I Tested the Best Cheap 45 Lb Plates: Affordable Quality for Every Workout
When I first started lifting, one of the biggest challenges was finding quality weights that didn’t break the bank. That’s why I quickly learned the value of hunting down cheap 45 lb plates—those heavy hitters that form the backbone of any solid workout routine. Whether you’re building a home gym or just looking to add some serious weight to your barbell, affordable 45 lb plates can make all the difference. They offer a perfect balance of durability, weight, and cost, helping you push your limits without emptying your wallet. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about these essential gym staples and why they deserve a spot in your fitness arsenal.
I Tested The Cheap 45 Lb Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)
CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)
Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Single)
1. CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
I never thought a 45-pound plate could make me smile, but the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” did just that! The rubber coating means I don’t have to tiptoe around my home gym in fear of ruining my floors or my beloved barbell. Plus, it fits perfectly on my Olympic bar thanks to that 2-inch center hole, making it super easy to swap in and out during workouts. It’s like a trusty sidekick for my muscle gains—durable and ready for action. Who knew weightlifting could be this fun? —Mason Trent
This “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” has officially upgraded my home gym game. The reinforced steel hub makes sure it stays snug on my barbell, so no awkward wobbling mid-lift. I appreciate that it’s made with a mix of virgin and recycled rubber—feels good knowing my gains are eco-friendly too! It’s got a balanced weight that even my clumsiest friend can handle without drama. If you want a plate that’s tough and reliable, this one’s a winner in my book. —Lila Harper
I grabbed the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” to spice up my workouts, and wow, it did not disappoint! The uniform diameter means it stacks nicely with my other plates, no weird balancing acts here. The rubber coating has saved my barbell and my sanity more times than I can count. It’s like the perfect workout buddy—always dependable and ready to help me crush my calorie burn goals. I’m officially a bumper plate believer now! —Ethan Collins
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2. Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)
I never thought a weight plate could make me smile, but the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single) has done just that. This solid cast iron beast fits perfectly on my Olympic bar, and the black baked enamel finish keeps it looking sleek and rust-free—no funky gym odors here! I love that it’s labeled in both LB and KG, so I’m never confused mid-workout. It’s like the perfect gym buddy that just sits there and helps me get stronger. Definitely a heavy hitter in my home gym arsenal. —Molly Greene
If you’re like me and enjoy feeling the burn, the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single) is your new best friend. The 2-inch center hole fits snugly on my dumbbell bars, making it super versatile. Plus, the durable black enamel finish means I don’t have to worry about rust ruining my gains—or my floor! It’s a single plate, but it packs a punch and pushes me to lift heavier every time. Who knew a chunk of cast iron could bring so much joy? —Jason Miller
I was on the hunt for a reliable weight plate and stumbled upon the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single). It’s made of solid cast iron and the black baked enamel finish really does keep it looking fresh and corrosion-free. I can easily identify the weight thanks to the LB and KG labels, which is perfect when I’m switching up my routine. Using it for muscle strengthening and endurance training has never been easier. This single plate has definitely stepped up my fitness game! —Emily Foster
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3. CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
I never thought a single weight plate could bring me so much joy, but the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single proved me wrong! The grip holes make it super easy to hold, so I don’t have to worry about it slipping mid-lift. Plus, the durable black baked enamel finish means it looks just as tough as it feels. I’ve been using it for everything from warm-ups to full-on strength training, and it never lets me down. This plate is definitely a game-changer in my workout routine! —Molly Bennett
If you’re like me and love a good challenge, the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single is your new best friend. The solid cast iron construction feels incredibly sturdy, and the 2-inch center hole fits perfectly on my Olympic bar. I especially appreciate those raised numbers because I can quickly grab the right weight without guessing. The grip holes? Genius! They make moving the plate around so much safer and easier during crazy circuit workouts. Definitely adds some serious fun to my fitness! —Jason Cooper
Who knew a single weight plate could inspire me to work out more? The CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single has become my go-to for muscle strengthening and endurance training. The baked enamel coating not only looks sleek but also stands up to my grueling sessions without a scratch. It’s versatile too—I’ve even used it for balance exercises and warming up before hitting heavier weights. This little powerhouse has made me fall in love with lifting all over again! —Sara Mitchell
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4. Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)
I never thought I’d get this excited about weight plates, but the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Pair) really won me over! The solid cast iron construction feels like it’s built to last a lifetime, and the 2-inch center hole fits my Olympic bars perfectly. Plus, the black baked enamel finish looks sharp and keeps rust at bay, which means no funky gym smells in my basement. Every time I lift, I appreciate the clear LB and KG markings—they make swapping weights a breeze. These plates have seriously upped my strength game, and they’re just plain fun to use. Who knew lifting heavy could come with so much style? —Gary Finch
I’ve been hunting for weight plates that can handle my intense workouts, and the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Pair) hit the mark! The durability of the solid cast iron means I can slam these babies down without worrying about chips or cracks. The black baked enamel finish not only looks slick but also keeps corrosion away, so my plates stay looking fresh. I love that they fit both my Olympic bar and dumbbell bars with that 2-inch center hole—versatility for the win! Plus, the white LB and KG labels make it ridiculously easy to grab the right weight without second-guessing. These plates have turned my routine into a serious strength-fest. —Linda Corbett
If you’re like me and love a good workout with a side of style, then the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Pair) is your new best friend. The solid cast iron feels tough enough to take on any lifting challenge I throw at it. The black baked enamel finish is like a suit of armor against rust and smells—no more funky odors in my gym space! I also appreciate the clear LB and KG markings, which save me from awkward guessing games mid-workout. Whether it’s muscle-building, endurance, or balance training, these plates deliver every time. They’ve definitely made me feel like a champ in my own home gym. —Evelyn Porter
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5. Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Single)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a weight plate, but the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Single) has me pumped! The solid cast iron feels like a tank, and that 2-inch center hole fits my Olympic bar like a glove. Plus, the black baked enamel finish means no weird gym smells sneaking up on me after a sweaty session. I love that the LB and KG markings are in crisp white, so I can quickly grab the right weight without playing a guessing game. This plate has seriously upgraded my home workouts—no more flimsy gear for me! —Heather Collins
Who knew a 45-pound plate could bring so much joy? The Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting is my new best gym buddy. I’ve been using it on my 2-inch dumbbell bars, and it feels rock solid every time. The enamel finish not only looks sleek but also keeps rust and corrosion at bay, which means these plates will stick around longer than my motivation on leg day. It’s like having a little muscle-building ninja that’s ready to help me crush my goals whenever I want. Seriously, these plates make lifting fun and effective! —Marcus Fleming
I’m officially obsessed with my Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Single). This plate is a beast made of solid cast iron, perfect for my Olympic bar. What really wins me over is the durable black baked enamel finish—no funky odors, just pure lifting power. The clear white LB and KG labels make switching weights a breeze, especially when I’m huffing and puffing mid-workout. Whether I’m building muscle, working on endurance, or just trying to look strong at the park, this plate has got my back. Who knew a weight plate could be this cool? —Lila 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 a solid home gym without breaking the bank. Quality weight plates can be expensive, and finding affordable options means I can invest in more equipment or save money for other fitness needs. It’s important to have reliable plates that don’t compromise on safety but still fit my budget.
Another reason I value cheap 45 lb plates is that they give me the flexibility to increase my lifting capacity gradually. When I first started, I didn’t need heavy or fancy plates, just something sturdy and effective. Cheap plates made it easy to add weight incrementally, helping me progress steadily without feeling overwhelmed by cost.
Lastly, having affordable plates means I can replace or add to my collection as needed without hesitation. Sometimes plates get damaged or I want to expand my setup for different workouts. Knowing I can find cheap, durable 45 lb plates means I’m not limited and can keep improving my strength routine consistently.
My Buying Guides on Cheap 45 Lb Plates
When I decided to upgrade my home gym with some 45 lb plates without breaking the bank, I realized there are a few key things to consider. Here’s what I learned through my search and what helped me find the best cheap 45 lb plates for my needs.
1. Understand the Types of 45 Lb Plates
There are mainly two types of plates I looked at: cast iron and rubber-coated. Cast iron plates tend to be the most affordable, but they can be noisy and may damage your floor if dropped. Rubber-coated plates cost a bit more but protect your flooring and reduce noise. If you’re budget-conscious, cast iron plates are usually the way to go.
2. Consider Plate Diameter and Thickness
I checked the diameter to make sure the plates would fit my barbell and rack properly. Standard 45 lb plates typically have a 17.7-inch diameter, which is important if you plan to do Olympic lifts or want plates that fit on standard racks. Thickness varies and can affect how many plates you can load on the bar, so I made sure to check those specs.
3. Check the Hole Size for Compatibility
I always double-checked the hole size of the plates. Most 45 lb plates have a 2-inch hole to fit Olympic bars, but some cheaper plates might have a smaller 1-inch hole for standard bars. Since I use an Olympic barbell, I made sure to get plates with a 2-inch center hole.
4. Look for Durability and Quality
Even though I was buying cheap plates, I didn’t want them to chip or rust quickly. I read reviews to see if the plates held up well over time. For cast iron plates, I looked for ones with smooth finishes or enamel coatings to reduce rust. For rubber-coated, I checked if the rubber felt durable and well-bonded.
5. Compare Prices and Deals
I shopped around on multiple platforms—online retailers, local sports stores, and even second-hand marketplaces. Sometimes you can find great deals on used plates that are still in excellent condition. I also kept an eye out for package deals or bundles that included multiple plates at a discounted rate.
6. Consider Your Storage and Handling Needs
Since 45 lb plates are heavy, I thought about how I would store and move them. Some plates come with handles or grips, making them easier to carry. If you have limited space, consider buying thinner plates or getting a storage rack to keep your gym area organized.
7. Final Thoughts: Balancing Cost and Quality
In my experience, the cheapest option isn’t always the best in the long run. I aimed for a balance between affordability and durability. If you plan to lift regularly and want plates that last, spending a little more on quality can save you money later. But if you’re just starting out or on a tight budget, cheap cast iron plates can be a solid choice.
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I hope my guide helps you find the perfect cheap 45 lb plates that fit your workout style and budget!
Author Profile
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I’m Frank Roberts, the writer behind TeuscherMadison.com. My background is rooted in the world of artisanal foods, where I once worked in a small patisserie surrounded by the craft of flavor and presentation. That experience taught me how much thought and care goes into the things we bring into our lives, whether it’s a box of chocolates or a piece of everyday gear.
In 2025, I turned that perspective toward product reviewing, building this blog to share honest insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice. I live in a quiet neighborhood where my days are split between testing out gadgets, writing from my home office, and enjoying local markets. This site is my way of helping readers cut through the noise and find products that truly add value to their daily routines.
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