Hop Into Fitness With The Best Jump Ropes

If you’ve ever watched the Rocky movies, you’ve seen Syl Stallone jump rope his way through a slew of workout montages. That’s because skipping rope is one of the most tried-and-tested methods for boxers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts in general seeking to boost their performance and hone their physique.

According to StrongFit and Pilates coach Sara Solomon (whose jump rope video series helped me get the most out of my skipping routine), jumping rope is “a portable, inexpensive, and fun way to quickly burn a ton of calories and improve your athleticism. If you are short on time and don’t want to go to a gym, then jump rope is ideal for you because you only need a small space and about 10 minutes. Not only does jump rope enhance your dynamic balance, speed, endurance, agility, coordination, and concentration, but it also improves your cardio-respiratory efficiency and even minimizes your risk of developing osteoporosis by increasing bone density.”

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Although it might seem like jump ropes are more or less the same, the fact is that they vary when it comes to quality, purpose, and whether they’ll suit your personal fitness goals. With this in mind, we recommend the best jump ropes for a range of budgets and uses, along with what you need to know to find the right one.

The Expert: I’ve spent over a decade writing about all things related to fitness, with a particular emphasis on fitness techniques and tools. Accordingly, I’m constantly trying out fitness gear of all sorts, and I’ve come to know the difference between what works and what’s merely hype. Several years ago, jumping rope became an integral inclusion in my own workout routine, and I hopped my way from stumbling through a few minutes of start-stops, to being able to skip uninterrupted for up to half an hour. My health and fitness writing has appeared in a slew of top publications, including Men’s Health, the Los Angeles Times, Thrillist, Healthline, the Manual, and more.

What to Look for in a Jump Rope

Adjustability: “I recommend a rope that allows both easy cord replacement and the ability to adjust the length to suit your height,” Solomon says. That means choosing a jump rope where the cord isn’t fixed at the handles. The handles of a properly sized jump rope will nestle into your armpits when standing with your feet together on its center. Aim for a rope that is between three and four feet longer than you are tall, then adjust from there.

Handle Attachments: “I also recommend a rope with swivel bearing technology to ensure a smooth turning motion without friction or drag,” Solomon says. “This allows for free rotation with no rope tangle.”

Rope Material: Jump ropes are available in a variety of materials, such as fibrous ropes, PVC cords, and metal cables. Different materials deliver differing user experiences and suit different workout intentions. “I suggest beginners start with PVC cord before tackling weighted or cable cords,” Solomon advises. Keep in mind thinner ropes, including metal cables, can wear faster than thicker options.

Speed vs. Weighted Ropes: Speed ropes tend to be made of lighter materials and are intended for fast-paced workouts. Weighted ropes can be much heavier. “I recommend speed ropes (i.e. steel cables) if you have speed goals or you are focusing on mastering double, triple, and even quadruple unders,” Solomon says. “For a tougher challenge, you can use a weighted jump rope. This will help you increase your upper body and core strength, and it will also burn more calories than a speed rope. This can be a great cross-training tool for athletes who rely heavily on upper body strength.”

How We Evaluated

To recommend the best jump ropes, I relied on my personal experience, along with suggestions from Sara Solomon, reviews from other industry experts, and actual customer reviews from Amazon and other retailers. The models below span a range of budgets, preferences, and fitness goals.