Tested and reviewed by personal trainers

Weight range: 9-203 lbs. | Individual or set: Individual | Material: Ductile cast iron | Exterior coating: Powder coat finish

The Rogue kettlebell emerged as the top pick among experts, praised for its design, aesthetics and durability. Its slight luster helps prevent corrosion, ensuring longevity and we found it easier to clean than other brands. The product is also made from ductile cast iron that incorporates nodular graphite into the iron for a more durable finish — the brand backs its product with a lifetime limited warranty, so if you invest in these kettlebells, you can feel confident they’ll stand up to heavy use.

“The handle is wide enough to fit both hands comfortably, with enough clearance to avoid pinching or rubbing during exercises,” says Marcotte, who notes that Rogue is his overall favorite brand. He also appreciates the Rogue’s flat and stable base to prevent tipping and wobbling. “I personally love Rogue’s aesthetics, as their equipment is sleek and looks clean, even after years of use,” he says.

We also appreciate Rogue’s wide range of weight options that are appropriate for practically every fitness level, from beginner to competitive athlete. While most people won’t need the massive 203-pound bells to maximize their workouts, Rogue has you covered just in case you fall into this category. 

Of course, no piece of equipment is without its drawbacks, and the cost of Rogue kettlebells can add up fast — a single, 9-pound kettlebell (the lowest weight increment you can buy) costs $35. If you want the biggest they offer? You’ll need to lay out $345 for a single, 203-pound weight.

Weight range: 8-16 kg, 16-24 kg or 20-40 lbs. | Individual or set: Individual | Material: Alloy steel | Exterior coating: Rubber base

The Rep Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell is available in three sizes: 8-16 kilograms, 16-24 kilograms and 20-40 pounds. Each size can be adjusted to five separate weight increments, allowing for a wide range of flexibility in resistance training options.

Adjusting between weight increments is quick and easy — just push down on the top of the bell and twist to add or remove weight. It’s a seamless transition that didn’t disrupt our reps and sets. Furthermore, these adjustable weights use an internal nylon fastener to help prevent the shaking and rattling that’s common with adjustable kettlebells. Plus, the weights are stored on the inside of the bell, so even as you add or remove weight, the actual shapeof the kettlebell never changes, which is a nice, consistent feature.

Why opt for an adjustable kettlebell rather than the traditional design? For one thing, you’ll save space — this kettlebell is essentially a 5-in-1 design, allowing you to switch between five different weight increments without needing to store five different kettlebells. This makes it ideal for home kettlebell workouts. It’s also ideal for progressive training, allowing you to easily change between weights from exercise to exercise or set to set. This versatility helps you build strength over time, keeping your workouts dynamic and challenging. Finally, it’s a cost-saving option. Sure, laying out $150 (or more, depending on the option you select) for a single kettlebell sounds like a lot, but if you were to buy five separate kettlebells at the same weights provided in this adjustable version, you’d end up spending a lot more.

Also, if you’re setting up or already have a home gym, the Rep model’s rubber bottom ensures your floors are protected. However, it’s important to note that the available weights are on the heavier side, which may not be ideal for those who are just starting out or who prefer lighter lifting.

Weight range: 5-100 lbs. | Individual or set: Individual | Material: Cast iron | Exterior coating: Vinyl

The Yes4All Kettlebell is one of Amazon’s most popular options, with more than 21,000 5-star reviews and an impressive 4.8-star average rating. It’s ideal for beginners or individuals who want to lift less weight, because it’s available in weight increments starting at just 5 pounds. 

The handle is lower than some options, which I liked. A lower handle offers better stability, control and comfort during exercises. It also keeps the center of gravity closer to your grip, making movements more balanced while reducing strain on your wrists and forearms. This is especially beneficial for beginners or when you’re using kettlebells for longer workouts.

What I love most about this kettlebell is the smooth handle, which holds up well during high-rep sessions, the comfortable grip, the flat bottom for easy home storage and the budget-friendly price. The brand also sells these kettlebells in pairs, in case you want to be able to sub them in for more traditional dumbbell exercises and hold one in each hand.

Other reviewers agreed that this brand is suitable for all ages and a variety of movements. One five-star reviewer stated, “I find them extremely versatile and so easy to use with all kinds of workouts I didn’t use weights with before. I’d definitively recommend.”

We tested it with swings, get-ups and snatches, and the vinyl coating kept our floors safe from scratches or dings. On the downside, some people note that the coating on the cast iron chips easily. One Amazon reviewer said, “Fresh out of delivery the handle of the 35 lb. kettlebell had flaked and come off with the packaging.” However, the chipping doesn’t seem to impact the kettlebell’s performance, and the kettlebell we tested showed no such wear.

Weight range: 9/13/18 lbs. set, 13/18/26 lb. set, 26/35/44/53 lb. set, 26/35/53 lb. set, 35/44/53 lb. set| Individual or set: Both options available | Material: Cast iron | Exterior coating: Partially recycled Nike Grind rubber coating

We only tested a single kettlebell from Nike Strength’s new rubber-coated kettlebell options, but we didn’t have to test more than one to know that this is the set we’d want to invest in if you’re looking to buy multiple kettlebells at the same time. For starters, the weight increments available in each set of three or four kettlebells is thoughtful — there’s a lighter weight option for those who are just starting out or who prefer training with less resistance, there are two mid-weight sets that offer a bit more versatility if you’re looking to progress your kettlebell training and there are two heavier sets (but not overly heavy sets) that are great for more advanced lifters looking to engage in well-rounded (but not extreme) lifting and swinging exercises.

The kettlebell design is thoughtful too. The handle is easy to grip, whether at the top or from each side, and it sits close enough to the bell that swinging exercises don’t feel unwieldy, but far enough away that you don’t feel cramped for space. We also love the rubber Nike Grind coating. It helps protect your floors from damage; plus, the Nike Grind rubber is made from at least r0% recycled material recovered during Nike’s shoe manufacturing process.

We’ll admit that the price per pound for these kettlebells is definitely on the higher side (roughly $3-$5 per pound when sold in a set, and roughly $3-$6 per pound when sold invidually), so if you’re on a tight budget, you might be better off going with another brand. However, these kettlebells also look sleek and classy, so if you’re looking for equipment to display in your home gym, they’re a good all-around choice.

Weight range: 9-70lbs. (other advertised weights are out of stock) | Individual or set: Individual | Material: Cast iron | Exterior: Powder coated

Improving grip strength is an important anti-aging measure. Research indicates that grip strength correlates to a range of health indicators, including bone mineral density, overall strength, risk of fractures or falls, malnutrition, cognitive impairment and quality of life. Kettlebell training, particularly higher-intensity training that involves kettlebell swings, has also been linked to improved grip strength.

Because of this, we paid special attention to the comfort and challenge of gripping each kettlebell and found that the Fringe Sport Kettlebell offers a wide, easy-to-grip handle that’s easier to manage than some of the other products we tested. The space between the handle and the ball also allowed us to do lunges and squats comfortably when grasping the sides of the handle, rather than the top.

We also enjoyed the unique design of the bell — one side is flat and the other is rounded. This makes it easier to find a comfortable hand position for each exercise, making it feel less awkward than other brands.

In addition, reviewers said that the round design keeps their arms from bruising when performing kettlebell snatch-style exercises.

That said, you may discover you don’t like the dual flat/round sides, so it may be worth trying the original kettlebell shape before trying this brand.

Weight range: 10-60 lbs. | Individual or set: Individual | Material: Cast iron | Exterior coating: Painted

For those who love shopping on Amazon, the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell is a popular choice for its versatility and quality. Reviewers appreciate its ease of use and suitability for home workouts. 

One reviewer said, “It’s heavy, the coating is nice and durable…IT’S A KETTLEBELL! You don’t have to get complicated with it, the price is right and works well with my workout routine.” And to that point, if you’re not overly concerned about powder coat finishes, color-coded weight indicators or paying a premium for a name-brand product, the price point for these kettlebells is hard to beat. Sure, they don’t have extra bells and whistles, but just as the name implies, they’re suitable for doing the basics. 

Our testers recommend this Amazon kettlebell for short sets. However, it’s less suitable for high-rep work, such as single-arm swings. The painted handle can get a bit slippery as your hands get sweaty. And trust us, the last thing you want is to accidentally throw one of these weights across the room.

Reviewers agreed, with one saying, “It’s not recommended for higher-rep ballistic work (snatches, longer sets of swings), because the coating will either: (1) stick to your hands too well when they’re dry, causing excessive friction and callusing; or, (2) become very slick once it gets wet with sweat, creating grip control and safety issues.”

Overall, the kettlebells are budget-friendly and work for short sets. They’re good for beginners or anyone who wants to add kettlebell training to their routine but doesn’t plan on basing their routine solely around kettlebells and want to save some money on their purchase.

Weight range: 18-88 lbs. | Individual or set: Individual | Material: Alloy steel | Exterior coating: Painted

If you’re new to kettlebell training, you may be surprised to learn that there’s a Kettlebell Sport World League that hosts national and international kettlebell competitions. This league sets very specific standards for kettlebell size and shape, including everything from the height of the kettlebell to the handle diameter and even the window (the space between the handle and the bell) width and height. Most cast iron kettlebells don’t fit these standards, so if you’re serious about kettlebell training and think you might want to compete, you need to invest in competition-approved equipment. These competition kettlebells from Kettlebell Kings fit the bill.

Each kettlebell is exactly the same size (regardless of weight), and meets international competition standards. The uniform size is also helpful for consistent training — you don’t have to adjust to changes in the size or diameter of the kettlebell. That said, the size itself is large — much larger than the more compact cast iron alternatives — which doesn’t lend itself as easily to traditional strength training exercises like kettlebell biceps curls or overhead triceps extensions. That said, for swings and power moves, the even weight distribution and consistent shape across weight increments makes these exercises feel smoother to perform.

We also appreciate that this kettlebell is made from a single cast — there are no welding seams that could be potential weak points, and there’s no internal fill that could disrupt the weight distribution. The weight range of 18-88 pounds is standard for most competitions, but may not be light enough or heavy enough for true beginners or those who want to lift heavier weights.

Weight range: 9-88 lbs. | Individual or set: Individual | Material: Cast iron | Exterior coating: Powder coat

The finish on a kettlebell makes a surprising difference during extended workouts. If a bell’s handle is too slick, you run the risk of dropping (or even throwing) the kettlebell if your hands get sweaty during higher-intensity exercises like kettlebell swings. On the other hand, if the handle is too grippy, it could cause rubbing and blisters while performing the same type of move. 

Starting at around $45, these Iron Bull kettlebells stand out for their ideal powder coat finish. Even after intense, lengthy workouts, they caused no blisters or calluses and didn’t stick to our hands.

We also liked the color rings and weight markings (which are listed in kilograms and pounds), which not only help identify each kettlebell but also add a nice aesthetic touch to a home gym.

However, if you have smaller hands, it’s worth noting that the handle gets thicker as the weight increment goes up. The lighter weights start at a managable 30 mm, but the heaviest weights have a handle as thick as 40 mm — 5 mm more than the competition standard of 35 mm.

Weight range: 9-71 lbs. | Individual or set: Individual | Material: Cast iron | Exterior coating: Powder coat

To be fair, there are a number of cast iron kettlebells with a powder coat finish on this list, and they’re all high-quality options. That said, if you’re looking for a solid, budget-friendly selection that checks all the boxes, these kettlebells from Titan Fitness are hard to beat.

First, they’re cast from a single piece of iron, so there are no welding points of potential weakness and no internal fill that could throw off the kettlebell’s balance. The exterior coating is easy to clean and provides a secure grip, and the handle size is ideal for a wide range of single- or double-handed exercises. We also appreciate that the weight increments are clearly marked in both pounds and kilograms, and that the price per pound is reasonable, ranging from approximately $3 per pound for lighter increments to just under $2 per pound for heavier weights.

Of course, you’re not getting any “bells and whistles” with this model — no color-coded rings or finish, no exterior wrap to protect your floors. The weight increments also cap at 71-pounds, so the brand may not be ideal for those who want to lift heavier weights. But for anyone who wants an affordable, solid kettlebell that does what it’s supposed to do? These are a good choice.

Weight range: 9-62 lbs. | Individual or set: Both options available | Material: Cast iron | Exterior coating: Neoprene base, powder-coated handle

Kettlebells come with a variety of exterior coatings, including neoprene, vinyl, rubber, and those with painted or powder-coated finishes. It can be challenging to determine which one to choose. Rubber, neoprene and vinyl coatings all help protect your floors from damage, making them good choices for a home gym. That said, there are pros and cons to each. Vinyl tends to be less expensive, but it’s the most likely to cack or tear over time. It’s also more slippery when wet, making it less grippy when your hands are sweaty. Neoprene and rubber are both easier to grip with sweaty hands and they’re less likely to tear or crack, but rubber is still a little more vulnerable to damage, although it tends to be more affordable. Neoprene is the least likely of the three coatings to show wear and tear with time, but it’s often the most expensive of the bunch.

We like these neoprene-coated kettlebells from Metis because they’re an affordable pick when you consider the per-pound price, ranging from roughly $2.50 to $3.50 per pound. They’re also brightly color coded to make weight identification easy and the powder coated handle is easy to grip for a range of exercises, including traditional strength training moves and more high-intensity swings and lifts. We also appreciate that you can purchase them individually or as part of a set — you can even wrap a rack into the packaged price. This makes them a good choice for people who want to add a range of weights to their home gym.

There are a few drawbacks, though. For one, the weight is only listed in kilograms, so if you want to know the poundage, you’ll have to do the math (just multiply the kilograms by 2.2). The text is also comparatively small, although that’s a minor complaint. Finally, the weight increments max out at about 62 pounds, so the brand may not be a good fit for people who want to lift heavier weights.

Weight range: 10-25 lbs. | Individual or set: Both options available | Material: PVC base and fine steel sand fill; plastic handle | Exterior coating: Cushioned PVC base

If you’re a parent looking for resistance training tools that are safer to keep around curious kids (or pets), soft kettlebells are the way to go. I’ve had these for about a year, and I can attest that I don’t worry about my 2- or 4-year-old grabbing one and dropping it on their toes. The soft PVC base not only protects your floors from damage, but if it happens to fall on a foot, it won’t hurt.

We only tested two types of soft kettlebells — this set from WeGym and a similar version from Bala. Of the two, the WeGym won out due to its more traditional shape and oversized window — a feature that makes gripping it from multiple angles easier. They work well for traditional strength training moves and light-weight swings, but it’s important to note that the cushioned base makes them bulkier than standard kettlebells. This also makes it challenging to find heavier weight increments because the heavier the weight, the bigger the kettlebell, and at some point, it becomes unmanageable.

I’ll note that the plastic handles do show some wear over time, and while I haven’t worried about them cracking or breaking, it does indicate that it’s a less durable option than more traditional kettlebells. The limited weight increments are also a clear drawback. The WeGym versions are available up to 25 pounds, but that’s too light for anyone who’s serious about kettlebell training and who needs heavier options for progressive overload. The per-pound price is also high (as are the Bala version), ranging from about $3-$5 per pound.