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Shopping for the best resistance bands that you can use at home or on the go should be simple, right? I mean, come on. Isn’t it as easy as waltzing into the store or going on Amazon to grab whatever is available? Um, not quite my friends!
I remember following that philosophy, and I ended up with a resistance band set that didn’t meet my needs. I know it seems like a fairly straightforward purchase for your home gym, but it should be something purchased with intention. Because, like other exercise equipment, no two are created equally.
If you’re in the market for a set of resistance bands that’ll take your home workout to the next level, you should check this out. In this review, I will tell you about the best resistance bands on Amazon so you can avoid making the mistake I made.
Now, let’s get into it!
The Home Workout Experts You Can Rely On
One thing we take very seriously is fitness. That’s why we have certified personal trainers, athletes, exercise specialists, and more on our testing team. Another thing that we take seriously is people having accurate information about home gym products.
Resistance bands are a pretty common item for people to have in their home gym. In the grand scheme of things, they’re typically more budget-friendly and less intimidating than, say, kettlebells. But, as simple as they might seem, it’s still crucial to clarify how they differ. So we’ve tested and identified what we deem the best resistance bands on Amazon. Who better to learn that from than those who work out for a living?
The 6 Best Resistance Bands on Amazon
- Best Overall Resistance Bands on Amazon: Crossover Symmetry
- Best Budget Resistance Bands: Renoj Resistance Bands
- Best Mini-Loop Resistance Bands: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop
- Best Portable Resistance Bands: Bodylastics Resistance Bands Set
- Best Resistance Band Set for Short People: Eilison Resistance Band Kit
- Most Unique Resistance Band System: Gorilla Bow
Best Resistance Bands on Amazon: Crossover Symmetry
Good for: Individuals looking to strengthen their shoulders following an injury or wanting to improve their performance.
Pros:
- Comes with library of routines
- Sleeve over the band provides comfort
- Durable product
- Have a great handle
- Useful for upper and lower body
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Must be anchored
- Max resistance is 25 lbs unless you stack bands
If you’re in physical therapy for your shoulders, want to strengthen the upper body with bands, or want something you can easily do at home, the Crossover Symmetry bands are a good choice. Purchasing this set through Amazon means you’ll get two sets of resistance bands wrapped in a protective sleeve. Those sleeves are there to prevent you from getting injured if the cord snaps and also provides comfort if the band rubs against your skin.
Most of the people on our team have used these bands to warm-up for a heavy workout, or to rehab a shoulder issue. These natural latex rubber bands are suitable for athletes who want to better their shoulder strength and mobility as well. In fact, they’re used by Major League Baseball teams, PGA tour players, and more to improve upper body strength, stability, and flexibility.
If you’re expecting high levels of resistance, this might not be the set for you. These are only between 3 and 25 pounds, which is on the lighter side. However, that’s what makes them ideal for rehabilitation purposes, like dealing with a rotator cuff injury.
What’s nice is that the package comes with more than just two sets of resistance bands. You get a helpful 45-page training guide and access to their online education platform. There are over 50 videos available to show you how to complete different resistance band workouts, so you don’t feel lost on what to do. What’s really neat is that the education platform also comes with a “Pain Track” program. The “Pain Track” program allows you to customize exercises based on your individual condition.
When you pick out which set of resistance bands is best for you, you’ll also have to select your preferred mounting method. For example, you can choose between door belts, squat rack straps, and crossover anchors.
Overall, this is a really good set that comes with some valuable additions! However, it’s almost $200 and can’t be used for activities like pull-ups. If you’re looking for something good for your shoulders and that’ll take your lift game to the next level, this is your set.
For more, check out our full Crossover Symmetry Bands review.
| What’s Included | Two resistance bands, training guide, online Training Zone access, aluminum exercise chart, mobility sac, drawstring travel backpack, choice between door belts, squat racks, or wall mounts |
| Weight Options | 3-25 lbs |
| Material | Natural latex with protective sleeve |
Best Budget Resistance Bands: Renoj Resistance Bands
Good for: Individuals looking for affordable resistance bands that add versatility to your home workout.
Pros:
- Priced under $20
- Highly versatile
- Can stack for increased resistance
- Have handles
- Portable
Cons:
- Included bag is very small
- Ankle straps don’t have strong enough Velcro
- Not incredibly durable
Not everybody is looking to spend an arm and a leg on improving their arms and legs. And guess what? That’s completely fine! For under $25, you’ll get five resistance bands that’ll take your cardio sessions up a notch. Plus, this set has wrist and ankle straps, a small carrying bag to make it portable, and a door anchor to help you hit different muscle groups.
No matter your fitness level, I think there’s something for everybody with this set. If you’re new to working out, maybe you start with a 10- or 20-pound single band. Those who want more of a challenge, though, will like that these are stackable. You can achieve up to 100 pounds of resistance when you use all five bands.
Given the variety, you can use it during your warm-ups or even make it a part of your strength training routine. You can use them to tackle upper-body and lower-body exercises, but there is one issue.
Kate Meier, the head of content at GGR, tested this set and found that the ankle straps weren’t particularly useful due to how easily they unlocked during workouts. This makes it difficult to complete lower-body workouts with those straps, but you can slide your foot through the handles to perform exercises like standing glute presses or seated cross-leg pulls.
Kate also noted that the included drawstring bag is too small to repackage all the bands and accessories easily.
Besides the issue with the ankle straps, these bands are an excellent addition to your home gym. If you’ve been on the fence about how effective they really are, this is an inexpensive way to start using resistance bands. While they might not be the most durable bands you’d find on the block, you can’t beat the price.
| What’s Included | 5 resistance bands, 1 carrying case, 1 user manual, 1 door anchor, 2 handles, 2 ankle straps |
| Weight Options | 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, 25lb, 30lb |
| Material | Natural latex |
RELATED: The Best Tube Resistance Bands
Best Mini-Loop Resistance Bands: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
Good for: Individuals desiring resistance bands that are lightweight and budget-friendly.
Pros:
- 5 bands in the set
- Priced under $20
- Can be used for accessory work, warm-ups, and rehab
- Color-coded
Cons:
- Resistance isn’t marked in weight
- Thinner bands may wear quickly
- Heaviest band is still light for some users
If you’re okay with purchasing a set of Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands are a good choice. They are affordable, compact, and will get the job done if you want small-loop bands. You’ll get a total of five bands that have strength between extra light and extra heavy. They’re color-coded and labeled with the resistance level for easy identification. These budget-friendly bands come in a small drawstring bag, allowing you to easily store them in a drawer or toss them in your gym bag.
We have found reviews that report that the bands roll up when you work out. Others also mentioned that bands develop tears, but that is true of any exercise band you use after a certain period of time.
These mini-bands aren’t what you would use if you want to do banded pull-ups, face pulls, or exercises that require a longer band. If you like free shipping and want something you can use at home or on-the-go, you’ll appreciate this inexpensive set.
| What’s Included | 5 resistance bands and 1 drawstring bag |
| Weight Options | X-light, light, medium, heavy, x-heavy |
| Material | Natural Rubber |
Best Portable Resistance Bands: Bodylastics Resistance Bands Set
Good for: Individuals looking for a high-quality, long-lasting stackable resistance band set.
Pros:
- Highly portable and comes with a tote
- Complete set for under $50
- Easy to use
- Stackable for increased resistance
- Band weight is clearly marked
Cons:
- Require an anchor point
- Heavier bands increase the cost
- Band doesn’t have protective sleeve
The Bodylastics Resistance Bands Set with iron carabiners gives you a lot for a little. For under $50, you’ll get five heavy-duty bands between 3 and 19 pounds. In addition to the resistance bands, you’re getting one door anchor, a carry bag, two handles, and two ankle straps.
In the beginner set, you’ll get a total of 96 pounds of tension, which is a good start. However, you’ll probably want to look into their other sets as you get stronger. For instance, they have a Strong Man set with 202 pounds of tension (that also ups the price).
One thing I really like is that Bodylastics made a point to address common quality issues that bands have, such as snapping and overstretching. There’s an inner safety cord inside of each exercise band, which is unique to them. This is because they have a patent on their snap reduction and safety tech design, as well as their custom carabiner clips. Our testers found these bands to perform well in a range of exercises.
Another thing worth mentioning is that these stackable resistance bands don’t have the smell often observed on other ones. The scent of latex can be overwhelming and can take forever to go away. No one wants to catch a whiff of that while doing squats or have that smell stuck on their hands following their workout.
As is often the case with bands like these that don’t have a protective sleeve, you may notice rubbing or chafing while performing certain exercises. Also, you do need an anchor point, though the included door mount means you can use these just about anywhere.
| What’s Included | 5 resistance bands, 1 door anchor, 1 carry bag, 2 individual handles, 2 individual ankle straps |
| Weight Options | 3 lb , 5 lbs, 8 lbs, 13 lbs, 19 lbs |
| Material | Malaysian latex |
RELATED: The Best Lower-Body Resistance Band Workout
Best Resistance Band Set for Short People: Eilison Resistance Band Kit
Good for: Beginners or individuals under 5’7 who want resistance bands for rehabilitation or strengthening.
Pros:
- Fit people who are short who may not be able to use other bands
- 210 lbs of tension
- Comes with exercise chart, door anchor, ankle straps, and tote
- Easy to take with you on the go
- Protective sleeve prevents chafing
- Weight is marked on the handle
Cons:
- Short handle
- May not work for taller people
- Foam handle may tear
Raise your hand if you’re looking for over 200 pounds of tension! The Eilison resistance band kit comes with six different resistance levels that range between 10 and 60 pounds. You can use the non-slip bands separately or combine them to get 210 pounds of tension. Not bad for under $45, especially considering what else it comes with.
If you purchase this set, you’ll get a workout guidebook, a carrying bag, foam handles, ankle straps, and door anchors. This is a great set to keep at home or bring with you when traveling. In addition, each band is covered by a nylon sleeve, which helps reduce the scent of latex. This sleeve is a really good add-on because who wants to be popped by some latex? Ouch.
Those taller than 5-foot-7 might find that these resistance bands just don’t stretch enough, so if you fall in that category, you’re better off looking at other ones. However, if, for some reason, you decide to go with these anyway, you’ll find yourself struggling to do an overhead movement like product tester and former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player Caroline Lubinsky. It’s unclear why these don’t extend as much, but the nylon cover may restrict its ability to elongate fully.
Another issue we found is that the resistance bands don’t feel as heavy-duty as they are marketed to be. Don’t get us wrong; these are still great bands, but they are under $50, so you can’t expect them to be as durable as other more expensive ones may be.
| What’s Included | 6 resistance bands, 4 cushioned foam handles, 2 door anchors, 2 ankle straps, 1 carrying bag, 1 workout guidebook |
| Weight Options | 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 30 lbs, 40 lbs, 50 lbs, 60 lbs |
| Material | Latex and nylon cover |
Most Unique Resistance Band System: Gorilla Bow
Good for: Individuals that want a convenient and versatile resistance band system that can target multiple muscle groups.
Pros:
- Unique design adds fun element to exercise
- Includes 30 days of fun classes
- Full-body workout
- Up to 300 lbs of resistance
Cons:
- Large bow may be hard to travel with
- Price starts at $200
- Additional resistance bands cost extra
If you’re oblivious to what the Gorilla Bow is, you’ll probably assume it’s a home defense product that you could use to shoot arrows. However, despite its distinctive look, I can confirm that it is definitely a resistance band system.
Unlike other sets, this one comes with a 56-inch bow made of aircraft aluminum. For the bow and the four resistance bands that come along with it, you can expect to pay almost $215. This set lets you add up to 300 pounds of resistance, but the base bundle only comes with a total of 110 pounds of tension. If 110 pounds isn’t enough and you desire to have really heavy resistance, you can order additional bands by Gorilla Bow on Amazon for $20 to $65.
The brand has other sets, too, like the Travel Lite Gorilla, Lite Gorilla, and Travel Gorilla. They come with 3-4 bands also and cost between $120 and $280.
We’ve tested and reviewed the Original Gorilla Bow and found it pretty easy to use. Each band has a thick, black end on both sides that you can pop into your bow. You can choose to use a single band or stack them up. Unfortunately, the bands aren’t labeled, making it a little tricky to remember how much tension you’re adding.
There is a Gorilla Bow All-Access app you can utilize too. It’s free for 30 days when you purchase a Gorilla Bow system. They have several on-demand and live classes that’ll show you different things you can do with your resistance band set. For instance, there’s Tabata, HIIT, strength training, and three others.
Many customers like the Gorilla Bow because it’s innovative, can offer heavy resistance, and gives you the option to add interactive programming. It’s a very different way to do cardio in your home gym and might be especially appealing to advanced fitness enthusiasts. However, I wouldn’t recommend this to beginners who are still trying to figure out proper form.
For more, check out our full Gorilla Bow review.
| What’s Included | Base Bundle includes a full-length 56” Bow; 4 bands; band wrap; 30 days of Gorilla Bow all-access membership |
| Weight Options | 50 lbs, 30 lbs, 20 lbs, 10 lbs |
| Material | Double-wall latex |
How We Picked and Tested
As you probably already know, there are tons of resistance bands out there, and it honestly would’ve been impossible to try them all. Therefore, on our journey to picking out the best resistance bands on Amazon, we started off by selecting the most popular ones on the market.
From there, our GGR team tested them out for about a month to assess their quality, ease of use, versatility, portability, durability, and more. By trying them out in different workout situations, we could see which bands were ideal for full-body workouts and which ones should only be used for just the upper body or lower body. Many of our product testers still use these bands with their personal training clients or in their own home gyms.
Once we completed all of our vigorous tests, we discussed our experiences and rated each set of bands. Our thorough assessment allows us to help you pick out the best bands for your situation.
Benefits of Resistance Bands
After reading about the best resistance bands on Amazon, you probably wonder if they’re worth it. Are they all that they’re cracked up to be? I hate to break it to ya, but they’re pretty darn good! Here are a few benefits of resistance bands.
A Budget-friendly Solution
Resistance bands will have you thinking twice about buying certain gym equipment, especially if you’re looking at the price. Think about it: 210 pounds of free weights like dumbbells or kettlebells would easily cost you $500 or more, which is much more than the 40 or 50 bucks you’d pay for latex bands.
They Offer Tons of Versatility
A set of resistance bands can seriously transform your home workout, especially if you have ankle straps and door anchors. You can use them to strengthen and tone your glutes by doing squats and lunges. You could even implement bands into your upper-body workouts by using them to do bicep curls and lateral raises.
As Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Jarrod Nobbe says, “No matter what your fitness level is, resistance bands will have something to offer you. The same applies to age, too. Young athletes might use them for assisted pull-ups to improve their game, while seniors do chest pulls and presses to maximize their flexibility.”
Portability Is a Plus
Unlike free weights and other strength training equipment, you can bring resistance bands with you almost anywhere because they are small and lightweight. So if you want to bring them to your office, take them with you on vacation, or bring a set to the gym, just throw them in your bag and go.
RELATED: Free Weights vs Resistance Bands
What to Look for When Shopping for Resistance Bands on Amazon
Earlier I mentioned how I once picked out some resistance bands that didn’t meet my needs, so I’m super excited to share these pointers with you.
Resistance Levels
Before you go on Amazon and add some random resistance bands to your cart, start to think about what resistance levels you need. Different activities will call for different resistance levels, so don’t make the mistake of buying a single band and calling it a day. You’ll want light resistance for some workouts, and others may require something a bit heavier. Therefore, I recommend getting a variety pack to be on the safe side.
There Are Different Band Types
The rookie mistake I made back in the day was assuming that all bands are the same. I didn’t know when it was appropriate to use loop bands, tube bands, or mini ones. They all ran together to me. Therefore, make sure you know which types of resistance bands you need to use to achieve your fitness goals.
The Material
When it comes to resistance bands, you’ll usually find that most are made of latex, but what if you’re allergic to that or don’t like how it feels? Thankfully, brands like THERABAND make non-latex material for individuals who prefer or need an alternative.
Also, understand that not all latex is made with the same level of quality. Some of the cheaper bands easily roll up or slide down while exercising. They may also be more likely to break within a year of purchasing them. Better quality resistance bands are much more durable and are expected to last much longer.
Therefore, pay special attention to customer reviews to see what other people’s experiences have been. In addition, carefully read through the product’s description, as brands who’ve put more effort into the quality of the band will mention their process or patent.
The Accessories
If you’re new to fitness, it definitely helps to purchase a resistance band kit so you can maximize your workout. For instance, if you only purchase resistance bands, but don’t have any ankle straps or door anchors, then you’re limiting the true versatility of the product.
Some kits also come with a workout guide and/or access to interactive programming. Those are especially helpful when you don’t even know where to start.
Another thing to look for is gloves to help cushion your hands. They might not come with your resistance band kit, but they come in handy to avoid hand irritation.
Consider The Cost
As you’ve seen on this list, some bands are much pricier than others, but those tend to be the ones that also come with helpful accessories. If your budget allows you to spend $50 or more, I recommend a full kit. However, if your budget is less than $30, you’ll still be able to find a fairly decent resistance training solution.
Overall, no matter what your budget is, you should be able to find some bands that fit your needs but avoid getting the cheapest ones! Resistance band injuries are real, and they don’t feel good.
FAQs About Resistance Bands
What Are the Most Effective Resistance Bands?
It depends on what you’ll be using the resistance bands for. The resistance bands you buy for pull-up assistance might be different than the ones you grab for deadlifts and pilates. For example, the Crossover Symmetry bands are effective for shoulder exercises but not so much for targeting your lower leg muscles. So you’d want to identify something else for that.
Ultimately, it’s not so much about the brand you buy as it is the type. There are different types of resistance bands, and each type caters to different things. Getting the wrong type will lead to you not having a very effective workout.
Should I Get 9-inch or 12-inch Resistance Bands?
If you’re less than 6 feet tall, the 9-inch resistance bands should work. However, if you’re taller than that, go ahead and grab the 12-inch ones.
How Do I Know Which Resistance Bands to Buy?
The key to finding the right ones for you is knowing how you’ll use them and then picking the type that caters to them. For instance, loop bands are better for targeting the hamstrings, quads, and other lower body muscles. Therefore, if your goal is to strengthen those muscles, you’d probably be disappointed if you bought tube bands, as those are best for the upper body.
Doing your research, reading product reviews, and considering your budget will help you find the best bands for you.
Which Resistance Band is Best for Beginners?
It honestly depends. The resistance band kits that come with exercise guides, online education, and mounting tools are beneficial to beginners. When you’re starting from scratch, it’s convenient to have tools like that to guide you along. However, it could be very overwhelming, too, depending on the person. As a result, for some people, less is more.
Some beginners will feel better about getting a single band or just a few without the accessories to see how they like them. That’s okay too. Taking that route is usually much more affordable. Then, as you get stronger, and if you still like using them, you can just get additional ones.
Further reading
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