The best resistance bands

• Resistance bands are simple pieces of elastic that create constant tension which stimulates muscle growth and increases the value of your workout.
• The best resistance bands come in a variety of tensions, allowing for a wide range of exercises and uses such as squats, curls, standing rows, and almost any exercise you'd do with a dumbbell or barbell.
• Our top pick from TheraBand is a set of durable, easy-to-use, and effective resistance bands that can either complement a home gym or serve as your daily go-to.

Outfitting a proper home gym doesn't have to require spending thousands of dollars on the latest exercise equipment or interactive treadmills and stationary bikes. Really, all you need is your body, a few resistance bands, and some space to move around to make a real difference in your routine.

I tried my first resistance band workout in 2014 after joining in on the burgeoning barre trend. Although I've since traded those ballet-based classes for other workouts, I've remained a huge fan of resistance bands and no longer underestimate just how essential they are for my weekly workouts. 

Despite the fact they're essentially just pieces of elastic, resistance bands create constant tension which effectively helps stimulate muscle growth. To make things better, they don't add strain onto your joints the same way a set of dumbbells might.

Even personal trainers swear by their benefits and recommend them over the use of dumbbells. It's also worth pointing out that resistance bands are much more widely available for purchase than dumbbells, come at far cheaper price points, and don't take up nearly as much storage space (a huge plus for anyone living in a small apartment or home).

Resistance bands are also incredibly lightweight and portable, allowing you to take your workout wherever you go and making them perfect for anyone who doesn't have much space to workout. At the bottom of this guide, I've included some insight into how to shop for resistance bands, as well as how exactly I tested each set of bands and the methodology used. 

Here are the best resistance bands:

• Best resistance bands overall: TheraBand
• Best resistance bands for a total-body workout: Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Band set
• Best multi-exercise resistance bands: TB12 At-Home Looped Band Kit
• Best resistance bands to travel with: Perform Better Mini Resistance Band set
• Best versatile resistance bands: Serious Steel Resistance Band Set
• Best resistance band for squats: RIMSport Elite Hip Sling Resistance Band

Updated on 12/2/2020 by Rick Stella: Added new slides for how to shop for resistance bands, as well as how we test resistance bands, updated each slide with new information on long-term testing, checked the availability of all recommended bands, and updated the prices and links where necessary. 

Best overall

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, TheraBand resistance bands provide you with a killer workout and are thin and lightweight enough to take anywhere.

Pros: Latex-free, lightweight, extremely versatile in function, inexpensive

Cons: If you're looking for more resistance, this may not be quite enough for you

My first experience with resistance bands was with TheraBands, and I've never looked back. Incredibly thin and lightweight, while somehow maintaining their strength and durability, these non-latex bands do an excellent job helping you develop muscle strength.

I've used them around my thighs during squats and between my arms while working my triceps, but the possibilities (and potential muscle groups) are virtually endless.

Compared to other bands, the TheraBands offer slightly lighter resistance, starting at 2.4 pounds and ranging up to 21.3 pounds. As such, I like these bands for a wide range of exercises. Whether you're making your barre workout just a bit harder or using them for some quick HIIT moves, the TheraBands do the trick. That said, if you're looking for serious resistance, you may need something a bit heftier.

I've also been impressed by their durability. While they look as though they'll snap at any moment, I've had mine for years without issue. My old gym also kept these around and despite their constant usage by hundreds of clients, the TheraBands withstood the test of time. If they do break, their lack of any metal or plastic parts helps keep you safe.

Thanks to the latex-free construction of these bands, folks with allergies or sensitivities won't have to worry, either. While other bands may have handles or thick, cord-like composition, these supremely portable bands are easily compacted.

Long-term testing of these has started to show some signs of durability concerns, mainly when we've used them for banded push-ups. Twice we've had the bands tear and eventually snap, though this was after extended use. Just be aware of any small nicks or tears in the bands before using them.

Best for a total-body workout

If you're looking for a comprehensive workout with your new favorite accessories, the Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands may be the way to go.

Pros: Wide range of resistance, comes with exercise book and accessories, effectively a mini-gym in a bag, extremely safe

Cons: Pricier than others

For a full workout in a bag, turn to the Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Band set. I love this set because it not only comes with five bands of varying resistance — from three to 19 pounds — but also includes two handles, two ankle straps, one door anchor, a carrying bag, and an instructional book.

Key to the popularity of this set is its patented anti-snap safety design, which involves a Snap Guard inner safety cord to prevent any unfortunate mishaps. While some similar offerings have a nasty habit of snapping, sending metal or plastic pieces into your wall or, worse yet, your face, this set is designed to avoid these situations.

While each individual band doesn't have huge amounts of resistance, the stackable design of this set allows you to add or subtract resistance as needed for various muscle groups, all the way up to 96 pounds.

The set also comes with an exercise book that contains exercises designed to target biceps, triceps, chest, upper/lower back, abs/core, and legs. If you're a beginner in the world of fitness, using this guidebook can be an excellent starting point. Alternatively, if you're well-versed in your workouts, you can modify these suggestions to create a customized workout that is as safe as it is tough.

Best for multiple exercises

The TB12 At-Home Looped Band Kit is an all-in-one setup that's like having an entire home gym in one package, allowing you the ability to do a wide variety of resistance band workouts anywhere around your home. 

Pros: Highly versatile, included carabiner and door anchor expand the kinds of exercises you can do, comes packed in a drawstring bag for easy storage and portability, high-quality gear

Cons: Can get expensive for the more comprehensive kits that include heavy and extra-heavy bands

If you're in the market for a comprehensive resistance band kit, the TB12 At-Home Looped Band Kit is about as all-in-one as it gets. With a selection of both long and short looped bands, an included carabiner, and a door anchor, this kit allows you to introduce incredible variety to your fitness routine. 

What truly sets this kit apart from the competition is the mentioned carabiner and door anchor. With these, you're able to create a workout space that allows you to do exercises like standing rows, core rotations, or decelerated lunges, in addition to standard resistance band exercises you'd do with the band by itself.

You do need a sturdy door for the anchor and I recommend setting it up so the door opens away instead of toward you as you'll often pull quite hard on the anchor and the attached bands (and the last thing you want is the door to become unlatched and swing open). 

The set comes with just light and medium versions of its bands, though there are other options that allow you to had heavy (or even extra-heavy) bands to the kit for an added cost. All of the gear comes packed in its own drawstring bag that makes it easy to transport or store. 

A home gym doesn't need heaps of equipment to be adequate and something like this resistance band kit from TB12 is proof of that. With the right exercises and this versatile set of bands, you're able to replicate almost any exercise you'd want.  -- Rick Stella

Best to travel with

The Professional Mini Exercise Bands are small yet mighty, making them ideal for taking on the road.

Pros: Offers a great workout due to small size, lightweight, portable

Cons: Because these bands are smaller, your workout starts immediately, which may be a bit intense for some

This resistance band set from Perform Better is intended to help with physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises, but can also be put to work on a wide range of other uses. I love that these mini bands are, as the name suggests, small and portable, which makes them super convenient to take to hotel gyms or other temporary workout locations.

Happy customers have noted that the four bands included in this set really do offer varying levels of intensity for your workout.

Thanks to these bands' relatively small size, they're especially effective for more petite users. All four of the bands are 9 inches by 2 inches and can be used around the ankles, legs, thighs, and wrists.

Best for versatility

With resistance up to 120 pounds and a considerable variation in lengths and widths, the Serious Steel Resistance Bands are our favorites for diverse exercises.

Pros: Wide range of resistance, length, and width; extremely durable; great for stretching and assisted strength exercises

Cons: Much more expensive than others

Serious Steel Assisted Pull-Up, Resistance, and Stretch Bands are sold both as individuals and as sets, meaning you can easily choose your own workout preference. And for the most adventurous, it offers bands with some seriously heavy resistance.

The most serious of the Serious bands clocks resistances of up to 150 pounds but don't worry, if you want something less intimidating, the brand also sells bands with resistances of just two pounds.

Thanks to this wide range, this set is particularly useful for developing strength over time or working up to exercises like pull-ups. They're also great for stretching and building overall strength. Because the finish on the Serious set is more of a powder than the classic slick rubber feel, you won't lose your grip on these bands as you work up a sweat.

These bands are made of fused latex sheets, which makes them particularly durable. That said, if you have a latex allergy or sensitivity, you'll want to stay far away from these guys. If not, however, you'll be able to enjoy the smooth stretch of these bands, and an odd but not at all upsetting vanilla-esque scent.

A full set costs roughly $119, though you are able to buy individual weights for cheaper. If you want the ability to do a full range of exercises, the entire set is a great option for doing so.

Best for squats

For folks working specifically on their squat form, one of the best bands on the market is the RIMSports Elite Hip Sling Resistance.

Pros: Encourages great form, straightforward to use, non-slip, comfortable material

Cons: Comparatively limited in function

You won't be overwhelmed by optionality when it comes to the RIMSports Elite Hip Sling Resistance Band. Rather than giving you multiple bands with varying resistance levels to choose from, this singular circle hip band does a great job all on its lonesome.

In particular, the RIMSports offering is intended to help you achieve perfect form when squatting. It works well for both men and women and doesn't slip as you squat, deadlift, or lunge — all exercises that require excellent lower-body form.

On its own, the band offers relatively high resistance, and you can make adjustments as needed by spreading your legs further apart or bringing them closer together. The band comes in just two sizes — Small/Medium for folks under 150 pounds, and Medium/Large for folks who have surpassed that threshold. Regardless of which suits you best, the abductor resistance band will help you strengthen your glutes and hips, or provide a great stretch pre or post-workout.

I also appreciate the soft and durable material used in the RIMSport band, which makes it comfortable to wear around your thighs even for longer periods of time. Plus, these bands promise to be snap, stretch, and sweat resistant.

If you've been looking for a way to ensure that your knees are pointing in the same direction as your toes, or that your back remains straight while squatting, this may be the resistance band for you.

How to shop for resistance bands

Before choosing a set of resistance bands, you'll want to ask yourself a few questions. First and foremost, what type of workout are you most interested in pursuing? A pilates-based workout requires something different from a HIIT workout, though both can be equally effective in upping your fitness levels.

Next, think about what parts of your body you plan on targeting. While some resistance bands work well for your lower body, others are great for pull-up training. There are even some designed for full-body workouts.

Then, consider the level of resistance you're looking for. If you're already quite advanced, you'll likely be fine with a set of tight bands. If you're just starting to work out, however, you'll want a set that's a bit more elastic. Some brands even advertise these levels of resistance as light, medium, heavy, and so on, making it easy to know exactly the kind of weighted resistance you're choosing.

Finally, like any purchase, you'll want to keep the price point in mind. Granted, not many of these sets cost more than around $40, but if you're looking to keep a tight budget, this could be an important point to consider.

How we test resistance bands

Each of the recommended resistance bands featured in this guide went through various tests to gauge how well they stood up across these four categories: Versatility, quality, portability, and value. Specifically, here's how each category influenced which resistance bands ultimately made the cut:

• Versatility: Resistance bands are basic in nature but some are far more well-suited for a variety of exercises than others. Though it wasn't a complete dealbreaker if a resistance band wasn't able to perform a laundry list of workouts, we did still try to include those that offered at least some adaptability.
• Quality: Pulling a resistance band to its limits may bring up memories of snapped rubber bands but for the most part, these won't bust or snap under intense pressure. Still, durability and quality are a high priority because if this is something you plan on using a lot (and you should), you don't want a kit that will eventually get to the point where it could snap on you. For one, it dramatically decreases its value and reliability but also, it's just not very safe.
• Portability: Having a dedicated room for an assortment of home gym equipment isn't a luxury for everyone who likes to keep fit. Because of this, we wanted to find resistance bands that were highly portable and thus, easy to store. Of course, resistance bands don't take up much room on their own anyway, but some of the more comprehensive kits can be cumbersome and require more of a storage footprint than necessary.
• Value: Elastic bands shouldn't cost a fortune but you also want to make sure you're buying a set that's high quality and designed to last longer than a few months of use. This is essentially the sum of the previous three categories and doesn't just point to how expensive the resistance bands are. Spending more for a set that figures to last longer is better than spending less more frequently.