The best pull-up bars are a great piece of exercise kit to have at home. Doorway-mounted models don't take up much space, and some can even be left in place without causing any issues.

As far as exercises that hit all kinds of useful muscles in the upper body go, the pull-up is hard to beat. While they can be tough to perform at first, the technique itself is easy.

Even the most basic pull-up bars also give you access to a range of other exercises. Chin-ups, leg and knee raises, and dead hangs are all brilliant for muscle-building, mobility, and grip strength.

In this guide, we've looked at a range of different options. Most of the best pull-up bars available these days are doorframe-mounted as they're simple to fit and remove, and don't require you to drill into your woodwork, but we've also picked out a telescopic model and a freestanding option.

Best pull-up bar overall

The DMoose Dooway Pull-Up Bar is a very robust piece of kit. It's well-made and feels rock solid when in use – unlike some cheaper doorway-mounted models which can flex.

There are four hand positions so you can work on your lats, back, and chest from different positions. We hung gymnastic rings from the bar which worked well, and there's an eyelet designed for attaching 'sling trainers' (such as the TRX) for even more workout options.

Silicone pads are fitted to the areas that come in contact with door frame woodwork to guard against marks. They also help keep the bar locked in place.

It's easy to remove and refit the bar from the doorframe and there's no need for any drilling. The only downsides are that the DMoose bar is quite chunky, so it's not the easiest to store. It also requires a fair bit of assembly out of the box before you can use it.

Best budget pull-up bar

If you're after a doorway hook pull-up bar but want to keep the cost down, this Ally Peaks model is a great option.

As you'd expect from a budget-conscious option, it does require a fair bit of assembly out of the box. But once built, you have a versatile piece of training equipment that's easy to fit and remove from your doorway.

Like most doorway models, the Ally Peaks pull-up bar hooks on to the top of the frame inside your doorway, with another bar that presses against the outside to hold it in place. There's a little flex when working out vigorously, but the unit itself stays firmly in place.

Three grip positions enable you to vary your pull-ups and chin-ups. You can also use the bar for performing push-ups and dips on the floor. Ally Peaks also offer options that come with resistance bands and handles enabling you to do seated rows too.

Best telescopic pull-up bar

The advantages of a telescopic pull-up bar are that it doesn't need to be removed to close the door, and it's easy to store should you decide to take it down.

Sportneer's Pull-Up Bar is a great option. To fit, loosen the locking rings at either end and rotate the central section to extend the telescopic end sections into place. Use the built-in spirit level at either end to get the bar straight, check the rotatable central section is tight, do up the lockrings, and you're all set.

There's zero flex in this bar and, unlike doorway hook models, you have a wide area in which to play your hands for grip positions that suit you best. You also have the option of fitting the door at different heights, enabling you to expand its use beyond pull-ups.

Maximum load is 440lb / 200kg, but this is only when the bar is minimally extended, and the load limit drops significantly to 165lb / 75kg at full extension. Be sure to measure your doorway and check the weight limit for your door width (see the chart on Amazon) before you buy.

Best foldable pull-up bar

Kakiclay produces three different pull-up bars, but this foldable one is a great option as it folds flat for storage when not in use. It hooks into place above a door frame and provides a solid base for pull-ups and chin-ups.

Padded grips enable users to train on the bar using three different hand positions. Also supplied are a pair of suspension straps with handles. Attaching the straps to the bar gives you access to even more pulling and pushing exercises – rows, push-ups and more.

Like most hook-style bars, the Kakiclay model can also be used on the floor for enhanced push-ups, dips and other exercises.

Some reviewers reported that the Kakiclay bars damaged their door frames, so the latest versions come with protective silicone pads on the areas that come in contact with the frame.

Best freestanding pull-up station

Sportsroyals' Power Tower is a well-regarded option for doing all kinds of exercises as well as pull-ups. With a footprint of 41.2in (104.6cm) by 39.7in (96.2cm), it's the kind of pull-up station likely better suited to a garage or dedicated home gym, than a living room.

The pull-up bar height is adjustable and is designed to suit users from 4ft 8in to 6ft 6in tall. In addition to pull-ups, the Power Tower is ideal for doing dips, while forearm pads and a back pad with an adjustable position also mean it's great for leg raises too – a brilliant exercise for hitting your core.

As well as needing a fair bit of space, the Sportsroyals Power Tower also needs to be assembled before use. The process is straightforward if you're familiar with such things, but can take a bit of time.

Frequently asked questions

The best running gels are a convenient on-the-go fuel that's ideal for training and competing in longer events such as half and full marathons. Our test team has tried all the leading options and come up with this short list of the seven best running gels we've used.

We've put them to the test while training for events and on race days. There are various options to choose from, but we think this list has something to offer everyone.

Watch any professional long-distance running event and you'll see the pros taking gels as they run. That's because if running for 90 minutes or more, taking extra nutrition on the go is a must to avoid 'hitting the wall' (aka the 'bonk'). That's when your body's glycogen stores run dry and sudden fatigue sets in.

The best running gels contain the extra fuel needed in the form of simple carbohydrates (aka sugars), as that is the most effective way to deliver the nutrition your body needs during endurance runs. Gels are also easy to carry, and convenient to consume as you run.

Best running gel overall

Anyone whose favorite part of a meal is the dessert will be keen on the sound of Torq's flavors, such as Cherry Bakewell, Raspberry Ripple, and Rubarb and Custard – the gels deliver on their promises of sweet treats too.

As well as being fantastic on the flavor front, each 45g gel contains 29g of carbohydrates in a 2:1 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio. This specific combination is designed to allow you to absorb carbohydrates more rapidly. Torq says this ratio also means you can absorb 90g of carbs per hour, compared to 60g of simple sugars (e.g., fructose or glucose) only. The gels contain five different electrolytes (essential minerals) to help replace what you lose as you sweat.

Torq's energy gels come in 13 different options (four with 89mg of caffeine in the form of guarana), which means you’re unlikely to get flavor fatigue even when consuming several over a long run. There's even a 'Naked' flavorless one, which has a mellow, undefined flavor and is not quite as sweet as most gels. We found Torq gels easy to take on the go, and we didn't always feel the need to wash them down with water.

Best running gel for taking without water

SIS GO Isotonic Energy's formula delivers 22g of carbohydrates, and has a concentration of salts and sugars that mirrors your blood for easy absorption. This also allows the gel to be digested without drawing water from your body, and means that the gel slips down well without the need to wash it down with water.

This isotonic design means the gels contain more water than most though, so they are bulkier than most of the other gels here. As a result, they take up a bit more room in your pockets or running belt.

SiS GO Isotonic comes in a wide range of flavors (orange, blackcurrant, fruit salad, lemon and lime, pineapple, and others), plus there are also caffeinated options and ones with added electrolytes.

We've enjoyed all the fruity flavors we've tried. The flavors are less extreme than some rivals, so your mouth doesn't become overpowered by the sugary hit.

Best easily digestible running gel

Maurten’s gels are a little different from everything else on this list. They have a thick consistency that's firm enough to bite off in chunks. More importantly, the 'Hydrogel' that Maurten uses is designed to have less risk of upsetting your tummy than a standard formula, because the gel is absorbed via the small intestine instead of the stomach.

If gels have given you gastrointestinal issues in the past, Maurten’s are well worth trying. In testing, we have not experienced stomach issues when using them, even when running marathons.

Maurten keeps things simple with one flavor available in two sizes. The 40g Gel 100 contains 25g of carbs, while the 65g Gel 160 contains 40g.

The solid texture divided opinion among our testers. Fans of it enjoyed biting bits off gel and letting them dissolve in the mouth before swallowing, while others didn't enjoy having the lumps in their mouths.

The gels are almost flavor-free, they just taste slightly sweet. Their solid nature meant they didn't need to be washed down with water to clear your mouth of residue, and you're much less likely to end up with sticky hands while you run.

Best high-carb running gel

SIS Beta Fuel gels pack in 40g of carbs per 60ml serving. That's almost twice the amount you get from a lot of other brands. The carbs come from maltodextrin and fructose with a 1:0.8 ratio, rather than the more usual 2:1. SIS says this particular ratio makes it easier for the body to absorb the carbs from the gel.

The Beta Fuel comes in three flavors – Strawberry and Lime, Orange, and Neutral. Strawberry and Lime was a particular hit with our testers and has a citrus tang that's not overly sweet. The gels go down pretty well, and you don't get an overly sticky feeling in your mouth when taking them without water.

One tester found that taking a Beta Fuel gel in one go upset his stomach. Instead, he recommends sipping the gel over several minutes to avoid any potential problems.

Along with regular Beta Fuel gel, there is also a Nootropic version. This contains a hefty (200mg) dose of caffeine, which not only gives you a mental boost but has been shown to improve athletic performance.

Best caffeine running gel

Despite being the smallest gels we've tested, Gu Energy Gels still pack 22g of carbs per gel. They also come with relatively small amounts of caffeine (20 to 40mg, depending on flavor), which means you can get the performance benefits of caffeine in several doses, rather than using a high-strength caffeine gel, which you'd be wise only to take once during an event.

The gels are made with a 2:1 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose. They also contain 450mg of BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids) and sodium.

Their small size means the gels are easy to pack and keep additional weight to a minimum. They're highly concentrated though, so are pretty sticky and you'll need to wash them down with water. Their concentrated nature means they can cause issues for sensitive stomachs, so we'd recommend testing them out before race day.

Gu's Energy Gels come in a vast array of 15 different flavors. Gu also produces caffeine-free Roctane gels, and 60ml Liquid Energy Gels which are designed to be taken without water.

Best running gel for value

The MRSP of High5’s gels is less than the other brands here, but they don't cut any corners when it comes to performance or taste. Energy Gel Aqua is isotonic and one of the most refreshing gels we've tested. It also doesn't require water to wash it down.

Glucose syrup is the gel's main energy source. If you think that sounds like it might be on the extreme side of sweet, we didn't find it was overpoweringly so. There are only two flavors of Energy Gel Aqua (Berry and Orange), but High5 has many other varieties of running gel. We found these ones to be the best tasting though, and we've not experienced any digestive issues when using them.

Like SIS's Isotonic Energy gels, High5's Energy Gel Aqua are easy to consume as they contain a lot of water. That also means they come in a larger sachet than most here, which is something to bear in mind for those prioritizing weight.

If accidentally falling foul of doping regulations is on your radar, High5's gels are batch-tested to make sure they meet the requirements of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Prohibited List. The brand also runs a wrapper recycling programme where you can post your empty sachets back to them.

Best running gel for long events

If you're running a longer event, such as a marathon, you may want to carry bigger pouches of fuel to make it easier to monitor how many carbs you're taking on per hour (60 to 90g is recommended). It can also be easier than carrying a lot of smaller gels.

Precision Fuel and Hydration’s gel comes in three sizes – PF 30 (51g with 30g of carbs), PF 90 (153g with 90g of carbs), and PF 300 Flow (510g gel with 300g of carbs). The latter is designed for use in a bottle for long-duration events like an Ironman.

Like many of the gels here, PF 90 uses a 2:1 glucose to fructose ratio designed to aid carbohydrate uptake. There are no electrolytes or caffeine, but a caffeinated version of the smaller PF 30 gels are available.

The PF 90 Gel has a twist top that allows you to reseal it after taking sips. There's only one flavor, 'Original'. The gel has a neutral taste with a hint of citrus. It's easy enough to swallow without water, but we'd still recommend washing it down with a drink.

How we test running gels

Our testers have extensively used all the running gels featured in this guide. We've used them on our regular runs, in training for events, and during races such as marathons and half marathons.

We assessed for their effectiveness, taste, digestibility and whether they need to be taken with water to wash them down.

Frequently asked questions

The best probiotics are an easy way to promote good gut health. Research has shown how beneficial the proper functioning of the gut can be for many other areas of the body too.

A healthy gut means a well-functioning digestive system, supports the immune system, produces B and K vitamins, and can help with issues such as irritable bowel syndrome. Recent studies also suggest a healthy balance of gut bacteria may have benefits for our mental well-being too.

By taking the best probiotics, you're introducing 'good' bacteria into your digestive system and promoting a diverse microbiome. There are lots of different probiotic brands and varieties available, containing an array of microbial strains with a range of extra ingredients, so it can be hard to choose the one that best fits your needs.

In this guide, we break down the most important aspects of each of the six probiotics we've picked. That includes the type and number of bacterial strains, added ingredients, and any relevant manufacturing processes. We've tried and tested them all. Our aim is that the information provided makes it easy to decide on the best probiotic for you.

Best probiotic overall

HUM Nutrition Gut Instinct contains a selection of 10 different beneficial bacterial strains, with a very high 25 billion CFU count per capsule. The daily dose is one capsule a day, taken on an empty stomach. The capsules are acid-resistant to protect the probiotics so they make it through your stomach, so they can be absorbed while in your gut.

Unlike some rivals, the capsules are fairly small and straightforward to swallow. After just a week of taking them, our tester noted that their IBS symptoms had eased, with a reduction in bloating, and their stomach cramps were less intense. Lots of online user reviews report similar improvements when using Gut Instinct. Given the number of bacterial strains and the high strength of this probiotic supplement, we consider it to be an excellent choice for gut health.

HUM Nutrition Gut Instinct comes with a premium price tag though, and is only available in a 30-day pack size.

Best budget probiotic

Bio-Kult produces great quality products backed by clinical research at a price point that's lower than much of the competition.

Each two-capsule serving of Advanced Multi-Strain Formula contains 14 strains of beneficial bacteria. They are protected from stomach acids by a cryoprotection manufacturing process, which allows them to reach the gut mostly intact. The probiotics come with a B12 vitamin boost, and the capsules don't require storing in a fridge.

Our tester found the Advanced Multi-Strain Formula probiotics were helpful in dealing with their IBS symptoms. Over the course of a month, they took two capsules a day and noticed less bloating, fewer stomach cramps, and a decline in the number of trips to the toilet. Many online user reviews have noted similar benefits.

With 4 billion microorganisms per two-capsule dose, Bio-Kult Advanced Multi-Strain Formula has a lower CFU per serving than most of its competitors. The capsules are also pretty large, so they could be a challenge to swallow for some. They also contain dairy and soy, so are unsuitable for vegans or anyone intolerant of either product.

Best probiotic for weight loss

Thorne FloraMend Prime is a probiotic specifically formulated to promote weight loss. Its primary bacterial strain is Lactobacillus gasseri, which has been shown in studies to lower body fat, BMI, and waist size.

With 5 billion microorganisms per daily capsule, the CFU count is at the lower end of the products we've tested. It's still much higher than Solgar Advanced Acidophilus Plus, but equally, way below the highest strength probiotics here that have CFUs of 25 billion.

We tried Thorne FloraMend Prime, and while our tester reported a noticeable improvement with their digestive issues, they were not able to test the probiotic long enough to see if it lived up to its weight loss claims.

The capsules are not overly large and are easy enough to swallow. They're also free from gluten, soy, and dairy, with no artificial sweeteners or colors. All Thorne supplements undergo four rounds of testing, while most competitors tend to test only once or twice. This additional testing does push the price of Thorne products up, but the extra quality assurance means you're getting an ultra-clean product.

Best probiotic for beginners

If you're new to taking probiotic supplements, it's a wise move to go for a low-dose option – just to ensure you don't have any unwanted effects. Solgar Advanced Acidophilus Plus is a great choice for first timers, or those who have experienced issues with taking probiotics before. It's also reasonably priced, so you don't have to spend a lot of money to see whether this probiotic is right for you.

It contains only two strains of beneficial bacteria, which have been chosen based on their safety record and the clinical evidence on their use. At 500 million CFUs per capsule, the number of beneficial microorganisms is relatively low (most brands measure their CFUs in billions). The capsules are also small and easy to swallow.

If you’re used to taking probiotics, you may find that this low-dose, limited-strain variety is not enough to give you the results you're after.

Solgar Advanced Acidophilus Plus does not contain any dairy, wheat, yeast, sugar, starch, artificial sweeteners, or colors.

Best all-round probiotic

If you're looking for a probiotic without a hefty price tag, that’s effective, easy to take and doesn't contain any unwanted ingredients, Now Probiotic-10 25 Billion Veg Capsules is a great choice.

As the name suggests, Now Probiotic-10 contains 10 different strains of 'good' bacteria, and has a CFU of 25 billion microorganisms (one of the highest we've tested).

We put this probiotic to the test and after two weeks of using it, our reviewer noted their IBS symptoms were significantly reduced, and their digestion had improved. They also said they felt ‘lighter’ and had less fatigue.

The small-sized capsules are easy to swallow. They are also free from gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, or nuts. Now Probiotic-10 25 Billion Veg Capsules comes in three different pack sizes: 30, 50, and 100 capsules, with a daily dose of one to two capsules a day.

The only slight issue to be aware of with this probiotic is that it needs to be taken on an empty stomach.

Best probiotic gut soothing

If you have a digestive system prone to IBS symptoms such as diarrhoea or cramping, Turmeric Vitality Bio-Fermented Turmeric is a great product for calming the gut.

A serving contains 5400mg of papaya, 1000mg of turmeric, 330mg of ginger, 250mg of black pepper, and 20mg of curcumin. All of these ingredients have gut-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, they're also rich in antioxidants and help support the immune system. Each 15ml shot of liquid also contains 6 billion microorganisms from eight different strains.

There are two varieties of Bio-Fermented Turmeric made from real fruit extracts: Pineapple Passion and Forest Berry.

We've been successfully using Turmeric Vitality Bio-Fermented Turmeric to ease digestive issues for many months and have found it to be really effective. Turmeric and curcumin are also great for reducing inflammation after exercise and have an array of other beneficial effects. Both flavors of the liquid are delicious, but we prefer the Pineapple Passion variety.

The only downside is that the liquid is most effective when taken on an empty stomach.

How we test the best probiotics

When testing the best probiotics, we use the following criteria to assess each product.

Ingredients: When choosing the best probiotic, the specific microbial strains on the label are your most important factor. However, don't overlook the supporting ingredients, as they protect those 'good' bacteria from being wiped out by stomach acid before they reach your gut. Without the right delivery system, the desirable bacteria won't make it to your digestive tract intact.

Dosage: The strength of any probiotic largely hinges on its CFU count (Colony Forming Units), which is essentially the total number of live, active cultures you’re getting per serving. Since gut health isn't one-size-fits-all, a large dose might be ideal for some but cause issues for others. To help you find the right level for your specific wellness goals, we make sure to clearly highlight the CFU value in our reviews.

Swallow and taste: Probiotics are usually delivered through capsules, liquid supplements, and fortified foods. Our testing considers how easy the capsules are to swallow, and how the liquids taste.

Additional features: Some probiotic supplements are designed to target specific health issues. While many products contain only specific microbial strains, others may come with additional ingredients like prebiotic fibers, vitamins, minerals and plant extracts.

This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to offer medical advice. Consult a physician if you are unsure about taking probiotics.

Frequently asked questions

There are many reasons why lots of us opt for the best meal replacement shakes. They're convenient, easy to drink on the go, aid recovery after a workout, and help those looking to reduce their calorie intake.

In a busy market filled with products vying for your attention, it can be hard to discern the brands that are really worth your money from the less effective ones. The best meal replacement shakes provide optimal nutritional intake, covering all the macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats) your body needs and the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) needed to regulate vital bodily processes.

Below, we've selected the seven best meal replacement shakes the Fit&Well team has tested. All but our budget choice, GNC's Lean Shake 25 (made using whey concentrate), are plant-based, as using whole food ingredients is one of the nutritional factors we consider to be important in a meal replacement shake. Another key factor is taste. Of course, that can be subjective, but all the shakes here have passed the Fit&Well taste test.

If you're perhaps considering other options in addition to meal replacement shakes, see our other guides to the best protein powder, best protein powder for women, and best protein powder for weight loss.

Best meal replacement shake overall

Ka’chava packs a ridiculous amount of nutritional value into a 60g serving. Each one contains a blend of over 70 superfoods and nutrients, including: omega-3s and medium-chain triglycerides (essential fats), a solid dose of probiotics to improve gut health, plus 26 vitamins and minerals, most of which hit over 40% of your daily value.

What really differentiates this meal replacement powder from the rest of the market is the emphasis on adaptogens. As highlighted in a review in the journal Nutrients, these plant extracts are more than just a buzzword—they are scientifically recognized for their ability to help the body manage stress and boost physical endurance.

We tested three of Ka'chava's seven flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Matcha. All felt filling as a breakfast shake mixed with water and a splash of milk. Along with a midmorning banana, the shake kept us going until lunch. The Chocolate variety was deep and rich, while the Vanilla worked well in smoothies. None of our testers were overly keen on the Matcha flavor, it may suit the matcha fans out there though.

While Ka'chava contains lots of organic ingredients, it's not completely organic. The brand supports the Rainforest Trust with donations to help protect the world’s most threatened endangered species, rainforests, and other habitats.

Best budget meal replacement shake

Lean Shake 25 is a great example of an affordable, protein-heavy tool designed specifically for weight loss. Each 52g serving manages to pack a substantial 25g of whey protein and 8g of dietary fiber into just 180 calories, all while keeping fat and sugar to a lean 3g each.

However, it’s important to note that while the overall nutrients are impressive, the micronutrient profile is a bit more modest than what's on offer from the premium products in this guide. While Lean Shake 25's formula includes 22 different vitamins and minerals, most sit at just 20% of your daily value per portion. Since GNC recommends drinking two shakes daily alongside a healthy meal plan, you’ll still be getting nutrients from solid food, but the shake itself isn't a complete nutritional fix.

Flavor-wise, Lean Shake 25 comes in French Vanilla, Banana, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mixed Berry, Cookies and Cream, Rich Chocolate, and Coconut Caramel. It's also available in ready-to-drink bottles.

Ultimately, this is a solid, budget-friendly choice for hitting your protein goals and managing hunger. Active people in particular may well want to pair this meal replacement shake with additional supplements to fill in those nutritional gaps.

Best meal replacement shake for feeling full

Huel is a plant-based meal replacement powder that comes in 10 different flavors and provides a decent dose of calories to keep you going. A serving is larger than most at 100g, which gives you 30g of complete protein (containing all nine essential amino acids) from a blend of pea, flaxseed, and brown rice, as well as 39g of carbohydrates and 7.8g of fiber.

A serving of Huel Powder also gives you 26 different vitamins and minerals, that include iron, zinc and selenium. Like Vivo Life All-In-One Meal, it's low in sugar, with 1.2g per portion.

Huel Powder is designed to give you the nutrients of a well-balanced complete meal and contains 400kcal. While this will leave you feeling full, it's not going to work for you if you're trying to cut calories. If you're an active person who's after a convenient dose of complete nutrition, Huel is a great choice though.

Huel Powder comes in 10 different varieties, from Unflavored to Mint Chocolate, so you're bound to find one you like. The powder mixes well but it does have a fair amount of texture, which might not be to everyone's tastes. Huel is also available premixed in bottles and as Huel Black, which has higher protein content.

Best meal replacement shake for weight loss

Lyfefuel All-In-One Essentials Shake contains more vitamins and nutrients than any other shake we've tested. Its protein (18g), carb (6g), and calorie levels (110kcal) per 33g serving are the lowest of the options here, but that makes it a great choice for those looking to lose weight.

Each serving contains 27 different vitamins and minerals, including 500mcg of vitamin B12, 1,200IU of vitamin D3, and 75mcg of iodine. It's disappointingly low in fiber though, with just 1g per serving.

All-In-One Essentials Shake also contains a probiotic blend of five varieties of friendly gut bacteria (960 million CFU per serving), five different digestive enzymes, an organic greens blend, and a blend of six different berries.

The powder is minimally processed to retain as many nutrients as possible, and it’s also vegan-friendly.

Lyfefuel's shake only comes in two varieties: Chocolate and Vanilla Chai, and we've tested both. Both worked best when mixed with plant milk, though a powered mixer was needed to fully remove all the lumps. Chocolate was the firm favorite, and it tasted fantastic when blended with banana and ice for a more substantial smoothie.

Best meal replacement shake for nutrients

The impressive ingredients list of fruit and vegetables in Garden of Life's Raw Organic Meal reads like a rundown of what you'd find on sale in a high-end, plant-based, whole foods market.

A 37.5g serving provides 20g of protein from a blend of 13 different (mostly sprouted) plant-based seeds and grains. You also get 13g of carbs, 7g of fiber, and 2g of fat. At 150kcal per serving, it's also a decent option for those looking to restrict their calories.

The powder is certified organic, with a fruit and vegetable blend containing 24 different ingredients, a greens blend containing alfalfa grass, spirulina, and more, plus a whole food vitamin and mineral blend with 18 different nutrients.

Raw Organic Meal is a nutrient-dense formula crafted without gluten, soy, dairy, tree nuts, or artificial additives. Beyond its fruit and vegetable blend, it provides a robust serving of probiotics and digestive enzymes. As the 'raw' in the name suggests, this is the only product on our list produced without heat, ensuring that delicate proteins and volatile nutrients remain fully intact.

Four flavors are available: Lightly Sweet, Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, and Chocolate.

Best organic meal replacement shake

Orgain states that it has a commitment to organic, clean eating with active initiatives to curb plastic pollution. It's one of only two meal replacement powders here that are verified as organic (Garden of Life's Raw Organic Meal being the other).

One 57g serving of its vegan Organic Meal powder delivers 20g of protein through a plant-based blend of pea, brown rice, and chia seeds, all while remaining free of GMOs, gluten, and artificial additives. It also contains 25g of carbs, 11g of fiber (the highest fiber level in our guide), 5g of fat, and 220kcals.

Because the formula is low in sugar and, to a lesser extent, fat, it serves as a viable option for those focused on weight loss, though it’s worth noting that other brands in this guide offer lower calorie counts. That said, the shake’s nutritional profile isn't without its gaps. While it delivers useful doses of B vitamins and iron, many of its micronutrient levels are lower than those of its competitors, specifically lacking vitamin D and various trace elements.

Organic Meal comes in just two flavors: Vanilla Bean and Creamy Chocolate Fudge.

Best easy to digest meal replacement shake

If you're looking for a meal replacement powder made with all-natural ingredients, Vivo Life's All-In-One Meal is a fantastic option. Unlike most similar products on the market, there are no fillers or stabilizers, which can cause digestive issues in some people. A 40g serving provides 21g of protein, 5.2g of carbs and 4.4g of fat.

Its protein source is a blend of fermented (making it easier to absorb) yellow pea, cold-pressed hemp, and pumpkin seed. The three ingredients combine to form a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.

Most of the fat content comes from golden flaxseed powder which contains Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids that help with heart, brain, eye, and skin health, support the immune system, and elevate energy levels.

Vivo Life has aided digestion by adding turmeric and ginger, which reduce digestive issues and guard against inflammation in the body. All-In-One Meal also includes five types of beneficial gut bacteria and konjac fiber, a soluble fiber and prebiotic that absorbs water, which makes you feel full, helps with weight loss, lowers cholesterol, and better manages blood sugar.

We tested two flavors: Vanilla and Caramel Biscuit. Most of us really enjoyed the Vanilla, but some of our testers thought that the Caramel Biscuit tasted a little odd. There's also a Strawberry option, but we haven't tried it.

All-In-One Meal comes in two pack sizes: 291g (seven servings) and 1kg (25 servings). The powder comes in a plastic bag without a scoop, and is made in the UK by a factory powered by renewable energy.

How we test the best meal replacement shakes

All the meal replacement shakes have been tested by members of the Fit&Well team. While we've tested many other products, we excluded ones that did not provide optimal nutritional intake. We also avoided products loaded with artificial sweeteners, additives, fillers, or preservatives.

Every product here has been assessed to ensure it covers all the macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats) required by our bodies, and also provides a useful dose of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) needed to regulate vital processes.

All the meal replacement shakes here are worthy of spending your money on, but some have better specific use cases than others. We have highlighted what they are with our 'best for' categories.

We evaluated each product for taste. That means checking to see if the flavor matches the label without being overly sweet or leaving an unpleasant aftertaste, and how smooth the shake feels when swallowed.

Frequently asked questions

Protein is a vital macronutrient that our bodies chiefly use for maintenance, repair and growth. When mixed into a shake, the best protein powders are a convenient way to deliver the nutrient after a workout, or whenever we need to top up our protein levels.

As well as building muscle, protein can also help those looking to lose weight, as has the added benefit of increasing satiety levels, helping us feel fuller for longer, according to evidence from the British Journal of Nutrition. Ensuring you get adequate protein will also help to support your metabolism, immune system and hormonal balance.

While the best sources of protein are healthy whole foods, most of us find it difficult to do that within the 60-minute post-exercise window that gives optimal recovery. This is where protein powders come into their own, as they are convenient, easy to digest post-exercise, and can be consumed on the move.

The best protein powders are made without cheap fillers to bulk them out, are free from artificial ingredients, and contain quality sources of protein. Here at Fit&Well, we've tested a great number of protein powders, but the ones we've selected here are the very best of them.

If you're looking for female-specific options, see our buying guides to the best protein powder for women, and the best protein powder for weight loss. We also have a guide to the best meal replacement shakes.

Best protein powder overall

This super-refined product is the best protein powder for anyone looking to target lean muscle. A 30g serving contains 25g of protein, 90mg of calcium, and that's pretty much it. As a result, it's low in carbs and calories.

All the protein in Dymatize Nutrition ISO100 comes from whey protein isolate, so it’s great for those who have digestion issues with whey concentrate. The inclusion of hydrolyzed whey protein isolate means the protein gets absorbed rapidly too.

We enjoyed the taste during testing, which came without the overpowering sweetness you can get in some rival brands, even in the Birthday Cake flavor, which we expected to be sweet. It mixes pretty easily with liquids, although when stirred into oatmeal, unlike most protein powders, which work as a thickening agent, we found Dymatize actually had the opposite effect and made the porridge slightly runnier.

There are 10 different flavors to choose from, ranging from standard options like Strawberry and Chocolate to more imaginative ones, such as Orange Ice Cream and Chocolate Coconut. Tub sizes are large at 932g or 2,264g, which is great for bulk buying, but could be a lot of powder to get through if it turns out you aren't keen on that particular flavor.

Best budget protein powder

Myprotein Impact Whey Protein is a top choice for value. It provides a hefty 38g dose of protein per 60g serving, though that is twice the serving size of most of the options here, which means you get a lot more calories too.

The protein comes from whey concentrate (rather than the pricier isolate), which some people find causes bloating and digestive issues. There are minimal ingredients, although some of the options include artificial flavors.

There are a huge 40 different flavors to choose from and a range of sizes, from 250g to 5kg bags, the latter offering the best value. If you’re overwhelmed by the number of flavor options, there are sample packs containing up to eight different options to try before committing to a larger size.

We tested the Chocolate Smooth, which worked well with liquids and mixed into oatmeal. Our sweet-toothed testers also liked the Sticky Toffee Pudding flavor, while those who preferred something a bit simpler opted for Vanilla or Strawberry.

If you're looking to cut calories, there are better options in this guide. But if it’s just a straightforward, no-frills product you want, this could be the best protein powder for you.

Best plant-based protein powder

Form Performance Protein gives a hefty 30g of plant-based protein per 40g serving, plus a complete essential amino acid (EAAs) profile with 5g of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) to aid muscle growth and maintenance. It also contains 6g of glutamine, a non-essential amino acid that can be deficient after intense exercise.

The protein blend is a mix of organic pea, brown rice, and pumpkin seed proteins. It also contains curcumin and black pepper, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties to aid post-workout recovery.

Some vegan powders can be on the grittier side, however, Form Performance Protein has a smooth texture and is easy to mix. Flavors are limited to just five options, but they are interesting combinations: Banoffee, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Peanut, Tiramasu, and Vanilla. We tested the latter, and it was on the sweeter end of the spectrum.

Form is a Certified B Corporation, which means the brand is committed to sustainable, ethical, and environmental standards. The packaging is plastic-free and compostable, so as well as being free from animal products, you're also getting a protein powder that has good eco and ethical standards all round. Zero plastic means you'll need to use a spoon or your own scoop though.

Best protein powder for weight loss

While Innermost The Lean Protein is our best protein powder for women, there is no reason men looking to lose weight should not consider it too.

In addition to 29g of protein per 40g serving, this powder comes with extra ingredients designed to promote fat loss. It contains 750mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine, a non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in energy production. Essentially, it helps process fat more efficiently as an energy source.

Additional ingredients include 'superfoods' linked to weight management and improved glucose control. A serving contains 500mg of pomegranate, 250mg of bilberries, and 500mg of yerba mate. You also get 1g of inulin per serving. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

Our testers really enjoyed the taste of Innermost The Lean Protein. It’s smooth and creamy, and blends easily with liquids. It only comes in three flavors though: vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate.

The best vegan protein powder for weight loss

With a decent 25g of protein per 30g serving, just 1.9g of carbs, 0.6g of fat, and a very low 89kcal calorie count, Vegan Wondershake is a fantastic option if you're looking to lose weight.

The protein blend comes from four different sources: pea, soy, pumpkin, and brown rice. Of the four, all but brown rice are technically complete protein sources containing all nine essential amino acids. I say technically, as pea and pumpkin are low in methionine and lysine. The four-ingredient blend means Vegan Wondershake still ticks all the amino acid boxes though.

It also has added DigeZyme—a proprietary blend of five digestive enzymes designed to help with vitamin and mineral absorption.

Vegan Wondershake is the smoothest-tasting vegan protein powder we have tried. It mixes easily to give a creamy texture when mixed with either water or plant milks. It's also a brand we would recommend if you have swallowing issues (one of our testers used it following throat surgery), as there's minimal cloying effect, which along with the super smooth texture, makes it really easy to get down.

We tested the Chocolate Caramel Biscuit and Banana Smooth flavors and really enjoyed them both. There are eight other options, ranging from Vanilla and Double Chocolate, to Chocolate Peanut Cookies and Strawberries and Cream.

Best low carb protein powder

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-fed packs in 28g of protein per 32g serving. It's also a great choice for anyone looking to manage their carbohydrate intake with only 1g of carbs, 1g of fat, and 120kcal.

The protein comes from 100% whey isolate, which is easier to absorb than whey concentrate. The minimal ingredients list includes natural flavorings, steviol glycosides (natural sweeteners) and sunflower lecithin (a natural emulsifier), so it is vegetarian and gluten-free.

We tested the Cinnamon French Toast flavor, which was delicious without being too sweet. We didn’t feel overly full after drinking it either. Some protein powders clog when mixed, but we didn't have any issues with 100% Grass-fed. It mixes really well to create a smooth-tasting drink.

The whey powder is made using dairy products from 100% grass-fed and hormone-free cows. While we're yet to test it, Transparent Labs also has an Organic Vegan option for those following a plant-based diet.

The whey isolate means it's easy on your stomach, there's minimal lactose, fat, and cholesterol, making this a well-rounded and nutritious, low-carb protein powder for supplementing your diet.

Best meal replacement protein powder

Vivo Life All-In-One Meal is one of the few meal replacement powders made with all-natural ingredients. A 40g serving provides 21g of protein, 5.2g of carbs and 4.4g of fat. That fat content may sound relatively high, but the majority of it comes from the golden flaxseed powder containing Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids that help with heart, brain, eye, and skin health, boost energy levels, and support the immune system.

The protein comes from fermented yellow pea (for easier digestion), cold-pressed hemp, and pumpkin seed. The three ingredients combine to form a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids present.

Vivo Life has prioritized easy digestion by adding turmeric and ginger which reduce digestive issues and guard against inflammation. The powder also includes five beneficial gut bacteria along with Konjac fiber, a soluble dietary fiber and prebiotic that promotes satiety by absorbing water, lowers cholesterol, and helps manage blood sugar.

All-In-One Meal comes in three flavors: Vanilla, Caramel Biscuit, and Strawberry. We tested the first two and really enjoyed the Vanilla, but opinions differed on the Caramel Biscuit as some of our testers found it a little odd tasting.

Two pack sizes are available, 291g (seven servings) and 1kg (25 servings). All-In-One Meal comes in a plastic bag without a scoop, and is made in a factory powered by renewable energy in the UK.

How we test the best protein powders

Every protein powder featured in this guide has been tried and tested by members of the Fit&Well team. We have prioritized "clean" formulas, taste and nutritional benefits.

Clean ingredients: We have avoided products loaded with artificial sweeteners, additives, or preservatives.

Flavor profile: We evaluate each product for taste accuracy, checking to see if the flavor matches the label without being cloyingly sweet or leaving any unwanted aftertaste, and how smooth the shake feels when swallowed.

Texture and mixability: We test how well each powder dissolves in water, and milk (dairy and plant-based) to ensure a smooth, clump-free consistency.

Packaging: We assess the tub or bag for its overall environmental impact and ease of use.

Frequently asked questions

Avoiding allergens can be a particularly choppy part of parenting, whether your child has them or not.

An increasing number of campuses—from pre-K to postgrad—have gone nut-free or allergy-free in recent years, due to increased awareness of food allergies and how dangerous they can be.

Statistics shared by Food Allergy Research and Education state that 1 in 10 people in the US has a food allergy, with 1 in 13 children having life-threatening allergies.

The FDA has named nine major allergens that must be noted on food labels if present: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

It can be difficult to find suitable snacks for food-sensitive kids. Even if your child doesn’t have allergies, their school may require that you avoid certain ingredients, especially if someone in their school has a life-threatening allergy.

To help, I’ve identified five snacks available on Amazon that are free of the nine major allergens.

I gave up the gym a few years ago and have been looking for the best workout apps to train at home ever since. I wanted something fun, with effective routines from personal trainers and yoga teachers.

You don't need a lot of equipment either; most of the best workout apps focus on activities you can do with minimal equipment, like a set of the best adjustable dumbbells, an exercise bike, or even just a yoga mat.

Although I rate Centr, the platform founded by Chris Hemsworth, as the best workout app overall, there are plenty of options depending on your goals, from high-intensity sessions to mindful movement and yoga.

Since most require a subscription, I also looked at whether the app is good value for money, has different pricing levels, or offers a free trial so you can experiment to find the fitness app that you'll actually enjoy using.

The best workout apps available right now

The quick list

If you want to quickly download an app and dive straight into your exercise, these are our top three best workout apps. We've given a short overview to the best overall, best budget, and best for iPhone owners, but if you're after more options, we go into greater depth further down the page.

The best workout app overall

I've been using Centr for over three years, and it's still my favorite workout app. I may have been drawn in by the celebrity name (it was founded by the actor Chris Hemsworth), but you don't need to develop superhero-style muscle to get the most from this app.

Unsurprisingly, a lot of the workouts are based on strength and resistance training, with options for equipment-filled gym sessions and more minimal setups at home. You can even filter sessions by the equipment you have, whether that's a single dumbbell or several kettlebells.

But the reason I rate this as the best workout app for most people is that there's a lot of variety. There are high-intensity HIIT sessions, yoga and Pilates classes, and even beginner-friendly meditations (some spoken by Hemsworth too).

You all get a meal planner and recipes included as part of your subscription, and as you plan your food, it automatically creates a shopping list with everything you need to support your body after your training.

It's a great feature, but one I didn't use all that often — if you're cooking for a household, it's a bit tricky to find meals that aren't designed for your specific training plan that everyone will enjoy.

However, whether you're just starting to focus on your fitness, have a specific objective in mind, or want to add some structure to your routine, Centr is an excellent option to help you hit your goals.

Read more: Centr review

• Back to the top ⤴

The best budget workout app

If you're after intense, high-energy classes, Fiit is your best bet. Before switching to home workouts, I never really did exercise classes, preferring to train in my own time, but having tried Fiit, I think that may be because I never found the right one.

Fiit primarily focuses on replicating the group workout experience at home. The trainers don't just guide you through the session, they motivate you, pick you up when you're exhausted, and keep your focus on your form.

But the app also has another neat feature designed to recreate the in-person environment. You can invite your friends, family, or workout partners to join any live class and train together, even if they don't have an account.

This is because Fiit offers all of the live classes for free, with no subscription required, along with a limited range of guided workouts, so you don't have to break the bank to stay active. And if you want a more comprehensive selection, you can take out a subscription.

Although I don't go to the gym anymore, Fiit is also a great companion for a hybrid home and gym approach. The app has more equipment-friendly options than many of the others I tried, so if you want to work out with dumbbells one day, then take on a treadmill challenge the next, you can.

Read more: Fiit review

• Back to the top ⤴

The best workout app for iPhone

When my Android phone broke a few years ago, I switched to an iPhone. I stuck with it because Apple is really good at making everything work together. And that's the case with Apple Fitness+, which integrates nicely with the Fitness and Health apps and your AirPods.

It launched in late 2020, but with a catch; you had to own an Apple Watch to use the app. Two years later, Apple removed this restriction, allowing anyone with an iPhone to get involved, so I took out a subscription and gave it a try.

Unlike Centr or Alo Moves, which target specific niches (strength training, yoga), Apple Fitness+ is more like a lifestyle workout app, designed to suit beginners or anyone wanting to add some movement into their day to keep fit and healthy.

That doesn't mean you can't use the app to hit a particular goal — there are resistance training sessions, high-intensity workouts, and yoga classes — and the sessions are visually impressive, expertly led, and a lot of fun.

That last point is particularly relevant, as Apple Fitness+ is a great option if you're looking to exercise for happiness. Sure, there might be times you want to work on a specific skill or muscle area, but sometimes you just want to feel good and boost your wellbeing.

Apple Fitness+ is a great all-around workout app, but only if you have an iPhone. Like most of Apple's products, it's designed to work well with your AirPods, Apple Watch, and the company's Health and Fitness apps, but Android owners will be better off with a multi-platform option like Fiit.

Read more: Apple Fitness+ review

• Back to the top ⤴

The best workout app for women

The Sweat workout app is the evolution of several Bikini Body Guides (BBGs) produced by Australian personal trainer Kayla Itsines. The BBGs focused on high-intensity workouts to help women achieve a particular look, but the Sweat app takes a more holistic approach.

As the name suggests, it retains Itsines' high-intensity practice, designed to raise your heart rate, improve your cardio fitness, and boost your metabolism. But there are beginner, intermediate, and advanced bodyweight exercises, strength sessions, yoga, barre, and Pilates.

The app might be targeted at women, but most programs would be suitable for men, except for the specialized pregnancy and postnatal fitness sessions. There's also a dedicated community area for you to share updates and support others to hit their goals.

Like Fiit, the aim here is to make exercise fun and encouraging, so that you want to do it regularly but also efficiently and effectively, allowing you to fit in a high-intensity session even when you're tight on time.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best free workout app

I do a lot of walking. I walk for 90 minutes every morning, take lunchtime strolls, and traverse the city on foot. A lot of the time, I'm outside in areas I know well, but I prefer to walk to explore new places too, which is where AllTrails come in.

It's not ordinarily considered a workout app, but exercise can be any physical movement, from stretching to walking, and AllTrails helps you plan out routes in urban environments and green spaces. I've used it to find my way on countryside dog walks and for city sightseeing routes.

The basic route-planning features are free, although if you want convenience or extra guidance while you're out (like wrong turn correction), you'll need to take out a subscription to AllTrails+. But a lot of the time, I don't miss those features.

You could also use Google or Apple Maps for finding your way around town, but AllTrails offers a more curated experience, with planned routes to take in specific areas, or based on a particular theme, and they include user reviews, so you know what to look out for or avoid.

Plus, AllTrails includes hiking routes and says whether a particular path is dog-friendly, its length, and elevation, so if you want to avoid trails with steep hills, you can filter them out before you go.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best workout app for yoga

I used to practice yoga several times a week at a studio on my road, but since that closed, I'd been looking for a way to get back into it. Live-streamed classes are a great way to feel part of the community (and support your favorite teachers), but they're not always convenient.

Alo Moves is the perfect alternative, with engaging classes, whether you want an intense flow session focused on strengthening your core or a more mindful restorative class to end the day. And when I was tight on time, I could pick a short 15-minute session instead.

The instructors' personality and experience play a big role in any guided workout, particularly in yoga, where a few choice words can remind you to make small changes to your posture to deepen into the stretch or work the correct muscles.

Fortunately, I found the classes on Alo Moves are fun and dynamic when you're looking to add movement into your day and relaxed when you want to slow things down. And to replicate the video's beautiful scenery, you can download a session and head outdoors.

However, if you're after an app that does a bit of everything, you might be better off with Apple Fitness+, as Alo Moves is primarily a yoga app, with a bit of cardio and strength training on the side. But this does make it the perfect option for yogis looking to practice at home.

Read more: Alo Moves review

• Back to the top ⤴

How to choose the best workout app for you

Although many of the best workout apps require a subscription, most also have a free trial to get a taste of the workout style, instructors, and ease of use. While you're experimenting, there are some factors to keep in mind.

The most important thing to consider before installing an app is what you want to get from your training. Do you want to build muscle or boost your flexibility? Are you more interested in high-intensity exercise or mindful classes?

You can choose a workout app that's aligned with your preferred training style, but you'll also want to think about the cost — how much per month, whether are there discounts for annual memberships — and whether that's good value for your needs.

Also, consider the equipment you've got at home. While you can get by without weights on Fiit or Alo Moves, to get the most from Centr, you'll at least need access to weights like dumbbells and kettlebells.

And, crucially, when you start a workout, think about whether you're actually enjoying it or have to force yourself to finish. To make exercise a regular part of your routine, you need to find sessions that you want to come back to.

There's a lot of variety out there, so try out a few and stick with an app that encourages you to hit your goals, suits your lifestyle, and has other classes or sessions you want to practice occasionally, like meditation or yoga.

How we tested the best workout apps

Before joining the team at Fit&Well, I was a technology journalist, producing product reviews, testing apps, and writing tutorials. I know what makes a good app — useful navigation, clean design, intuitive controls.

But the way you use the best workout apps will be different that what you need from your social media or food delivery apps. So, while testing these fitness apps, I also paid attention to a few crucial features.

I only have limited equipment at home, so I check if there are specific equipment filters to find a workout that suits what I have, and if there are time selections, for when you only have 15 minutes to spare or an hour train.

But as you need a subscription for most, you don't want to join loads and spend hundreds of dollars each month. So I try the different training styles, exercise classes, and wellbeing sessions to see if you can get everything in a single app.

I use each app for several weeks so that I get a sense of whether I actually enjoy the workouts and if they're effective. Boosting your fitness and getting some movement into your day is important, but there's no reason it can't be fun too.

FAQs

The best yoga apps can be a great way to move your body, build a connection between your mind and muscles, and develop a mindfulness practice, since going to an in-person class isn't always going to be on the cards. 

Whether you're short on time or working on a budget, these yoga apps for your smartphone offer access to live and on-demand sessions across a range of styles, and all you need is one of the best yoga mats to get started. 

Although you need a subscription to many of the best yoga apps, some offer free trials or a limited selection of classes you can use without breaking the bank. There are even a few which offer traditional workouts and meditations too. 

The best yoga apps to practice at home

Alo Moves is an on-demand yoga app featuring focused series, one-off classes, and skill-building lessons to improve your practice. You can easily narrow your search by experience or fitness level, intensity, and type. 

If improving your strength and flexibility are your goals, Alo Moves has a wide range of these classes for a yearly cost of $199. There are yoga classes to strengthen your muscles and boost your flexibility, alongside strength training and mobility workouts. 

Alo Moves provides specific instructional classes and guided experiences to help you grow your skills and practice, so you can put your newfound strength and flexibility to the test. Want to improve your backbends or learn to handstand? There are individual instructional classes and series for that.

And if you want to spend some of your time on the mat finding inner peace and zen, plenty of options are available for that, including Yoga Nidra (for sleep). There are no live classes, however, so if you enjoy individual instruction, feedback, and class energy Glo may be a better fit for your practice. 

Glo is an on-demand and daily live yoga and fitness class platform that is the perfect solution for people with busy schedules. You can find classes ranging from two minutes up to 20 minutes, so you can practice self-care even on the busiest days. 

There are also meditations, Pilates, HIIT-style yoga classes and workouts, so you can create a rounded wellness routine from home. If you have a bit more time, there are 90-minute sessions too, and 16 styles of yoga across more than 5,000 streamable classes. 

Subscriptions are $24 monthly or $245 yearly and include streaming and on-demand classes, as well as lectures and educational content. However, the app doesn't offer personalized suggestions, which can make finding the right session a bit time consuming. However, it's a great option for all experience levels.

Find What Feels Good (FWFG) is a small-but-mighty yoga platform with a library of 900 classes and new videos every week. FWFG was founded by Adriene Mishler from the popular Yoga with Adriene YouTube channel. 

Whether you’ve followed along with Adrienne previously or not, her premium service adds depth and focus for anyone hoping to create a rounded, body-positive yoga practice from home. 

On the platform, you can find series for specific needs, such as osteoporosis, meditation, finding peace, boosting creativity, and relationships. There are one-off classes, recipes videos, vlogs, behind-the-scenes material, and educational content to grow your understanding of the yoga lifestyle and deepen your practice. 

While it has less variety than some other apps, there’s a personal, welcoming vibe to FWFG. You can find plenty of incredible free content on Adriene’s YouTube channel, but FWFG is ad-free and more comprehensive.

It also has a better search function and full series to build a habit and grow specific skills. It’s the perfect choice for beginners and long-standing Mishler fans alike. 

YogaWorks provides live classes, pre-recorded on-demand options, and teacher training with a range of different teachers and styles. Classes and modifications are available for beginners through to the more experienced, and even for those with current injuries or limitations.

There are options for practicing types of yoga, but you can also learn and practice specific skills, such as mastering a headstand or breathing technique. Live classes include modifications and tips so you can learn and adjust your practice to fit your abilities, even as they change day to day.

Classes run from 9am to 8pm ET, with some days offering 10pm Yoga Nidra or similar nighttime sessions to help you drift off to sleep. Despite this, YogaWorks has fewer on-demand selections than some other apps and is more expensive than similar apps like Glo.

However, there are motivating features, such as a social community and live classes that help you feel connected to others. If this is something you want to experience in your yoga journey, YogaWorks is an excellent choice. Plus, you can check out its sample videos before making a commitment.

Yoga for Everyone was founded by yoga teacher and author Dianne Bondy. Her aim is to empower her students to accept who and where they are in the present, while teaching them and other yoga teachers the importance of inclusivity in yoga. 

Bondy is the author of two bestselling books, Yoga for Everyone and Yoga Where You Are, and her website and apps are extensions of this goal. Yoga for Everyone has hundreds of pre-recorded classes, a community, and live classes to choose from. 

There are several class types, teachers, and styles, including ones for new beginners with all body types. And there are sessions for flexibility, reducing stiffness, improving joint mobility, and developing strength, with modifications with props or chairs. Plus, there's a category specifically for those with bigger bodies.

CorePower Yoga is one of the largest yoga studios in the US with over 220 locations, and the CorePower Yoga app brings its expertise and instructors to your home with daily live streaming and on-demand classes primarily geared toward building strength and core stability.

Most of the yoga offered is fusion-type, which includes the use of weights or implements cardio or HIIT-style intervals into yoga-centered lessons. If you love yoga and want to add another dimension to your training, increasing your overall fitness, strength and muscle, then CorePower is a strong choice.

On the flip side, if you are a regular at the gym who prefers lifting weights but realize you may lack mobility and flexibility, CorePower is a fantastic middle ground. There are classes available for all fitness levels and skill types—though beginners and untrained individuals may have fewer options.

If you are looking for yoga that helps you unwind, center yourself and relieve tension, you may be better off with Yoga for Everyone or Alo Moves.

DownDog is distinct from others on this list since it’s a customizable experience. For instance, when you use the app for yoga, you can choose your practice by level, yoga type, boost (focusing on a specific skill or aspect, such as breathing, backbends), length, and how long to spend in Savasana (the ending rest pose of yoga sequences).

Going even further into creating a custom experience, you can change the voice of your teacher, add music and pick how in-depth you’d like the instruction to be—a benefit for those repeating poses or lessons they already know.

You can adjust the pace of how the sequences unfold and the video quality—so you don’t end up with choppy or grainy videos. The app allows you to track your progress and adjust sessions, so it's a flexible option. 

DownDog is ideal for those who want to focus on their own training while listening to comprehensive explanations, rather than needing to watch to follow along. However, if you prefer video instruction and get motivated by specific teachers or styles, you’ll be better off with Alo Moves, Glo, or another video app option.

How to choose the best yoga app for you

Choosing a yoga app starts with figuring out your goals and preferences and considering your budget. If you enjoy live classes or want a comprehensive fitness app this will help narrow your search.

If variety and the option to choose other types of workout classes—such as strength training or HIIT—is a feature you’d like, then finding a more rounded app will be best to save you taking out multiple subscriptions to several apps. 

Most yoga apps have classes for all levels and abilities, some stand out for their attention to helping new yogis develop their skills and feel comfortable on the mat, while others are more geared to experienced practitioners. 

FAQs

The best hiking backpacks are a great way to support your latest outdoor adventure, whether it's wandering in the woods or scrambling over peaks. These bags can store your essentials like food and water and often have loops and clips for any walking equipment. 

But it can be difficult to choose without actually trying them out in person. To help you out, we've tested a range of the best hiking backpacks, taking them on day-long hikes through boggy fields and technical walks up stony hillsides.

We also tried them out on daily commutes on the train, family picnics, and trips to the swimming pool to test out their versatility. So, whether you're after a budget-friendly option for day-long hikes or a practical, comfortable backpack for shorter strolls, there's an option for you. 

The best hiking backpacks you can buy right now

The Vaude Brenta 30 is one of the most versatile hiking backpacks with everything you need for short walks and extended hikes. I found that the top drawstring and bottom zip made it easy to reach inside the main compartment, even while out on a hike. 

It also has several additional storage areas, including two generously sized hip pockets plus a rain cover. It is excellent for different body types because it can be adjusted to various heights, and the ergonomic spring steel frame is not only airy but helps to distribute the weight. 

As a result, wearing this all day long, hiking 2000m of elevation never felt uncomfortable or burdensome. This was helped by the wide padded shoulder straps which are narrower at the front and under your arms to fit snugly without constricting your movements. 

Out of all the hiking backpacks I tested, these were definitely the most comfortable shoulder straps. Plus, there's lots of room to adjust the chest straps, so I could easily slide it up and down, rather than move it through a series of fixed height positions. 

The only minor criticism is that the space inside is a little narrow (although not as narrow as the Osprey Talon Earth 22), especially when compared to the wide space of the 30-liter Helly Hanson Transistor.

• Read our full Vaude Brenta 30 review

The Osprey Talon Earth 22 is a spacious but narrow pack that seems to emphasize length over width. There are four layers of vertical compartments which, while useful for separating gear, can be a bit tricky to access because they are long and thin.

However, the main selling point here is the AirScape back panel — a stiff board covered by a breathable mesh fabric with curved indents to encourage airflow. 

On hotter days, this definitely helped to reduce sweating and kept me cool, but I did find the suspension back panel far too firm. All the weight appeared to be pressing into my lower back rather than spread across my hips, back, and shoulders. 

Conversely, my husband, who is about five inches taller than me, found the bag extremely comfortable and praised the stiff back support. This appears to be a bag designed for the taller walker because the height of the back can be adjusted by lifting the reservoir section, which is attached via Velcro. 

This creates a more comfortable fit for taller hikers and is supported by the flexible harness and hip belt, which allow for lots of movement. But if, like me, you prefer something softer and more suited to a smaller frame, then the Patagonia Altvia Pack is a more comfortable option.

• Read our full Osprey Talon Earth 22 review

If you are looking for something more compact which still has enough room for daily hiking essentials, then the Patagonia Altvia Daypack is a fantastic little backpack. Despite being only 14 liters, it appears much bigger, and the soft outer shell means it is flexible enough to cram in lots of gear.

I managed to fit food, water, a spare jacket, and a top inside for a six-hour hike and still had room to spare. The waterproof rain cover meant I didn't get caught out when the heavens opened, either.

Most of the space is given over to the main compartment, which is easily accessible via a wide zip, but there are a few smaller pockets to stash cellphones, small snacks, and spare batteries. There are also enough external loops and strapping to hang on helmets, trekking poles, and other hiking gear.

It was really comfortable to wear thanks to the lightly padded shoulder straps and additional support of the hip belt, plus the breathable back panel. Meanwhile, the chest straps have five adjustable heights, although the clips to move them up and down are rather fiddly.

One slight quibble is the side meshes for water bottles are rather shallow, meaning larger bottles can fall out. The hip pockets are also rather small, making them slightly redundant.

As a straightforward, spacious, but small backpack, this is a fabulous all-rounder and would suit a variety of day activities like hiking, biking, or scrambling. But if you are looking for a lot more capacity, then the Helly Hansen Transistor is a great alternative.

• Read our full Patagonia Altvia Daypack review

At first glance, the Helly Hansen Transistor looks like a relatively simplistic backpack, but its secret weapon is its size. Out of all the packs tested, it could store the most items, and there always seemed to be room to squeeze in one last piece of clothing. 

Whether you want to fill it with ropes for a day of trad climbing or need to take multiple layers and camping gear for an overnight hike, the Transistor has more than enough space.

The combination of light material and support around the hips means even when full; it never feels heavy as the weight is evenly distributed all day long. The shoulder and hip straps are well padded and covered in an aerated mesh which helps to limit sweat and improve comfort.

My main frustration with this bag is the lack of waterproofing, especially since it has lots of features designed for carrying ice climbing equipment. The material lets water in pretty rapidly, and there is no waterproof cover. 

To use this pack in any season other than the summer would require buying an additional dry bag. Another slight downfall is the back length of 45cm, making the backpack slightly short for taller hikers. 

A more versatile alternative is the Vaude Brenta which has an adjustable height. But as a summer hiking pack that is comfortable to wear for hours on end and can carry everything you need, this is an excellent choice.

• Read our full Helly Hansen Transistor review

The Fjällräven Ulvö 30 is a great-looking bag designed to be practical and stylish. It has many handy compartments, making it ideal for storing laptops, cellphones, chargers, and other electronic devices, while keeping paperwork, books, or magazines separate. 

I found the waterproofing is fantastic, so dashing through the rain to hop on the bus or train is not a problem, and you could even wear it on a cycle. It has a spacious main section, although it's not as wide or flexible as the Helly Hansen Transistor, which is cavernous inside. 

The main reason it is most suited to shorter commutes rather than longer hikes is that it is not supportive enough to wear all day. The straps are relatively slight, and although there is a hip strap, it is not as robust as the hip belt on backpacks such as the Osprey Talon Earth 22.

The unisex design also means it doesn't suit all body types, and the chest straps can bow and dig in. However, if you need a bag that'll store plenty, look good, and be comfortable in short bursts, you can't go wrong with the Fjällräven Ulvö 30.

• Read our full Fjällräven Ulvö 30 review

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a brilliant, compact travel bag for weekends away on business or leisure. It's small enough to carry onto a plane but big enough to store everything you need for a long weekend break.

There's a large main compartment that unzips around three sides, making it perfect for lying on the bed like a suitcase to pack with clothes. If you're keen to add some more organization, you can also buy additional packing pouches designed for the bag, although these are pricey. 

Plus, there's the option to expand the bag with a simple zip to create more storage space. The versatility of the back means you can carry it in multiple ways. There are straps at the side, back, and top to hold it like a suitcase, but also shoulder straps to wear on your back. 

The carbon-neutral material is incredibly tough, meaning it should have a long lifespan and support years of trips. Although when upright, it looks like a backpack, the lack of sufficient shoulder and hip support and the weight of the bag means it is uncomfortable to carry all day on a hike. 

Instead, it is ideal for hopping on and off public transport switching between wearing it on your back and carrying it at your side. If you are looking for a comfortable bag to carry your hiking gear all day, the  Vaude Brenta and Osprey Talon Earth 22 are far more suitable.

• Read our full Peak Design Travel review

The Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor is a comfortable and lightweight expandable backpack available in three capacity options; 25-40L, 40-60L, and 60-75L. There's quite a lot of range on each bag, but you'll still need to decide on the types of outdoor trips you're interested in before choosing a size. I tested the 25-40L and often loosened the straps to increase the storage.

While the Flex Capacitor was great at accommodating larger loads, but if you don't pack it to the top, it becomes limp and the top-loading zip is hard to access. However, if you're looking at a hiking backpack, there's a good chance you're after a bag that can be flexible around your plans with a larger capacity than a standard rucksack anyway.

There's a Y-shaped suspension bracket inside along the back panel, which you don't feel while wearing the bag thanks to the padded shoulder and lower back supports. There are two body straps; one just above chest height and a waist strap. These are easy to clip and disconnect, but the only way to stop the waist belt from dangling after tightening is to tie the ends together rather messily.

The two hip supports have easy-access pockets with zips, which were convenient for storing what you'd normally put in your pocket. This is handy since the wide straps can make it difficult to reach into your pant pockets. The mesh sleeve inside the main compartment is designed to house hydration packs but there's no other internal organization.

However you like to pack, the most important thing is that the bag feels comfortable to wear across a range of terrains, and this is where the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor excels. I found you could wear it for hours, even packed with heavy items, without any discomfort and the straps distributed the load perfectly so you weren't taking the strain on your back. [Reviewed by James Frew]

• Read our full Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor review

How to choose the best hiking backpack

Although choosing the right hiking backpack can be hugely individual, there are features to look out for and to consider against the cost. You want to make sure that the bag performs well for your body type and is versatile enough to carry the gear that you need.

There will be lots of variables depending on weather conditions and the type of hiking or traveling you will be doing. So take some time to consider exactly what you need the backpack for and consider these factors.

Comfort

If you are planning on hiking for hours at a time, perhaps with a fully loaded backpack, then comfort is going to be key. Things to look out for are how padded the chest straps are, whether the hip belt will provide enough support, and if there are any other features like a suspension frame that will help to take the load. 

Adjustability is a key factor in comfort because what may feel snug to one user could dig into someone with a different body type causing discomfort and chafing. 

Consider whether the height of the backpack can be altered and if the sternum strap can be moved up and down as well as tightened. Opting for a bag that comes in different sizes or a male or female fit can also be another way to ensure you get the comfort that suits your frame.

Finally, how the bag performs in the heat and when you are hot will also impact the comfort. Look at whether the back panel has an airflow system and if the material is sweat-wicking. Similarly, do the straps have an aerated mesh, or are they likely to suck up a sweat, causing them to rub?

The color of a backpack also plays an important role in the heat, so if you are planning on hiking in hot climates, opt for a lighter color palette rather than black, which absorbs the heat. 

Space

Not all backpacks are created equal when it comes to storage space. Two 30-liter packs made by different brands will vary in the amount of gear they can carry depending on their shape and design.

Wider bags are best for awkward-shaped gear, ropes, and overnight clothing, whilst narrower packs may be better suited for paperwork and electrical devices. How you access the space is also really important because you may need quick, easy access via a bottom zip or a wide enough top zip to fit bulky items.

Consider whether you would prefer one large compartment to carry as much as possible or whether it would be more convenient to have several pockets for separating your gear, such as food in one section and clothing in another.

Loops, hooks, meshes, and strapping on the outside of a pack can also provide lots of additional space because they create places to hang helmets, poles, shoes, and stash bottles. If you always carry trekking poles, then having a backpack with Velcro loops may be a necessity, so keep a keen eye out for these kinds of features.

The size of a pack will be measured in terms of its capacity in liters, with a 30-liter bag being suitable for day-long hikes and overnight stays and anything smaller only appropriate for one day or less.

Function

The most important thing to consider is what you actually need a backpack for. If you are looking for something affordable that will suffice for a couple of hours of walking near your home, then you probably don't need lots of storage or fantastic comfort, and price will be the deciding factor.

But if you are planning to trek in unfamiliar terrain with unpredictable weather conditions, then comfort will be a key consideration along with waterproofing. If the backpack is only water resistant, does it have a built-in rain cover, or will you need to buy additional dry bags?

If you are looking for a versatile pack that is great on the trails and comfortable for backpacking but can also be used for commuting on the train, then you may need to pull out all the stops and find a backpack with great waterproofing, storage, and comfort. 

Equally, if you think the backpack is unlikely to see the countryside any time soon and will be used for city getaways and walking to the store, then comfort will be less vital, and you might be looking for something more stylish.

How we test the best hiking backpacks

To make our reviews objective, we followed a standard testing process for each, with two testers. There was a female primary tester and a secondary male reviewer. This was important as both wearers had different weights and heights, so could adjust the bag to their body. 

Firstly each bag was tested on a hike of up to two hours by each person. This was on local trails over grassy ground. If the bag was comfortable at this distance, it was then tested by each person on a full day's hike further away from home, with a minimum of 1000m elevation.

This included boggy terrain, stony inclines, and woodland paths. We ensured one of the tests was in dry conditions and the other in wet. On the longer hikes, we carried food and water for the day for two people, plus spare clothing, battery, and cell phones. 

The final test by the female reviewer was on public transport on a weekly commute via train. This was a three-hour round trip, often on packed trains with standing-room only, to see if the bag was comfortable on longer trips, especially when fully packed with work essentials. 

The bags were also used on an ad hoc basis for family activities such as picnics at the local park, swimming lessons, and weekend getaways to gain a sense of the versatility of the backpacks for everyday use.

As a personal trainer, I’m regularly asked about the best protein powders for weight loss. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, but it can also contribute to satiety (how full you feel after a meal), reducing hunger pangs and helping with weight loss. Protein powders are a convenient way to add more of this macronutrient to your diet, especially after a workout.

Registered dietitian Kylie Bensley, founder of Sulini Nutrition, says: “Weight loss occurs with a deficit of calories. Consuming protein powder alone will not cause weight loss, but if that’s your goal, then a lower-calorie protein powder is ideal.”

If you’re using protein powder for weight loss specifically, I recommend finding one that’s low in fat, sugar and calories. I’ve spent the last ten years testing and reviewing these products, analyzing protein content, flavor, mixability, texture, value and additional health-boosting nutrients and vitamins. Here’s a list of the best protein powders for weight loss I’ve tried.

The best protein powders for weight loss

Best overall

Taste, texture and mixability: I tested the Milk Chocolate flavor and it really hit the spot. Just the right balance of sweetness without being sickly, and it’s missing the synthetic chalky aftertaste cheaper protein powders often have. It mixes well with both milk and water (my favorite was 50/50 of each) and behaves well when blended into pancake batter, muffins, and oatmeal. The main drawback is the price. It is one of the most expensive protein powders for weight loss that I’ve tested, but the high-quality ingredients and taste justify the price.

Nutrition, ingredients and additives: Transparent Labs’ Whey Protein Isolate has a clean profile and even cleaner taste, and it’s refreshingly rich considering it is sugar and fat-free. With 28g of high-quality isolated protein per scoop, it’s easily digestible and delicious. Its whey is sourced from grass-fed, hormone-free American cows. The powder is also free from gluten, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and food dyes. It has a good flavor range, from classics like Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla and Strawberry Milkshake to more interesting ones such as Mint Chocolate Chip and Cinnamon French Toast.

Best value

Taste, texture and mixability: I tested the Gourmet Chocolate flavor, which tastes indulgent and rich when mixed with milk (both regular and plant-based). This is also one of the very few protein powders that tastes great with water. It is such a fine powder that it mixes very well, and I didn’t find any lumps, even after a quick 30 seconds of shaking. I added it to batter mix and it gave my pancakes a strong chocolate flavor, which my kids loved. I’ve often found that low-sugar and low-fat powders can taste a bit bland, but this product offers a big bang for your buck on both taste and quality.

Nutrition, ingredients and additives: This powder is made from hydrolyzed whey, which means it has been filtered to remove most of the sugars and fats. The initial outlay may seem high, but the price is for a 3lb tub with 75 servings, which works out to around $1 each, making it great value. Gluten-free, and mostly free of lactose and cholesterol, it has 16 flavors, including classics like fudge brownie and chocolate peanut butter. Some versions have sucralose, artificial flavors and sweeteners, while others have Stevia and natural flavors, so check your label if you have sensitivities to these ingredients.

Best vegan

Taste, texture and mixability: A lot of vegan shakes are grainy, but the Vegan Wondershake is the opposite, delivering a super smooth, creamy texture when mixed with either water or milk. We tried the Chocolate Caramel Biscuit and Banana Smooth flavors, both of which tasted great. If you want other options to mix into smoothies, there are nine other varieties, ranging from Vanilla and Double Chocolate, to Chocolate Peanut Cookies and Strawberries and Cream.

Nutrition, ingredients and additives: This is a solid option for those following a vegan diet, with a respectable 25g of protein in a 30g serving. It has a remarkably low calorie count, at 89kcal, and is derived from five different plant-based sources: pea, soy, pumpkin, sunflower seed, and brown rice. Protein Works stops short of describing this as a complete protein (one that contains all nine essential amino acids, required by the human body), but they do say that "each protein has its own nutritional profile, meaning you benefit from a more rounded amino acid profile." Unfortunately, it contains Sucralose, which can cause stomach upset in some people. It also contains DigeZyme, which may help with vitamin and mineral absorption.

Best juice-like option

Taste, texture and mixability: I tried the Strawberry Kiwi flavor and it’s the best-tasting protein mix I’ve tested. It’s more of a refreshing juice drink than a milkshake, which I prefer, and has a fine consistency that mixes well with water. I found that it blended well with pancake mix and I imagine the tropical flavors would work brilliantly in high-protein ice lollies. Once you’ve mixed it together, you need to wait for the natural foaming to settle. It says 15 seconds on the packaging, but I found it was more like a minute before the foam reduced, and even then it still had some bubbles. The only reason it’s not at the top of the list is because it has a slightly lower protein content per serving than other options, though it’s still a brilliant option if weight loss is your main goal.

Nutrition, ingredients and additives: Like Dmyatize, this product is made from hydrolyzed whey. It comes in 10 flavors: apple, mojito, orange, orange mango, pineapple, raspberry, lemonade, tropical dragon fruit, watermelon, and strawberry kiwi. It has 20g of protein per 25g serving, which is lower than other entries in this guide, but it’s got the lowest calorie content at 85kcal. It’s suitable for vegetarians but not vegans, or anyone dairy-free, as it contains milk. It also contains a sweetener (sucralose) that some people may be sensitive to.

Best creamy taste

Taste, texture and mixability: I tested the Double Rich Chocolate flavour with 120ml cold water, as recommended on the packet directions. When mixed with water the product has an aftertaste and runs a little thin, but I didn’t find this happened when I tried it with milk instead. In its milkshake form, the drink has a dark chocolate flavour, which is not overly sweet. It also had a slightly chalky feel and left some residue in my glass after drinking. I didn’t love it as a drink (although it is a favorite with other Fit&Well team members), but found it worked well in my oatmeal and pancakes.

Nutrition, ingredients and additives Optimum Nutrition is a popular brand, and the company's flagship product is the Gold Standard 100% Whey. It's a versatile and price-friendly option, which comes in a wide variety of flavours. It contains soy, so isn’t suitable for anyone with related allergies. It also contains acesulfame potassium as a sweetener, which I found overpowering.

For more, read our full Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein review

Best high protein

Taste, texture and mixability: I tested the 'Smooth Chocolate', which was really tasty. It had the right balance of subtle sugary flavour without being sickly or overwhelming. The texture was spot on—light and airy. It blended easily with no clumps and had a thick, smooth consistency. I tested it with both cow’s milk and water; I have to admit it tasted better with milk. I also mixed the powder into pancake batter and my kids loved it. It comes in a resealable bag, but doesn’t have a measuring scoop, presumably to reduce plastic waste.

Overview: Innermost's Lean Protein has a high protein count (31g per 40g serving) and is packed with weight-loss supplements, including acetyl L-carnitine, inulin and Yerba mate. But we should be wary of so-called ‘weight-loss’ ingredients added to protein powder, says dietitian Kacie Vavrek. “Additives, such as acetyl l-carnitine, don’t have any proven weight loss benefits. No supplements or additives will increase metabolism or burn fat.” These additives are unlikely to do any harm, but they won't help weight loss.

The powder has a higher calorie count than the other products in this list, so be mindful of this when adding it to your diet. It also contains sweeteners, so it should be avoided by people with sensitive stomachs.

Best for minimal ingredients

Taste, texture and mixability: Like MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate, the Clear Naked Whey is a bit different from a more usual protein drink. Rather than the milkshake flavor and consistency you're probably used to, it’s more of a juice. You mix it with cold water — this stuff foams up a lot when you shake it — then the natural foaming dissolves after about a minute. It doesn’t need too much shaking as the powder is very fine. I tested the Grape flavor, which has a nice mix of sweet and tart and is similar to a flavored water drink. I noticed a bit of a gelatin taste in the first few drinks, but it didn’t bother me. It’s refreshing, fairly high in good quality isolate protein (20g per 26g serving) and low carb. And if you don’t like the sound of Grape, it also comes in Lemonade and Fruit Punch flavors.

Nutrition, ingredients and additives: Naked Nutrition’s Clear Naked Whey isolate powder is high in protein (20g per 26g serving), low in carbs and has 0g of sugar and 0g of fat. Just as with all of the firm’s products, it doesn’t contain additives like artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors (it uses vegetable juice for color). The product is also lactose-, GMO-, gluten- and soy-free and has just six ingredients. It comes with extras (i.e. vitamin D, iron, calcium and potassium) and is 100 calories per serving — making it a good choice for anyone trying to lose weight, or reduce their sugar and fat intake.

Best for flavor

Taste, texture and mixability: I tested the chocolate brownie flavor of the MyProtein Impact Diet Whey, and it mixes really easily with no clumps. It’s not overly sugary tasting, which is my preference, but it’s chocolatey enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. I tested the powder with milk and water. I prefer the milky creamy combo, but it also tastes fine with water. I added it to my pancake batter and it has a deep chocolate flavor. It’s also good in oatmeal and breakfast muffins. This is a great tasting powder with a decent amount of protein, but if you’re after a low-calorie powder, you'd be better off choosing one of the other options here.

Nutrition, ingredients and additives: For a weight loss product, the MyProtein Impact Diet Whey is surprisingly high in calories. It is very high in protein (38g per 60g serving), but that could be because it’s recommended to have a double scoop. It comes with added L-glutamine, CLA (a fatty acid), green tea, and choline (a B vitamin), which are supposed to be weight loss aids, but more research is needed to prove that. If you are trying to lose weight, these extra ingredients aren’t going to make much difference—you need to be in a calorie deficit for safe and sustainable fat loss.

Best for collagen and fiber

Taste, texture and mixability: I had high hopes for this whey protein, which is packed with collagen, fiber and extra vitamins and minerals. It sounds good on paper, but unfortunately, it tastes too sweet for me. I tried it as a plain shake, in overnight oats, as well as in a healthy carrot cake. I also mixed it with frozen fruit for a high protein smoothie. In each case, it was too sweet for my liking, even though the sugar content per serving is under 1g.

Overview: The Pure Protein whey protein powder (creamy vanilla) is packed with 10g of collagen, 6g fiber, and 14 vitamins and minerals, including B12, A, C, D E, as well as zinc and iron. It has 25g of protein per 41g scoop, and is relatively cheap at $44.99 for a two-week supply (20 oz.). It does have a pretty long ingredients list and it’s high in carbs (9g per serving), so this isn’t ideal for anyone on a low-carb diet. But it’s inexpensive at $44.99.

Our expert panel

As well as testing out of all the protein powder products ourselves in line with our testing process, we also consulted with expert dietitians to talk about the benefits and potential drawbacks of using protein powders for weight loss.

How we test

• Taste, texture and mixability
  I mix the powders with both water and milk, including dairy-free options (usually unsweeted almond). I also mix them into foods, including protein pancakes, oatmeal and breakfast muffins. I’ll mention how easily they blend into other products, whether or not the powders are too sweet, and if they have an unpleasant aftertaste.
• Ingredients analysis
  I look at what goes into each of the powders and flag up any ingredients that are common allergens or aggravators for sensitive stomachs.
• Nutrional value
  I will take into account the protein content along with carb, fat and sugar content. Although these latter nutrients can form part of a healthy diet, they’re best consumed in moderation when you’re dieting for weight loss.
• Scrutinizing health claims
  I will flag up any additional vitamins and minerals that are included in the product and explain what their purpose is. However, I’ll also always dig into the latest studies and research around these additives, so you know how realistic health claims are.
• Monetary value
  I will always check the price of powders and mention its value for money, examining it on a per-serving basis.

How to choose the best protein powder for weight loss

Check for third-party certification

Dietitian Kacie Varvrek says third-party testing is one of the most important things to look out for in a protein powder. “Supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so labels can be inaccurate, or supplements can contain ingredients not found on the label."

"Third-party certification is obtained when an independent organization evaluates the supplement and vouches for its quality. You will see a certification stamp on the product if a supplement is third-party tested.”

Find a product low in sugar and artificial flavors

Vavrek advises looking for a powder that is low in added sugars and artificial flavors. Some of the most popular protein shakes and powders have high levels of sugar or sweeteners mixed in, so it’s worth comparing ingredient labels before you purchase.

Pick something with a complete amino acid profile

There are nine essential amino acids we need to consume if we want to stay healthy and build muscle. You'll find this quite easily in whey protein or whey isolate powders. According to Vavrek, whey protein “contains essential amino acids and is the highest in leucine; an amino acid thought to trigger muscle building.”

Vegans might have to work a little harder to find the right balance. Even if your protein powder is listed as complete, it may contain low levels of certain amino acids, which is why you need to eat a rich and varied diet to supplement it.

Go for something tasty

Finally, Vavrek’s advice is to pick a protein powder with a taste that you actually like. There’s no point gulping something unpleasant back every morning in a bid to lose weight, as you’re more likely to seek out sweet or high-fat foods to make yourself feel better. A protein powder should always be an aid to weight loss, not a solution.

FAQs

The best cross-training shoes are built to keep up with any kind of workout you throw at them.

They have enough cushioning for short runs, feel responsive during fast-paced gym sessions, and offer sufficient stability for lifting heavy weights.

I’m a trainer with over a decade of experience and I’ve only found a handful of shoes that fit this bill.

Here are my top picks for 2026, along with detailed explanations of why I like them.

The quick list

These are my 8 favorite cross-training shoes, with picks for all training types. Here, you’ll find household brands, as well as some lesser-known names that could help you step up your exercise game.

The best cross training shoes you can buy right now

Best overall

Whether you’re picking your first pair of cross-training sneakers or adding to your collection, the Under Armour Commit 4 is a well-constructed, versatile choice for nearly any activity.

The Commit 4 has an optimal level of outsole, midsole and insole support and cushioning—there’s just enough support to feel pillowy without sacrificing your foot and ankle stability.

Initially, I was skeptical about how it would hold up during a resistance training circuit, given its thick rubber outsole.

However, it performed impressively well, providing a strong, grounded feel during exercises like goblet squats and lateral lunges.

During high-impact activities like running and HIIT, the Commit 4 really shone.

I breezed through a 5K with happy feet that felt protected with every stride.

Its flexed grooves on the outsole allowed for smooth lateral movements, making movements like side shuffles and burpees comfortable and stable.

Despite its slightly bulky appearance, it’s surprisingly lightweight, thanks to its breathable upper mesh.

One of the best features of the Commit 4 is its price. Wearing these felt comparable to high-end models but at nearly half the cost.

There are only a few downsides to the Commit 4. Like most cross-training sneakers, it has more cushioning than is ideal for weightlifting, making it less stable for anchoring during exercises with a heavy barbell. A barefoot or minimalist shoe would be better suited for that.

While the Commit 4 offers great support, it may not provide enough motion control for overpronators or those with flat feet.

Lastly, if you prefer vibrant, colorful shoes, you might find the options lacking—men’s choices are mainly neutral and women only have a single color option (white).

Best budget

“You get what you pay for” often rings true when it comes to cross-training shoes—usually, the cheaper you go, the more you’ll sacrifice quality.

Thankfully, that’s not the case with the Puma PWR Hybrid. At $80, it's a budget-friendly option that performed well in most activities.

The shoe's cushioning, combined with reinforced ankle and heel supports, makes each stride feel supportive yet pillowy, especially during high-impact exercise like running.

Though it isn't a high-top design, the shoe fit a little higher than most sneakers I’ve tried, which reinforces that feeling of security and support.

I typically only run in sneakers designed for overpronators, yet the Puma PWR Hybrids—designed for a more neutral stride—felt comfortable on a 5K run.

I wouldn’t wear it for longer distances—preferring a motion-control shoe to support my overpronation—but for short runs or walks, the Hybrids felt great. Even better, they didn’t scuff up or show signs of wear after testing.

While the Hybrid’s generous cushioning felt reassuring for high-impact activities, it was somewhat of a hindrance for weight training.

During sets of dumbbell squats and lunges, the cushioning, thick rubber outsoles and 8mm heel-to-toe drop affected my balance and sense of contact with the floor—elements that are crucial for heavy lifting.

The outsoles also boast Puma’s PUMAGRIP performance rubber that’s designed for traction. I found the traction adequate enough for my usual workouts, but I wouldn’t rely on them for an obstacle course or CrossFit workout.

If you’re not into heavy lifting and mainly do light resistance training or cardio, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better quality shoe at this price.

Best for lifting

The NOBULL Outwork combines the lower heel-to-toe drop of minimalist shoes and the built-in support of the most popular cross-training sneakers.

This makes them a versatile footwear choice for those who enjoy CrossFit, heavy weightlifting, and HIIT classes in equal measure.

I usually wear classic Converse sneakers (or go barefoot) when working with a heavy barbell, since the thick outsoles and excessive cushioning of traditional cross-trainers can affect foot and ankle stability.

Thanks to the Outwork’s 4mm drop and super-stiff insole, I felt stable and anchored to the floor during every squat and deadlift. When I added in a few dumbbell lunges, I continued to feel supported and strong.

Not only great for the squat rack, the NOBULL Outwork also shone during HIIT and circuit training as well.

While they did start to feel a little heavy in a round of box jumps and burpees, I was able to change direction quickly without fear of twisting an ankle or losing balance.

The Outwork’s outer SuperFabric construction is water-repellent and virtually tear-proof, so they would last you through several seasons of CrossFit classes or even a few obstacle course races.

However, if you’re more inclined to run on the treadmill than pick up a weight, the NOBULL Outwork may not be your best choice.

Their hard insoles were excellent when I was squatting and lunging, but they started to make my feet ache halfway through a 5K. The SuperFabric construction also contributed to my aching feet—the Outwork is a durable shoe, but hard to fully break in.

NOBULL suggests purchasing the Outwork a half-size up from your normal shoe size, and this is advice I should have heeded. I tested a pair in my usual US Women’s size 8, and my toes were a bit squished. An 8.5 would have been more comfortable.

Best for running

I’ve been using the Brooks Adrenaline line for years, as it has allowed me to keep running despite having flat feet. If you also have flat feet, you’d have a hard time finding a better and more supportive shoe.

This is all down to Brooks’ GuideRails technology, which is essentially two pieces of foam on the inner and outer sides of the heel. The clever positioning of this foam reduces excessive shin and heel movement while walking or running, gently correcting your stride and keeping your ankles, knees, and hips in alignment.

This feature has been a game-changer in my running and got me through a 10K race without my usual aches and gripes.

For those blessed with normal arches and neutral strides, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 may lack the bouncy, energetic responsiveness you’d want in a running shoe. Combine that with a bulkier heel and outsole, and you might start to feel like you’re running in bricks instead of Brooks.

The plus side to that lack of springy cushioning is that the Adrenaline GTS 25 performs well during resistance training, which is something that most plush running shoes can’t claim.

I always feel comfortable and supported wearing them for squats, lunges, and deadlifts, although I’d slip them off to lift anything super heavy. They’re great for rounds of HIIT and other high-impact activities too, not to mention walks on the pavement or treadmill.

The Adrenaline’s mesh upper is breathable yet supportive, with a low-profile silhouette. The available colorways are neutrally-focused with a few pops of color. That’s a plus for me, but a downside for those who like flashier sneakers.

The cost is also a drawback—the $155 price tag is steep but worth it if you overpronate.

Best for CrossFit

The first version of the R.A.D One nabbed a spot on our list for its exceptional comfort, stylistic versatility, and lightweight design. The one area it fell short was stability, as it didn’t have the same secure feel on the foot as other cross-training shoes.

I’m happy to report that, where stability is concerned, the R.A.D One V2 has come a long way from its predecessor.

It performed as well as the NOBULL Outwork—my pick for best lifting shoe—on a round of heavy squats and deadlifts.

The outsole is also a bit more flexible than the Outwork’s, which made lunging more comfortable. I wouldn’t necessarily lace it up for any 1-rep max attempts, but for most other lifting activities, it works well.

The R.A.D One V2’s stability extends to high-impact activities, too. Lateral movements like skaters felt supported and safe, with enough midsole responsiveness to cushion box jumps and burpees.

My feet did start to ache a bit after a longer H.I.I.T class, but that was partly because of a narrow toe box I hadn’t broken in yet.

Avid CrossFitters will also appreciate the R.A.D. One V2’s flexibility and durability. The all-rubber wave pattern on the outsole protects the shoe from premature wear and tear, while also providing good traction for rope climbs.

There’s enough cushioning for short bouts of high-impact cardio, but the shoe started to feel heavy and hard on longer runs and walks. I ended up switching them out for my Brooks Adrenalines after the first mile of my run, and my daily hour-long walks started to get uncomfortable around the 45-minute mark.

At $150, the R.A.D One V2 isn’t exactly budget-friendly. However, its high-tech design, durability, and adaptability more than justify the price.

Best for wide feet

Having tested and reviewed previous Nano models, I was particularly impressed with the Nano X5’s comfort and support.

The new aptly named Dualresponse midsole enhances ground contact and stability, making it ideal for my heavy squat and deadlift days, and transitioned well to more cardio-based workouts.

Unlike many shoes with a thicker outsole, the Nano X5 didn’t negatively impact my stability or compromise my barbell work.

The Nano X5 delivered solid support to my feet and ankles throughout each movement.

I felt balanced and cushioned during high-repetition dumbbell lunges and burpees, where the insole—with little toe-spring—provided just enough comfort while maintaining responsiveness.

For avid CrossFitters, the X5’s durability and stability will help you tackle WODs as well as Olympic lifts.

I have prominent bunions on both feet so I appreciated the wider-than-average toe box of previous Nano models.

The Nano X5 is no different; however, the wider fit—especially in the heel—caused some noticeable slippage during wear. Tightening the laces helped, but this is worth noting if you have narrow feet.

Due to its suitability for lifting, the Nano X5 struggles with middle or long-distance running. I made it through my usual 5K without having to switch shoes but my feet were uncomfortable by the last half-mile.

At $140, the Reebok Nano X5 is priced on the higher end of the market but could be a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about training and need to tackle anything your Box throws at you.

Best for comfort

The Hoka Solimar achieves a near-perfect balance between comfort and stability. Its pillowy midsole is springy and responsive, providing excellent support from toes to ankle.

Known for its thick, boxy soles, Hoka’s designs haven’t always appealed to me, but the Solimar has a sleeker profile and moderate heel-to-toe drop. It offers the cushioning Hoka fans love without compromising a streamlined aesthetic.

What impressed me the most was Solimar’s lightweight feel. Usually, even a moderately-dense outsole will start to feel heavy on the feet as the miles tick by. But the shoe remained lightweight throughout my weekly 5K run. The stretchy, thin mesh upper paired with the airy rubber outsole delivered a barely-there feel.

Most super comfortable trainers sacrifice stability (especially through the ankle) but the Solimar held up surprisingly well during HIIT and resistance circuits. Its lateral support was particularly impressive—the reinforced heel minimized excessive side-to-side motion, keeping me strong and stable during burpees and weighted lunges.

The Solimar signature “Meta-Rocker” technology enhances toe-off smoothness for runners, which is a bonus for treadmill or sidewalk runs. However, this design can reduce stability during weightlifting—heavy squat and deadlifts call for a more stable shoe—or other exercises requiring firm ground contact, but that’s not what the Solimar is designed for anyway.

If you’re an overpronator like me, I’d think twice about the Solimar, especially if you have long-distance runs in your training plan. While the support on these shoes felt great for the most part on shorter workouts, my ankles began to tire after a few kms/miles.

It should also be noted that at $125 the Solimar isn’t outrageously priced, but on the pricier side compared to models like Under Armour Commit 4, which offers similar comfort and support but without the same lightweight feel.

Best for outdoor workouts

The Under Armour Reign 6 may not be as plush as some cross-training shoes on the market, but that could be a good thing depending on your favorite activities.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Reign 6 is its thick rubberized outsole, equipped with deep grooves for the best traction possible for all-conditions training. This feature is ideal for competing in outdoor obstacle races or CrossFit workouts—I’m sure the Reign 6 has never met a rope it can’t climb.

Many cross trainers use a design feature called toe spring to improve foot propulsion during walking and running. The downside to toe spring is that it can hinder proper contact between your big toe and the ground—one of the reasons why most sneakers aren’t appropriate for lifting.

The Reign 6 doesn’t have any toe spring, and without the springy cushioning found in popular cross trainers, it makes it a top choice for weightlifting—I was able to squat, deadlift and lunge while feeling stable and anchored to the ground. Under Armour’s trademarked “TriBase” triangular plate provides three solid points of contact with the floor, which kept me feeling supported during all my heavy barbell sets.

The Reign 6 shines in the weight room, but may not be ideal for long cardio sessions. It performed adequately for a short HIIT class but left my feet cramping up after a 5K run. The lack of cushioning takes some getting used to, especially if you’re accustomed to more padded cross training shoes.

Also tested

The TYR CXT-2 is the latest version of the brand’s popular cross trainers, designed full of enhanced features and stability. The sides of the shoe and the heel are reinforced with a flexible but sturdy material, making it feel very stable. It also has a supremely grippy outsole, which helped my foot stay anchored and balanced during my workouts.

I usually have to compromise some comfort and flexibility for optimum stability but this TYR upgrade strikes an ideal balance—during heavy squats and lunges, my ankles stayed stable and toes moved freely.

The shoe also has a foam midsole that offers moderate cushion and bounce for dynamic movements. They held up okay for a 20-minute HIIT workout and a light 5K walk-run but there are better options for higher-impact sessions.

Although TYR CXT-2 claims a wider fit than previous versions, the shoe still felt snug across the ball of my foot, especially tricky for anyone dealing with bunions, as I do. I don’t usually expect ‘wider-fit’ models to pinch or cause me issues so that’s something to be aware of.

One minor design flaw was the thick, padded tongue, which pressed uncomfortably against the top of my foot when the lacing system wasn’t tied properly. If you’re someone who likes to slip shoes on and off, this could be frustrating.

The Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 pairs well with your favorite jeans and your favorite workout clothes, and that’s a flex most sneakers can’t claim.

The mesh upper and lower-profile rubber outsole lend themselves to everyday wear better than traditional athletic shoes, without compromising on the cushioned support that casual shoes normally lack. I wore the Tree Dasher 2s almost all day every day during testing.

Inside the gym, the Allbirds Tree Dasher 2s performed quite well. I felt stable enough for moderately heavy dumbbell squats and deadlifts, and treadmill walks felt comfortable and supported. Short jogs felt okay too, but since I’m an overpronator my feet didn’t feel stable enough to run more than a mile in them. That’s something to keep in mind if you don’t have a neutral stride.

While the mesh upper is a plus for comfort, it’s a drawback for high-impact activity. While doing a round of HIIT, my ankles wobbled considerably during exercises like skaters and high knees. That being said, the Tree Dasher 2s didn’t feel quite as unstable as other mesh shoes I’ve tested and I was impressed at the level of stability they provided given their materials.

The Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 claims to have an “easy slip-on design,” but to be honest I was never successful at doing so and always had to bend over and pull them on. They’re also expensive—at $135, the Tree Dasher 2s are almost as pricey as my tech-heavy running shoes. However, it’s also worth flagging that this is an eco-friendly shoe, made from sustainable vegan materials. If that’s important to you, the price tag is justified.

If comfort is your main priority when choosing a training shoe, the Under Armour Dynamic IntelliKnit Ele-Grit will not disappoint.

Sliding on the Ele-Grit feels like slipping into a pair of house slippers. The upper, crafted with Under Armour’s lightweight “IntelliKnit” material, stretches and conforms perfectly to your feet. I have sizable bunions but these shoes didn’t require the usual (and painful) break-in period—no new-shoe throb at all, which was very impressive.

The shoe’s comfort is further enhanced by Under Armour’s “Flow” technology, which integrates a cushy midsole and responsive outsole. Despite the ample padding, the Ele-Grit shoe remains lightweight and free of bulk, making walking and light resistance training a breeze, while still feeling supported.

However, the shoe does show limitations during high-impact or lateral movements. During HIIT exercises and a mid-distance run the IntelliKnit upper lacked sufficient support on the sides—particularly for someone like me with flat feet and severe overpronation. This led to instability during high knees and squat jumps and achy ankles halfway through a 5K run. If you have a more neutral stride, this might not be as much of an issue.

The knit material, while breathable, has a tendency to stain easily, which, while a minor gripe, could be inconvenient. Additionally, the price point feels steep compared to other versatile options, like the more affordable Under Armour Commit 4 or the durable and trusted Brooks Adrenaline, which is my usual training shoe.

As a certified personal trainer, one of my best pieces of advice is to find an activity you love and stick with it. For many, the high-energy vibes at a dance class are the best form of motivation.

The one drawback to dance fitness formats like Zumba and Jazzercise is that the choreography can sometimes lead to twisted ankles and knees, usually during movements where the ball of the foot is planted on the floor and the knee and hip revolve around it. Thankfully, Ryka has solved that problem with the Devotion XT training shoe.

The Devotion XT’s outsole features a smooth, circular patch under the ball of the foot called a +Pivot Point, which allows the wearer to twist and turn their feet in a fluid motion. I wore them for a 30-minute Zumba class, and for the first time ever I was able to perform the movements without my shoes catching or sticking on the floor. This felt a lot safer (and a lot more comfortable) for my ankle and knee joints.

Not only great for dance fitness, the Devotion XT’s super soft insoles and shock-absorbing EVA make them a good choice for walking or light to moderate circuit training. My feet felt well-cushioned when I tackled a treadmill session.

If you’re into more intense athletic pursuits like powerlifting, HIIT training, or running, the Ryka Devotion XT may not be your best shoe option. During a round of burpees and box jumps, I felt my ankle give way a few times due to the lack of strong lateral support around the heel.

While all that cushioning may feel nice, it will negatively affect your foot stability—a crucial element when you’re lifting heavy weights or running long distances. In fact, I removed the shoes after performing a few warm-up barbell squats because I felt so unstable. Additionally, my foot started to feel a bit squashed after an hour of wearing them, despite the wider toe box.

Wearing the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III with its wide toe-box, low drop and minimal cushioning will train your feet to move more naturally, more so than traditional footwear. Without the cushy insoles and high-tech stabilizers found in traditional shoes, your foot has to work harder to propel and support your body during movement. That improves your stride and overall strength and stability.

However, transitioning to barefoot shoes and wearing them for all your activities isn’t an overnight process—just as you can’t expect to lose 50 pounds instantly. It takes time to build the necessary foot strength and rushing the process could lead to discomfort or injury. Fortunately, Vivobarefoot offers a free course to guide you through this transition.

I don’t wear barefoot shoes often but I enjoy using them for heavy squats and deadlifts. The Primus Lite III provided a good compromise between my cushioned running shoes and going barefoot. They kept my feet feeling strong, stable and well-connected to the floor during my lifts—more so than with traditional sneakers. Plus, the more classic design helped me feel more comfortable wearing them.

On the flip side, they didn’t work so well for my cardio workouts. A 30-minute treadmill walk in the Primus Lite III left my ankles feeling sore, HIIT circuits were tough on my joints and running my usual 5K wasn’t even possible—I switched shoes half a mile in.

To be fair, my feet have some issues. Genetics and years of wearing unsupportive shoes have left me with overpronation and large, aching bunions. Although wearing the Primus Lite III consistently might improve my foot health, I don’t have the time or energy to make the transition. If I find it challenging as a fitness professional, I imagine it’s even more challenging for beginners. - Reviewed by Jennifer Rizzuto

How we tested the best cross training shoes

Before we recommend a set of the best cross-training shoes, we put them to the test to see whether they offer the right level of support you need for multi-activity workouts. Before we even lace up a pair, we look at whether the shoe has a men's, women's, or unisex edition.

One of the most important factors is how comfortable they feel, so we evaluate the overall fit, the types of materials used, and whether the shoes need to be worn before they soften. Similarly, we check to see if the fabrics are breathable to help you avoid sweaty feet.

As we use them for our own workouts, we consider how supportive they feel during different exercise styles. To see if they're best suited for certain activities, we wear them during HIIT workouts, quick cardio sessions, and resistance training and weight lifting.

We take note of essential design considerations like the amount of lift around your heel, how much cushioning is in the sole and where on your foot it is, and if there's sufficient support around your ankle.

FAQs

The best exercise bikes offer an alternative way to get your cardio fix away from the treadmill.

Unlike running, cycling is a low-impact form of exercise that will save your knees, hips and ankles from the stress of repeated strides. Exercise bikes tend to be cheaper and much more compact than the best treadmills, but they offer similar health benefits such as boosting your metabolism, burning calories, and improving your aerobic capacity, among others.

These advantages make them a fantastic option for exercising at home, but which one should you add to your fitness kit collection? We’ve tried and tested some of the best models on the market to help you decide, sussing out their strengths and weaknesses and reporting back so you can find the best exercise bike for you.

Best exercise bike overall

The Peloton Bike+ is a fantastic release from the brand’s bike collection, and it’s a real beauty. This exercise bike scored five stars in our tests and provided a smooth and comfortable ride—but it’s expensive. For what you pay, you’ll benefit from a large, 24-inch display screen (bigger than its predecessor, the original Peloton Bike). The screen can be swiveled around so that you can do workouts off the bike with a range of instructors—something we appreciated for mixing up our workouts.

Made with carbon steel, the Peloton Bike+ is luxurious, and a heavy flywheel makes riding the bike extremely smooth. Even when you’ve worked up a sweat, the handlebars remain easy to grip, and the resistance is automatically adjusted when you’re doing a workout class.

During our tests, we found the sound quality from the Bike+’s screen was great and plenty loud enough, but there is the option to plug in headphones if you prefer. To access a huge range of classes and live workouts, however, you will need to factor in an additional monthly membership fee.

If you’re serious about bagging the best exercise bike around, the Peloton Bike+ really delivers. Its only real downsides are the initial outlay and ongoing costs.

Read our full Peloton Bike+ review.

Best budget exercise bike

The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike exceeded our expectations as a budget exercise bike. It’s sturdy, near-silent to use and offers an impressively smooth ride thanks to its heavy flywheel. There are plenty of resistance settings thanks to the dial-controlled brake pad, and a simple LCD monitor provides basic real-time metrics on your distance covered, estimated calorie burn and speed.

It’s comfortable too, with a plush saddle that can be moved up, down, forwards and backwards, as well as tilted, to put you in a powerful cycling position. The handlebar can also be moved up and down to suit your body shape, and our writers found this customizable design element meant they were able to complete lengthy cycling sessions without suffering from an aching back.

It does have its limitations—there’s no associated workout app or cinematic touchscreen like you’ll find on pricier bikes. There are also no preset programs, so if you want to follow a structured session you’ll have to source it yourself. However, there is a phone or tablet holder on the handlebar, so you can find a class on YouTube or an exercise app like iFit to follow.

Read our full Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike review.

Best alternative to the Peloton exercise bike

We think the Echelon EX3 Smart Connect Max is a fantastic, affordable alternative to a pricier Peloton. This might seem like an odd claim given its lack of an in-built touchscreen, but this exercise bike still provides immersive workouts courtesy of the expansive Echelon Fit app, which you can stream via your phone or tablet. There’s also a handy holster above the handlebars to hold your smart device.

The app has enjoyable, instructor-led classes to suit all fitness levels, from beginners to spin-class aficionados, though you do have to pay a monthly membership fee to access it. However, when the machine itself is under $1,000 (less than half the price of a Peloton Bike+) this seems more reasonable. The machine looks slimline and smart, it’s small enough that it doesn’t dominate your living room, and the flywheel moves smoothly at all 32 resistance levels.

Read our full Echelon EX3 Smart Connect Max review.

Best exercise bike for a realistic feel

If you’re looking for an exercise bike that is less like a spin class and more like riding a real bike up a Tour de France mountain course, the best option, dollar for dollar, is the Wattbike Atom. There’s a reason why this brand is trusted by gyms and super-keen cyclists around the world.

The Wattbike boasts exceptional build quality and an array of smart features, all of which we took advantage of during testing.

Chief amongst these is seamless connectivity to virtual training apps like Zwift and TrainerRoad, which automatically adjusts the resistance (using the bike's ANT+ sensor) as you race through real-life cycling stages. The Atom also connected instantly to Bluetooth accessories (heart rate monitor and Garmin watch).

Another clever tool is the Pedal Effectiveness Score, which tells you how well your pedaling efforts are balanced between your left and right legs.

Obviously, for many people, this is way over the top, but those looking to really push themselves to the limit and hone their technique with deep dives into the stats provided will love the Wattbike Atom. It's a serious bit of cycling kit.

Read our full Wattbike Atom review.

Best robust exercise bike

If you’ve ever sweated through a gym spin class, there’s a high probability you were pedaling a Schwinn. That professional heritage means the 800IC (formerly the IC8) is remarkably user-friendly; it requires very little technical know-how to get it ride-ready, and it includes a pair of SPD clipless pedals right out of the box for those who already own dedicated cycling shoes.

This is a bombproof indoor trainer built around a weighty flywheel that provides a smooth, challenging ride for almost any fitness level. With 100 levels of direct-contact resistance, you have full control over every climb and sprint, ensuring you have full control over of the intensity.

Connectivity is also a key feature—the Schwinn has a Bluetooth 4.0 connection, USB port, and dedicated tablet holder. This gives compatibility with a wide range of third-party apps, such as Zwift, TrainerRoad and JRNY, so you can join your favorite virtual sessions.

While the Schwinn 800IC includes mini roller wheels to help you nudge it into position, its significant 105lb / 48kg heft means you probably won't want to move it regularly.

For more, see the full review of the Schwinn 800IC Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike from our colleagues on Cycling Weekly.

Best exercise bike for short workouts

If it’s time-efficient training you’re after, the Carol Bike 2.0 is hard to beat. This future-facing exercise machine uses the little-known REHIT (reduced exertion high-intensity interval training) principle to provide the cardio-boosting, calorie burning benefits of a much longer exercise session in under 10 minutes.

Rather than offering adjustable resistance settings, the bike uses an AI-based system to control your resistance and ensure you’re getting the most out of your (short) workout. This is something we found worked well, as our legs definitely felt thoroughly worked by the end of the sprint intervals.

The bike is sleek and sturdy, staying stable when we pushed the pace, and the flywheel offers smooth, near-silent performance. There are plenty of useful metrics to sink your teeth into, too.

Carol Bike's paid monthly subscription only gives you 20 workouts without any perky Peloton-style workout videos. You can connect to the Google Play Store, though, and use third-party apps such as Peloton Digital, or stream via workouts via YouTube.

It definitely has a serious price tag, but the Carol Bike 2.0 forges its own approach, which we think is well-suited to those who struggle to find time to work out.

Read our full Carol Bike 2.0 review.

How we test the best exercise bikes

We tested the bikes on this list by putting them through a series of fitness based challenges; we complete a high-intensity, spin style session on each bike along with a longer endurance ride. During testing, we make sure to examine each feature offered by the bike, then summarize our findings by concentrating on four key areas: design, features, performance and value for money.

How to choose the best exercise bike for you

Before you hit “buy” on one of the best exercise bikes, there are a few factors you should consider to make sure you’re getting a machine that can revolutionize your fitness routine.

Resistance level

The right exercise bike for you should be able to provide a challenging workout. One of the best ways to check whether it’s capable of this is to see what resistance levels it has to offer. If you’re a fairly experienced exerciser, you’ll want a greater range of resistance settings so you can increase the difficulty and intensity of your workout at the push of a button or twist of a dial.

Resistance type

To offer a range of resistance settings, exercise bikes tend to use two methods: friction-based and magnetic resistance. Friction-based machines have a brake pad that pushes against the flywheel. If you increase the resistance, the brake pad will push harder against the wheel, increasing how difficult it is for you to pedal.

This is usually adjusted using a dial or knob. Magnetic resistance exercise bikes, on the other hand, add resistance to the flywheel through magnetism. They tend to be quieter than friction-based bikes, but their highest resistance settings aren’t usually as challenging.

Price

Exercise bikes can vary wildly in price depending on the features on offer. Our best budget option, the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike, retails on Amazon for $439.99 but can often be found discounted to less than $300.

This is a fantastic option for anyone looking to buy a dependable, comfortable exercise machine, but it doesn’t have preset programs, a partner exercise app or a cinematic touchscreen.

If you want these features, you should expect to pay more, with the Peloton Bike+ costing $2,495 in its most basic form.

Frequently asked questions

Taking one of the best B12 supplements is a great way to ensure you get enough of this essential vitamin in your diet. It helps our bodies function properly, but it's also fairly common to not get enough through food alone, especially if you follow a plant-based or vegan diet. 

But it isn't easy to choose between all the similar-sounding options. To help you out, we've tested all the B12 supplements we recommend in this guide for taste, how easy they are to swallow, and whether it's clear what you're getting for your money. 

If you're on a vegan diet, it's vital to stay topped up, as vitamin B12 is one of the essential nutrients vegans often lack, so we've included several vegan-friendly options alongside choices for a range of budgets and dietary requirements. 

The best B12 supplements you can buy right now

Natrol is a well-known supplement brand that you can find at most grocery stores and pharmacies, so they are a dependable option. The container isn't exactly stylish, but it is recognizable and has stayed almost unchanged since 1980. 

With these pills, you'll get an impressive 208,330% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA), which sounds ridiculous, but helps improve the chances you'll actually benefit from the supplement, as your body generally only absorbs a tiny amount of this during digestion. 

We found these pills an interesting alternative to other B12 options. The fast dissolve technology means the small round capsules dissolve on the tongue—in other words, you don't need to wash them down with water.

The strawberry flavor is quite pleasant and makes it easy to wait the 30 seconds or so it takes the capsule to dissolve. The Natrol B12 supplements are a cost-effective option that will last you for just over three months. 

While we enjoyed taking the capsules (as much as you can do), we're not entirely sold that you need as higher a dose as this. Still, as you only need to take one a day, they're better value than many of the alternatives. And they're vegan-friendly. 

Ritual are a more premium supplement brand, which you'll spot from the up-market bottle design. The company aims to produce ethical, vegan vitamins with traceable ingredients, which is reasonably rare in the supplement space. 

You get 333% of your RDA per daily dose of two capsules, and there's a blend of other nutrients, like omega-3, vitamin D, and iron. The delayed-release design makes them dissolve in your small intestine, instead of your stomach, so you can absorb the nutrients more easily. 

The capsules were easy to swallow, thanks to the elongated shape, but they did have a slightly oily texture. There's a mint tab in the container, which smells nice, but doesn't make up for the unpleasant after taste, which repeated on us for a while. 

The Ritual Multivitamin is one of the most expensive in our roundup, costing $33 per pack or $1 per serving, but if you're willing to pay more for a nice bottle, ingredient transparency, and delayed-release technology, these might just be the best vitamin B12 supplements for you.

Now Foods is a family-owned, US-based supplement brand that's been in business for over 50 years, so there's a good reputation behind them. Each B12 capsule has a frankly silly 40,000% of your RDA, alongside folate (an essential nutrient during pregnancy). 

The capsules are suitable for vegans and we found them fairly easy to take—you simply let one dissolve on the tongue per day, or, you can chew it. It's convenient, but we weren't impressed with the medicinally sweet taste or that they took a fair while to dissolve. 

At $12.99 per 100 servings, Now Foods is a relatively good value option. Like Natrol, this vitamin dissolves on the tongue and contains a very high quantity of B12—this large amount of B12 is probably not necessary for most people. However, if you have a B12 deficiency, this option may help you to restore your B12 levels quickly. 

Ancient Nutrition doesn't have as long history as some of the others on this list, but the packaging is neat, and each container has 30 capsules that pack in 833% of your RDA of B12. 

It also contains the brand's 'TCM (Traditional Chinese Method) Blend', which aims to "support the body as a complete system rather than separate organs, a larger concept known as 'Qi.'" It's mostly herbal extracts and there's not a lot of evidence to suggest any specific benefits, but there's likely no harm to them either. 

If you worry about swallowing supplements, these aren't the choice for you, as we found the capsules were hard to swallow and you could really feel them pass down your throat. 

There's also an unusual smell in the bottle, but the capsules themselves are completely tasteless. Like Ritual's Multivitamin, it's an expensive option and works out to $1 per serving. And these are also not suitable for vegans as there are animal-based ingredients in the TCM blend.

HUM takes a more colorful approach, with a vivid pink label and pink pills. Each tablet has 41,667% of your B12 RDA, and packs in 30mg of calcium (3% of your RDA). They're vegan-friendly, too, making them an ideal option if you need to top up both nutrients. 

You only need to take one a day, so the 30-pill container works out to be around $0.33 per serving. The tablets aren't coated, but they are pretty small, so we found them easy to swallow and taste-free. 

But since they are so small, it seemed a bit wasteful to put them in such a large container, which easily could have fitted more than double the amount. 

Thorne's main business is in personalized supplements, but the company also makes several standard vitamins, like this B12 supplement. It also has a very high amount of B12, reaching 41,667% of your RDA. 

The suggested dose is one capsule up to three times per day, so a container will see you through about three weeks. And there's good news if you don't like swallowing supplements; we were pleased that the capsules are tiny, and therefore super easy to swallow. 

We can also confirm that they are completely tasteless. This supplement is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan-friendly. 

How we tested the best B12 supplements

As your body and nutritional needs are unique to you, we haven't looked at the long-term effects of the B12 supplements, as the effectiveness is a matter for you and your doctor. 

However, if you're going to take a supplement each day, you want to know that you're taking one that is easy to swallow, doesn't taste terrible, and makes sensible claims about it's ingredients without breaking the bank. 

But some expensive B12 supplements could still be good value, which is why we also evaluated whether the price of each option was fair in comparison to the alternatives. 

The dosage also plays a role here, as a supplement that seems to be a good price per capsule could end up more expensive if you need to take three multiple times a day compared to a one-a-day pill. 

How to choose the best B12 supplements

Price is an essential factor, as you don't want to break the bank on supplements, but the good news is that most B12 supplements contain more than 100% of your recommended daily allowance, so if you're on a tight budget, a low-cost supplement is a good place to start. 

But you'll also want to decide how you want to take it. There are capsules, pills, and liquid supplements (ideal if you want to add them to food or drinks) available, so you can pick which form you'd most likely take regularly. 

It's also worth reviewing the ingredients to see whether they match your dietary requirements. Although B12 is often recommended for vegans, not all B12 supplements are vegan-friendly, so it's worth checking before making a choice. 

However, it is important to stay topped up if you're following a plant-based diet. "Vegetarians or vegans also benefit from taking a b12 supplement, as it's found in a lot of animal-based foods," explained registered dietician Roxana Ehsani. 

FAQs

Look no further if you're looking for the best kettlebells to take your strength training to the next level at home. This weight type is a great workout accessory, whether you're taking on a muscle-building workout or adding resistance to bodyweight exercises. 

Many kettlebells look the same — round, stone-like weights with a handle — there are differences between them. For starters, the price can vary quite a lot, so we've made sure to include a kettlebell to suit all budgets in this guide. 

To help narrow down the choices so you can find the best kettlebell for your home workouts, we've only chosen weights with high-quality, durable materials and a flat base to prevent it from rolling around between sets. 

You'll also need to decide between fixed-load or adjustable kettlebells. If you prefer using a selection of weights, then an adjustable option might be best for you. But if you're choosing one or several fixed-load weights, then it's worth considering what size kettlebell you should get. 

Best kettlebells for building strength

We were impressed at how easy it was to change the load of the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell adjustable kettlebell. A top-mounted dial to adjust the weight offers a solid, definite click as you switch loads. Plus, it feels secure, so you won't need to worry about weight plates flying off during a swing! 

Since it combines six kettlebells into one — ranging between 8lbs/3.6kg and 40lbs/18.15kg — it also helps save a lot of space if you're training at home. It's a convenient and practical solution if you want to work your core and use the progressive overload technique to gradually increase the weight as you get stronger, especially since you won't have to buy new kettlebells all the time.

Despite its upsides, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 is more expensive than buying a set of fixed-weight kettlebells. And we found that adjusting the weight changes the kettlebell's center of gravity, which makes clean lifts and snatches harder to do than if you used a standardized competition-style weight, like the Kettlebell Kings adjustable option. 

But it is an ideal choice for beginners, as we found it great for adding some resistance to bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges. Plus, you can use the SelectTech 840 as a cheaper alternative to a pair of adjustable dumbbells for moves like presses, rows, and deadlifts. 

Sometimes the most simple, no-frills, does-the-job kind of equipment is all you need and this Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell falls under this category. Although its a very basic and traditional kettlebell to look at it does feature a shiny top coat of paint, which is there to protect the weight from any corrosion leaving it with a sleek look.

You can buy this kettlebell in various different sizes starting at 10lbs/4kg and ending at 45lbs/20kg, so there is an option for pretty much everyone when it comes to buying one or more. Plus, they are affordable enough that you won’t break the bank too much if you do fancy yourself a set of these cast-iron weights.

You might like to buy a rack if so though as they don’t have a fully flat bottom, making storage a little awkward and this isn’t ideal when resting your kettlebell between sets of a workout. 

Overall though the design of this kettlebell allows you to incorporate the weight into various different exercises without it being too bulky or the handle being too narrow for you to fit both hands-on during a strength session.

The kettlebell has a textured finish to enhance your grip but the glossy top coat that we mentioned above kind of counteracts hammered texture and does mean your hands may find things a little slippy the sweatier they get. This being said, it's not uncommon for people to work out with a pair of training gloves or use some powder during a kettlebell-based workout.

TRX is well known for selling suspension trainers and making staying in shape easier without a gym. The TRX training kettlebell is no exception to this. If you want a very simple kettlebell that offers premium quality and has a sleek aesthetic, we think you’ll like one or a few of these.

This kettlebell is made from cast iron, offering you durability no matter how hard you train. Its flat bottom means there will be no rolling when you set the weight down and the finish of this bell is made from a ‘gravity cast molding’ leaving a smooth finish and sturdy grip to rely on.

There are multiple weight options available so you needn’t worry about having to opt for a lighter or heavier option than you’d like. Despite the TRX kettlebell being made from top-quality materials, the weight is quite expensive, especially for the heavier kettlebell options the brand sells. If you want to buy more than one weight you may find yourself going above budget.

The Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell spans from 26.5lbs (12kg) all the way up to a hefty 70.5lbs (32kg) with seven cast iron plates inside—two 8.8lb (4kg), two 6.6lb (3kg), and three 4.4lb (2kg). The extensive range is ideal for beginners or advanced lifters and can accommodate various training styles. 

Although we didn't feel that changing the weight was that simple — it involves opening the kettlebell's steel shell and adjusting the weight plates using the provided Allen key — this is a sturdy, durable kettlebell that'll make it through even the most challenging workouts. 

Because changing the weight can take time, you wouldn't want to be switching loads during a time-bound HIIT session, for example. If you prefer strength training focusing on repetitions and extended rests between sets, this shouldn't be too much of an issue. 

When we tried loading the kettlebell up to the top weight, the handle's grip was quite uncomfortable to hold, but a bit of chalk made things easier. Despite this, the 35mm handle size is perfect, and there's plenty of space to fit your hands inside.

If you fancy adding kettlebells to your home strength training but are put off by the price of various options available, you might like to consider the Yes4All kettlebell. This option will leave a much smaller dent in your wallet while still delivering on durability and practicality.

You could say that the most appealing feature of this weight is that it’s made from durable cast iron and finished with a vinyl coating. This final finish to the bell not only looks good but it means you needn’t worry about disturbing your neighbors with noise during your workout or about damaging your flooring. Plus the solid cast iron makes it built to last long and it’s perfectly suitable for training outdoors.

The handle is nice and wide so it’s not awkward to train with and most people should be able to fit both hands inside it to perform two-handed exercises. But some may find the thickness of the handle a little too big. Although, some alternative kettlebells may have a smoother finish this Yes4All option offers a good grip with its textured handle. 

It also has a flat base so it will sit securely as you rest it down during your workouts and makes storing it away easier.

The JAXJOX kettlebell comes at a premium price, but the adjustable weight comes packed with features. It combines six kettlebells into one and has an electric adjustment mechanism to take the hassle out of quick changes. 

When you need to change the weight, which ranges from 12-42lbs/5-19kg (going up in 6lbs increments), you only need to press a button and it's equipped with six-axis motion sensors, allowing you to track your weight, reps, and accuracy as you train. 

This is synced up to your phone via Bluetooth where you can review your workout and performance. There are JAXJOX classes available in the app, but the downside is that you have to pay a $39/£32 monthly subscription fee to access the workouts.

Nonetheless, considering there is an abundance of free kettlebell workouts posted to platforms like YouTube every day you can still get your money's worth from this premium kettlebell. 

Despite the higher initial cost, it may still work out cheaper than buying several fixed-weight kettlebells and a storage rack. It’s a real winner for anyone looking to be space-savvy and avoid cluttering their home with workout equipment. 

However, because the electric adjustment mechanism needs power to work, if it runs out, you'll be stuck on the current weight. Fortunately, it's quick to top up with a short charge via USB-C. Still, you'll need to find a large space near your charger.

How to choose the best kettlebell for you

When it comes to deciding on the best kettlebell for your home exercise, there are a few things to consider that will help shape your choice. Our roundup above took into account various factors, but everyone will have different workout spaces at home and different levels and frequencies of exercise that are helpful to run over before buying a kettlebell. 

Size

The size of your weight plays a key role in how easily you can incorporate it into typical kettlebell exercises such as swings, overhead presses, and rows. The bigger the size of the kettlebell the more awkward and bulky it can feel and risks making your workout feel harder than it needs to be. 

Although adjustable kettlebells are extra convenient in many ways, they do tend to be bulkier in size. So if you like a smaller weight, a cheaper, less flashy kettlebell may suit your workouts better.

Weight

This will sound like an obvious point to consider but an easy one to misjudge especially when different fitness retailers list their weights in different weight measurements. For reference, we always list weights in pounds first followed by a conversion to kilograms so you know exactly what you’re looking at depending on your region. 

If you’re experienced with resistance training and regularly train with weight then you should have a good idea of what kind of weight your body can comfortably train with. You also might like to further your strength gains at home by buying a couple more weight options to graduate up into heavier loads and implement progressive overload into your training.

Whereas those who are newer to weight training and just dipping their toes into kettlebell workouts for beginners should try and avoid buying yourself a kettlebell that's too heavy for you to lift safely for the duration of a whole workout. Instead, start light, anything around 11-18lbs (5-8kg) is ideal for beginners and will help you familiarise yourself with kettlebell exercises as you gradually develop your strength. 

Fixed or adjustable

The traditional kettlebell is all you need when it comes to the actual strength-building and exercise part. You may be wondering why you would splash out considerably more on the sequel to traditional kettlebells, this being an adjustable one. 

An adjustable kettlebell can be a real money and space saver. When you get multiple weights in one weight that can be changed via a dial or button it seems stupid to take up more space with a long rack filled with multiple kettlebells. Buying multiple individual weights gets expensive too.

However, they are an expensive purchase (albeit you won’t find yourself buying multiple weights), they can be clunky to maneuver and you might have to buy two if you want to perform dual exercises to be more time-efficient and optimize strength goals.

Grip

Everyone sweats and kettlebell workouts are intense and demanding, making them a perfect recipe for slippy hands. This is why the grip is so crucial when buying a kettlebell. The finish of the kettlebell is one factor that feeds into the reliability of the grip. 

You’ll notice some kettlebells have a glossy finish to them. This might look good in your home gym, but this shiny surface may affect how well your hands can keep a hold of the kettlebell. 

Others may feature a textured sort of hammered finish which helps with grip level. The cheaper you go the more likely you are to find rougher patches on your kettlebell handle and unless you want to file this down yourself, it might be worth spending a little more on a kettlebell. 

Material

We don’t all have floors made of pure steel or neighbors who don’t mind the repetitive crash of a kettlebell hitting the floor during a HIIT workout. So if you worry about protecting your floors or about making minimal noise when you train with your kettlebell you should take a look at the ones made from cast iron.

This creates a durable kettlebell but also minimizes noise and helps avoid corrosion of floor surfaces. Another way to ensure your kettlebell avoids rusting or obvious visual faults is to pick one with a powder or vinyl coating as this provides extra protection and will endure outdoor training. 

FAQs

Research has shown that the best smart scales for body fat can increase the frequency of self-weighing, which in turn, boosts weight loss.

They often look similar to normal scales, but use smart tech to measure weight and body composition—the relative percentages of fat, muscle and water in the body. Tracking how much fat and muscle make up the body can help give an overview of health and fitness, and often encourages users to up their activity levels and improve their nutritional habits.

The best scales for measuring body fat can cost anything from $20 to $200, and the more you pay, the more features you can expect to get. Cheaper models tend to only track weight and BMI, while the more expensive options have a wider range of body composition metrics covered, as well as advanced insights on the companion apps.

Read on as we’ll take a deep dive into some of the bestsellers, looking at design, price, performance, accuracy and the pros and cons of each.

Best scales for body fat overall

The Withings Body Smart proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get really useful health insights at home. Sitting as the most budget-friendly model in the brand’s current range, this smart scale delivers all the essential body composition metrics without any of the gimmicks sometimes found in this kind of tech.

Its design is undeniably premium, featuring a vibrant color display and a minimalist tempered-glass surface that fits perfectly into any modern wellness space. One of our favorite features during testing was the frictionless Wi-Fi connectivity; unlike standard Bluetooth scales that require your phone to be nearby, the Body Smart handles everything independently, syncing your stats instantly.

In terms of performance, the data is impressively consistent, and the companion app acts like a digital health coach, providing deep dives into your metrics alongside practical lifestyle tips to help you reach your fitness goals. However, we did find that the data could benefit from better context benchmarking, as it isn’t always clear how your results compare to the averages for your specific age, sex, and height. Despite that minor oversight, for anyone looking to level up their health tracking with a reliable, stylish, and easy-to-use tool, the Body Smart is a top choice.

Best budget scales for body fat

The Renpho Smart Body Fat Scale features high on our list of the smart scales for good reason. Despite its low price, it’s quick and easy to set up, very accurate and has an impressive companion app that takes a deep dive into the stats.

The Renpho Health app also syncs with MyFitnessPal, Apple Health, Fitbit, Google Fit and Samsung Health, making it an easy one-stop shop to access all your health and fitness data. It’s smart and well designed, has a durable tempered glass surface and is a great way to keep track of your health. Available measurements from the scale include weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, and visceral fat estimates.

Best scales for multiple users

The Xiaomi Mi 2 is a solid entry-level smart scale for tracking body composition. It looks premium despite the low price, and the app provides some useful insights. It connects via Bluetooth but the lack of Wi-Fi means you can only use it with your phone and the app open.

A handy feature is the ability to create up to 36 user profiles for different people, so you won't have anyone interfering with your stats if they hop on the scales.

The scale itself only displays weight, so you’ll need to open the Zepp Life app for more data on the 13 body composition metrics it measures (which include body fat and muscle mass, amongst other things).

We found the body type feature on the app rather off-putting if not mildly insulting, with labels ranging from ‘thick set’ to ‘skinny’, which feels out-dated and potentially damaging language. If you can put that aside, it’s a decent and affordable smart scale.

Best scales for all-round health tracking

The Wyze Smart Scale X gives a detailed overview of health and fitness data at a budget-friendly price. It also provides weight trends so you can monitor changes in body composition.

It connects easily via Bluetooth, but that means you need the companion app open to record weigh-ins. Like most smart scales, it’s battery powered, and collates all your health and fitness data together if you pair it with Apple Health, Google Fit, or Fitbit. We think it gives a big bang for the buck with its built-in heart rate monitor – a great way to measure cardiovascular health and fitness.

Our main complaint is that there is no context or insights on the data recorded, but if you don’t mind that, it’s an affordable and decent choice for anyone tracking body composition stats like body fat and muscle mass.

Best scales for nutrition and lifestyle

The Withings Body+ is a very popular scale, boasting a range of quirky features like nutrition tracking (which you have to put in manually) and a weather forecast. Luckily, it also has the basics covered, with body composition allowing you to measure things like your fat-to-muscle ratio and bone density. It also has some position control technology, which will advise you where to stand on the scales for the best reading.

Like a lot of the other scales, it packs in helpful tracking and coaching tips. We also highly recommend the companion app, which is genuinely useful and pleasantly laid out. Unfortunately, it can only accommodate up to eight users, which is a much smaller number than the other scales in this list.

Best scales for Garmin users

If you use a Garmin watch or bike GPS computer, you'll likely already be using Garmin's Connect app. The Index S2 scale adds your body composition data to the app, which helps to paint a holistic picture of your health and fitness metrics.

With a color display, better sensors and more body composition metrics, the Garmin Index S2 is an upgrade from the older Index Smart scale.

What is lacking here, however, is any context about the stats. In fact, the scales and app offer the same information. Given that it's one of the priciest scales here, we would expect more advanced insights than just a history of your weight and body composition. It does track multiple weigh-ins over the course of a day though, so you can see how your weight might fluctuate from morning to night.

The Garmin Index S2 does what it says and does it well, measuring fat percentage, muscle, bone density and water in your body. But unless you already use other Garmin devices, you might prefer to save some money and get a cheaper scale.

Best scales for app support

There's a lot to like about this product from Eufy. It can be used by an unlimited number of users, which is useful if you have an exceptionally large household, and it can calculate all the basic measurements like body fat, muscle, weight and water. It can also track your heart rate, bone mass, and visceral fat.

The handy companion app has good reviews, with people praising its easy layout. It also syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit. Be aware that the scale will also generate a 3D rendering of your body after taking your readings, which is not something everyone will appreciate.

How we tested

We tested the scales for body fat by standardizing our weighing routine with multiple daily weigh-ins, including first thing in the morning, then again at lunchtime and then five minutes after that. We tested the smart scales for a minimum of two weeks, making notes of how easy they were to set up and use. Where we haven't finished testing a product, we've noted this in the article above.

We also looked at design, price, features, accuracy and performance, then analyzed the effectiveness of the companion smartphone apps. Finally, to get a proper sense of the accuracy of the smart scales for body fat, we used a professional body composition machine at the gym to compare results.

Frequently asked questions

The best workout earbuds can make a huge difference to how enjoyable your training is, but if your headphones aren’t right they can become more of a hindrance than a help.

The most important features on the best workout headphones are a secure fit, a water-resistant design, good sound quality and long battery life. Other features to look out for on the best wireless earbuds are active noise cancellation (ANC), so you can block out the world to focus on your training or, conversely, you may wants earbuds that allow for more awareness, so you can hear what’s going on around you for safety reasons.

We’ve highlighted a variety of picks below to suit different types of training.

How I test workout headphones

I test sports headphones by using them for a variety of workouts, including running and strength-training, and also test them outside of training to check their suitability for general use.

A reliable fit is the most important feature with workout earbuds because it doesn’t matter how good they sound or how long the battery life is if they fall out of your ears as soon as you get sweaty.

The quick list

Here’s a brief look at the best workout earbuds in all the key categories. Each set has a link that jumps to the more in-depth review below.

The best workout earbuds

Best overall

The Jabra Elite 4 Active offer a solid mix of features and value, matching or even outperforming some earbuds that cost more. Even though there are some options within Jabra’s own range, and on the market in general, that offer better sound and ANC, in particular, the Elite 4 Active still impresses on those fronts and will save you a packet.

Design: The Elite 4 Active buds are small and light, and the IP57 water-resistance rating means they will shrug off even your sweatiest workouts. Each bud has a multifunction button on it that you can use to control playback, activate your phone’s voice assistant, switch between ANC/awareness modes and even turn the headphones off. That last one is a rare feature in wireless earbuds.

Fit: The fact the Jabra buds don’t have wing-tips helps ensure they’re comfortable to wear all day, and I’ve found the fit secure enough for runs, gym workouts, cycles and even yoga. The Elite 4 Active buds don’t have the ShakeGrip coating on the Jabra Elite 7 Active and Elite 8 Active, which creates a slightly more secure fit, but I didn’t find it notably better when testing the Elite 7 Active buds.

Sound quality and ANC: The Elite 4 Active headphones sound great and you can adjust the EQ to suit your preferences. They offer powerful bass and clear sound across the range, and while pricier buds on this list offer better sound you pay more for that privilege.

It’s a similar story with ANC, though here the difference between the Elite 4 Active and the Apple and Bose buds is clearer. The Jabra earbuds filter out a lot and are great when traveling, but the ANC on newer, pricier headphones is more impressive.

Battery life: For small, lightweight headphones the Elite 4 Active offer great battery life, lasting seven hours on a charge and outperforming the Bose, Apple and Beats buds we’ve featured. A quick-charge feature gets you an hour of playback from 10 minutes in the case.

Alternatives: At their price the Elite 4 Active are the best workout earbuds you can get, unless you need a wing-tip or ear hook for a more secure fit. If you have a bigger budget then you get better sound and ANC from some of the buds listed below, or Jabra’s own Elite 8 Active.

Best budget earbuds

The JLab Go Air Sport headphones seem almost suspiciously cheap, but having tested them extensively I can say they’re a bargain—and the perfect pick for anyone who doesn’t want to spend big on workout earbuds.

Design: Despite the low price, the build quality is good and the IP55 water-resistance rating means the buds will withstand sweat or rain, even though they’re not fully waterproof. A connectivity concern I had was that the link between the buds and my phone sometimes dropped out if I had my phone in a thigh pocket—if you keep it around your waist, in a shorts pocket or on your arm, this won’t be a problem.

Fit: The fit is a stand-out feature because the ear hook design means the headphones stay in place no matter how energetic your workout is. I found them fine for running and bouncy HIIT sessions, and they even stayed in place during inverted yoga poses. I also found that I could wear glasses with the headphones without the hook getting in the way.

Sound quality: As you’d expect from headphones in this price range, the sound quality is not as good as on more expensive buds. It’s not so bad as to distract or annoy you during workouts, though. There are just three EQ modes and no noise cancellation, or a transparency mode, but that’s not surprising at this price. No, they won’t satisfy audiophiles, but the low price means you can use the JLab Go Air Sport headphones just for workouts and blow the rest of your budget on a better-sounding set of buds for general use—where you won’t need the ear hook and might want ANC.

Battery life: With eight hours of battery life on the headphones, plus another 24 hours in the case, you won’t need to charge up often. When you do, the charging cable is built-in to the case, so you’re unlikely to misplace it, something I found particularly useful.

Alternatives: JLab has the even cheaper Go Air Pop in its range as well, which are just as good as the Sport in all aspects, though they don’t have an ear hook, so the fit is less reliable for sport use. The Pop buds still fit quite well for low-intensity activities though, and have a smaller case than the Sport headphones because the in-ear buds are smaller.

Best for sound quality

The Sennheiser Momentum Sports headphones are the best-sounding workout earbuds I’ve tested, and offer a reliable fit for all kinds of exercise. They’re expensive though, and not the most comfortable to wear for long periods outside of your workouts.

Design: The Momentum Sport earbuds are quite large in-ear buds with a semi-open design that means they don’t completely block the ear canal. As a result, you don’t get the thumping sound during runs or walks that other in-ear headphones can create. They have an IP55 rating so aren’t completely waterproof, but will withstand sweat or rain. There is a touchpanel on each bud you can use to control playback, and you can also tap your cheek near the buds to play/pause and change sound modes.

Fit: Three sizes of wing and ear-tips come with the earbuds, along with a band without a wing. I found the wings created a secure fit for any kind of workout, including HIIT sessions with lots of jumping around. The downside is that the wings irritated my ears if I wore the earbuds for long stretches, which reduces their appeal for lifestyle use.

Sound quality: The sound is fantastic, offering exceptional clarity. The bass is powerful and you can adjust the EQ in the app, where you can also activate a bass booster mode for even more oomph in the lower ranges.

ANC and awareness: The ANC mode on the buds is good, if not as powerful in blocking out external noise as the ANC on the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Bose’s top earbuds. I found that the awareness mode brought in a lot of wind noise when exercising outside, but if you don’t need to hear your surroundings there is a wind-reduction setting, which was great for outdoor runs.

Heart rate and body temperature tracking: The extra tracking offered by the buds would be handy if accurate, but I never found the heart rate tracking was spot on during my workouts—when compared with a chest strap’s readings. The body temperature info seemed correct and could be useful for those training in hot climates.

Battery life: The buds will last up to six hours on a charge, with another 18 hours in the case. A quick-charge feature gets you an hour of playback from 10 minutes of charging. During my testing the buds would last more like 5.5 hours with ANC on, which is about par for the best earbuds.

Alternatives: The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a more comfortable set of earbuds with comparable sound quality to the Momentum Sport, though the wingless fit of the Apple buds is less secure. The Jabra Elite 8 Active and Elite 4 Active buds fit well and are more comfortable and cheaper than the Sennheiser buds; both don’t match the sound quality of the Momentum Sport. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are also a strong alternative with excellent sound and a pretty secure fit, and better ANC than the Sennheiser headphones.

Best for running

The OpenFit Air is the second generation of open-ear headphones from Shokz, best known for its bone-conduction headphones. Like other open-ear designs, this model positions speakers by your ear canals without blocking them, so you can remain aware of what’s going on around you, but the sound quality of this design is much better than that of bone-conduction headphones.

Design: The key design change is a more malleable earhook with a cutout center. The speakers hang by your ear canals and while they look large, the earbuds are surprisingly lightweight. There are four commands available, a double tap or long press on either bud, and you can customize the action each command performs in the app. I found the controls reasonably easy to operate but too easy to accidentally trigger. The IP54 water resistance rating is on par for sports earbuds.

Fit: The OpenFit Air improves the fit with its redesigned earhook. I barely noticed the presence of the earhook, even when using it for long periods and wearing glasses, and the headphones stayed securely in place while exercising.

Sound quality: The OpenFit Air performs admirably when competing with ambient noise from traffic, occasionally being completely drowned out by trucks, but I was surprised by how good they sounded in a quiet environment. There are four EQ settings in the app with the bass boost especially welcome if you like dance music.

Battery life: The battery lasts for six hours of music (or four hours of phone calls) and the case holds extra charge for 22 hours of music before you need to plug in with the USB-C cable. The new quick charge feature gives two hours of music off 10 minutes of charging.

Alternatives: Now the OpenFit Air is priced the same as Shokz’s OpenRun bone-conduction headphones, the only reason to opt for bone-conduction tech instead is if you want to run without your phone—the OpenSwim Pro include storage for music. If sound quality is the most important thing to you in your open earbuds, pay more for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds which sound noticeably cleaner.

Best for noise canceling

Bose’s top earbuds are designed for everything life throws at you, with a secure fit that’s great for workouts, tremendous sound quality, and the best ANC you’ll find. If you really want to shut out the world, these are the buds for you.

Design: The Bose buds are quite large compared to others like the AirPods Pro 2, but sit comfortably and securely in the ear thanks to the wing-tips they come with, though you need to pay extra for XS or XL wings—the latter provides the most reliable fit for sport in my experience. The IPX4 water-resistance rating is the minimum you need for sport and the buds will keep sweat and rain at bay.

Fit: Despite being big buds I found that with the wings twisted into place the QC Earbuds stayed put for a variety of workouts, even if they’re not as secure as an earhook when tackling high-intensity gym sessions. The fit is also comfortable for long periods, though buds without a wing-tip are better on that front.

Sound quality and ANC: The Bose buds sound great out of the box but you can also adjust the EQ in the partner app, where you can personalize the sound and ANC using a hearing test. The ANC is remarkable in how much it filters out and the buds are excellent for traveling. They also have an awareness mode, which is handy for general life, though I found it let in a lot of wind noise during outdoor workouts like running and cycling.

Battery life: The Bose buds’ battery life is par for the course, and they hit the numbers listed. The quick-charge feature isn’t that quick though: two hours of playback from 20 minutes of charging, whereas the AirPods Pro 2 last an hour after a five-minute charge.

Alternatives: The AirPods Pro 2 offer nearly as good ANC and sound quality for a little less, and have a more comfortable, if slightly less secure fit. The Beats Fit Pro are another cheaper option, though if you really do want the best ANC going, it’s worth splashing out on the Bose buds.

Best for Apple users

Apple makes life easy for people who buy several of its products, and the AirPods Pro 2 connect instantly to iPhones and other Apple devices, and switch between them seamlessly. This ease of use comes on top of the excellent sound quality, comfort and ANC you get with the Pro 2 earbuds, making them a top option for anyone with an iPhone.

Design: The AirPods Pro 2 are small and the case is easy to slip into a pocket or rucksack. The IPX4 water-resistance rating on the buds isn’t as high as others, but is still enough to withstand hour upon hour of workouts. The stem controls work well, with pinches and swipes allowing you to control playback and activate Siri, or switch quickly between ANC and transparency modes.

Fit: I found that the AirPods Pro 2 came loose during runs and indoor workouts with lots of jumping, though not everyone experiences this problem when using the buds, and the issue can be solved easily with a pair of third-party wing-tips. The advantage of the wingless fit is that they are comfortable in-ear headphones that you can wear for hours on end.

Sound quality: The sound quality of the AirPods Pro 2 is excellent, and while you can’t adjust the EQ directly on the buds, Apple’s Adaptive EQ automatically tailors it to suit your ears. The buds also support Apple’s Spatial audio, though both these features only work with iPhones, not Android devices.

The ANC on the AirPods Pro 2 is excellent, especially given how small the buds are. It filters out most external sounds and is particularly useful when traveling. The transparency mode is also good: when running or cycling outside you can hear your surroundings without the wind muffling everything.

Battery life: While there are earbuds that last longer, the battery life is pretty good on the AirPods Pro 2 given the small size of the headphones and their case. Even with ANC they’ll last six hours on a charge and, in a pinch, five-minutes charging in the case gets you an hour of playback.

Alternatives: If you want a small upgrade on sound and ANC the Bose QC Earbuds II are a little more expensive, while you can save a lot of money by picking up the Jabra or Beats buds listed here, which are still excellent all-rounders for sports and general use.

Best open earbuds

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the most ambitious and best open headphones I’ve tested, with Bose raising the standard for sound quality in an open design while also delivering the most comfortable fit I’ve come across. They are very expensive though, and you can find better value elsewhere.

Design: The earbuds have a barrel and hook design, where you roll the barrel behind your ear so the hook, which has the speaker on it, rests near your ear canal. This leaves the canal clear so you stay aware of what’s around you during workouts. While the IPX4 rating is not the highest you’ll find on workout earbuds, it’s enough that I had no fears about using the buds in the rain or during sweaty workouts.

Fit: This clasp-style fit is very comfortable and leaves the top of your ears clear, a benefit I noticed when I used the buds with glasses and hats. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are certainly more comfortable than in-ear headphones or other open buds I’ve tried, and they stayed in place reliably during runs, strength workouts and yoga sessions.

Sound quality: The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds sound better than any other open headphones I’ve tried and are the match of in-ear buds for clarity and depth in the upper ranges. The bass is pretty good too, if not as powerful as the best in-ear options, and I enjoyed using the Bose buds throughout the day as well as during workouts. However, in loud environments and when traveling, the open design is a downside, because your audio can be drowned out.

The buds offer Bose’s immersive audio, which can elevate some tracks to deliver a richer and more atmospheric experience. However, it hits battery life hard and I didn’t always notice much difference between the stereo and immersive modes.

Battery life: The buds last 7.5 hours on a charge, which drops to 4.5 if using the immersive audio mode, with the case adding another 19.5 hours. A quick charge feature nets you two hours of playback from 10 minutes of charging in the case. The battery life is good, though some buds last longer like the Jabra Elite 8 Active.

Alternatives: The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the best open headphones available, but good alternatives like the Shokz OpenFit and Cleer Arc II buds cost $100 less. If you don’t need the open design then the best in-ear buds like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Jabra Elite 4 Active or Elite 8 Active also offer better value and are more useful for outside workouts, especially when traveling.

More tried and tested earbuds

The earbuds below are all good options, but not quite good enough to make it to the top of our list.

The Beats Fit Pro pack a mighty punch with regards to sound quality, and those seeking powerful bass won’t be disappointed. The sound is backed up by a secure fit and good ANC as well, making the Fit Pro one the most well-rounded sets of headphones I’ve tested, if not quite as impressive as the Jabra Elite 7 Active.

Design: The in-ear buds on the Fit Pro are held in place by a silicone wing-tip, with a button on the outside of each bud. I often clicked this accidentally when adjusting the fit of the headphones during workouts, which is annoying. The IPX4 rating of the headphones is the minimum you need for workout buds in my opinion, but is high enough that you can sweat without fear of damaging the headphones.

Fit: In my experience, the wing-tip on the Beats Fit Pro creates a secure fit for any kind of workout, including sweaty indoor runs and frenetic circuit training—but it’s not the most comfortable tip I’ve come across. When using the buds for long periods I found they caused discomfort, which lessens their appeal as headphones to use in the office as well as during workouts.

Sound quality and ANC: The Beats Fit Pro deliver powerful, clear sound, and while you can’t adjust the EQ settings on the buds, they do have Apple’s Adaptive EQ, which will tailor the sound to the shape of your ears. They also offer spatial audio when using Apple Music.

The ANC on the buds isn’t as impressive as that of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II or Apple AirPods Pro 2, but it still filters out a lot of external sounds, while the transparency mode is one of the few I’ve tested that works well on runs and cycles. Often this setting on in-ear buds lets in a lot of wind noise when outside, but not with the Beats Fit Pro.

Battery life: While the Beats Fit Pro don’t last as long as the best buds from Jabra, or the Beats Powerbeats Pro ear-hook headphones, getting six hours from the headphones is still good, and you get an hour’s playback from just five minutes in the case.

The Jabra Elite 8 Active are the top sports headphones in the company’s range, and although I think the Elite 4 Active buds offer better value as my overall best pick (above), there are good reasons to consider upgrading to the Elite 8 Active.

For one, the Elite 8 Active offer better sound quality and ANC (active noise cancellation), with the latter being a notable improvement on the ANC you get from the Elite 4 Active. I’d say for their price, you can’t get better ANC and sound, though the more expensive Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Apple AirPods Pro 2 still outperform the Elite 8 Active headphones for me on this front.

The fit of the Elite 8 Active feels a little better than on the Elite 4 Active thanks to Jabra’s ShakeGrip coating. This might make the difference in keeping the wing-less buds in your ears during vigorous workouts, though the 4s stayed in place for me well. The battery life of the Elite 8 Active buds is also outstanding for such small earbuds, especially if you turn the ANC off.

Jabra has also upgraded the durability on its flagship sports buds, with the Elite 8 Active being waterproof, sweatproof and dustproof. The IP68 rating is higher than the IP57 on the Elite 4 Active, though the latter are also water resistant enough to withstand any workout.

Sony is well-known for its commitment to high-quality audio, and we thought that the WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds live up to these standards. If you want a long-lasting pair of headphones for your training that sound great, we'd put these at the top of your list.

Despite all the audio-focused features, they aren't overly complicated. Instead, they offer a hassle-free listening experience even during intense exercise. During testing, the earbuds stayed firmly in place while working out, and we could find a good fit from the range of tips. The companion app's fit test helped here, too.

Even with noise cancellation running, we saw that each earbud lasts for up to eight hours, topped up to 24 hours with the charging case. And we enjoyed the Ambient Sound mode, which helped us stay aware of other noises around us, like traffics, cyclists, and other runners. Plus, the Speak-to-Chat mode automatically pauses your music so you can chat without distraction.

Before wireless Bluetooth workout earbuds came around, wired varieties came with over-ear hooks to keep the headphones in place. The Skullcandy Push Active keep this tradition alive with a lightweight design for comfort.

We found that the size of the earbuds took some getting used to, but they easily stayed in place through every workout. It's unusual to find exercise-focused headphones without noise cancellation, but the extraordinary 44-hour battery life made up for it.

Skullcandy realized you don't want to spend time fiddling with your phone while training, which is why these buds support Skull-iQ voice commands for hands-free controls. During testing, we found that it's impressively accurate, convenient, and helps you focus on your workout.

Although there's no noise cancellation, the Skullcandy Push Active are equipped with a Stay-Aware transparency mode to hear what's going on around you, even with the earbuds firmly in place.

Read our full Skullcandy Push Active review

Head to any gym, and you'll see plenty of people sporting Beats headphones. They're a popular choice, and the Beats PowerBeats Pro are some of the most feature-packed in the range. The wireless earbuds have slight ear hooks to keep them in place, sitting just over the top of your ear like a pair of glasses.

We did find it a bit of a struggle to get them to fit snugly, but once they're in, they're not going to fall out during exercise. The company has dialed back the overwhelming bass they were once infamous for, opting for a more balanced profile with enough lower end to keep bass lovers happy.

However, without noise cancellation, we had to turn the volume louder than we'd like to make out details in noisy environments, such as a gym or while on a run. The PowerBeats Pro have a mid-range battery life, lasting around nine hours. Happily, a five-minute top-up should see you through almost 90 minutes in a pinch.

Read our full Beats PowerBeats Pro review

If you use a Samsung smartphone, then the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are an ideal choice for exercising. Although they'll work well with any Android device, we found that a few Samsung-specific features really make them stand out.

There's easy integration with Bixby, Samsung's digital assistant, and you can quickly switch the connection between your Samsung Galaxy phone, tablet, or smartwatch. During testing, we thought this helped the tech get out of your way, so you could focus on your training.

The audio quality is good, though you're better off with the Bose Sport Earbuds or Jabra Elite 7 Active if you're after high-quality sound reproduction. The buds weigh just 0.176 oz/5g each, so we didn't find them hanging heavy in our ears.

They come with Active Noise Cancellation, which you can adjust in the companion smartphone app, and offer a 20-hour battery life with the charging case. The Galaxy Buds2 are a decent mid-range set of workout earbuds, but primarily for Galaxy phone users.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds2 review

Unusually, the Sennheiser Sport True Wireless don't come with noise cancellation or a transparency mode to keep your attention on your surroundings. Instead, the company has created a novel, but fiddly, alternative; Focus and Aware ear tips. The idea is that when you want to block sounds, you put on the Focus tips. Want to hear what's going on? Switch to the Aware tips.

It's an interesting idea, but it doesn't quite work out in practice. During out time with these well-fitting earbuds, we got tired of constantly swapping the tips. Where other sets offer a single tap on the earbud, you need to reach into your pocket, find a flat surface, and manually change the tips.

This oddity aside, the sound quality is exactly as you'd expect from Sennheiser — well-rounded and customizable using the companion smartphone app. We can't say that they're the best sounding earbuds around but you won't be disappointed by the bass or treble performance.

Read our full Sennheiser Sport True Wireless review

How to choose the best workout earbuds for you

When choosing the best workout earbuds for your exercise routine, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. We've selected our list of exercise earphones based on several factors, but your choice will depend on how and when you work out.

Water and sweat resistance

When you exercise, you're likely to get sweaty. This makes your face damp, so your workout earbuds must be water-resistant to some degree. Similarly, if you like to train outdoors, you want to ensure the earbuds will survive in the rain. This is why it's worth learning how to tell if your headphones are sweat-proof to prevent water damage.

One of the most straightforward measures of water resistance is the Ingress Protection or IP rating. This is usually written as IPX, followed by a number between 0 and 9. If the headphones offer an IPX4 rating, they'll cope with sweat and light water splashes. Meanwhile, IPX7-rated devices can be used underwater in a depth of up to one meter for a maximum of 30 minutes.

In-ear fit

During exercise, you want your mind to focus on the task at hand, not having to reach up to your ear every few seconds to adjust your wireless earbuds. Consequently, the fit is one of the most important considerations when choosing workout earbuds.

Many in-ear headphones come with adjustable silicone tips so you can find a size that's right for your ears. Similarly, the best workout earbuds are often explicitly weighted to hang in your ear comfortably, even during intense or vigorous workouts.

Several of the top exercise headphones—like the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4— have a companion app with a fit test feature. This helps you find the right size tips for your ears to create an effective seal to help block out noise and keep them in place during physical activity.

Battery life

No one wants their headphones to run out of power midway through a workout, so choosing a set that will last for your whole session is crucial. Most wireless earbuds offer a few hours of battery life, so they should be suitable for various exercises.

If you're a long-distance runner, it's worth investing in workout earbuds that provide more than five hours per bud, as the quoted battery life is often lower in practice. True wireless earbuds often come with a charging case if you need a quick top-up.

Some sets also offer a fast charge, so you can plug in for five or 10 minutes to get an extra hour or two of use before recharging. If convenience is a priority, look for a set that supports wireless charging, like the Apple AirPods Pro.

Sound quality

It's all good finding a set of headphones that fit correctly, last a long time, and offer some level of water resistance, but they also need to sound good. Audio performance can be pretty subjective, but the most motivating music is usually bass-heavy.

As a result, you want to avoid cheaper, tinny-sounding earbuds. Likewise, if getting the audio just right is essential to you, look for a pair of workout earbuds with a companion app that allows you to adjust the equalizer.

Noise cancellation

Many true wireless earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This feature uses microphones on the outer part of the earphone to monitor background noise and create opposing audio to cancel it out before it reaches your ears.

Noise cancellation allows you to stay in the zone and focus on your exercise. Some sets also offer a way to temporarily override this with an awareness mode, letting you keep tabs on your environment, a valuable feature for outdoor workouts.

There's a slight trade-off between noise cancellation and battery life as this takes power. It's not a lot, so you wouldn't notice for most workouts, but if you enjoy long-distance running, the Jabra Elite 7 Active have on-ear buttons to toggle the feature on and off.

FAQs

While the best healthy air fryers have fast become one of the most sought-after kitchen appliances, they are still a relatively new invention. Originally pushed as a healthier alternative to a deep fat fryer, they can be used to produce crisp French fries – but with less fat and calories. But that’s not all – you can also air-dry doughnuts, roast chicken and make healthy roasted vegetables.

But with so many kitchen gadgets already filling up our countertops, you might be wondering: do I need an air fryer? If you’re undecided, read on to find out more about the different models of the best healthy air fryers available and in stock now. Our team has had hands-on experience reviewing some of the bestsellers, looking at size, price, design, usability and probably most importantly, how easy they are to clean.

So whether you want a compact space-saving option like the Magic Bullet, a quiet air fryer like the TaoTronics TT-AF001, or the BBQ-style Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill, we’re here to help you choose the best healthy air fryer for you. 

Best healthy air fryers

Ninja is one of those brands that you can always count on for innovation, and this product is no different. Combining an air fryer with an indoor grill that can also be used to dehydrate, bake and roast, this is an impressive piece of equipment.

We must admit it’s bulky, and the top opening lid requires clearance at the back to be able to open fully, so if you’re short on space it’s not ideal. But if you can get over this minor issue, you’ll get a great air fryer. It’s got an intuitive control panel and automatically preheats, plus everything can go in the dishwasher when you’re done.

During testing, the air fryer produced crisp golden fries, no matter whether they were from the freezer or hand cut. The 6-quart capacity allowed enough space to fit seven chicken wings side by side and they came out moist and succulent with crisp skin. We grilled burgers in just six minutes, but it’s worth noting it takes a lengthy eight minutes to preheat. 

Nevertheless the results were great, with a slightly charred taste and minimal smoke in the kitchen. The configuration means it’s not easy to shake fries mid cook, but you’ll get used to stirring them instead. The addition of the bake, roast, and dehydrate options means this will quickly become your go-to countertop cooking appliance.

TaoTronics might be best known for gadgets like audio products and fans, but it’s now making waves in the kitchen appliances market with a range of products. This family sized 6-quart capacity air fryer doesn’t come cheap (though it is often on offer), but we were impressed with the results when we put it to the test.

It’s got a whopping 11 presets to choose from, taking the guesswork out of selecting time and temperature settings for a variety of popular foods such as fries, bacon, and vegetables. This makes it a great option for those new to air frying and may feel uncertain about using one of these appliances.

During testing, we found the presets to be quite accurate and made use of the chicken preset to produce crispy, golden chicken wings. The fries preset was ideal for hand cut fries and it cooked crisp, golden fries with fluffy centers in the 25-minute preset time. You have to remember to shake the basket during cooking, though, as it doesn’t have an alert to remind you.

Frozen fries worked well too and its non-stick basket means cleaning by hand is easy, or you can pop it in the dishwasher and go put your feet up. There are no other functions to make use of—it can only air fry—but it does it well and the whisper-quiet operation means you can use it anytime without disturbing the rest of the household.

This small-to-medium size 3.7-quart capacity unit is perfect if you want a good value healthy air fryer and you don’t need a large capacity. It might be a budget-friendly choice, but the sleek black exterior and touch control panel certainly don’t feel cheap.

Helpfully, there are 11 presets, offering you the ideal time and temperature settings for a selection of common foods. We made use of the frozen fries preset, which gave us crisp and fluffy fries in 15 minutes, though we reckon they were probably done after 12 minutes. And we love that it beeps to remind you to shake the fries mid-way through cooking.

For hand cut fries we followed the recipe in the included recipe book, which suggests just 0.5fl oz of olive oil, they cooked in just 18 minutes but weren’t as crisp as we’d like, so you’ll need to experiment with the cook time. Chicken wings on the other hand came out beautifully crisped and tender, and cleaning the machine is easy with dishwasher-friendly parts.

The size is ideal for two person households and it’s not too noisy. Overall, given the price, this air fryer has a lot to offer. 

The brand is best known for its blenders and smoothie makers, but Magic Bullet now makes an air fryer too. It’s a small appliance with a modest 2.5-quart capacity that makes it ideal for one or two-person households. It’s one of the most compact air fryers we’ve reviewed, so if you’re short on counter space, it’s definitely worth considering.

Not only is it small and budget-friendly, it’s also very simple to use. With one dial for time and one for temperature, there’s barely a need to glance at the instruction manual. However, we suspect the ticking timer will be annoying to some. Plus, the temperature dial doesn’t have markings at regular intervals, so it’s tricky to be precise.

When it came to cooking, we were pleasantly surprised that there’s space in the small basket for five chicken wings without piling them on top of each other, and they crisped up nicely. Frozen fries were hot and crisped in around 20 minutes. Hand-cut fries were slow to cook, though, taking 30 minutes to cook through and crisp up. And despite shaking during cooking, they were a little uneven in color.

Unlike some other models, it’s not multifunctional and we were disappointed that the basket can’t go in the dishwasher. But all told, if you want a small and easy to use air fryer it’s up to the job, and the simple settings make a great choice for air fryer newbies.

Whether you have a large family or you love to entertain, this 10-quart capacity air fryer should be spacious enough to meet your needs. And like the other Ninja in this list, it’s a multifunctional appliance with options to roast, bake, dehydrate, and reheat.

The two separate air frying baskets can be set independently, as each has its own time and temperature controls, allowing you to cook your fries in one basket while your meat cooks in the other. What’s more, the two baskets can be synced which we found particularly useful. It means you can add all the food at once, but the air fryer will delay the side with the shorter cook time so that everything is ready at the same time.

We found it easy to use and it made crisp and succulent chicken wings. And although our fries didn’t have a consistent color, they were crisp and fluffy and tasted great. On the downside, this bulky appliance demands a good chunk of counter space, and it’s expensive. But both of these are to be expected if you want a large capacity air fryer that’s packed with functions.

The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 ClearCook has a modern set of features that really set it apart from the competition. These include a transparent viewing window that works with an interior light to illuminate your food for you to look in while it cooks. This is easily toggled using one of the touch controls on the control panel. 

There is a setting for air frying, roasting, baking, reheating, dehydrating, and grilling, which all function similarly but include pre-set temperatures and timings adjusted for different types of food. You can also control the temperature and timing buttons independently, and they can be set up to one hour and 400°F / 200°c. 

In our test, we really enjoyed how easily this air fryer browned our homemade chunky fries, and although there was not much shaking required to get an even finish, we appreciated that the Instant Vortex Plus gives you a reminder to turn or shake your food halfway through the cooking time to make sure your food will come out evenly cooked every time. 

The capacity of this air fryer is perfect for larger families but may be overkill for one or two servings. We have used it to air fry a whole chicken and meal prep with enough roasted vegetables to last the week.

Although it's easy to wipe clean, thanks to the lack of grooves and buttons, the touch control panel easily marks with greasy fingerprints. What's more, we were disappointed that the main drawer can't go through the dishwasher due to its viewing panel. 

The Philips Essential Air Fryer XL has a unique vortex structure at the drawer's base, which is meant to improve air circulation to crisp your food up from all angles. We found that this did a great job of cooking our homemade fries, but smaller foods, such as bacon, will potentially be blown around the cooking chamber if you turn the heat up high.

This air fryer has a panel of pre-set controls, with options for fish, chicken, frozen food, and even a vegetable setting. This will automatically set the temperature and time of your air fryer, but you can still adjust even when using these settings depending on what you're cooking. After all, not all types of vegetables or fish will require the same temperature or time. 

Unlike a lot of air fryers where there is a removable base that sits inside the central drawer, this one has a basket that lifts out of the air fryer using a handle, leaving any fat or juices in the base of the air fryer with no risk of them spilling out onto your plate. This does take up more dishwasher space when it comes to cleaning, though. 

When we tested this air fryer, it was noticeably quieter than the other models we tried, making it an excellent choice for those who live in a smaller space and who don't want to listen to a whirring noise while their lunch cooks. 

If you're looking for an air fryer to cook for one person at a time, look no further than the Instant Vortex Mini 4-in-1. It's got a 2-quart capacity that will serve two chicken breasts or a single serving of roast vegetables at a time. This means it heats up incredibly quickly and takes up minimal space on your kitchen counter.

In our tests, we found that this low-cost air fryer packed a punch in power. It cooked homemade fries in just 18 minutes, and slices of bacon took less than five minutes to crisp up. We tried it in the white color, which is a lot more aesthetically pleasing than many of the air fryers on the market. It also comes in black, blue, and red. 

The Instant Vortex Mini 4-in-1 has settings to reheat, grill, roast, and air fry, and it goes up to 400°F / 200°c. There is a single dial to allow you to increase and decrease the settings, and the rest of the panel is touch-operated. 

Another thing we enjoyed in testing was how easy the Instant Vortex Mini 4-in-1 is to clean — remove the insert and place this and the drawer in your dishwasher, or scrub the non-stick lining by hand using a little soapy water. 

How to choose the best healthy air fryer

If you're looking for the best healthy air fryer for your home, there's a lot to consider before making a choice. Although you can find an air fryer to suit most budgets, you'll also need to decide on a model that's the right size for your kitchen, has the features you need, and any helpful extras like shake alarms, timers, and automatic shut-off.

Capacity

Generally, the price of a healthy air fryer increases along with the frying capacity. Smaller models are typically lower cost than larger fryers, which can be useful if you need to cook for yourself or two people.

On the other hand, you'll need a larger capacity machine if you want to prepare food for a large family or if you're hosting. However, as the capacity increase, so does the physical size of the unit.

Functions and features

You can find healthy air fryers with pull-out trays and some with large bowls accessible from above. Which you choose will come down to the types of food you want to make and the layout of your kitchen.

Several models come with mid-point shake alarms to remind you to shake your food for an even, crisp fry, while others offer presets for a variety of foods to simplify cooking your favorites.

Cleaning

Washing oily dishes can be a challenge, which is why many of the best healthy air fryers come with dishwasher-friendly parts to make clearing up a bit easier.

However, if you don't plan on using a dishwasher, you may find that you can save a bit of money on a model without machine-washable parts. It's also worth considering how to disassemble the machine when it comes time for a deep clean.

How we tested the best healthy air fryers

Before we recommend any healthy air fryer, we thoroughly test each kitchen appliance, considering the cooking performance, how simple it is to use, and whether the unit is easy to clean. 

Cooking

We can’t bring you a list of the best healthy air fryers without testing how well they cook up fries. Not only do we cook up a batch of frozen fries to see how they crisp up, but we also grab some potatoes and make hand-cut fries.

For the frozen fries, we want to know how fast and evenly they cook, so we look at the color as well as the texture. To make fresh hand-cut fries we follow any guidance in the manual for the amount of oil as well as the cooking time.

We also check to see if the machine delivers soft, fluffy centers and golden brown, crisp outsides. What’s more, we cook chicken wings to see how well the fat drains away and whether the skin crisps up without the meat drying out.

Ease of use

In our experience, the best healthy air fryers are relatively uncomplicated, so there should be no need to reach for the instruction manual every time you want to use it. During testing, we check for an intuitive control panel with a good range of time and temperature settings that are easily adjustable.

If there are presets for popular foods like chicken and fries, we look to see if there are simple one-touch operations without having to scroll through fiddly or complicated menus.

Functions

While some air fryers can only air fry, many of the best healthy air fryers offer multiple cooking functions. We look at what options are on offer and whether they’re a worthwhile addition or a bit of a gimmick.

A multi-purpose air fryer with a useful selection of functions means you get more bang for your buck. On the other hand, if it’s packed full of functions you’ll never use, it might not be worth the money.

Ease of cleaning

Washing a greasy pan is a necessary evil when you’re cooking with oil. But thankfully, unlike frying on the stove, air fryers contain all the oil and splashes inside the appliance. But, we still want to know that the parts are easy to disassemble and clean.

We like dishwasher friendly parts, but not everyone has a dishwasher, so we also check if there are any tricky-to-clean areas or dirt traps that’ll become caked in grease or muck over time.

FAQs

Everyone should have at least two workout non-negotiables. One, always warm-up first. And two, drink water while you exercise.

We all instinctively know drinking water while exercising is a good idea—it's thirsty work after all—but once you hear what happens when you don't you're more likely to take it more seriously. According to sports medicine specialist Sarah Eby, MD, PhD, staying hydrated helps the blood carry more oxygen to the muscles, keeps your joints lubricated and helps your body cool itself down.

There's no definitive amount of water you should drink while exercising, but everyone likes to use the American Council of Exercise's guidance of 7 to 10 oz of fluid every 10 to 20 minutes during exercise.

That's quite a lot of liquid, so it pays to have a bottle with you to save having to do sprints to the water fountain when you should be resting between sets. Thankfully, water bottles are having a moment, so there have never been more bottles to consider. To help you choose the right gym water bottle for you, we've tested the best workout water bottles that are convenient to use, keep your water cool and won't leak all over your gym bag.

The quick list

Here's an overview of our recommendations. You can read more about our experience with each bottle below.

Best gym water bottles

Best overall water bottle for the gym

With a wide handle that boasts a sweat-free grip, the Takeya Actives Insulated Bottle is perfect for most gym goers. It has a double-wall made from stainless steel that keeps your drink cold throughout a workout – and the rest of your day.

The Takeya Actives Insulated Bottle also comes with a removable silicon base that protects the bottle from scraps and scratches, and helps to keep it in place in treadmill trays or cup holders.

I loved the addition of the lid hinge lock to the drinking spout, which prevented it from flapping back and hitting us on the nose whilst we sipped between sets. You can unscrew the entire lid for easy cleaning, or if you want to add ice. You also don’t have to worry about hand washing this bottle either, because it is dishwasher safe.

If 18 oz isn’t large enough for you, the Tekeya Actives Insulated Bottle is also available in 22 oz, 24 oz, 32 oz and 40 oz sizes, and nine stylish colorways. While I did find it slightly on the heavy side, I didn’t need to hold it during my workout, so this wasn't much of an issue.—Reviewed by Lee Bell

• Back to the top ⤴

Best budget water bottle for the gym

If you’re looking for a great value water bottle to take to the gym, the Camelbak Eddy+ is a fantastic option. It holds an impressive 32 oz of water, so it’s ideal if you get particularly thirsty during a workout. If this is too much for you, the bottle is also available in 20 oz and 25 oz designs.

The water is delivered through a drink straw that you flip up and bite to release the liquid. But don’t worry about spillages — it’s designed to prevent leaks when closed and spills when open, however this does mean you’ll need a strong bite to get a good drink.

The bottle isn’t insulated, so if you want super cool water, you’d be better off opting for stainless steel over BPA-free plastic. Having said this, it’s great value for a solid design, and it’s available in over 12 different colourways too.—Reviewed by Lee Bell

• Back to the top ⤴

Best gym water bottle with straw

The Stanley Quencher is an incredibly popular gym water bottle, made famous through the social media platform TikTok. This isn't that bottle, but a very similar one that's not constantly out of stock or on a waiting list.

The Stanely IceFlow Flip Staw Tumbler comes in two sizes — 20 oz and 30 oz — and there are a massive 24 color options to choose from. We tested both sizes and found that the 20 oz was perfect for carrying around with you, but the 30 oz was too large for gym sessions.

Thanks to the insulated design, it kept water chilly for several hours while we carried it around in a backpack in the middle of summer. Although still cool, it was no longer cold, so don't expect ice-cold water after a day out, but it's ideal for a trip to the gym, especially if you put some ice in.

The entire lid unscrews for easy cleaning, and the only detachable part is the plastic straw, which only takes a second to push back into the rubber slot. And the foldable straw opening is durable, so it's not going to break if you knock it, and easy to drink from.

Unlike some strawed bottles, you don't have to tip the IceFlow to continue drinking, so we found that placing it on a table or flat surface was a great way to take quick, refreshing sips between sets. But as it is technically open, be careful not to knock the bottle over.—Reviewed by James Frew

• Back to the top ⤴

Best leak-proof water bottle for the gym

It’s happened to the best of us: you didn’t quite close the lid properly on your water bottle before throwing it into your gym bag. Before you know it, your wallet is soaked, your earphones are unresponsive, and your back is left with a suspicious wet patch. This is where the Camelbak Podium Chill Water Bottle comes in.

To get liquid through the flow spout, you need to squeeze both sides of the bottle. The self-sealing design of the valve also prevents leaks or spills, although there is a locking mechanism too. I shook the bottle upside down for 30 seconds and didn’t detect any spillage, so this is definitely one you can chuck into any gym bag.

The Camelbak Podium Chill Water Bottle is designed to fit into most bottle cages, making it a great option if you’re a spin-fanatic or fancy a spot of cross training on the bike. It also comes apart for easy cleaning and is dishwasher safe, provided the temperature isn’t too high.

This is because it contains a layer of insulation to help keep your liquid cool. Plus, if it’s style you’re after, the CamelBak Podium comes in a variety of colors and geometric designs.—Reviewed by Lee Bell

• Back to the top ⤴

Best water bottle for protein shakes

Do you find yourself carrying two bottles at once; your water bottle and your protein shaker? Innermost’s Shaker Bottle can perform both functions so you can lighten the load in your gym bag.

The BPA and BPS-free bottle comes with a removable stainless steel whisking ball, so you can fill up with water to hydrate while you work out, then add the steel ball, a scoop of protein powder and fresh water to mix up a post-workout protein shake.

The bottle is made from Tritan, a BPA-free plastic, which makes it leakproof, lightweight, and dishwasher-friendly. Although, if you haven’t got a dishwasher, be prepared to invest in a bottle cleaner so you can get to hard-to-reach spots.

Measurements printed on the side are a simple design element but a welcome one, since it helps you keep track of how much water you’ve consumed.—Reviewed by Becks Shepherd

• Back to the top ⤴

Best filtered water bottle for the gym

Ah, filtered water. If only you could get it into your water bottle without awkwardly pouring it from a filter jug, missing the opening, and soaking yourself in the process. Well, you can. In this case, it’s Larq Bottle Filtered, a reusable water bottle made for workouts that filters water as you drink.

It features a double layered filter, with activated carbon to trap contaminates like chlorine and VOCS, and Nano Zero technology to grab onto heavy metals. The overall result? Great-tasting water, which you drink through a low pressure straw.

Sipping really did feel effortless, although I would have preferred the 25 oz version to the 17 oz, as you’re restricted by how much water you can actually put in the bottle due to the fact that the filter pushes the volume up.

For portability, the bottle comes with a silicone-coated detachable carabiner so you can attach the bottle to a rucksack or gym bag. A double-wall insulated BPA-free stainless steel keeps your water cold for up to 24 hours.

Although, be warned: the filters need replacing every two months, and they’re not exactly cheap.—Reviewed by Alice Ball

• Back to the top ⤴

Best gallon water bottle for the gym

If you’re looking for an easy way to drink more water, the Aquafit 1 Gallon Water Bottle can help you to hit your hydration goals.

This hefty vessel holds 128 oz of water, so you don’t have to worry about constantly going back and forth to the water fountain. If you’re wanting to keep track of how much water you’re drinking, there’s a time marker on the side to track how much you drink too.

You get two lids with this bottle: a spout lid and a straw lid, along with a handy carry strap (although the bottle itself is shaped for easy carrying, which I loved as I have to walk to my local gym).

However, due to its large size it’s not the most convenient bottle to pack in a small gym bag, so make sure you have plenty of room! Also note that the bottle is not dishwasher safe, but does come with a special brush for cleaning.—Reviewed by Alice Ball

• Back to the top ⤴

How to choose the best water bottle for the gym

Choosing a water bottle for your gym workouts can be a bit overwhelming — there are a lot of options, they all look similar, and there's a vast range of prices, from budget-friendly bottles to premium designs.

According to Cara D'Orazio, a personal trainer and owner of C.G.M. Fitness, you should look for a bottle that is, "leak-proof, BPA-free, and insulated to keep your water cold. Ergonomic curves also help you quickly grip the bottle mid-workout."

You'll also need to decide how big you need the bottle to be. "There aren’t exact rules for how much water to drink while exercising," explains Cara D'Orazio. "Factors such as sweat rate, heat/humidity, clothing, and how long/hard you are exercising need to be considered, Of course medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease come into play as well."

Use the ACE's guidelines of 7-10 oz of water every 10-20 minutes as a starting point and factor in the intensity and average duration of your workouts to make an educated guess.

It's also important to decide whether you need your bottle to keep your water cool for hours (in which case you'll need an insulated bottle), and what lid you prefer, though a straw cap is generally the easiest to quickly sip from while exercising.

FAQs

The best trekking poles have the power to provide stability on uneven ground, take some weight off your knees (particularly when descending steep hills) and even increase your speed. 

It’s for these reasons that, whether you’re taking to the trails on a daily basis or just want some extra support when walking, we think they’re a worthy investment. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which ones to buy. 

To help you make your mind up, our team of fitness writers have put together a list of their favorite trekking poles, with options to suit all budgets and activity levels. They’ve also broken down the pros and cons of each one, so you can make an informed decision on which pair is right for you. 

So, take a leisurely scroll through the options below to find your perfect hiking partner. 

Best trekking poles 2022

When many people think of trekking poles, the first name that springs to mind is LEKI. In its early days the brand manufactured ski poles, but in the 2000s the team used their knowledge of the great outdoors to begin making poles specifically for walking, and we’re glad they did.

The Leki Makalu FX Carbon AS poles are part of the brand’s current crop of premium trekking poles, with plenty of innovative features to help you enjoy your hike. The AS (or antishock) variant we’ve picked has a Dynamic Suspension System (DSS) which promises to reduce impact and stress on your lower body with each step. They also have a hollow core, maintaining strength and stability while shedding some weight. 

To top things off, the Makalu features LEKI’s latest Aergon Air handle, which has a rubberized back and slanted shape to provide optimal grip, particularly when tackling steep downhills. 

These Cascade Mountain Tech poles promise a lot for a very reasonable price. The brand says their product is built with 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, and are able to withstand more lateral pressure than their pricier carbon fiber counterparts. They are also designed to reduce the impact of hiking on your knees, back and hips while improving your traction on slippery surfaces, helping you feel stable and supported while you walk. 

At 0.65lb each, they’re by no means a heavy set of poles, but this figure does place them among the weightiest products on this list. But they are suitable for a range of terrains, with interchangeable accessories including mud baskets and snow baskets to stop them sinking too far into soft ground, as well as rubber tips to reduce their noise on hard surfaces. 

These TrailBuddy Trekking Poles are an Amazon Best Seller for a reason, offering fantastic value for money. They have an MSRP of under $40 and can often be found in a significant sale. But, despite this modest price tag, they still offer adjustable lengths of 24.5in to 54in and a comfortable cork handle.

The lever locks for adjusting the height are designed to be easy to use, so you can change your poles’ settings with a single hand, and the aluminum shafts are “built to last”.

The poles also come with a selection of rubber tips and baskets for both mud and snow, so you can tackle a range of terrains without seeing the poles sink irretrievably into soft ground. You can buy them in eight different colors too, so there’s a shade to suit all walking outfits. And at this price, it’s a good pole for most walking newbies.

Fit&Well is currently in the process of testing these poles – we'll update this guide accordingly when we've finished. 

Carbon fiber walking poles are usually lighter and have less flex than their aluminum counterparts, making them a good choice for walkers wanting speed, support and portability. But they do tend to be more expensive. 

That’s not the case with this Cascade Mountain Tech set, however, which boasts lightweight (0.49lb per pole) carbon fiber shafts but retails for less than $65. The poles’ impressive portfolio doesn’t end there either. They also have a “quick locking” mechanism to make adjusting the height a speedy and simple procedure, a selection of tips and baskets for all surfaces, a comfortable cork grip and adjustable wrist straps.

As they use 3K Carbon Fiber, rather than something like tougher 6K, there's a bit of 'flex' in the poles. This could mean that they're more prone to bending out of shape, but you can't really complain at this price.

Montem was founded in 2016 with a mission statement of offering a quality alternative to overpriced, low quality outdoor equipment. Six years on and the brand is sticking to its task, with these aluminum walking poles costing under $70. 

The poles are Ultra Strong by name and nature. Made from the same aluminum used to build airplanes, they can support over 350lb while taking pressure away from your knee, hip and ankle joints while walking. But they balance this sturdiness with a lightweight design that sees each stick tip the scales at just 0.6lb – ideal for packing in a bag when traveling. 

The poles come with rubber tips and specialized baskets for mud and snow, also benefiting from nylon wrist straps for security and sweat-wicking EVA foam grips for comfort. They can easily be adjusted from 24in to 53in thanks to their quick locks, so you can find the right height to support a perfect walking posture, and Montem is so confident in the quality of its products that it offers a free lifetime replacement promise, providing new poles in the event that a previous buyer’s break. 

Fit&Well is currently in the process of testing these poles – we'll update this guide accordingly when we've finished.

The LEKI Cressida FX Carbon AS Lady trekking poles have the same DSS anti-shock system as the Makalus, making them a great fit for anyone wanting to take stress off their hips, knees and ankles while hiking. They also have Aergon Air Compact grips which are 12% shorter than LEKI’s regular handles – ideal for smaller hands. They are designed for comfort and control when walking, while their rubberized back ensures you get great grip when tackling steep declines. 

The brand’s hollow core technology, paired with their carbon fiber shafts, ensures the poles don’t weigh over the odds, and the poles’ Speed Lock 2 Plus locking system allows you to quickly change their length to suit your height. 

These carbon fiber Gossamer trekking poles are designed with portability in mind, having been released as a more compact alternative to the brand’s popular Lightrek poles. They are the lightest pair we tested (weighing 0.3lb each) and can easily be split into three different sections when you want to transport them or pack them away. Reassembling these pieces is a breeze too, thanks to their easy to understand twist lock mechanism.

You can adjust the length from 23.5in to 51in, which falls just shy of the range offered by other trekking poles on this list but will still cater to walkers of most heights. They come with the usual rubber tips for when you aren’t walking on trails, though there is only one choice of basket.

Overall, they are an easy to use, stable, lightweight and compact option well-suited to people who often find they need walking poles on-the-go. 

Fit&Well is currently in the process of testing these poles – we'll update this guide accordingly when we've finished.

Black Diamond says its Alpine FLZ Trekking Poles are ready for multi-season adventures, with a range of tip and basket options to suit various weathers and terrains. Natural cork handles ensure great grip and comfort, while the brand’s FlickLock Pro adjustment system means you can adjust the length of the poles with ease. 

Each pole doesn’t offer as wide a range of adjustable lengths as others on the market, but you can buy them in three size options (37-43in, 41-49in and 47-55in). Just make sure you choose the right one for your height (we’ve included a handy guide on this in our buying guide below).

SlideLock technology means you can collapse the poles in a matter of seconds, allowing them to be packed into most walking rucksacks when they’re surplus to requirements, and their 7075 aluminum shafts provide a strong and stable base when extended.

Fit&Well is currently in the process of testing these poles – we'll update this guide accordingly when we've finished.

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles tick nearly every box when it comes to what makes a premium walking pole. They’re made from lightweight carbon fiber, have a sweat-wicking cork handle for great grip and comfort, and come with a variety of tips and baskets so you can stay stable on most surfaces. 

They also have some clever features to make your life easier, like the FlickLock Pro adjustable technology. This means you can change their length to suit your height, then secure them into place with a flick of the robust metal buckles that separate the three sections of the poles. 

Fit&Well is currently in the process of testing these poles – we'll update this guide accordingly when we've finished.

We love the classic look of these Komperdell Ridgehiker Cork Powerblock poles, with the khaki shaft and cork grips complementing most outdoor ensembles. The cork grip is comfortable and sweat-wicking, making it a good choice for faster-paced hikes (although these could become stained over time) and the poles benefit from hardy tungsten carbide tips. 

They can collapse down to 26in for packability, are adjustable from 41in to 55in when extended, and have a Powerlock 3.0 system which securely fastens the three pieces of each pole in place using metal clamps. 

They have replaceable tips and baskets and at 0.6lb each they’re fairly light for aluminum poles. Komperdell also has a 100-day return policy, so you know the brand is confident in its products. 

Fit&Well is currently in the process of testing these poles – we'll update this guide accordingly when we've finished.

How we tested

We've compiled this list using a two-fold approach: we first researched and compared the most popular trekking poles on the market – the brands loved by real hikers – then we tested out as many as we could. During our hands-on testing periods, we use the poles across a mix of rugged terrains, trying out their features, folding ability and assessing their strength. Where something hasn't yet been tested, we've highlighted this in the copy above. 

FAQs

The best rowing machines are a great way to get a full-body, muscle-building, fat-burning workout without leaving the house. Rowing requires many different muscle areas, increases your heart rate, and boosts your metabolism.

We tried many of the top rowing machines like the Concept2 RowErg, which helps you track competition-level workout stats, or the internet-connected Echelon Smart Rower, offering virtual on-demand and live classes for a monthly fee.

Rowers might be some of the best exercise machines to lose weight, but they do take up a lot of space. Fortunately, we found the foldable designs on the NordicTrack RW900 and ProForm 750R easy to use, which allowed us to tuck the machines away after a workout.

There are also several styles of rowing machines with water, air-based, and magnetic models. We were very impressed with the Hydrow's near-silent magnetic system, but the machine has a premium price tag.

Handily, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a decent rowing machine though. That's why we've listed eight rowers across a range of budgets, in a variety of styles and resistance types, to help you find the best rowing machine that will help you hit your fitness goals.

The best rowing machines you can buy right now

Best rowing machine overall

The Concept2 RowErg is one of the most popular rowing machines found worldwide in gyms and fitness centers. There's a lot to like about this rower; it's one of the most affordable options, captures industry-quality workout metrics, and can be split apart for easy storage. The visual design and 10-level air-based resistance mechanism may seem from an earlier age, but we found some modern tech inside too.

The display looks and feels dated, but it’s readable and includes every metric you could want. It also includes a useful selection of preset workouts. It's a Bluetooth-enabled machine, so you can connect the rower to the ErgData smartphone app to track your workouts over time. If you wear a heart rate monitor, you can also use these with a Bluetooth or ANT+ connection.

After exercising on the RowErg, we could see why it’s become a gym-favorite as it has a sturdy build, though it can move around a bit during vigorous workouts.

Although the RowErg is quite functional-looking, it is designed with ergonomics in mind. So, it's comfortable to use even for extended periods. There's no getting around that the air resistance mechanism is loud, so you'll need a dedicated space to exercise in, but on balance, it deserves its place as our top rowing machine overall.

Read our full Concept2 RowErg review.

Best budget rowing machine

If you're after a reliable rowing machine with magnetic resistance, it's well worth considering the ProForm 750R. It doesn't have a large display or live workouts, but it does have a foldable design for easy storage, 24 resistance settings, and integrates with the iFit exercise platform for on-demand classes. Although we didn't think the overall design was anything special, the small digital console was easy to use, and you get a reliable rowing machine at an affordable price.

The console tracks basic workout metrics like strokes per minute, distance, and calories burned. This is useful, but you can upgrade the experience using the built-in tablet holder to take part in virtual workouts with the iFit app. The 750R connects to the app, allowing you to see your metrics during a class with automatic resistance adjustments. This function can be disabled, but we found that the automatic resistance adjustments helped us focus on our exercise and form.

It’s worth noting that we found that the split (time per 500m) was wildly out of line with the industry-standard Concept2 data. The ProForm 750R split was much more generous.

We liked how easy the folding mechanism was to use. Just lift the handle in front of the seat, and it begins to fold. Along with the compact, foldable design, the magnetic resistance system is extremely quiet, making the ProForm 750R an ideal choice for working out without disturbing others in your home.

Read our full ProForm 750R review.

Best rowing machine for beginners

In our eyes, the original Hydrow Rower was almost perfect (it’s still in our roundup), but it was let down only by its considerable size and eyebrow-raising price tag. The Hydrow Wave is the brand’s newer, smaller, more affordable alternative.

It has the same clean-cut design and clever electromagnetic resistance system as its predecessor, providing a realistic rowing experience similar to its water and air-based rivals. We found the responsive 16-inch HD touchscreen (though six inches smaller than the pricier model) provides a crystal clear display for an immersive on-water experience, and the shortened rail was still long enough for our 6ft 2in tester to fully extend their legs at the top of each stroke.

Yet, despite its almost indistinguishable performance, the Hydrow Wave is $1,000 cheaper than the original rower. The monthly fee for Hydrow app membership is quite pricey, but we think you get a lot for your money. There are more than 4,000 instructor-led video workouts to sink your oars into, and while the first-person rowing sessions were undeniably our favorites, we also loved the yoga, Pilates, and strength sessions off the machine.

You can use the Hydrow Wave without a subscription in 'Just Row' mode. This enables you to use the machine for basic, manual rowing while displaying real-time metrics (time, distance, pace) on the screen.

Read our full Hydrow Wave review.

Best rowing machine for variety

NordicTrack has made a name for itself with fitness center-quality machines for home workouts. The NordicTrack RW900 continues that tradition, blending studio-style classes with a comfortable, easy-to-use machine. The company's equipment can be on the large side, but we were relieved when we found it folded into a neat, easily storable machine.

It also integrates with the iFit virtual workout platform, which works with various fitness equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, and even some adjustable dumbbells. We tried—and enjoyed—a variety of classes, from advanced high-intensity sessions to beginner-friendly introductory programs and virtual outdoor journeys filmed at various locations worldwide.

Without iFit, the RW900 can still be used for basic rowing with essential stats, such as time, distance, and calories burned, displayed on-screen. Resistance has to be adjusted manually when using this setting though.

We liked that the thick, ergonomic handle was easy to grip during our workouts, the dual air and magnetic resistance system was relatively quiet, and auto-adjusts during streamed workouts. There's no power switch, but that doesn't stop the NordicTrack RW900 from being one of the best home rowing machines right now.

Read our full NordicTrack RW900 review.

Best rowing machine for live classes

The Echelon Smart Rower is an impressive, high-quality foldable rowing machine. It comes with 32 levels of magnetic resistance (which allows you more customization than air-based rowers which typically have around 10 pre-set levels). In testing, we found the handlebar-based resistance controls allowed you to quickly change the resistance mid-workout.

Unlike the Hydrow or NordicTrack machines, the Echelon Smart Rower doesn't come with a display. Instead, you'll need to use a tablet or smartphone to see your live workout stats via Echelon's subscription app. There's a wide variety of activities available through the app, including an extensive library of on-demand sessions and plenty of excellent live workouts for you to join throughout the day, 24/7.

We found that this setup generally provided a pretty good experience, but many other machines come with much larger displays than a tablet, so the workouts are more immersive. Similarly, the app was difficult to navigate on a smartphone-sized screen.

If you decide to cancel your subscription to the Echelon app, you can still use the Smart Rower for exercise, but you'd need to do it without a display, so you can't track your metrics or tell what resistance level you're on. Undoubtedly, that is a problem, so we wouldn't recommend this machine unless you want to make the most of the live workouts and app features.

Read our full Echelon Smart Rower review.

Best natural feeling rowing machine

Outside of home gyms and fitness centers, rowing is a water-based activity. If you enjoy the experience of on-water workouts, the WaterRower Natural is as close to the real thing you can get without leaving your house. Instead of an air-based or magnetic resistance system, you top up the integrated tank with H2O and start rowing. The harder you row, the more resistance the water will offer.

Aside from its simplicity, we found that the sound of the water moving around created a more soothing, mindful rowing experience. Set up is easy, too, as the WaterRower Natural comes pre-assembled, so you just need to add the water, power on the display, and start your workout. The overall experience is excellent, but this machine isn't ideal for people who enjoy tracking their performance.

The wooden frame of the machine looks very cool, but we were disappointed with the integrated S4 monitor, which only tracks basic metrics. However, you can buy an add-on to the S4 that allows you to connect the monitor to your smartphone via Bluetooth and keep tabs on your progress using one of several compatible apps.

The WaterRower isn't foldable, but you can store it upright against a wall when you're done exercising.

Read our full WaterRower Natural review.

Best premium rowing machine

The Hydrow rower is a visually impressive machine with a unibody design that hides all the mechanical parts. We liked the look of the machine, but this design does mean that you can't fold the Hydrow. However, you can purchase an upright storage kit to regain some floor space. But there's more to this machine than an attractive design.

The 22-inch display connects to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to stream Hydrow's expansive collection of on-demand rowing workouts and live classes, for a monthly fee. We explored the selection and tried out a varied range of sessions, including one-minute challenges, beginner-friendly options, and high-intensity rows.

The machine is enjoyable to use, with the handles easily accessible, a firm but comfortable seat, and a well-angled display that you never need to strain to see.

Premium pricing aside, the Hydrow makes an ideal option for anyone just getting into rowing. We were really impressed with the video instructors' beginner-friendly approach, which worked well for newcomers and as a reminder of the basics for more experienced rowers. When you're away from your machine, we like that you can use the Hydrow smartphone app to take yoga classes and strength training workouts.

If you don't want to pay for a monthly subscription, 'Just Row' mode enables you to use the Hydrow for basic, manual rowing while displaying essential metrics (time, distance, pace) on the screen.

Read our full Hydrow review.

Best rowing machine for fun workouts

Handcrafted from American cherrywood, the Ergatta Rower looks fantastic. It has a classic design that would slip seamlessly into most households or home gyms, but its aesthetic is the only traditional thing about it.

When we fired this machine up, we were pleased to find a platform of modern workouts awaited us on the 17.3-inch touchscreen, for a monthly fee. Rather than the usual options of rowing for a set time or distance, a subscription to Ergatta gives you access to a suite of video games to play as you workout, as well as live classes and regular workouts.

The best example of this is the race mode, which we found kept us coming back to the machine for regular workouts. Similar to Zwift racing on an indoor bike, you're pitted against several other ranked members of the Ergatta rowing community in an online race displayed with bright, engaging graphics.

This focus on competition, community, and point-scoring (which is the motivation behind most features of the Ergatta) is incredibly addictive. It motivated us to switch on the rower much more often than we might have if it had only offered standard sessions.

If you don't want to pay the monthly subscription fee, you will still see real-time metrics (split, watts, stroke rate, distance) on-screen when you use the rower in manual mode.

The downsides are that the narrow footplate and low seat might not be suitable for those with mobility issues, and this rower is costly. The Ergatta Rower is not foldable, but it can be stored vertically.

If you're a competitive, game-oriented person looking to add a new dimension to your home workout, this could well be the rowing machine for you.

How we test the best rowing machines

Before we recommend any rowing machine, we thoroughly test the equipment so that you can make an informed choice for your home. To help you compare between models, we use a standardized testing process to cover some of the most critical features, design considerations, and everyday practicalities like storage.

Delivery and assembly

When we start testing a rower to see if it makes the cut as one of the top rowing machines, we begin with how easy it is to move around and assemble. How the machine is packaged is also important.

For example, if you live in an apartment without a large elevator, it will be challenging to deliver a unibody machine like the Hydrow to your home. Although this is only a one-time process, we look at whether you can put it together on your own or if it's a two-person job.

Similarly, we consider how time-consuming or technical the setup process is, including registering connected devices, logging onto a Wi-Fi network, and setting up an account or profile on the app.

Workout performance and ease of use

Although you can find machines packed full of features, the best rowing machines all need to be easy, enjoyable, and comfortable to use for exercise. So, we test out the seat, investigate how often you need to clean or maintain the machine and use it for workouts.

It's also crucial that we report on the comfort of the handlebars, as before buying a rowing machine, you'll want to know if it's likely to cause soreness or blisters on your hands. Likewise, we listen out for how much noise the resistance system makes and whether you can connect Bluetooth headphones to listen to the virtual workouts.

Most importantly, we check to see if you can have an enjoyable, effective workout on the machine. We consider if the placement of the footplates causes any issues, if the handles are easy to reach, and if the resistance mechanism is easy to adjust.

Smart features

While some of the best home rowing machines don't have integrated displays or internet-enabled features, many rowers do. This is often integral to the machine and comes at an additional cost, so we evaluate these platforms to see if they are good value for money.

We consider the range of on-demand classes, whether there's a good mix of beginner and advanced options, and if the company offers live classes. The instructor's style is also noted, as not everyone feels motivated by the same style.

Some rowers come with virtual workout platforms that work across several machines or include alternative forms of exercise, like yoga classes or strength training routines. If these are included, we evaluate them in the same way.

How to choose the best rowing machine for you

Resistance type, price, storage options, and connectivity are among the factors to consider when buying a rowing machine. The price points vary hugely from the most basic air-based resistance to luxurious water-based rowers that can run into the thousands. Some of the best indoor rowing machines offer heart rate tracking and connectivity with smartphone applications too. If you’re in a tight space, you’ll be seeking a machine that folds without dominating floor space when not in use.

Here are some of those considerations in more detail.

Resistance

Resistance refers to the force you’ll be pulling against when performing strokes. Generally, there are three types on offer. The most common machines offer air-based resistance, which can be on the noisier side. Magnetic-based resistance is quieter, while hybrid machines commonly offer access to a wider range of workouts. For the most realistic workout, some machines use actual drums of water, replicating the feeling of dragging oars through the water.

The WaterRower Natural is our current pick for the best rowing machine, which is also one of our top picks for the best exercise machines to lose weight. It’s the only machine you could use as a design feature in your living room, thanks to the premium wooden construction and beautiful design. It also offers the advantage of a truly natural feel thanks to the built-in water drum.

Price

We’re not boxing you in here, folks. You can spend as little as $250 / £200 on an effective barebones indoor rowing machine that’ll provide a tremendous workout for beginners, but would provide an unsatisfying experience for those with Redgrave and Pinsent-level rowing goals. There’s a sweet spot in between, depending on the build quality and, integrated smart tech and resistance types, but you can drop up to $4,000 / £3,000 on the TechnoGym Skillrow, designed by Olympic-level athletes.

Storage

From what we've observed previously in gyms, many rowing machine injuries arise from people tripping over the machine (although we can't say that's a statistically-proven fact!). So be on the lookout for a machine that folds, or can at least be stood up effectively. If you’re in an apartment setting, this can save vital floor space, too.

Smart tech

When working towards goals, it helps to have quantifiable data. The time, the speed, the number of strokes, the power exerted in those strokes, the number of strokes per minute, and your top heart rate can all help you focus on your progress.

Some of the higher-end indoor rowing machines enable a heart-rate monitor to be connected for interval training, while others enable virtual racing against real people to stoke those competitive fires through smartphone connectivity.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re planning to strength train at home, then a set of the best adjustable dumbbells should be at the top of your shopping list.

Dumbbells are the most versatile free weights you can buy. There's not a major muscle group you can't train with dumbbells and you'll have the most exercise options of any type of home workout kit.

Really, though, you need a range of dumbbells at different weights so you can appropriately challenge each muscle—light for shoulder exercises, heavy for leg exercises, for instance.

And more importantly, you need to be able to gradually increase the weight you use for each exercise as you get stronger (a fundamental muscle-building concept called progressive overload).

You could buy a set of fixed-weight dumbbells and a rack if you have the budget and the space, or you could buy adjustable dumbbells. These space-savvy gadgets offer a range of weight options that you can switch between in seconds, or, if you’re on the hunt for a bargain, more basic spinlock sets are a more affordable alternative.

The team at Fit&Well has tested plenty of pairs over the years, so we've pooled our experience to help you find the right pair for your training needs, with recommendations for beginners, experienced exercisers and thrifty lifters.

The best adjustable dumbbells you can buy right now

Best adjustable dumbbells overall

Two years after receiving a set of the Bowflex SelectTech 552i, they're still my go-to at home. Why? Because they’re reliable, easy to use, and come with enough weight options (15 per dumbbell, from 5lb to 52.5lb) to suit a range of exercises. During the years of consistent use, I’ve had zero problems.

Whether I want a super-light weight for shoulder rotator cuff exercises like external rotations, or something heavier for a few muscle-building staples, like floor presses and bent-over rows, the Bowflex ‘bells have got my back. Changing the weight takes seconds. Dials on either end of the dumbbell have clearly displayed weight options; simply twist both sides to your desired load and you’re ready to lift.

Admittedly, it’s not as efficient as the Core Fitness’s one-twist weight-changing mechanism (our top choice dumbbell for fast weight changes). But because the dials move so seamlessly, I found the overall difference in the time it takes to alter the load was negligible. There are only two reasons why these adjustable dumbbells didn’t receive a blemish-free five-star rating. The plastic finish—they are not the prettiest of products, and the plastic plates twinned with the rubber handle give them a slightly cheap look. However, there have been no durability issues with my set.

My other gripe is the dumbbells’ bulk. They function fine for most movements, but during exercises like biceps curls, where the elbows are meant to be pinned to your sides, I found the cumbersome design could catch on my thighs, forcing me to alter my form.

Overall, this is an excellent product though. It does the job of 15 dumbbells while taking up a fraction of the space, and the weight options jump up in small (2.5lb) increments, allowing you to gradually increase the weight as your strength grows. That’s why, if you told me I could train with just one set of adjustable dumbbells for the next year, these are what I’d choose.

Read our full Bowflex SelectTech 552i review

Best budget adjustable dumbbells

The Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbells are a more budget-friendly way to work out at home. These weights don't come with smartphone apps, quick-release toggles, or fancy designs, but they offer a decent weight range at a lower price. The US retailer's dumbbells come packed into a carry case, so you can store them between workouts or take them away while traveling.

There's no cradle, though, and the weight plates are round, so they are liable to roll around while on the ground. There are two handlebars with a textured grip, but we found that it was quite rough and uncomfortable to hold, so we'd definitely recommend using a set of workout gloves with these weights.

You'll need to do manual adjustments to the dumbbells by unscrewing the collars and switching or removing weights. It's a bit more time consuming, but these traditional-looking weights cost significantly less than other models, so it might be worth the trade-off. Especially since we used them across a range of exercises and found they were a reliable, sturdy set of adjustable dumbbells.

Read our full Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbells review

Best adjustable dumbbells for home training

NordicTrack’s updated Select-A-Weight are a notable step up from its first foray into the world of adjustable dumbbells. They are sleeker and sturdier, with lighter knurling on the handles that offer a better balance of grip and comfort: the predecessors left another of our writers with blisters on their hands after the first use. But it keeps the feature that set NordicTrack’s adjustable dumbbell apart in the first place: a two-step weight-changing mechanism.

There are four retractable pins on each dumbbell—the bright orange parts that you pull out and slide to choose your load. The two outer ones decide the base weight of 10lb, 20lb, 30lb, 40lb or 50lb, and the inner pins can keep this weight the same, remove 2.5lb or take away 5lb. I found this process took a little longer to get to grips with than adjustable dumbbells from rival brands like Bowflex, and each weight change required a few extra seconds. However, I loved the ability to choose from 15 weight options on each dumbbell, especially since they were separated by 2.5lb increments—perfect for using the strength-boosting progressive overload training principle at home.

The build is a bit plastic-heavy for my liking, although having owned the similarly plastic-y Bowflex SelectTech 552s for two years and had no problems I’m willing to accept their resilience credentials. I like the shape of these NordicTrack dumbbells too. Unlike the brand’s first edition, and the Bowflex ‘bells for that matter, they are chunky to the point of unwieldiness during exercises like biceps curls. Instead, there’s a compact design that didn’t get in the way during any of the many exercises I tried.

Read our full NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set review

Best heavy adjustable dumbbells

Most adjustable dumbbells max out at about 50lb, which is fine for the majority of people working out at home. However, if you’ve been strength training for some time, you might need something slightly heavier to challenge yourself during larger compound exercises like squats and deadlifts.

If this is the case, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 adjustable dumbbells are the best option for you. These weights boast 17 weight settings per dumbbell, allowing you to adjust them from 10lb to 90lb in 5lb increments—enough to challenge even seasoned lifters on most exercises. You can flick between them quickly using Bowflex’s smooth dial-based weight-changing mechanism too. There's also the 1090i version which connects to an app with features such as rep counting.

This impressive selection of weight settings does come at a cost though. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090s are big, very big. The extra length of the dumbbells can be cumbersome during exercises like biceps curls, catching on the hips, and they have quite a bulky aesthetic too.

They also feature Bowflex’s plastic-heavy finish, which is why they don't score top marks. Whether you like how this looks is down to personal preference, but for me, I found it cheapened the product compared to some other rivals.

Best adjustable dumbbells for fast changes

The Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells will change the way you workout. Not only are they incredibly stylish looking (the aluminium cradle lets them down a bit) but they have a versatile weight spectrum.

Each dumbbell ranges from 5lbs (2.25kg) to 50lbs (22.5kg) and goes up in increments of 5lbs which gives you a ten-piece dumbbell set in a single dumbbell. The contoured hand-hold feels incredibly comfortable and the TwistLock technology means it’s a simple rotation right or left with the hand-hold — a click will tell you when it’s complete — to change weights.

It takes just seconds to change weight during a workout and this made our sessions seamless when switching between upper and lower body exercises. We also loved that the weight plates are a little larger than other models and that they sit at the ends of the barbell. This meant that we could easily grab hold of them when we wanted to execute moves like a sumo squat or single leg RDL.

They’re relatively well priced, costing $250 less than the popular BowFlex models. This makes them seem like a no-brainer to us, as they offer all the benefits of this big-name brand at a smaller price. You’ll also get a two-year warranty when you buy this product.

The model did occasionally need a little extra coaxing out of its cradle (we occasionally had to lever it out using our foot), but we think this minor inconvenience doesn’t detract from the overall performance.