Anyone with a home gym (or without!) can benefit from resistance bands. Home gyms can be a great asset. You can add them to bodyweight exercises such as squats and push-ups for a bit of spice, or to help with other things like pulling up.
This roundup of the best resistance bands includes our favourites for budget, glutes, beginners, and much more. We are committed to providing you with our honest opinion so that you can spend your money on items you will use.
We narrowed our list after testing and researching more than 20 options.
- Durability: Can we trust these not to snap and become the next viral video sensation?
- Smell: Do they emit that rubbery smell?
- Portability: Can they be packed in a small bag for travel?
- Resistance: How much resistance can they provide?
- Optionality: Can these be used to do a pull-up, a kickback or a biceps curl?
We have everything you need for a home gym. Resistance bands are not an exception. We test every piece of fitness gear using standardized, specialized testing methods.
Our team tested each resistance band by looking at factors such as overall tension, the material used, price, optionality, and value. We were able to determine if an item was recommended or not by comparing the overall tension, material, price, optionality and value.
The Best Resistance Bands
- The Best Pull-Up Resistant Bands: Rogue Monster Bands
- Titan Fitness Loop Resistance bands: The Best Resistance Bands to Strengthen Glutes
- Iron Bull Mini Bands: Best Mini-Loop Resistance Bands
- The Best Resistance Bands For Physical Therapy: Shoulder Crossover Symmetry System
- Rogue Tube Bands: Complete Package: Best Resistance Bands With Handles
- Iron Bull Strength Fabric Hip Resistant Bands
- Best non-latex resistance bands: Fringe Sport latex-free strength bands
- Gritin bands: Best resistance bands for beginners
- Best Premium Resistance Bands: Gorilla Bow
- Eilison Resistance Band: Best Resistance Bands For Short People
The Best Resistance Bands for Physical Therapy:
Crossover SYMMETRY Shoulder System
The Crossover Symmetry System for Shoulders is essential if you are experiencing shoulder pain due to overuse or an injury. It can also be used if you’ve been doing too many overhead press-ups. This set includes a large library of resistance bands workouts that will strengthen your shoulders without adding unnecessary strain.
The bands have a tension of between 3-40 pounds. They are meant to help with recovery and rehabilitation. These bands are expensive (close to 200 dollars) for something that you will likely only use when your shoulders hurt.
Anthony O’Reilly, GGR Staff writer, said that he liked the fact that you can customize different shoulder exercises depending on how bad they are. It gives him the feeling of working with a real physical therapist, who customizes recovery based on his shoulder’s condition.
The Best Resistance Bands For Glutes:
Titan Fitness Loop Resistance bands
Titan Fitness Loop Resistance Bands are perfect for strengthening your glutes. You will be sore for several days. The Titan Fitness Loop Resistance Bands come in eight-packs with four different levels of resistance for less than $50. These loop resistance bands are very strong and durable.
Titan Fitness also offers a warranty of one year on these resistance bands. There aren’t many brands that offer a warranty on resistance bands. These loop resistance bands are great for strengthening glutes and the lower body. However, they only allow you to do a few exercises.
The Best Pull-up Resistance Bands:
Rogue Monster Bands
The Rogue monster bands Pull-Up package is the perfect tool for those looking to master pull-ups and do multiple reps. The Pull-Up Package is available for $80 and comes with three resistance bands. These are a black (100 pounds), a green (65lbs), and a purple (140lbs). Other bands with resistances as low as 15 pounds and as high at 200 pounds can be purchased separately. There is a band for everyone.
This pull-up kit is a great tool to use when you want to do a lot of pull-ups, or build strength so that you can pull up without a resistance band. The Rogue Monster Bands (made of latex rubber) are well-constructed and durable resistance bands. I felt confident that they would hold me as I did pull-ups.
The Best Mini-loop Resistance Bands
Iron Bull Mini Bands
Iron Bull Strength is the best option for those looking for mini-loop bands. This affordable option includes six bands ranging in weight from extra-light up to extra-extra heavy.
These bands are not only useful for warming up, but also when working on accessories. These are thinner and won’t likely last very long, especially if you use them daily. Since they are so cheap, it’s not the end of the world if you only get a couple years out of this set.
The bags are also portable, so that you can work your glutes or lower body wherever you go.
The Best Hip Resistance bands
Iron Bull Strength Hip Resistant Bands
Iron Bull Strength Hip Resistance Bands are the best way to train your hips. The fabric bands are available in three sizes and can be purchased individually or in a three-pack. They are used to activate the hip muscles prior to lower body workouts like squats and leg presses.
Iron Bull’s hip resistance band stays in place, unlike other bands which tend to slip off when used. This is thanks to their non-slip interior. Fabric material is rated 5 out of 5. Other bands may cause allergic reactions to some people.
The Best Overall Resistance Bands:
Living.Fit Resistance Bands
Under $70 gets you six resistance bands ranging from 10 pounds to 200 pounds, plus a door anchor that allows you to do more with the bands. The Living.Fit Resistance Bands are an affordable option for anyone who wants a complete set of bands without paying a lot.
These aren’t necessarily the most inexpensive resistance bands, but they are the best option for those who want heavy weights. We found no other budget-friendly set that offers up to 200 lbs of resistance. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee and superior construction.
The Best Resistance Bands with Handles:
Rogue Tube Bands (Complete Package)
The Rogue Tube Resistance Bands, like all products made by Rogue, are built to last. All the handles are individually wrapped and I understood why very quickly. The handles on these tube resistance bands are some of the most comfortable I’ve ever seen. The handle is long and has a nice texture. It is also long enough to allow larger hands to easily grasp it.
I wish that the resistance of the bands was printed directly on the equipment. I can’t remember how much tension is in each band, especially since the package has six options. I also have the mental capacity of a squirrel. Even after consulting the website it still only gives general estimates and describes the different tension options as “very light” to “super heavy”. Not very helpful, in my opinion. People, I want real numbers!
These are not as portable as smaller loop bands, but they can still be taken on vacation and in suitcases. Beware if you are annoyed by squeaking sounds. These squeak every time you use it. Although it doesn’t bother me much now, I can imagine that this will get old with time. The sound I hear is probably the metal circles rubbing up against the band. But, regardless, the screaming for WD-40 is loud.
The Best Non-Latex Resistance Bands.
Fringe Sport Latex Free Strength Bands
Are you struggling to find an option for a resistance band that is latex-free? Do not worry! Fringe Sport Latex Free Strength Bands will save you! These are great if you are allergic to latex. There are many different sizes and levels of resistance to choose from. You can order the bands individually or buy a whole set. The set costs $190 and includes six bands.
These are great because they’re so versatile. The thicker bands are perfect for assisted pull-ups, while the thinner ones work well for beginners to learn basic strength movements. These bands are slightly weaker than Rogue’s comparable latex versions.
It would be nice to see the tension measured in pounds on the bands themselves. Fringe decided to put “latex free” on half of the bands instead, which isn’t the worst thing for people with latex allergies. It’s difficult to tell how much resistance is being used.
The Best Resistance Bands For Beginners:
Gritin Bands
Gritin Resistance bands are a great option for beginners who want to build strength without going overboard. You can get five resistance bands that range in tension from light up to xx-heavy for less than $15. Even the xx heavy feels too light for me. I have been strength training now for 10 years. This is an easy way for beginners to try out resistance bands.
They are thin and lightweight, making them a very portable piece of equipment. They will last less than a band made of a thicker fabric or with a higher tension, however, because they are thin. Gritin bands also have a strong latex scent. If you are allergic to this particular scent or dislike it, you should avoid them.
The Best Premium Resistance Bands:
Gorilla Bow
The Gorilla bow is a unique way to train with resistance bands. You’ll receive a 30-day free trial of the Gorilla App, which is interactive programming for this device. A monthly membership costs $14.99 after the 30-day trial period. You can choose from a wide range of fitness classes that are available on demand. It’s a great option for anyone who likes interactive programming.
The Best For Short People:
Eilison Resistance Band Kit
The Eilison resistance bands will quickly become a favorite for all my friends who are short. The frustration of having to choke on too-long resistance bands is over. These aren’t designed specifically for short people, but they’re best used by those shorter than 5’9″. I am 5’9″, and these would not allow me to do any overhead movements.
The nylon sleeves eliminate the rubbery smell that you might be used to from most resistance bands. It does not stretch as far as a latex-only resistance band. The bands are available in a range of 10-60 pounds and come with bright, primary-colored nylon. These bands can be stacked if you don’t need 60 lbs.
This kit comes with a storage bag as standard. It is a very welcome addition. This set is portable and convenient to take on trips of all kinds. The price is also very reasonable at less than $50 for six resistance bands.
What to Look for in Resistance Bands
It can be difficult to choose the right resistance band for your home gym. You can choose between the loop band or the tube with handles. What about latex or not? What should you look for when buying resistance bands?
Price
How much is this thing? You may not be too concerned if you are a high-roller. Resistance bands only come in a limited number of colors. If you have a very tight budget then be realistic. You might think that the $15 set of bands on Amazon is a great deal for a whole year. But you’ll pay more for it in the long run. The cheaper the resistance bands are, the thinner they tend to be and the lower their durability.
Material
You may have an allergy or a personal preference. Most resistance bands contain some form of latex. There are also latex-free alternatives for those who have an allergy to latex or want to avoid it.
Resistance
Resistance bands, like dumbbells and kettlebells , have their own tension (or weight). Match your strength with the tension of your bands.
The Uses of Band Styles
You can choose from a wide range of resistance bands, some of which are better suited to a specific type of exercise. Here’s a quick overview of the various options:
Pull-Up bands
The pull-up band is a resistance band that was specifically designed to assist people in learning how to do pull-ups, or to add more challenge to a bodyweight exercise routine.
Loop Bands
The loop bands can be either small or large. The smaller ones are used for leg and shoulders workouts while the larger ones mimic dumbbell and barbell movements such as presses, squats and more.
Tube Bands
The tube bands are also made from rubber latex but they are hollow, and have handles at either end. Due to their handles, these are more suitable for beginners. They also allow for easier placement of the hands. However, they are not ideal for strong lifters looking for maximum resistance.
Tube bands are typically reserved for mobility or light rehabilitation exercises.
Resistance bands have many benefits
Resistance bands are a great way to add variety to your home gym. Consider adding one or more of these resistance bands to your exercise routine.
Price
Resistance bands are more affordable than dumbbells, kettlebells and other free weights.
Safety
Resistance bands are not 100 percent safe. They’re less dangerous than dropping a 50-pound weight on your body. And they’re better for people recovering from muscle injuries compared to a heavy Barbell or free weights.
The portability of the device
Packing a few resistance band in a suitcase or backpack is much easier than packing any other weight.
Versatility
Useful for pulling, pushing and other movements.
What We Found When We Tested the Best Resistance Bands
GGR’s team tested the most popular bands available on the market. We tried a lot of bands and rated them based on factors like durability, value for money, price, and use. Our team wanted to test each band over time in different settings and workouts.
