The 2 Best Kettlebells of 2025

We looked for kettlebells that first-timers would find easy to use but that would also please goblet-squat masters. With that in mind, we did simple grip tests (holding a kettlebell with one or two hands for a minute, to see how comfortable it felt and whether it slipped), and we did more-advanced grip-strength exercises, such as one-handed swings. We also did goblet squats, biceps curls, and carries, to test the overall design of the bells.

We’ve been reviewing kettlebells since 2015. And in late 2023 and early 2024, we tested and retested 11 different 12-kilogram bells, considering these parameters:

Handle size: Since many beginners start by using two hands on a kettlebell, we prioritized bells with handles that could comfortably fit two hands — without fingers being pinched against the side of the handle. We preferred handles shaped like an upside-down trapezoid (they leave more space at the top of the handle), as opposed to square handles.

Finish and grip: Kettlebells usually come with a powder-coated finish or an e-coated one. E-coating creates a smoother finish that’s conducive for one-handed work, but it’s also usually more expensive. Powder coating is cheaper and can be rougher on the hands, particularly during one-handed exercises, though using powder, gloves, or chalk can help. A majority of the bells we tested were powder-coated, yet some felt smoother than others. We preferred grip handles that were smoother, as opposed to coarse grip handles, since the smoother ones were easier on our hands. A bell with a smoother finish is less likely to injure your skin.

Weight options: Experts told us that 16 kilograms (about 35 pounds) is a good starting kettlebell weight for men, and 8 or 10 kilograms (about 17 to 22 pounds) is typically the recommended starting weight for women. While we did test some 10-, 14-, and 16-kilogram bells, we found 12 kilograms to be an ideal middle ground for testers of varying builds and athletic abilities. Plus, 12-kilogram kettlebells are widely available across brands. Some brands, including our pick, go up to well over 100 pounds. We preferred bells that were color-coded to reveal their weight at a glance, as well as those that had numerical weights clearly printed on the bell.

Durability: No matter which coating you select, most kettlebells will outlast the people lifting them, Coburn said. We observed whether any of the bells incurred rusting during our testing, and we checked online reviews for customer reports of rusting or paint chipping over time. To protect against damage, consider the flooring on which you’ll be performing exercises — a protective mat is usually a wise investment.

Price: For this review we focused on cast-iron kettlebells, which can cost anywhere from $15 to $150. They are more versatile than competition bells, which are often made of steel and used for specific kettlebell sports exercises.

Cast-iron kettlebells are more comfortable for two-handed grip positions, which beginners should start with before advancing to more-challenging one-handed exercises. A cast-iron kettlebell usually has more-rounded handles, whereas competition bells have squared-off handles that can pinch pinkies during a two-handed grip.

Experts we consulted generally advised against adjustable kettlebells, so we chose not to test any for this guide.