7 best server racks for building a strong IT infrastructure in 2025

As you set up an on-premise IT infrastructure, one of the key pieces of equipment is server racks. Server racks provide a standardized structure for organizining servers, storage arrays, networking devices, and other hardware components.

In 2025 (and beyond), the demand for reliable service racks continues to grow as businesses build on-premise IT infrastructure and expand data centers. The high demand is evident from statistics, as the market size for data center racks is estimated to grow from $6.21 billion in 2025 to $13.8 billion in 2032.

The server racks market is mainly dominated by suppliers like Vertiv, APC, Rittal, and Tripp Lite. However, other great options also exist.

In this article, we’ll look at the seven best server racks for building a strong IT infrastructure, along with key factors to consider.

Key considerations when investing in a server rack

Before you invest in a server rack, consider the following:

• Different types of server racks
• Different server rack sizes
• Server rack requirements for your IT team

I’ll explain each of these in more detail next.

1. Understand the types of server racks

The types of server racks differ, ranging from more common open and enclosed racks to more uncommon mobile and specialty racks.

The most commonly used for building IT infrastructures are:

• Open-frame racks: As the name indicates, open-frame racks are simple two—or four-post racks without side panels or doors. IT departments often use open-frame racks in server rooms where fast and easy access to the equipment is important. They are the most cost-effective, but they lack security features and built-in cooling.
• Cabinet racks: Cabinet racks are fully enclosed racks with side panels and doors. Compared to open-frame racks, they offer more security with locks and side panels that prevent unauthorized access.
• Wall-mounted racks: Wall-mounted racks are mainly used in situations where floor space is limited. Since they are smaller than cabinet and open-frame racks, they’re often used in small office spaces to store servers, switches, and other network equipment.

You’re probably wondering, what’s the best option for my IT?

Here is what we suggest:

Most enterprises choose cabinet racks because they are secure, offer better cable management, and are enclosed, which helps control temperature and airflow.

In comparison, most SMBs rely on open-frame and wall-mounted racks, which are more cost-effective, easier to set up, and easier to access.

2. Choose your server rack size

There are four things to consider when choosing your server rack size:

• Server rack height: Server racks have standard heights, which are measured as rack units (U). One rack unit (1U) occupies a vertical space of 1.75 inches (44.45 mm). Typical server rack heights are 42U and 48U for larger floor-standing server racks and 24U and 12U for smaller size racks.
• Server rack depth: Server rack depth refers to the distance between the front rail and the back rail of the rack. While 29” is the standard for open frame racks, the depth can be as wide as 50 inches or as small as a few inches. We recommend IT teams look for rack depth of 29” and above as they’re compatible with servers from brands like Dell, Cisco, IBM, and Lenovo.
• Server rack width: The standard width for most server racks is 19 inches (48.26 cm), the distance between the vertical mounting rails running the full height of the rack.
• 2 post vs. 4 post rack: A two-post rack relies only on two vertical upright support beams, while 4 post rack relies on four support beams. This makes 4 post racks sturdier and a better option for housing servers.

Another important size consideration? Scalability. Not only should the server rack have space for your current servers, but any future expansions.

3. Know your server rack requirements

Now that you know the different types and sizes of server racks, it’s time to look at your specific requirements.

1. Space considerations: Generally, there are two types of server racks: floor-standing and wall-mounted. If your floor space is limited or you need to move your server rack setup later, wall-mounted server racks are ideal. If physical security is a concern for you, floor-standing server racks are a better option.
2. Rack cooling (Passive vs. active cooling): Passive and active cooling are two different ways to keep the equipment inside server racks at safe temperatures. Passive cooling is more cost-effective and relies on natural airflow and ventilation. Active cooling involves using fans and other cooling accessories, such as blanking panels and filler panels.
3. Security: If security is a top priority for you, look for enclosed server racks with lockable doors and panels. It’s also important to choose a secure location for your server racks and install enterprise-grade security cameras.

The best server racks for IT in 2025

After doing our own research and reading 100’s customer reviews of the best server rack suppliers, we found that the industry-leading options are:

1. Tripp Lite SR4POST SmartRack 45U – Best overall server rack 
2. APC AR3340 Networking Rack – Best heavy-duty server rack 
3. Vertiv VR Rack – Best enclosed cabinet server rack 
4. StarTech 4POSTRACK25 – Best adjustable server rack 
5. Tripp Lite SRW18UHD – Best compact server rack for small businesses 
6. NavePoint 12U Wall Mount Server Cabinet – Best wall-mounted enclosed rack 
7. RackPath 12U Open Frame Server Rack – Best portable open-frame rack

For a more detailed review of each of these server racks, keep on reading.

1. Tripp Lite SR4POST SmartRack 45U – Best overall server rack

Tripp Lite SR4POST SmartRack 45U is our choice for the best overall server rack for three key reasons: its cost-effectiveness, strong user reviews, and suitability for IT departments. Thanks to the 4-post open-frame design, users have easy access to equipment, and there is no obstruction to airflow.

Tripp Lite SR4POST can support fixed loads up to 453 kg and has several mounting positions for standard 19-inch racks. The mounting depth of this model can be adjusted from 55.88 to 91.44 cm.

2. APC AR3340 Networking Rack – Best heavy-duty server rack

For IT departments requiring a heavy-duty server rack with built-in security features, the APC AR3340 Networking Rack is a great choice. APC themselves state that this model is designed for high-density environments and provides enough rack mounting space for even the deepest devices.

Compared to Tripp Lite SR4POST, the APC AR3340 is almost seven times more expensive, but offers more features, like fully enclosed design with locking doors, higher weight capacity, and better cable management. One Reddit user described this APC model, “Yes, they are expensive, but they will last forever.”

3. Vertiv VR Rack – Best enclosed cabinet server rack

Similarly to the APC AR3340 model, the Vertic VR Rack is an enclosed cabinet server rack that is available in eight standard sizes. This model is compatible with all rack-based equipment and provides 2.5 inches of additional depth for the deepest rack-based equipment.

Like the APC AR3340, the Vertic VR Rack rack is designed for enterprises with high-density server environments. It features lockable doors and side panels, integrated cable management systems, and active cooling options.

4. StarTech 4POSTRACK25 – Best adjustable server rack

The StarTech 4POSTRACK25 is a durable, open-air rackmount for servers and other networking equipment. It is highly adjustable with support for mounting depth adjustment 60 cm to 100 cm (23.5 to 39.2 in), which gives you more flexibility. The 4POSTRACK25 model is compatible with equipment from all the popular manufacturers, like Dell, HP, IBM, and Cisco.

For additional flexibility, you can buy a caster kit from StarTech, which can be installed on the bottom of the rack. This makes repositioning the rack easier.

5. Tripp Lite SRW18UHD – Best compact server rack for small businesses

The Tripp Lite SRW18UHD wall-mount server rack is ideal for small businesses with limited space. It can accommodate standard 19-inch rack recruitment with a depth adjustment of up to 32.5 inches. Despite being a wall-mount, it has an impressive maximum load capacity of 500 lbs (226.8kg).

This model includes doors and side panels that lock securely, and the ventilated panels allow for generous airflow.

6. NavePoint 12U Wall Mount Server Cabinet – Best wall-mounted enclosed rack

Similarly to the Tripp Lite SRW18UHD, the NavePoint 12U is a wall-mounted enclosed rack. It is available in six different sizes: 6U, 9U, 12U, 15U, 18U, and 22U. Due to its compact size, it is mainly used by small businesses in fields like education, retail, and professional services.

While being compact, it includes two built-in cooling fans, removable side panels, and a locking tempered glass door.

7. RackPath 12U Open Frame Server Rack – Best portable open-frame rack

The RackPath 12U server rack comes with casters, which enable you to prebuild racks and then move them to the right place. The pre-drilled base brackets allow you to fasten the rack to the floor if you want. 

This RackPatch model is designed for storing standard 19-inch servers and other network equipment. Its open-frame design makes cable management and maintenance easy.

Final checklist for buying server racks for IT

We truly hope this guide has been helpful to you. As a final checklist, here are my best tips for buying server racks:

✅Understand the types of server racks: The main types of server racks for IT departments are open-frame, cabinet, and wall-mounted racks.

✅Choose your server rack size: Take into account the height, depth, and width of the rack.

✅Know your server rack requirements: Think of your IT infrastructure’s security, future growth, and cooling requirements.

✅Compare the best server rack suppliers: Compare the top suppliers, like Tripp Lite, APC, Vertic, StarTech, NavePoint, and RackPatch.

✅Compare different models: Compare the features, pricing, and the pros and cons of each model with the help of our above review.

✅Select the right server rack: Based on your budget and the features you’re looking for, select the server rack that makes the most sense.