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  4. The 11 Best Resistance Bands for Any Type of Workout, According to Reviews

The 11 Best Resistance Bands for Any Type of Workout, According to Reviews

By Chelsey Hamilton and Amina Lake Abdelrahman Updated September 15, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Resistance Bands Set - Exercise Workout Bands
Credit: Amazon

These top-rated options from brands like TheraBand and SPRI are perfect for the gym and at-home use.

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The Ultra-Versatile Fitness Tool

The Ultra-Versatile Fitness Tool
Credit: Hero Images / Getty Images 

Resistance bands are multi-use fitness tools that make it possible (and so easy) to get in a great workout or stretch anywhere — even when you're stuck at home. On top of adding an extra layer of resistance and intensity to any type of exercise, the adaptability of exercise bands makes them the perfect addition to any home gym. And since they're so lightweight and compact, it's no hassle to bring them with you when you travel. Believe it or not, at-home fitness equipment doesn't have to be expensive — in fact, resistance bands are known to be budget-friendly, and many of them come in value packs, so you'll get even more bang for your buck.

To help you find super affordable options, we've compiled a list of the best resistance bands for at-home workouts. Based on your preferences, you can choose from a few different types of exercise bands — like original two-sided therapy bands, looped resistance bands for leg and butt workouts, tube bands with handles, and more. The best part? All of these options come highly rated by customers, so you can trust that they're durable and effective for use during any type of at-home workout. With any of these multifunctional resistance bands on hand, you can fit in a workout no matter where you are or how much time you have.

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Best Overall: Fit Simplify Loop Resistance Bands

Amazon Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $13 (WAS $15)

Number of bands: 5
Tension: Up to 74 pounds 
Material: Latex

This is the best-selling resistance band set on Amazon, and shoppers love it so much that it has an average 4.5-star rating from more than 97,000 customers. The set, which is available in three different color schemes, comes with five durable loop resistance bands in a variety of strengths. They range from extra light to extra heavy, so you can use these top-rated bands for nearly any workout at home — no matter what your fitness level is.

"I've had these for a year, using them two to five times per week," wrote one shopper. "While over time they do stretch a bit, none have snapped and still work very well. Very good quality for the price. I would highly recommend. For what it's worth, I typically used the red and black, sometimes double looping for leg and glute work. The yellow was also useful for certain upper body exercises."

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Best Non-Latex: TheraBand Resistance Bands Set

theraband-resistance-bands-set-professional-non-latex-elastic-band
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $14

Number of bands: 3
Tension: 3 to 6.7 pounds each
Material: Non-latex synthetic rubber

If you're looking for no-frills resistance bands that'll get the job done, look to these therapy bands by TheraBand, which are often used by physical therapists as part of treatment for an injury. You'll get three non-latex elastic bands at varying intensities for just $14. The versatility of these simple bands makes them ideal for a multitude of workouts targeting different parts of your body. And if you want some resistance band exercises to do at home? Try these total-body toning moves that you can perform with TheraBands.

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Best Option With Handles: Whatafit Resistance Bands Set

Resistance Bands Set - Exercise Workout Bands
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $25

Number of bands: 5
Tension: From 10 to 50 pounds each
Material: Latex

The best option for resistance bands with handles, this 11-piece resistance band set by Whatafit comes with five resistance bands that range from 10 to 50 pounds, two cushioned handles, two ankle straps, a door anchor, and a carrying case. The detachable handles and ankle straps allow you to mix and match the bands, and you can even combine them for a total of up to 150 pounds of resistance. If you're looking for exercise inspo, it even comes with an exercise chart for workout ideas. You can also try this upper-body resistance band workout that's meant to be done with a handled resistance band.

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Best for Legs and Glutes: Peach Bands Resistance Bands Set

Resistance Bands Set - Exercise Workout Bands
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $15

Number of bands: 4
Tension: From 10 to 35 pounds each
Material: Latex

This set of four loop resistance bands in varying weights is super effective for toning your legs and glutes. These 12-inch latex loops are flexible, durable, and lightweight, and they come with a travel bag, so you can bring them anywhere. The four multicolored bands come in intensity levels ranging from light (10 pounds) to extra heavy (35 pounds), so you can add more resistance as you get stronger. What's more, the loop design allows them to target the outsides of your legs and glutes when the band is looped around your legs, making them the best option for these specific exercises.

"These bands are absolutely wonderful," wrote one shopper. "Within two weeks of purchasing, I am building hips and glutes faster than with 40-50 lbs of dumbbell weight."

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Best Multi-Use Pack: Tribe Resistance Bands Set

Resistance Bands Set - Exercise Workout Bands
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $30

Number of bands: Five tube bands and four loop bands
Tension: 10 to 150 pounds
Material: Latex, nylon, and neoprene

Check out this all-in-one resistance band set if you want to try various types of exercise bands. Complete with five tube bands, four loop bands, a door anchor, cushioned handles and ankle straps, a carrying case, and an exercise book, this pack includes everything you need for a killer exercise band workout at home. Shoppers say the bands are extremely durable and sturdy, which means you don't have to worry about them breaking during tough exercises.

"Perfect for at-home workouts or to keep as a portable gym," wrote one customer. "The resistance bands are definitely high quality and the mini loop bands so far have been very stretchy without ripping or snapping."

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Best for Pull-Ups: Leekey Pull-up Assist Bands

Amazon Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $32 (WAS $39)

Number of bands: 4
Tension: 15 to 125 pounds each
Material: Latex

These resistance bands from Leekey, also called pull-up assist bands, are long, flat loops that are super versatile. Though they're most often used to help with pull-ups, they can also be used for a wide variety of workouts because they're extremely durable and can hold a lot of weight. This set includes four loop bands that range in thickness and resistance to offer varying levels of intensity. They're especially great for strengthening your arm and shoulder muscles enough to do a pull-up on your own.

"This may be my best and most favorite equipment purchase in years! These bands are strong and durable," wrote one shopper. "I have one that perfectly helps me do a pull-up now but have [another] one that is my goal to advance to hopefully soon."

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Best for Toning Targeted Areas: SPRI Ultra Toner Figure-Eight Resistance Band

Resistance Bands Set - Exercise Workout Bands
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, FROM $10 (WAS $12)

Number of bands: 1 (sold individually)
Tension: Very light to ultra-heavy
Material: Latex and foam

Figure-eight resistance bands feature a closed-loop design with two handles and tend to be smaller and sold as a single piece, making them a great option if you only want to buy one band. This option from SPRI has a latex tube band with soft foam handles for an extra-comfortable grip. It's available in a wide range of resistances, from very light to ultra-heavy levels. Reviewers like this figure-eight band because of how versatile it is and the fact that the handles are comfortable on their hands.

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Best for Stretching: Valeo 4-Foot Long Stretch Exercise Resistance Bands

Resistance Bands Set - Exercise Workout Bands
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $18

Number of bands: 3
Tension: Light to heavy
Material: Latex

When it comes to your fitness routine, don't forget that stretching for mobility and recovery is just as important as the workouts themselves. One of the best ways to make sure stretching is part of your routine is by having the right gear on hand, like these exercise bands by Valeo. Unlike your typical resistance bands, these straps measure 4 feet long and are specifically designed for stretching — think of it like a yoga strap. These long stretching straps are made with durable latex and each offers a different resistance level. They're also lightweight, making them easy to throw in your bag and bring with you anywhere.

"I bought these to continue physical therapy exercises at home and am quite pleased with them," one customer wrote. "The length is just right, the three strengths are a good mix to have, and the quality of the material is great."

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Best Fabric Bands: Gymbee Fabric Booty Resistance Bands

woman squatting with pink resistance bands next to three fabric bands in pink, gray, and black
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $25 (WAS $40)

Number of bands: 3
Tension: 14 to 50 pounds each
Material: Fabric

These booty bands by Gymbee are perfect for activating your glutes more during strength exercises. The circular loop bands are made with a durable fabric that can easily be positioned around your thighs or lower legs during hip thrusts or squats, and since the inside of each band is equipped with grips, they won't roll or slide down your legs (which is common with typical latex bands). The stretchy bands come in three different resistance levels (light, medium, and heavy), and there's even a handy carrying case to store them. Shoppers are so happy with these resistance bands that they've earned an average 4.7-star rating from nearly 20,000 customers on Amazon — one person even called them the "best booty bands ever."  (Related: 5 Ways to Build Bigger, Stronger Glutes That Have Nothing to Do with Squats)

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Best for Full-Body Workouts: TRX Go Suspension Training

Resistance Bands Set - Exercise Workout Bands
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $130

Number of bands: 1 suspension trainer
Tension: n/a
Material: Nylon

Ok, ok, it's not a resistance band, but hear us out: Suspension training can challenge your bodyweight workouts in a whole new way for about the same size as a resistance band set. This TRX set comes with everything you need for a quick yet effective workout: a suspension trainer capable of holding up to 350 pounds, indoor and outdoor anchors, foam handles and foot cradles for comfort, and a mesh carrying case. Need workout inspo? The set even comes with two downloadable workouts. (Or check out these suspension trainer exercises for your whole body.)

"I absolutely love this contraption," wrote one shopper. "I don't always have the time/inclination to go to the gym, and having this at home allows me to get in a proper workout without leaving the house. The potential uses are endless."

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Best Heavy Resistance Band: SKLZ Professional Grade Resistance Band

Resistance Bands Set - Exercise Workout Bands
Credit: Amazon
BUY IT, $26 (WAS $40)

Number of bands: 1 (sold individually)
Tension: 50 to 120 pounds
Material: Latex

You might feel like a badass the first time you snap a resistance band, but no one wants to keep buying replacements (or get whipped in the face). For a thick, heavy-duty option, go with this durable band from SKLZ that customers say is super high quality. You can use it for exercises like good mornings, squats, and overhead presses, or attach it to a piece of equipment to complete exercises like standing glute kickbacks for an at-home version of your gym's cable machine. (Need more ideas? Try out this abs exercise that incorporates the band.)

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    1 of 12 The Ultra-Versatile Fitness Tool
    2 of 12 Best Overall: Fit Simplify Loop Resistance Bands
    3 of 12 Best Non-Latex: TheraBand Resistance Bands Set
    4 of 12 Best Option With Handles: Whatafit Resistance Bands Set
    5 of 12 Best for Legs and Glutes: Peach Bands Resistance Bands Set
    6 of 12 Best Multi-Use Pack: Tribe Resistance Bands Set
    7 of 12 Best for Pull-Ups: Leekey Pull-up Assist Bands
    8 of 12 Best for Toning Targeted Areas: SPRI Ultra Toner Figure-Eight Resistance Band
    9 of 12 Best for Stretching: Valeo 4-Foot Long Stretch Exercise Resistance Bands
    10 of 12 Best Fabric Bands: Gymbee Fabric Booty Resistance Bands
    11 of 12 Best for Full-Body Workouts: TRX Go Suspension Training
    12 of 12 Best Heavy Resistance Band: SKLZ Professional Grade Resistance Band

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