8 of the best kettlebells for strength workouts at home, tested by a fitness instructor

The Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell proves that simple is sometimes best. It's an affordable, versatile option made of high-quality cast iron and finished with a textured paint for better grip. What you see is what you get, and when it comes to kettlebells, that's for the best.

This kettlebell has a wider handle than some others, with a curved edge, making it easier to hold for a range of single and double-hand exercises, including kettlebell swings. The slim base on each weight, even at heavier resistance, means it didn't feel bulky to lift or bump into my body.

I don't see the lack of silicone cover as a true downside here, but the bare iron design does mean your floors will take a hit if you drop the weight or put it down heavily. Its safest use is on carpeted floors or on a thick yoga mat.

Weight range: 6 to 20kg

Metal kettlebells are the most traditional, and if you're exercising in a home gym with a padded floor or your garden, I'd recommend one. They are likely to be the most accurate in weight, made of steel rather than plastic and rubber, and are most consistent in design across different weights.

They'll also come in heavier weights than plastic kettlebells, making them a good option if you've been through kettlebell workouts for beginners, developed some strength, and want something heavier.

The Rival Strength Store Competition kettlebells feel incredibly durable, which is another benefit of metal vs plastic kettlebells. You can throw these around as much as you like - just watch out for your wooden floors. They come in an excellent range of sizes and colours to create a colourful weight set in your home gym.

Weight range: 4kg to 32kg

A silicone-covered kettlebell is an excellent alternative for a softer touch. Tested and reviewed by w&h Editor Kerrie Hughes, who does workout classes almost every day with apps like Apple Fitness+, this one made the top pick thanks to its premium feel and "simple but very effective" design. The 10kg weight comes in at just under £35, making it the second cheapest on the list, even though it's covered with silicone.

"I used the 10kg kettlebell in workouts over two months and found it very comfortable to use. The wide handles allow for a firm grip for swings, and the bell-shaped bottom makes it feel safe to hold underneath when used to press overhead or for squats," says Kerrie. "Also, when I use the weight for goblet squats, the soft-touch, anti-slip outer rubber coating makes it much easier to hold safely."

She continues: "The kettlebell is made of cast iron, with a soft-touch rubber coating on the kettlebell's lower half to keep the weight and floors protected from scratches and dents. The painted black cast iron looks premium, but the orange rubber coating elevates it." A black silicone coating is also available, which may stand up better to marks.

Weight range: 6 to 32kg

The ISOGYM adjustable kettlebell is a versatile option. You can flick the weight resistance from 3 to 18kg at the touch of a button, making it suitable for those new to strength work, all the way to those who've been training for years. You can also work your upper and lower body with a single weight.

While it is one of the more expensive options on the list at over £100 for one kettlebell, I think it's worth the investment. I found the plates easy to take on and off, and it feels secure when in use as the weights stack neatly and tightly together. You only have to buy once, rather than constantly buying new kettlebells as you get stronger or want to work different parts of the body.

When I browsed the reviews online, I saw that people complained about comfort when plates were removed from the top. The solution to this is simple - I just took them from the bottom. However, if the product were to be revamped in the future, I'd like to see a buffer in here to prevent the issue entirely.

Weight range: 3 to 18kg

One of the cheapest ways to get kettlebells into your workout routine is to buy a set, and the best of the five sets I've tried was the four-piece from Yaheetech. The heaviest is the 8kg weight, but this is a good starting point for beginners.

While I found these to be bulkier than the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell, with even the 2kg measuring 14cm in width across the base, they feel very stable during use and have a thick, wide handle with plenty of grip space for single and double-handed exercises.

At £42 for the set, you can't expect the highest quality. These do feel cheaper than other options and don't feel as hard-wearing as alternative cast iron options - but the plastic casing still offers a good grip.

Weight range: 2kg, 4kg, 6kg, and 8kg, adding up to 20kg total

If you choose to exercise with one of the best workout apps, you'll likely need a few different weight types, including dumbbells and kettlebells. But if you don't have loads of space, that's tricky. Enter the Pro Fitness 3-in-1 Kettlebell. This one combines a kettlebell, dumbbell, and weight plate into one tool. It's covered with a smooth neoprene for a comfortable, non-slip grip, durability, and floor protection. It also comes in three weight sizes, and it's the cheapest on the list.

The handles aren't as wide or as thick as a traditional kettlebell, but the double handles make it easy to use for core and standing ab exercises, as well as cardio workouts with weights.

I'd recommend opting for all three sizes if you have the budget, to get a good range of resistances for all types of strength work. They can also be stored on top of each other, making them a great option for space-saving.

Weight range: 6kg, 8kg, 10kg

While Physical Company's range of kettlebells might look very similar to others on the list, there are a couple of small details which make these stand out from the rest and justify the higher price tag.

For starters, out of the box, I immediately noticed the silicone coating is a lot thicker than others. It actually adds an extra layer to the weights, marking a clear difference between the silicone and the metal weight. The covering feels premium, being grippy without feeling sticky, making it a great choice for upper-body workouts where you have to lift the weight above your head. The base width also bridges the gap between the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell range and the Yaheetech kettlebells, offering stability without being too bulky.

One of the biggest differences between the Physical Company kettlebells and others on the list is the array of weights, with options ranging from 4kg to 32kg. This allows for more choice without switching brands if you want to buy a full set, given that most kettlebells start at 6kg. I also really liked the alternative colourways available with the Physical Company kettlebells. The muted blue, green, and red feel vintage in a good way and don't stand out when I store them in my living room.

Weight range: 4kg to 32kg

Want to protect your floors and your downstairs neighbour's peace? I'd recommend investing in a soft-bottomed kettlebell. Metal sand fills the soft base of this bell, rather than cast iron. It compresses when it meets a hard surface, lessening the weight's impact. While I tried three different soft kettlebells for this guide over the four weeks, the SportNow kettlebell came out on top. Not only is it constantly in stock, unlike my other favourite (the KEFL Soft Kettlebell), but it offers up to 12kg in weight and sits on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

This one certainly sits among my favourites. While the SportNow kettlebell isn't ideal for exercises where you have to hold the ball as it will change shape in your hands, you can still do them. I also found them an excellent choice for single and double-handed exercises, like squats, deadlifts, and other lower-body work.

I'd also note that compared to the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebells or the Physical Company kettlebells, they are quite a bit larger. You'll need some decent storage space to make the most of these.

Weight range: 4kg to 12kg