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Small home gyms can start to feel boring pretty quickly, especially if your space limitations mean you can’t add new equipment. If you don't have space for a larger piece of gym equipment like an exercise bike or treadmill, chances are your home workout routine is getting a little stale. I mean, there are only so many bodyweight workouts you can do ... right?
But a lack of space doesn’t mean you can’t spice up your routine. Kettlebells are versatile pieces of equipment that can be used for strength training, balance, and even cardio. We chatted with exercise specialist Kymberly Nolden to learn all about working out with them. “Kettlebells can be a fun addition to any weight lifting program,” she says. “You can do anything from kettlebell-specific moves like swings, cleans, and complexes to simply using them in place of a traditional dumbbell.”
For cardio, Nolden recommends the kettlebell swing. “It’s a whole new challenge for your body to adjust to, rather than simply doing strength exercises, and then hopping on a treadmill to do cardio separately,” she says. And even if you don’t have the space for a lineup of kettlebells in various sizes, you can find great sets of adjustable kettlebells that take up minimal space and offer maximum versatility. We have the best kettlebells for every home gym and every set of goals.
The Best Kettlebell Weights
Best Overall
Everyday Essentials All-Purpose Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell
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Best Value
Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell
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What to Consider
Overall, Nolden says that kettlebells are a safe and effective way to switch up your at-home workout since they target many different fitness goals. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind before you make your purchase:
- Fitness Level and Weightlifting Experience: Beginners with little to no weightlifting experience should start with lighter kettlebells (anywhere from 5 to 18 pounds for women and around 30 pounds for men). This is essential to avoid injury and learn about lifting. Then, you can slowly build up as you get stronger and more comfortable with the motions. Your ideal start weight is the weight at which you can do five reps comfortably. Once you can easily do 20 reps, you can move up to more advanced, i.e. heavier, weights. According to Kettlebell Kings, a good range of kettlebell weight levels for men is around 18 to 53 pounds. For women, it's typically within 13 to 35 pounds.
- Exercise Type: Kettlebell workouts typically fall under two categories — ballistic (or explosive) and grind. Ballistic exercises involve lots of jumps and throws (like the Nolden-recommended kettlebell swings). For these types of movements, a lighter weight can offer you more control and stability. Grind exercises are more stationary strength-building exercises like deadlifts and presses. These workouts fare better with heavier, aka more stable, kettlebells. Of course, you should always start lower and move up to avoid injury.
- Handles: The majority of kettlebells fall under two categories of handle design — competition and cast iron. Competition kettlebells are more advanced and have square handles that fit only one hand. This means your grip doesn't slide around during use, but it can also limit the kind of exercises you do, as many kettlebell workouts use two hands. Cast-iron kettlebells have a wider handle that can fit two hands and are ideal for most people's needs.
- Design Extras: The main design details to look out for are handle thickness or width. If you can’t wrap your fingers around the handle, you’ll put extra strain on your forearms later on during a workout — and the bell’s base. For most people, grip strength can exhaust quickly so if you’re struggling to hold the kettlebell from the start, you may end up ending your workout earlier than you expected simply because you can no longer get a firm grip on the weight. The best kettlebell has a natural flat-base bottom to keep it from sliding around the floor, but it also doesn’t come with feet or stoppers that dig uncomfortably into your arms. A nonslip finish on the handles is also practical if you have a sweaty grip. Everything else — like overall grip feel and smoothness of the coating — is a matter of preference.
Need some inspo? Worry not: There are accessories like workout guides and even kettlebell exercise cards to help get you started on the right track. Or, you can consult the expert opinion of a personal trainer in person or online. Get your swing on now and shop the best kettlebells — from soft picks to adjustable options to traditional bells.
If you need more great ways to boost your fitness routine, check out our roundups on workout mirrors, weightlifting gloves, and balance boards.
How We Selected
To find the best kettlebells for this list, we consulted consumer ratings and reviews and conducted product testing. We assessed the weight’s design, how comfortable it is in your hand, any additional features, materials, and durability. As a result, we’ve found the best kettlebells for every kind of athlete.
Pros
Comes with 10 weight options
Built to last
Corrosion-resistant
Cons
There are a few rough spots in the coating
This kettlebell is built for a lifetime of use, and the flat bottom is convenient because it won’t roll and makes it easy to store. This simple kettlebell will do everything you need it to do: It’s made from solid cast iron and comes with a no-slip grip.
Choose from 5 pounds all the way up to 50 pounds. The wide, textured grip is suitable for hands both large and small. More than 85% of reviewers give this kettlebell 5 out of 5 stars, saying it’s “just as pictured” and is “an excellent product.”
More: 7 Best Dumbbell Sets That Let You Weight-Train Safely and Super Effectively
Key Specs
Dimensions | 11.7 x 8 x 4.5 inches |
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Material and Coating | Cast iron, painted surface |
Weight | 15 lbs. |
Pros
Nine weight options
Great value
Wide and smooth textured handle
Cons
Weights might be slightly off
If you’re on the quest for great value, Yes4All’s kettlebell weights nail it. At less than $15 a kettlebell ranging from 5 to 50 pounds, they’re a solid pick for those wanting a practical starter kettlebell without the bells and whistles, but with a bit of something extra.
This kettlebell is flat-bottomed for more stability while doing pushups and other floor exercises. The vinyl coating over the cast iron provides protection for your surfaces.
More than 85% of reviewers on Amazon give this 5 out of 5 stars, calling it “great,” “easy to use,” with support on the handle which means there’s “less strain on hands.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 8 x 7 x 4 inches |
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Material and Coating | Cast iron, base is coated in vinyl |
Weight | 5 lbs. |
If you want to grab one kettlebell for the entire family — or flexibility for the type of workout you’re doing — this one-and-done buy will cover all your bases.
Though pricier, this adjustable kettlebell offers an extensive weight range (8 to 40 pounds) in quite the compact package. Plus, you’ll get access to 24 trainer-led videos through the JRNY application with every purchase.
Its 4.8-star rating on Amazon has its users raving about its space-saving design, adjustability, and convenience, with one even claiming that it’s “the best fitness product I’ve ever purchased.” More than 86% of reviewers on Amazon give this kettlebell 5 out of 5 stars.
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Pros
Easy to use
Versatile
Good hand and skin feel
Cons
Can be tight on some dumbbells
Those without plated weights at home can still create their own kettlebells with this handy weight grip: Just hinge open the orange handle, insert your dumbbell, clamp the handle shut, and get to work!
Easy and super secure, it can handle up to 55 pounds and get you more mileage out of those dumbbells you have lying around. This handle is durable and comfortable for hands of all sizes. Reviewers love the “functionality” of this product, and say it “works just as advertised.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 10.9 x 8 x 2.8 inches |
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Material and Coating | ABS plastic |
Weight | 0.9 lbs. |
Maximum Dumbbell Weight | 55 lbs. |
Pros
Made in the USA
Fun to use
Cons
Can be challenging to drain
This is not your typical adjustable weight. Adjust the weight of this kettlebell simply by adding water — when full, it's roughly 25 pounds. Our favorite part is that after completing your workout, you can dump out the water and start afresh at a different weight.
It's made of leakproof vinyl, so it won't hurt or chafe against your arms in its traditional rack position. When empty, the product weighs only 5 pounds. More than 81% of reviewers on Amazon give this 5 out of 5 stars, calling it “versatile” and “addictive.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 12.3 x 12.3 x 12 inches |
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Material and Coating | Plastic |
Weight | Up to 25 lbs. |
Pros
Set of two
Can use as ankle or wrist weights
Flexible material
Cons
Not for advanced workout pros
If a plain old kettlebell feels like too much of a one-trick wonder, take a gander at the Merrithew set. These versatile weights can either be used as kettlebells, or you can wrap them around your ankles or wrists for some additional exercise.
Plus, this set also comes with a workout guide. The cushioned support is easier on hands and wrists than classic kettlebells. Reviewers say these kettlebells are “great for beginners,” “well made,” and “great to use.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 7 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches |
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Material and Coating | Iron filling, soft flexible exterior |
Weight | 10 lbs. |
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Pros
Three weight options
Rust-resistant
Ergonomic handle
Cons
On the pricier side
These kettlebells are made of durable vinyl and filled with cement, so rust isn’t an issue. And because there are three kettlebells to choose from, the set is quite versatile. No matter your fitness level, this kettlebell set will work for you.
The 5-pounder is perfect for arm exercises, while the 15-pounder works wonders for legs. We like the nice, wide handle, too — it makes it easy to maneuver the weights through each exercise. Reviewers say these are “great for beginners” and quite “durable.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 5 x 8.5; 6.5 x 9.5; 7 x 11 inches |
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Material and Coating | Cement, vinyl coating |
Weight | 5, 10, and 15 lbs. |
Pros
Built to last
Versatile
Space-saver
Cons
Grip diameter is small
If you have a ton of weights on hand but need to switch up your routine, this kettlebell is a great option. Utilize the weights you already have with this kettlebell handle.
It works with any 1-inch weight plate and can fit up to 6.25 inches of weights. The bar’s threaded design helps keep your weights secure during any movement. Reviewers say this kettlebell offers “great bang for the buck” and say it’s “built like a tank.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 6.3 x 1 inches |
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Material and Coating | Stainless steel |
Weight | 6 lbs. |
This solid kettlebell offers great bang for the buck. The wide textured grip is gently curved for a secure grip. The large handle is great for hands of all sizes, and the serious weight (35 pounds) makes it a great option for serious weightlifters.
The reasonable price makes it an even better buy, especially considering its durability and long lifespan. More than 87% of reviewers on Amazon give this kettlebell 5 out of 5 stars.
Users say it’s “solid,” “well worth the price,” and an incredible “starter kettlebell.”
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Pros
Flat bottoms
Nice colors
Good weight range
Cons
Rough seam inside the handles can chafe
If you want a set of kettlebells that you can keep out all the time, check out this eye candy. This trio is filled with cement and covered in vinyl, so it’s completely rustproof. These versatile kettlebells have a generous and wide-open handle, which means it’s suitable for all hand sizes.
The flat bottom means it won’t roll. More than 84% of reviewers on Amazon give this 5 out of 5 stars, with reporters praising how “easy” they are to use, how they’re “great for beginners,” and the “cheerful colors” you need to get you through “those hard routines.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 12 x 11 x 11 inches |
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Material and Coating | Cement, vinyl |
Weight | 5, 10, 15 lbs. |
Pros
Flat bottoms
Comfortable handle
Soft sides and bottom
Cons
Only 3 sizes
These attractive kettlebells come in 5-, 8-, and 10-pound sizes and are designed for optimal comfort during your workout. They have a soft, squishy handle that won’t cause blisters or irritate your palms. The ball can be deflated and re-inflated for transport, and the soft rubberized sides and bottom won’t damage floors, furniture, or walls.
Customers love how comfortable, yet durable this product is. One reviewer writes, “The Calia Soft Kettlebell is perfect for home workouts. It’s made rugged but with a softer, more bouncy exterior in case of drops or accidents. The handle also is nice and tough so no worries about it breaking there.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 10.5 x 7 x 7 inches |
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Material and Coating | PVC and sand |
Weight | 5, 8, 10 lbs. |
Pros
Color-coded sizes
Non-slip handle
Cons
Pricier
Tru Grit kettlebells are of the quality and durability you’d find at a professional gym. They’re a great option for fully-outfitted home gyms. Smart color coding on the handles indicate weight sizes, so you can easily tell which weight to grab mid-workout. The kettlebells have a flat, no-roll base and smooth easy-grip handles.
These kettlebells have a strong 4.5 star rating. Many reviewers note the durability and similarities to the kettlebells at the gym. One writes, “I love the quality and sturdiness of this workout equipment it’s great for my at-home gym.” Note that some users have found that the handle size varies between weights.
Key Specs
Package Dimensions | 8.07 x 7.44 x 4.65 inches |
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Material and Coating | Rubber |
Weight | 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 lbs. |