Best Portable Workbenches in 2021

The Keter Folding Compact Workbench has an unorthodox appearance but there’s nothing unorthodox about its ability to deliver a solid, dependable platform for all your everyday construction and household tasks. The work surface is a fairly unremarkable 33.5 x 21.7 inches but what is remarkable is that surface can withstand loads of up to 1,000 pounds. There is minimal assembly required and once put together opening and closing the bench takes just a few seconds. The clamping system isn’t going to win any awards but overall the Keter Folding Compact Workbench will deliver the durable, versatile work surface you need for less than the price of a good pair of work boots.

The WORX Pegasus Multi-Function bench provides more than 6 square feet of surface area to work with and has a 300 pound load capacity. If you’re really in need of an expansive surface you can join 2 of these puppies together and create one behemoth of a workbench with a load capacity of 1,000 pounds. There’s a full array of measurement indicators, a simple and effective clamping system and the whole thing folds up to virtually nothing when you’re done. The lower shelf holds related items and there’s a built in slot into which you can slide a power strip for your drills, saws and other electric tools.

It’s a good thing we don’t purchase a portable work bench based solely on looks because if we did we’d give the 700 pound variant of the Keter Folding Workbench a wide berth. Alas, we make our judgments based on performance and this puppy performs admirably time and again. It includes a more than serviceable clamping mechanism, has one of the largest work surfaces of any foldable work table, opens and closes quickly and without trouble and stores away easily against the wall or under the stairs or in the shed.

The Workmate from Black and Decker revolutionized the work space when it was introduced more than 45 years ago. In all that time it’s undergone a number of refinements but the current Workmate 125 still bears more than a passing resemblance to its distant ancestor. And that’s actually a good thing because if something works why mess with it? If there’s been one aspect of the Workmate that has consistently generated comment over the years it’s the less than spectacular amount of surface area it provides. But while the 125 won’t bring an end to that discussion it will allow you to easily transport it wherever you need it, hold virtually anything in its rock solid grip and set you back no more than a large pizza with everything. In short, the Workmate 125 is unadorned, unspectacular functionality of the highest order. Be sure to also check out our list of the best nail guns for more great items like this.

The Kreg KWS1000 Mobile Project Center is that rarest of animals, the good looking portable workbench. The looks however are just the first thing that will catch your eye. After that you’ll be drawn to the heavy duty, heavy gauge steel in the legs, the above average sized work surface and the simple but effective clamping system. The KWS1000 is built to last and designed to facilitate your ability to get the job done. You’ll pay a bit more for this particular folding workbench but you won’t regret that you did.

The Finether Folding Workbench is a Workmate clone that takes just about everything that’s great about the B&D bench and adds a few touches most craftsmen will appreciate. This portable folding workbench unfolds in a snap and, like the Workmate, excels at holding large, oddly shaped objects nice and steady so you can work on them. Where it has a leg up on its progenitor is that there are measurements printed right onto the work surface so you don’t have to keep reaching for the tape measure. The Finether is rated to 330 pounds and has a robust frame that maximizes stability. Overall it’s extremely lightweight and it may be the easiest foldable work table on the market when it comes to setting up and taking down. For more great tool, check out our laser measuring tools review.

The WM225-A is a ramped up version of the venerable basic Workmate. The 225-A exhibits all the best qualities of the base model – versatility, the ability to grasp and hold all manner of oddly shaped objects, affordability – but adds a few extra touches that make it a sound choice even for those engaged in heavy duty construction projects. Those extras include a 450 pound carrying capacity, a larger work surface and generously proportioned lower storage shelf as well as scales printed on both sides of the work surface.

Black+Decker take their Workmate into uncharted territory with the WM1000. With this model the company attempt to address every conceivable complaint that may have been levied against their basic Workmate models. The result is a tough, extremely stable, extremely versatile portable workbench with a large (for B&D anyway) work surface, a 550 pound carrying capacity and more scales and configuration suggestions than you can shake a stick at printed on that nice large surface. It’s not as big as it looks in some photos but it’s every bit as tough as it looks.

The X-Tra Hand 2-in-1 Portable Workbench features a patented design that incorporates features you expect to see on a permanent workbench including electrical outlets, tool slots and an expansive work surface. But while you gain quite a bit in useable work area you lose the vise-like qualities that make the folding workbench such a work horse. That minor quibble aside the legs of the X-Tra Hand 2 in 1 can be extended to form a standard height work table or lowered if you really need to get your back into the job. There’s a protractor and standard scales printed on the work surface and a utility tray that accommodates all your relevant tools and peripherals. Be sure to combine this with one of the best bench grinders from our list.

Underneath the shiny yellow paint job and durable steel frame is a Workmate dying to get out. And that’s fine because if you’re going to use something as an influence it should be something with a proven track record. Needless to say the Performance Tool W54025 Portable Workbench doesn’t break any new ground, but it does is reestablish older ground, with conviction. Build quality throughout is also impressive, considering the price point. The W54025 does an admirable job grasping even the most awkwardly shaped objects although the scant 200 pound carrying capacity was an unwelcome discovery. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best bench vises!