The 24 best kettlebells to swing your home workouts into high gear

We're well aware that selecting the best kettlebells is only a small part of your home gym journey, but it's an important part to get right nonetheless. While your treadmills and rowing machines might cost more, getting your resistance bands, dumbbells and, yes, kettlebells on par with everything else is what truly sets an iron jungle apart.

These are nifty tools: ones that can transform both your fitness regime and your body when used correctly and consistently. There are a series of kettlebell workouts you can rely on that will help you improve your strength and better target your in-gym goals in order to target sports such as running, climbing and cycling. The only question really is: which to buy?

“But surely a kettlebell is just a kettlebell?” we hear you cry. Well, yes and no. While most follow the same rough design (easy-grip handle, heavy weight section), there are in fact several differences that you'll want to consider when shopping for a new set. The first is a case of space: you can certainly buy a whole rack of kettlebells in varying weights if you want to, but those with smaller spaces could also look for adjustable versions that use a series of sliding plates to tweak. More space for fitness gadgets, a new cross trainer, or even a state-of-the-art workout mirror!

Set on adding a kettlebell to your repertoire? You've made a great choice (no more waiting for the weight you need at the gym!). First, let's take a look at some more things you ought to know.

What's the best kettlebell?

A fabulous option for fans of fitness gadgets and tech of all kinds, Jaxjox's smart kettlebell is just that: profoundly clever. With a breadth of weights up to 19kg, this toy comes with an accompanying app which provides stats on everything from real-time performance to progress.

As no-nonsense in their price as their design, Amazon's Basics collection of iron weights is a simple win for those who aren't bothered about a snazzier design.

The kind of equipment that wouldn't look out of place in either a fancy 5 star hotel gym or Patrick Bateman's front room, Nohrd's leather and wood kettlebells may be spendy, but god are they gorgeous.

• Best overall kettlebell: Jaxjox, £200. At decathlon.co.uk
• Best budget kettlebell: Amazon Basics, from £13.81 at amazon.co.uk
• Best adjustable kettlebell: Jaxjox, £250 at decathlon.co.uk
• Best premium kettlebell: Escape, from £94.80. At bestgymequipment.co.uk
• Best fabric kettlebell: RDX, from £21.99. At amazon.co.uk
• Best designer kettlebell: NOHrD, from £589. At bestgymequipment.co.uk

SKIP TO: Kettlebells vs dumbbells: what’s the difference? | What are the best kettlebell exercises to do? | How heavy a kettlebell should you go for? | What’s the difference between cast-iron and competition kettlebells?

Both common kinds of free weights you'll find in any commercial gym, kettlebells and dumbbells can transform your fitness and body tone, but they are quite different in their approach. Thanks to its improved grip comfort, kettlebells are ideal for complicated movement-based exercises. You'll likely get a lot of presses, squats and Turkish get-ups done with yours. Dumbbells, on the other hand, usually come in pairs and are better suited to upper body exercises like bicep curls, tricep extensions and lateral raises.

There are as many guides to kettlebell workouts as there are kettlebells, and that doesn't only include ours (though ours is very good). Most fitness apps will include sections of workouts dedicated to the equipment, if not entire routines using only a kettlebell. Apps such as Kettlebell (Android and iOS) also serve as a great way to dive in, as they offer routine and structure, along with instructions on how to perform different exercises safely.

If you haven't picked one up before, 12kg to 20kg is a sensible starting zone, even if you're already acquainted with very heavy weights in the dumbbell and barbell department. It's best practice to start smaller so as to perfect your technique first: not only will it help you avoid injuries, it'll also mean you're ultimately reaping more rewards from your kettlebell-related sets. Once you're used to it all, you could consider stepping up to the 24kg to 30kg mark and beyond. We recommend an adjustable set even if you're already comfortable with higher numbers since it's still worthwhile having the option of lifting lighter during any potential recovery periods you may have.

Cast-iron kettlebells are considered the classic design for beginners, supporting exercises that require gripping the usually V-shaped handle with two hands. They’re typically made from one piece of metal and when you move up in weight, the kettlebells become larger.

Competition kettlebells, in contrast, are made from steel and are built for those mastering more technical moves. They come colour coded and remain the same size at all weights. This is the option to go for if your sessions are about perfecting that technique.

For more fitness, fashion and technology releases delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our GQ Recommends newsletter.

Shop GQ’s pick of the best kettlebells below…