If you're looking for a piece of home fitness equipment that could give you a robust full-body workout, you could do a lot worse than a punching bag. Taking some swings at a punching bag requires a high level of strength and stamina, and can help you fortify your core and improve your energy expenditure. What's more, a heavy bag session can be an incredible way to blow off some steam at the end of a long, stressful day.
But which punching bag is right for you? With so many options on the market, selecting the best punching bag can be a challenge. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has carefully tested several top options, and we've developed a list of our highest recommendations.
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The Best Punching Bag - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Punching Bag: Outslayer Filled Punching Bag
- Best Free-Standing Punching Bag: Century WAVEMASTER
- Best Punching Bag for Beginners: Everlast Nevatear Bag
- Best Punching Bag with Stand: FITVEN Freestanding Bag
- Best Home Punching Bag: Ringside Powerhide Bag
- Best Heavy Punching Bag: Combat Sports Muay Thai 100-pound bag
- Best Budget Punching Bag: BOXERPOINT Double End
- Best Portable Punching Bag: Desktop Punching Bag
- Best Punching Bag for Small Spaces: Everlast Speed Punching Bag
- Best Human-Shaped Punching Bag: Century BOB Original
Best Overall Punching Bag - Outslayer Filled Punching Bag
SPECS
- Weight: 100 lbs.
- Height: 55"
- Materials: Vinyl
As you shop for the best punching bag, this should be the first one on your list. The Outslayer Filled Punching Bag is a top-notch 100-pound selection, made with tough, resilient vinyl that will stand up to plenty of hits. Its quality is sealed with a 10-year warranty. And it comes pre-filled with cloth, ensuring perfect, sink-free density. Choose from a range of colors, so you can capture just the right vibe for your home gym.
What We Like
- Durable, long-lasting vinyl
- Pre-filled to perfect density
- Range of colors to choose from
- 10-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- No anchor hook on the bottom
- Not the most budget-friendly option
BUY: Outslayer Filled Punching Bag
Best Free-Standing Punching Bag - Century WAVEMASTER
SPECS
- Weight: Up to 270 lbs.
- Height: 47"
- Materials: Vinyl
One of the main obstacles to getting a punching bag is that actually hanging one can be tough, especially if you don't have an accessible ceiling joist. One solution? Get a freestanding bag, like the Century WAVEMASTER. While it will require a bit more floor space, it offers a tough vinyl construction that can be filled with sand or even water, allowing up to 270 pounds of resistance. The floor base provides stability while also ensuring this bag is easy to move around as needed.
What We Like
- Stable floor base
- No need to hang
- Up to 270 lbs.
What We Don't Like
- Filling can be time intensive and messy
- Larger footprint than other bags
Best Punching Bag for Beginners - Everlast Nevatear Bag
SPECS
- Weight: 70 lbs.
- Height: N/A
- Materials: N/A
New to heavy bag workouts? Consider the Everlast Nevatear Bag, which weighs in at a manageable 70 pounds. Made with a great blend of fibrous filler, it's designed to absorb impact without sinking or collapsing. And at under $100, this is an affordable way to dip your toes into the world of boxing-style workouts.
What We Like
- Good weight for novices
- Modest price point
- Shock-absorbing filler material
What We Don't Like
- Not as recommended for more experienced fitness buffs
- Hanging accessories sold separately
Best Punching Bag with Stand - FITVEN Freestanding Bag
SPECS
- Weight: 205 lbs.
- Height: 70"
- Materials: PU, Faux Leather
Hanging your heavy bag can be a drag, which is why so many people prefer something that comes with its own stand. Enter the FITVEN Freestanding Bag, a resilient 205-pound bag made with rough-and-ready PU and faux leather. The stand offers built-in shock and noise absorption, and a set of suction cups helps anchor it to the floor. Note that you will need to fill that stand with sand or some other material.
What We Like
- No need to hang
- Resilient materials
- Hefty weight
What We Don't Like
- Filling the base can be time consuming and messy
- Not recommended for novices
Best Home Punching Bag - Ringside Powerhide Bag
SPECS
- Weight: 100 lbs.
- Height: 43"
- Materials: Leather
A lot of heavy bags are expressly designed for fitness centers, but the Ringside Powerhide Bag is a rare exception. This bag is specifically intended for home use, and as such it offers a relatively slim profile, plenty of tools for hanging, and a long-lasting leather design. The 100-pound weight is a good, hearty number, offering a good workout for novices and seasoned pros alike.
What We Like
- Comes with chains and other installation tools
- High-quality leather exterior
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- It's possible some hard spots will develop after repeat use
- No color choices
Best Heavy Punching Bag - Combat Sports Muay Thai 100-Pound Bag
SPECS
- Weight: 100 lbs.
- Height: 72"
- Materials: Faux Leather
If you're looking to challenge yourself with a really heavy-duty session, you could do a lot worse than the Combat Sports Muay Thai 100-Pound Bag. Made with tough faux leather, it's both very durable and incredibly easy to wipe clean. It also has a nice height to it, providing greater workout variety.
What We Like
- Tough external materials
- Easy to clean
- Good, robust weight
What We Don't Like
- D-ring at the bottom would be nice
- The feel can be just a little floppy
BUY: Combat Sports Muay Thai 100-pound Bag
Best Budget Punching Bag - BOXERPOINT Double End
SPECS
- Weight: N/A
- Height: 41"
- Materials: PU
For a heavy bag that won't break your budget, consider the BOXERPOINT Double End. This small bag comes with double straps, making it easy to install and configure in your garage, basement, or home gym space. The PU exterior is durable, and the bag's small size makes it a great way to focus on cardio or hone your punching precision.
What We Like
- Great for working on punching precision
- Very affordable
- Easy to install
What We Don't Like
- Not the best bet if you're going for sheer heaviness
- Small size means it's not well-suited for kicking or full-body strikes
Best Portable Punching Bag - Desktop Punching Bag
SPECS
- Weight: 840g
- Height: 7.83"
- Materials: Faux Leather
In the middle of a tough workday, having the option to take out your stress on a tiny desktop punching bag can be invaluable. Here's the product for you: A small, inexpensive bag that you can easily attach to any desk or table. This isn't going to give you a great workout, but it can be a good tool for relieving tension and circulating blood.
What We Like
- Great for workday stress relief
- Very affordable
- Works on almost any table or desk
What We Don't Like
- Very lightweight
- Not really made for a home gym
Best Punching Bag for Small Spaces - Everlast Speed Punching Bag
SPECS
- Weight: N/A
- Height: 10"
- Materials: Leather
Looking to make the most of a compact home fitness space? The Everlast Speed Punching Bag takes up very little room, offering you a simple and convenient way to work on speed, movement, and precision. It's not quite as well-suited for strength training or full-body workouts, but can still make a great, durable addition to your modestly sized home fitness room.
What We Like
- Very small footprint
- Very affordable
- Durable leather
- Great for working on speed, movement, and precision
What We Don't Like
- Not as well-suited for strength training
- Not as well-suited for whole-body workouts
BUY: Everlast Speed Punching Bag
Best Human-Shaped Punching Bag - Century BOB Original
SPECS
- Weight: 270 lbs.
- Height: Up to 78"
- Materials: Vinyl
For boxers and MMA fighters, practicing striking an actual human target can be helpful. The man-sized bag we recommend most is the Century BOB Original, which offers a robust 270-pound weight and an adjustable height. This freestanding bag doesn't require you to hang it, and the torso-shaped strike zone can make a great simulation for real-life rounds in the ring.
What We Like
- Great for boxers and MMA fighters
- Hefty weight
- Freestanding
- Adjustable height
What We Don't Like
- Not as recommended for beginners
- Higher price point
What to Look for in a Punching Bag
As you shop for the right punching bag, there are a number of factors to keep in mind.
Weight
How heavy should your heavy bag be? It depends on how you hope to use it. Using a heavier bag is best if you're trying to build strength, while lighter bags are more appropriate if you're hoping to work on movement.
Outer Material
It goes without saying that your bag must be able to take a punch. That means finding a bag made from durable, high-quality materials. Some top options include real leather, synthetic leather, and vinyl.
Intended User
Are you looking for a punching bag that you can use to build core strength? To increase stamina? To improve your movement? Your intended use may dictate the type of bag that's right for you.
FAQs About Punching Bags
How do you hang a punching bag?
There are a few ways to hang a punching bag. The best way is to chain it over a ceiling joist. If that's not an option, you might also consider using a ceiling mount, using a wall mount, or investing in a free-standing punching bag stand.
How do you fill a punching bag?
If you want something relatively lightweight for your workouts, you can just fill the punching bag with old clothes. For a more intense workout, sandbags or pre-filled punching bag packs work best.
Are heavier punching bags better?
Heavier punching bags can certainly provide a more strenuous strength- and stamina-building workout. But if your workout is more about improving your movement, a lighter bag might make more sense.
Do punching bags build muscle?
Working with a heavy bag can be a great full-body workout, allowing you to build muscle in your arms, shoulders, back, chest, and even your legs.
Are punching bags worth it?
Given that heavy bags can help you build strength, increase stamina, and enhance your cardiovascular health, they can absolutely make worthwhile additions to your home gym.
About the Author
Josh is a journalist and writer whose work has appeared in magazines and local newspapers such as Christianity Today, IMAGE Journal, Relevant Magazine, FLOOD, The Nashville Scene, True Tunes, Rise Up Daily, and Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet. Josh is an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast.
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