Resistance Bands We Also Tested

We tested 31 sets of resistance bands, but only 13 made it to our final list of recommendations. The following resistance bands have some notable features, but ultimately didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements.

• Buckleband's Starter Set is easy to use and fastens securely anywhere on your body without requiring you to wiggle it into place, unlike traditional loop bands. However, we noticed some slight tearing near the buckle when testing, so we're concerned about its long-term durability.
• Lululemon's Resistance Band Set didn't stay put. And while the fabric felt very comfortable and sturdy, the resistance 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 more budget-friendly options of similar quality.
• Calia's Fabric Bands are thick and wide, staying in place thanks to the non-slip ridges inside the bands. However, the resistance offered is too heavy for most users, making it difficult to complete many exercises.
• Wikday's Resistance Bands are of good quality and sturdy, allowing for versatility in a workout. However, we noticed that they had an off-putting, rubbery smell, and the lightest band's small diameter dug into our skin.
• Sunny Health & Fitness' Strength Training Band has 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 more budget-friendly options that offer equally good quality.

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our initial fully tested roundup of the best resistance bands, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested one more set of resistance bands. We tested the bands at home during our regular fitness routines, evaluating them based on quality, ease of use, grip, portability, and value, and have included these new insights in this article. 
• After weeks of thorough testing, we’ve reworked our list, replacing our Best Overall product pick.
• This current list reflects the most up-to-date, reliable options for a wide range of fitness levels and goals.

How to Choose the Best Resistance Bands

• 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. Select a resistance band style that targets the specific body part you want to work on and can be easily integrated into your existing exercise routine.
• 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. Multi-packs of resistance bands offer a range of resistance, so you don't have to worry about buying additional bands to tackle different exercises or to ensure you feel challenged over time.
• Material: Regardless of the resistance band's style, most are made from 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, a woven knit material that provides stretch without the fear of pinching or sliding on the skin.
• Included Accessories: Some of the most popular accessories 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 perform moves such as 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).

How We Tested the Resistance Bands

To find the best resistance bands on the market, we tested 31 options over several months, using them during both upper- and lower-body workouts multiple times a week. When testing resistance bands, we evaluate each option 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? Do 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 durable materials that maintain their quality over time.
• Ease of Use: Are the resistance bands easy to use during our workout routines? Or do we have to modify moves to use them properly? Is it fairly easy to set up the bands for an exercise, or does it require effort to position them properly? We value bands that make setting up for a workout a simple, intuitive process.
• Grip: Do the bands hold steady during exercises, or do they constantly slip, causing us to stop our workouts to readjust them? For loop bands, do they dig in or pinch our skin, or do they feel comfortable? For tube bands with handles, are the handles easy to hold, even with sweaty hands? We only recommend sets that stay put during workouts without causing any discomfort.
• Portability: If the set comes with multiple bands and accessories, does it include a carrying bag to easily store and transport the equipment? Can the resistance bands easily fit into a gym bag, or are they too heavy or bulky to transport? We value portability to make it easier to use the bands on the go.
• Value: To determine whether each band or band set is truly worth its price, we wait to check the price of each resistance band until after our testing period has concluded. We then evaluate whether the price of each set is worth its quality and whether we would buy each at its full price or wait until the set goes on sale.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts provided valuable insights on how to effectively evaluate and test the resistance bands. Their guidance helped us identify the key features to consider and understand the differences between various types of bands. While we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.

• Cassandra Padula Burke, CPT, RDN, personal trainer, triathlon coach, and owner of Catalyst Performance Lab in Finksburg, Maryland
• Noelle McKenzie, CPT, personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge NY
• Gabby Drucker, CPT, personal trainer and owner of Drucker Fitness in Tarrytown, New York

Frequently Asked Questions

What strength resistance band should I start with?

The ideal strength resistance band for you depends on your fitness level, goals, and the type of exercises you're doing. For instance, beginners, those recovering from injury, and individuals prioritizing upper-body exercises should start with a light or medium resistance band. Meanwhile, more advanced users, those targeting larger muscle groups in the legs, and people focused on building strength and endurance should reach for a medium or heavy resistance band.

Do resistance band exercises actually work?

Yes, research suggests that working out with resistance bands can help activate muscles, build strength, and improve endurance. In fact, when used correctly and consistently over time, resistance bands can be just as effective as free weights or machines in improving muscle strength, tone, and function.

What’s the best material for resistance bands?

The best material for resistance bands depends on the type of resistance band, your workout needs, and any skin sensitivities you may have. Most are made with either rubber or latex, both of which are stretchy, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Many loop bands, in particular, feature fabric as well to make them more comfortable to wear and use.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

April Benshosan is a Verywell Fit writer and experienced weight lifter. She uses booty bands for hip and glute activations before leg day and wears them during weighted hip thrusts. She always brings her loop bands along with her when traveling. April's work highlights her passion for arming people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Additional reporting contributed by Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, and Alena Davis, ISSA-CPT

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, has 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and understands the importance of finding high-quality products that enhance your fitness routine. She is particularly focused on finding and recommending products for effective home workouts.

Alena Davis, ISSA-CPT, is a Verywell Fit writer and exercise enthusiast. As a former personal trainer who prioritizes strength training in her weekly workout routine, she understands the value of outfitting her home gym space with equipment that supports her overall health and fitness goals. For this article, she helped test some resistance bands, using them regularly for her Pilates and strength training workouts. Bala Bands are her current favorite.