The Best Kettlebells for 2024
- Material: Powder-coated cast iron
- Handle: Bare cast iron
- Weight range: 8-32 kg in 4 kg increments
Pros
- Exceptional build
- Same size across the weight spectrum
- Flat sides
- Wide handle
Cons
- Pricey
- Sells out quickly
- Material: Cast iron
- Handle: Cast iron
- Weight range: 10-60 lbs. in 5- to 10-lb. increments
Pros
- Low price
- Comfortable grip
- Flat sides
Cons
- Inconsistent quality
- Narrow weight range
- Material: Powder-coated iron ore
- Handle: Powder-coated iron ore
- Weight Range: 9-88 lbs. in varying increments
Pros
- Grippy powder-coated exterior
- Colored tape to indicate weights at a glance
- Matte finish
- Surprisingly affordable
Cons
- Weight tops out at 88 pounds
- Material: Plastic, cast iron
- Handle: Iron
- Weight range: 8-40 lbs in varying increments
Pros
- Saves space
- Cheaper alternative to buying multiple kettlebells
- Easy to switch weights
Cons
- Bulky
- Weights can rattle in the bell
- Uncomfortable in overhead or one-handed movements
- Material: Coated concrete
- Handle: Coated concrete
- Weight range: 5, 10, and 15 lbs
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Price
- Comes with storage rack
Cons
- Limited weight set
- Too light for experienced athletes
- Material: Powder-coated iron ore
- Handle: Powder-coated iron ore
- Weight range: 9-203 lbs. in varying increments
Pros
- Solid build
- Void-free surface
- Matte finish
- Weights up to 203 lbs.
Cons
- Pricey
- The coating occasionally degrades and flakes after a few years of use
- Material: Rubber-coated cast iron
- Handle: Bare pitted stainless steel
- Weight range: 4-24 kg in 4-kg increments
Pros
- Tough rubber coating
- Smooth, comfortable grip
- Durable rubber coating
- Tough rubber coating
- Smooth, comfortable grip
- Durable rubber coating
Cons
- Handle can become slippery when wet.
- Inconsistent handle diameters
- Top weight is 24kg
- Material: Weighted core with padded faux leather
- Handle: Painted steel
- Weight range: 10-40 lbs. in 5-lb. increments
Pros
- Soft body
- Safe for floors
Cons
- Slippery handle
- Weights may vary by several pounds
- Not as durable as metal kettlebells
- Material: High Impact ABS Plastic
- Handle: High Impact ABS Plastic
- Weight range: Varies depending on dumbbell
Pros
- Great for travel
- Good option if you already have dumbbells
Cons
- Requires slight changes in form
- You need to already have dumbbells
Kettlebell Comparison Chart
Kettlebell | Price | Material | Handle | Weight Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
Eleiko Competition Kettlebell | $80-215 | Powder-coated cast iron | Bare cast iron | 8-32 kg in 4 kg increments |
Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell | $22-71 | Cast iron | Cast iron | 10-60 lbs. in 5- to 10-lb. increments |
Nike Kettlebell | $40-128 | Powder-coated iron ore | Powder-coated iron ore | 9-88 lbs. in varying increments |
Bowflex SelectTech 840 | $149 | Plastic, cast iron | Cast iron | 8-40 lbs in varying increments |
Best Choice 3-Piece Kettlebell Set | $50 | Coated concrete | Coated concrete | 5, 10, and 15 lbs |
Rogue Kettlebells | $35-320 | Powder-coated iron ore | Powder-coated iron ore | 9-203 lbs. in varying increments |
Technogym Kettlebell | $100-305 | Rubber-coated cast iron | Bare cast iron | 4-24 kg in 4-kg increments |
Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell | $40-140 | Weighted core with padded faux leather | Painted steel | 10-40 lbs. in 5-lb. increments |
Kettle Gryp | $35 | High-Impact ABS Plastic | High Impact ABS Plastic | Varied |
How We Tested Kettlebells
Our Expert Testers

Our Testing Process
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Kettlebells
Weight

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Vinyl-Coated vs. Non-Coated

Price & Value
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Mid-Tier
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your level of fitness. The standard weight for men’s workouts in CrossFit is 53 pounds. For women, the standard weight is 35 pounds. If you’re new to kettlebell workouts or fitness in general, go lighter. Somewhere between 15 and 25 pounds should work for most people.
For building strength, shoot for a heavier weight. Strength athletes will regularly use 70- to 100-pound dumbbells. If you’re planning to upgrade to heavier weights, start slow. Get comfortable with the weight with Russian (eye-level) kettlebell swings and ease your way up to going overhead.
Both are versatile pieces of equipment. They can do many similar movements like goblet squats, snatches, and overhead presses. However, a dumbbell’s shape is ideal for movements like curls and tricep extensions, whereas a kettlebell’s shape is less ideal for these. A kettlebell, on the other hand, is great for dynamic movements like swings and two-handed movements like upright rows.
Competition kettlebells are most easily recognized by their size. Every competition bell is the same size, regardless of the weight. Also, competition kettlebells are usually made from steel. This makes them more durable than bells made of iron.
Thanks to the wide range of movements kettlebells can handle, you can use kettlebells as often as you’d like. You can do an upper body workout one day and lower the next. Or you can alternate lighter with heavy workouts every other day. There are people who work out exclusively with kettlebells 5-plus days a week, depending on their programming.