7 of the best kettlebells for strength training at home, tried and tested by us

Weight range: 6 to 20kg

The Amazon Basics Bast Iron Kettlebell proves that sometimes simple is best. Whether you're new to kettlebell workouts or looking to incorporate the weight into your routine, it's an affordable and versatile option. Available in a range of weights, from 6kg to 20kg, this kettlebell is made from solid cast iron with a painted texture finish to the paint, aiding grip and giving it a sleek finish that made a nice change from my collection of otherwise bright and bold designs.

Compared to other kettlebells, the Amazon Basics Bast Iron Kettlebell has a wider handle with a curved edge, making it easy to hold for a range of exercises - including kettlebell swings, where you need two hands to grip. The slim base to each weight, even with heavier resistances, means it didn't feel bulky to lift or bump into my body.

As much as this kettlebell proves simple is often still the best with home workout equipment, the lack of silicone cover here means your floors will take a hit if you drop it or put the weight down too heavily. Its safest use is on carpeted floors or a thick yoga mat.

Weight range: 6 to 32kg

A silicone-covered kettlebell is an excellent alternative for a softer touch. Tested and reviewed by w&h Editor Kerrie Hughes, who does workout classes almost every day with apps like Apple Fitness+, this one made the top pick thanks to its premium feel and "simple but very effective" design. Prices start from under £20 for a 6kg as well, which is cheaper than other options on the list.

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

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

Much like the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell, there are no "bells and whistles here" with the Mirafit Soft Touch Cast Iron Kettlebell. What you see is what you get. However, its practical and functional design makes it a winner in any weight collection.

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

One of the cheapest ways to get kettlebells into your workout routine is to buy a set, and the best of the five sets I've tried was the four-piece from Yaheetech. While I found these to be bulkier than the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell, with even the 2kg measuring 14cm in width across the base, they feel very stable during use and have a thick, wide handle with plenty of grip space for single and double-handed exercises.

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

As the weights only go up to 8kg, they are the perfect set for beginners looking to do strength training from home and build up over time. With a couple of weights in the set, it'll be easier to increase the weight as your fitness progresses. The next best option for this is an adjustable kettlebell, which tends to be significantly more expensive.

Weight range: 2.2kg to 5.4kg

An adjustable kettlebell is a multi-workout must-have. Of the three adjustable kettlebells I tested, this one came out on top for ease of use and versatility. It only goes up to 5.5kg with all the plates though so it's best for beginners and quick bursts of exercise snacks throughout the day.

Last month, I used this kettlebell almost every day for mobility exercises, upper-body workouts, or weighted Pilates workouts. I found it easy to use, switching between the weight plates with just the press of a button. It's also bump-proof, being made from plastic-covered cast iron, and it feels surprisingly premium in the materials given the price. Also, the turquoise makes a welcome change from my black cast iron kettlebells.

Aside from the lack of resistance, this is a perfect partner for mat workouts at home. It also has a stable base on the ground, minimising bumps to your floor as it doesn't fall over easily. For an alternative option with a higher weight range, I'd recommend the ISOGYM Adjustable Kettlebell - but this comes with a significantly higher price tag.

Weight range: 4kg to 32kg

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

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

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

I also tested the BodyMax Cast Iron kettlebells with the vinyl coating. These could have easily taken this spot on my list, but they are only available to buy in 4kg currently on the website, which won't be heavy enough for many people.

Weight range: 4kg to 10kg

Want to ensure the protection of your floors and your downstairs neighbour's peace? I'd recommend investing in a soft-bottomed kettlebell. Made with grains of metal sand rather than cast iron, they physically compress when presented with a hard surface, lessening the weight's impact. While I tried three different soft kettlebells for this guide over the four weeks, the Proiron Soft Kettlebell came out on top. Not only is it constantly in stock, unlike my other favourite - the KEFL Soft Kettlebell - but it offers up to 10kg in weight and isn't too pricey.

I have three of these now in my collection and they certainly sit among my favourites. While the Proiron Soft Kettlebells aren't ideal for exercises where you have to hold the ball as it will change shape in your hands, you can still do them without too much of an issue. I also found them an excellent pick for single and double-handed exercises, like squats, deadlifts, and other lower-body work.

I'd also note that compared to the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebells or the Physical Company kettlebells, they are quite a bit larger - though they only go up to 10kg. You'll need some decent storage space to make the most of these.

While kettlebells up to 10kg can be very effective at building strength for beginners, if you're not a beginner, you'll likely need something a little heavier. When I'm doing squats and deadlifts, I like to use a 20kg kettlebell or more, holding it by the handle. Of all the heavier weights I tried, the CORENGTH Cast Iron Kettlebell came out top thanks to the rubber base.

Despite being a heavy weight, I found this material gave me some peace of mind when storing the kettlebell and using it for lifts over my wooden floors. The underside of the kettlebell is also fairly wide, so I was confident it wouldn't topple over when I put it down.

Much like the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell, this one has a wide handle, making it easy to grip with both hands. I also felt like the weight was nicely distributed through the bell, which is particularly important with heavier weights.

Finally, for the weight of this kettlebell, the price isn't one to turn your nose up at. While most kettlebells on this list sit towards £100 for a 20kg weight, this one is half that price.