Elevate your training and home gym with these top-tested kettlebells.
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If you're looking for a versatile and effective piece of workout equipment, look no further than the kettlebell. Known as the king of total body workouts, an authentic kettlebell features a cast iron or steel ball with a handle attached to the top and can be used in hundreds of ways. Our fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute tested over 20 different kettlebells to find the best high-quality options for any home gym.
Kettlebells differ from dumbbells in that their center of mass falls below the handle as opposed to on the sides, and a kettlebell handle can accommodate one or two hands whereas a dumbbell can only accommodate one. Not only are kettlebells relatively small and portable, but the design can be pressed, swung and held to perform tons of different kettlebell exercises for both cardiovascular and strength training benefits.
"Kettlebell training incorporates dynamic movements that comprehensively work endurance, agility, cardio, balance and strength," says Kara Heer, a NASM-certified personal trainer and Barry's fitness instructor who has an extensive background in kettlebell training. "The combination of hinge-focused grind and ballistic movements requires you to engage the core throughout your kettlebell session, and challenges you to stabilize your body using multiple muscle groups simultaneously to do so."
In order to find the best kettlebells, our fitness experts researched over 40 different models, then narrowed down the list to 20 standout picks to test, putting them through intense sweat sessions. We even sent some of the kettlebells to real-life testers for feedback on how well the equipment worked in their home workouts. Our top picks for the best kettlebells focused on durability, grip comfort, ease of use through functional workout movements and overall size.
You can learn more about how we test kettlebells — including tips for finding the right kettlebell weight — at the end of this guide. Looking for more top-notch equipment to outfit your home gym? Check out our favorite dumbbells and our recommendations for the best weight benches.
Ranging from nine to 106 pounds, these iron-cast kettlebells from REP Fitness were a top performer in our tests thanks to their solid build, wide flat base for added stability during workouts and easy color-coded handles so you can easily identify the different sizes.
Not only is the handle smooth, but it provided a great grip during swings and held chalk well. They have a nice finish and even weight distribution in our tests. These kettlebells are actually gravity die-cast, a type of manufacturing technique that is a slower process than pressure casting but results in a stronger product and smooth finish. "The handle is the perfect size, and it maintains grip even as my hands get sweaty," one tester told us.
Just take note that a kettlebell like this with no vinyl coating isn't ideal for workouts on hardwood floors or other types of home flooring. You can buy them individually or in sets and they are reasonably priced for a great quality piece of equipment.
Kettlebells can be costly, not to mention the hefty shipping fees since they are quite heavy. But this model from CAP Barbell, also a favorite brand of ours in the dumbbell department, is affordable and well-made. Each kettlebell is crafted from solid, high-quality cast iron so there is no weld or seam casting. It's coasted in an enamel paint for protection and available from 10 to 80 pounds.
This kettlebell has a nice wide handle and a flat bottom, giving great stability and control during floor movements. The finish is pretty smooth though, and we found that it got a bit slippery as our workouts became more and more sweaty, so it may not be ideal for advanced athletes. That being said, it's a great budget-friendly choice that is no nonsense. Our sample arrived in good condition, but some reviewers note issues with poor packaging during shipping.
These Rogue Kettlebells are a staple in CrossFit gyms around the world, and for good reason. They are a single-piece casting kettlebell made from first run iron ore and are not made of scrap, so you'll get a solid and sturdy build. The matte black powder coat finish makes them quite comfortable and provides a stable grip that also holds up well to chalk.
The wide flat machined base allows this kettlebell to sit perfetly on the floor and not wobble, unlike raw casted kettlebells. Most importantly, they are available in the widest range we have seen — nine to 206 pounds — making them great for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. The color-coded handles also help you quickly identify the appropriate weight. "I like the firm grip, good center of gravity and that they are easy to handle," said one tester who has been actively using this Rogue kettlebell for over a year. But again, take note that a kettlebell like this with no vinyl coating isn't ideal for workouts on hardwood floors or other types of home flooring.
Designed by powerlifter Donnie Thompson, this mix between a dumbbell and kettlebell allows for better handling and can help optimize performance in certain movements, such as chest presses and push-ups. We like the flat bottom for stability and the fact that design allows more load distribution through the center of the weight.
Our experts appreciate the large weight range on these kettlebells and that they don't take up a ton of space. The solid cast iron construction is well-made and what you would expect from a premium Rogue product. We also felt that the flatbell was a safer and more effective piece of equipment in certain exercises, like presses and snatches, as compared to a regular kettlebell. But keep in mind that cast iron models like these are not the most forgiving on home flooring.
Vinyl coated kettlebells, like this one from Yes4All, tend to be very popular for home workouts since the coating won't scratch your flooring. This model from Yes4All performed well in our tests even on hardwood floors. We appreciated that the handle is comfortable yet sturdy and still wide enough for a two hand grip, perfect for kettlebell swings. The price is fairly moderate as well, and this pick has over 17K five-star reviews on Amazon.
Up to 50 pounds is ideal for beginners and intermediate athletes, but for more advanced lifts this range may not suffice. However, this kettlebell is constructed of solid cast iron, which ensures a great quality product with no welds or seams. "I have been using this for a while and love the coating; I live in an apartment so it's nice that it doesn't damage my floors and also isn't as noisy as other kettlebells if I'm doing man-makers or another movement on the ground," one tester said.
Made of recycled iron scrap content, this new kettlebell from Nike features a black powder coated finish and easy color-coded identification markers. The overall design provides a clean and stable flat surface on the bottom to decrease mid-workout wobble, which we confirmed in our tests. Weights range from nine to 88 pounds, which is pretty solid, and the powder coated finish provided for a stable grip. The ergonomic handle allowed for smooth transitions during a variety of different exercises too.
One thing to note is that the Nike logo is raised, so in certain movements such as kettlebell cleans, that logo caused some irritation when it made contact with the skin. But if you plan just to do swings or presses with this kettlebell, you won't have that issue.
Since this kettlebell is so new, we've only been testing it for less than a month but were impressed with the performance and moderate pricepoint thus far. We'll report back on durability once we test this model for a longer period of time.
Tight on space? Adjustable kettlebells, like this one from Bowflex, may be the perfect solution for you. Instead of having to purchase multiple kettlebells of different sizes, a single adjustable kettlebell houses several weights so you can select the right size to meet your workout needs.
We found the Bowflex SelectTech 850 Kettlebell to have a sleek and smooth design with an easy-to-adjust dial for transitioning from one weight to another. It houses six kettlebells in one essentially, with selections including eight, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 pounds. All testers commented on how easy to use and intuitive the weight adjustment dial was. "The adjustable weight makes it very versatile for a number of exercises. The grip is comfortable and it has a pleasing appearance too — I like the red and black color," one tester said.
Adjustable kettlebells in general aren't as solid in construction as a cast iron kettlebell, but for the convenience we found this model relatively easy to move through a variety of exercises. "I'll continue to use the kettlebell because it's very easy to pick up and use at any time! You can do some light exercise with the lower settings anytime you want, as well as more serious training with the higher settings," another tester told us.
We tested a variety of kettlebells from Kettlebell Kings, which all performed well in our tests, but chose to highlight the competition kettlebell since it is truly best in class. Competition kettlebells like this one are made from steel, not cast iron, and are considered slightly more durable. Plus, they are always the same size with the same handle diameter and space inside the handle, regardless of weight which ensures that they rest in the same exact spot on your forearm when in a racked position.
One thing to note is that the handle may not be ideal for a two-hand grip given its smaller size and curvature, so if you want to do standard kettlebell swings you may be better off with a cast iron kettlebell. But those training for competition or using a kettlebell for one-handed movements will appreciate the durability and premium features on the Kettlebell Kings competition kettlebell.
Not only do these primal kettlebells from Onnit make a statement in your home gym, but they are actually quite functional. With a solid iron build, they hold up very well and have a comfortable yet sturdy and thick grip. The size is relatively compact given the weight, and the design makes you want to take your workout to the next level.
This kettlebell is ideal for swings and deadlifts, and even though the models are asymmetrical they still seemed to feel balanced with an even weight distribution during movements like presses. But some of the faces have sharp edges and are not ideal for front rack positions. "I was drawn to the hardcore designs and because some of my favorite pro athletes recommend them," a longtime owner of the primal kettlebells told us. "They've held up well over the years and have a large grip which I appreciate."
Leave it to TRX to come up with one of the most innovative and functional kettlebells we have ever seen. This YBell functions as a three-in-one kettlebell, dumbbell and push-up stand all in one. Switching up your grip not only allows you to transition to different movements, but our experts also found that it alleviated wrist pain and provided a more secure grip in certain exercises. The coating held up to sweat too and worked great in both fitness centers and on home flooring.
Home testers raved about the YBell in our evaluations. "The shape makes them feel more secure and there are multiple grips. I like the material they are coated with, and I also like that the weight doesn’t flop back and hit my Apple Watch when I lift it overhead, like a traditional kettlebell," one tester commented. "It is so versatile. I can use it where I would normally use a dumbbell, but it is also great even for kettlebell swings. I also like that it does not rest on the back of my rest, like a kettlebell during some moves," another tester said. But take note that the weight range isn't as high as a standard kettlebell.
While it's not an actual kettlebell, we chose to put the innovative Kettle Gryp on our list because it can convert any of your existing dumbbells into a kettlebell and save you the hefty additional purchase price of a premium kettlebell. Made in the USA, the device is essentially an adaptor that locks onto your dumbbell to provide you with that sought after kettlebell grip.
Not only is the device affordable, but we found it excellent for travel since it is highly portable. Just throw it in your carry-on or backpack and easily bring it with you to any gym while you're traveling to convert a dumbbell into a kettlebell. This is the ultimate way to make the most of the equipment you have on hand and minimize additional costly purchases for your home gym.
The fitness and product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test sports equipment ranging from e-bikes to exercise bikes and treadmills year-round. When evaluating kettlebells, we look for well-made and durable models with an ergonomic grip and functional design that can be used in a variety of workout movements.
We started out by researching over 40 different kettlebell models. In order to narrow down our list, we looked for highly rated models made from quality materials. We then tested 20 kettlebells in our Lab, fitness center and home gyms. We even sent some of the kettlebells to real-life testers for feedback on how well the equipment worked in their home workouts. Our top picks for the best kettlebells focused on durability, grip comfort, ease of use through functional workout movements and overall size.
We aimed to include a variety of kettlebells to fit different needs, including budget-friendly offerings and ones that are great for beginners. We highlighted adjustable kettlebells as well for those tight on space but still wanting a great full-body workout. We're confident that our top picks have options for all levels of exercise and all different kettlebell movements.
There are a few key factors to consider when making your selection for the ideal kettlebell.
✔️ Type: We detail the different types of kettlebells below, but you'll want to determine whether you want a fixed kettlebell at one weight or would rather try an adjustable kettlebell that compactly fits multiple weights in one. Keep in mind that a fixed kettlebell tends to be sturdier than an adjustable one.
✔️ Handle: Heer says that the handle of the kettlebell is incredibly important. "A rough handle, a too-wide or too-narrow handle will be incredibly uncomfortable over time, and potentially cause injury to the hands. Size matters when it comes to the handle, and you should be able to hold the handle with both hands in any position without difficulty."
✔️ Weight: Find the right weight for your kettlebell ultimately depends on the different exercises you plan to perform with it. We detail what weight considerations to make below.
✔️ Coating: We've explained some of the pros and cons of different coatings throughout this article, but the main point is for those concerned about working out on home flooring such as hardwood floors, a vinyl coated kettlebell is likely best.
✔️ Cost: Expensive doesn't always mean better, but in the kettlebell space you'll typically pay a premium for quality materials. In turn, you'll have a piece of equipment that will last longer and keep up with the toughest of workouts. That being said, we did include some high-quality budget-friendly options on our list that are great for beginners and intermediate athletes.
Heer says that there are three main types of kettlebells and explains the differences below:
✔️ Competitive kettlebells: Used in professional competitions and feature the same diameter bell throughout the weight range. The handle is vertical and non-curved.
✔️ Cast-iron kettlebells: Vary in bell diameter and weight. The handle has an arc shape. The biggest, most important difference here is the handle, with the cast iron kettlebell being more practical for the average kettlebell trainer, looking to improve kettlebell strength, as the handle is more accommodating.
✔️ Adjustable kettlebells: A very convenient option for the everyday kettlebell trainer, who’d like varied options in size without purchasing and storing multiple kettlebells. An adjustable kettlebell houses multiple weights in one piece of equipment.
From enhancing cardiovascular endurance to improving conditioning and power, this small but mighty tool can completely transform your workout. Many kettlebell movements work hundreds of muscles at the same time, allowing for a complete total body workout. Plus, Heer points out that kettlebell training is time and equipment-efficient, since tackling cardio, strength, mobility, balance, endurance and stability saves time and energy building a gym set-up, and/or combining multiple forms of training to get the same result.
Heer also says that kettlebell exercises train the body to perform eccentric deceleration, which can help the body in becoming less injury-prone, as many injuries occur in the deceleration of powerful and/or swift movements such as running. She adds that the exchanging of kettlebell-holding hand, the focus on hip and knee hinge, and the connection to multiple muscle groups in tandem often lead to improved coordination, posture and alignment, as many exercises functionally work the postural muscles.
Lastly, Heer says that the dynamic and ballistic motion created by the body when kettlebell training are easily translatable to necessary, real-world everyday movement and challenges. "Kettlebell training focuses on unilateral movements, working one side of the body at a time, challenging core strength for control, and posterior (glute, back and leg) muscles for balance and stability."
"Developing grip strength, overall strength and technique for kettlebell training is important to learn from the ground up," Heer says. "Kettlebells are designed to be used with two hands, and should be comfortably held that way." But she adds that how and where to grip a kettlebell is move-dependent, and proper hold technique is very important. "Consult a fitness professional for your first few sessions to ensure proper hold, breathing technique and hinge form. This investment will pay off in the long run"
This ultimately comes down to personal preference, but Heer says that you really only need one kettlebell of each size. "Kettlebell training varies from dumbbell training in that working unilaterally targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, challenging strength while also working balance and agility," she explains. "Because of the unilateral focus of kettlebell training, there is no need for sets of bells, the way you need for dumbbell training, which more often incorporates multilateral and bilateral movements."
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
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