The past two years have led more and more of us to ditch the gym and find new ways to work out at home. While there are plenty of bodyweight exercises out there—and you can always head out for a run if you want to get in some cardio—it's easier to get the most out of your daily workouts if you have a well-stocked gym right at home. If you're thinking about investing in some home gym equipment, buying a kettlebell is a great place to start.
Kettlebells are relatively affordable, easy to use, and incredibly versatile—plus they take up way less room than a weight rack. If you're new to lifting, you'll want to start with a lighter weight—usually under 15 pounds. But even if you start with a lightweight kettlebell, you can still use it as part of your resistance training routine, or you can opt for an adjustable kettlebell, which will allow you to customize its weight as you get stronger.
Look below for a guide on how to pick the best model for your kettlebell workouts, and our favorite kettlebells on the market today.
When choosing a kettlebell, the most important factor you'll have to consider is weight. While the appropriate weight for you largely depends on your personal fitness level, strength, and preference, if you're new to lifting, you'll want to start light, so a set with multiple weights, an adjustable kettlebell, or a single kettlebell under 15 pounds would be the best way to go.
You will also want to consider what the kettlebell is coated with. Uncoated kettlebells will have the best grip, but they can also be hard on your hands and can even cause damage to your floors if you aren't careful. Coated kettlebells typically have an uncoated handle, which means that they won't be any easier on your hands, but they can help protect your floors. There are also plastic-covered kettlebells, which will be easiest on your hands, but they can also be a bit slippery, which can can lead to dropped kettlebells and injured toes, or could even cause serious damage if you're doing kettlebell swings and yours goes flying.
How We Evaluated
To find the best kettlebells on the market, we researched the most popular models available and looked at expert-tested reviews from trusted sources like Wirecutter and Men's Health. We then took into account price, durability, grip, and weight. Finally, we consulted more than 19,000 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon and Walmart, to settle on these 10.
If you're looking for a basic kettlebell, this Yes4All model is a great place to start. This kettlebell model costs between $14 to $65, depending on the weight you choose, with a range that extends from 5 to 50 pounds. The lower half of the kettlebell is coated in vinyl, which will help protect your floors, but the uncovered handle is textured and grippy, which keeps it secure in your hands.
Special Features: Ergonomic handles, anti-corrosion coating, included rack
This kettlebell set is a great option for beginners looking to build out their home gym. It comes with three kettlebells, with weights of 5, 10, and 15 pounds, and a rack to store them on. The low weights make this set ideal for people newer to working out. Plus, since this trio costs under $40 at the time of this writing, you're getting a great deal.
Weight Options: Adjustable between 10 to 40 pounds
Special Features: Flat base, ergonomic design
We've all heard about adjustable dumbbells, but what about an adjustable kettlebell? This one can be adjusted to weigh between 10 to 40 pounds, and it has a thick rubber base, which gives it good grip and protects your floors. The plates are easy to adjust, and can be switched out with a twist of the knob on top. This model is a bit expensive, but since it's basically a whole set of kettlebells in one, it's well worth the price.
This kettlebell can be adjusted to weigh between 8 and 40 pounds, which makes it worth the $150 it costs. It has a sleek and understated design that fits in with any home gym, and it's super easy to adjust the weight between the six available configurations. It's also a good fit for those who don't typically wear gloves while lifting; the handle is smooth, so it won't tear up your hands over time.
This kettlebell is relatively affordable, and it comes in a great range of sizes—from 9 to 88 pounds. Since it doesn't have a coating on the handle, it can be a bit hard on your hands, but that also means that it has great grip. This model also has a flat bottom, which helps keep it stable during exercises where you need it to stay put.
Special Features: Nonslip plastic handle; works with your existing weight equipment
If you already have a solid set of dumbbells, you may not need to invest in a whole set of kettlebells. This dumbbell grip can transform any dumbbell into a kettlebell. It grips around the handle of your dumbbell at the bottom, and closes securely at the top. Plus, it weighs just under a pound, so it's easy to travel with.
Coated kettlebells like this one are great for protecting your floors and reducing noise. In fact, the coating can even help keep your kettlebell from corroding. This kettlebell comes in weights ranging from 10 to 50 pounds, and each model is quite affordable, with the heaviest weight costing under $75.
Special Features: Flat bottom, plastic coating, wide grip
Even more protective than a coated kettlebell is this plastic-covered model, which comes in weights of 8, 10, 15, and 20 pounds. This kettlebell is great for using in areas where you want to protect your floors, and it's especially easy on your hands. Unfortunately, since it's made of smooth plastic, it can also get pretty slippery.
Kettlebells don't have to be hard—and if you tend to be accident-prone, a soft option might be best for you. This one comes in weights ranging from 10 to 40 pounds, and is super durable. It works just as well as a hard kettlebell, but if you drop it on a wood floor (or your toes!) or accidentally slam it against your wall, it will cause significantly less damage.
Special Features: Nonslip coating, ergonomic handle
This vinyl-coated kettlebell comes in a great range of weights, and is relatively affordable, too. The nonslip coating is easy on your hands and won't beat up your floors, either. The uncovered handle is also ideal because it gives you better grip, so it won't slip from your hands, even during kettlebell swings.
Gabrielle HondorpBefore joining Runner's World as an Editor in 2019, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe.
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