6 Best Resistance Tubes in 2024

Resistance tubes are rising in popularity both at gyms and for home workouts. A quality resistance tube set can replace most workout equipment. Today I’ll show you the best resistance tubes you can get and explain how to use them.

Athletes of all levels love using them for their convenience. They’re especially good when recovering from injuries or if you have chronic pain preventing you from working out.

Top 6 Best Resistance Tubes Reviewed

1. TheFitLife Exercise Resistance Bands – Top Pick
2. Whatafit Resistance Bands Set – Runner Up
3. Rogue Tube Bands – Premium Pick
4. WALITO Resistance Bands Set – Budget Pick
5. VEICK Resistance Bands for Working Out
6. Fit Simplify Resistance Tube Bands

Resistance tubes are very beginner-friendly, and using them doesn’t require extensive fitness knowledge. They’re some of the best multipurpose workout tools and, as you’ll see, can be used in an infinite number of ways. When used correctly, resistance bands can provide similar results as regular workout equipment in the same amount of time.

Apart from that, you can set them up pretty much anywhere, both indoors and outdoors, in a matter of seconds. They’re lightweight, and you can take them with you wherever you need them, like to the gym, to work, or on vacation. Once you’re done, you can pack and store them anywhere in your home, garage, or even car trunk.

Here are the six best resistance tube sets you can get:

Product	Total	Resistance	Versatility	Durability	Value For Money
TheFitLife	37.5	9.5	9	9.5	9.5
Whatafit	36.5	9.5	9	9.5	8.5
Rogue	36	10	8	10	8
WALITO	34	8	9	8	9
VEICK	33.5	8	9	8	8.5
Fit Simplify	32	8	8	8	8

1. TheFitLife Exercise Resistance Bands – Top Pick

TheFitLife produces quality outdoor and sports goods, primarily made of rubber. The company offers valuable products that fit almost any budget. In their catalog, you’ll find a variety of resistance bands for different workout purposes.

The combination of quality and cost makes these resistance bands the best pick in my opinion.

• Material: Natural Rubber
• Color: Multi-color set
• Item weight: 1.7 Pounds
• Length: 39.4 Inches
• Handle Length: 7.67 Inches
• Tension Level: Maximum 110 Pounds
• Features: Bands, links, door anchor attachment, handles, ankle straps, bag

TheFitLife bands are made of reinforced rubber, making them harder to break and more skidproof than other brands. The carabiner used to secure handles and straps is a bit larger than on standard tubes. This not only increases their max resistance, but also makes taking them on and off much easier.

The set I’m talking about comes with five color-coded compact fitness tubes that can be used individually or combined for increased maximum resistance. The door anchor can be used virtually anywhere and is always helpful for at-home or on-the-go workouts. As an added bonus, TheFitLife offers an e-guide you can use for workout inspiration with every purchase.

2. Whatafit Resistance Bands Set - Runner Up

In terms of quality, this set of resistance bands can easily compete with my #1 pick. However, it loses out just because there’s a noticeable price difference between the two, both online and in retail stores. This set also comes in a few options that include multiple color-coded resistance bands and additional gear.

In the larger pack, apart from tubing and accessories, you also get five loop bands and a workout towel, which are a nice bonus. If, for some reason, you dislike the color-coded bands, Whatafit offers monochrome sets as well.

• Material: Natural Rubber
• Color: Multi-color set
• Item weight: 2.44 Pounds
• Length: 36 Inches
• Handle Length: 10 Inches
• Tension Level: Maximum 150 Pounds
• Features: Bands, links, door anchor, handles, two ankle straps, carry bag, manual

The rubber on these tubes is made from noticeably thick and durable latex that won’t break as easily. For added resistance, you can always combine more than one tube using their links. This allows you to do various types of workouts you’d otherwise need gym equipment for at home.

Each purchase comes with a nice waterproof gym sack perfect for carrying or storing your tubes. The set comes with two adjustable ankle straps instead of one, which is a great addition in case you’re working out with a partner or one gets lost.

3. Rogue Tube Bands - Premium Pick

Rogue Fitness is a known and trusted manufacturer of sporting goods and equipment from the U.S. Their resistance tube with handles is among the best on the market in terms of quality. The company offers a variety of purchase options too, so you can mix and match to find your best set.

You can get individual pieces or choose any of the combined packages, depending on your needs. These fitness tubes come at a premium price, but are well worth it for someone who doesn’t mind spending extra.

• Material: Latex-based Elastic
• Color: Multi-color set
• Length: 48 Inches
• Maximum Stretch: 250% of normal length
• Handle Length: 5 Inches
• Tension Level: Maximum 60 pounds
• Features: From one to six elastic bands depending on your package choice

It’s important to mention that unlike most options on the list, these tubes are technically not combinable since the handles are not removable. Unfortunately, that also means you can’t attach an ankle strap or door anchor either, somewhat limiting your exercise variety compared to other elastic exercise tubing.

However, these bands are made from some of the best materials on the market, and the textured handles on both ends feel perfect and comfortable. Rogue tube bands are the sort of premium product you’d expect to find at a high-end gym or fitness center.

4. WALITO Resistance Bands Set - Budget Pick

This WALITO set offers a lot of versatility considering its low price. The quality is reasonable, and there are some nice additional contents in the package apart from the band set. There’s also a one-year warranty on the product, which is a pleasant addition for such a budget-friendly product.

• Material: Natural Rubber
• Color: Multi-color set
• Item weight: 0.78 Pounds
• Length: 51 Inches
• Handle Length: Around 7 Inches
• Tension Level: Maximum 150 Pounds
• Features: Resistance bands, door anchor, ankle straps, handles, carrying bag, workout guide

In the package, you’ll find five color-coded bands with detachable handles, which can also be combined for added resistance. The soft non-slip foam grip on the handles is worth pointing out, as it’s quite comfortable and among the best I’ve tried. The bands have weight markers both in pounds and kilograms, which is a nice addition if you’re familiar with either measurement system. All things considered, these bands would be my pick for when you’re on a budget.

5. VEICK Resistance Bands for Working Out

VEICK is a known online retailer of workout bands and similar equipment, with thousands of positive reviews. Their main resistance tube set comes with five tubes in color-coded or monochromatic variants with an impressive 150 lbs. maximum tension.

The removable cushioned handles and ankle straps feel enjoyable and sturdy, and the door anchor is a welcome addition for working out at home or on-the-go workouts.

• Material: Natural Rubber
• Color: Multi-color set
• Item weight: 2 Pounds
• Length: 48 Inches
• Handle Length: 10 Inches
• Tension Level: Maximum 150 Pounds
• Features: Set of 5 bands, 2 handles, door anchor, 2 ankle straps, travel bag, instruction manual

The tubes can be used individually or used together in any combination to increase their maximum resistance. This offers a plethora of workout possibilities, from stretching to muscle building. The bands come in a cloth gym sack that makes them easy to carry with you to work or on vacation, for example.

The color coding is slightly confusing because the red band is actually stronger than black, and lighter green is stronger than dark blue. However, there are maximum resistance labels on each band, so that shouldn’t be too much of a problem to get used to.

6. Fit Simplify Resistance Tube Bands

Fit Simplify offers a variety of workout accessories in its online store, including fitness bands, resistance tubes, sliders, and more. The basic set includes five tubes with handles and ankle straps, along with a door anchor, carry bag, and user manual.

Fit Simply also offers bundles for their products in case you need something extra, and you can purchase additional handles, ankle straps, and door ankles separately if necessary. This is because you don’t have to replace the entire product if one of those accessories gets lost or breaks.

• Material: Natural Rubber
• Color: Multi-color set
• Item weight: 2.1 Pounds
• Length: 48 Inches
• Handle Length: About 6 Inches
• Tension Level: Maximum 130 Pounds
• Features: 5 tube bands, 2 handles, 2 ankle straps, door anchor, travel bag, workout guide

Just like similar products, these tubes are also combinable, allowing you to adjust resistance levels and use them for a variety of workouts. The tubes are color-coded.

However, they’re not organized from lighter to darker, and unfortunately, there are no resistance markings on them either.

According to the website, the correct order is:

• Yellow (5-10 lbs)
• Red (15-20 lbs)
• Green (20-25 lbs)
• Black (25-30 lbs)
• Blue (30-45 lbs)

What are the Benefits of Using Resistance Tubes?

✅ Beginner-Friendly

Weights, barbells, and gym machines can be intimidating if you’re only starting your fitness journey. A workout tube is much more forgiving and easy to use, and allows you to work at your pace and choose your maximum. Personal trainers and fitness experts often advise their clients to start with rubber exercise tubing to learn the basics of working out, before moving on to actual equipment.

✅ Perfect for Recovering Athletes or People With Chronic Pain

If you’re currently recovering from an injury or suffer from chronic pain, workout bands are the perfect solution. For this reason, resistance bands are commonly used in physical rehabilitation clinics and recommended by physiotherapists.

Any “push” type exercise that causes you pain can be turned into a “pull” variant with workout bands. Older athletes love resistance bands too because they allow them to stay in shape and continue working out long after the gym becomes too hard for them.

✅ Suitable Weight Replacements

A set of workout bands is very versatile and can be used in place of most workout equipment. Tube resistance bands will never permanently replace weights or barbells at the gym, but they’ve proven to be a good substitute or addition to some workouts. Not to mention the price of a workout band set compared to getting individual workout equipment pieces.

✅ Balance Improvement

A resistance tube with handles can be used in a variety of exercises to help you improve balance, hand-to-eye coordination, and body control.

✅ Lower Risk Of Injury

Resistance bands allow you to choose your motion directions and don’t require raw strength for control. Unlike traditional weighted exercises, resistance band workouts don’t rely on gravity as the main force. For this reason, workouts with them can be done in different body positions, such as standing, sitting, laying down, etc. You have to be careful when picking up and putting down weights to not hurt yourself, while with resistance bands it’s as simple as letting go when you’re done.

✅ Easily Carryable, Ergonomic

Resistance tubes are light and compact, which means you can easily store them in your house or garage. They’ll fit easily into most gym sacks or fitness bags, so you can take them with you wherever you go. As soon as you take them out of the bag, they’re ready to go and perfect for carrying to work or with you on vacation. Once you’re done, packing them back up takes only a few seconds.

What to Look For in Resistance Tubes?

1. Resistance

The first thing to look out for in fitness tubing is peak resistance levels. Luckily, most sets come with multiple tubes, all with different maximum tension. You don’t have to be a physics expert to understand which band is which. More often than not they’re color coded or at least have numbered markings on them. Typically, the darker the color of the band, the more resistance it will provide, and vice versa. If you’re not getting enough tension from your band, or you’re stretching it out too far, simply pick another one.

2. Versatility

Resistance bands are one of the most versatile workout tools. They can be used for a lot of fitness goals, such as strength, mobility, stability, muscle definition, etc. Lighter tubes are perfect for warm-ups and stretching, while heavier bands are good for muscle-building and endurance training. Most resistance tube sets also allow you to combine more than one band to increase maximum resistance. Manufacturers try to include a variety of options, so you can get the most value out of your band set.

Packages often include additional gear with each set, such as interchangeable handles, door anchors, ankle straps, and more. Every set I recommended except for Rogue has these accessories, so versatility should never be an issue.

3. Durability

Lack of durability is arguably the most common complaint I hear from people when it comes to rubber exercise tubing. Everyone fears their product breaking mid-workout, and no one likes having to buy replacements. However, more often than not, I find that the reason for breaking is not the tube itself, but rather misuse.

If you want your fitness tubing to last, you have to take care of it the same way you do with anything else. That means not over stressing it, checking for wear and tear, and properly putting it away once you’re done. Most bands can be stretched anywhere from one to one-and-a-half (200-250%) times their initial length.

However, there are very few exercises that require you to stretch your band out far and wide. For most exercises, if you’re not getting enough resistance, stop trying to stretch the band further and switch to a heavier one, or combine a few. All the fitness bands I’ve mentioned should last you for a while if you take care of them.

4. Value for Money

Buying a low-quality resistance tube kit will send you right back to the shop the next day. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend hundreds of dollars to find the right product for you.

I’m aware most people will try to find a middle ground between price and quality, and that’s how I create these lists. In my opinion, TheFitLife Exercise Resistance Bands landed perfectly in the middle ground of quality VS cost, but the other options are good in their ways too.

How to Use Resistance Tubes Correctly?

1. Warm-Ups and Pre-exercises

Resistance tubes are perfect for warm-ups or any pre-exercises sets you may wish to do before moving on to your main workout. The lighter tubes are excellent for mobility exercises or light stretching to help you to warm up. Instead of lighter weights, use a workout tube to activate the necessary muscle group before heavier attempting lifts.

2. Decrease Exercise Difficulty With Resistance Tubes

If you’re a beginner athlete or in a recovery phase, you can use resistance tubes to make your exercises easier. Resistance tubes can be combined with or used in place of other workout equipment for a variety of exercises. If you’re having trouble working out a muscle group because you can’t perform the exercise with standard equipment, swap to a workout band instead.

3. Increase Exercise Difficulty With Resistance Tubes

Tube resistance bands can be used to increase exercise difficulty too. This is usually done by restricting your motion range and putting in added tension points during exercises. For example, core workouts such as dead bugs or bicycle crunches can be modified to require greater effort simply by stretching a band with your feet to create tension. If you want to diversify your deadlift, squat, good morning, and similar lift exercises, place a band around your neck and shoulders and press it with your feet to add resistance. Feel free to experiment.

FAQ

Are Resistance Tubes Any Good?

Absolutely. According to studies published in the National Library of Medicine, elastic exercise tubing is capable of similar strength gains to conventional training gear such as barbells and weights or fitness machines. The workout tube proved to be 95% as effective as traditional training methods based on the exercise type and muscle group.

Are Resistance Tubes Better Than Weights?

Resistance bands and weights can also go hand in hand with a variety of exercises Neither is necessarily better, but both have their benefits. Most beginners are recommended to start off with resistance tubes. Weights require a consistent amount of force throughout your workout, but they require more upfront energy expenditure to get in motion. Resistance band tubes start off with minimal energy requirements and allow you to progressively increase the force and safely dictate your maximum. This is perfect if you’re having difficulties getting into an exercise, but otherwise have the strength to perform it once you’re in motion.

Conclusion

As you can see, resistance tubes are way more than meets the eye. They're truly one of the most diverse workout tools and a welcome addition to any home gym. They can be set up in seconds and don't require great effort to use.

TheFitLife Exercise resistance bands with handles are my current favorite, and I would definitely recommend them to everyone. Have you used resistance tubes in your exercises? Do you have a favorite resistance tube kit? What’s your favorite resistance tube exercise? Share your thoughts in the comments and on social media.

Also Read:

• Assisted Pull Ups With Resistance Bands
• Best Pull Up Assist Bands
• Shoulder Band Stretches
• Squats With Resistance Bands
• Resistance Band Tricep Workout
• Resistance Band Chest Exercises
• Resistance Bands vs Weights

References:

1. Exercise Band Workouts // Physiotherapy treatment: https://www.physiotherapy-treatment.com/exercise-band-workouts.html
2. Effects of training with elastic resistance versus conventional resistance on muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis // National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6383082/
3. Free Weights Vs Resistance Bands: Which Is The Ultimate Muscle-Building Tool? // Garage Gym Reviews: https://www.garagegymreviews.com/free-weights-vs-resistance-bands