The Best Weighted Hula Hoops to Put a Spin on Your Workouts—Tested and Approved

Weighted hula hoops are a fun and easy way to increase physical activity from home. They offer a blend of aerobic exercise and core strengthening and can also improve coordination, balance, and mobility. When shopping for a weighted hula hoop, consider its size, weight, adjustability, and potential portability. Materials and construction are also important; for example, a foam-wrapped hoop may be more comfortable.

To find the best weighted hula hoops, we consulted fitness experts about the benefits of using a weighted hoop and what key features to look for when shopping. Then, we tested ten expert-approved options, using them with guided hula hoop ab workouts. We evaluate each hoop for effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, weight distribution, and value.

Top Picks

Best Overall:
Fiteroc Weighted Fitness Hula Hoop at Amazon $36
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Best Budget:
Auoxer Weighted Hoops at Amazon $21
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Best for Beginners:
NEOWEEK 2 lb Exercise Hoop at Amazon $25
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Best Adjustable:
Dumoyi Smart Weighted Fit Hoop at Amazon $17
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Best Lightweight:
The Spinsterz Beginner Hoop at Amazon $50
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Best Portable:
Hoopnotica Travel Hoop at Amazon $57
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Best Advanced:
Dynamis Fat Burning Weighted Hula Hoop at Amazon
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Best With Padding:
HEALTHYMODELLIFE Exercise Fitness Hoop at Amazon $30
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Best Overall

Fiteroc Weighted Fitness Hula Hoop

Fiteroc Weighted Fitness Hula Hoop
Credit: Amazon
$36
$34 at Amazon
Pros
  • Evenly balanced weight

  • Storage bag and other accessories included

  • Easy to assemble and adjust its size

Cons
  • Disassembly can be difficult

Key Specs

Diameter: 34.6 or 39.4 inches Weight: 2.3 or 2.6 pounds Materials: Plastic, foam Adjustable: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginner to advanced exercisers who want to try weighted hula hooping with a solid easy-to-use hoop.

Why We Love It

Fiteroc’s Weighted Fitness Hula Hoop is high quality, comfortable to use, and easy to assemble, making it an easy choice for our top spot. The hoop is well-cushioned with thick foam that doesn't dig into our hips or core as we spin. And the hoop's connection joints are completely covered, so there's no pinching. We also appreciated the consistent, balanced feel, which makes longer workouts more comfortable. We never felt like the hoop was lopsided.

This well-made weighted hula hoop is easy to assemble and adjust by attaching or removing its clickable pieces. Plus, when disassembled, we appreciated the included storage bag for easy portability. We also love that it comes with additional small-space-friendly fitness equipment, including a jump rope and resistance band. You get a complete workout set on the go. And for its budget-friendly price, we think this option offers great value for your money.

Potential Flaws

  • We found this weighted hula hoop easy to disassemble, but some users noted that the release button was tricky to operate.

Most Valuable Insight

“Despite the hula hoop being relatively light at 2.6 pounds, I absolutely felt my core engage while I was using it. I particularly noticed my abdominal and oblique muscles engaging during use. I do bodyweight strength training, and this didn't feel like it would match something like a hanging leg raise in terms of pure muscle development, but the total body motion makes this a nice workout.” —Brett M., Verywell Fit product tester

Best Budget

Auoxer Weighted Hoops

Auoxer Fitness Exercise Weighted Hoop
Credit: Amazon
$21
$20 at Amazon
Pros
  • Lightweight with comfortable foam

  • Adjustable to three sizes

  • Jump rope included

Cons
  • Disassembly can be tricky

Key Specs

Diameter: 28.7, 33, or 37.4 inches Weight: 1.5, 1.8, or 2 pounds Materials: Plastic, foam Adjustable: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginner exercisers who want a budget-friendly weighted hula hoop.

Why We Love It

If you've never tried a weighted hula hoop before, we recommend Auxoer's Fitness Exercise Weighted Hoop because it's adjustable and budget-friendly. We like that this single hoop can be adjusted to three different sizes and weights, making it easy to customize for yourself or others in your household. The heaviest weight option is two pounds, and we thought it felt challenging without being too heavy or overwhelming.

During testing, we appreciated the balanced feel, which made it easier to keep in motion and enjoy our exercise. We also like that the hoop is wrapped in foam for added comfort. And we noticed that the foam is smooth and soft, with no gaps or breaks. To add to its already impressive value, the hoop comes with a jump rope. And we love that you can choose from four fun, different colors.

Potential Flaws

  • Unlike some other weighted hula hoops on our list, this one doesn't indicate where the release buttons are, making disassembly difficult. We still think it's a great value, especially if you don't need to disassemble your hoop.

Most Valuable Insight

“This hoop is very easy to use and keep in motion! It has enough weight to keep the momentum but is not so heavy that it’s overly hard to keep around your hips.” —Keighley N., Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Beginners

NEOWEEK 2 lb Exercise Hoop

Neoweek 2 lb Exercise Hoop
Credit: Amazon
$25
$23 at Amazon
Pros
  • Adjustable to three sizes

  • Quick and easy setup

  • Smooth, comfortable foam padding

Cons
  • Disassembly can be tricky

Key Specs

Diameter: 28, 32, or 38 inches Weight: Up to 2 pounds Materials: Plastic, foam Adjustable: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best if you're a beginner looking for a budget-friendly, adjustable weighted hoop that’s easy to set up and add to your fitness routine.

Why We Love It

If you're new to exercise or hula hooping, Neoweek's 2lb Exercise Hoop is a solid beginner-friendly choice. We found it easy to set up and start using it right away. The weight is evenly distributed, which makes it easy and comfy to get the hoop spinning and keep it going. This also made it easier for us to exercise for longer. Plus, we like that this hoop can be adjusted to three different weights and sizes so you can adjust as you progress.

While testing, we noticed the smooth foam padding felt comfortable during long workouts. And each section of the hoop is clearly marked, so it's easy to find the buttons for streamlined assembly. We also like that the hoop is offered in two different color options, all at a budget-friendly price point.

Potential Flaws

  • Although this weighted hula hoop is easy to set up, the disassembly process is difficult and may even require assistance. It might be best left assembled.

Most Valuable Insight

“I liked how comfortable the hoop was. In my experience, any hoop heavier than 2 pounds hurts too much to use for several minutes. The weight and the padding made this about as comfortable as it gets.” —Christine D., Verywell Fit product tester

Best Adjustable

Dumoyi Smart Weighted Fit Hoop

Dumoyi Smart Weighted Fit Hoop
Credit: Amazon
$17 at Amazon
Pros
  • Hugs the waist and won’t fall down

  • Easy to customize with its small, adjustable links

  • Beginner-friendly

Cons
  • Noisier than other options

Key Specs

Diameter: Up to 48 inches Weight: Up to 3 pounds Materials: Plastic Adjustable: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best for exercisers of all fitness levels who want an easy-to-adjust, weighted hula hoop that won’t fall down.

Why We Love It

Dumoyi’s Smart Weighted Fitness Hoop is ideal for exercisers who don't want to worry about their hoop falling down mid-spin. It's super fitted, so even when you're not moving, the hoop doesn't fall down (when adjusted to the right size). To find the right size, you can add or remove small links to change the hoop's diameter. This adjustability is what sets this hoop apart from the rest.

We also love that it features a small weighted ball that rotates around the hoop while you spin for added tension. The ball can also be removed to decrease difficulty. In testing, we appreciated that despite its hard plastic construction, the hoop felt quite comfortable on our hips. We also like that it is well-balanced when in motion. 

Potential Flaws

  • This weighted hula hoop's unique design makes it noisier than other options on our list.

Most Valuable Insight

“Because the hoop hugs your waist, it's pretty easy to keep my core engaged as the weight rotates. I absolutely noticed my abdominal and oblique muscles working hard as I used this.” —Brett M., Verywell Fit product tester

Best Lightweight

The Spinsterz Beginner Hoop

The Spinsterz Ultimate Beginner Hoop
Credit: Amazon
$50 at Amazon View on Thespinsterz.com
Pros
  • Comfortable to use for longer workouts

  • One-click assembly

  • Four size options available

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Not adjustable

Key Specs

Diameter: 36, 38, or 42 inches Weight: 1.3-1.5 pounds (depending on size) Materials: Plastic Adjustable: No Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginner and advanced exercisers who want a lightweight, basic weighted hoop that is comfortable to use for longer workout sessions.

Why We Love It

If you're looking for a weighted hula hoop that will add just a little bit of challenge to your exercise, we recommend Spinsterz's Ultimate Beginner Hoop. It's lightweight and works well for both beginner and advanced exercisers. When we tested this option, we appreciated how easy it was to set up. With just one click, we could begin using it right away. The lighter weight of this hoop means we have to exert more effort to keep it going, so it's great for adding intensity to a cardio session (with less weight).

We noticed that this hoop doesn't have any padding, like most others on our list do, but it didn't experience any discomfort while hula-hooping. We also appreciate that it comes in four diameter sizes, so users of all body types and fitness levels can find the right fit. Out of all the weighted hula hoops we tested, this particular one reminded us the most of our childhood hula hoops, and we had a ton of fun working out with it.

Potential Flaws

  • This weighted hula hoop is one of the priciest on our list, but it may be worth the price for its sturdy, comfortable, barely-there feel.
  • Unlike many others on our list, this weighted hula hoop is not adjustable. However, it’s available in four sizes, so you can find the right fit for you.

Most Valuable Insight

“I find the lighter hoop more challenging because there's less inertia. I also find a lighter-weight hoop much more comfortable to use for longer periods, so as far as hoop workouts go, this is effective. I would use this as a fun way to add a little activity to my day and work on my coordination.” —Christine D., Verywell Fit product tester

Best Portable

Hoopnotica Travel Hoop

Hoopnotica Travel Hoop
Credit: Amazon
$57
$50 at Amazon
View on Hoopnotica.com
Pros
  • Diameter is adjustable

  • Comes with a travel strap

  • Easy to setup and get started

Cons
  • Doesn't have any padding

  • Pricier than other options

Key Specs

Diameter: 37 or 42 inches Weight: 1.1 or 1.5 pounds Materials: Plastic, rubber, canvas Adjustable: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who It’s For

Best for exercisers who want an adjustable weighted hula hoop that’s easy to store and take on the go.

Why We Love It

For taking your hula hooping workouts on the go, Hoopnotica's Travel Hoop is our top pick. It's travel-friendly and great for beginner to advanced exercisers. When we tested this hoop, we found it was a breeze to set up, take apart, and take with us using its included travel strap. The adjustable strap can be tossed over your shoulder for easier carry. And when disassembled, the hoop fits easily in a closet or under your bed. i

All the sections weigh the same, so during testing, we noted that the hoop's weight felt evenly distributed and balanced. The segments are wrapped with colored tape to add a bit of grip and help the hoop stay up, which we appreciated. We also like the fact that the hoop is lightweight, so you can use it more comfortably for longer periods of time. Plus, you can adjust it to two different diameters to find a customized fit.

Potential Flaws

  • We like the lightweight portability of this weighted hula hoop, but it doesn't have any padding like some others on our list, so it's slightly less comfortable.
  • Although it’s one of the pricier hoops on our list, its portability and adjustability make it worth it.

Most Valuable Insight

“It's very easy to pack up this hoop, and it comes with a strap that makes it simple to attach the pieces together, so you can bring it to the gym or on vacation. It does not take up much space and is easy to store.” —Keighley N., Verywell Fit product tester

Best Advanced

Dynamis Fat Burning Weighted Hula Hoop

Dynamis Fat Burning Weighted Hula Hoop
Credit: Amazon
View on Amazon View on Walmart
Pros
  • Heavier than other options

  • Thick foam padding

  • Easy to disassemble

Cons
  • Unclear setup instructions

Key Specs

Diameter: Up to 36 inches Weight: Up to 3.6 pounds Materials: Foam, plastic Adjustable: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best for advanced exercisers who want a weighted hula hoop that provides a more resistance.

Why We Love It

If you're a regular exerciser and want a weighted hula hoop that provides a more challenging workout, Dynamis' Fat Burning Weighted Hula Hoop weighs up to 3.6 pounds for plenty of added resistance. After using this hoop for just a couple of minutes, we felt its impact. The added momentum seemed to help us keep the hula hoop in motion, engaging our core for a more intense workout.

We appreciate this hoop's thick foam padding, which provides a solid grip and comfort. Despite its heavier weight, we found the hoop comfortable to use. We also like how balanced it feels. Plus, it was easy to assemble and disassemble, and we liked that we could adjust the diameter by using fewer hoop sections. 

Potential Flaws

  • We could figure out the assembly of this hoop on our own, but we would have appreciated it if assembly instructions were included.

Most Valuable Insight

“I definitely felt challenged by this hoop! This hoop weighs 3.6 pounds, and it is noticeably heavier than another one I tested, which weighs 2 pounds. The weight is evenly distributed around the hoop, which makes it easy to use and keeps the momentum going!” —Keighley N., Verywell Fit product tester

Best With Padding

HEALTHYMODELLIFE Exercise Fitness Hoop

HEALTHYMODELLIFE Exercise Fitness Hoop
Credit: Amazon
$30 at Amazon
Pros
  • Heavier weight than some other options

  • Comes in three weight options

  • Easy to assemble and disassemble

Cons
  • No adjustable features

Key Specs

Diameter: 36 inches Weight: 2, 3, or 4 pounds Materials: Foam, plastic Adjustable: No Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for exercisers of all fitness levels who want a heavier weight option. 

Why We Love It

Healthymodelife’s Exercise Fitness Hoop proved super smooth and comfortable, even after longer workouts. The ample foam padding felt soft and provided a nice grip, making it easy for us to keep the hoop in motion and steady (even with the heavier weight). This weighted hula hoop definitely engaged our core, especially as we placed our feet closer together while spinning. If you’re a beginner, it’s easy to decrease the intensity of your workout by taking a wider stance.

We like that this hoop is available in three weight options: 2-, 3-, and 4-pound weights. And you can even get all three to progress your workout intensity over time. Unlike some other hula hoops on our list, this one has clear markings to help find the release buttons when it's time to disassemble. We also found it easy to set up—making it a great choice if you need a hoop that you can easily take apart for storage purposes. 

Potential Flaws

  • Unlike other options on our list, this weighted hula hoop is not adjustable.

Most Valuable Insight

“I think the padding provides great cushioning and it was quite comfortable to use! The weight feels really evenly distributed, and I did not notice any unevenness when holding or using it!” —Keighley N., Verywell Fit product tester

Weighted Hula Hoops We Also Tested

We tested 10 weighted hula hoops, but only eight impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some features of the following weighted hula hoops, they ultimately didn't meet our expectations.

  • Gaiam’s Weighted Fitness Hoop was a breeze to adjust. However, it was too noisy and uncomfortable, making for an unpleasant exercise experience.
  • Sports Hoop’s Weighted Hula Hoop has a hefty weight, making the workout quite challenging, but we found it uncomfortable to use. Some pieces didn't fit together properly, and sections broke off during testing, causing us to question its quality and durability.

What We’ve Updated

  • Since we first published this article, we re-tested all of the options from the original list, along with several more (based on market research). We evaluated each weighted hula hoop for comfort, ease of use, weight distribution, effectiveness, and value.
  • We also consulted additional certified personal trainers to make sure our advice and recommendations were still up to date.
  • We also shortened our list of recommendations, so we're only highlighting the absolute best weighted hula hoops that we tested.
A person tightens the Auoxer Fitness Exercise Weighted Hoop
We recently retested all our options, consulted more experts, and shortened our recommendation list.

Verywell Fit

What to Look for When Shopping for Weighted Hula Hoops

  • Diameter: The diameter of any hula hoop is an important factor to consider. A larger diameter moves a bit slower and might be better for beginners. Many weighted hula hoops are adjustable, letting users of all levels find the right fit.
  • Weight: Weighted hula hoops are available in various weights, and some even have adjustable weights. Certified personal trainer John Gardner, NASM-CPT, says that the ideal weight for most beginners is around 1 to 2 pounds. More advanced exercisers can opt for a heavier-weighted hula hoop. 
  • Design: Some weighted hula hoops may have additional features that can add variety to your workout routine. When shopping, consider features like adjustable weight, portability, and additional cushioning.
  • Materials: Most weighted hula hoops are made from hard plastic and covered with foam padding. Look for options made of durable materials with cushioning and a textured grip.
Weighted Hula Hoops
Consider diameter, weight, design, and materials when choosing a weighted hula hoop.

Verywell Fit

How We Tested the Best Weighted Hula Hoops

To find the best weighted hula hoops, we tested ten options from well-known fitness brands, completing at least one guided workout with each hoop. While we test, we evaluate each weighted hula hoop based on the following key criteria: 

  • Effectiveness: To evaluate the effectiveness of each weighted hula hoop, we pay attention to whether we can feel our core muscles engaging while we follow a workout. We assess how challenging the workout is and whether or not it would be easy to add this exercise mode to our existing routines. 
  • Comfort: During our test workouts, we also assess the comfort of each weighted hula hoop by noting any padding and whether it's plush and cushy or firm and inadequate. If we notice any discomfort, pain, or bruising, we record it. We also consider how the comfort level affects how long we can use the hoop.
  • Ease of Use: A weighted hula hoop is ineffective if it is not easy to use. When we use the hula hoops, we evaluate ease of use using several key questions: Is it easy to assemble, disassemble, and adjust? Is it easy to start spinning? We prioritize options that are user-friendly, simple, and convenient. 
  • Weight Distribution: When we evaluate the weight distribution of each weighted hula hoop, we consider its overall feel and performance as we use it. We note how the weight is distributed on the hoop. Does the hoop feel balanced or uneven? How does the weight affect the performance and feel of the hoop?
  • Value: To assess the value of each weighted hula hoop, we wait to check the price until after the testing period is complete. Then, we consider whether the price reflects the quality and value of the hula hoop and our experience with it. We also note whether we would be willing to pay full price or wait for it to go on sale. We prioritize options with quality that matches or exceeds their value. 
A person uses the Gaiam Weighted Fitness Hoop to exercise
We assessed the effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, weight, and value of each weighted hula hoop.

Verywell Fit

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process for this story. The experts helped us understand the benefits of using a weighted hula hoop, and provided insight on key features to look for when shopping. Our product selections are made independently, however we use expert input to inform our decisions. 

  • John Gardner, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and co-founder of the Kickoff app
  • Joe Johnson, CPT, certified personal trainer, weight loss coach, and founder of 9-to-5 Nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do weighted hula hoops work? 

You use a weighted hula hoop the same way you use a traditional hula hoop. However, your core, hips, and back are engaged even more when using weighted hula hoops because you use more energy to keep them rotating due to their added weight, Johnson says.

Are weighted hula hoops an effective workout? 

Weighted hula hoops can be very effective for improving cardiovascular health and developing core strength. Because the modality is unique and fun, this workout can also help keep you engaged and motivated in your fitness routine.

What are the benefits of weighted hula hoops? 

Weighted hula hoops provide the benefits of a low-impact cardiovascular workout, strengthening your legs, hips, lower back, and core and improving coordination and balance. They are also more affordable than some other cardiovascular exercise options, like ellipticals and bikes.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is a Verywell Fit writer with 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 that are fun and engaging and get the job done.

Additional reporting by Laura Williams.

Laura Williams, MSEd, ASCM-CEP, is a certified exercise physiologist and Verywell Fit writer with a master’s degree in exercise and sports science. She has been testing and reviewing fitness products for over 13 years and enjoys using a weighted hula hoop in her workouts to help tone her core.

For this article, the authors looked over our testing insights to choose our top picks.