6 Best Kettlebells of 2026, According to Personal Trainers

What to Consider

Weight

The good news is that you don't need a ton of weight to start. If you're a newbie, grab one light- and one moderate-weight kettlebell (more on this below), as these will provide plenty of versatility for your workout. A good rule of thumb is that your lightest kettlebell should be one that you can press with one arm for about five reps. Your heaviest KB should be one to two sizes heavier than that. Also keep in mind that you may want to expand your KB collection in the future. If you plan to stick with the same brand going forward (for organization or aesthetic purposes), consider what larger weight options the brands you're shopping offer.

Casting

The best kettlebells are made using a single piece of metal (almost always iron). This process, known as "single-casting," typically smooths out bumps and seams that can cut or cause blisters. It's also the most durable manufacturing method, as there's virtually zero risk of breakage between the handle and bell. Some beginner-friendly kettlebells don't use this process, which often makes them significantly cheaper. Don't rule them out, however, as they can be a great budget-friendly option at lower weights.

Coating

The best single-cast kettlebells—including most of our recs below—feature a matte powder coating. This creates a textured, easy-to-hold grip that helps to prevent blisters, and on the flip side, slippage. The powder-coating process allows the KB to remain secure but with enough give to move somewhat freely in your hand, and helps protect the metal core from rust, corrosion, and damage.

Enamel is the second most common type of coating. It's slicker than powder coating, so it glides freely over dry skin but tends to catch on sweaty palms. The "right" style for you all comes down to your personal workout routine and preferences.

Style

Kettlebells are available in two main styles—classic and competition—with shape and handle width being what differentiates the two. Classic kettlebells have a triangle-shaped handle that's flared at the top and tapers at the bottom. This style is more comfortable for a wide variety of movements, like Turkish getups and goblet squats, than competition KBs. The size and shape of the handle vary as the weight of the bell increases.

Competition kettlebells, on the other hand, have a straight-armed, uniform, U-shaped handle that's the same no matter the bell's weight. The fact that these are all the same size, no matter the weight, means that your form can be truly perfected, as the bell will rest on your arm in the same place no matter the weight. The handles are also typically more porous than the cast iron ones, meaning they absorb chalk easier if you are using that to enhance your grip for high repetition exercises.

Handle

The handle is the one part of your kettlebells that you'll most frequently touch. You want handles that comfortably fit your grip, remembering that thinner handles are usually good for two-handed swings, while thicker handles might be best for one-handed exercises. The grip, too, is a matter of personal preference. A slightly textured grip is usually easier to keep hold of, but rough or rough-ish grips can cause blisters or hurt sensitive skin over time.

Price

Like all home gym equipment, kettlebells can be expensive. You'll almost always pay twice to three times as much for well-recognized brand names like Onnit and REP. But if you're just getting started, don't be afraid to start small. Budget-friendly options from Amazon Basics or even the handle from Kettle Gryp are great ways to test the waters before spending hundreds of dollars on the very best kettlebells.

Meet The Experts

• Marcus Martinez, C.S.C.S is a personal trainer and master kettlebell instructor.
• Jah Washington, PT, is a kettlebell expert and owner of Harlem Kettlebell Club.

FAQs

What's the Right Kettlebell Weight to Use?

There is no one best kettlebell to use, as it all depends on what you're looking to accomplish. If you're looking to build out a complete home gym, Martinez recommends at least a couple of kettlebells. Adjustable kettlebells are a solid option, too, as they combine multiple weights into a single product, saving you money and space.

"If I was just starting with kettlebells, knowing what I know, I would get a lighter competition kettlebell for cleans, presses, snatches, windmills, get-ups, etc., and a heavy cast-iron kettlebell for swings, squats, rows, etc.," says Martinez.

That said, for absolute kettlebell noobs who are just getting started and looking to add a few new movements into their program, "A single, cast-iron kettlebell is their best bet. Most people would benefit greatly from just adding swing variations to their current routine."

What's the Best Size Kettlebell to Start With?

Before you get started, understanding the basics and laying out your goals are important. Martinez says, "You want to make sure that you can get into each position safely, so before you add speed, you want a 'bell that you can control in all positions." For most people, one light- and one moderate-weight kettlebell should provide everything they need for a full-body workout. If you can only pick one, opt for a lighter 'bell, then just add in heavier dumbbells to the mix for movements that aren't kettlebell-specific (e.g., squats, rows, and presses).

For Martinez's female clients, he recommends a lighter kettlebell of around 8 to 26.5 pounds (4 kg to 12 kg) and 26.5 to 45 pounds (12 kg to 20 kg) for their heavier 'bell. Lighter is great for more technical exercises, while the heavier 'bell is for deadlifts and, eventually, two-hand swings. For his male clients, one lighter 'bell weighing 26.5 to 45 pounds (12 kg to 20 kg) and one heavier, about 45 to 70 pounds (20 kg to 32 kg), is usually perfect.

For brand-new kettlebell users, opting for the lighter bell in each category is the way to go. Stronger and well-trained users should go with a heavier bell. "Even my moderately strong athletes were able to use the heavier bell for explosive deadlifts and two-hand swings pretty quickly," says Martinez.

Read more: What Size Kettlebell Should I Buy for My Home Gym