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The 5 Best Resistance Bands for a Killer Portable Workout
Portable, versatile, and easy to use, resistance bands provide a killer workout in a tiny package.
Think you can’t get a good workout with a rubber band? Resistance bands will change your mind. Although traditional gym technology like dumbbells and kettlebells get most of the attention, resistance bands are highly versatile tools for maximizing your workouts—and they’re great for stretching, mobility work, and rehab after injuries.
At their core, resistance bands are simple: They’re stretchy rubber bands. You can find them in a wide range of resistance levels, from the equivalent of a few pounds to well over 100 pounds (usually by combining multiple bands). A low-resistance band can add a gentle pull that helps stretch out your muscles, while high-resistance models can be used in place of dumbbells in your lifting routine.
There are a surprising number of features and variations among resistance bands on the market. Some include handles and straps for your hands and legs, others include anchor points, and some utilize a tubular design rather than a flat strap. Each has its specific advantages, and no matter which you choose, resistance bands have a lot going for them: They’re lightweight, simple to use, easy to store and travel with, and can be incorporated into a variety of movements. (See the “Benefits of Resistance Bands” section at the bottom of this page for more info on how to use them.)
Best Resistance Bands
The Expert (Amy Schlinger): As a health and fitness journalist for over 12 years, I’ve been testing gear and trying out new fitness gadgets, machines, and other technology for a long time. I absolutely live for comparing new pieces of clothing, shoes, or other fitness tools to previous models or other gear available on the market. Resistance bands have always been a part of my fitness regimen, whether I’m doing ancillary muscle work, stepping up a bodyweight workout, or completing a physical therapy protocol when I’ve been injured. I own countless bands and use them for all types of exercises. I became certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a personal Personal Trainer in 2020, and resistance bands are something I both use and recommend for clients of all different ages and fitness levels. They’re extremely versatile, take up little room, and are perfect for an at-home or on-the-go workout.
The Expert (Michael Charboneau): I became a runner in middle school and have been covering running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. When I’m not at a desk, I like to run, bike, and hike around Los Angeles, where I live. I’ve used all kinds of workout apparel and gear over the years, including resistance bands, and I have years of experience testing and writing about that gear, too. I've used that experience, along with extensive research on new and notable resistance bands, to put together this guide.
How Resistance Bands Work
Bands provide progressive resistance: The farther apart you pull the band, the more resistance you’ll experience. The thickness of the band can also determine the amount of initial resistance, and different size bands or configurations are better for working different body parts. For example, smaller loops are great for glute work, and larger loops can be perfect for full body moves like squats and lunges.
Don’t think of these as only light-duty workout tools; some bands can offer up to 200 pounds of resistance. But know that there’s no standard rating system: Bands can be listed by a static level of resistance, a dynamic range, or just relative levels, such as “light” or “medium.” Bands are often coded by color according to how much resistance they provide, but each brand uses a different color scheme, so compare resistance by weight or difficulty level, not color, when selecting a set.
Finally, keep in mind that most resistance bands are made with latex, so shop carefully if you have an allergy. We’ve included a hypoallergenic option below.
How We Evaluated
The product recommendations below are based on a combination of Amy’s testing and Michael’s research. We looked for highly-rated resistance bands online and incorporated RW editor and expert feedback, including Amy’s product knowledge and firsthand testing experience. We tried to include options to suit specific needs, like traveling or physical therapy, as well as more general products that should work for nearly anyone. You can compare the type and resistance range of these products by looking at the “Key Specs” section in each writeup below. Whether you’re a fitness pro or just starting out, these resistance bands will help you add variety to your workouts and get the results you’re working for.
Pros
- Can be used with or without handles
- Handles can work with other resistance bands
- Includes two bands at each resistance level
Cons
- Handles only work with your hands, not your feet or limbs
A simple loop-style resistance band can work well for most exercises, but thinner bands can cause discomfort by digging into your skin. TRX has a solution: A pair of cylindrical grips that slide over the bands, giving you a more comfortable way to pull them with your hands. This set includes two pairs of resistance bands, but the handles can work with other loop-style bands, so you can continue to use them even as you expand your collection.
Key Specs
| Type | Looped bands with detachable handles |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 5–30 lb |
Pros
- Reinforced inner safety cord
- Large resistance range when bands are combined
Cons
- Narrow tubular design might dig into the skin during some exercises
Bodylastics manufactures its resistance bands with a unique design: Stretchy latex surrounds an inner core of woven cord. This two-part construction prevents you from over-stretching the band (a major cause of wear among resistance bands), and if it does snap, the cord reduces the chance that the band will flail around violently. The bands are made with carabiners to accommodate handles, the set includes ankle straps and door anchors, and the bands can be combined for an impressive resistance range of up to 142 pounds.
Key Specs
| Type | Straight tubular band with detachable handles |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 3–23 lb |
Theraband Resistance Band Set
Theraband Resistance Band Set
Pros
- Wide bands for maximum comfort
- Affordable
Cons
- Low resistance is less suitable for strength training
Wide, low-resistance bands work well for stretching, mobility exercises, and rehab work, where you want to stay comfortable and focus on the movement rather than really challenging your muscles. These bands from Theraband are ideal for beginners and rehab exercises: Their wide design feels comfortable when wrapped around your legs or arms, and they can be used for all kinds of movements.
Key Specs
| Type | Wide looped bands |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 3–4.6 lb |
Resistance Band Training Total Fitness Package
Resistance Band Training Total Fitness Package
Pros
- Includes handles and a door anchor
- Large resistance range
Cons
- Thinner bands might dig into the skin during some exercises
This set amps up the traditional looped-style resistance bands with a host of helpful accessories. It comes with two handles for improved grip and a door anchor for maximum versatility, especially when working out at home. Better yet, the three pairs of bands offer an impressively large range of resistance, so you won’t outgrow this set quickly, and your purchase gets you access to two digital training programs.
Key Specs
| Type | Looped bands |
|---|---|
| Resistance | 15–115 lb |
Vulcan Strength Resistance Bands
Vulcan Strength Resistance Bands
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Expensive
- Bands are sold individually
For those with a latex allergy, resistance band options can be limited. Fortunately, you can grab these bands, which are made with hypoallergenic synthetic rubber. They’re available in several different resistance ratings to suit all kinds of experience levels and exercise routines. Although you’ll have to pay for each band individually, Vulcan is a veteran-owned, USA-based company, so that takes some of the sting out of it.
Key Specs
| Type | Looped bands |
|---|---|
| Resistance | XX light, X light, light, medium, heavy |
Benefits of Resistance Bands, According to Personal Trainer Amy Schlinger
RW: What’s the best way to use resistance bands?
AS: There’s really no “best” way—resistance bands are great for a wide range of movements and exercises. Use them to assist with stretches and mobility exercises, or swap them in place of dumbbells and kettlebells for a total body workout.
RW: Why should I use a resistance band instead of a dumbbell or kettlebell?
AS: Resistance bands make a great complement to free weights, and they have a number of unique benefits. First, they provide resistance throughout an exercise’s full range of motion, which puts a greater demand on your muscles and recruits more of them for stabilization. In addition, as the band stretches, the resistance increases, adding another challenge you don’t get with free weights. Resistance bands are also great for adding resistance to moves where you can’t easily incorporate free weights, like mountain climbers. Finally, resistance bands are lightweight and compact—great for home gyms or traveling.
RW: What level of resistance should I start with?
AS: As with any new exercise, it’s always a good idea to start light and work your way up. If you haven’t used resistance bands before, make sure to buy a set that includes a low-resistance option to start with. Grab the lightest band and focus on mastering the proper form for whatever moves you’re doing. Then work your way up to bigger resistance levels.
Amy Schlinger is a health and fitness writer and editor based in New York City whose work has appeared in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, The New York Post, Self, Shape, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and more; The National Academy for Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) is extremely passionate about healthy living and can often be found strength training at the gym when she isn’t interviewing trainers, doctors, medical professionals, nutritionists, or pro athletes for stories.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
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