We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Tested & Trainer-Approved: The 10 Best Resistance Bands, Plus 7 More We Like

We tried 41 resistance bands to find the best ones on the market

Person standing on a gym mat using resistance bands

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Whether you're looking to add upper-body conditioning, core exercises, or physical therapy into your routine, using resistance bands is a great way to level up your workouts and help improve your strength, stability, and mobility. There are multiple types of resistance bands, including loop bands, tube bands, power/assist bands, and resistance straps. When used during bodyweight movements, resistance bands are designed to mimic the use of machines, free weights, and bulky gym equipment.

To find the best resistance bands on the market, we tested 41 options in the Verywell Testing Lab and at home. We assessed each resistance band, using every option for 15-30 minute full-body circuits at least thrice weekly over four weeks. Our top picks are made of durable, high-quality materials and fit different budgets. We also picked resistance bands that score well for quality, ease of use, grip, portability, and value. Plus, we had a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an athletic trainer from our Review Board review this story for accuracy and how to use resistance bands safely.

What to Know Before You Shop

To pick the best resistance band for you, it's important to know which style suits your workouts. There are four common styles of resistance bands, and each has its own purpose:

  • Loop bands are made of either elastic or fabric and can be looped around your ankles or thighs to add resistance to many lower-body workouts (think banded squats, lateral band walks, fire hydrants, and more).
  • Tube bands are longer resistance bands that don't loop; rather, you can fasten handles or other accessories on either end and use them for upper-body workouts like rows, bicep curls, and more. These bands often come in sets with a door anchor, so you can use them like you would a cable machine at the gym.
  • Power/assist bands are sturdier and thicker loop bands that are often used for assisted pull-ups, but can also be used to add resistance to other exercises, like bicep curls or glute kickbacks. This band style typically offers heavier resistance compared to the others.
  • Resistance straps are typically used for stretching or for going deeper in yoga poses. These tend to offer the lightest resistance out of the four options.

Best Overall Loop Bands

Bala Bands

Bala Bands

Free People

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    4.6/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Sleek, attractive design

  • Zippered case included

  • Three resistance levels per set

Cons
  • May not offer enough resistance for advanced exercisers

  • Not labeled with resistance levels

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Light, medium, and heavy (specific pounds are not listed by the manufacturer) | Material: Woven fabric | Style: Loop bands | Included Accessories: Carrying case | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

These loop bands are best for beginner to intermediate exercisers looking to add some resistance to lower body workouts.

Why We Love Them

This band set from Bala includes three stylish loop bands made of quality material. Each band is 3.25 inches wide and made of woven fabric elastic, which never frayed or lost resistance over our four-week testing period. Each band offers different resistance levels—light, medium, or heavy—making this set versatile enough for many fitness levels and exercises. We found the resistance offered by each band to be fairly accurate (the light band was truly light, and the heavy band was truly heavy).

We love incorporating these bands in our lower body workouts—they work great for glute and leg exercises like clamshells, lateral band walks, squats, and more. Thanks to the grippy silicone dots on the inside of these bands, they never slide down or move around during workouts. We mostly use them while wearing leggings, but we have used them on bare skin before, and they never dig in or rub. We also like that the set comes with a handy zippered carrying case that makes the bands super portable.

Potential Flaws

  • We wish the bands were marked with their resistance level so we could easily know which one to reach for during a workout.
  • While we think the three loop bands in the set offer enough resistance for the average exerciser, even the heavy band may not be heavy enough for advanced exercisers with experience using resistance bands.

Best Runner-Up Loop Bands

GYMB Non-Slip Resistance Bands

GYMB Non-Slip Resistance Bands

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Carrying bag and instruction booklet included

  • Budget-friendly

  • Thick and durable

Cons
  • Resistance may be too hard for beginners

  • Color-coding system could be more intuitive

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Light (14–25 lbs), medium (25–35 lbs), and strong (35–50 lbs) | Material: Cotton | Style: Loop bands | Included Accessories: Carrying bag, exercise booklet | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

These loop bands are great for intermediate to advanced exercisers on a budget looking to add resistance to lower-body workouts.

Why We Love Them

This set of three bands is another great loop band option, particularly for lower body exercises, because they are sturdy and reasonably priced. These bands are made of cotton cloth, so they don't pinch your skin or break. We like that they come with an instruction booklet and a convenient carrying bag.

Thanks to their thick fabric, they proved durable over our four-week testing period and didn't stretch or lose their resistance. We felt their resistance was good for intermediate to advanced lower-body workouts. The set of three—which includes "light," "medium," and "strong" resistance bands—strikes the right balance of resistance levels, and we also like that each band is labeled with the resistance level it offers. Each band has a rubber grip woven into the inside to prevent rolling and slipping, keeping them put even when we sweat. Thanks to their thick and wide design, they also don't dig into our skin.

Potential Flaws

  • Even the lighter resistance level may be too heavy for beginners.
  • Although each band is labeled with the resistance level it offers, we still wish the color coding system for each resistance level were more intuitive.

Best Budget Loop Bands

Insonder Resistance Bands Set

Insonder Resistance Bands Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Versatility
    4/5
  • Grip
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Five resistance levels

  • Comes with a compact carrying bag

  • Clearly labeled resistance levels

Cons
  • May slip on wet skin

  • No exercise booklet included

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Light (10 lbs), Medium (15 lbs), Heavy (20 lbs), Extra-heavy (30 lbs), and Extra-extra-heavy (40 lbs) | Material: Latex | Style: Loop bands | Included Accessories: Carrying bag | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

These bands are great for all fitness levels and exercisers on a budget. Since the set includes bands of five different resistance levels, they work especially well for beginners looking to add more resistance to workouts over time.

Why We Love Them

With five bands ranging in tension from 10 to 40 pounds, Insonder's Mini Bands are our pick for a budget-friendly set of loop bands that can be used for a variety of lower-body exercises. The set is especially helpful for beginners who want to gradually increase the resistance of their bands over time as their strength improves. All bands feel equally thick and durable despite the difference in resistance levels—we feel confident that even the lightest band won't tear or snap during workouts. We like that the five included resistance bands are easy to differentiate, thanks to clearly labeled dots that correspond with their resistance level.

Latex-based loop bands can attract hair and dust due to static, but the chalk-like coating on these bands prevents them from collecting debris. The smooth surface also doesn't pinch or tug, even when we use them on bare skin. Despite offering a range of resistance, these bands are very lightweight and come with a mesh carrying bag, making them incredibly portable.

Potential Flaws

  • The bands slipped slightly a few times when we started to sweat during workouts, so you may have to readjust them during some moves.
  • Unlike other band sets on our list, this one doesn't come with an exercise booklet.

Best Investment Loop Bands

BC Strength Glute Loop Package

BC Strength Glute Loop Package

BC Strength

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Versatility
    3/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    3.5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
Pros
  • Durable knit fabric

  • Grippy and non-slip

  • Versatile resistance levels

Cons
  • Resistance may be too hard for beginners

  • No carrying bag

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Small- and large-diameter sets in regular, strong, and extra-strong (specific pounds are not listed by the manufacturer) | Material: Latex, polyester-blend | Style: Loop bands | Included Accessories: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

These bands are best for intermediate and advanced users who routinely use resistance bands for lower body work and want a versatile set to invest in that will last a long time.

Why We Love Them

BC Strength's Glute Loops are some of the most durable resistance bands we've ever used. This set will set you back a bit more cost-wise, but thanks to the high-quality knit fabric, they hold up well to years of use—one of our editors has used these weekly for over three years, and they show minimal signs of wear and tear.

These bands feel comfortable and easy to use during lower-body work. The bands never budge or slip, thanks to the non-slip strip that's woven into their fabric. This set includes six bands of varied resistance, making it an incredibly versatile option. We appreciate that the set includes bands in two diameter options (S/M and L/XL) to fit different body sizes and workouts. We like using the smaller-diameter bands for more targeted moves like clamshells and lateral band walks, and we like using the larger-diameter bands for squats and hip thrusts. Although they offer decent resistance, the bands are still very lightweight and are easy to take with you in a gym bag.

Potential Flaws

  • Even the lightest bands in this set offer a good amount of resistance, so they're not the best option for beginners.
  • We wish the bands came with a carrying bag to make them easier to transport and keep track of.

Best Overall Tube Bands

GoFit Extreme Pro Gym Set

GoFit Extreme Pro Gym Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Grip
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Multiple accessories included

  • Durable

  • Instructions included

Cons
  • Resistance levels might be slightly inaccurate

  • Bulky

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Green (20 lbs), Red (30 lbs), Blue (40lbs), and Orange (50 lbs) | Material: Latex | Style: Tube bands | Included Accessories: Two handles, two door anchors, two ankle straps, carrying bag
| Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They're For

This set is best for exercisers looking for a collection of portable equipment to help them get a full-body workout at home.

Why We Love Them

While loop bands are the most popular style of resistance bands, tube bands are a better choice for upper-body workouts. We like that this set comes with many accessories, including two door anchors, two ankle straps, and two attachable handles, making the set versatile enough for a full-body workout. We particularly appreciate the included set of attachable handles that feature a foam grip and allow us to maintain a firmer hold on the bands. The included door anchors and ankle straps also make it easy for us to fasten the bands to a door and use them like a cable machine for moves like rows or kickbacks.

The tube bands and accessories proved durable and high-quality throughout our testing period. And the foam featured on both handles and ankle straps allows us to exercise without slipping, even when we get sweaty. Plus, the extra cushioning prevents scratching and discomfort, which can happen when using lower-quality accessories. This set comes with an instruction manual with easy-to-follow illustrations of exercises, which is particularly helpful since there are so many ways to use the tube bands and included accessories. This, plus the included carrying bag, were a couple of reasons this set rose above the other tube bands we tested.

Potential Flaws

  • Although this set comes with a carrying bag, there are many included accessories, so it can feel bulky when full.
  • While we think the four different tube bands offered enough variety in resistance levels, when measuring their resistance levels in the lab, we found them to be a bit lighter than what is listed by the manufacturer.

Best Budget Tube Bands

Whatafit Resistance Bands Set

Whatafit Resistance Bands Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Versatility
    4/5
  • Grip
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Comes with a carrying bag

  • Multiple accessories included

  • Instructions included

Cons
  • Accessories may lack durability

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Light (10 lbs), Medium (20 lbs), Heavy (30 lbs), Extra-heavy (40 lbs), and Extra-extra-heavy (50 lbs) | Material: Latex | Style: Tube bands | Included Accessories: Two handles, one door anchor, two ankle straps, carrying bag | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

This set is best for exercisers looking for a budget-friendly training system for at-home, full-body workouts.

Why We Love Them

Whatafit's Resistance Bands Set is a very versatile, budget-friendly tube band set. The tube bands are comfortable to use, and it's easy to maintain a good grip on the included foam handles, even with sweaty hands. The set includes five tube bands with tension ranging from 10 to 50 pounds, two ankle straps, two handles, and a door anchor—all you need for a full-body home workout with resistance bands. The latex tube bands are durable and feel safe to use. The carabiner clips on each band also offer an additional layer of safety.

Similar to some of the other resistance bands on our list, these come with a small instruction booklet that features thorough descriptions and illustrations of suggested exercises that can be done with the tube bands and included accessories. The booklet made testers without much experience using tube bands more comfortable with the workout system.

Potential Flaws

  • The ankle straps aren't padded with foam like the handles are, but so far this hasn't caused any discomfort.
  • While the tube bands held up during our four-week testing period, the included accessories don't feel quite as durable and may not last for as long as pricier options on our list will.

Best Investment Tube Bands

Rogue Tube Bands

Rogue Tube Bands

Rogue

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
Pros
  • Six resistance levels

  • Textured grip handles

  • Durable

Cons
  • No carrying bag

  • Too bulky to be easily portable

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Light (10 lbs), Medium (15 lbs), Heavy (30 lbs), Extra-heavy (40 lbs), Extra-extra-heavy (50 lbs), and Ultra-heavy (60 lbs) | Material: Latex rubber | Style: Tube bands | Included Accessories: Each band has pre-attached handles| Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Thanks to the pre-attached handles on either length of each tube band, these bands are particularly useful for upper-body moves like rows, bicep curls, and shoulder presses.

Why We Love Them

This set of tube bands with pre-attached handles adds variety and versatility to home workouts. We love that you can easily use them for many classic dumbbell exercises without having to alter your form. Although they're pricier than other tube bands on our list, they are incredibly durable and include features that budget-friendlier options don't have. We love that each set comes with six tube bands of ascending resistance levels, offering a versatile workout for both beginner and advanced users. We also like that the handles on each resistance band have a textured grip, allowing us to maintain a good hold, even with sweaty hands.

We appreciate that each of the six bands is color-coded to match its resistance level, allowing us to easily distinguish between the different intensities as we work out. The bands are made of high-quality, durable materials that didn't show any wear and tear after four weeks of regular use.

Potential Flaws

  • The bands don't come with a carrying bag. Since there are six bands per set and each band has two attached handles, these aren't as easy to bring with you on the go as other options we tested.

Best Power/Assist Bands

Rogue Echo Resistance Bands

Rogue Echo Resistance Bands

Rogue

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Wide range of resistance levels

  • Very durable

  • Size- and color-coded

Cons
  • No carrying bag

  • No instructions included

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Orange (9 lbs), Red (18 lbs), Blue (30 lbs), Green (40 lbs), Black (65 lbs), Purple (95 lbs), Red (115 lbs), Silver (225 lbs) | Material: Latex rubber | Style: Power/assist bands | Included Accessories: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

These power/assist bands are great for exercisers looking for added assistance during pull-ups or chin-ups. They're also great for adding resistance to upper-body moves, as well as some lower-body exercises.

Why We Love Them

Power/assist bands are designed to offset your body weight to help you perform lifts like pull-ups. They also work well for adding resistance to both lower and upper body exercises. We like the Rogue Echo resistance bands for their versatility and sturdiness. Each of the eight resistance bands is color-coded based on the resistance level offered, which makes it easy to know which one to reach for during a workout. Choose an option that offers between 15 and 100 pounds of resistance if your goal is to add a challenge to bodyweight exercises, and opt for one with 140 to 200 pounds of resistance if your goal is to use it to assist you when performing pull-ups or chin-ups.

Although they come at a higher price compared to other options, these bands are well worth it—they feel very durable and sturdy, which is especially important when you're using them to assist you in a pull-up. We felt we could maintain a sturdy grip when using them for upper-body workouts like banded shoulder presses and never felt like we would lose control of the band causing it to snap back on us. One of our editors, who has had two hand surgeries, felt very comfortable and stable while gripping these bands.

Potential Flaws

  • The bands don't come with a carrying bag, so they may not be as portable as other options, especially if you buy multiple bands.
  • The bands don't come with an instruction manual.
Rogue Echo Resistance Bands on a wood floor

Verywell Fit / Connor Ralph

Best Runner-Up Power/Assist Bands

Serious Steel Assisted Pull-up Band

Serious Steel Assisted Pull-up Band

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    3/5
  • Grip
    4/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Clearly labeled resistance levels

  • No slipping with wet or dry hands

  • Four bands for all experience levels

Cons
  • Not as portable as other sets

  • No instructions included

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Purple (5–35 lbs), Red (10–50 lbs), Blue (25–80 lbs), Green (50–120 lbs) | Material: Latex | Style: Power/assist bands | Included Accessories: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Who They're For

Great for exercisers looking for an affordable set of quality power/assist bands with a wide range of resistance levels.

Why We Love Them

We love that Serious Steel's Assisted Pull-Up Bands set includes four resistance bands of different tension levels, making them versatile for different exercises and fitness levels. While we particularly like these bands for assisted pull-ups and chin-ups, the lighter bands in the set also work well for adding resistance to exercises like overhead presses, pushups, chest presses, kickbacks, and more when dumbbells aren't available. Since the set comes with four resistance bands of ascending tension levels, we like that we can start with lower resistance and progressively move up as we gain strength.

Thanks to their high-quality, grippy material, we can hold on to the bands even with sweaty hands, and we never worry about them snapping back at us mid-workout. We also appreciate that the bands are intuitively color-coded based on the resistance they offer, allowing us to easily reach for the resistance level we want during a workout.

Potential Flaws

  • An included instruction guide would have been helpful for workout guidance, especially for beginners. But we like that you can find a few exercise suggestions directly on the manufacturer's product page.
  • Since this set of four doesn't come with a carrying case or bag, it's not as portable as other sets on our list.

Best Resistance Straps

Healthy Seniors Resistance Bands

Healthy Seniors Chair Exercise Program with Two Resistance Bands

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Versatility
    4/5
  • Grip
    4/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Great for chair workouts

  • Written instructions and instructional video included

Cons
  • Bands may slip if not tied correctly to handles

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Light and medium (specific pounds are not listed in manufacturer’s product description) | Material: Latex | Style: Resistance straps | Included Accessories: Two handles | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who They're For

Unlike heavier bands on our list, Healthy Seniors' Bands are lightweight and ideal for seated chair exercises and stretches. They can also help you go deeper in yoga poses, like a classic yoga strap can.

Why We Love Them

This set may cater to elderly exercisers or those with physical limitations more than others on the market, thanks to the instruction guide featuring low-impact chair exercises that can be done with the bands. This set of two resistance straps (one light and one medium) also comes with an 18-page instructional guide with illustrations of various exercises that can be done with the bands, especially beginner chair exercises. We also like that the set comes with two handles that can be attached to either end of the resistance straps, allowing users to get a better grip on the bands.

In addition to chair exercises, we could easily use these bands for lightweight squats, bicep curls, and hamstring stretches on the floor. The latex construction holds up to repeated stretching and continued use. The whole set only includes four lightweight pieces, making it easy to carry in a gym bag or backpack.

Potential Flaws

  • We noticed that the bands could slip and snap back at us when using the handles as attachments if they weren't properly secured. However, we resolved this issue in the lab by double-knotting the bands around the handles.

Other Resistance Bands We Like:

Best Advanced

TB12 Full Body Training Kit

TB12 Full Body Training Kit

TB12

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    3.6/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.3/5
Pros
  • Versatile enough for a full-body workout

  • Two resistance range options to choose from

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Carrying bag is flimsy

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Light/medium or heavy/extra heavy options (specific pounds are not listed in manufacturer’s product description) | Material: Not listed | Style: Tube bands and loop bands | Included Accessories: Two carabiner connectors, one door anchor, one carrying bag | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Why We Love Them

With TB12 Full Body Training Kit, advanced exercisers can get a full-body workout from home with minimal equipment. This set has six bands, including long and short loop bands and tube bands with pre-attached handles. It also includes plenty of accessories, including carabiner connectors, a door anchor, and a carrying bag.

We like that all the included equipment feels very sturdy and secure. The handles are easy to grasp, even with sweaty hands, and the resistance bands never feel like they're going to snap back on us. Because both loop and tube bands are included in this set, it's great for full-body workouts. Choose from a light/medium option and a heavy/extra heavy option.

Best Home Gym Replacement

Gorilla Bow The Original Total Bundle

Gorilla Bow The Original Total Bundle

Gorilla Bow

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
Pros
  • Design provides wide range of exercise options

  • 30-day free trial of membership with on-demand classes

  • Easy to grip and hold

Cons
  • Not portable

  • Pricier than other options

Key Specs:

Tension Range: Yellow (10 lbs), Red (20 lbs), Green (30 lbs), Blue (50 lbs) | Material: Aluminum, rubber | Style: Tube bands | Included Accessories: Carrying bag for tubes, band wrap, bow, 30 Days of Gorilla Bow All-Access Membership | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Why We Love Them

This unique set of resistance bands and bow-shaped handle are a great investment if you need a home gym set-up that doesn't take up a lot of space. The Base Bundle includes the bow and four tube bands offering 10-, 20-, 30-, and 50-pound resistance levels.

The set is easy to use once you get the hang of it (especially if you follow the provided instructional video)—simply fasten one or more tube bands to either side of the bow, and you can use the system to recreate common barbell exercises, like squats, overhead presses, lunges, chest presses, and more. We also like that it comes with a 30-day free trial of Gorilla Bow's All-Access Membership with on-demand classes, although we don't think the membership is necessary to use the equipment.

Most Versatile

VEICK Resistance Bands

VEICK Resistance Bands

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Grip
    4.3/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Handles, ankle straps, and door anchor included

  • Carabiner connectors for ease of use

  • Can use multiple tubes at once

Cons
  • May be too bulky for easy portability

  • Handles aren't very comfortable

Key Specs

Tension Range: Yellow (10 lbs), Blue (20 lbs), Green (30 lbs), Black (40 lbs), Red (50 lbs) | Material: Natural rubber | Style: Tube bands | Included Accessories: Carrying bag, door anchor, handles, ankle straps | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Why We Love Them

With five tube bands, removable handles, ankle straps, and a door anchor, this set provides a wide range of resistance and exercise variety. We found this set easy to use for both lower and upper body exercises, adding resistance to traditional bodyweight exercises. The bands stretch without threatening to snap back at us, allowing us to complete exercises using our full range of motion.

We found this set helped make our home exercise more engaging. We love that each tube is color-coded and labeled with the resistance level it offers, and we found both handles and ankle straps to be durable.

Best Set

Chareada Resistance Bands Set

Chareada Resistance Bands Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Grip
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Great value

  • Large assortment of accessories and attachments

  • Tube and loop style bands included

Cons
  • Handles aren't very comfortable

Key Specs

Tension Range: Yellow (10 lbs), Green (20 lbs), Red (30 lbs), Blue (40 lbs), and Black (50 lbs) | Material: Natural rubber | Style: Tube bands, loop bands | Included Accessories: Carrying bag, door anchor, two handles, two ankle straps, two wrist wraps, two glider discs, instant cool towel, jump rope | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Why We Love Them

If you're looking for a complete home workout system that includes options for cardiovascular exercise as well as strength training, we recommend Chareada's Resistance Band Set. Like most multi-piece resistance band sets, this one includes both loop and tube bands, plus a door anchor, handles, and ankle straps. But this set also goes one step further, including additional accessories like wrist wraps, glider discs, a jump rope, and an instant-cool microfiber towel. All these accessories make it easy to get a full-body workout at home, making this set a great value buy.

Best for Stretching

Gaiam Restore Resistance Band Stretch Strap

Gaiam Restore Resistance Band Stretch Strap

GetACTV

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Grip
    4.7/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Numbered handholds

  • Lightweight and portable

Cons
  • Not very versatile

Key Specs

Tension Range: Medium (specific pounds are not listed in manufacturer’s product description) | Material: Not listed | Style: Strap with handhold loops | Included Accessories: Downloadable instruction manual | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Why We Love It

If you want to improve your flexibility or need assistance holding yoga poses, Gaiam's Restore Stretch Band Strap offers the assistance you need to stretch further and go deeper. We like the eight handhold loops featured on the strap that allow us to get a better grip when stretching. Plus, you can work your way up to the farthest loop as you gradually become more flexible. While the band is best for stretching and not as versatile for other types of exercise, we think it's a great option for yogis or if you need some assistance while stretching post-workout.

Person pulling on Gaiam Restore Resistance Band Stretch Strap

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Best Single Band

SKLZ Professional Grade Strength Training Resistance Band

SKLZ Professional Grade Strength Training Resistance Band

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    4.6/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.3/5
  • Grip
    4.8/5
  • Portability
    4/5
Pros
  • Thick and sturdy

  • Great for compound moves like squats and overhead presses

  • Very durable

Cons
  • Pricey for a single band

  • Long length doesn't work for isolation exercises


Key Specs:


Tension Range: Light (20–40 lbs), Medium (40–80 lbs), and Heavy (50–120 lbs) options | Material: Natural rubber | Style: Power/assist band | Included Accessories: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Why We Love It

If you want to invest in a single, high-quality power/assist band that can assist you during pull-ups but also add resistance to bodyweight squats or overhead presses, this is a great place to start. The 40-inch power/assist band comes in three tension levels and can be easily wrapped around a sturdy object, allowing you to use it for rows, kickbacks, speed drills, and more. The thick band is very sturdy and held up during our testing period. We like that it's made of natural rubber and is easy to hold without cutting or pinching our hands.

Best Ankle Band

P.volve Heavy Ankle Resistance Band

P.volve Heavy Ankle Resistance Band

PVolve

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Unique design targets lower body muscles

  • Easy to use

Cons
  • Not meant for upper body workouts

  • No carrying bag

Key Specs

Tension Range: Not listed | Material: Latex | Style: Loop band | Included Accessories: Two ankle straps | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Why We Love It

If you're looking for a resistance band that can help you specifically target lower body muscles like hamstrings and glutes, the uniquely shaped P. volve Heavy Ankle Resistance Band is a good choice. The band's design allows it to sit comfortably around your ankles with cushioned hook and loop straps. It's designed to increase the burn you feel in your butt and thighs during moves like lateral leg lifts and glute bridges. We love that it's compact, portable, and easy to use.

Check out our editor-tested P.volve review for more on the brand's equipment.

Resistance Bands We Also Tested

We tested a total of 41 sets of resistance bands, but only 17 made it on our list of top recommendations. These bands didn't make our final list, but they still have some valuable features worth mentioning:

  • Buckleband's Starter Set is easy to use and fasten anywhere on your body without having to wiggle it into place like you would with a traditional loop band. However, we noticed some slight tearing near the buckle when testing, so we're concerned about its long-term durability.
  • While testing lululemon's Resistance Band Set, keeping the bands in place proved difficult. While the fabric felt very comfortable and sturdy, the bands didn't stretch as far as we would have liked.
  • Rogue's Monster Resistance Bands set comes with five power/assist bands that offer a variety of resistance levels. But they don't come with a carrying case, and we think there are less expensive options of similar quality available.
  • CALIA's Fabric Bands are thick and wide and stay in place thanks to the non-slip ridges on the inside of the bands. But we think the resistance offered is too heavy for most users, making it hard to complete many exercises.
  • WIKDAY's Resistance Bands are good quality, sturdy bands that allow for a lot of versatility in a workout. We also liked that they're easy to use and bring with you on the go. But we noticed they had a weird rubbery smell, and the lightest band's small diameter dug into our skin.
  • Sunny Health & Fitness' Strength Training Band comes in four different resistance levels ranging from 100 to 180 pounds, making it a good choice for advanced exercisers. We found that it was easy to use, sturdy, and comfortable, but there are less expensive options that offer equally good quality.
Person testing resistance of resistance band while another person sits nearby

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Where We Stand

After testing 41 sets of resistance bands, we found a clear winner for each band style. Bala's Bands stood out as our favorite loop bands thanks to their versatility, sleek design, and comfort. Out of all the tube bands we tested, we picked the ones in GoFit's Extreme Pro Gym Set as our top recommendation for their durability and ease of use. And no power/assist band came close to Rogue's Echo Resistance Bands if you're looking for a sturdy band to assist you during pull-ups or chin-ups. We continue to test our 17 top picks at home and will update our list of recommendations if we gather any new insights.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Resistance Band

  • Style: Arguably, the most important factor to consider when choosing the right resistance band for you is the style of band that best suits your workout needs. You'll want to choose a resistance band style that targets the body part you want to work on and can be easily incorporated into your existing exercise regimen.
  • Tension Range: Nearly every set of resistance bands comes with a specific tension range—whether noted by level (light, medium, and heavy) or pounds. Our experts recommend purchasing a set with a minimum tension that works for lighter upper-body exercises and a maximum tension that will prove challenging for heavier, lower-body workout routines (whatever that means for your specific fitness level). Multi-packs of resistance bands, like Chareada's Resistance Band Set, offer a range of resistance, so you don't have to worry about buying additional bands to tackle different exercises or to keep you feeling challenged over time.
  • Material: No matter the resistance band's style, most are made with either rubber or latex. These materials are stretchy, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Rubber is typically more durable, but our experts note that latex is stretchier for both high- and low-impact exercises. Though loop bands can also be made with these materials, you may also find some made with fabric—like our best overall pick, Bala's Bands set. This woven knit material provides stretch without the fear of pinching or sliding on the skin.
  • Included Accessories: If other accessories are included with your purchase, you may find you can perform more workouts with a single set. Some of the most popular accessories you’ll find in a workout band set are handles, ankle straps, and door anchors. Handles often clip onto tube bands with a carabiner clip, offering a secure place to hold the tubes comfortably. Ankle straps fit around the ankles, allowing you to do moves like hip adductions and hip abductions. If the set includes door anchors, you can complete kickbacks, rows, and other exercises that require the tube bands to be hooked to a secure area (like your door frame).
Person looking at paper showing suggested resistance band exercises

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

How We Tested the Resistance Bands

Our Experts Find the Best Resistance Bands for Your Workouts

To determine the best resistance bands on the market, we tested 41 sets in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home for over two months. To test each resistance band set, we used it in our regular gym routines multiple times per week over our testing period, completing both upper and lower-body workouts. We made sure to cater the type of workout to the style of resistance band we tested. While testing each set, we evaluate the bands based on the following key criteria:

  • Quality: Throughout our testing period, we noted the quality of each resistance band. Do the resistance bands feel like they're made of high-quality material that doesn't pinch or rub the skin? Did the resistance bands stretch out at all, or did they remain in like-new condition over our testing period? Sets score well in this area if they're made with materials that are durable over time.
  • Versatility: How versatile is the set of resistance bands? Do they offer enough variety in tension range to be used for different exercises and fitness levels? Can they be used for full-body workouts or just for upper or lower-body moves? Sets scored well in this area if we found them easy to use for multiple exercises and effective for training more than one body part.
  • Ease of Use: Were the resistance bands easy to use during our workout routines? Or did we have to modify moves to use them properly? Was it fairly easy to set the bands up for an exercise, or did it take several minutes to position them properly? We value bands that don't make setting up for a workout more difficult than it should be.
  • Grip: Did the bands hold steady during exercises? Or did they constantly slip, forcing us to stop our workouts to readjust them? For loop bands, did they dig in or pinch our skin, or did they feel comfortable? For tube bands with handles, were the handles easy to hold, even with sweaty hands? We only recommend sets that stay put during workouts without causing discomfort.
  • Portability: How portable are the bands? If the set comes with multiple bands and accessories, does it come with a carrying bag to easily store and move the equipment? Can the bands easily fit into a gym bag, or are they too heavy or bulky to transport to a gym? We value portability to make it easier for you to use your bands on the go.
  • Value: To determine whether each band or band set was truly worth its price, we waited to check the price of each resistance band until after our two-month testing period. We then evaluated whether the price of each set was worth its quality and whether we would buy each band at its full price or wait until the set went on sale.
Person laying out Insonder Resistance Bands Set on floor

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Our Experts

  • Gabby Drucker, personal trainer and owner of Drucker Fitness in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • Noelle McKenzie, personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge NY.
Person with resistance band around ankle

Frequently Asked Questions

Do resistance bands build muscle?

Several studies have suggested that working out with resistance bands can be a great way to activate muscles and build strength. However, because resistance bands are shaped differently than free weights, they may challenge your muscles in a slightly different way. One study found that resistance bands activated some muscles more than free weights (namely, the accessory muscles of an exercise)—and some muscles less than free weights (namely, the primary muscles typically activated during a workout)—when similar exercises were performed.

What can you expect to pay for a resistance band?

A set of quality resistance bands usually costs between $20 and $80. Cheaper bands may not be as durable, while more expensive options may come with more resistance levels and added accessories that make it easier to complete full-body workouts. On average, a set of power/assist or tube bands will set you back more than a set of loop bands.

Many colorful resistance bands displayed on a rack
Verywell Fit / Nick Kova.

Why Trust Verywell Fit 

Megan Foster is a seasoned commerce writer and former college athlete. She prioritizes health and fitness in her daily life, and she’s always looking for an effective new workout routine or fitness product to share with her readers. Megan regularly uses resistance bands while working out in the gym or at home. She helped us test some of our top resistance bands in the Lab, carefully evaluating the durability and versatility of each set while noting its overall value and affordability.

Additional reporting by Lindsey Lanquist, Sarah Felbin, and Jen Zeltwanger

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that are of great value and make life easier. She also helped test some resistance bands in the Lab, and she still uses Gaiam's Restore Resistance Band Stretch Strap regularly to maintain her flexibility.

Jen Zeltwanger has 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and knows how important it is to find quality products that add value to your fitness routine. She is particularly focused on finding and recommending products for effective home workouts.

4 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Yeun YR. Effectiveness of resistance exercise using elastic bands on flexibility and balance among the elderly people living in the community: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2017;29(9):1695-1699. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1695

  2. Patil P, Rao S. Effects of Thera-Band® elastic resistance-assisted gait training in stroke patients: a pilot studyEur J Phys Rehabil Med.

  3. Kozub FM, Voorhis T. Using bands to create technique-specific resistance training for developing explosive power in wrestlers. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2012;34(5):92-95. doi:10.1519/SSC.0b013e318262a836

  4. Bergquist R, Iversen VM, Mork PJ, Fimland MS. Muscle activity in upper-body single-joint resistance exercises with elastic resistance bands vs. Free weightsJournal of Human Kinetics. doi:10.1515/hukin-2017-0137