The Best Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are affordable, portable, and effective tools for strength training. After testing 12 out of 24 sets, we recommend the Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands as the best and safest option. For pull-up assistance or physical therapy, we also have top picks for superbands and mini bands.

Everything we recommend

The Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands stand out with safety guards, including inner cords to prevent overstretching and rebound snaps. The set features five bands (up to 96 pounds combined resistance), a door anchor, handles, and ankle straps. With high-quality materials, additional high-tension tubes available, and access to free workout guides, it’s a superior option for strength training.

The GoFit ProGym Extreme is a solid backup, offering four bands (up to 140 pounds), handles, ankle straps, two door anchors, a manual, and a great storage bag, though its bands lack reinforcement and training materials are limited.

For primary strength training, the Resistance Band Training Economy Fitness Package is a top choice. It features four durable superbands (two resistance levels), foam handles, a versatile anchor, a mini band, and a four-week workout plan. The bands offer higher resistance than tubes and can be used for pull-ups or stacked for added tension.

The Serious Steel Assisted Pull-Up and Resistance Bands are durable latex loops, sold individually or in sets. The four-band set (5–120 pounds resistance) suits pull-up progressions, stretching, and resistance exercises, though the largest band may be unnecessary for some. A three-band set is a more affordable option. The bands are less slick and come with a detailed PDF guide online.

The Perform Better Exercise Mini Bands have a 10-inch diameter, offering more tension earlier in exercises compared to the usual 12-inch bands. This makes them feel snug right from the start. While they come with four bands instead of five, the absence of the lightest band isn’t a major issue for most users. Larger individuals may find them slightly tighter, but they are still usable.

How we picked

We examined three main types of resistance bands:

Interchangeable tubes stack together and clip to handles or ankle straps, creating a safe tension point when anchored for pulling or pushing. These tubes are hollow and may have reinforcements to prevent overstretching.

Superbands are large rubber bands that can be used alone or attached to a bar or pole by looping one end around and pulling it tight. Some sets include handles and anchors, while others sell them separately.

Mini bands are flat loops, about 12 inches in diameter and 2 inches wide, often used around limbs to create tension through body movement.

We also evaluated fabric-loop bands, which are more durable than latex bands and less likely to roll up or pull on body hair. These are ideal for dynamic warm-ups, lower-body workouts, and exercise form cues.

For this guide, we focused on sets rather than individual bands, as experts emphasize the need for varying resistance levels in exercises and the ability to increase resistance as you get stronger. Stretching a band to its limit too often can hinder muscle development and damage the band.

Some tubed sets include an anchor, which is a looped strap with a plastic bead to secure the band in a doorframe. Some superband brands also offer similar anchors separately.

How we tested

To find the best bands for most workouts, I tested each set with various exercises, noting the bands used, setup ease, movement comfort, and transitions between exercises. I also evaluated handle comfort, rubber stiffness, odor, and user-friendliness. At the gym, I gathered input from four personal trainers. I reviewed instruction manuals and used my training knowledge to assess their advice, while also measuring each band’s length and thickness to verify their durability and resistance claims.

Our pick: Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands

The Bodylastics resistance bands come with grippy handles, a small instruction manual, a door anchor, and a carabiner (though showing slight oxidation). The set includes a detailed manual with URLs for free online videos covering installation and 34 exercises, organized by targeted muscles. The manual is the best we tested, with clear instructions on band placement, handle use, and workout assembly, plus additional workout resources on the app and YouTube.

Bodylastics sells individual bands separately to replace or supplement the kit, with a lifetime warranty. If any part fails within the first 90 days, the company will replace it for free.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Bodylastics set is the only one we tested with small carabiners on each band and a large ring on the handle/ankle strap, which can sometimes poke or rub during certain exercises. The ankle straps are longer than most, which may not suit those who prefer a snug fit. The door anchor is effective but can be tricky to set up, and its foam may wear faster than others. Despite some slight oxidation on the carabiners, they functioned well, and the set has held up over years of use.

Runner-up: GoFit ProGym Extreme

The GoFit ProGym Extreme Set matches our top pick in quality, except for the lack of an inner safety cord. It includes a helpful manual, a durable carrying bag, and comfortable rubberized handles. Its ankle straps adjust tighter than the Bodylastics set, though they may be too short for thigh use. The GoFit door anchors are more durable and come in two, allowing for easier adjustment during workouts, though the reinforced straps are harder to fit in a doorjamb. The set includes four bands, missing only the lightest one, but still offers a higher claimed resistance (140 pounds) than Bodylastics (96 pounds). The bands are clearly labeled for convenience.

The GoFit anchor is compared to the Bodylastics anchor, with a close-up of GoFit’s illustrated manual and handles. GoFit’s glossy manual is thorough, covering 27 exercises organized by anchor location rather than body part. This is less disruptive with two anchors included, but the manual lacks muscle-targeting details, making it less helpful for beginners.

One trainer we consulted uses this set with clients and noted it has held up well.

Upgrade pick: Resistance Band Training Economy Fitness Package

The Resistance Band Training Economy Fitness Package offers both handled tubes and superbands, providing versatility in one set. It includes four durable bands (two red “small” and two black “medium”), an anchor, and handles, with superior workout instructions available online. The bands, made with layered latex for durability, are designed to last 2-3 years, unlike typical tube bands which last about a year.

The foam-padded handles easily clip onto the bands with carabiners, and the versatile anchor can be used indoors or outdoors by wedging it in a doorframe or looping it around stationary objects. The anchor adds length to the band, requiring more floor space indoors. You can also use the bands without handles by gripping them or looping them around limbs, though it’s less comfortable.

Although I initially thought the lack of heavier bands made this set less versatile for pull-up progression, I was wrong. Using one superband on each foot provides better balance, and the two medium black bands offer the same support as a single large band from another kit we tested.

Also great: Serious Steel Assisted Pull-Up, Resistance, and Stretch Bands

Serious Steel Assisted Pull-Up, Resistance, and Stretch Bands, made of durable overlayered latex, are popular in CrossFit gyms. With a 4.7-star rating from 850 Amazon reviews, customers praise their durability.

The Serious Steel set includes four bands of increasing size. While three bands worked well for pull-up assistance, the largest one pulled me off-center and felt like it might launch me into the air.

The largest band in the Serious Steel set is likely too heavy for most users. For more assistance or resistance, it’s better to use two smaller bands instead. You can also opt for the less expensive three-band set. The set lacks a printed manual but includes a detailed 25-page PDF with instructions and over 40 exercises. The bands are uniform in length, stretch smoothly, have a powdery grip, and a pleasant scent. Though more expensive, their quality justifies the higher cost.

Also great: Perform Better Exercise Mini Bands

The Perform Better Exercise Mini Bands are the best we tested, offering resistance sooner due to their shorter 10-inch length (compared to most 12-inch bands). While the smaller loop can be harder to fit both legs in, a 5’11”, 235-pound trainer had no issues. Their performance was praised by several Amazon reviewers.

The Perform Better set includes four bands, missing the lowest resistance found in other sets, which is unnecessary for most users. Due to their shorter length, these bands may feel harder to use, so for lower resistance, consider their XL Bands or the Fit Simplify set. The set comes with a clear instruction sheet featuring seven common mini-band exercises.

A common complaint about mini bands is that they roll up and tug on body hair. To avoid discomfort, it’s recommended to wear sleeves or pants. Some Amazon reviewers, even those who rated the Perform Better bands highly, reported that their bands snapped after a few weeks or months of use.