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Amanda Capritto
There are different types of resistance bands that vary in length and style. Some come in closed loops, some with handles and then there are mini bands.
Resistance bands come in light, medium and heavy weights. The tension weight will vary per brand, but this is how they are usually labeled.
Resistance bands are usually made out of latex, but there are some that are latex-free and some that come with a fabric cover to prevent injury if it snaps.
TheraBand Professional Non-Latex Resistance Bands Set
Best non-latex resistance bands
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Resistance band workouts have seen a surge in popularity since people started working out from home . Resistance bands are inexpensive compared to kettlebells and dumbbells. They also don't take up as much space as most exercise equipment and you can take them with you on-the-go or when traveling. You don't have to worry about them being loud and you can get a decent upper body, lower body or core workout. You can also purchase them in a variety of resistance weights.
There are a lot of resistance band options out there -- you could buy a tube resistance band, a fabric resistance band, a mini band, a loop band, power resistance bands and so many others for different types of exercise. The best part is resistance bands can be used by beginners, advanced users and even those rehabbing an injury.
If you're looking to improve your home gym, we have tested the best resistance bands you can currently buy without having to sacrifice your home space or wallet.
Read more: How to get a great workout with a kettlebell
Best overall resistance band
During testing we did not find that one resistance band was superior. Each of these have their own unique traits and purposes so to narrow down the best would be tough. However, these are some solid choices if you've been looking to add resistance bands to your home gym.
Since everything is smart these days, it should come as no surprise that there's a smart resistance band set available to fitness enthusiasts. I tried out the Hygear Gear One and was honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed using it for resistance training. It struck me as slightly gimmicky, but these resistance bands actually work really well.
The Hygear Gear One includes a pair of tubal resistance bands, wrist and ankle cuff, a wall anchor, a door anchor and a pair of handles. It's truly a use-anywhere set because not only can you anchor the bands to a door or wall, you can use your own body to create resistance.
Adjusting the bands is super easy, too: Just press the little red adjuster button to shorten or lengthen them. Between the wrist and ankle straps, door and wall anchors and adjustment mechanism, you might never need another set of resistance bands.
The resistance bands contain sensors that track your repetitions, volume (total weight lifted) and calories burned. When you pair the bands to your phone and download the Hyfit app, this data collects automatically and you can track your resistance band exercises with ease.
To me, the smart aspect is just a bonus -- the wearable resistance band concept alone would've been enough to persuade me to buy this. Once I'm able to take a road trip or go camping again, I'm packing my Gear One so I can easily get in a quick workout on the go without having to lug around a 40-pound kettlebell.
If the set sells out on Amazon, you can always buy directly from the company. Buying direct provides you the option to pay $15 per month with $0 down, and the monthly fee includes the cost of the premium Hyfit fitness membership.
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If you're looking for a booty band for your workout routine, stop here. Just one of these mini resistance bands from Bret Contreras (known on Instagram as the "Glute Guy") will last you years because of the tight-woven, high-quality construction. Contreras popularized the hip thruster exercise and the concept of glute training and, as a certified strength and conditioning specialist with a PhD in sports science, I trust that his mini resistance bands work.
I also know that they work because I've been using them for the last seven months and they've been the savior of my glute and hamstring strength throughout the coronavirus pandemic. I've used these mini resistance bands to make several exercises more challenging, including bodyweight squats and hip thrusts, dumbbell deadlifts and kettlebell swings. I've also used them extensively for glute-focused exercises, such as donkey kicks and hip abductions.
You can purchase Bret Contreras Glute Loops in two sizes (small to medium and large to extra large) and in three resistance levels (light, medium and strong, labeled as one, two and three on the bands). I ordered a full band set because I wasn't sure what to expect, and I'm glad I did. I've used all six Glute Loops for various exercises and rep schemes. I do tend to use one looped band more than any of the others, so most people would probably be fine ordering just one Glute Loop.
Having frequented many a CrossFit gym, I've used my fair share of Rogue resistance bands (Rogue is the preferred outfitter of functional fitness equipment). Rogue Monster Bands constitute the best of the best in resistance bands. They come in various levels of resistance, and they're constructed of thick, durable natural latex rubber.
The big problem with resistance bands is they wear out significantly over time and, compared to iron or steel weights, they don't last long at all. I've seen these Rogue bands in use for years firsthand, and they never seem to show signs of wear.
Rogue has been struggling with its supply chain for the last several months, so if you're interested in the Monster Bands, I'd purchase them while you can. The full band set is out of stock, but you can pick and choose individual bands.
I would recommend Monster Bands for anyone who wants to use resistance bands to build muscle, because they go up to 200 pounds in resistance -- much higher than the toughest resistance band from most other brands.
You can also check out the Rogue Echo Bands, which are slightly less expensive than the Monster Bands. They seem slightly less durable but would more than suffice for the average exerciser who works out at home. The Echo Bands were out of stock at the time of writing, but you can sign up to get notified when Rogue stocks back up.
These durable resistance bands from FitCord pack a one-two punch when it comes to longevity. Like I mentioned earlier, resistance bands wear out over time. It's just a fact of the product. However, you can maximize the life of your resistance bands by choosing the right kind.
Made of dipped latex -- the most durable material for resistance bands -- the FitCord X-Over resistance bands feature a scrunched nylon safety sleeve that protects the latex underneath from UV damage and harsh weather. The sleeve also protects you in the case that your band snaps during use, but that's unlikely with a dipped latex resistance band.
FitCord makes X-Over bands up to 55 pounds in resistance, which is plenty for the average person who wants to work out with resistance bands.
If you have a latex allergy, working out with resistance bands might seem impossible. The options definitely diminish when you filter with "non-latex," but if you look hard enough, you can find some non-latex resistance bands.
TheraBand is known for its professional rehabilitation equipment, including resistance bands, kinesiology tape, foam rollers, muscle wraps and stability balls. The non-latex professional set includes three resistance bands providing up to seven pounds of resistance.
As a bonus, this set comes with basic exercise instructions written by a physical therapist, making it a good option for people who aren't sure where to start with resistance bands.
I wouldn't recommend these TheraBand resistance bands for advanced exercisers looking to use resistance bands for intense workouts or to build muscle. Because these bands are primarily intended for rehabilitation purposes, they provide minimal resistance and are best suited to beginners or people working around injuries.
Best Resistance Bands of 2024, Compared
| Resistance Bands | Material | Length | Level of Resistance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygear Gear One | Latex | 36 inches | 44 lbs (together) | $250 |
| Bret Contreras Glute Loop | Elasticated grippy fabric | 3 inches by 13 inches (S/M), 3 inches by 15 inches (L/XL) | Ranges from: Light pink: 20-40 lbs, Medium teal 48-88 lbs, Heavy violet 62-108 lbs, Heavy black 90-152 lbs | $20 |
| Rogue Monster Bands | Natural latex rubber | Most are 41 inches x 0.25 inches x 0.18 inches | 9 lb, 18 lb, 30 lb, 40 lb, 65 lb, 95 lb, 115 lb, 225 lb | Starting at $15 |
| Fit-Cord X Over Resistance Band | Latex tubing covered with a heavy woven polypropylene cloth sleeve | 30 inches | 3 lbs-55 lbs | $67 |
| Theraband Professional Non-Latex Resistance Band | Non-latex resistance band | 5-feet long x 4-inches wide | Yellow-3-4.3 lbs, Red-3.7-5.5 lbs, Green 4.6-6.7 lbs. | $16 |
This is a curated list based on popular resistance bands. We took into consideration different lengths, materials and purposes for these resistance bands.
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If you're looking to buy resistance bands, it's helpful to know the different types that exist and the best purposes for them. Below are some factors to consider when shopping for resistance bands.
Length of resistance bands: Depending on what exercises you plan on doing with the resistance bands, you will want to choose based on length. Mini bands are best suited for isolated lower body exercises and some upper body, whereas longer resistance bands are good to assist with pull ups and full body exercises.
Resistance weight: You'll notice resistance bands come in different weights (this will vary per brand). Usually there will be a light, medium and heavy option to choose from. Some resistance bands are sold individually or as a set.
Materials and features: You'll notice most resistance bands are made of a rubber and latex material. However, there are some that are latex-free or have fabric covers surrounding them to protect you in case they snap. There are also smart resistance bands on the market that are intended to take your workouts up a notch.
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What exercises can you do with resistance bands?
Resistance bands are versatile enough to be used for squats, deadlifts, deadbugs, pulls ups, push ups, front marches, lat pull downs, rows, tricep pushdowns, bicep curls and much more.
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Are resistance bands durable?
Resistance bands should last you awhile, but this depends on how you take care of them and if you use often since they can lose their elasticity. If you're buying high quality bands like ones manufactured by Rogue, they should not break easily.
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What are some disadvantages to resistance bands?
Resistance bands are good fitness tools up to a point. Resistance bands can be used by beginners, those rehabbing an injury and even if you're trying to make certain exercises more challenging. But on its own after a while you will need to graduate to heavier weights if you're looking to get stronger or build muscle mass.
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