The 8 Best Kettlebells You Can Buy for Fitness

A quick glance at the best kettlebells

• Best overall: Rogue E-Coat Kettlebell
• Best budget: Kettle Gryp
• Best for beginners: Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell
• Best high end: JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0
• Best adjustable: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
• Best for home: Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell
• Best for heavy lifting: Rogue Monster Kettlebells
• Best kettlebell sandbag: Meister Elite Portable Sand Kettlebell

If you’re looking to shake up your workout routine, kettlebells are a great solution.

Shaped like cannonballs with handles, kettlebells can be used to perform many of the same exercises as dumbbells yet also allow for more dynamic movements like swings and snatches.

However, with so many kettlebells to choose from, figuring out the right one for your home gym can be challenging.

How we chose these kettlebells

The kettlebells in this article were chosen based on the following criteria:

• Materials. We looked for products made from durable, high quality materials.
• Price. We included products to accommodate a variety of budgets.
• Customer reviews. All of the kettlebells on this list have mostly positive customer ratings.
• Vetting. The kettlebells on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Here are the 8 best kettlebells you can buy in 2022.

Healthline’s picks of the best kettlebells

Best overall

Rogue E-Coat Kettlebell

• Price: $–$$$
• Weight range: 9–88 pounds (4–40 kg)

Made of solid cast iron with no weld or seam casting, the Rogue E-Coat kettlebell is built for durability. The E-Coat finish is corrosion-resistant and smoother than powder coat kettlebells, making it easier to clean while still providing a non-slip surface that you can hold onto.

It also features a wide handle that’s easy to grip with one or both hands, as well as a flat bottom for easy storage.

Plus, because it’s available in weights from 9–88 lbs. (4–40 kg), it’s one of the best options for beginners and serious weightlifters alike.

Best budget

Kettle Gryp

• Price: $
• Weight range: for use with dumbbells up to 55 lbs. (25 kg)

If you already own a set of weights, the Kettle Gryp will save you money and space by converting a classic dumbbell into a kettlebell-like shape.

The adaptor is made with impact-resistant plastic and weighs just 1 lb. (0.5 kg).

However, it’s important to note that the Kettle Gryp only fits dumbbells with handles that are at least 4.5 inches (11.3 cm) long and no more than 1.5 in. (3.6 cm) in diameter.

Additionally, it can only be used with weights up to 55 lbs. (25 kg), so you’ll still need to invest in stand-alone kettlebells for heavier weightlifting sessions.

Best for beginners

Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell

• Price: $–$$
• Weight range: 5–50 lbs. (2.3–23 kg)

Made of cast iron and coated in vinyl, this kettlebell from Yes4All is a solid and reliable option.

It features a wide, textured handle that’s easy to grip — even with sweaty hands — and a flat rubber base to protect your floors and keep workout noise to a minimum.

However, given that it’s only available in weights ranging from 5–50 lbs. (2.3–23 kg), it may not be heavy enough for more advanced exercisers.

Best high end

JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0

• Price: $$$
• Weight range: 12–42 lbs. (5.4–19.1 kg)

Looking for a kettlebell with extra features? Then you’ll want to check out the JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0.

Using motion sensors and machine learning, this digital kettlebell offers real-time tracking of your heart rate, average power, sets, and reps. Plus, it monitors your progress over time.

You can view your stats using the free version of the JaxJox app or by upgrading to the premium version for access to on-demand workout classes for $24.99/month.

This high tech kettlebell is adjustable from 12–42 lbs. (5.4–19.1 kg) in 6-lb. (2.7-kg) increments, and it can be made heavier or lighter with the push of a button.

The JaxJox Kettlebell is the equivalent of six kettlebells in one, so it’s also a convenient space-saving option.

Best adjustable

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

• Price: $$$
• Weight range: 8–40 lbs. (3.6–18.1 kg)

This adjustable kettlebell from Bowflex is the perfect solution if you’re tight on space.

Rather than buying a set of kettlebells, this 6-in-1 machine is adjustable from 8–40 lbs. (3.6–18.1 kg) by simply turning the dial located at the top of the kettlebell.

The Bowflex SelectTech 840 also comes with a free 1-year subscription to the JRNY app, which offers trainer-led workouts, progress tracking, and more.

While the unit is convenient and compact, some customers report missing the look and feel of a traditional kettlebell.

Best for home

Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell

• Price: $–$$
• Weight range: 10–40 lbs. (4.5–18.1 kg)

Unlike most kettlebells, the Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell is designed to limit damage to your floor if it accidentally slips while you’re exercising.

Plus, customers note that the extra padding makes for a more comfortable workout experience.

The kettlebell also features a large sturdy handle that’s easy to grip, and it’s available in weights ranging from 10–40 lbs. (4.5–18.1 kg).

Best for heavy lifting

Rogue Monster Kettlebells

• Price: $$$
• Weight range: 97–203 lbs. (44–92.3 kg)

These heavy kettlebells — ranging in weight from 97–203 lbs. (44–92.3 kg) — are a literal “monster” option for those looking for a lot of weight to throw around.

Made from a single piece of high-quality iron ore, each kettlebell has a matte black powder coat finish and is marked with a color strip for easy weight identification.

They will take up quite a bit of room in your home gym, but most reviewers agree that they’re worth it.

Best kettlebell sandbag

Meister Elite Portable Sand Kettlebell

• Price: $
• Weight range: 10–20 lbs. (4.5–9 kg)

This is an adjustable kettlebell bag that you can fill with sand, emptying and refilling it for a portable option.

It touts — and many reviewers back up — no leaks with the fill material.

The sandbag is available in 10-, 15-, and 20-lb. (4.5-, 6.8-, and 9-kg) sizes.

It also folds flat when it’s empty for easy storage.

Just keep in mind that customers warn that it isn’t as durable as cast iron kettlebells, so you’ll want to avoid dropping it during your workout.

Product comparison

Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:

Note that the price ranges listed above are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). The actual price may vary by retailer.

How to choose the best kettlebell

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re trying to pick the best kettlebell for your needs.

Composition

Top quality kettlebells are cast from a single piece of iron, while others have handles that are welded to the body. You’ll likely want a single casting if you’re buying a kettlebell that weighs more than 20 lbs. (9 kg).

Handle

You’ll want a handle that isn’t too thick for you to hold onto. Plus, it helps to have a wide handle so that you can use two hands when you want to.

Finish

Some kettlebells have a textured powder coat on the body, while others have a smooth vinyl coating, paint, or padding. You can hold on to the body of the kettlebell with both hands or rest it against your arm while you hold the handle, so you’ll want a finish that’s durable yet comfortable.

Size

Standard kettlebells will go up in size as the weight increases. A 20-lb. (9-kg) kettlebell, for example, will be larger than a 10-lb. (4.5-kg) kettlebell.

On the other hand, competition kettlebells have the same dimensions no matter how much they weigh. Using competition kettlebells may make transitioning to heavier weights easier, but they’re more expensive.

Shape and function

All kettlebells will have a flat bottom to rest on the floor, but many also have flat-ish sides to make certain movements, such as the overhead press or Turkish getup, easier on your forearms.

Think about what you’ll be using your kettlebell for and whether a more ergonomic shape would be helpful as you’re using it.

Your budget

You can spend anywhere from $20 to upward of $300 on a single kettlebell depending on its weight, construction, and quality.

If you’re looking for a kettlebell to mix up your workouts and will be using it more recreationally, there’s no need to drop major cash. However, if you’re going to dive deep into kettlebell training and will be throwing around some heavier weight, it’s worth looking into more competition-style options.

Training with kettlebells

Kettlebells add resistance to exercises just like dumbbells and barbells do, so they’re primarily used for strength training.

Thanks to their unique shape and size, kettlebells are a great choice for performing dynamic, functional exercises that help improve balance, coordination, power, agility, and core strength. They’re used for both full-body exercises and unilateral work.

Upper body exercises

You can use kettlebells instead of dumbbells to build great upper body strength. The feeling and effect of each exercise will be slightly different because the bulk of the weight of a kettlebell is positioned under the handle instead of on either side of the handle like it would be if you were using a dumbbell.

Some examples of upper body kettlebell exercises include:

• biceps curl
• shoulder press
• chest press (plus incline and decline variations)
• bent over row and renegade row
• reverse fly
• overhead triceps extension

Lower body exercises

Kettlebells can add resistance to a wide variety of lower body moves in place of dumbbells, barbells, or medicine balls. You can also add an extra challenge by holding only one kettlebell at a time, which means you’ll have to use your core to stay balanced.

Some exercises you can do are:

• goblet squat
• lunge (forward, backward, and to the side)
• step up
• deadlift
• standing calf raise

Core strength

To control the motion of the kettlebell during a kettlebell swing, you have to engage your core to maintain proper form, which means you’re using all of the muscles from your hips to your shoulders.

Likewise, full-body exercises that require you to control the kettlebell’s motion and position also require core stability. Examples include:

• kettlebell swing (plus single-arm variations)
• Turkish getup
• Russian twist
• farmer’s walk
• windmill
• dead bug pullover
• situp

Kettlebell flows

Kettlebell flows link various kettlebell exercises together for a full-body burn and are great for improving hand-eye coordination, cardiovascular fitness, and explosiveness. Rather than stopping to rest or change positions in between exercises, you move immediately from one movement to the next.

Some movement combinations are:

• deadlift and row
• clean, squat, and single-arm press
• swing, clean, and snatch
• clean and alternating lunge
• bicep curl, halo, and overhead press

Frequently asked questions about kettlebells

What is a good weight for a kettlebell?

If you’re using kettlebells in place of other strength training equipment, you’ll want to select a weight that’s similar to what you’d typically choose for a dumbbell or barbell. Generally speaking, you’ll need a heavier weight for lower body exercises and a lighter weight for upper body exercises.

For kettlebell swings and other dynamic movements that use momentum as part of the exercise, you can often choose a heavier weight because you’re using momentum to move the kettlebell in addition to your muscles.

If you’re new to kettlebell training, you may want to work with a trainer to try a few exercises with different weights before making a purchase. This can help you determine what weight you’ll need for the exercises you plan to do.

Do kettlebells work your full body?

It depends on the exercise, but kettlebells can absolutely work your full body. Dynamic movements like kettlebell swings help build strength through the lower body, back, and core while offering a burst of cardio.

You can also use kettlebells like dumbbells to target specific muscle groups in your legs and your arms.

Can you integrate kettlebells into your weight training?

Kettlebells can easily be integrated into traditional weight training. You can use them in place of dumbbells and barbells to perform traditional exercises like chest presses, curls, and deadlifts.

You can also add kettlebell swings or other dynamic movements into your training if you want to build explosiveness and cardiovascular fitness. For instance, you could add 30 seconds of kettlebell swings between strength moves to increase your heart rate and burn more calories throughout your weight training workout.

The bottom line

Kettlebells are available in a variety of sizes and weights, and some even come with special features, such as adjustable weights and activity tracking.

By assessing your fitness level and using the list above, we know you’ll find the perfect kettlebell for your home gym.