Kettlebells aren’t just a substitute for other free weights, like dumbbells or medicine balls; they also lend themselves well to quick, dynamic exercises that add efficiency and versatility to your home workouts. The best kettlebells have comfortable handles with a solid grip, are highly durable, and come in a variety of weight ranges or have adjustable features.
To find the best kettlebells, we consulted experts, including certified personal trainers and certified kettlebell coaches, to learn which key features they should have. Then, we spent 16 hours testing 16 kettlebells, performing circuits of kettlebell swings, goblet squats, and other exercises. We evaluated each option for its ease of setup, performance, ease of use, grip, portability, durability, and value to find the top options on the market.
Top Picks
Testing the Best Kettlebells for Effectiveness and Versatility
Top Picks
Best Kettlebell Overall
CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight
Secure grip that doesn't slip, even with wet hands
Flat bottom that won't roll
Wide range of weights
Handle may be too thin for some
Key Specs
Weight: 18-53 pounds Materials: Cast iron Sold As: Single Grip: Lightly textured Dimensions: 6.7 x 9.5 x 6.3 inches to 8.5 x 12.1 x 8.3 inches Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for sweaty or sensitive hands—the textured grip won’t slip or shred your palms.
Why We Love It
During testing, CAP Barbell’s Cast Iron Competition Kettlebell emerged as our top choice, excelling in all areas and earning a perfect score. Made from high-quality cast iron, it comes in a wide range of weights and is user-friendly, regardless of your level of weightlifting experience. We also love the shape, which is easy to handle and makes exercises like kettlebell snatches a breeze.
This kettlebell’s powder-coated finish provides a secure grip that didn’t slip, even when we used it with wet hands. Plus, it has a flat bottom that keeps it stable and in place during your workouts. We also noticed that it’s supremely durable and won’t damage your floors, even after an accidental drop.
Potential Flaws
- In testing, we noticed that this kettlebell has a thinner handle than the others we used. It may be too small if you have larger hands.
Most Valuable Insight
“The grip feels so nice. It’s not slippery, even when it gets wet—unlike other kettlebells I’ve used.” —Mike N., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best Budget Kettlebell
Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell Weights
Wide range of weights
Vinyl coating protects your floors
Easy to use with a wide, smooth handle
Coating may chip easily
Key Specs
Weight: 5-50 pounds Materials: Cast iron, vinyl Sold As: Single Grip: Wide, smooth Dimensions: 5.7 x 2 x 5.6 inches to 9.1 x 6.5 x 10 inches Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for beginner to intermediate weightlifters on a budget who need a heavy weight for at-home workouts.
Why We Love It
Not in the market to invest in a pricey set? Try a budget-friendly option instead: Yes4All’s Vinyl Coated Kettlebell is our top pick because it’s available in weights ranging from five to 50 pounds and passed our tests with flying colors, earning a perfect score.
During testing, we found this kettlebell to be very easy to use, thanks to its wide, smooth handle that provides a secure grip even with wet hands. Made from cast iron and encased in bright blue vinyl to protect your floors, it has a flat bottom for push-ups and renegade rows. Pair it with a well-cushioned exercise mat for an easy home gym setup that can work your entire body.
Potential Flaws
- Some users have noticed that the vinyl coating can chip or scuff easily over time, but we didn’t notice any wear or tear during testing.
Most Valuable Insight
“I like the handle because it's very easy to grip, even with wet hands. There honestly isn't anything I would change about this kettlebell.” —Isabella B., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best Adjustable Kettlebell
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
Compact and space-saving
User-friendly dial allows for quick resistance changes
Includes two-month free trial
Pricier than other options
Handle may feel slippery when wet
Key Specs
Weight: 8-40 pounds Materials: Metal, plastic Sold As: Single Grip: Smooth, wide Dimensions: 8.8 x 7 x 12.5 inches Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for weightlifters who want a kettlebell that can grow with them as their workout routine and skill level change.
Why We Love It
If you're seeking a space-saving solution with versatile settings, we recommend Bowflex’s SelectTech 840 Kettlebell. This kettlebell can be adjusted in weight increments of 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, or 40 pounds, making it a solid option for most weightlifters who want variety in their workouts.
We found that the kettlebell’s user-friendly dial makes it easy to switch resistance levels quickly between sets. Although this kettlebell is larger than other options on our list and has an unconventional shape, we found it to be effective in moving through a circuit of exercises efficiently. Even better, your purchase includes a two-month free trial of Bowflex’s JRNY All-Access Membership so that you can watch trainer-led workouts right from your phone.
Potential Flaws
- Space-saving doesn’t always equate to cost-saving—this kettlebell is pricier than most of our other top picks. However, we think its superior quality and adjustability features make it well worth it.
- Although the handle is wide and comfortable to hold, its lack of texture means it can feel slippery when your hands are wet.
Most Valuable Insight
“This is the best adjustable kettlebell I've ever used. It's not bulky, but still offers users a ton of different weights.” —Isabella B., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best Kettlebell for Beginners
Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebells
Rubber base protects your floors and limits noise
Budget-friendly
Color-coded by weight
Base may separate easily
Key Specs
Weight: 5-50 pounds Materials: Cast iron, vinyl, rubber Sold As: Single Grip: Comfortable, textured Dimensions: Starting at 5.75 x 2.72 x 5.57 inches Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for anyone new to strength training, especially if you’re on a budget.
Why We Love It
Yes4All’s Vinyl Coated Kettlebell with Rubber Base is by far our favorite pick for beginners. We like that it’s crafted from cast iron and coated in a layer of vinyl to prevent corrosion while protecting your floors. Plus, these budget-friendly weights are color-coded, so if you want to build your own set, you can easily find the one you need during a workout.
During our test, we noticed that the kettlebell’s wide, textured handle had great grip and was comfortable to hold. Unlike many other options on our list, this one has an attached rubber base to limit noise and protect your floors. Simple and effective, with a great grip, this kettlebell is ideal for anyone with limited weight-training experience.
Potential Flaws
- Some users have found that the rubber base tends to pop off. However, we didn’t notice any quality issues during testing.
Most Valuable Insight
“This is a great kettlebell for home or gym use. It's light enough to be used for a variety of exercises, and the grip remains strong with (and without) sweaty hands.” —Lily M., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best Portable Kettlebell
Kettle Gryp Adjustable Kettlebell
Versatile and easy to set up
Lightweight
Budget-friendly
Only compatible with some weights
Handle may feel slippery
Key Specs
Weight: 0.9 pounds Materials: Plastic, foam Sold As: Single Grip: Smooth, flat Dimensions: 10.5 x 8 x 2.75 inches Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Best for anyone who already owns high-quality dumbbells and wants to try kettlebell training before buying a new weight.
Why We Love It
Kettle Gryp's The Original offers a unique approach to kettlebell workouts—it’s a handle that transforms most dumbbells into a kettlebell. Crafted from impact-resistant plastic and weighing just one pound, its lightweight design makes it portable and convenient for on-the-go workouts.
We liked how easy it was to set up and use. We found we could complete a circuit workout with the same efficiency as a traditional kettlebell. It feels smooth and sturdy to hold and can even be attached to an adjustable dumbbell for more versatility. If you already own a dumbbell set, this offers a budget-friendly way to expand your home workouts without investing in more large, heavy weights.
Potential Flaws
- This only works with dumbbells that have a 1.5-inch thick handle or smaller.
- We noticed that the handle can feel slippery when our hands are wet.
Most Valuable Insight
“This is the perfect solution for a home gym owner to expand without investing in a large set of kettlebells. You can simply attach your set of dumbbells to the Gryp to create a dynamic kettlebell with variable weights.” —Eliza S., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best Kettlebell Set
BalanceFrom Wide Grip 3-Piece Kettlebell Set
Budget-friendly
Comfortable to hold
Weights are clearly marked with large, bright numbers
Stickers may peel off over time
Harder to store
Key Specs
Weight: 5-20 pounds Materials: Vinyl, cement Sold As: Set Grip: Wide, slightly textured Dimensions: 5 x 8.5 inches to 7 x 11 inches Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who It’s For
Best for beginners looking to add a variety of kettlebells to their home gym.
Why We Love It
For those looking to expand their kettlebell collection without breaking the bank, we recommend BalanceFrom’s Wide Grip Kettlebell Weight Set. This budget-friendly set includes three kettlebells weighing 5, 10, and 15 pounds, making it an ideal purchase for beginners.
Constructed from cement, these kettlebells feature a smooth vinyl coating to reduce noise and protect your floors. We liked how comfortable the wide, slightly textured handle felt and how versatile each weight was for full-body workouts. Plus, they’re clearly marked with large, bright numbers, so you can grab the weight you need at a glance.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed that the weight stickers on each kettlebell are prone to peeling off.
- Since this is a set, it’s harder to store than other options on our list—you’ll need more space in your home gym.
Most Valuable Insight
“I like that you can choose between three different weights, which is great for transitioning from upper to lower body workouts.” —Isabella B., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best Soft Shell Kettlebell
CAP Barbell Soft Kettlebell
Budget-friendly
Wide, comfortable grip
Easy to use and store
Limited weight range
Nontraditional shape may take time to get used to
Key Specs
Weight: 5-20 pounds Materials: Neoprene, iron Sold As: Single Grip: Soft, smooth, wide Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 12 inches Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for beginners who want a cost-effective, floor-friendly kettlebell.
Why We Love It
If heavy traditional kettlebells seem daunting, CAP Barbell’s Soft Kettlebell provides an excellent starting point. Crafted with soft neoprene and filled with iron sand, it's ideal for beginners or anyone concerned about damaging their floors. Even though it’s not as rigid as other kettlebells on our list, we were pleased to find that it didn’t lose its shape during testing.
During our test, this budget-friendly kettlebell proved exceptionally user-friendly. Its wide, soft handle has a comfortable grip and performs well during different exercises. And storing it is a breeze, thanks to its unique design—you can easily lay it flat underneath a bed or on a shelf between workouts.
Potential Flaws
- We wish this kettlebell came in heavier weights for intermediate and advanced weightlifters.
- You may need time to get used to the flat, rectangular shape, especially if you’re used to lifting round kettlebells.
Most Valuable Insight
“I would recommend this kettlebell to a beginner friend or family member who doesn't have much experience with kettlebells yet. The material of this kettlebell is more approachable than other classic materials, like steel.” —Isabella B., Verywell Fit product tester
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Credit: Verywell Fit
Kettlebells We Also Tested
We tested 16 kettlebells, but only seven impressed us enough to earn a spot on our list of favorites. Although these kettlebells have some great features, they ultimately fell short.
- Kamagon’s Water Filled Adjustable Weight Kettlebell has a unique design—since it fills up with water, we like that you can easily adjust how heavy it is. However, we noticed that when the water shifts around inside during dynamic movements, it can be difficult to stay stable.
- Bionic Body’s Soft Kettlebell may be safer and more comfortable for some beginners to use, thanks to its squishy exterior. But we’re concerned that it may not be very durable over time.
What to Look for When Shopping for Kettlebells
- Weight: Finding a weight that challenges you while allowing you to maintain proper form and prevent injuries is vital. If you’re a beginner, consider starting with a lighter kettlebell or choosing an adjustable option that can grow with you as you build strength.
- Materials: Cast iron kettlebells are tough and budget-friendly, making them popular for home gyms. Steel kettlebells offer superior durability and have a smoother finish that can feel more comfortable to hold during workouts. Some kettlebells have vinyl or rubber coatings to protect floors and reduce noise—but according to our experts, these may chip or have poor grip. Our experts also recommend shopping for adjustable kettlebells carefully, as most are made with plastic parts that can crack over time.
- Handle: Check the shape, size, and texture of the kettlebell’s grip. Personal trainer and kettlebell coach Matt Spear, NASM-CPT, recommends avoiding kettlebells with overly short or thick handles—you should have enough room to fit at least one and a half hands on the handle comfortably.
- Workout Style: Choose kettlebells that best suit your workout style and fitness goals. If you prefer higher-intensity workouts, opt for a kettlebell that can stand up well to sweaty hands, while still maintaining a solid grip. If you're planning on building strength, look for convenient adjustable kettlebell options or kettlebell sets.
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How We Tested the Kettlebells
We rigorously tested 16 kettlebells from top brands to find the best options on the market. We spent 16 hours running through different exercises to get a feel for how each weight feels and performs. We do the circuit once with dry hands and once with wet hands to simulate sweat. For adjustable kettlebells, we complete a third circuit on a different setting to assess how well their features perform. When testing kettlebells, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.
- Ease of Setup: When we unbox each kettlebell, we assess how easy it is to set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. How long does it take? Do we need to ask a friend for help?
- Performance: We weigh each kettlebell to make sure its construction matches the manufacturer’s specifications. As we perform each exercise, we consider whether the kettlebell’s design allows us to use proper form and minimize our risk of injury. For adjustable kettlebells, is it easy to switch between settings?
- Ease of Use: During the test, we consider how easy each kettlebell is to use, including how the handle and grips are positioned in our hands, even with a silicone ring on. Is the weight user-friendly and comfortable to hold? Or are there any design changes we would make for a better experience?
- Grip: While we work out, we pay attention to how the kettlebell’s grip feels in our hands. Does the grip change after we spray our hands with water? Do we notice any slipping or twisting?
- Portability: The best kettlebell needs to be compact and portable. How large is the kettlebell, and is it easy to move and store?
- Durability: We evaluate the kettlebell’s durability by dropping it from waist height onto gym flooring and concrete slabs. Do we notice any damage to the weight or the floor, or are both still in perfect condition?
- Value: To give each kettlebell a value score, we don’t check its price until the end of the test, after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Based on the weight’s performance, do we think it’s priced fairly? Or would we only buy it if it went on sale? We also consider whether we’d recommend the kettlebell to a friend or family member.
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Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some, like Spear, helped us understand which features to look for while shopping for kettlebells. Others, like strength and conditioning specialist Emma Schmid, NSCA-CSCS, taught us how to incorporate kettlebells into an at-home weight training routine safely. We choose products independently, but expert input influences our decisions.
- Matt Spear, NASM-CPT, personal trainer, NESTA-certified kettlebell coach, and fitness program manager for Exos in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Emma Schmid, NSCA-CSCS, certified strength and conditioning specialist, performance coach, and founder of Strive Strength Lab
- Chris Powell, CPT, certified personal trainer and Kettlebell Specialist at Onnit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you build muscle with kettlebells?
Yes, you can build muscle with kettlebells. Kettlebells are effective because they engage multiple muscle groups during your workouts, which makes them great for functional strength training. When it comes to at-home workouts, kettlebells allow you to exercise more with less equipment.
What’s the best kettlebell exercise?
It depends on your personal preference. We recommend mixing up your workouts with a variety of kettlebell exercises, like squats, rows, swings, and presses, for a challenging and effective full-body workout.
What’s the best kettlebell for a beginner?
Beginners should look for a kettlebell that weighs between 18 and 35 pounds—heavy enough to provide a challenge, but not so heavy that you can’t perform the proper technique. Yes4All’s Vinyl Coated Kettlebell with Rubber Base earned a perfect score as our top pick for beginners, thanks to its comfortable, textured handle, color-coded design, and budget-friendly price.
How heavy should a kettlebell be to start with?
It depends on your fitness level, strength, and which exercises you do most often. Beginners should aim for a kettlebell between 18 and 35 pounds, while more experienced weightlifters may opt for a heavier weight, up to 70 pounds.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Jarrod Nobbe, NSCA-CSCS, is a writer for Verywell Fit with over a decade of experience in the fitness and performance space. As a certified strength and conditioning specialist, he relies on only the highest quality equipment, whether he’s coaching professional athletes, Olympic weightlifters, or personal training clients. For this article, Jarrod immersed himself in kettlebell training over the last month and also used the test results to identify top options.
