We Put the Best Kettlebells to the Test: These 8 Came Out on Top

Kettlebells We Also Tested

We’ve tested 16 kettlebells so far, but only a few 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. 

We continue to test all of the kettlebells on our list at home so we can refine our recommendations over time. If we notice anything new that we haven’t already touched on here, we’ll add our insights to make sure this list stays current. 

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. 
• Grip: Check the shape, size, and texture of the kettlebell’s grip. NESTA-certified 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. 

How We Tested the Kettlebells

We’ve rigorously tested 16 kettlebells from top brands to find the best options on the market. We spent 16 hours in The Verywell Testing Lab 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 do a third circuit on a different setting to see how well its features work. As we continue to test and evaluate more kettlebells, we keep these critical criteria in mind: 

• 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. 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? 
• Overall 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 every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Spear, helped us understand which features to look for while shopping for kettlebells. Others, like certified personal trainer Emma Schmid, taught us how to incorporate kettlebells into your at-home weight training routine safely. We choose products independently, but expert input influences our decisions. 

• Matt Spear, NASM-CPT, NESTA-certified kettlebell coach and fitness program manager for Exos in Raleigh, North Carolina
• Emma Schmid, NSCA-CSCS, certified personal trainer and host of The Morning Cup in Seattle
• Chris Powell, CPT, certified personal trainer in Raleigh and Kettlebell Specialist at Onnit

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are kettlebells effective? 

Kettlebells are effective because they engage multiple muscle groups during your workouts. 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 master the proper technique. Or, try an adjustable kettlebell that you can continue to use as you get stronger. 

What size kettlebell is right for me? 

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). 

How much does a kettlebell cost? 

Based on the brand and the material, you can expect to spend between $20 and $150 on a single kettlebell. To save money, consider purchasing a set—especially if you’re planning on picking up more than one kettlebell. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jarrod Nobbe is a freelance fitness writer 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. He nerds out with hours of researching the latest and greatest equipment options as new, innovative options hit the market. For this article, Jarrod immersed himself in kettlebell training over the last month with CAP Barbell’s Cast Iron Competition Kettlebell Weight and Onnit’s Kettlebell. He also relied on feedback from our experienced product testers and field experts to complement his testing.