Looking to add one of the best kettlebells to your workout? Here, we take a look at the most popular and best rated kettlebells of this year.
Experts suggest that kettlebells can enhance your regimen in a number of ways. That’s because, unlike your morning run, kettlebell training is an effective form of cardio and whole-body strength training! Talk about killing two birds with one stone — er, bell. They’re also extremely convenient and relatively affordable compared to other exercise equipment.
To help you figure out the best option for your home gym, we’re created this list of the best kettlebells on the market. While our favorite is the CAP Barbell due to its overall quality and range of weights, each excels in its own way. Join us as we check ’em out.
Our Top Picks: Best Kettlebells
In a hurry? Here are our top picks:
- Best Overall: CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell. With a wide range of weight options, a durable cast iron core, and a handsome enamel finish, the CAP Barbell Kettlebell is as good as it gets.
- Best Budget: Best Choice HDPE Kettlebells. These budget Kettlebells come as a set of three — 5, 10, and 15 pounds — and cost under $60.
- Best for Beginners: SPRI Vinyl Kettlebell Weights. SPRI’s kettlebells range in weight from 5 to 45 pounds and feature a color-coordinated vinyl finish.
- Best for Pros: Ader Pro-Grade International Kettlebell. If you’re a dedicated athlete or pro lifter, you’ve gotta snag a set of Ader International Kettlebells. Choose from 17 pounds up to 70!
- Best Adjustable: Apex Adjustable Kettlebell. This is the only set of kettlebells that gets heavier as you get stronger! Start at 20 pounds and add plates until you reach a whopping 50 pounds.
- Best Soft: Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell. The Bionic Body Kettlebells are completely covered in vinyl, providing maximum safety for your body and surroundings.
- Best Home Gym: Marcy Hammertone Kettle Bells. Marcy’s known for creating premium home workout equipment, and these stylish Hammertone Kettle Bells are no exception.
- Honorable Mention: Kettle Gryp. Attach the Kettle Gryp to your traditional dumbbells and transform your existing weights into durable kettlebells!
1. CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell
The best kettlebell overall
Manufacturer: CAP Barbell | Weight Range: 10 – 80 Pounds | Interior: Cast Iron | Exterior: Enamel Paint | Price: 💰💰💰
CAP Barbell makes a broad range of quality workout equipment, and the same is true for their kettlebells. With twelve different sizes ranging from 10 pounds to 80 pounds, there’s an option here for every body.
Constructed from solid cast iron with no weld or seams, you can be sure of these kettlebells’ overall quality. They also come with wide handles, making it easy to grip with one or two hands (essential for programs like CrossFit). Simply take hold, and begin your routine full of swings, deadlifts, snatches, and more — the CAP Barbell is built to handle it all.
Like other CAP equipment, burrs are relatively commonplace when using this kettlebell consistently. Just be sure to take good care of it, and the CAP Kettlebell is guaranteed to return the favor.
Reviewers Like
- Durable cast iron construction
- Flat bottom rests gently on the floor
- Wide range of weights for every type of lifter
Reviewers Dislike
- Develops burrs over time
- Folks with bigger hands may have trouble squeezing both into the loop
2. Best Choice HDPE Kettlebells
The best kettlebells on a budget
Manufacturer: Best Choice | Weight Range: 5 – 15 Pounds | Interior: Cement | Exterior: HDPE | Price: 💰💰💰
Where can you get a set of three kettlebells for the same price as a monthly gym membership? From Best Choice, of course!
Staying true to their mission of creating affordable workout equipment for everyone, Best Choice’s kettlebell set is perfect for folks on a budget. You get three kettlebells total: one 5-pound, one 10-pound, and one 15-pound. Together, these are perfect for newcomers and casual lifters seeking to gain strength over time.
The price is so low because they’re made of HDPE (High-density polyethylene) and filled with cement. But this shouldn’t be a concern for lightweight and moderate-intensity workouts, as the exterior is plenty durable. They’re also exceedingly ergonomic thanks to wide handles, and the set even comes with a convenient rack for storing them away after use. Without a doubt, some of the best cheap kettlebells on the market.
Reviewers Like
- Wide ergonomic handles
- Among the best kettlebells for the money
- Comes with a storage rack for all three kettlebells
Reviewers Dislike
- Not the highest-quality materials
- Larger than competitor kettlebells of the same weight
3. SPRI Vinyl Kettlebell Weights
The best kettlebells for beginners
Manufacturer: SPRI | Weight Range: 5 – 45 Pounds | Interior: Cast Iron | Exterior: Vinyl | Price: 💰💰💰
There’s no doubt about it. The SPRI Vinyl Kettlebell Weights are the best kettlebells for beginners.
No matter which size you choose, the SPRI Kettlebell offers a range of essential elements for newcomers: a quality, ergonomic design, a range of weight options, and a safety-oriented vinyl coating. This last part provides comfort and ensures slightly less damage to your home or body, should it swing into any, er, unwelcome areas.
Unlike buying a complete set, you’ll have to shell out a bit of money on each kettlebell individually. But they’re all reasonably priced and look so great together, with their shiny vinyl coatings all in a row. With ten weight variants to choose from, you can’t go wrong choosing SPRI.
Reviewers Like
- Reasonably priced by weight
- Fantastic overall craftsmanship
- Weights are vinyl-coated and color-coded
Reviewers Dislike
- Small handles
- Noxious vinyl smell
4. Ader Pro-Grade International Kettlebell
The best competition kettlebells for serious athletes
Manufacturer: Ader Sporting Goods | Weight Range: 17 – 70 Pounds | Interior: Cast Steel | Exterior: Premium Paint | Price: 💰💰💰💰
If you’re competing and have the money to shell out for top-tier gear, the Ader Pro-Grade International series is the best fit for you.
The bells themselves are painted according to weight, and they’re all the same size. Made from high-end cast steel, these are the creme de la creme among kettlebell brands. The grips are wider than other brands, too, about 33 millimeters across. As for comfort? According to reviewers, the handle itself is sanded down to a perfectly smooth bare-metal finish, with the most ergonomic grip on the market.
Do remember that these are pro weights, with the lowest option starting at 8 kilograms or roughly 17 pounds. Bad for beginners, but perfect for professional athletes.
Reviewers Like
- Extra-wide handles
- Professional-grade cast steel
- There’s a wide range of weights and colors
Reviewers Dislike
- Extremely pricey
- Some QC issues with the paint finish
5. Apex Adjustable Kettlebell
The best adjustable kettlebell
Manufacturer: Apex | Weight Range: 20 – 50 Pounds | Interior: Cast Iron | Exterior: Powder Coating | Price: 💰💰💰
Just starting your kettlebell workout? Perhaps you’ve been on the grind and see your strength rapidly improving?
Either way, an adjustable kettlebell may be the perfect option for you. The Apex Adjustable starts around 20 pounds, and lets you add weight all the way up to 50 pounds. In other words, it supports your every stage of growth!
The Apex is made from heavy-duty cast iron that’s powder-coated for premium protection. It’s also equipped with a U-shaped handle that provides a superior grip and enough room to get both hands inside.
The major downside of the Apex is that changing the weights is a major pain. There’s lots of finagling involved, and it’s not worth the hassle when you’re mid-workout. If you keep at the same weight during your entire routine, this shouldn’t pose much of a problem. Indeed, you’ll probably appreciate the secure assembly!
When all is said and done, the Apex Adjustable is one of the best kettlebells for women and men across the spectrum.
Reviewers Like
- Adjustable weight from 20 to 50 pounds
- Perfect for a range of workouts, from light cardio to weight training
- No need to purchase multiple kettlebells — this one grows with you
Reviewers Dislike
- Changing the weight is a challenge
- Incorporates some cheaper plastic components
6. Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell
The best soft kettlebells
Manufacturer: Bionic Body | Weight Range: 10 – 40 Pounds | Interior: Sand | Exterior: Vinyl | Price: 💰💰
This kettlebell from Bionic Body will have you pumping iron like a cyborg! Enjoy the quality craftsmanship and ultra-soft vinyl cover as you perform all your workouts in safety and style (the soft exterior helps keep you and your home gym safe from damage).
The Bionic Body Kettlebell comes in various weights, from 10 pounds to 40 pounds. All sizes feature an extra-wide grip that makes swings, squats, and deadlifts easy.
As one of the best-rated kettlebells on the market, you can be sure of its overall quality and construction. Plus, with a 2-year warranty, Bionic Body has you covered with replacement parts free of charge.
Reviewers Like
- Exceptional craftsmanship
- Soft exterior offers a layer of safety to your workout
- Range of weight options for beginners and intermediate users alike
Reviewers Dislike
- Vinyl dirties and scuffs easily
- Relatively large at 7 by 10 inches
7. Marcy Hammertone Kettle Bells
The best kettlebells for home gyms
Manufacturer: Marcy | Weight Range: 15 – 55 Pounds | Interior: Cast Iron | Exterior: Hammertone Finish | Price: 💰💰💰💰
Any piece of Marcy fitness equipment is worth its weight in gold. Okay, maybe not actually. But Marcy’s Hammertone Kettle Bells are some of the best on the market.
What makes these kettlebells so special? At their core, you’ll find recycled cast iron that’s meticulously layered for premium strength and ergonomics. On the outside is a gorgeous hammertone finish that provides extra durability and rust-resistance to the kettlebells — essential in any serious home-gym arsenal.
These kettlebells also come in seven different weights, up to a whopping 55 pounds! And the price isn’t too bad considering the overall quality and premium craftsmanship. If you like to purchase top-notch equipment that’s guaranteed to last years, these are the best kettlebells for you.
Reviewers Like
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
- Recycled cast iron core, with ergonomic design
- Visually striking hammertone finish for aesthetics and durability
Reviewers Dislike
- Handles are a bit small
- Kettlebell will chip if not gentle
Honorable Mention: Kettle Gryp
The best kettlebell converter
While it’s not a kettlebell in the traditional sense, we couldn’t help but include the Kettle Gryp converter.
This unique accessory turns any existing dumbbell into a usable kettlebell for CrossFit, circuit training, and more. You simply open up the Kettle Gryp handles, place the dumbbell inside, close it back up, and voila! You’re ready to go.
With the Kettle Gryp, there’s no need to purchase any expensive new equipment. If you already own a reliable set of dumbbells, you’re ready to go! Plus, this unit is totally portable, versatile, and durable, with a weight capacity of around 50 pounds.
Reviewers Like
- Turns any dumbbell into a kettlebell
- Easy to use, snaps together in mere seconds
- Great for beginner to intermediate users with a capacity of 55 pounds
Reviewers Dislike
- Only fits dumbbells up to 1.5 inches in diameter
- Cheaper plastic construction; users would have preferred ABS
What to Look for in the Best Kettlebells
Less than 5% of American adults are active for even 30 minutes every day. Whether you’re starting your own workout routine, or you’re already a committed fitness fan, adding kettlebells to your regimen will help to improve both your cardio and strength training.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for the best kettlebells.
1. Weight
The first thing to keep in mind is weight. The best kettlebell weights for you depends on your current strength and fitness level.
For beginners, we recommend around 15 to 20 pounds. This should provide a smooth transition as you learn your routines, get a feel for kettlebells, and build strength. For intermediate users, 35 pounds is an ideal starting point.
It also depends on your exercises. You don’t want to use the same weight for a one-arm swing as you do for a deadlift. If you plan to do a variety of exercises, consider buying a set of kettlebells. Remember: safety first!
2. Material
Kettlebells come in all different types of materials. The most common kettlebells feature metal interiors, with powder-coated or vinyl covered exteriors. There are many exceptions to this rule, however.
You’ll also find interiors made of cement, sand, or other low-cost, heavyweight materials. In terms of the exterior, many of the best kettlebell brands opt for painted or hammered finishes, which can be a nice change of pace.
While we typically recommend iron or steel kettlebells, that’s no guarantee of overall quality. Be sure to check out user reviews for a better understanding of craftsmanship.
3. Durability
What do you do with kettlebells? You lift them, swing them around, and carry them all around your home gym (hopefully on a regular basis). That means it needs to be tough — like, ultra-tough.
Harkening back to materials, metal kettlebells are almost guaranteed to withstand a good beating. Another ideal option is a vinyl-covered model, which protects the bell and the gym, and provides an additional layer of safety.
As with most things, the better the quality, the higher the cost. Do not make sacrifices on durability. If you must, save up a bit before buying and invest in a robust kettlebell that can handle your massive muscles.
Our Process
For this guide on kettlebells, our team spent 4 hours researching the most popular options from over 35 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about one hundred user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each kettlebell. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 7 kettlebells on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.
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