The best free-standing punching bags sidestep the installation woes of hanging heavy bags yet they provide the same level of satisfaction—that thick thud of a total-body workout that only boxing can give. And with a wide variety of options, you can find one that fits your space or fitness goals, from super fast speed bags to ultra heavy hitters.
We've reviewed the best punching bags before, but we zeroed in on freestanding bags in this review because we know how popular they are for home fitness. Test your stamina, cardio, and strength with our top picks in this roundup arranged by category.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
The Best Free Standing Punching Bag - Our Top Picks
By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.
- Best Free Standing Punching Bag Overall: Century Wavemaster XXL
- Best Free Standing Punching Bag on a Budget: GIKPAL Punching Bag
- Best Free Standing Punching Bag for Beginners: Everlast Omniflex
- Best Free Standing Punching Bag for Kickboxing: RORALA Punching Bag with Stand
- Best Heavyweight Free Standing Punching Bag: Century Wavemaster Powerline Extra Large
- Best Free Standing Punching Bag for Small Spaces: Century Uppercut Wavemaster
- Most Durable Free Standing Punching Bag: Century BOB XL Body Bag
Best Overall Free Standing Punching Bag - Century Wavemaster XXL
SPECS
- Dimensions: 69" height, 18" diameter
- Material: High density foam interior, Vinyl exterior
- Best for: Most anybody!
The Wavemaster XXL is a great all-around option for novices and champions alike. Its base fills with up to 270 pounds of water or 300+ pounds of sand, ensuring this thing isn't going anywhere. Twice as large as the original, its long striking surface makes it suitable for high kicks and its lifelike girth takes many punching angles without heavy bobbing.
Relocating the bag is not as hard as it seems when you bank it at an angle and roll. Be prepared for an involved filling process (expect a trip to home depot), especially if you're using sand. But that's the case with most free-standing bags, anyways. We want to note that the exterior is vinyl, and it will likely wear out in three years of heavy use.
What We Like
- Super solid
- Expansive striking surface
- Doesn't bob-and-sway
- Great value for the price
What We Don't Like
- Filling can be intensive
- Larger footprint than other bags
Best Free Standing Punching Bag on a Budget - GIKPAL Punching Bag
SPECS
- Dimensions: 70" height, 20" diameter
- Material: Foam interior, Polyurethane synthetic leather exterior
- Best for: Great value on a budget
The GIKPAL may be our budget pick but it holds up to scrutiny, and to blows. Its base is almost twice as wide as the bag, which is on the slimmer side and rests on the spring stem, a mechanism that gives it just the right amount of sway and rebound without toppling the base. Its synthetic exterior will be almost as durable as real leather without the high price tag.
What We Like
- Great value for the price
- Extra wide base with suction cups
- Spring mechanism lends a nice rebound
What We Don't Like
- Suction cups will only work on very smooth surfaces
- Not suitable for low kicks
BUY: GIKPAL Punching Bag
Best Free Standing Punching Bag for Beginners - Everlast OmniFlex
SPECS
- Dimensions: Up to 67" high, 24" diameter
- Material: Foam interior, Polyurethane synthetic leather exterior
- Best for: Beginners or anyone who throws lighter punches
If you're just getting started or you throw lighter punches and want a smaller profile bag, longtime martial arts brand Everlast has you covered with the OmniFlex. Adjustable from 59 to 67 inches and sporting a flexing stem, it does a good job absorbing the swift blows without bobbing too far. The base fills with about 200 pounds of sand, making it suitable for heavier blows. But, trying to fill it will be a pain because of its narrow funnel.
What We Like
- Smaller profile
- Sturdy stand and flexing stem
- Heavy base (when filled with sand)
What We Don't Like
- Narrow base funnel makes filling difficult
- Not suited to heavy hitters
BUY: Everlast OmniFlex
Best Free Standing Punching Bag for Kickboxing - RORALA Punching Bag
SPECS
- Dimensions: 70" tall, 12" diameter
- Material: Foam interior, Polyurethane synthetic leather exterior
- Best for: Getting your kicks in
If you're throwing more than punches, check out the Rorala Punching Bag—it's the perfect height for kicks with just the right amount of rebound. 45 inches of punching and kicking surface mean you don't have to go to the gym for kickboxing.
What We Like
- Solid base with suction cups
- Perfect height for kickboxing
- Spring stem gives the right amount of rebound
What We Don't Like
- Spring stem means more parts that could break
- Not suitable for low kicks
BUY: RORALA Punching Bag with Stand
Best Free Standing Punching Bag - Century Wavemaster Powerline XL
SPECS
- Dimensions: 69" tall, 28" diameter
- Material: Foam interior, Polyurethane synthetic leather exterior
- Best for: A Hefty Bag with the Most Resistance
The Powerline XL boasts the largest striking surface of any freestanding bag on the market with twice as much high-density foam as the original Wavemaster. Pair that with its hand sewn 2mm thick PU vinyl and a no-spring base and you’ve got a bag that holds up to the heaviest of punches.
What We Like
- Super stiff and thick
- Wide striking surface
- Durable for the heaviest hitters
What We Don't Like
- Too stiff for some
- Not ideal for fast cardio boxing or Muay Thai
BUY: Century Wavemaster Powerline XL
Best Free Standing Punching Bag for Small Spaces - Century Uppercut Wavemaster
SPECS
- Dimensions: Up to 68" tall, 20"diameter
- Material: Foam interior, Polyurethane synthetic leather exterior
- Best for: Tucking away and rolling out for a workout
The Uppercut Wavemaster is a stout bag that could tuck away if need be. Its unique cone shape and adjustable height make it ideal for perfecting kicks. The bag also features target zones which can sharpen your precision and technique.
What We Like
- Unique cone shape ideal for kicks
- Adjustable height
- Just the right size to tuck into small spaces
What We Don't Like
- Some may prefer a springier motion
- Bag can be a bit stiff for some
BUY: Century Uppercut Wavemaster
Most Durable Free Standing Punching Bag - Century Bob XL
SPECS
- Dimensions: Up to 78" tall, 30" wide mannequin
- Material: Urethane foam interior, Plastisol body
- Best for: Realistic targeted and heavy hits
Somewhere between hitting a heavy bag and a live training partner sits the Bob XL—and it's not moving. This "Body Opponent Bag" sports an anatomic shape that will help you perfect your targeting. His 270-pound foundation stays put as he scowls at you. He'll put up with kickboxing, muay Thai, karate, and more.
What We Like
- Solid weight and base
- Just enough give, just enough stiffness
- Adjustable height
What We Don't Like
- Too stiff for some
- Still bobs a bit too much
BUY: Century Bob XL
What to Consider When Choosing a Free Standing Punching Bag
Dimensions and Weight
How tall do you want your bag to be, and do you want it low enough for kicks? And when it comes to girth, do you want a lifelike surface area with a fat thud or are you looking for a speed bag for cardio and reflexes? Generally, heavier bags are best for stronger, more experienced boxers whereas lighter bags are better for beginners or for movement, speed, and cardio.
Base
A solid base is essential for keeping your bag upright. You'll want to check its fill weight (the weight when filled with water or sand), which really comes down to its volume. Next, consider sway and rebound. Some bags rest on a springy stem whereas others are attached directly to the base. There's also the axis-style base which has a more circular base it pivots from—it's best for beginners working on your form or for mixed martial artists looking to incorporate some takedowns into the mix.
Material
You want a bag that gives you the punching feel and durability you're after. It should strike a balance between give and firmness. But consider your style and strength. Most people use gloves, but will you be using heavy boxing gloves or minimal training gloves? Most are filled with cloth, and some with foam, and should protect your hands from impact while still being resilient. Exteriors come in real leather, synthetic leather and vinyl. Real leather lasts longest but synthetic offers a similar feel for less. Vinyl finishes are more of a preference.
FAQs About Free Standing Punching Bags
Do punching bags build muscle?
They certainly can. Boxing is a full-body workout, and you should see gains in your arms, shoulders, back, chest, and even your legs. As there's plenty of calorie burning inherent in boxing, you'll likely tone more than bulk, but stay consistent, hit heavier, and incorporate the proper diet to see the most gains.
How much does a good quality punching bag cost?
You can expect to get a decent free-standing punching bag for about $180 but you get what you pay for, and premium models cost more due to their feel, rebound, solidity, and durability.
Is a free-standing punching bag a good workout?
Going toe-to-toe with a punching bag is a total-body workout, with a fat-burning HIIT nature, too, making it such a great way to get in shape. It challenges your aerobic endurance, stamina, coordination, and strength in equal measure.
How often should you use a punching bag?
Use your punching bag as often as you'd like. But for the best gains in strength, stamina and skill ramp up your training to several times a week. Always remember to start small, and that consistency trumps bursts of motivation over time.
About the Author
Marco is a writer and avid runner. He’s passionate about health, wellness, and the benefits of regular exercise.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article