What can you expect to pay for resistance bands?

A set of quality resistance bands usually costs between $20 and $80. Cheaper bands may not be as durable, while more expensive options may come with unnecessary accessories. The cheapest set on our list, Insonder's Resistance Bands Set , is often available for less than $10. Our most expensive pick, the BC Strength Glute Loop Package , was $120 when we last updated this list.

Do resistance bands actually build muscle?

Since resistance bands are often used in the place of free weights, it’s natural to wonder whether they’ll actually help you build strength . But the truth is: They will. Several studies have suggested that working out with resistance bands can be a great way to activate muscles and build strength. However, because resistance bands are shaped differently from free weights, they may challenge your muscles in a slightly different way. One study found that resistance bands activated some muscles more than free weights did—and some muscles less than free weights did—when similar exercises were performed.

We Tested the Best Resistance Bands of 2023 for Every Fitness Goal

resistance bands test — Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Whether you're looking to add upper-body conditioning, core exercises, or physical therapy into your routine, using resistance bands is a great way to level up your workouts and help improve your strength, stability, and mobility.There are multiple types of resistance bands, including loop bands, tube bands, power/assist bands, and resistance straps. When used during bodyweight movements, resistance bands are designed to mimic the use of machines, free weights, and bulky gym equipment.

As you shop for resistance bands, check what style they are and whether they'll help you complete your favorite kinds of workouts. Also, make sure they're made with durable, high-quality materials, and that they fit your budget.

To find the best resistance bands on the market, we purchased 20 sets and tested them in The Verywell Testing Lab. Each band was rated on a scale from 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) based on quality, accuracy of unit measurements, versatility, feel and grip, portability and storage, and overall value. Here are our favorites for every budget and fitness goal.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Loop Bands:

Renoj Resistance Bands Set at Amazon

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Best Budget Loop Bands:

Insonder Resistance Bands Set at Amazon

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Best Investment Loop Bands:

BC Strength Glute Loop Package at Bcstrength.com

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Best Overall Tube Bands:

GoFit Extreme Pro Gym Set at Amazon

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Best Budget Tube Bands:

Whatafit Resistance Bands Set at Amazon

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Best Power/Assist Bands:

Serious Steel Assisted Pull-up Band at Amazon

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Best Resistance Straps:

Healthy Seniors Chair Exercise Program with Two Resistance Bands at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Amazon

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Resistance Accuracy

4.5/5
Versatility

4/5
Feel & Grip

5/5
Portability

5/5

Pros

Grippy, non-slip strip
Instructions included
Budget-friendly

Cons

Max tension not as intense as other bands
Better for beginners

Our expert, Gabby Drucker, personal trainer and owner of Drucker Fitness in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, says loop bands are her favorite type of resistance band for getting the most out of lower body exercises. After completing a series of squats, clamshells, lateral walks, and light arm exercises, Renoj's Exercise Workout Bands won the top spot in our loop band category.

We loved their non-slip grip and latex-polyester knit fabric, which made for a comfortable fit and feel. The woven style and double-stitched seam felt durable and didn't snap, tear, or unravel. However, we noted that the heaviest band of the three wasn't as strong as we would have liked, making this set a better buy for beginners.

We especially liked that these bands didn't roll over while we exercised, like thinner, rubber bands tend to do. And while they're easy to throw into a gym bag alone, it's nice that these bands come with a mesh bag to keep them in one place. The included instructions were also helpful, with illustrated, easy-to-follow exercises.

Price at time of publication: $19

^{Key Specs:
Tension Range: 20-35, 30-50, and 45-70 pounds | Material: Latex, polyester-blend | Style: Loop bands | Included Accessories: Carrying bag}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.5

Amazon

Our Ratings

Quality

4.5/5
Resistance Accuracy

4.5/5
Versatility

4/5
Feel & Grip

4.5/5
Portability

5/5

Pros

Five resistance levels
Comes with a compact carrying bag
Clearly labeled resistance levels

Cons

May slip on wet skin
No instructions included

With five bands ranging in tension from 10 to 40 pounds, Insonder's Mini Bands are our pick for a budget-friendly set of loop bands that can be used for a variety of exercises and stretches. The set is especially helpful for beginners who want to gradually increase the resistance of their bands over time as their strength improves.

We found that all of the bands felt thick and durable, despite the difference in resistance levels. We also noticed that, while using this set, we felt confident that even the lightest band wouldn't tear or snap. Another thing we liked was that the bands were easy to differentiate, thanks to clearly labeled dots that correspond with their resistance levels.

Latex-based loop bands can attract hair and dust due to static, but we found that the chalk-like residue coating these bands prevented them from collecting debris. The smooth surface also didn't pinch our skin during our test. When we mimicked sweat by spraying water on our skin during exercises, we found that the bands did slip slightly. But despite having to readjust them slightly during some moves, they still felt comfortable and easy to use.

Insonder's bands are very lightweight, but we still liked that they came with a mesh carrying bag for easy transport. After all, with five bands to keep track of, it's easy to lose one going to and from the gym. Just note that they don't come with any instructions, unlike our top overall pick, Renoj's Resistance Bands.

Price at time of publication: $8

^{Key Specs:
Tension Range: 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 pounds | Material: Latex | Style: Loop bands | Included Accessories: Carrying bag}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.2

BC Strength

Our Ratings

Quality

4.5/5
Resistance Accuracy

4/5
Versatility

3/5
Feel & Grip

5/5
Portability

3.5/5

Pros

Durable knit fabric
Grippy, non-slip strip
Lightweight

Cons

Expensive
No carrying bag

BC Strength's Glute Loops were some of the most durable bands we tried over our two-day testing period. This set will set you back a bit more cost-wise, but thanks to the high-quality knit fabric, we noted that they're likely to hold up to continuous wear over time.

These bands can be used for stretching and arm workouts, but we found them ideal for leg exercises like squats, hip thrusts, and clamshells. We completed these exercises in addition to some moderate stretching and found that the bands felt comfortable. We also noticed that these bands didn't budge or slip while we used them, thanks to the non-slip strip that's woven into the fabric.

Although there are six bands included in the set, we found that even the lightweight bands were pretty heavy—making them better for advanced users. However, we appreciated that the set included two diameters (S/M and L/XL), for different body sizes.

During testing, we noted that the set of six bands weighs 1.8 pounds, which means they're lightweight and fairly easy to take with you on the go. An included carrying bag would have been a nice addition, though, especially for the higher price.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Tension Range: Small- and large-diameter sets in regular, strong, and extra-strong (specific pounds are not listed in manufacturer’s product description) | Material: Latex, polyester-blend | Style: Loop bands | Included Accessories: None}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.7

Amazon

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Resistance Accuracy

4.5/5
Versatility

5/5
Feel & Grip

4.5/5
Portability

4.5/5

Pros

Multiple accessories included
Durable
Instructions included

Cons

Resistance levels might be slightly inaccurate
Heavy

Loop bands may be the most popular style of resistance bands, but we were still able to get a good workout with this collection of tube bands. Tube bands are more versatile (ideal when paired with a balance board) and easy to incorporate into a wide variety of exercises, especially upper body exercises. Many of the bands we tested—like GoFit's Extreme Pro Gym Set—also include multiple accessories to add a challenging element to our exercises.

Almost all of the tube bands we tested include a set of handles (either secured or detachable). These proved helpful because they allowed us to grasp the bands without fear of slipping when completing high-intensity moves, like rows or squats. But what really stood out about GoFit's Extreme Pro Gym Set is the addition of high-quality door anchors and ankle straps, allowing for even more workout versatility.

The hardware of the accessories seemed high-quality, and we appreciated the foam on both the handles and the ankle straps. Scratching or discomfort can occur without comfortable, padded material—especially when performing exercises like resistance band kickbacks or door anchor rows—so we liked the extra cushioning. Our tester also noticed that even when her hands were wet, they didn't slip.

Since there are so many ways to use these bands, we found the instruction manual that came with them to be super helpful, especially with the easy-to-follow illustrations. We referred to the book a few times in The Verywell Testing Lab, and it helped us use the tube bands to their full potential. This, and the convenient carrying bag, were a couple of reasons this set rose above the other tube bands we tried out over the two-day testing period.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Tension Range: 20, 30, 40, and 50 pounds | Material: Latex | Style: Tube bands | Included Accessories: Two handles, two door anchors, two ankle straps, carrying bag}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.2

Amazon

Our Ratings

Quality

4/5
Resistance Accuracy

3/5
Versatility

4/5
Feel & Grip

4/5
Portability

5/5

Pros

Comes with a carrying bag
Multiple accessories included
Instructions included

Cons

Accessories may lack durability

Whatafit's Resistance Bands Set is a budget-friendly tube bands set that doesn't skimp on quality. We found that the bands were very comfortable to use, and we noticed that even during the sweat test, our hands didn't slip on the handles. While the ankle straps didn't include the same quality of foam padding as the handles, discomfort didn't stop us from completing our lower-body exercises.

The box includes tubes with tensions of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 pounds, plus ankle straps, handles, and a door anchor. Our in-Lab measurements for size didn't match the product description, but the resistance levels of the bands still ascended as expected from light to heavy.

While the latex tubes seemed durable, we did note that the accessories didn't seem as durable as other, pricier options on our list (like GoFit's Extreme Pro Gym Set). We still felt safe using the bands and accessories, even during heavier exercises. The carabiner clips were an added bonus that offered an additional layer of safety.

Similar to some of the other resistance bands on our list, a small instruction booklet was included with the set. The exercises appeared fairly basic, but the thorough descriptions and illustrations made our testers without much experience feel more comfortable when using the bands. A carrying bag was also included, and we liked that it offered a way to keep all of the tube bands and accessories in one place during travel.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Tension Range: 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 pounds | Material: Latex | Style: Tube bands | Included Accessories: Two handles, one door hanger, two ankle straps, carrying bag}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.2

Amazon

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Resistance Accuracy

4/5
Versatility

3/5
Feel & Grip

4/5
Portability

4/5

Pros

Clearly labeled resistance levels
No slipping with wet or dry hands
Four bands for all experience levels

Cons

Not as portable as other sets
Versatility is limited

Loop bands and tube bands are optimal for total-body workouts, but if your main goal is to improve your pull-up game, Serious Steel's Assisted Pull-Up Bands are our top pick. Power bands are designed for use with your own body weight, and they're different from other styles of resistance bands because they're longer, thicker, and made for heavier weight use. We found them to be great for pull-ups, although they weren't ideal for exercises like bicep curls or squats because of their tougher composition.

Since Serious Steel's set included four bands with multiple resistance options, testers of all experience levels were able to use the bands safely. One of our testers noted that she liked having the option to start with an easier band that offered more resistance during her pull-ups, and work her way up to using a band that offered less resistance (almost mimicking a bodyweight pull-up).

We noticed that the bands felt sturdy on both wet and dry skin, and they didn't feel like they would snap back at any point throughout the test. We think an included instruction guide would have been helpful for workout guidance, but we did appreciate that the bands were color-coded based on their resistance levels—making it easy to select the ideal one for a particular exercise.

Price at time of publication: $83

^{Key Specs:
Tension Range: 5-35, 10-50, 25-80, and 50-120 pounds | Material: Latex | Style: Power/assist bands | Included Accessories: None}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.3

Amazon

Our Ratings

Quality

4.5/5
Resistance Accuracy

4.5/5
Versatility

4/5
Feel & Grip

4/5
Portability

4.5/5

Pros

Great for chair workouts
Written instructions included
Instructional video included

Cons

Bands may slip if not tied correctly
Handles aren't easy to attach to bands

Most of the bands on our list are designed for heavy lifting and medium- to high-impact workouts. But Healthy Seniors' Bands are lightweight and perfect for seated exercises and stretches. We found the 18-page guide that came with these straps very useful and easy to understand and read, making it a good option for beginners.

While none of our testers fall into the "older adult" age range, we noted that this set may cater to elderly exercisers or those with physical limitations more than others on the market, thanks to the instruction guide featuring low-impact chair exercises. These bands are also a good workout tool for those suffering from knee injuries, because they're lighter and user-friendly.

Inside this set's box, we found two bands labeled “light” and “medium.” They were easy to use alone, as well as with the included handles. However, we did notice that when the bands are loosely tied around the handles, they may snap back. In the Lab, we found this issue could be fixed by double-knotting the bands instead.

Completing squats, bicep curls, and hamstring stretches was easy with this set, thanks to the durable handles and straps. We can't say much in terms of long-term durability without further testing, but the latex construction should hold up to repeated stretching and continuous use. While a carrying bag is not included, the entire set only includes four lightweight pieces, which we found easy to carry in a gym bag.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Tension Range: Light and medium (specific pounds are not listed in manufacturer’s product description) | Material: Latex | Style: Resistance straps | Included Accessories: Two handles}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

How We Rated Resistance Bands

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best resistance bands we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These resistance bands are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great resistance bands, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These resistance bands are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend resistance bands with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

How We Selected and Tested the Resistance Bands

To help us choose which resistance bands to test, we reached out to Gabby Drucker, personal trainer and owner of Drucker Fitness in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She helped us understand how resistance bands can provide a safe and effective workout. She also guided us by sharing which features to look for when purchasing high-quality, budget-friendly bands.

Then, our team tested 20 resistance band sets in The Verywell Testing Lab. While testing, we focused on a variety of attributes, including quality, accuracy of measurements, versatility, feel and grip, and portability and storage. Comparing scores for each of these characteristics with the price of each individual set, we also came up with an “overall value” score.

We averaged the scores of these six attributes to calculate an overall rating for each set of bands. Since some bands scored high in one attribute category but low in others—such as high portability and low versatility for sets that included a single band—none of the resistance bands we tested received a perfect overall score. We also weighed and measured the tension and dimension of the bands while making note of any smells, durability issues, or wear and tear prior to putting them to the test.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Seven testers—including a certified barre instructor and a certified personal trainer—spent two days and around 16 hours using the bands. We did squats, lateral walks, and clamshells with each loop band. To test tube bands, we completed multiple reps of bicep curls, rows, shoulder presses, and shoulder/chest stretches. We tested resistance straps by doing squats, split-stance shoulder presses, and hamstring stretches. Finally, we did pull-ups and one-arm bicep curls using the power/assist bands. If ankle straps were included, we also performed hip adduction and abduction exercises, and other accessories were used according to their intended use.

After completing each of the exercises, we sprayed our hands and legs with water to see how the bands would perform during the same exercises if used on sweaty skin or in a humid environment. Following the dry and wet exercise tests, we re-evaluated the bands by looking at their surface and stretching them to see whether any wear was noticeable after use. The bands and accessories that came with carrying bags were packed into the bags to see whether all of the included pieces fit comfortably for easy transport.

Although the bands' quality was noted throughout the two days of testing in the lab, our testers are continuing to use the resistance bands at home to examine their ability to hold up to wear and tear over time.

What to Look for in a Resistance Band

Style

Not sure which style of resistance band is right for you? “Think about how you want to include resistance bands in your workouts, and that should help you decide which kind to go with,” Drucker says.

If you’re trying to challenge yourself during leg and glute workouts, a loop band might be best. For arm exercises like tricep extensions and bicep curls, you’ll be better off buying a tube band, like those in Whatafit's Resistance Bands Set. While loop bands and tube bands are particularly helpful for specific movements, they’re also versatile and can be incorporated into a total-body workout, too.

If you opt for a power/assist band, like Serious Steel's Assisted Pull-Up Band, you’re probably trying to improve the form or intensity level of your pull-ups. These bands aren’t as versatile, although they can also be used for some forms of stretching. And if rehabilitation or low-impact exercises are part of your routine, opting for a resistance strap will give you optimal versatility for use with upper- or lower-body work.

Tension Range

Nearly every set of resistance bands comes with a specific tension range—whether noted by level (light, medium, and heavy) or by pounds. Furthermore, some brands list the resistance tension range for each of their bands rather than just for the set.

Drucker recommends purchasing a set with a minimum tension that works for lighter, upper body exercises and a maximum tension that will prove challenging for heavier, lower body workout routines. With these multi-packs of resistance bands, you won’t have to worry about buying additional bands to tackle different exercises.

Material

No matter the type of resistance band, most of them are made with either rubber or latex. These materials are stretchy, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Rubber is typically more durable, but Drucker notes that latex offers a wider range of stretch for both high- and low-impact exercises.

Though loop bands can also be made with these materials, you may also find some made with fabric—like our best overall pick, RenoJ's Resistance Bands Set. This comes in the form of a woven knit material that provides stretch without the fear of pinching or sliding on the skin.

Included Accessories

If other accessories are included with your purchase, you may find that you can perform more workouts with a single set. Some of the most popular accessories you’ll find in a workout band set are handles, ankle straps, and door anchors. Handles often clip onto tube bands with a carabiner clip and offer a secure place to hold the tubes comfortably. Ankle straps fit loosely around the ankles, for moves like hip adduction and hip abduction. If the set includes door anchors, you’ll be able to complete kickbacks, rows, and other exercises that require the straps to be hooked to a secure area more easily.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you expect to pay for resistance bands?

A set of quality resistance bands usually costs between $20 and $80. Cheaper bands may not be as durable, while more expensive options may come with unnecessary accessories. The cheapest set on our list, Insonder's Resistance Bands Set, is often available for less than $10. Our most expensive pick, the BC Strength Glute Loop Package, was $120 when we last updated this list.
Do resistance bands actually build muscle?

Since resistance bands are often used in the place of free weights, it’s natural to wonder whether they’ll actually help you build strength. But the truth is: They will. Several studies have suggested that working out with resistance bands can be a great way to activate muscles and build strength.
However, because resistance bands are shaped differently from free weights, they may challenge your muscles in a slightly different way. One study found that resistance bands activated some muscles more than free weights did—and some muscles less than free weights did—when similar exercises were performed.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Megan Foster is a seasoned commerce writer and former college athlete. She prioritizes health and fitness in her daily life, and she’s always looking for an effective new workout routine or fitness product to share with her readers. Megan regularly uses resistance bands while working out in the gym or at home. In The Verywell Testing Lab, she carefully evaluated the durability and versatility of each of the sets, while noting overall value and affordability.

Additional reporting by Lindsey Lanquist.

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

Additional reporting by Sarah Felbin

With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that are of great value and make life easier.

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