Kettlebells We Also Tested

We tested 16 kettlebells, but only seven impressed us enough to earn a spot on our list of favorites. Although these kettlebells have some great features, they ultimately fell short.

• Kamagon’s Water Filled Adjustable Weight Kettlebell has a unique design—since it fills up with water, we like that you can easily adjust how heavy it is. However, we noticed that when the water shifts around inside during dynamic movements, it can be difficult to stay stable. 
• Bionic Body’s Soft Kettlebell may be safer and more comfortable for some beginners to use, thanks to its squishy exterior. But we’re concerned that it may not be very durable over time. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Kettlebells

• Weight: Finding a weight that challenges you while allowing you to maintain proper form and prevent injuries is vital. If you’re a beginner, consider starting with a lighter kettlebell or choosing an adjustable option that can grow with you as you build strength. 
• Materials: Cast iron kettlebells are tough and budget-friendly, making them popular for home gyms. Steel kettlebells offer superior durability and have a smoother finish that can feel more comfortable to hold during workouts. Some kettlebells have vinyl or rubber coatings to protect floors and reduce noise—but according to our experts, these may chip or have poor grip. Our experts also recommend shopping for adjustable kettlebells carefully, as most are made with plastic parts that can crack over time. 
• Handle: Check the shape, size, and texture of the kettlebell’s grip. Personal trainer and kettlebell coach Matt Spear, NASM-CPT, recommends avoiding kettlebells with overly short or thick handles—you should have enough room to fit at least one and a half hands on the handle comfortably. 
• Workout Style: Choose kettlebells that best suit your workout style and fitness goals. If you prefer higher-intensity workouts, opt for a kettlebell that can stand up well to sweaty hands, while still maintaining a solid grip. If you're planning on building strength, look for convenient adjustable kettlebell options or kettlebell sets.

How We Tested the Kettlebells

We rigorously tested 16 kettlebells from top brands to find the best options on the market. We spent 16 hours running through different exercises to get a feel for how each weight feels and performs. We do the circuit once with dry hands and once with wet hands to simulate sweat. For adjustable kettlebells, we complete a third circuit on a different setting to assess how well their features perform. When testing kettlebells, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: When we unbox each kettlebell, we assess how easy it is to set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. How long does it take? Do we need to ask a friend for help? 
• Performance: We weigh each kettlebell to make sure its construction matches the manufacturer’s specifications. As we perform each exercise, we consider whether the kettlebell’s design allows us to use proper form and minimize our risk of injury. For adjustable kettlebells, is it easy to switch between settings? 
• Ease of Use: During the test, we consider how easy each kettlebell is to use, including how the handle and grips are positioned in our hands, even with a silicone ring on. Is the weight user-friendly and comfortable to hold? Or are there any design changes we would make for a better experience?
• Grip: While we work out, we pay attention to how the kettlebell’s grip feels in our hands. Does the grip change after we spray our hands with water? Do we notice any slipping or twisting? 
• Portability: The best kettlebell needs to be compact and portable. How large is the kettlebell, and is it easy to move and store? 
• Durability: We evaluate the kettlebell’s durability by dropping it from waist height onto gym flooring and concrete slabs. Do we notice any damage to the weight or the floor, or are both still in perfect condition? 
• Value: To give each kettlebell a value score, we don’t check its price until the end of the test, after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Based on the weight’s performance, do we think it’s priced fairly? Or would we only buy it if it went on sale? We also consider whether we’d recommend the kettlebell to a friend or family member.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some, like Spear, helped us understand which features to look for while shopping for kettlebells. Others, like strength and conditioning specialist Emma Schmid, NSCA-CSCS, taught us how to incorporate kettlebells into an at-home weight training routine safely. We choose products independently, but expert input influences our decisions. 

• Matt Spear, NASM-CPT, personal trainer, NESTA-certified kettlebell coach, and fitness program manager for Exos in Raleigh, North Carolina
• Emma Schmid, NSCA-CSCS, certified strength and conditioning specialist, performance coach, and founder of Strive Strength Lab
• Chris Powell, CPT, certified personal trainer and Kettlebell Specialist at Onnit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you build muscle with kettlebells?

Yes, you can build muscle with kettlebells. Kettlebells are effective because they engage multiple muscle groups during your workouts, which makes them great for functional strength training. When it comes to at-home workouts, kettlebells allow you to exercise more with less equipment. 

What’s the best kettlebell exercise?

It depends on your personal preference. We recommend mixing up your workouts with a variety of kettlebell exercises, like squats, rows, swings, and presses, for a challenging and effective full-body workout.

What’s the best kettlebell for a beginner? 

Beginners should look for a kettlebell that weighs between 18 and 35 pounds—heavy enough to provide a challenge, but not so heavy that you can’t perform the proper technique. Yes4All’s Vinyl Coated Kettlebell with Rubber Base earned a perfect score as our top pick for beginners, thanks to its comfortable, textured handle, color-coded design, and budget-friendly price.

How heavy should a kettlebell be to start with?

It depends on your fitness level, strength, and which exercises you do most often. Beginners should aim for a kettlebell between 18 and 35 pounds, while more experienced weightlifters may opt for a heavier weight, up to 70 pounds. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jarrod Nobbe, NSCA-CSCS, is a writer for Verywell Fit with over a decade of experience in the fitness and performance space. As a certified strength and conditioning specialist, he relies on only the highest quality equipment, whether he’s coaching professional athletes, Olympic weightlifters, or personal training clients. For this article, Jarrod immersed himself in kettlebell training over the last month and also used the test results to identify top options.