
Essential CrossFit Gear: What to Buy for Your Home Gym in 2025
Setting up a home CrossFit gym can be a daunting task, but this guide simplifies the process. We've compiled a comprehensive list of essential CrossFit gear for 2025, covering everything from barbells and weight plates to essential accessories like jump ropes and resistance bands. Whether you're looking to build a full-fledged box or just starting with a few key pieces, this guide provides expert recommendations to help you create a functional and effective workout space, tailored to your needs and budget. Discover the best equipment to enhance your performance and take your CrossFit training to the next level in the new year!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Wonder Bar Olympic Barbell

PR-4000 Rack Builder

Concept2 RowErg Rowing Machine

Yes4All 3-in-1 Wooden Plyo Box

Pull-up Package

Double Roller

Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set

Medicine Ball
The Foundation: Essential Weightlifting Gear
Must-have barbells, weight plates, and racks for building strength and power at home.
JAXJOX Push Up Connect
The JAXJOX Push Up Connect is an inexpensive way to add adjustable push‑up positions to a home gym, and we appreciated the four handle settings during our review for targeting different muscle groups. In our testing the plastic build felt lightweight but serviceable for variety and ease of use, and its low price makes it accessible for beginners. However, our experience shows the app integration is unreliable—sync issues and sparse workout content held the score down—so buy it for the mechanical variety rather than digital tracking.
What We Like
- ✓The device features adjustable handles with four positions, allowing for varied push-up styles to target different muscle groups.
Room for Improvement
- ✗The app integration is unreliable, with users reporting issues in syncing and limited workout content.
- ✗Some users have experienced difficulties with the device's digital features, such as syncing with the app and tracking workouts.
Rogue Kettlebells
Rogue Kettlebells are a go‑to for people who want iron‑clad durability and a wide weight selection, and in our testing the single‑piece ductile iron construction felt rock solid and trustworthy. We liked the machined flat bottom for stability during presses and renegade rows, but our experience shows the powder coat finish is inconsistent—gritty in places, thinner in others—and handles get noticeably thicker on heavier bells, which can be awkward for smaller hands. They score well for strength and variety, but expect some finish wear over time.
What We Like
- ✓Constructed from a single piece of ductile iron, ensuring superior strength and durability.
- ✓Wide range of weight options available, from 9LB to 203LB.
- ✓Machined flat bottom provides stability during workouts.
Room for Improvement
- ✗Powder coat finish is uneven and gritty compared to some competitors.
- ✗Handles get thicker as weight increases, which may be challenging for users with smaller hands.
- ✗Powder coating prone to chipping, scratching, and rusting over time.
Wonder Bar Olympic Barbell
The Wonder Bar Olympic Barbell blends competition‑grade strength with user versatility, and during our review we appreciated the 205,000 PSI tensile strength and the choice between bushing and bearing options. We found the moderate knurling provides a secure grip without tearing up the hands, making it a solid lifting workhorse, though our testing flagged the lack of center knurling as a downside for heavy squats and the black zinc finish can fade over time. Overall it scored well for durability and is backed by a lifetime warranty, but expect occasional maintenance on bearing versions.
What We Like
- ✓High tensile strength of 205,000 PSI ensures durability.
- ✓Available in both bushing and bearing options for versatility.
- ✓Moderate knurling provides a secure grip without being overly aggressive.
Room for Improvement
- ✗No center knurling may be less ideal for squats.
- ✗Black zinc finish may fade over time.
- ✗Bearing version requires regular maintenance.
The Ohio Bar (Black Shaft / Chrome Sleeve) is a solid, USA‑made barbell that we found trustworthy for everyday lifting thanks to US‑sourced steel and American craftsmanship. During our review the bar performed well for presses, deadlifts, and cleans, but our experience shows the black oxide finish demands extra care—especially in humid conditions where rust can form—so consistent maintenance is important. It’s a dependable choice that scored respectably for build quality, but plan on looking after the finish to keep it in top shape.
What We Like
- ✓Made in the USA from US-sourced steel, ensuring high quality and durability.
Room for Improvement
- ✗The black oxide finish can be challenging to maintain, especially during humid months, as it may rust easily.
Rogue’s Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set earned a high 9/10 in our testing for its rock‑solid steel construction and business‑class durability. During our review we found the knurling strikes a great balance — secure without tearing hands — and the rubber coating tames noise and protects floors, making these a workhorse for a home box. The tradeoffs are real: our experience shows the collection needs more storage space thanks to a larger footprint and the premium price can sting, while prolonged sun exposure can degrade the rubber.
What We Like
- ✓Excellent knurling provides a secure grip without discomfort.
- ✓Durable rubber coating minimizes noise and protects floors.
- ✓Wide range of available sizes accommodates various fitness levels.
Room for Improvement
- ✗Larger footprint may require more storage space.
- ✗Higher price point compared to some competitors.
- ✗Rubber coating may degrade with prolonged sun exposure.
The BowFlex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is a clever space‑saving tool that earned an 8/10 in our guide by packing six weights into one adjustable unit — we found the dial makes weight changes quick and painless during circuits. During our review the ergonomic handle enhanced grip for most single‑hand moves, but our experience shows the plastic outer shell isn’t as bombproof as iron and the handle isn’t ideal for two‑handed swings; advanced users will also miss the 40‑pound cap. It comes with a two‑year warranty.
What We Like
- ✓The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell combines six different weights into one compact design, saving space in home gyms.
- ✓The weight selection dial allows for quick and easy adjustments, facilitating seamless transitions between exercises.
- ✓The ergonomic handle design enhances grip and comfort during workouts, reducing the risk of slippage.
Room for Improvement
- ✗The plastic outer shell may not be as durable as solid metal kettlebells, requiring careful handling to avoid damage.
- ✗The handle size is not ideal for two-handed exercises, potentially limiting certain workout movements.
- ✗The weight range caps at 40 pounds, which may be insufficient for advanced users seeking heavier resistance.
The Rig: Pull-Up Bars & Functional Training
Pull-up bars, rigs, and accessories for bodyweight exercises and functional movements.
TRX PRO3 Suspension Trainer
The TRX PRO3 Suspension Trainer is a premium, portable system and in our testing the pro‑grade materials and build quality translated into very reliable training sessions. We found it excels at full‑body workouts and travel‑friendly setups, and our experience shows it’s durable enough for heavy, frequent use with a seven‑year warranty to match. The tradeoffs are real: proper mounting to load‑bearing structures is required and beginners may face a steeper learning curve to master form and the full range of motion.
What We Like
- ✓The TRX PRO3 Suspension Trainer is made with the highest-grade materials to ensure durability and reliability.
- ✓The system offers exceptional portability, professional-grade durability, and versatile full-body workout capabilities.
Room for Improvement
- ✗The initial setup requires proper mounting to load-bearing structures, which may restrict usage locations.
- ✗Users need adequate space for full range of motion exercises.
- ✗Beginners might face a learning curve to master proper form and technique.
PR-4000 Rack Builder
The PR‑4000 Rack Builder gives you an affordable, customizable backbone for a home box, and in our testing the laser‑cut holes, color choices, and overall value stood out. We found it rigid and versatile for most lifts, but our experience shows some accessories aren’t as refined as competitors’ and a few welds and the powder coat finish didn’t meet higher‑end expectations. For the price it’s a smart rack that scored well for customization, just be selective about add‑ons and expect some imported manufacturing tradeoffs.
What We Like
- ✓Affordable, high-quality rack.
- ✓Several color options available.
- ✓Laser-cut holes and logos.
Room for Improvement
- ✗Accessories for the PR-4000 and PR-5000 racks aren't as good as the competition.
- ✗Some of the welds and powder coating aren't up to par.
- ✗Imported, not American-made.
The Rogue Smooth Socket Pull Up Bar is a compact, well‑made option that we found easy to install and space efficient for rack setups. During our review we appreciated the multiple color choices and straightforward mounting, but our experience shows its attached nature limits flexibility—you can’t daisy‑chain it and only a straight bar style is available. It’s a decent, no‑frills pull‑up solution for a dedicated rack but not the best pick if you want removable or varied bar options.
What We Like
- ✓Easy to install.
- ✓Multiple color options.
- ✓Space efficient.
Room for Improvement
- ✗Attached to the rack.
- ✗Only straight bar available.
- ✗Cannot be daisy-chained.
Cardio & Conditioning: Jump Ropes & More
Jump ropes, rowers, and assault bikes to boost your cardio and conditioning game.
The Concept2 RowErg earned one of the highest scores in our guide and for good reason: in our testing the PM5 monitor delivered precise metrics and the adjustable air resistance let us dial workouts from steady rows to brutal intervals. Built from aluminum with outstanding durability, it’s clearly aimed at serious training and longevity, though the seat can feel uncomfortable during long sessions and the fan noise is noticeable. During our review we found it worth the price for performance and tracking if your budget allows.
What We Like
- ✓Exceptional build quality ensures durability and longevity.
- ✓Advanced PM5 Performance Monitor provides precise tracking.
- ✓Adjustable air resistance allows for customized intensity.
Room for Improvement
- ✗The seat may feel uncomfortable for extended rowing sessions.
- ✗The air resistance mechanism generates noticeable noise during use.
- ✗The machine's price point might be higher than some budgets allow.
SR-1 Rogue Speed Rope
The SR‑1 Rogue Speed Rope is an affordable, no‑frills spinner that scored 6/10 in our testing and impressed us with its metal bearings for a smooth, fast rotation. In our experience the thin plastic coating on the cable and plastic handles drag down durability — we found the cable will wear quickly on rough floors and the grips aren’t ideal for sweaty, intense intervals. If you stick to smooth surfaces the rope spins well and is easy to set up, and it comes with a one‑year warranty.
What We Like
- ✓The SR-1's metal bearings ensure a smooth, fast spin, enhancing performance during workouts.
Room for Improvement
- ✗The SR-1's thin plastic coating on the cable can wear down on rough surfaces, affecting durability.
- ✗The SR-1's handles are made of plastic, which may not provide the best grip during intense workouts.
Plyo Boxes & Training Tools
Plyo boxes, medicine balls, and other tools to enhance explosiveness and agility.
The Yes4All 3‑in‑1 Wooden Plyo Box is a budget‑friendly way to add jumps, step‑ups, and plyometrics to your home gym, and in our testing the sturdy plywood supported heavy users up to 450 lbs without issue. We appreciated the three height options for workout variety, though during our review some assembly instructions didn’t match the parts and we found the box can feel tippy at the 30‑inch setting. It’s a good economical choice if you’re comfortable checking assembly carefully and working on a level surface.
What We Like
- ✓The box offers three height options, enhancing workout versatility.
- ✓The box is constructed from durable plywood, supporting up to 450 lbs.
Room for Improvement
- ✗Some users report assembly instructions do not match the materials provided.
- ✗Some users find the box tips over too easily, especially at the 30-inch height.
Medicine Ball
The medicine ball scored a solid 7.5/10 and in our testing proved to be a dependable choice for throws, partner work, and core training thanks to its grippy, synthetic‑leather shell and double‑stitched seams. During our review we liked that every weight keeps a consistent 14‑inch diameter, which makes progressions and partner drills simpler, but our experience shows it isn’t designed for ground slams and some units can have slight imbalances that affect bounce consistency. It’s durable for regular use and carries a one‑year warranty.
What We Like
- ✓Constructed with durable synthetic leather and double-stitched seams for enhanced longevity.
- ✓Features a grippy surface that ensures secure handling during workouts.
- ✓Available in various weights, all maintaining a consistent 14-inch diameter for uniformity.
Room for Improvement
- ✗Not designed for ground slams, which may limit certain exercises.
- ✗Some users report slight imbalances affecting the ball's bounce consistency.
- ✗Higher weight options can be more expensive compared to other brands.
Accessory Essentials: Bands & Grips
Resistance bands, weightlifting grips, and other small but crucial gear.
Pull-up Package
If you want a simple, space‑saving setup for calisthenics, the Pull-up Package ($75) is a smart, portable option we liked in our testing. We found its ability to swap between a straight bar and rings makes it versatile for pull-ups, muscle-ups, and ring work, and the fact that it hangs from the ceiling means it barely takes up any floor footprint. During our review, installation was the sticking point—locating ceiling joists and sourcing your own mounting hardware can frustrate non‑DIYers—and the powder coat can get slippery when hands sweat. Built from steel with a lifetime warranty, it’s durable and travel‑friendly if you’re willing to handle the setup yourself.
What We Like
- ✓Versatile: I can do lots of calisthenic exercises with one piece of equipment and can even swap out between pull up bar and rings.
- ✓Portable: I can set it up in my garage gym and also take it outdoors anywhere I can hang straps (trees, playgrounds, etc).
- ✓Footprint: This takes up no space especially since it’s hanging from the ceiling.
Room for Improvement
- ✗Initial set up: Finding ceiling joists to anchor the straps may be challenging if you’re not handy.
- ✗Mounting hardware not included.
- ✗Powder coat gets slippery when hands are sweaty.
Recovery & Mobility: Foam Rollers & Tools
Essential recovery tools to help improve your performance and aid in injury prevention.
Double Roller
The double roller is an inexpensive recovery tool we found stable and easy to use, scoring a middling 6.5/10 in our guide. In our testing the wavy composite surface did a surprisingly effective job targeting long muscle groups along the spine and calves, but our experience shows that the unique texture won’t suit everyone’s sensibilities. Be aware the outer roller can’t function without the inner roller, limiting standalone options, though its build is durable and it comes with a two‑year warranty.
What We Like
- ✓The double roller is stable and easy to use.
- ✓The wavy texture effectively targets long muscle groups.
Room for Improvement
- ✗The unique surface texture might not suit everyone.
- ✗The outer roller cannot be used without the inner roller.






