Resistance bands are a must when exercising as these can support a wide range of routines. Heavy-duty resistance bands can also increase the intensity of your workouts and can be utilized for physical rehabilitation, stretching, and mobility. It is also an effective calorie burner as the added tension activates the muscle fibers and improves heart rate. Because these are lightweight and compact, resistance bands also enable you to work out any time, anywhere.
With so many resistance bands available everywhere today, we sifted through countless reviews and tests to determine which resistance bands are worth buying. After looking into a few factors, namely durability, functionality, and affordability, the Bodylastics Stackable Tubes tops our list of being the best resistance band.
Bodylastics bands have 202-pound stackable resistance and use a patented reduction and snap design. Bodylastics bands offer everything you can need for efficient resistance training!
We’ve looked into other resistance bands and compiled them into this review to help you choose the best resistance bands based on your desired workout and resistance level. Lets dive right into the top 10 Best Resistance Bands: Bodybuilding and Fat Burning Essential!
Best Resistance Bands at a Glance
The Bodylastics Stackable Tubes comes with seven anti-snap bands, four ankle straps, four handles, two-door anchors, and one carrying bag makes it tough to beat.
It comes with attachable handles, door ankles, and ankle straps. Its tube bands come at increments of 20, 30, 40, 50, allowing you to adjust the weight suitable for your preferred resistance level.”
Bodylastics Stackable Tubes – Best Overall
What we like
- These are very lightweight and portable
- Its anti-snap technology ensure safety when working out
- It offers different resistance levels, allowing you to try out different types of strength training and resistance training routines
What we don’t like
- Assembly can be tricky
- Stacking too many bands at once will make it challenging for you to even out the bands and maintain your balance when training
The Bodylastics Stackable Tubes is different from all the bands out there as these offer anti-snap technology. With this feature, you won’t have to worry about bruises or injuries when the outer latex bands snap because each band comes with an inner snap.
This resistance band set comes with seven anti-snap bands, ranging from 3 pounds to 30 pounds. It also comes with ankle straps, door anchors, and one carrying bag.
We would love for the brand to improve its assembly requirements. Several users of the Bodylastics Stackable Tubes mentioned that they had a hard time setting up the bands.
GoFit Progym Extreme Bands – Best Door Anchor Bands
What we like
- It comes with a carry bag, which means you can take these resistance bands anywhere
- Has comfortable handles, allowing you to easily workout with maximum resistance
- Includes one door anchor
What we don’t like
- Working out with added resistance can become an issue as these bands only support 50 pounds of resistance
- Some of the best bands cost less and offer more
Among all the bands we tested, the GoFit Progym Extreme Bands is one of the best tube resistance bands today. These tube resistance bands are easy to grip and provide comfort, even when trying out high-intensity routines, such as squats or rows.
With this set, you can get four premium rubber resistance bands at increments of 20, 30, 40, and 50 pounds. We think this is one of the best resistance bands for bodybuilding as this set also comes with two door anchors.
However, for its price, we think that the GoFit Progym Extreme Bands don’t provide the best value for your money. Other resistance bands offer more accessories and more pounds of resistance for a lower price.
Serious Steel 41″ Band – Best for Pull-up Progressions and Stretching
What we like
- Available in 6 resistance levels with maximum weight capacity of 150 lbs.
- It doesn’t require any setup
- Its latex bands are free from allergens and are safe even for people with sensitive skin
What we don’t like
- It gives off a rubbery smell
- The elasticity of the bands diminishes overtime
Serious Steel Fitness has been in the industry since 2009, making them one of the most reliable brands when it comes to resistance bands. This single band comes in different resistance levels, ranging from 2 to 150 pounds.
Although the brand has been in the industry the longest, its high resistance bands aren’t flawless. We hope that the brand will look for ways to minimize the rubbery smell from the bands. Serious Steel 41″ Bands give off a strong odor, especially when opening it for the first time, as the bands are made from natural latex rubber.
HPYGN Resistance Bands – Best for Muscle Building
What we like
- Decent 150 lb. tension resistance
- It comes with a powerful door anchor
- Made of natural latex with rustproof stainless steel carabiners
What we don’t like
- Issues with the quality of some of the bands
- The bands with different tension levels look too similar. Markings must always be checked.
The Hpygn resistance bands deserve a place on our list because these are designed to optimize all of your fitness needs and come with several accessories. With the Hpygn resistance bands, performing repetitions of biceps curls, overhead presses, and chest exercises will become easier and more efficient.
The Hpygn resistance bands include five bands with different resistance levels, ranging from 10 to 50 pounds. You can also enjoy a door anchor, a carry bag, and two ankle straps when you purchase these resistance bands. The Hpygn resistance bands have everything you need to target a certain muscle group and make your strength training more productive.
Keep in mind that there are different resistance levels per band to avoid breakage. With the complete set of accessories for its price, HYPGN is not one to be turned down.
Bob And Brad Resistance Leg Bands – Best for Leg Exercises
What we like
- Wider bands that won’t curl or roll for a seamless workout
- Feels extremely durable and sturdy even after long-term use
- Made with cruelty-free and comfortable materials
What we don’t like
- May be too small for larger users
- May need some time to break in when new
From the makers of the popular resistance band anchors, Bob and Brad aren’t new to the rudiments of quality resistance band products. Specially designed for leg and glutes workouts, this non-slip resistance band features a durable cotton elastic polyester fiber for comfort and guarantees no rolling or pinching for a smooth workout.
It comes with three varying difficulty levels up to 50 pounds and are color-coded for easy selection. Made extra-wide at 3.15” inches and 0.12” thicker than regular thrust strength bands, you can effectively work on your squats, donkey kicks, and glutes bridge with ease.
GymReapers Resistance Pull-up Band – Best Budget
What we like
- Affordable
- Durable because it’s made from latex with an impressive tension level of up to 175 lbs.
- Straightforward band for versatile use
- Lifetime guarantee
What we don’t like
- Anchors and handles have to be purchased separately
- The brand only offers two package options
Because of the number of benefits it offers, we felt it’s just right to include the GymReapers resistance bands in our review. These come in five color-coded bands ranging from 15 to 175 pounds. This makes the GymReapers resistance bands an excellent option for amateurs and advanced bodybuilders. It outweighs other brands with its great resistance level for its price point.
If only it comes with a door/wall anchor or handles, GymReapers Resistance Band could’ve topped this list. But, the GymReaper lifetime guarantee just makes it hard to not consider.
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands – Best Small Loop Bands
What we like
- Five bands with different tension range up to 74 lbs.
- Ideal for short resistance exercise
- It comes with a carry bag to easily transport the resistance loop exercise bands anywhere
- Inexpensive
What we don’t like
- Low resistance level
- Tends to roll down on legs when used for lower body workouts
When it comes to resistance loop exercise bands, the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands is undoubtedly one of the best. These resistance bands are snap-, sweat-and stretch-resistant, which means that you don’t have to worry about their quality deteriorating regardless of how often you use them for resistance training.
This resistance loop band set has five bands with resistance levels ranging from 4 to 35 pounds. Women can also use these resistance loops after pregnancy to keep their bodies in shape.
One thing we would like the brand to improve is the durability of each of their bands. The band tends to roll when taut. Also, there are reported counterfeit items, so only purchase from reliable platforms. The resistance level may be improved, but these bands are ideal for low impact or tension exercises.
Draper’s Strength Heavy Duty Bands – Best for Heavy Resistance Training
What we like
- Bands come in different ranges: from 2 to 200 pounds
- Top of its class when it comes to durability
- It comes with a comprehensive workout guide to help users with their strength training and weight loss goals
What we don’t like
- The bands get slippery after quite some time
- Accessories have to be purchased separately
The Draper’s Strength Heavy Duty Bands tops our list for being one of the best heavy-duty resistance bands because these are made from high-quality latex material. Measuring 41” long, this will make it easier for you to execute several reps of overhead presses and various strength training routines.
What we don’t like about the Draper’s Strength Heavy Duty Bands is that its bands tend to get slippery after long-term use. Draper’s offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for every purchase. But we’re sure you won’t have to.
Perform Better Exercise Mini Bands – Best for Short Tension Exercises
What we like
- Lightweight and portable
- Includes a set of four bands, each with different resistance levels (easy to extra heavy)
- Highly effective for upper and lower body training
What we don’t like
- Some users report quality variations
- No specified reistance level
The Perform Better Exercise Mini Bands are very versatile as you can use them anywhere: on the field, at home, or even when you’re traveling. But don’t be fooled with the size of these mini bands﹘as long as used properly and regularly; it stretches 2.5 x its length and these can become your key to target shoulder and hip complexes, along with other muscle groups in the body.
Because of its size, the Perform Better Exercise Mini Bands is ideal for lateral walks, monster walks, lateral leg raises, squats, clamshells, bear crawls, and glute bridges.
Whatafit Resistance Bands – Best Comfortable Handles
What we like
- Affordable and durable double natural latex
- Comfortable and nonslip handles
- Offers different bands and accessories in one resistance band set for versatile exercises
- It comes with a carry bag for portability
What we don’t like
- Poor quality of door anchor
- Smaller bands tend to break or snap over time
If you’re looking for a resistance band set that comes with several bands in different bands range, the Whatafit Resistance Bands is an excellent option. This set has five bands with different resistance levels (10 to 50 pounds) and different accessories, such as ankle straps, door anchors, and handles.
Whatafit Resistance Bands has everything you need to have a full-body workout! The band is made with double-layer natural latex that tolerates a good range of tension and motion, and the handles provide a comfortable grip and are guaranteed to be non-slip.
We only wish the door anchor gets some reinforced built as it tends to break easily. But the band stays true to its durability and the ankle band is a bonus.
Our Verdict
Upon looking into a few factors and comparing several heavy resistance bands, we concluded that the Bodylastics Stackable Tubes is the clear winner. This is definitely one of the best tube resistance bands today because it allows users to have a full range of motion and execute different routines, such as lateral band walks, bench press, and even assisted pull-ups.
The GoFit Progym Extreme Bands earns the second spot on our review because it comes with a door anchor. With this feature, users can have a full-body workout even if there are no doors. This alone makes the GoFit Progym Extreme Bands a must for anyone who wants to take their resistance band training up a notch.
How to Choose The Best Resistance Bands
The best resistance bands aren’t easy to spot. With the number of manufacturers advertising that what they’re selling are the best bands, you’ll likely see yourself overwhelmed with too many options.
Choosing the best heavy resistance or light resistance bands will come off easier when you consider the following:
Resistance level
The resistance level is one of the most important considerations when choosing resistance bands. To determine your ideal resistance levels, assess what kind of exercises you usually do.
For example, lateral raises and face pulls require less resistance. If your workout routine involves a lot of these exercises, you can choose quality bands with lesser resistance levels.
On the other hand, if you’re fond of doing squats, deadlifts, and loaded stretches, a resistant band set with more resistance is more ideal. Keep in mind that each band has a maximum tension level and can be determined through color coding or markings. Refer to these as these would indicate which band is suitable for your desired work-out.
Quality
Some resistance bands are prone to snapping, which can cause injuries when you’re working out. With that in mind, choose to invest in a resistance band manufactured by the best brands in the industry.
Add-ons
Depending on your preferred workout, you might need to invest in a resistance band that supports different add-ons. For example, you might want to a door anchor in the future to make your full body workouts more intense.
Even if you think you don’t need it now, it’s best to buy heavy resistance or light resistance bands that can support several add-ons. The duration and intensity of your resistance band training might change over time, which is why it’s best to buy a resistant band that can support these changes.
The Type of Exercise You are Aiming
When you know what exercises you’ll be doing, it’ll be easier for you to narrow down your options. For instance, if you’re eyeing to do pull-ups, you should buy a resistance band set with the highest resistance level possible. Resistance loop exercises bands, on the other hand, are suitable for banded walks, yoga, and lunges.
Cost
Come up with a realistic budget before you start looking for the best heavy resistance bands. Since the market is flooded with countless high-quality bands from different manufacturers, you won’t have any problems finding one that fits your budget.
In fact, most of the best heavy resistance bands come at a very affordable price today.