Smith Machines vs. Squat Racks: What’s Better for Your Home Gym?

If you’re setting up your own home gym, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing between a Smith machine and a squat rack. 

Both are fantastic pieces of gym equipment, but they offer very different things. Knowing the difference—and understanding which one suits your training style, space, and goals—can help you avoid expensive regrets down the line.

Let’s break it all down. 

We’ll explore the pros and cons of each, compare them across key factors like safety, versatility, cost, and footprint.

Before we jump into the debate, remember: there’s no “one size fits all” solution. What’s better for your home gym really comes down to how you train.

Smith Machine + Squat Rack: What’s the Difference?

The Smith Machine

A Smith machine uses a barbell fixed to steel rails, which moves along a vertical (or slightly angled) path. It also comes with built-in safety catches, which means you can lock out the barbell at various heights if you get stuck.

The Squat Rack

A squat rack or power cage gives you full freedom to lift a free-weight barbell. No rails, no guides—just you, your barbell, and gravity. It’s the more “old-school” approach to training, and it’s often preferred by experienced lifters who want the most natural range of motion.

Pro tip: If you’re new to lifting, a Smith machine can be a great confidence-booster since it supports the bar and helps you stay balanced during lifts.

Safety: Which Is Safer for Home Training?

Why Smith Machines Win on Safety

When you’re working out at home, safety matters. You might not have a spotter on hand to bail you out of a failed rep, and let’s be honest—dropping a loaded barbell in your living room isn’t ideal.

Smith machines shine here. 

Because the bar is guided and can be locked in place with a twist of the wrist, you can lift heavy with a little more peace of mind. Plus, most Smith machines have adjustable safety stops to catch the bar if you miss a rep.

The Safety Side of Squat Racks

Squat racks, on the other hand, require good form and a decent level of confidence. But that doesn’t mean they’re unsafe. 

Many power racks include safety arms or pins that can be set at the right height to catch the barbell if needed. Just make sure you know how to set them up properly.

Pro tip: Pair your squat rack with an adjustable bench and crash mats to build a safer lifting zone in your home gym.

Versatility: How Much Can You Actually Do?

Squat Racks = Maximum Flexibility

This is where squat racks really start to shine. 

Since you’re working with a free-weight barbell, a squat rack gives you the freedom to do a wide variety of exercises: squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, barbell lunges, rows—you name it.

You can pair a rack with a pulldown attachment, dip bars, or even turn it into a full functional trainer if you choose a hybrid model.

Smith Machines Still Hold Their Own

Smith machines are more limited, but they still pack a punch. You can perform squats, bench presses, overhead presses, hip thrusts, and rows with built-in stability. 

Some Smith machines include a cable system, pull-up bar, and plate storage, making them incredibly space-efficient.

Pro tip: Want the best of both worlds? Go for a Smith machine combo unit which includes a Smith machine, functional trainer, and free-weight station.

Space Considerations: Which Fits Better in a Home Gym?

Compact Designs for Smaller Setups

Smith machines often take up less width than a full rack setup—especially if you’re not planning to do Olympic-style lifts. They’re a great choice if you’re working with limited floor space or need your home gym to fit into a spare room, garage corner, or apartment setup.

Modular Options for Growing Home Gyms

That said, squat racks are more modular. You can often customise them to fit your room and expand over time. Start with a half rack or folding wall rack if space is tight, and build out with attachments later on.

Pro tip: Don’t forget your floor. Protect your space with rubber tiles or heavy-duty mats, especially if you’re dropping weights.

Cost: What Gives You More Bang for Your Buck?

The Squat Rack Advantage

Let’s talk about cost. Squat racks generally cost less than Smith machines, especially when comparing basic setups. You can pick up a solid power rack for a lot less than a high-end Smith machine.

Smith Machines with Built-in Bonuses

But Smith machines often offer more all-in-one functionality, especially when bundled with lat pulldown systems, cable machines, or weight stacks. If you were to buy all those add-ons separately for a squat rack, the price could even out.

Pro tip: Browse the full Smith Machines collection for combo units that double or triple up on function—ideal for smaller home gyms that need maximum versatility.

Additional Equipment You’ll Need

For Squat Racks

With a squat rack, you’ll need a barbell, weight plates, and likely a bench to perform exercises like bench presses or incline presses.

For Smith Machines

Smith machines usually come with a fixed bar and built-in plate storage, so you’ll just need weight plates to get going. Many also include multi-grip pull-up bars, cable pulleys, and other bonus features.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to pick up a quality gym mat to keep your setup stable and safe.

Training Style: Which Feels More Natural?

Smith Machines for Control + Stability

A Smith machine limits your range of motion slightly due to the guided bar path. This can make movements feel smoother, but it also means you’re not engaging stabiliser muscles as much.

Squat Racks for Real Strength Gains

A squat rack forces you to control every movement. That means better overall muscle activation, more realistic carryover to real-world strength, and arguably a better workout if your form is solid.

Pro tip: If you’re recovering from injury or working around a mobility issue, the fixed motion of a Smith machine can offer much-needed control and safety.

Smith Machines vs Squat Racks: Which Should You Choose?

Still not sure which one’s right for your home gym? Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help:

Go with a Smith machine if:

• You train alone and want built-in safety
• You’re new to lifting and prefer extra guidance
• You have limited space and want an all-in-one unit
• You like the idea of combining cables, pulleys, and plates in one compact system

Go with a squat rack if:

• You want full freedom of movement and barbell training
• You prefer functional, real-world strength training
• You already have experience with gym equipment
• You plan to expand your home gym over time with modular attachments

Pro tip: Can’t decide? Some of the best Smith machines at Dynamo Fitness also include a free-weight station—giving you the best of both.

Final Thoughts: Your Gym, Your Rules

In the end, choosing between a Smith machine and a squat rack comes down to your training style, space, experience, and budget. 

There’s no right or wrong answer—just what works best for you. Whichever you pick, make sure it supports your long-term fitness journey and gets you excited to work out.

At Dynamo Fitness, we’ve got all the home gym equipment you need to build a setup that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re all about squats, big bench days, or full-body circuits, we’ve got racks, machines, plates, benches, and all the extras ready to ship across Australia.

If you’re still unsure what’s right for your space, drop by one of our showrooms or reach out to our team online. 

We’re happy to chat, help you plan your layout, and recommend the perfect fit for your home gym.

Investing in gym gear that matches your goals makes it easier to stay consistent. Consistency = results.