If you’re starting to take on bigger car projects in your home garage, a car lift can make those jobs a lot easier to manage. Some people even look into a home lift simply for the extra storage space, especially if they’re trying to fit multiple vehicles into a limited garage.
The tricky part is figuring out which type of lift can fit your space and the kind of work you do. Two-post, four-post, scissor, and portable systems all have different footprints and installation needs. Choosing the wrong style can leave you with height issues, power limitations, or a setup that doesn’t match your vehicle.
This guide walks you through the best home garage lift brands so you can find one that fits your space and your projects.
Best home garage lift brands
With so many lift styles and setups on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Let’s look at the best home garage lift brands you can explore today.
- BendPak
BendPak is one of the most trusted names in home and professional lifting due to how seriously they take engineering and safety. Their lifts are ANSI/ALI certified, regularly updated, and built with heavier-duty materials than what you’ll usually find in the home-garage category. They offer everything from full-height two-post systems to portable options that work in low-ceiling garages, so you can find something that fits your space without compromising safety.
Many DIY mechanics like BendPak because their lifts feel close to shop-grade, but they still work well in everyday garages. If you want a brand with long-term reliability, solid support, and a strong track record, choose BendPak.
Features:
- Uses heavy-duty steel construction and shop-grade components
- Includes options made specifically for low ceilings and home garages
- Features full-length platforms, open-center scissor lifts, and portable systems like QuickJack
- Provides strong safety engineering and ANSI/ALI certification across their lineup
- Offers BendPak’s 5-2-1 warranty and detailed installation and support resources
Learn more about BendPak car lifts.
- QuickJack
QuickJack offers portable lifts that can raise a vehicle in under a minute without requiring a huge installation. They give you open-center access for brake jobs, detailing, exhaust work, and inspections. QuickJack lifts work on a flat driveway or in a garage, and store vertically when you’re done.
The frames are built from heavy-duty steel with automatic safety locks, so you get the stability of a shop-style lift without the same footprint. If you want a lift that you can move that doesn’t require drilling into your floor, choose QuickJack.
Features:
- Offers a full range of portable lift systems from 3,500–8,000 lbs.
- Features heavy-duty 14-gauge steel frames with automatic dual-position safety locks
- Gives full access to wheels, brakes, exhaust, and undercarriage
- Lifts to full height in under 60 seconds with the push of a button
- Stores vertically against a wall or under a bench to save space
- Fits home garages, mobile detailing, track use, and multi-vehicle setups
Learn more about QuickJacks car lifts.
- MaxJax
MaxJax offers portable two-post lifts for garages that don’t have the ceiling height for a traditional full-size setup. It gives you enough lifting power for most SUVs, trucks, and cars while still breaking down and storing out of the way when you’re not using it.
Each column anchors securely into the slab, giving you the stability you expect from a permanent lift, but with the option to move or remove the posts when you need more floor space. If you want the power of a two-post lift in a low-ceiling garage, choose MaxJax.
Features:
- Offers portable two-post lifts with a 7,000 lb. capacity
- Reaches lifting height around 47 to 49″ depending on model
- Breaks down for storage when not in use
- Anchors into the floor with five high-strength bolts per column for maximum stability
- Fits low-ceiling garages and tight home workspaces
- Handles most vehicles, including full-size SUVs and light-duty pickups
- Features multiple lock positions for safe height adjustments
Learn more about MaxJax home garage lifts.
- Challenger
Challenger manufactures automotive lifts for spaces for low-ceiling home garages, full dealership service bays, and more. Their catalog includes two-post, four-post, scissor, inground, mobile column, and short- or mid-rise models, along with lift tables and home-storage lifts. Challenger also produces mobile lifting equipment for shops that need more flexible bay layouts or temporary lifting positions.
Features:
- Provides lift tables and home-storage lift options
- Covers a wide capacity range from light-duty cars to heavy-duty vehicles
- Includes models suited for low-ceiling garages and compact workspaces
Learn more about Challenger home garage lifts.
- Rotary Solutions
Rotary Solutions is a lift manufacturer that produces many different lifting systems for commercial shops, service departments, and automotive facilities. Their lineup includes two-post, four-post, in-ground, scissor, low-rise, and mid-rise models, as well as a full set of lift accessories. The company invented hydraulic lifting over 100 years ago and offers nationwide service support for shops that rely on installed equipment.
Features:
- Carries 7,000-12,000 lb. lift capacity
- Reaches 74″-78″ rise height
- Offers 2 ⅝” drive-over clearance on low-profile models
- Features an adjustable pad and arm ranges for different vehicle sizes
- Comes with multiple overhead height options
- Uses 2 HP electric-hydraulic power units (208-230V)
- Lifts in 25-60 seconds depending on model
- Mahle
Mahle’s ShopPRO line consists of air-operated vehicle lifts designed for lifting axles and suspension components rather than raising an entire vehicle like a two-post or four-post system. These models are built for shops that service heavy-duty trucks, buses, and equipment where wheel and axle access is the priority. ShopPRO lifts operate on compressed air and use a two-stage air valve for controlled lift and lowering speeds.
Features:
- Produces air-operated axle lifts
- Capacity ranges up to 20,000 lbs, depending on the model
- Features adjustable lifting saddles for different axle positions
- Offers low starting heights to fit under suspension components
Auto lift types to consider adding to your home garage
Before choosing a lift, it helps to understand how each style works and what type of tasks it’s best suited for. Matching the right type to your garage will save you a lot of frustration later.
Two-post lifts
Two-post lifts raise the car by the frame, leaving the wheels hanging free, which gives you full access to suspension, brakes, and underbody work. They require a solid concrete slab to stand on and enough ceiling height to lift the vehicle fully, so they tend to fit best in garages where you have room above the hood and roofline.
If you’re doing heavier mechanical repairs at home, like subframe work, exhaust jobs, or major suspension service, a two-post lift delivers similar results to what you’d find in a professional shop.
Four-post lifts
Four-post lifts support the vehicle by its tires, which makes loading simple—you just drive on and raise the platform. They’re extremely stable, which is why many homeowners choose them for long-term storage or stacking two vehicles in a single bay. If you’re mainly doing routine maintenance or you want a lift that doubles as extra parking, a four-post lift usually fits into a garage layout with fewer installation demands than a two-post system.
Scissor lifts
Scissor lifts sit directly on the ground and raise the vehicle from the center, so you don’t need tall ceilings or a large footprint. They give you enough working height for oil changes, tire service, and underbody access, but they stay compact enough to slide against a wall when you’re done. These are a strong choice for smaller garages where you want reliable lift capability without committing to a full post-style installation.
Portable lifts
Portable lifts give you extra working height without taking over the garage when you’re not using them. They work well on concrete floors and can be stored vertically or rolled out of the way so you still have room for daily parking. If you’re doing light to moderate repairs and you want flexibility, a portable lift makes day-to-day projects much more manageable.
Features to look for in home garage lifts
A few key features determine how well a lift will fit your garage and the work you do. Thinking about your space, your vehicles, and the repairs you handle will help you pick the right setup. As you look for a home garage lift, consider:
- Lifting capacity and height: Check the weight of the vehicles you plan to lift and make sure the lift’s rating clears it. Measure your ceiling so you know the vehicle can rise without hitting lights or garage door tracks.
- Safety features: Look for mechanical safety locks, a stable base, and secure lifting points that keep the vehicle steady at full height. These features help prevent sway or sudden lowering during a repair.
- Power and installation requirements: Some lifts run on standard 110V outlets or manual hydraulics, While others need 220V power or an air compressor. Check what your garage already has so you don’t run into unexpected installation work. You should also confirm that your concrete slab meets the depth requirements for certain anchored lifts.
- Anchored and portable options: Anchored lifts stay in one place and offer the most height and stability, but they require permanent installation. Portable lifts can be moved or stored, giving you more flexibility if you still park in the same bay. The best choice depends on how often you work on your car and how much room you have to dedicate to a lift.
Turn to Wrenchers for the best home garage lift
Now that you’ve seen what each lift type and brand brings to the table, you’ve got everything you need to figure out what fits your space, your projects, and your budget. Whether you’re building out a full home workshop or just need a reliable lift for weekend repairs, the right setup makes the work safer, faster, and a whole lot more enjoyable.
Wrenchers carries all the major lift styles and top manufacturers, so you can compare models side-by-side and find the setup that fits your needs best. Their catalog includes two-post, four-post, scissor, and portable systems, along with accessories that help you get the most out of your garage layout.
If you ever have questions about sizing, installation, or choosing between models, their team can walk you through the details so you know exactly what will work in your space.
Shop home garage lifts at Wrenchers.
Best home garage lifts FAQs
How much space do I need to fit a car lift in my home garage?
Most home garages need at least a standard 2-car bay of about 24 feet deep and 12 feet wide to comfortably fit a lift and still move around the vehicle. Ceiling height is another deciding factor. Most two-post and four-post lifts need around 12 feet of clearance, while scissor and portable lifts work fine in lower garages. Before buying, measure the space with your vehicle’s roof height in mind to make sure the lift can reach its full working height safely.
What are some tips for installing a home garage lift?
Start by confirming your concrete slab thickness to hold bolts safely. Make sure your lift is positioned away from garage door tracks, storage shelves, and overhead obstacles so you can raise the vehicle without interference. If your lift requires 220V power or an air compressor, plan those connections before installation so the setup goes smoothly.
What can I use an auto lift for in my home garage?
A lift lets you handle repairs that are tough to do on jack stands, like exhaust jobs, brake service, and underbody inspections. Four-post lifts also double as storage, allowing you to park one vehicle underneath another. Even for basic maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks, a lift makes the work faster, safer, and much more comfortable.
