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Start a New Workout Routine with the Best Kettlebells

If you’re looking for one functional fitness tool for every heart-pounding exercise, pick up one of these top tier kettlebells.

best kettlebells to buyCourtesy

By Ben Emminger and Meg Lappe

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With roots dating back to 18th-century Russia, the kettlebell is a phenomenal example of fitness equipment. The training possibilities within the cast ring-and-ball profile are seemingly endless, allowing for workouts that target the arms, legs, core and more.

Whether you’re embarking on a new fitness discipline or simply adding to your garage gym setup, there’s a kettlebell for you. And just like there’s different barbells for different uses, not every kettlebell is cast from the same cloth.

Products in the Guide

  • Onnit Kettlebells

    BEST OVERALL KETTLEBELL

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  • Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebells

    BEST UPGRADE KETTLEBELL

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  • Rep Fitness Kettlebells

    BEST BUDGET KETTLEBELL

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  • Rogue Fitness Rubber Coated Kettlebells

    BEST RUBBER-COATED KETTLEBELL

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  • Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell

    BEST KETTLEBELL FOR SMALL HANDS

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  • Vulcan Strength Absolute Training Kettlebells

    BEST KETTLEBELL FOR CROSSFIT

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What Can Kettlebells Do for Your Body?

Despite the simple construction, there are a number of perks that come with kettlebell workouts. For one, the unbalanced design and variety of weights available make kettlebells one of the most versatile training tools available. Seriously, you can train for power and strength one day, coordination and mobility the next, all with the same singular kettlebell. “The beauty of kettlebell training is that each session can vary enough that one can train every day or six days a week if the load, intensity and length of the workout changes,” says Lacee Lazof, certified personal trainer and instructor of Bells Up for the fitness app, NEOU.

Speaking of sessions, kettlebell workouts don’t require a lot of space. Many of the moves within kettlebell training can be done in your living room or garage — just make sure you have the height clearance for a proper kettlebell swing.

Lastly, because of the dynamic nature of kettlebell training, you can knock out both your cardio and strength workouts in one fell swoop. As you move and utilize multiple muscle groups, your heart rate elevates, bringing in that cardio aspect for a training session that’s as efficient as it is effective.

How We Tested

how we tested collage of various kettlebellsBen Emminger

We’ve become accustomed to a variety of kettlebell workout routines over our years of training, which gives us a good foundation for curating this roundup. We put a number of these kettlebells through the wringer of our normal fitness regimens, engaging in a variety of grind and ballistic movements to get a true feel for their capabilities, as well as leaning on previous notes and features we’ve experienced in past workout settings. We observed how comfortable each bell felt in the hand as well as the rack position, along with other key factors like grip retention once we started to sweat. Other characteristics like coatings, window space and more were examined, all playing pivotal roles in how our rankings came to be.

Editor’s Note: The following prices shown represent kettlebells weighing 16 kg or 35 lbs (one of the most common kettlebell weights). Prices will vary depending on weight.

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Onnit Kettlebells

Pros

  • Rust- and chip-resistant finish is designed to withstand heavy abuse
  • Stamped weight totals and color-coded bands make identifying weight totals a breeze

Cons

  • Weight range is somewhat limited when compared to other kettlebells in this guide
  • No storage rack available for multi-kettlebell sets
  • Weight Range: 13–70 lbs.
  • Coating: Powder Coat

Thanks to a gravity-casting process, these kettlebells from Onnit exhibit exceptional balance and consistency when being tossed and hoisted through a training circuit … well, as much balance as a kettlebell can have. We admire this molded makeup, as it eliminates the chances of a welded joint or connecting handle to fail over extended use. Additionally, the rust- and chip-resistant powder coat provides enough tackiness for sustained grip without ripping your palms to shreds during ballistic exercises.

Chalk can also be used to enhance your grip mid-training, but thankfully, the white powder easily wipes off post-workout to keep your gear sanitized and aesthetically pleasing. Sure, stronger athletes may need to search elsewhere for a worthwhile kettlebell — this set tops out at 70 pounds — but for anyone building their at-home collection, Onnit is a fantastic brand to start with.

Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebells

Pros

  • Powder coating provides superior grip throughout training
  • Painted identification bands and stamped weight totals make grabbing the right kettlebell much easier

Cons

  • You pay for the quality, as these are some of the more expensive bells on the market
  • Heavier bells are often sold out, meaning you have to wait to round out your collection
  • Weight Range: 5–100 lbs.
  • Coating: Powder Coat

A favorite of Lazof’s, Kettlebell Kings make some of the highest quality kettlebells out there. The set-weight, powder-coated lineup lives up to the crown, offering an insanely wide range of weights. The updated powder coat provides plenty of grip and felt more than comfortable in training — we didn’t feel the need to chalk up for added control.

We also never ran the risk of grabbing the wrong weight thanks to the painted identification bands at the handle and the clear, legible stamp on the side. While we never felt the structural integrity was lacking, Kettlebell Kings still stands behind its product, offering a lifetime warranty, which helps offset the more expensive cost.

Rep Fitness Kettlebells

Pros

  • No frills, just a well-balanced, cost-effective kettlebell
  • Smooth handle provides a comfortable enough grip for low-intensity sessions

Cons

  • Coating could be prone to chipping and rust over time
  • Not as expansive of a weight range as other kettlebells in this roundup

  • Weight Range: 5–50 lbs.
  • Coating: Textured Black Coating

Just looking for a simple kettlebell with easy-to-read weights and a durable construction? Rep Fitness answers the call with its lineup of quality fitness gear. We appreciate how these kettlebells list both kilograms and poundage across the 5–50-pound weight range, allowing you to easily indicate your training resistance. The gravity cast construction helps create a durable, precise profile that’s built to withstand the trials and tribulations of serious training as well.

In training, we enjoyed the minimalist, utilitarian profile of these kettlebells, but did need to chalk up more often to retain proper grip. This could be due to the handle’s coating, which doesn’t feel as tacky as the powder coat used on the bell itself. We also noticed some chipping across the build over extended wear and tear, so to help avoid potential rust issues, it may be best to store these in a dry, cool environment.

Rogue Fitness Rubber Coated Kettlebells

Pros

  • Rubber coating helps protect against scuffs, chips and other damage
  • Machined flat base is sturdy and sits flush on the floor

Cons

  • Pricier than other kettlebells on this list, albeit with the soft rubber coating
  • No lightweight bells below 26 pounds
  • Weight Range: 26–70 lbs.
  • Coating: Protective Rubber Coating

Rubber-coated kettlebells can be a lifesaver when it comes to preserving your floors and the durability of your equipment. Rogue Fitness’s Rubber Coated Kettlebells offer that and more in a premium, well-built profile. Manufactured using first-run iron ore as opposed to scrap iron, the bell is encapsulated in a urethane coating to help protect against wear and tear. The handle features a grippy powder coating for maximum control throughout your workout, allowing for unmatched security in single and dual-handed modalities.

Ranging from 26–70 pounds, each Rogue Rubber Coated Kettlebell features a colored band at the base of the handle to help you easily identify the weight without hesitation, too. While we wish the weight range was a little more expansive, these are definitely worth considering if you’re looking to build out your home gym setup.

Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebells

Pros

  • Smaller diameter across the handle allows for complete control and security
  • Lightweight options available for warmups and less intense circuits

Cons

  • Vinyl coating creates a lip at the sides of the handle, which can be uncomfortable during certain exercises
  • Smoother handle can be prone to slippage
  • Weight Range: 5–50 lbs.
  • Coating: Vinyl Plastic

For those with smaller mitts, you want to look for a kettlebell that has a thin enough handle to facilitate optimal control. This budget-friendly pick from Yes4All can be excellent for achieving that stability, allowing for a full grasp that’s locked in for performance. We also appreciate the vinyl plastic coating that coats the bell of this impressive profile, which can be great for saving your floors and helps prevent rust buildup as well.

The 5–50-pound weight range also lends itself to beginner athletes that may be intimidated by heavier profiles. Admittedly, though, we feel there are some flaws across the silhouette. The handle, for example, is smoother than other kettlebells tested, which could be prone to slippage during more intense circuits. Additionally, the vinyl overlay creates a lip at the sides, which could strain your palms during dual-handed movements.

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Vulcan Absolute Training Kettlebells

Pros

  • Consistent sizing allows you to maintain form regardless of how heavy the kettlebell is
  • Wider handle window can facilitate some dual-handed movements

Cons

  • Weights only listed in kilograms
  • Larger silhouette can be cumbersome to store
  • Weight Range: 8–32 kg
  • Coating: Powder Coat

When trying to power through your WOD, form and technique is key, yet jumping weights during training with standard cast iron kettlebells can throw off your stance and motion given the larger size with each heavier profile. These training kettlebells from Vulcan Strength take a competition-style approach to the range, keeping silhouettes and dimensions consistent regardless of weight total. Unlike other competition kettlebells, however, these impressive profiles showcase a wider handle window which allows for dual-handed exercises.

We also prefer these Absolute Training Kettlebells for CrossFit as they’re far more affordable than other competition-style kettlebells on the market. The price is on par with other well-to-do profiles in this guide, but be sure you have ample storage space before building out a complete kit. Since every kettlebell has the same dimensions, multiple profiles could easily consume a corner of your training space if ordered without a plan.

Editor’s Note: Vulcan Strength does offer a Mass Storage System to help keep your fitness equipment neatly organized, albeit at the extra cost of over $400.

Gymreapers Kettlebells

Pros

  • Stamped skull logo provides an intimidating, hard-nosed aesthetic to your training
  • Powder-coated handle and bell are easy to grip, and the coating holds chalk well when extra traction is needed

Cons

  • Painted identification bands are placed before powder coating, which creates a raised edge that can nick skin and create less than comfortable gripping conditions
  • Edge around flat base can begin to chip, especially if stored on harder concrete flooring
  • Weight Range: 9–44 lbs.
  • Coating: Powder Coat

For instructor-led endeavors, it’s nice to have a kettlebell that’s comfortable in the hands yet still has some attitude to keep motivation high. We love these offerings from Gymreapers for group exercise, as the powder coat exterior provides an excellent blend of tackiness and comfort, and the weight range includes lightweight profiles prime for high-volume circuits.

From a motivational standpoint, it’s hard not to lock in for performance with the tough-as-hell skull emblazoned across each Gymreapers kettlebell. Plus, each profile has color-coded bands at the base of the handle, perfect for easily identifying your working weight. Just be careful how you grip these kettlebells, as the painted bands are added before the powder coating process. As a result, there’s a slight lip along these areas, which can dig into your palms during dual-handed movements like goblet squats.

Eleiko Competition Kettlebells

Pros

  • High-quality construction from a reputable fitness brand
  • Stainless steel handle is somewhat smooth to the touch but remains tacky enough for training purposes

Cons

  • Consistent sizing can take up more space, regardless of bell weight purchased
  • Higher price point can make building out a full set a bit of an investment
  • Weight Range: 8–32 kg
  • Coating: Color-Coded Powder Coat

There’s a reason Eleiko products are trusted by some of the leading federations in competitive fitness, including the International Weightlifting and International Powerlifting Federations. The precise calibration and attention to detail is not lost in the brand’s Competition Kettlebells, either. Featuring a high-grade iron and molded construction for exceptional durability, these bells are great for those interested in kettlebell sport.

The smooth, stainless steel handle lacks a coating but doesn’t falter in grip. We felt secure and locked in during all our training movements, from snatches and cleans to overhead presses. But, as with most Eleiko products, this premium quality does come with a premium price, which can deter some users.

Onnit Primal Kettlebells

Pros

  • Surprisingly balanced feel despite the unique primate design
  • Thicker handle places more emphasis on grip strength, making every movement a compound exercise

Cons

  • Primate design, while awesome, causes you to think how you hold in the rack position
  • Not as wide of a weight range than other kettlebell sets on this list
  • Weight Range: 18–90 lbs.
  • Coating: Powder Coat

If you want a kettlebell with personality, then Onnit is the clear winner here. Taking inspiration from some of nature’s strongest primates, each kettlebell weight is molded after one of five specific species, from the lightest “Howler” at 18 lbs. all the way up to the gargantuan, 90-lb. “Bigfoot.”

Aesthetics aside, these kettlebells are balanced exceptionally well and allow for improved grip strength training thanks to a larger, thicker handle. Be mindful, though, of how you rack these bells, as the primate faces, while fierce and motivating, can be a little uncomfortable on the forearms. Regardless, there’s no denying that Onnit Primal Kettlebells are a wild addition to any training routine.

Titan Fitness 40-Pound Adjustable Kettlebell

Pros

  • Pull-and-slide lock keeps all moving parts secure during training
  • Marked plates for easier adjustments

Cons

  • Slick handle design doesn’t hold chalk for added traction
  • Too light for more aggressive Ballistic workouts
  • Weight Range: 10–40 lbs.
  • Coating: Flat Powder Coat

Want to have the benefits of multiple kettlebells in a single silhouette? This adjustable kettlebell from Titan Fitness is one of the best. We hold this bell in high regard, placing it at the top of our best adjustable kettlebells guide. With a simple pull-and-slide system to add and subtract plates, this adjustable kettlebell packs seven options in one with weights ranging from 10 to 40 pounds.

No matter the configuration, this kettlebell retains its balance and can be great for those tight on space — or funds for a full rack of kettlebells. Just be sure to keep a gym towel handy to mop up any developing sweat across your palms. There’s no tacky powder coat across the handle design, so you may be left slipping and sliding if your mitts have any excess moisture. Even chalking up couldn’t help sustain our grip, as there’s no raised texture for the material to embed into.

Goruck Sand Kettlebells

Pros

  • Durable 1000D Cordura fabric and double-pass stitching are strong enough for any hardcore session
  • Foldable design allows for kettlebell training on-the-go

Cons

  • Double hook-and-loop top closure can be finicky to open and close, especially when filled
  • Can be somewhat difficult to tell just how much your filled kettlebell weighs
  • Weight Range: 13–53 lbs.
  • Coating: 1000D Cordura Fabric

If you want to take your kettlebell training outdoors, it can be a pain to tote your cast iron bell outside. Additionally, if you like to pair your training and traveling, kettlebells aren’t the most convenient carry-on. Sand kettlebells allow you to use the environment around you for resistance, simply fill the compartment and get after it.

Goruck’s Sand Kettlebells are built for this on-the-go style of training. We liked how comfortable the 1000D Cordura fabric felt in the rack position, and liked how easy it was to fill the compartment — once we figured out the secure, double hook-and-loop top closure. The brand does recommend, however, that you fill this kettlebell with sand only, so don’t substitute your filler for something like gravel or water.

What to Consider When Choosing a Kettlebell

Weight

You wouldn’t stack a ton of weight plates on a barbell or grab the heaviest dumbbell if you couldn’t lift it properly, right? The same notion applies to choosing the right kettlebell. Because of the oblong shape and different point of contact with the handle above the mass, finding the right kettlebell is not the same as your other traditional free weights. Be sure to take your strength levels into consideration when deciding on which weight total is right for you. A good baseline for male athletes is 35 pounds — 16 kilograms — while females can typically feel comfortable beginning with an 18-pound (8 kg) kettlebell.

Of course, your fitness experience also plays a role in deciding which kettlebell weight is suitable for you. If you’re more involved in training, you may be able to go up in weight. If you’re just starting out, consider beginning your kettlebell journey with a lighter profile. There’s always room to grow, so don’t feel like kicking off your regimen with a lighter weight is a jab at your abilities.

Training Style

How you plan to use your kettlebell also plays a role in which silhouette is right for you. Kettlebell training can essentially be broken down into two camps — Grinds and Ballistics. Grinds involve kettlebells being lifted up and down like in presses, squats, get-ups, etc., while Ballistics involve more explosive movements like snatches, cleans and swings. Because of the heightened inertia, Ballistic movements typically utilize a heavier kettlebell. You’ll also want to look for a profile that has plenty of grip across the handle, as well as a comfortable shape that can sit comfortably across your arm in the rack position.

You should also think about how many hands you intend to use across your varied sessions. Most cast iron kettlebells feature a wide enough window to facilitate dual-gripped setups, whereas competition kettlebells only have enough room for single-handed movements.

Handle Diameter

Your kettlebell’s handle plays an important role in training. While thicker handles can be great for working on your grip strength, athletes with smaller hands may find difficulty in controlling the weight properly throughout various exercises. A good number to look for in kettlebell handle diameter is around 28mm, as it allows for those with smaller hands to confidently grasp the weight, while those with larger paws can still find a comfortable grip without the handle disappearing in their mitt.

Durability

Nearly all kettlebells feature some sort of protective coating to help preserve the cast interior from damage, scuffs and rust. There are a few variants that can boast a matte or gloss finish, as well as some that showcase a more aggressive texture for added grip. Other kettlebells can feature a rubberized coating to help protect your flooring from errant drops and tumbles, too. Finding the right coating for your kettlebells is completely up to your personal preference, though, so simply look for one that looks to be in-line with your training aesthetics.

What About Adjustable Kettlebells?

If you want to work out at different intensities and loads, you’ll need multiple kettlebells, but if your training space is more confined, odds are you can’t warrant giving up an entire corner or wall for multiples of these cast iron or steel behemoths. Thankfully, though, there are some adjustable kettlebells out there that pack in multiple weights across one silhouette, saving both your floor space and budget — multiple fixed-weight kettlebells can bring a hefty bill when added up.

We’re fans of both adjustable and fixed-weight kettlebells, but there are some notes to think through before going with an adjustable option. For one, many adjustable kettlebells forgo the traditional round shape, which can make for an awkward rack position. Also, adjustable kettlebells are more delicate than fixed-weight options, so you can’t throw around these fitness tools as intensely for fear of damaging the locking mechanism. Lastly, adjustable kettlebells often feature a maximum weight anywhere between 40–50 pounds, so for those wanting heavier training setups for deadlifts, goblet squats and more, you may want to stick with the standard cast option.

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