11 Best Portable Workbench Reviews & Buying Guide 2023

Having a multipurpose workbench is essential for any craftsman, whether you’re in a trade or you’re an avid DIYer. These benches provide a clear and reliable work surface to get your job done with high precision, making it a critical partner in every project.

However, if you lack the room to have a stable workbench or your type of work requires transitioning from one spot to the other, having a permanent workbench might not be the best option for you, and that’s where portable workbenches come in handy!

Here is a brief guide with everything you should know before buying a portable workbench, as well as reviews on the best portable workbench you can buy.

Top 11 Portable Workbenches

Finding the right portable workbench for your needs can be a tricky task with all the different products available. To help you with the process of finding the right one for your needs, here are some quality options, whether you’re looking for an extra set of hands to hold things up, woodworking, or for any other purpose.

1. WORX WX051 Pegasus Folding Work Table 

The WORX WX051 Pegasus is one of the top options when it comes to portable workbenches. The WX051 Pegasus is an excellent balance between reliability, high-end features and comes at a decent price.

The table is made from molded ABS plastic along with a durable steel frame which makes the workbench quite durable without being too heavy. 

In fact, the folding workbench weighs a total of about 25 lbs with a foldable design that makes it highly convenient for DIYers or contractors who value portability.

Despite that, the workbench can support a maximum load of 1000 pounds as a sawhorse and up to 300 as a regular table. This is all while having a simple mechanism to transition between both of them.

The foldable workbench also comes with two special clamp dogs that are easily and quickly attached to the table, with a possibility to expand the size of the table by linking it to other Pegasus tables. This ability to connect multiple tables together comes in handy when working on large projects.

The table is 35 inches high, 25 inches wide, and 5 inches deep when folded and expands to a work surface of 31 x 25 inches at a height of 32 inches. It has an additional cargo shelf at the bottom for added convenience.

2. BLACK+DECKER Workmate 425 Portable Workbench

Black+Decker is one of the biggest brands when it comes to power tools and workbenches, so it’s no surprise that some of their products have made it on this list.

The Workmate 425 is one of the most durable workbenches out there, with a base made of solid steel along with a workbench made from wood. The sturdy construction allows the workbench to support a load capacity of up to 550 pounds.

The versatile bench can also be used as a vise, a sawhorse, and a stand for your tools, along with a bottom stand. However, the bottom stand is remarkably small compared to many portable workbenches.

The workbench has an open work surface of 29.2 x 8.9 x 29.5 inches, as well as a working surface of 29 x 20 5/8 inches. However, it folds on its own to take up minimal space.

The workbench is pretty adjustable in terms of bench height, and the one-handed clamp system and adjustable swivel pegs give you flexibility while setting up the workbench. Moreover, the Workmate 425 is supported by two years of warranty for a worry-free purchase.

3. Disston 30146A OmniTable Portable Workbench 

The Diston OmniTable is a 4 in 1 workbench system that gives you a decent level of versatility for a surprisingly affordable price.

In addition to its standard function as a workbench, you can use the OmniTable as a scaffold, creeper, or dolly. 

The workbench weighs only 32 lbs but is designed with cutting-edge engineering that allows it to hold a maximum load of up to 500 pounds.

The workbench’s surface is about 37.5 x 18.3 inches, which is decently spacious for various functions. 

Additionally, the folding legs of the Disston OmniTable are designed so that you can extend and shorten them according to your work preferences. 

The table also comes with a blade set containing ten jigsaw pieces, which adds to the value of the total package.

Despite lacking bottom storage, the table comes with a much-needed carry handle that makes it easy to carry around. 

Additionally, the folding workbench comes with a 110v built in power strip to connect your tools directly, as well as several other features, such as protractor/ruler surface, hammering surface, and more. There is also additional space storage for smaller items like nails and screws.

4. WORKPRO 60" Adjustable Workbench and Workstation

The WORKPRO is one of the most robust workstations out there that offers a decent level of portability. 

The workstation is made of a durable, heavy gauge steel frame along with a table made of sturdy rubberwood that resists wear and tear. 

Although the metal legs of the workbench are unfoldable, the entire workstation is lightweight and easy to put together, so you can take it off and put it back together anytime you want.

The table has maximum dimensions of 60 x 22 x 31.5 inches, with an adjustable height that ranges from 31 1/2 inches to 39 3/8 inches. This allows you to optimize the table’s height to your liking to relieve the stress off your back while working, so you don’t have to bend down too much.

Additionally, the workstation comes with an ETL-certified power strip with 4 AC outlets and 2 USB-A ports, so you can connect all your power tools with relative ease and avoid clutter. When it comes to portability, this is one of the best workbenches you can buy.

5. Fedmax Adjustable Workbench

If you do various jobs on your workbench that require different height settings to provide you with optimal leverage, you need to keep the Fedmax in mind.

The Fedmax workbench is a long-lasting workbench that comes with 14 height settings, allowing you to optimize the surface exactly how you want it to be.

The sleek worktable is made from stainless steel legs, protecting the workbench from corrosion due to humidity and weather. 

The work surface is made from acacia wood, giving it elegance and a protective layer to maintain the workstation’s sturdiness with time.

The portability of the workbench comes from its ease of adjustability, resistance to outdoor elements, and versatility for a wide range of purposes with levelers that are easy to control.

The workbench is easy to put together and requires no special tools during the installation process, making it ideal for beginners to set up. 

The only drawback is that it’s a bit pricey despite having a relatively small work surface at 48 inches. But you can still buy the larger version at 61 inches.

6. Keter 197283 Folding Table Workbench

The Keter 197283 is one of the most brilliant workbenches from Keter, a reputable brand in the workbench industry with multiple successful models.

This Keter workbench is a relatively small workbench designed for medium-sized jobs with standing dimensions of about 33.46 x 21.65 x 29.75 inches. 

The table retains its length and width when folded, but the height is reduced dramatically to 4.4 inches, allowing you to store the workbench vertically or horizontally when not in use.

The workbench is made of polypropylene plastic, heavy-duty resin, and aluminum legs. This combination provides the workbench with a decent durability level and resistance to corrosion, denting, and peeling.

The workbench comes with two large clamps to help you secure your projects while working and can carry up to 1000 pounds despite weighing less than 30.

7. WORKPRO 5 in 1 Portable Workbench and Miter Saw Stand

The WORKPRO 5 in 1 table is one of the most complete options that you can find, providing you with several uses while maintaining a low price.

The table is made of various materials, including a robust steel frame capable of supporting up to 330 lbs with locking legs that you can adjust to your preferred setting.

As you can see, the table is fairly suitable for light jobs and operating medium-sized machinery. You can use the table for operating track saws, table saws, circular saws, miter saws, dolly, and much more. 

It also comes with a ruler/protractor surface and non skid feet to prevent sliding at the end of the legs, which provides more stability to the whole stand. 

Moreover, it comes with a secure storage compartment where you can keep all your necessary items secured.

8. Kreg KWS1000 Mobile Project Center

The Kreg KWS is one of the highest-rated mobile workbenches out there, which is excellent for medium projects thanks to its large work surface.

The table’s compact design allows it to operate as a regular workbench, an extension to your existing workbench, a sawhorse, a clamping station, and much more. You don’t need any extra hands with this convenience around.

You can also combine several of these to have a customizable workstation with full access from all angles.

The surface of the workbench folds down on both sides easily and quickly with a built-in storage tray for secure storage and convenience.

The workbench has a pretty solid foundation thanks to its locking legs made from heavy gauge steel. There is a simple release tab, so you don’t struggle when trying to put it away.

The mobile workstation is equipped with hole patterns to fit different items, and also comes with four bench dogs and an adjustable bench clamp.

9. BLACK+DECKER WM425-A Portable Workbench and Project Center

The WM425-A is another highly rated portable workbench by Black+Decker. This one is pretty similar to the previously mentioned Black+Decker models with a few differences.

Like the other one, this one is also made of a steel base and a laminated bamboo worktop treated against moisture and chipping.

The worktop here is a couple of inches more extensive than the WM425, with workbench surface dimensions of 31.2 x 28.86 x 30.3 inches.

The rigid construction allows the workbench to support a maximum weight capacity of about 500. Although it doesn’t hold as much weight as other products, it’s great for carpentry and woodworking tasks. 

One of the main differences between the two workbench models is that this one can also be folded upwards, making its vise functionality slightly higher. The workbench also comes with four adjustable swivel pegs as well as adjustable jaws.

10. Rockwell RK9002 JawHorse Sheetmaster Portable Workbench

The Rockwell RK9002 JawHorse Sheetmaster is a unique portable worktable designed with three legs rather than the standard four. 

This design allows you to use the workbench in a wider range of areas, including spots with unlevel surfaces. This makes it a brilliant solution for working outdoors in the garage, basement, or other places with unleveled surfaces.

The heavy-duty construction of heavy gauge steel and adequate engineering allows the workstation to support a weight capacity of up to 600 lbs as well as 1000 pounds of clamping force, higher than most choices.

Despite its undisputed sturdiness, the collapsible design of the workbench allows it to go from 39 x 39 x 34 inches when open to 29 x 14 x 13 inches when folded.

The adjustable jaws and clamps on the workbench are pretty easy to use, thanks to the foot pedal that lets you switch the workbench without breaking a sweat! 

The only drawback of this brilliant workbench is that it can be a little heavy, weighing about 50 lbs without the extra accessories.

11. KETER JobMade Woodworking Portable Workbench

If you’re on a budget or a beginner woodworker who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a portable workbench, this one should be on your shortlist!

Its made of rigid resin and aluminum legs rather than expensive steel, which significantly cuts down its price without heavily affecting its performance.

The working space has a load capacity of about 1000 pounds, but it’s recommended not to overload the workbench to maintain its durability.

The Keter workbench is excellent for simple jobs with standing dimensions of 38.19 x 25.39 x 31.89 inches and folded dimensions of  34.65 x 21.81 x 4.41 inches.

The workbench’s removable table legs get attached in place in a few seconds, so it’s ready to go in less than a minute when setting it up.

In addition to all the previously mentioned features, there is added value to the product by the several additional accessories in the package, including a storage bin and four holding clamps. As given by it's name, it's a good workbench for woodworking projects.

Buyers Guide For Portable Workbench

Buying a portable workbench is a significant investment because you’re going to use it for quite a long time, and it’s certainly not cheap. For that reason, it’s critical you make your investment worth the money and effort.

Here are some of the essential aspects and features that you need to keep on your radar while picking a portable workbench for your projects:

Materials and Durability

One of the first things that you need to keep in mind is to make sure that it’s sturdy enough to sustain whatever weight you’re going to put on it.

There are plenty of materials that can be used to make a workbench. The best construction materials are steel, aluminum, and wood. Some work benches use aluminum legs, but steel legs can hold more weight. Other workbench legs also come with rubber feet or non-skid that help prevent slipping.

Plastic can also be used for workbenches because they’re resistant to corrosion and casual wear due to use. However, the plastic should be made from a high-density polymer or resin, such as ABS or polypropylene. Ideally, the more steel used in the workbench, the more durable it’s going to be.

Design and Stability

The material alone can’t make a durable workbench because some materials are too rigid, brittle, or unnecessarily heavy, which is counter-intuitive for them.

That’s why you need to make sure the workbench is stable with equal distribution of weight across its sides. This should also include the clamps and everything attached to the workbench.

While you can easily install it just about anywhere, it’s always recommended you look for a suitable location for unfolding.

For instance, while an all-purpose table can work quite well on various terrains, the level of precision needed while working requires you to choose a flat and level surface for the highest efficiency.

Additionally, it’s recommended you use the workbench in a sheltered spot with proper ventilation. However, if you have to unfold it outdoors, make sure the table’s orientation is set so that the wind doesn’t blow sawdust and metal shavings towards you. To help collect this dust and prevent build up, keep a workshop dust extractor around.

Size and Dimensions

Depending on the size of the project, you’ll need to make sure the workbench surface is compatible with your needs. As a rule of thumb, always go for a workbench that is at least 20% larger than what you think you might need, so you can have an ample work surface to work on. This is especially important when doing any sort of woodworking project that requires precision.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of a workbench is the maximum amount of weight it can carry. With regards to how much weight you need, well it depends on what your intended use is.

Ideally, a small workbench ideal for simple projects can have a maximum weight limit of anywhere up to 500 pounds. On the other hand, medium-sized workbenches usually have a load capacity of about 500 to 1000 lbs, perfect for larger projects. 

Like the dimensions, always make sure that the workbench can support more than what you need by a margin of 50 to 75 to protect it from collapsing.

Portability and Storage

The first and most important aspect of portability is weight. Ideally, the weight of the portable workbench shouldn’t exceed 50 pounds, or it may be too heavy to transport.

In addition to weight, it’s always recommended that the mobile workbench is equipped with features that make it easier to move around, such as a sturdy carrying handle or a compact foldable design.

Some portable workbenches aren’t foldable, but they can be taken apart and assembled upon arrival to your destination. 

While these workbenches take a little longer to put together, they offer more compact storage and transport, so you have to choose the one that suits your kind of work better.

Adjustability

If you’re going to use the workbench for various purposes, such as sanding if you have a sander available and sawing, you might want to get a workbench with adjustable legs.

These workstations can work at different heights, allowing you to optimize the workbench to your liking and the necessary surface height for each job.

Additional Features

The more features the product offers, the higher its value. For example, some workbenches come with clamps that can help you use the workbench as a stabilizer.

Additionally, others come with a power strip to connect your tools directly and keep your workstation neat and free of clutter. 

Always set these extras as a secondary priority and avoid choosing models that offer extra features if the workbench itself doesn’t match your needs.

FAQ About Portable Workbench

Who should buy a portable workbench?

A portable workbench is an excellent choice for those who like to stay on the move without compromising the quality of their finished projects, whether they’re professionals or DIY enthusiasts.

Additionally, those who suffer from a relatively smaller working space with limited legroom may benefit greatly from these types of workbenches. It saves space and minimizes the amount of mess, which is often an inconvenience that comes with using a foldable table surface.

Are portable workbenches worth the cost?

A portable workbench is an excellent item to add to your workshop inventory because you can use the table for a vast range of purposes. 

All the while, they don’t take up a huge space and usually come at a relatively reasonable price for their portability and ease of storage. You can use a portable workbench for the following purposes:

• Supporting Power Tools: These tables come with multiple clamps and attachments that help in keeping power tools in place, which doesn’t only improve their precision and performance, but also makes them a lot safer to use.
• Keeping You at a Comfortable Position: Portable workbenches allow you to work on your projects without having to suffer from back pain from working on a regular table, which is low profile and requires bending over and stressing your back and neck. You can set it at your preferred height instead of forcing yourself to use the only one it comes at.
• A Perfect Platform for Various Uses: In addition to operating heavy tools, you can also use the portable workbench to do various tasks that require comfort and focus, such as fixing, sanding, designing, and more.
• Keeping Legroom in the Workshop: If your workshop or garage is pretty small or you don’t have a stable working space, having a portable folding workbench that you can fold into a compact size and easy to carry solution is extremely convenient. It also helps in keeping your workshop organized and free of clutter and mess.

What are the best portable workbench brands?

There are plenty of decent manufacturers out there that make some top-notch products for all kinds of purposes. 

However, some names have been producing top home products for several years now, making them the top brands to consider if you like to go for products with a big name.

These brands include Black+Decker, WORX, Keter, Workpro, and more. We’ve included some of their best items on the list to help you get a quick idea of the tool brand that suits you the most!

How long can a portable workbench last?

A typical workbench should have a very long lifespan that can last for several years, especially if regularly maintained and kept in good shape. This is because most stationary workbenches are made of wood and metal, which are pretty durable when appropriately coated against the elements of corrosion.

On the other hand, a portable workbench uses steel and wood in its design but can also include some plastic, making the mobile workbenches less robust than stationary ones.

Another reason portable workbenches are not as strong as stationary ones are that they have multiple movable joints that allow you to deploy and close them quickly. The more movable parts in the table, the higher the chance for things to go wrong.

But despite all that, portable workbenches nowadays are designed with an excellent level of engineering, which allows them to last for a considerably long time, which is why they come with long-term warranties to back the product.

How high should the portable workbench be?

There’s not one specific standard on how high a portable or a fixed workbench should be.

However, it’s quite typical to find workbenches that are relatively high on the scale because users are typically standing while doing the work.

For instance, the typical portable workbench can have a height range of about 30 to 40 inches high. The highest of these workbenches are the best for functions like operating table saws. For reference, there are also portable table saws you can buy.

On the other hand, a relatively short workbench would be a better choice if you typically use it for jobs requiring leverage.

If you can’t decide on whether you need a high or a low workbench, you might want to opt for a workbench with adjustable height legs. 

These workbenches allow you to control the workstation’s height using screws and other simple mechanisms to lock the table at the ideal height for each purpose.

How much does a portable workbench cost?

As you’ve probably noticed, workbenches come at a wide range of prices that range from as low as $80 to more than $300 or above. The price depends on the construction quality, materials used, versatility, and weight capacity of the workstation you’re buying.

When deciding on a set budget, you have to consider the costs of extra tools and equipment you’re going to buy, such as drills, saws, vises, and other handy home tools.

However, since your portable workbench has a lot to do with the quality of your finished project, opt for a sturdy and reliable option to make it worth the investment.

Wrap Up

As you can see, there are plenty of great options out there to consider when picking your ideal portable work table.

Ideally, a good portable workbench needs to be sturdy, reliable, easy to deploy and move around without much fuss. For that reason, the WORX WX051 Pegasus Folding Work Table is our top overall recommendation.

Not only does it carry a lot of weight as a workstation and a sawhorse, but it’s also easy to transition between the two modes. Additionally, it comes at a relatively reasonable price when compared to some other choices.

However, if you’re on a strict budget and looking for a more affordable alternative that can still get the job done, the KETER JobMade Woodworking Portable Workbench should do the trick for you.

In addition to its competitive price tag, the workbench has a satisfying weight capacity while weighing less than 30 lbs so that you can carry it around with relative ease!