Portable, affordable and effective: Resistance bands are some of the most versatile pieces of exercise equipment you can find. The best resistance bands aren't just reserved for helping your mobility and for serving as support tools—they also have the ability to give you a full-body workout.
A quick Google search will show you endless options for resistance bands, which can make choosing the right one for you tedious. To help you out, we did the research for you, considering factors like type, material, and resistance level, to find the 10 best resistance bands. Whether you want to hang your bands in your home gym, stash them by your desk for a quick burn between meetings, or take with you for working out while traveling, there’s an option on this list for you.
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Best Resistance Bands - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Resistance Bands: REP Fitness Tube Resistance Bands with Handles
- Best Resistance Bands for Home Workouts: Rogue Fitness Monster Bands
- Best Premium Resistance Bands: Force USA Super Bands
- Most Versatile Resistance Bands: Titan Fitness Resistance Bands
- Best Resistance Bands with Handles: BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Gym
- Best Resistance Bands for Beginners: Hyperwear Resistance Bands
- Best Tube Resistance Band: Stroops VITL Kit
- Best Resistance Bands for Glutes: TRX Glute Bands
- Best Budget Resistance Bands: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
- Best Non-Latex Resistance Bands: TheraBand Professional Non-Latex Resistance Bands Set
Best Overall Resistance Bands - REP Fitness Tube Resistance Bands With Handles
SPECS
- Material: Latex
- Accessories: N/A
- Tension range: Light (9mm), medium (12mm), heavy (13.5mm)
Resistance bands with handles are particularly beneficial for upper-body exercises such as bicep curls, bent-over rows, chest flys, and lat pull-downs. The REP Fitness Tube Resistance Bands With Handles are offered in three different resistance levels -light, medium, and heavy. The handles allow for a more cushioned grip so that all you have to worry about is your workout.
We also like that the bands are color-coded so that you can easily identify the resistance level. When you are finished using them, the lightweight bands are a breeze to pack up in any gym or travel bag. And at under $25 for a full set (the bands can be purchased individually, but buying the full set is the most cost-effective option) provide great bang for the buck.
What We Like
- Cushioned handles
- Affordable
- Easy to pack
What We Don't Like
- Only 3 resistance options to choose from
BUY: REP Fitness Tube Resistance Bands With Handles
Best Resistance Bands for Home Workouts - Rogue Fitness Monster Bands
SPECS
- Material: Natural latex rubber
- Accessories: Door strap and handles available for an extra cost
- Tension range: Orange (15 lbs.), red (30 lbs.), blue (50 lbs.), green (65 lbs.), black (100 lbs.), purple (140 lbs.), red (175 lbs.), silver (200 lbs.)
Rogue Fitness Monster Bands are sold individually or as a full set. Your options range from 15 to 200 pounds in resistance, which gives you a lot of room for a variety of exercises. The bands are all 41 inches long, but the thickness and width differ depending on the amount of resistance. They are color-coded and made from heavy-duty natural latex rubber, which is known for its durability.
In addition to supporting a wide array of resistance training exercises, the Rogue Monster Bands also offer security when you are working on your pull-ups. They are the perfect companion for when you are building strength for unassisted pull-ups, and they will help you pump out big reps during workouts.
What We Love
- High-quality, durable bands from a reliable fitness brand
- Broad range of resistance included in full set
- Color-coding for ease of use
What We Don't Love
- High price tag
BUY: Rogue Fitness Monster Bands
Best Premium Resistance Bands - Force USA Super Bands
SPECS
- Material: Latex rubber
- Accessories: N/A
- Tension range: XS (5-35 lbs.), small (10-50 lbs.), medium (25-80 lbs.), large (50-80 lbs.), large (50-120 lbs.), XL (60-150 lbs.), XXL (80-200 lbs.), XXXL (100-250 lbs.)
Whether you're performing light-strength activities or hitting it hard with heavier resistances, the Force USA Super Bands have you covered. Ranging in resistance from 5 to 250 pounds, these heavy-duty super bands are able to intensify and maximize any workout. The Force USA bands are designed with a one-piece molded construction, similar to a loop band, and come in seven different colors or resistance levels.
In addition to being a resistance tool, the Force USA Super Bands are compatible with all Olympic and standard bars, making them a great addition to an overall strength training routine. While these premium resistance bands are great for gym use, they are a bit pricier, so you may want to reconsider if you're looking for a basic budget-priced band for at-home workouts.
What We Love
- Broad range of resistance
- Heavy-duty structural integrity
- For use for both assistance and resistance
- Heavier resistance for advanced fitness levels
What We Don't Love
- Heavier bands are often out of stock
- Pricier than other brands
Most Versatile Resistance Bands - Titan Fitness Resistance Bands
SPECS
- Material: Latex rubber
- Accessories: N/A
- Tension range: Red (15-30 lbs.), black (40-70 lbs.), purple (60-100 lbs.), green (70-120 lbs.)
The Titan Fitness Resistance Bands are a loop band tool designed for resistance and assistance moves. Each pack comes with four bands ranging in resistance from 15 to 120 pounds. This versatile set allows for everything from resistance band exercises to strength training and ultra-resistance routines, making it a great investment for most fitness levels and workout programs.
Each band measures 12 inches in length, with an overall width of 0.5 inches to 1.75 inches. Titan Fitness uses a color-coded method to differentiate resistance levels and suggested exercises, which is really helpful when performing a circuit-style workout. Plus, the bands are effective for training most body parts, including the glutes, legs, arms, chest, and core. Another perk of the Titan Fitness bands is the non-toxic, no-odor, and anti-slip promise the company makes about the product.
What We Love
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Resistance range ideal for all fitness levels
- Durable design and heavy-duty material
- Reasonable price for 4 resistance bands
What We Don't Love
- Some people may find the band width too thin
BUY: Titan Fitness Resistance Bands
Best Resistance Bands with Handles - BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Gym
SPECS
- Material: Custom cloth bands
- Accessories: Instruction manual, carrying bag, fold-up VectorFit base, collapsible workout bar, handles, wrist/ankle straps, door anchor with ring
- Tension range: 30 lbs. at normal length, up to 80 lbs. when shortening the band through the anchor points
The BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Gym delivers a full range of resistance band exercises that can be performed almost anywhere. It is great for those who like to work out at home because it replaces several pieces of equipment that you may not have the space nor budget to house.
If you're a beginner and unsure of where to start with your resistance band portable home gym, Club BodyBoss has you covered.
And for less than $5 a month, you will get an interactive platform that provides you with trainer-led classes. This system isn't for people who need heavy resistance, but if you want to keep your resistance at 30 pounds or less, this is an excellent kit.
What We Love
- Easily portable, weighs 15 pounds when packed away
- Club BodyBoss app provides trainers and on-demand classes
- Carrying case, base, handles, ankle straps, door anchor included
What We Don't Love
- Exercise bands offer less resistance than other options
BUY: BodyBoss 2.0 Full Portable Home Gym Workout Package
Best Resistance Bands for Beginners - Hyperwear Resistance Bands
SPECS
- Material: Latex
- Accessories: Travel storage pouch, exercise guide
- Tension range: Red (15-35 lbs.), black (25-65 lbs.), purple (35-85 lbs.), green (50-120 lbs.)
Resistance bands are an excellent fitness tool for all levels, but especially beginners. Safe and easy to use, the Hyperwear Resistance Bands offer dual tension, allowing you to feel the resistance throughout the entire exercise. This multi-pack comes with four color-coded bands ranging in resistance from 15 to 120 pounds, and a price point under $40, which is lower than many competitor products.
Hyperwear resistance bands are loop bands, which are ideal for bodyweight training, dynamic movements, stretching, yoga moves, and more. Beginners will like the versatility of exercises you can perform to strengthen larger and smaller muscle groups, including areas like the ankle, hips, knees, and glutes. They also work great as an assistive device for moves like squats and pull-ups. Plus, loop bands like Hyperwear Resistance Bands are often used in rehabilitation settings or to improve mobility.
What We Love
- Excellent price for four bands
- Resistance ranges appropriate for beginner to expert fitness levels
- Multi-set ideal for full-body workouts
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
What We Don't Love
- Limited resistance options for higher strength levels
BUY: Hyperwear Resistance Bands
Best Tube Resistance Band - Stroops VITL Kit
SPECS
- Material: Sleeved elastic
- Accessories: Swivel belt, spine strap for the door, 2 foot straps, two textured grip handles, two cloth anchors, five agility dots, carrying bag
- Tension range: Very light (10 lbs.), light (15 lbs.), medium (20 lbs.), heavy (25 lbs.), very heavy (30 lbs.)
Tube resistance bands apply concentrated pressure to parts of the body, whereas loop resistance bands provide pressure evenly throughout the body. This difference makes tube resistance bands easier on the hands while still being effective strength builders.
When it comes to tube resistance bands, we love the Stroops VITL Kit. This all-in-one system comes with a spine strap that anchors it to any door, making it easy to get a full workout from home. It also comes with a variety of attachments to help you target different muscle groups.
We also like that the kit includes five agility dots for dynamic movements. With 20 pounds of resistance, you're able to get a full workout with just one kit. Considering that you can anchor these to a door, use the ankle straps for lower body exercises, and stack the bands for greater resistance, the versatility of this tube band kit really sets it apart from the competition.
What We Love
- Extremely versatile
- Easily portable
- Different attachments for full-body work
What We Don't Love
- High price tag
- Doesn't offer as much resistance as other options
Best Resistance Bands for Glutes - TRX Glute Bands
SPECS
- Material: Cotton fabric
- Accessories: Mesh carry bag
- Tension range: Light, medium, heavy
If you are looking for resistance bands that will help you concentrate on your glutes, look no further than the TRX Glute Bands. The standout feature of these bands is that they are made from a soft fabric. This means that you can focus on firing up your backside without worrying that these bands will rip out hair or bunch up as you move.
The TRX Glute bands come in light, medium, and heavy resistances, and they are each adjustable for a better fit. When you are finished up, neatly pack your bands away in their mesh carrying bag and be on your way.
What We Love
- Made from soft cotton
- Adjustable
- 1-year warranty
What We Don't Love
- These aren't all-purpose bands, meaning they can't be used for certain exercises like pull-ups due to their size. If you want resistance bands for things other than glute activation, you'll need to invest in another set, such as the TRX Strength Bands.
Best Budget Resistance Bands - Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
SPECS
- Material: Natural latex
- Accessories: Travel carry bag
- Tension range: Green (2-4 lbs.), blue (6-8 lbs.), yellow (10-12 lbs.), red (15-20 lbs.), black (25-30 lbs.)
If you're looking for an affordable small-band option, look no further than the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands. Priced under $12 on Amazon for a set of five, these exercise bands present a budget-friendly way to work resistance into your existing Pilates, yoga, or strength training routines. However, if you're just getting started in a workout regimen, Fit Simplify provides you with a guide that gives you a series of different exercises such as glute bridges, squats, banded planks, and more that you receive with purchase.
Not only are these bands color-coded, but they are also marked to denote how much resistance each one provides on a scale from "x-light" to "x-heavy". When you're finished using your resistance band, they pack easily into the included carrying bag. Just keep in mind that these are smaller bands, not the long pull-up bands you might think. But, they can still provide an intense workout for many muscle groups like the glutes, hamstrings, and abdomen.
What We Love
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with an exercise guide
- Color-coding easily denotes resistance level
What We Don't Love
- Not as durable as some of the more expensive options
BUY: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
Best Non-Latex Resistance Bands - TheraBand Professional Non-Latex Resistance Bands Set
SPECS
- Material: Natural rubber
- Accessories: N/A
- Tension range: Yellow (3 lbs.), red (3.7 lbs.), green (4.6 lbs.) blue (5.8 lbs.), black (7.3 lbs.), gray (10.2 lbs.), gold (14.2 lbs.)
If you have latex sensitivity, you'll be met with a lot of resistance by finding a suitable exercise band for your needs. Fortunately, the TheraBand Professional Non-Latex Resistance Bands Set has you covered with its synthetic rubber.
These loop resistance bands are available in a modest 3 to 14.2-pound range of resistance rating, but the bands can be wrapped, looped, and tied off for additional push and pull resistance. The three color-coded bands are five feet long and four inches wide. Personal trainers and physical therapists love these bands for warm-up, rehab, and prehab activities––and we think you will, too!
What We Love
- Suitable for people with allergies to latex
- The latex-free rubber is soft and non-slip
- Easily wrap the bands around your limbs, thanks to a good width
What We Don't Love
- Some rolling and bunching can occur due to their thinness
BUY: TheraBand Professional Non-Latex Resistance Bands Set
Benefits of Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are one of the most simple but multifaceted strength training tools available in the fitness space. Sure, we love dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, and bodyweight exercises to build muscle, but resistance bands have a lot to offer as well. Pull-up assistance and push-up resistance, for example. These bands can be seamlessly incorporated into an ongoing workout routine like butt lifts to strengthen glutes, or you can design custom, full-body resistance band workouts.
Oh, and did we mention that they are lightweight and portable? There are myriad ways to use resistance bands, too. So, whether you're simply standing on your bands or have attached them to a door anchor, you can perform muscle-building rows, raises, presses, and curls that'll sculpt your triceps, biceps, and shoulders.
How to Choose the Best Resistance Bands for You
Materials
Depending on your needs, you may want to buy a resistance band that's more durable, so look for materials like latex versus thermoplastic rubber—especially if you happen to have a phobia of plastic stretching, snapping, and being flung at your face. Even lower-quality plastic bands that haven't yet been subject to much use can suffer environmental degradation from UV rays, so watch out for that as well when it comes to storage.
On the other end, latex bands won't degrade as much and have the ability to stretch well beyond their original length without the risk of a snafu. However, latex bands may also trigger allergies.
Type
There are a few basic types of resistance bands—tube and looped—along with bands that pack unconventional extras such as resistance band bars, supportive foot pads, and interactive programming. The type of resistance band you opt for should be guided by which areas of the body you want to target in your strength training workouts. For instance, for upper-body moves like bicep curls, tube resistance bands with a sturdy ergonomic handle are your best bet. Looped bands, on the other hand, often lend themselves to lower-body training.
Resistance
The amount of resistance matters! Look at the different levels of resistance, measured by the weight of the bands, to ensure you'll get the pushback you need to gain strength. You'll also want to stay challenged over time, so consider a set of bands, or stackable bands, for when it's time to level up.
Best Resistance Bands FAQs
Are fabric or latex resistance bands better?
Fabric bands tend to be stronger than latex bands. They are often used for leg and glute exercises, like squats and lunges, while latex bands are typically used for upper body movements like pull-ups. Consider what you'll be using the bands for when choosing.
What are some ways to use resistance bands?
Resistance bands can be used to add resistance to almost any bodyweight movement. Examples include pull-ups, squats, glute bridges, push-ups, and bicep curls.
What do the colors of resistance bands mean?
Resistance band color typically corresponds to the amount of resistance the band provides. Green and blue bands usually have the lightest resistance, while black and red have the most resistance. Yellow is sometimes used to indicate moderate resistance, though every product is different.