The 7 best adjustable kettlebells of 2024, according to a certified personal trainer | Fortune Recommends Health (2024)

Few pieces of workout equipment provide as much functionality and versatility as a kettlebell. Great for developing strength and improving your overall fitness, kettlebells are a valuable tool to have in your arsenal. However, rather than spending a ton of money and taking up a ton of room to store a bunch of bells in your garage, you can reap all the muscle-building and conditioning benefits by investing in one of the best adjustable kettlebells.

“The kettlebell is a simple tool that can enhance athletic performance with some simple movements,” says Chris Mohr, PhD, RD. “ The challenge is, just like with dumbbells, varying weights can take up a ton of space. That’s where adjustable bells come in.”

To help you find the right one for your home gym, our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and fitness experts researched and tested more than 15 different models on factors such as durability, ease of adjustment, and value. Our thorough evaluation process helped identify standout performers in specific categories.

Our picks for the best adjustable kettlebells

• Best overall: REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells
• Best budget: Titan Fitness 40 LB Adjustable Kettlebell
• Best for heavy lifters: Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebell Handle
• Best competition style: Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
• Best compact: PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell
• Best for beginners: BowFlex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
• Best for travel: Kettle Gryp

Compare the best adjustable kettlebells

Best adjustable kettlebell overall: REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells

Why we like REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells as best overall

Between high-quality build materials and an easy-to-use adjustment system, REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells earned the nod as our top overall choice. They’re available in three sizes (8-16 kilograms, 16-24 kilograms, and 20-40 pounds), so you can select the bell that best suits your fitness level and training style.

Our product tester tried the 24-kilogram model and gave it a perfect rating for adjustability. He noted that all you have to do is push down on the dial and turn it to your desired weight. The rotating system grabs the appropriate number of 2-kilogram cast iron plates. You’ll then be ready to knock out a set of kettlebell swings, goblet squats, or whatever else you have programmed.

“The simplicity of these adjustments makes it really user friendly, particularly if you’re working out with a partner or group, who may need different weights,” Mohr adds. “My workout partner and I often use different loads during our various lifts, so a quick adjusting kettlebell would be perfect for our workouts!”

With clearly marked weight increments, the REP adjustable kettlebell makes it easy to see what you’re working with. However, our tester wished the company would make a heavier adjustable kettlebell, as 24 kilograms (53 pounds) may not be sufficient for more advanced users.

Still, these kettlebells earned high marks in key areas like durability (4.5 out of 5 stars) and grip (5 out of 5 stars). Our tester pointed out that these adjustable kettlebells feel exactly like a standard cast iron kettlebell with a textured handle.

The one downside of these kettlebells is the price. Ranging between $150-$210, these certainly don’t fall in the budget-friendly category. But given the durable materials and seamless adjustment system, you get excellent bang for your buck.

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Best budget adjustable kettlebell: Titan Fitness 40 LB Adjustable Kettlebell

Why we like Titan Fitness 40 LB Adjustable Kettlebell as best budget

Even if you can’t afford a high-end model, you can still incorporate kettlebell workouts into your routine by going the budget-friendly route. The Titan Fitness 40 LB Adjustable Kettlebell replaces seven standard kettlebells at an attractive price point of $120.

With a starting weight of 10 pounds and a maximum weight of 40, beginners and intermediate trainees have ample options. Titan designed this kettlebell with a quick-lock adjustment system. This system allows you to add or remove up to six drop cast iron weight plates that weigh between 4.6 and 6 pounds. The plates are numbered 1-6 for the order they should be added to the 10-pound core.

Unfortunately, there are no marked weight increments on the kettlebell itself. Instead, you have to look at the weights on the plates inside to see exactly how much you’re lifting. In addition, our product tester reported that the kettlebell doesn’t maintain a completely round shape if you remove a lot of plates. As a result, he gave it an adjustment mechanism score of just 2 out of 5 stars.

Another design feature that may leave some users less than enthused is the handle. At 28 millimeters, the diameter is more in line with an Olympic barbell than a standard kettlebell, which typically ranges between 30-40 millimeters.

Ultimately, getting seven kettlebells in one for $120 still makes this a viable option for budget-conscious home gym owners. As long as you don’t need to go heavier than 40 pounds, this can serve as a solid strength training tool until you’re ready to upgrade.

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Best adjustable kettlebell for heavy lifters: Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebell Handle

Why we like Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebell Handle as best for heavy lifters

Spending about $100 on a 22.5-pound kettlebell handle may seem steep, but if you already own Ironmaster’s best adjustable dumbbell , you shouldn’t think twice about going the Quick-Lock route again. And even if you don’t, this is still a great solution for those who are serious about developing maximum strength and power.

Fully compatible with the same weight plates used on their Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell, Ironmaster designed this kettlebell handle with heavy lifters in mind. It has a max capacity of 80 pounds, which led to a perfect score for weight range. That should be more than sufficient for various types of kettlebell training, which has been shown to enhance strength, power, and endurance. ( 1 )

However, the 22.5-pound starting weight could be a limiting factor for beginners. Depending on your fitness level, that may be a bit heavy for certain exercises, like a kettlebell shoulder press.

Adjustable in 2.5-pound increments, you will need to purchase weight kits to take full advantage of the Quick-Lock’s capabilities. The 57.5-pound package costs $139 and includes six 5-pound weight plates and a single 2.5-pound plate. Meanwhile, the 80-pound expansion kit includes a 22.5-pound plate and another locking screw. At $100, that means you will have to spend a total of just under $350 to have the maximum capacity. If you don’t want to use the 22.5-pound plate, you can go up in smaller increments with the 2.5- and 5-pound plates.

For comparison, a set of Rogue Fitness kettlebells that goes up to 80 pounds would cost more than double that amount. If you purchased the 18-, 26-, 35-, 40-, 44-, 53-, 62-, 70-, and 80-pound models, you would have to spend $715 and need significantly more space to store them.

Unlike Titan, Ironmaster designed this kettlebell with a handle that’s more reminiscent of a standard kettlebell. At 35 millimeters in diameter, the powder-coated handle provides a solid grip, so you shouldn’t have to worry about the kettlebell slipping out of your hand mid-swing.

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Best competition-style adjustable kettlebell: Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell

Why we like Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell as best competition style

More squarish in shape than standard kettlebells, competition-style kettlebells are designed for one-handed movements like Turkish get-ups, cleans, and snatches. In addition, they typically have a smaller handle and are all the same size regardless of weight. If you have aspirations to compete in kettlebell sport or the functional fitness world, Bells of Steel has an ideal solution for you.

Their Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell features a 35-millimeter handle, a durable steel shell, and a smooth powder coat finish. The $200 base model provides a solid weight range of 12-20.5 kilograms (26.5-45.2 pounds), which led to a score of 4 out of 5 stars from our product testers. Adjustable in 1.1-pound increments, the base model offers 18 different settings.

As if that didn’t provide enough flexibility, Bells of Steel supports your strength training journey by offering a 13-kilogram expansion pack for $110. Adding this to the base model will give you 41 different increments. At that point, you’ll have more than enough options for a dynamic workout.

Unfortunately, even Bells of Steel acknowledges that this kettlebell is by no means the fastest to adjust. The company says it takes between one to two minutes to change the weights—significantly longer than other models. This can be a major drawback if you’re doing circuit training and need to quickly adjust weights for different movements.

That time-consuming adjustment process may prevent some potential buyers from pulling the trigger, but others may look past that issue and see the value in purchasing a well-built kettlebell backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Specs

Best compact adjustable kettlebell: PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell

Why we like PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell as best compact

More reminiscent of a cowbell than a traditional kettlebell, the Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell is slightly shorter and narrower than other adjustable kettlebells. That unconventional shape makes it easier to fit in small spaces and reduces its overall footprint.

Available in 35- and 62-pound options, each kettlebell has four weight increments that can be adjusted using a magnetic pin selector system. The heavier bell can be set to 35, 44, 53, or 62 pounds. The lighter one features increments of 18, 22, 26, and 35 pounds. According to Roper, since the final increments aren’t the same as the first three, beginners may find the final increments too much of a progression. They may want to consult a trainer or one of the best workout apps on how to move forward.

Our product tester had no trouble changing the weights on the 35-pound model, leading to an adjustment mechanism score of 4 out of 5 stars. However, he noted that the weight increment stickers tend to peel off easily, which can be frustrating.

Meanwhile, the powder coat provided a solid grip during training, earning 3.5 out of 5 stars. Both models feature a 32-millimeter handle, which falls in line with traditional kettlebells.

Although neither option is particularly budget-friendly for an adjustable kettlebell (the 35-pounder costs $170 while the 62-pounder costs $300), PowerBlock still provides good value due to the build quality, seamless adjustment system, and inclusion of a five-year warranty. Plus, this may still be a more cost-effective option than buying individual kettlebells.

Most importantly, this is the only adjustable kettlebell that earned a perfect score for size, which is exactly why it took home top honors in the best compact category.

Specs

Best adjustable kettlebell for beginners: BowFlex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell

Why we like BowFlex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell as best for beginners

Similar to their well-regarded SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells, the BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell is a beginner-friendly strength training tool that won’t take a huge bite out of your budget. Since it only goes up to 40 pounds, it’s not suited for advanced athletes or those who like to lift heavy. However, if you’re just starting your fitness journey and want a compact kettlebell you can adjust in seconds with the turn of a dial, this is a fantastic fit.

BowFlex gives you six weight settings to work with: 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds. That should provide enough variety to work on various exercises as you get more comfortable. As a certified personal trainer, I’d recommend mastering a few staple movements like the kettlebell swing, which has been shown to improve maximum and explosive strength. ( 2 )

Be aware that the handle on the SelectTech 840 is thin in comparison to traditional kettlebells. But our product tester noted that it’s metal and round, which made it easy to transition from a below-hand to an above-hand position.

“It feels solid and is certainly better than plastic,” he noted.

While it’s certainly not a high-end kettlebell, the SelectTech 840 still earned 4 out of 5 stars for construction and durability. Although the hard-plastic outer shell adds some bulk, it makes the kettlebell feel strong and well-protected.

To add further value, BowFlex also includes a two-month free trial to JRNY—a mobile platform that features adaptive workouts, trainer-led classes, and performance tracking. This can be a great way for beginners to stay motivated—a key factor in adhering to an exercise program. ( 3 )

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Best adjustable kettlebell for travel: Kettle Gryp

Why we like Kettle Gryp as best for travel

After capturing attention on Shark Tank , the Kettle Gryp has become a popular choice on Amazon for people who value portability and an attractive price point. For about $35, you get a handle made of durable ABS plastic, urethane foam, and stainless steel. It’s texture-molded to give a soft but non-slip grip. The open-hinged handle allows you to secure a dumbbell into the grip, which essentially transforms your dumbbell into a kettlebell.

Of course, this budget- and travel-friendly solution won’t compete with high-end adjustable kettlebells from REP Fitness or other brands. However, at less than 1 pound, it’s ideal for throwing in your backpack or gym bag so you can perform a few swings in between meetings or complete an efficient training session on your lunch break.

The Kettle Gryp does have some functionality limitations. The design doesn’t lend itself to snatches or presses, as the 1.15-inch handle diameter is smaller than most kettlebells. As a result, the handle earned 3 out of 5 stars from our top product tester.

Despite only being recommended for dumbbells, with a handle up to 4.5 inches long and a max weight of 55 pounds, you should be able to exceed that. Our product tester fit a 150-pound dumbbell in the Kettle Gryp without any problems. But, exceeding any weight above the company’s recommendation should be done at your own risk.

Overall, this is an ultra-budget option best suited for travelers and on-the-go types. If you’re used to the weight distribution and feel of a traditional kettlebell, don’t expect to get the same experience with the Kettle Gryp.

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