8 Best Resistance Bands: Reviewed, Rated & Compared

Resistance Bands Compared

What to Look For In a Set of Resistance Bands

Resistance Band Type

While most resistance bands serve the same purpose (to get a low impact, strength-building workout), some are short and flat while others resemble long tubes. The type you opt for depends on the type of workout you're hoping to get. 

For example, the shorter, flatter bands are great for small isometric movements that you'd see in barre or Pilates, while the tube-like bands are better if you plan on attaching them to a door or another type of anchor.

No matter which type you go for, just be sure to consider how long they will last as nobody wants to have to replace a recent purchase. 

Amount of Resistance

Most resistance bands come in a set, and each band features a different level of resistance. The thinner, stretchier bands will be far easier to use than the thicker bands with less stretch. 

My recommendation is to get a set of bands that features several different levels of resistance, which will be represented by different band colors. That way, you'll be able to start with the easier resistance and build your way up to more challenging workouts, all with the same set of bands.

Comfort & Ease of Use

If you find that your resistance bands are difficult to use, chances are you won't be using them very often. That's why ease of use is an essential thing to consider when choosing your resistance bands. 

Comfort goes hand in hand with ease of use. Depending on the size and material, some bands are much more comfortable to use than others. You'll even find some models with interchangeable handles, so if this is something you're interested, make sure to select a set of bands that comes with non-slip grippy handles (rather than hard plastic handles). 

Add-Ons & Extras

Add-ons and accessories are a great way to customize your resistance band workouts and make them more convenient. For example, some of these sets have a handy carrying case, making it easy to work out while on the go or store the bands in your home gym. 

You might even see some extras included, like handles, anchors, ankle cuffs, and other accessories that will allow you to better customize your workouts.

8 Best Resistance Bands Reviewed

The resistance bands listed below are some of the best models for building muscle, improving strength, and enhancing endurance.

1. Bodylastics Patented Anti-Snap

If you want a set of such bands that have won awards and are of professional quality, then look no further than the Bodylastics Patented Anti-Snap Resistance Bands. There’s a reason why they’re on our list of the best resistance bands.

The number one feature of the Bodylastics Patented Anti-Snap Resistance Bands is the fact that you can use more than one of them at a time in order to truly customize your workout with resistance bands. These are some of the best ones for squats because they can be attached together in order to create a very long, flexible resistance band.

Each package comes with a set of five bands, ranging from yellow (three pounds of resistance) to black (19 pounds of resistance.) Each of these bands resembles a bungee cord. They also come with attachable handles and anchors, as well as an instruction guide and carrying case. Plus, there’s a 30-day money back warranty.

2. Theraband Resistance Band Set

Some of the best resistance bands come in different types of sets. For example, the Theraband Resistance Band Set has two different varieties, the beginner set, and the advanced set. You can start out with one and then upgrade when necessary.

The Theraband Resistance Band Set is one of the best for building muscles because you have your choice of which set you need. The beginner set includes three bands that are red, green, and yellow in color. These models are all five feet long and four inches wide, and range from resistances of three pounds to 6.7 pounds.

The other set, the advanced ones, include blue, black, and silver bands that are between 5.8 to 15.3 pounds of resistance. Like the beginner set, they are also five feet long and four inches wide. Both sets are made of a latex-free material and have no scent, unlike other types of the best resistance bands for glutes.

3. Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set

The best resistance bands come in a set with many additional features that make them much more versatile. The Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set are one of them.

The Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set comes with multiple resistance bands, ankle straps, a door anchor, and even a set of soft grip handles. The handles attach to each of the bands, which are designed to look like tubes, making them easier to use. You also won’t have to worry about these rolling up mid-workout.

The starter guide will help with those workouts, as there are some included that you may have never even thought of. Each of the color-coded bands (ranging from yellow with two pounds of resistance to red with 30 pounds of resistance) is 48 inches long. You can even stack them together in order to get an even greater workout, if necessary.

4. The X Bands Extra Thick

The X Bands Extra Thick Resistance Bands are on our list, because they are very heavy duty. This means that they’ll last for quite some time – no matter what types of workouts you do in your home gym.

Although the X Bands Extra Thick Resistance Bands aren’t made of natural latex – they consist of resin latex instead – they certainly live up to their name. These ones are indeed extra thick, so they won’t roll up mid-workout or begin to tear after a few uses.

There are five bands in this color-coded set, which ranges from 15 pounds of resistance to a whopping 80 pounds. This means that accomplished and experienced weightlifters can benefit from using them as well.

Although these are some of the best you can get for squats, they don’t come with a storage bag or an instruction manual like the other sets. They do have a one-year warranty though.

5. WODFITTERS Pull Up Resistance Bands

The WODFITTERS Pull Up Resistance Bands are some of the best resistance bands, simply because they are extra long. This makes it easy for you to adapt them to your home gym workouts.

When it comes to the bands for build muscle, look no further than the WODFITTERS Pull Up Resistance Bands. These bands are a whopping 41 inches long, making them very versatile. You can double them up when needed in order to do biceps curls or even leave them long when doing incline presses.

The WODFITTERS Pull Up Resistance Bands come in a set of which, which range from a half-inch thick band that can have between 10 and 35 pounds of resistance to a 1.75 inch one with between 50 and 125 pounds of resistance. In order to truly workout with these, you’ll need to switch between them, so a set like this one comes in handy.

On top of everything else, these bands are made of 100% rubber latex and come with 100% satisfaction guarantee.

6. Limm Resistance Bands

The Limm Resistance Bands are some of the best resistance bands for building muscle, because they make working out easy, thanks to the included videos and workout manual.

Sometimes you need a set of the top ones that come with everything that you need to get started. The videos, manual, and guides that come with the Limm Resistance Bands make them a great set for beginners. Plus, this set of five is color-coded and is made of 100% natural latex.

The five bands include yellow, which have between four and ten pounds of resistance, green (six to 15 pounds of resistance), blue with 15 to 20 pounds of resistance, red with 20 to 25 pounds of resistance, and black, with 35 to 40 pounds of resistance.

Note that there are no bands to bridge the gap from 25 to 35 pounds. With that said, they are fairly heavy duty and come in various thicknesses that correlate to the overall resistance.

7. Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

The Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands have made our list of the best resistance bands for legs because they come with some additional features, including a workout guide.

The Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands are the best models for building muscle because they are very useful. The set includes five color-coded bands, each with a different resistance level ranging from extra light to extra heavy.

This means that the level of tension changes with each band, so you can either start out with extra light if you’re new to fitness, or you can switch them depending on which area of your body you’re working out.

Each of the bands is made of natural latex, not a Thermoplastic Elastomer, which is a type of fake plastic. This means that they will last much longer than the artificial ones. On top of that, the set comes with a workout book and a handy carrying and storage case. They also have a lifetime guarantee.

8. GYMBANDIT Resistance Bands

Unlike the others on this list of the best resistance bands, the GYMBANDIT Resistance Bands come in pastel colors – not bright ones. They are also made of natural latex, no synthetic rubber.

Overall, the GYMBANDIT Resistance Bands made this list for glutes, because they come in a number of different resistances and thicknesses. They come in a set of five ranging from .6 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters and up to 60 pounds of resistance.

Each is ten inches in diameter, allowing for better control while exercising in your home gym. The natural latex is environmentally friendly, and the bands come with a 100% money back guarantee. In addition to this, they come with a carrying and storage case.

Resistance Band Exercises For Home Gyms

Once you find your winner, you next need to know what exercises to do with your resistance bands.

Some sets come with instruction guides or manuals, but if they don’t, you can start by doing common resistance band exercises, such as bicep curls. This workout is when you sit down, place the band under your foot, and grasp the other end in your hand. Then, simply do biceps curls with the band as if it were a hand weight or dumbbell. 

Another common resistance band workout includes the alternating shoulder press. This works in a similar way as the bicep curl, except you’re in a standing position and you’re exercising your shoulders instead of your biceps. Then there's the incline press, where the strap is anchored on a wall and you hold the other end above your head while putting your full body weight into the exercise.

No matter which exercises you choose to do, the best resistance bands are a great way to get a low-impact workout at home. 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Do resistance bands actually work?

Yes! Although they're simple and design and usually don't cost much, you can get a great strength-building workout with resistance bands. Some sources even claim that resistance bands are equally as effective at building both strength and muscle mass as weights and dumbbells.

Why am I not sore after using resistance bands?

Not feeling soreness or muscle strain after using resistance bands isn't a bad thing.

Although some people view this as a sign that they're not working hard enough or that the bands aren't doing their job, it most likely means that your muscles have adapted to the resistance level you're currently using. This could be a sign that you're ready to move up to a greater resistance. 

Are weights better than resistance bands?

Both weights and resistance bands come with pros and cons.  

Using free weights typically shows faster results for building muscles mass, but there is much more risk involved. Resistance bands are considered to be the much safer alternative, and they're a better choice if you're worried about injury or soreness. 

Conclusion

Overall, the best resistance bands are those that are made of natural latex and come in color-coded sets so that you know which amount of resistance you’re using for each workout. They make it really easy for you to work out in your home gym, while you’re on vacation, or anywhere that you see fit to use them. We love the Bodylastics model and have chosen it as our favorite choice.

For the greatest workout variety, try to find a set that is versatile and easy to use. You can start with the ones on our list for building muscle, and you’ll be on your way to a solid work out.