The 8 Best Cheap Weight Plates For Your Home Gym | 2023
Are you looking for the best cheap weight plates to complete your home gym setup?
We’ve put together a list of the best affordable weight plates on the market, perfect for completing your home gym and helping you stay fit and healthy.
We. will also look at the difference between iron and rubber bumper plates and talk a little about the various exercises you can do with the best budget weight plates.
As an Amazon affiliate, I might make commissions on purchases made through the links on this page
How To Find Cheap and Affordable Quality Weight Plates
Finding the right plate weights at a good price is easy, thanks to Amazon and its free shipping for Prime Members, and we don’t want to pay too much money for cheap weights.
But just because these weights are cheap doesn’t mean we want to sacrifice quality.
We will look at a few things when considering the best weight plates at the best price.
We don’t want junk. We want high-quality plates that will hold up under heavy cross training, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and exercise routines and use.
So with that in mind, we will now look at the best cheap weight plates you can get on Amazon (which offers free shipping with Amazon Prime).
The Best Affordable Weight Plates For Your Home Gym
1. CAP Barbell Weight Plates
Cap Barbell is one of the most popular brands on Amazon, making many different types of strength training fitness equipment and accessories.
Their plates, however, are one of the most popular options because of the ever-increasing awareness of the brand name in the fitness industry and the excellent price point.
Cap Barbell is one of the most attractive cheap plates on this list because they make such a wide variety of plates.
Many of their plates are designed with the expected three poles for easy transport and carrying and also come in both standard and Olympic plates options.
Many of these solid cast iron plates come with a black baked enamel finish, giving them a dark look and protecting it from possible wear and tear with deterioration.
The amount of weight is listed on each plate in pounds; however, there is no kilogram option on these cast iron plates. as expected.
We see a wide range of available weights and several designs, including basic and simple designs with no holes, just a pure plate. Because of their many different types of design options, exterior finishes, and an extensive array of available pounds, these were an easy pick for our top choices for affordable weight plates.
Product Pros
Product Cons
2. Yes4All Weight Plates
Yes4All predominantly makes just the 1-inch weight plate, making them one of the primary go-tos for those with a barbell fitting 1-inch plate.
But they also make 1.15-inch plates, which we rarely see.
Yes4ll decided to take a different approach when making affordable weight plates.
While most companies carry a healthy mix of 1-inch and cheap Olympic plates, the Yes4All company decided to make only 1-inch plates. Although they make a series of 1.15-inch plates, their 1-inch standard weight plate gets most of the attention.
These cast iron plates are great for barbells and dumbbells that hold 1-inch size plates.
They typically have a semi-gloss black paint finish to help protect them from the elements.
Their design is pretty basic, and they don’t typically make standard plates with carrying holes like different weight plates. These are basic cast-iron plates with no frills or fancy designs or styles.
However, That means they can keep the price down without the extra fanfare.
One thing to note, they don’t make plates typically more than 25 pounds. You might be able to find them from time to time slightly higher, but predominantly these are going to be lighter weight.
Product Pros
Product Cons
3. Synergee Weight Plates
Synergee makes a lot of different strength training workout equipment and is very well known for its weight and rubber bumper plates.
Their wide selection of available options, including the lower-cost 1 and 2-inch cast iron plates, gives them a spot on this list.
There is a lot to like about these Synergee cast iron weight plates.
Not only do they have a wide selection of different types of plates, including competition plates, rubber bumper plates, and standard plates, these more affordable cast-iron plates are designed well, with many weight capacity options.
As we have seen with other affordable weight plates, these synergy cast-iron weight plates come with three carrying holes for extra grip. This comes in very handy when moving plates around. The ergonomic grip design can also be convenient for different types of exercises as well.
We also see the actual weight listed in both pounds in kilograms. One extra point, the weight is raised lettering on the plate, giving it a little bit of extra stand-out design.
We also love the dark finish, giving them an authentic industrial look.
These great plates start around the 2.5-pound area and work up to the classic 45-lb weight plate.
Product Pros
Product Cons
4. HulkFit Weight Plates
HulkFit might be best known for its power racks and power cages on Amazon. These are probably their best-selling items and other whole body workout equipment.
So it only makes sense that they would offer affordable weight plates to accompany those squat racks and barbells.
Starting at 2.5 pounds and working their way up to 45-pound weight plates, these HulkFit enamel-coated cast iron weight plates are popular on Amazon, amassing over 2800 total customer reviews.
Because HulkFit is known for its weight-lifting equipment, these plates are a great product for many looking to add more weight to their barbell for bench presses and squats.
Because these plates come in both cast iron Olympic weight plates and standard 1-inch plates, there are a lot of opportunities for those looking to increase their strength training workout weight potential.
Like others on this list, we see the three places for available grip, perfect for carrying the plates around or various exercises.
We also see the weight amount represented in both pounds and kilograms with a slight letter raising on the plate. There are some additional markings and small design influences on this plate, but when it comes down to it, it’s a basic plate at an introductory price, which is precisely what we’re looking for.
Product Pros
Product Cons
5. XMark Weight Plates
When looking for different types of cheapest weight plates for this list, we wanted to add something designed a bit differently.
The XMark Olympic plates might be a bit more costly than others on this list, but that doesn’t mean they are not cheap.
But they are certainly a different kind of weight plate. And with over 1,500 Amazon customer views, the change seems reasonable.
XMark might be the most ambitious weight plate company on this list. While other cheap plates on this list are very basic in design and features, we see an increase in both on these plates.
For starters, they only offer Olympic plates when it comes to available selection. No standard plates are available.
We also see that they offer each Olympic weight comes in many different pairs, including up to four of each weight plate which is perfect for those wanting to add bulk at once.
We also see a difference in how these Olympic plates are made. The thickness of these plates is a bit wider due to the extra protective coating, but the holes in the middle are still the same diameter.
We see the same tri-grip design as we have seen another’s, but these have a rubber-coated exterior. These Olympic plates are protected by an exterior that will eliminate possible rust and corrosion and protect against drops and cracks to help keep them in great shape, thanks to their durability.
Even though the exterior of each Olympic weight is rubber coated, the inserts on these Olympic weight plates are solid steel, making sliding off and on the barbells easy.
We also see the weight displayed in both pounds in kilograms.
The downside? Because these are rubber coated, each Olympic weight often arrives with a slight rubbery smell, which should dissipate over time. So, these are different weight plates than we have seen on this list, but they are well deserving of a spot.
Product Pros
Product Cons
6. A2ZCare Weight Plates
A2ZCare is another health and fitness company that makes a wide range of strength training workout equipment and accessories.
They also make some of the most basic weight plates in the market, perfect for those looking for cheap weight plate options.
A2ZCare has another one making white plates that are extremely affordable, even though they are basic. There’s nothing fancy or frivolous about these plates.
There is not much of a design aspect to them either. While some of their options have slight aesthetics, such as raised lettering, these are boring and unexciting, making them excellent choices for the best affordable weight plates.
As we’ve seen with Yes4All above, this is another company that predominantly makes lower-pound plates. Most of their plates cap out around the 10-pound mark, perfect for those looking to begin weightlifting, but maybe not a great choice for those already proficient in strength training.
They offer both 1-inch and iron Olympic size 2-inch weight plates and many cheap weight sets of multiple plates in addition to being sold individually, which helps to make up for the fact that they do not offer very high weight amounts.
The weight amount in each weight plate is represented only in pounds, with no kilograms available.
Each weight plate has no good hand grips on it as well. Each weight plate is coded with a semi-gloss black paint finish, helping keep these high-quality solid cast iron weight plates safe from possible wear and tear.
Product Pros
Product Cons
7. Iron Crush 1 Inch Weight Plates
When looking for low-priced plates, some of the companies mentioned on this list put a weight limit on their plates, often capping at 25 pounds, or 45 lbs if we are lucky.
Iron Crush offers something we haven’t seen up to this point; 50 lb weight plates.
When hunting for budget-friendly weight plates, we often encounter limitations in available weight options per plate. Plus, even when we do find heftier 45 lb plates, they usually only come in the 2-inch variety.
That’s where BalanceFrom’s Olympic 2-Inch Weight Plates make a difference.
Firstly, they present superior cast iron plates, each designed with a durable, black baked enamel finish, available in weights up to 45 pounds per plate, a remarkable feature considering the typical market offerings.
Moreover, these plates come as light as 2.5 lbs each, a much lower starting point than most other brands offer.
But the true distinction lies in their design. These plates come with a 2-inch center hole, compatible with any Olympic bar of the same diameter or less. This means those in need of a larger hole size don’t have to compromise on weight.
In addition, they’re also usable with 2” dumbbell bars, thereby increasing the diversity of your workout routine without additional cost or space requirements.
Product Pros
Product Cons
8. BalanceFrom Barbell Weight Set
BalanceFrom, a renowned name on Amazon, provides a diverse range of reliable workout gear. Their Olympic 2-Inch Weight Plates stand out due to the growing recognition of the brand in the fitness industry, combined with competitive pricing.
These plates, acclaimed for their versatility and user-centric design, are an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned fitness enthusiasts seeking to enhance their strength and flexibility training routines.
Cap Barbell is one of the most attractive cheap plates on this list because they make such a wide variety of plates.
Many of their plates are designed with the expected three poles for easy transport and carrying and also come in both standard and Olympic plates options.
Many of these solid cast iron plates come with a black baked enamel finish, giving them a dark look and protecting it from possible wear and tear with deterioration.
The amount of weight is listed on each plate in pounds; however, there is no kilogram option on these cast iron plates. as expected.
We see a wide range of available weights and several designs, including basic and simple designs with no holes, just a pure plate. Because of their many different types of design options, exterior finishes, and an extensive array of available pounds, these were an easy pick for our top choices for affordable weight plates.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Why Are Weight Plates So Expensive?
A weight plate’s average price can range from $0.30 to over $1.00 per pound. So, what makes these plates so expensive?
One main factor is the material each weight plate is made from. Iron, for example, is relatively affordable but heavy and not very durable. This makes it ill-suited for use in these types of weights.
Instead, most manufacturers use either steel or bronze. Calibrated steel weight plates are more expensive than iron but are lighter and more durable.
On the other hand, bronze is even more expensive than steel, but it has the added benefit of being corrosion and rust-resistant.
A great place to look for cheap weights is on Facebook Marketplace. You can sometimes find used plates for low prices.
Another factor contributing to the plate cost is their size and weight. Larger plates are more expensive to produce than lighter weights, and plates that weigh more are also pricier.
When shopping for weight plates for sale, sometimes you can avoid buying single plates at a time and buy a pair or an entire weight lb set. Though this might cost a lot upfront, it may be cheaper than purchasing one plate at a time.
Finally, the demand for the right weight plates can also affect their cost. Manufacturers can charge more for a particular type of plate if there’s high demand for a particular type of plate. This was very common during 2020 during the Covid lockdowns.
Conversely, if there’s low demand, they may need to lower the price to sell them.
The Difference Between Weight Plates and Bumper Plates
There are a few things to take into account when buying gym equipment, such as plates and rubber bumpers. Understanding these differences can help you decide what type of weight plate set is best for your needs.
The right weight plates are great for adding weight to your Olympic lifts or even basic types of lifting. They come in many different sizes and shapes, depending on what type of exercise you want them for (Olympic vs. Traditional style).
The most common types include solid cast iron or old-school steel plates, which can withstand high levels of pressure without breaking down during use.
A rubber bumper plate (also called bumpers or rubber plates) is made of dense rubber, often brightly colored, and has a raised lip around the edge. This lip helps to prevent the plate from sliding during use.
Rubber competition plates and bumper plates are made for many workouts, often used for CrossFit-style workouts involving powerlifting, Plyometrics, and Olympic lifting movements.
If you drop a bumper, they tend to have a little less break and a little more bounce from the shock than a traditional stainless steel or solid cast iron plate, which will have minimal bounce.
In most gyms, a rubber bumper plate will be stored in one area, while the traditional plates can be found all over the gym.
The Difference Between 1-Inch and Olympic 2-Inch Plates
2 inch weight plates, also called Olympic plates, have a larger center hole in the middle of the plate, which fits barbells and dumbbells with a 2-inch cap.
1 inch weight plates, sometimes called standard plates or standard weight plates, have a much smaller hole in the middle of the white plate and can only fit on barbells with a smaller, narrow endcap. These 1-inch plates cannot fit on Olympic barbells.
The width of the barbell will be different depending on what preference you have. The ends of the bar will be a slightly different size, depending on your preference and use case.
A traditional weight plate can only fit traditional barbells, while a weight plate with a 2 inch center hole can fit both traditional and Olympic plate barbells.
Regardless of the weight plate size, both types (standard weight plates and Olympic weight plates) can be used for Olympic lifting or just general weightlifting, powerlifting, and strength training in general.
What Can You Use Weight Plates For?
While plates are most commonly used on barbells and dumbbells for various exercises, many can be done with the best plates, even with no bar.
For example, farmer walks are a great strength training workout by simply carrying the best weight plates in each hand. It’s not weight lifting, but it is lifting weights and is fantastic for endurance training.
Lat raises and front raises are a simple set of exercises that can be done as well.
Weight Plate Alternatives
There’s not much you can do when it comes to weight plate alternatives.
If you’re looking to add weight to a barbell or a dumbbell, weight plates are your only option.
You could hang a kettlebell from the handle, but that’s unsafe and not advised.
If you want to add weight to your barbell, you will have to go with some cheap plates.
How Much Weight Do I Need?
The amount of weight you need for your home or garage gym will depend on several factors. First, your fitness level and knowledge of exercise and weight lifting greatly impact how much weight you will need.
Those newer to working out might want to start with no more than 25 pound plates, while those who are more experienced might want to get the top 45 lb plates.
The type of exercises you will do will also be a factor when choosing the right weight plate weight. Some exercises will require more weight than others to be effective.
For example, bench press exercises can usually be done with more weight than bicep curls. Knowing the types of exercises and workouts you will do is a factor when selecting how much weight you need.
Looking for a great weight bench to hold your new cheap weights? Check out our article of the best weight benches with a leg extension HERE.
What Size Barbell Is The Right Size For Me?
Picking the right weight plates is one thing, but there are a few things to consider when deciding which size barbell to get for your home gym setup.
Olympic barbells are typically a bit heavier than standard bars, coming in at 45 pounds, whereas the 1-inch barbells might be between 17 and 25 pounds per bar. This extra weight can be a factor as it will add additional weight to your exercises.
Also, consider that Olympic barbells have a wider bar shaft, which means a wider grip is needed to use it properly. Traditional barbells have a much more narrow shaft, which can be better for those with smaller hands to grip.
Lastly, the price of Olympic bars is typically higher than the standard barbells. This is because more materials (typically stainless steel) are needed to make the Olympic-sized bars more expensive.
While each solid cast iron weight plate you use is important, the type of bar you get is equally as important as the type of cast iron weight plate you choose for your weight lifting journey.
Questions? We Have Answers.
Get answers to a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions.
Our Final Thoughts On Budget Weight Plates
No matter how cheap or expensive weight plates are, they are no good to you unless you use them to perform muscle-strengthening exercises and other types of training. The best cheap weight plates that the ones you will actually use.
Any options on this list can help you reach your fitness goals. It’s important to not worry too much about a plate’s features or designs and spend more time thinking about what you will do with them in your home gym.
Check out the YouTube video below:
Thank you for reading this article. If you liked this, you might also enjoy the following:
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Rob is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. For the past 10 years, Rob has been navigating the health and fitness landscape in a quest to better himself and those around him focusing on tools such as calorie and macro counting, intermittent fasting, and HIIT training techniques.
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