9 Kettlebells You Should Consider Adding to Your Home Fitness Toolbox

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KETTLEBELLS ARE ONE of the most dynamic pieces of home gym equipment that you can have in your fitness toolbox. Not only are they great for strength training, but they're perfect for adding an extra challenge to HIIT or cardio workouts. Thanks to their versatile design, they can be used in an extensive number of ways.

The best kettlebells can be used for deadlifting, core workouts, snatches, and rows; you can take on kettlebell burpees for ultimate torture; use the implements in combination with jump ropes for a killer workout; and, of course, kettlebell swings. Use them as a great tool on leg day and to help you improve your balance and coordination. (Looking for more kettlebell workout inspiration? Try this 31-day kettlebell workout from kettlebell expert Marcus Martinez, C.S.C.S., that uses compound exercises to challenge your whole body. Or try the Men's Health 30-Day Kettlebell Challenge.)

Best Kettlebells of 2024

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

There is a wide range of kettlebell types to choose from when it comes to design, material, shapes, and weights (some of the best kettlebells we've tested are even adjustable!). Not sure where to start? We got you. Below, nine of the best kettlebells to add to your home gym in 2024.

What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Kettlebells

On the surface, many of the best kettlebells have a very similar design, especially if you're shopping entry-level options. But it pays (literally) to learn the subtle differences between the brands, styles, and materials to understand which KBs are right for you.

In general, Martinez suggests, "If you’re looking for the most economical, cast-iron is your best bet, as they’ll be the cheapest and most durable. If you're in a location where you don't have a mat but need to protect your floors, then bells with a vinyl or rubber coating aren't a terrible option, but they will typically limit you in size or price point."

These are the other most important things to consider when shopping for your personal best kettlebells.

Weight

The good news is that you don't need a ton of weight to start. If you're a newbie, grab one light- and one moderate-weight kettlebell (more on this below), as these will provide plenty of versatility for your workout. A good rule of thumb is that your lightest kettlebell should be one that you can press with one arm for about five reps. Your heaviest KB should be one to two sizes heavier than that. Also keep in mind that you may want to expand your KB collection in the future. If you plan to stick with the same brand going forward (for organization or aesthetics purposes), consider what larger weight options the brands you're shopping offer.

Casting

The best kettlebells are made using a single piece of metal (almost always iron). This process, known as "single-casting," typically smooths out bumps and seams that can cut or cause blisters. It's also the most durable manufacturing method, as there's virtually zero risk of breakage between the handle and bell. Some beginner-friendly kettlebells don't use this process, which often makes them significantly cheaper. Don't rule them out, however, as they can be a great budget-friendly option at lower weights.

Coating

The best single-cast kettlebells—including most of our recs below—feature a matte powder coating. This helps create a textured, easy-to-hold grip that helps to prevent blisters, and on the flip side, slippage. The powder-coating process allows the KB to remain secure but with enough give to move somewhat freely in your hand, and helps protect the metal core from rust, corrosion, and damage.

Enamel is the second most common type of coating. It's slicker than powder coating, so it glides freely over dry skin but tends to catch on sweaty palms. The "right" style for you all comes down to your personal workout routine and preferences.

Style

Kettlebells are available in two main styles—classic and competition—with shape and handle width being what differentiates the two. Classic kettlebells have a triangle-shaped handle that's flared at the top and tapers at the bottom. This style is more comfortable for a wide variety of movements, like Turkish getups and goblet squats, than competition KBs. The size and shape of the handle vary as the weight of the bell increases.

Competition kettlebells, on the other hand, have a straight-armed, uniform, U-shaped handle that's the same no matter the bell's weight. Martinez likes these, noting, "As far as comfort is concerned, competition kettlebells are much nicer since the diameter of the bell is significantly wider (all weights are the same size), putting less pressure on the forearm."

How We Tested and Selected the Best Kettlebells of 2024

Our editors tested and vetted dozens of kettlebell models over the last three years. We compared every feature, from durability and casting to ease of use and price. We also chatted with kettlebell experts including Marcus Martinez, C.S.C.S., and Jah Washington, C.S.C.S., to get their professional takes on what makes the best kettlebell and which kettlebells are actually worth buying. With their help, we decided on these nine models as the best kettlebells to shop in 2024.

Powder Coated Kettlebell

The right grip is key to safe, efficient kettlebell workouts. These powder-coated classics are among the grippiest we've tested this year, with a just-right friction that eliminates the need for chalking. We've found the single-cast, weld-free design to be incredibly well-balanced and durable, with only minimal chipping/flaking after months of use.

Rage offers a good variety of weights/sizes (almost a dozen), and we also like the color-coded rings, making it easy to know what's what if you happen to own a complete set.

Read more: Best Dumbbells

Adjustable Kettlebells

Martinez loves adjustable kettlebells for their versatility. Here, REP splits the difference between an old-school 'bell and a modern adjustable kettlebell. It looks and feels like a classic kettlebell, with the proper weight distribution to match.

It’s ultra durable, easy to adjust, and the additional weights won’t shake or rattle when you're tossing things around. Plus, we love the grippy, matte-powder-coated surface and rubber bottom to protect your floors. According to Men's Health Fitness and Commerce Editor Talene Appleton, NASM-CPT, "This is the only adjustable kettlebell I’ve spent money on for home workouts because it’s just that good."

Read more: Best Adjustable Kettlebells

Vinyl Kettlebell

If you’re working out at home and looking for your first kettlebell to work with, this is a reasonable choice. For the price, you won’t get a kettlebell that will grow with you as your fitness level increases or will hold up to years of intense use.

What you will get is a functional, affordable piece of equipment to add resistance to your workouts. We do wish this was powder-coated because the vinyl can feel slick when things get sweaty, but overall it’s a great choice for the price. (Plus, vinyl carries less potential to scuff and ding your floors compared to cast-iron.)

Read more: 2024 Men's Health Fitness Awards

SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

If your budget allows, going with an adjustable option is always a smart space-saving move. This next-gen kettlebell features a modernized design and solid, durable construction. We love the simple, easy-adjust mechanism, which allows for more versatility and usability in home workouts. The weight can be changed to your exact preferences for each exercise, so you can replace six kettlebells with just one to save space and money.

The only downside? Appleton says, "The weight distribution feels slightly different than a traditional kettlebell due to its shape. Because of that, I don't love it for things like KB swings or Turkish getups, but it works great for most other KB exercises I do at home. And the trade-off in terms of space is well worth it for apartment dwellers."

Read more: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Rubber Coated Kettlebells

It’s hard to beat the classics. Rogue’s durable KB features a protective rubber coating around the entirety of the bell, which helps prevent scuffs and chips (and your flooring!)—something we’ve noticed with lesser powder-coated kettlebells after a ton of use.

Single-piece iron casting adds to the durability of its construction, so you won’t need to worry about this thing coming apart mid-swing, no matter how hard you go. If you don't have a mat or otherwise need to protect your flooring, "these are a solid option," says Martinez.

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Cerakote Powder Coat Kettlebell: Midwest Firearm Solutions

Cerakote is an amazing protectant for high-end guns, knives, and, now, kettlebells. The limited edition model is built to outlast you with maximum corrosion, chip, and rust resistance. But you'll pay handsomely for this unique aesthetic—this 'bell is pricier than any other in this year's roundup.

Martinez loves the design and Cerakote finish on this model, too, but notes that they add to the price significantly. But if you're looking for a KB with a collectible-worthy vibe, cool origin story, and badass aesthetic, this might be your pick.

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Primal Kettlebells

Onnit's animal-inspired Primal Kettlebell is the most unique-looking KB we've tested, hands down. The chip-resistant, powder-coated, primate-inspired cast iron construction is also damn near bulletproof, and we've found the weight to be very evenly balanced.

We also like the enlarged handles, which are great for both one- and two-handed grips. Martinez admits to owning a handful of these and loves the aesthetic. But he cautions that they're "useless on one side because of the design. If you clean or snatch them, they will bite back." Ouch.

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Soft Kettlebell

This neoprene kettlebell bag is filled with iron sand and perfect for beginners, as it's less likely to hurt when you whack your noggin trying those Halos of Death. Reinforced stitching and a TPR handle make the bag virtually indestructible, and it won’t damage your hardwood floors if you drop them.

The catch? With a maximum size of just 20 pounds and a design that's not quite as balanced or authentic to that of a traditional kettlebell, working out with these is limited. Still, the affordable price point and soft design makes these very approachable for budget-conscious, cautious newbies.

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The Original Dumbbell Grip Handle

Of course, the best way to save money and space on kettlebells is... to not have to buy them in the first place. This Shark Tank-featured widget cleverly turns the dumbbells you probably already own into almost-kettlebells.

The high-impact ABS plastic construction is extremely durable and strong enough to support up to 50 pounds. Plus, the soft-feel handle is easy to hold for a secure grip. The downside is that the awkward size of standard dumbbells means this solution is limited to basic 'bell exercises (e.g., not swings).

Read more: Best Weightlifting Shoes

What's the Right Kettlebell Weight to Use?

There is no one best kettlebell to use, as it all depends on what you're looking to accomplish. If you're looking to build out a complete home gym, Martinez recommends at least a couple of kettlebells. Adjustable kettlebells are a solid option, too, as they combine multiple weights into a single product, saving you money and space.

"If I was just starting with kettlebells, knowing what I know, I would get a lighter competition kettlebell for cleans, presses, snatches, windmills, get-ups, etc., and a heavy cast iron kettlebell for swings, squats, rows, etc.," says Martinez.

That said, for absolute kettlebell noobs who are just getting started and looking to add a few new movements into their program, "a single, cast-iron kettlebell is their best bet. Most people would benefit greatly from just adding swing variations to their current routine."

What's the Best Size Kettlebell to Start With?

Before you get started, understanding the basics and laying out your goals are important. Martinez says, "You want to make sure that you can get into each position safely, so before you add speed, you want a bell that you can control in all positions." For most people, one light- and one moderate-weight kettlebell should provide everything they need for a full-body workout. If you can only pick one, opt for a lighter 'bell, then just add in heavier dumbbells to the mix for movements that aren't kettlebell-specific (e.g., squats, rows, and presses).

Martinez breaks down his specifics. For his female clients, he recommends a lighter kettlebell of around 8 to 26.5 pounds (4 kg to 12 kg) and 26.5 to 45 pounds (12 kg to 20 kg) for their heavier 'bell. The lighter is great for more technical exercises, while the heavier bell is for deadlifts and, eventually, two-hand swings. For his male clients, one lighter 'bell weighing 26.5 to 45 pounds (12 kg to 20 kg) and one heavier, about 45 to 70 pounds (20 kg to 32 kg), is usually perfect.

For brand-new kettlebell users, opting for the lighter bell in each category is the way to go. Stronger and well-trained users should go with a heavier bell. "Even my moderately strong athletes were able to use the heavier bell for explosive deadlifts and two-hand swings pretty quickly," says Martinez.

He also offers this piece of advice for newbies: "If you can only pick one, then stay in the lighter range. When you're new to kettlebells, the speed of the movement and position of the bell as it sits on your forearm will throw you off compared to dumbbells."

Other Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Kettlebells

Handle

The handle is the one part of your kettlebells that you'll most frequently touch. You want handles that comfortably fit your grip, remembering that thinner handles are usually good for two-handed swings, while thicker handles might be best for one-handed exercises. The grip, too, is a matter of personal preference. A slightly textured grip is usually easier to keep hold of, but rough or rough-ish grips can cause blisters or hurt sensitive skin over time.

Price

Like all home gym equipment, kettlebells can be expensive. You'll almost always pay twice to three times as much for well-recognized brand names like Onnit and REP. But if you're just getting started, don't be afraid to start small. Budget-friendly options from Amazon Basics or even the handle from Kettle Gryp are great ways to test the waters before spending hundreds of dollars on the very best kettlebells.

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