, or your training goals, will help you figure out which weight plates work best for your home gym.

Most lifters, especially those in Olympic or CrossFit lifting, will like bumper plates because they provide minimal bounce, but can still be dropped without causing damage to the bar, plates or floor. Powerlifters might like iron plates because their lifting needs requires very little dropping of the bar, and uses slower lifts.

Home Gym Setup

Your home gym setup will help determine which kind of plates you need. Lifting on wood or concrete vs. Olympic platform or rubber mats is the difference between iron or bumper plates. As is how loud you can be - are your neighbors going to care? Do you even have neighbors?

Ideally, we could drop the plates when we choose but it's not always the case. Regardless of your home gym setup, or how loud you think you can be, get some inexpensive horse stall mats as your flooring option. Tractor Supply Company offers some of the best around to outfit your home gym flooring, but overall, bumper plates are the most forgiving for your gym floor.

Calibrated vs. Uncalibrated Plates

Regardless of what lifting you participate (powerlifting, Olympic, CrossFit), you want to pick calibrated weights whenever possible. Powerlifters should go for iron or steel plates. Olympic lifters should go for competition bumper plates. 

No matter which training you choose, find calibrated plates that deviate no more than 15 grams from the listed manufacturer weight.

Best Weight Plates FAQs

What are the Best Weight Plates for Powerlifting?

Powerlifting uses slower, more controlled range of motion and movements (squat, deadlift, bench press), so any type of weight plate is good for powerlifting needs.  

You won't be dropping weights from above your head, so iron/metal plates are fine, but bumper plates are as well. It's suggested that you purchase a calibrated weight set in kilograms if you compete in powerlifting for weight accuracy.

What Are the Best Weight Plates for Olympic Lifting?

Olympic lifting requires weight plates that can be dropped and won't be damaged, which is why competition bumper plates are best for Olympic lifting. Again, buying them in KG instead of LBs is advised because Olympic lifting uses kilo for weight units.

Competition bumper plates have higher weight accuracy than most standard rubber plates. They're thinner as well which allows for more plates on the barbell sleeve.

What are Best Weight Plates for CrossFit?

For CrossFit lifters, you'll be fine with regular bumper plates.

There's a high chance you'll be dropping your barbell, so urethane bumper plates are an excellent option as they have low bounce compared to Hi-Temp weight plates or crumb rubber plates.

Is It Okay to Drop Metal Weight Plates?

No, you should not drop metal weight plates, even if they have rubber coating. This can damage the plates, the barbell, and possibly your flooring, all of which you don't want to replace.

How Accurate Are Weight Plates?

Weight accuracy in plates varies greatly from plate to plate. Generally the higher the price, the more accurate the weight is. Cheaper plates have a wider tolerance range.

Average weight plates will likely have a 5% weight tolerance. More expensive weight plates can have a weight tolerance range of 1 - 2%. Competition plates are more stringent on weight tolerance, and shouldn't deviate more than 15g from the listed weight.