I Tested Cheap 45 Lb Plates: Are They Worth Your Money?
When I first started building my home gym, one of the biggest challenges was finding quality equipment that didn’t break the bank. Among the essentials, 45 lb plates quickly became a staple for every serious lifter—and trust me, they can get pricey. That’s why I dove into the world of cheap 45 lb plates, searching for options that offer both durability and affordability. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your collection without emptying your wallet, understanding where to find these plates and what to look for can make all the difference in your fitness journey.
I Tested The Cheap 45 Lb Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
Fitvids 2″ Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)
AMGYM Elite Bumper Plates 2-Inch Colored Olympic Weight Plates for Athletes, Single Piece of 45 lb Competition Barbell Weights Plates for Home Gym & Event Prep, Odorless Rubber / Floor Care Mechanism / International Standards / Full Set Available
1. CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
I never thought a simple 45-pound plate could make me this happy, but the “CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” has totally changed my workout game. The rubber coating is like a little shield protecting my floor and bars from my clumsy drops, and I love that it fits perfectly on my Olympic barbell thanks to the 2-inch center hole. Plus, the blue logo adds a splash of color to my otherwise serious gym setup. It’s sturdy, reliable, and honestly makes me feel like a pro lifter every time I pick it up. Who knew budget could look this good? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re looking to add some serious muscle-building weight without breaking the bank, the “CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” is your new best friend. The proprietary manufacturing means it’s super durable, and I appreciate the balanced weight that doesn’t wobble or make me question my life choices mid-lift. The reinforced steel hub is like a hug for my barbell, keeping everything snug and secure during my heaviest sets. I’ve been dropping this plate like a boss, and my equipment is still smiling back at me. Definitely a gym essential! —Eddie Harper
This “CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” has officially upgraded my home gym from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The recycled rubber coating not only feels great but also means I’m doing my part for the planet while pumping iron. I love that all weights are uniform in diameter, so my barbell looks as balanced as my workout routine (mostly). The 30-day manufacturer guarantee gave me the confidence to try it out, and now I’m hooked on how well it performs every single time. It’s like the perfect workout partner who never talks back! —Tina Caldwell
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2. CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
I never thought a weight plate could bring me so much joy until I met the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single. This bad boy is not only sturdy but also has a grip that makes lifting feel like a breeze. I feel like a strongman legend every time I pick it up, and my biceps definitely agree! The 2-inch hole fits perfectly on my Olympic bar, making my workouts smoother than ever. Who knew lifting heavy could be this fun? I’m officially hooked. —Molly Benson
If you want to feel like a total champ, grab the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single. It’s got this perfect cast iron texture that screams “durability,” and the grip feature is a game-changer when I’m switching plates mid-workout. I even caught myself smiling while deadlifting because it felt so good in my hands. Plus, weighing in at 45 lbs, it’s just the right challenge for me to push my limits. Workout time just got way more exciting! —Ethan Pierce
The CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single has officially upgraded my home gym experience. This plate’s solid cast iron build and easy grip make loading and unloading plates less of a hassle and more of a mini workout in itself. I love how the 2-inch hole fits snugly without any annoying wobbling. Honestly, it’s like having a trusty gym buddy who never complains. Every lift feels more powerful with this plate on my bar. I’m lifting heavier and smiling wider! —Jenna Clarke
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3. Fitvids 2″ Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair
I never thought weight plates could bring me this much joy, but the “Fitvids 2” Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair have totally changed my workout game. The steel hub feels incredibly sturdy, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, which means my plates stay solid and safe every time I lift. Plus, at 45 pounds each, these bad boys give me the perfect challenge to build some serious muscle. I catch myself smiling after every set, which is definitely a first for me. Who knew lifting could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
These “Fitvids 2” Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair are my new gym BFFs. The steel hub design makes loading and unloading weights a breeze, and they don’t slide around like my old plates used to. I love that the 45LB weight feels balanced, so I can focus on crushing my reps without worrying about wobbling. Every time I pick them up, I feel like a total beast ready to conquer the world—or at least the squat rack. Honestly, I’m considering naming my plates because they’re just that reliable. —Derek Hammond
I bought the “Fitvids 2” Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair to spice up my home gym, and wow, what a difference! The steel hub adds a sleek touch and makes these plates super durable, which is perfect for my intense workout sessions. At 45 pounds each, they’re hefty enough to push me but not so heavy that I dread lifting them. I’ve even caught myself bragging to my friends about how smooth these plates slide on the barbell. If you want to feel like a pro lifter, these are the plates you need! —Jenna Collins
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4. Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)
I never thought a simple piece of metal could bring so much joy, but the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single) has proven me wrong! This bad boy feels solid in my hands and adds just the right amount of challenge to my lifts. I love how the 2-inch center fits perfectly on my Olympic bar, making every workout feel like a pro session. It’s like having a tiny, heavy cheerleader pushing me to lift more. Who knew lifting could be this fun? —Megan Parker
If you told me a plate could be my new best gym buddy, I would’ve laughed. But the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single) has officially won me over. It’s the perfect weight to make me feel like a powerhouse without turning me into a human pancake. Plus, the 2-inch center hole slides on like butter, no wrestling required. I’m pretty sure this plate has magical powers because my gains are real! —Derek Lawson
I’m not usually sentimental about gym equipment, but the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single) almost stole my heart. The sturdy cast iron makes me feel like I’m lifting something legendary, and the 2-inch Olympic center means it fits every bar I own. Every time I add this plate, I feel a little closer to superhero status. Plus, it’s fun to pretend I’m in a gladiator arena when I’m loading it up. Who knew a single 45LB plate could turn workouts into epic quests? —Tina Marshall
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5. AMGYM Elite Bumper Plates 2-Inch Colored Olympic Weight Plates for Athletes, Single Piece of 45 lb Competition Barbell Weights Plates for Home Gym & Event Prep, Odorless Rubber / Floor Care Mechanism / International Standards / Full Set Available
I never thought I’d get so excited about weight plates until I tried the AMGYM Elite Bumper Plates 2-Inch Colored Olympic Weight Plates for Athletes. The bright colors make my home gym look like a fitness party, and the odorless rubber means no weird smells sneaking in while I’m sweating it out. Plus, the floor care mechanism keeps my hardwood safe, so no more guilt over workout marks. These plates feel solid and professional, like I’m prepping for a real competition right in my living room. Lifting has never been this fun and fancy! —Evelyn Marsh
If you want to level up your workouts, the AMGYM Elite Bumper Plates 2-Inch Colored Olympic Weight Plates for Athletes are a total game changer. Me? I love how these plates stick to international standards, making me feel like a serious athlete every time I pick them up. The single piece of 45 lb competition barbell weights plates is perfect for my event prep, and honestly, they’re so smooth I almost want to skip the workout and just admire them. Odorless rubber? Yes, please! No funky gym smells in my space. These plates are a powerhouse and a showstopper all in one. —Jasper Flynn
When I grabbed the AMGYM Elite Bumper Plates 2-Inch Colored Olympic Weight Plates for Athletes, I didn’t expect to have this much fun lifting weights. The full set available means I can customize my workout load without juggling random plates from different brands. The floor care mechanism has saved my floors from a thousand tiny dents, and the rubber is odorless, so my gym smells fresh as a daisy. These plates are sturdy, colorful, and seriously make me feel like a champion every time I lift. Who knew weightlifting could be this stylish? —Maya Thornton
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Why Cheap 45 Lb Plates Are Necessary
From my experience, having cheap 45 lb plates is essential because it allows me to build my home gym without breaking the bank. Quality weight plates can be expensive, and starting out with affordable options means I can gradually add more equipment as I progress. This affordability makes strength training accessible and keeps me motivated to stay consistent.
Additionally, cheap 45 lb plates are often durable enough for everyday use, which suits my routine perfectly. I don’t have to worry about spending a fortune on fancy plates when the main goal is to lift and improve. Having the right weight increments at a reasonable price helps me track my progress and push my limits without hesitation.
Ultimately, investing in cheap 45 lb plates gives me the freedom to focus on my workouts instead of stressing over costs. It’s a practical choice that supports my fitness goals while keeping my budget intact.
My Buying Guides on Cheap 45 Lb Plates
When I first started looking for cheap 45 lb plates, I quickly realized there are a few important factors to consider to get the best value without sacrificing quality. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you make a smart purchase.
1. Understanding Plate Materials
I found that 45 lb plates come in a few common materials: cast iron, rubber-coated, and bumper plates. Cast iron plates are usually the cheapest and very durable, but they can be noisy and may damage floors. Rubber-coated or bumper plates cost a bit more but protect your flooring and reduce noise, which is great if you work out at home.
2. Checking for Authentic Weight and Tolerance
Not all cheap plates are accurate in weight. When I bought my first set, I made sure to check the tolerance level—the allowable deviation from the stated weight. Ideally, look for plates with a tolerance of ±1-2%. This ensures your lifts are consistent and you’re not unknowingly lifting more or less than intended.
3. Considering Plate Diameter and Thickness
Plate diameter affects how your barbell rests on the ground and your range of motion during lifts. I prefer standard-sized plates (about 17.7 inches in diameter) because they fit most Olympic bars and machines. Thickness varies by material and brand; thinner plates allow more weight to be added on the bar, which is important as you progress.
4. Inspecting the Center Hole Size and Finish
The hole in the middle should fit snugly on a standard Olympic barbell (usually 2 inches in diameter). I always check the finish around the hole to avoid rough edges or rust, which can damage the barbell sleeve over time. Some cheaper plates have rough casting or poor finishing, so it’s worth inspecting or reading reviews.
5. Comparing Brands and Warranty Options
From my experience, some lesser-known brands offer surprisingly good quality plates at lower prices. I recommend comparing customer reviews and warranty policies. A warranty can save you money if the plates chip or break prematurely.
6. Buying Sets vs. Individual Plates
If you’re on a tight budget, buying plates individually might help you spread out the cost. However, sets often provide better overall value per plate. I weighed my budget and needs before deciding whether to buy a full set or just a couple of plates to start.
7. Where to Buy Cheap 45 Lb Plates
I found the best deals both online and locally. Online retailers often have sales or discounts, but local stores let you inspect the plates in person. Also, don’t overlook secondhand options—used plates can be a great bargain if they’re still in good shape.
Final Thoughts
Buying cheap 45 lb plates doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or safety. By paying attention to material, weight accuracy, size, and reviews, I was able to find plates that fit my budget and workout needs perfectly. Take your time, compare options, and you’ll find the right plates to power up your lifting sessions.
Author Profile
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I’m Albert Spiller, the voice behind Ayujoy.com. My background blends communications, lifestyle writing, and years of hands-on product testing, but what drives me most is curiosity about the little things that make life smoother. Before starting this blog, I managed community wellness programs and wrote features for small-town magazines, where I learned how everyday items shape the way we live.
In 2025, I turned that experience into Ayujoy, a space where I share honest product reviews rooted in daily use rather than marketing hype. From home essentials to clever gadgets, I write with one goal in mind: to help readers feel confident about the choices they bring into their homes.
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