Whether you’re looking to tone your arms, burn more calories, or recondition after an injury, wrist weights add flexibility to your routine. They free up your hands and add just enough resistance. They’re relatively light, safe, and portable, unlike traditional weights. Another perk of wrist weights over dumbbells is that you can even ditch the cross-training shoes and go barefoot.
By adding intensity to movements or body weight exercises that you’ve already been doing, they are an easy modification that takes little time or additional planning. And while they won’t get you ripped like the Hulk, they can pair well with workouts that sculpt your upper body or complement your home cardio routine. Since most wrist weights double as ankle weights, they’ll also open up possibilities for leg day.
The best wrist weights are compact, comfortable, and secure. If you’re lost as to where to begin, the bottom of this article details what you should look for when considering a purchase. Or you can jump right into our top ten choices and see what sounds like a good fit!
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The Best Wrist Weights - Our Top Picks
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- Best Wrist Weights Overall: P.volve Weights
- Best Wrist Weights for Running: adidas Performance Weights
- Best Budget Wrist Weights: BalanceFrom GoFit Weights
- Best Wrist Weights for Women: Bala Bangles
- Best Wrist Weights for Walking: ProsourceFit Weights
- Best Adjustable Wrist Weights: Sportneer Weights
- Best Ankle and Wrist Weights: BONA Fitness Weights
- Best Wrist Weights for Men: Fragraim Weights
- Most Comfortable Wrist Weights: Gaiam Restore Weights
- Best Wrist Weights for Beginners: The Cuff
Best Wrist Weights Overall - P.volve Weights
SPECS
- Weights (Individually): Both 1.5lbs. and 3 lbs. included
- Color options: 2 colors, coded by weight
P.volve’s comfy neoprene ankle weights are just the right size to double as wrist weights and they come bundled as a set of 1.5- and 3-pound bands, which should be perfect for regular light use as well as a moderate workout to tone your biceps, triceps, and lats. These stretchy, sand-filled weights are easily adjustable to provide a snug fit.
What We Like
- Free 30-day trial to P.volve's method and platform classes
- Sand-filled for a comfortable fit
- Comfortable neoprene material
- Can be purchased in a bundle with 2 weights
What We Don’t Like
- Not machine washable
- Limited weight options
BUY: P.volve Weights
Best Wrist Weights for Running - adidas Performance Weights
SPECS
- Weights (Individually): Available in 0.5 kg., 1 kg., 1.5 kg., 2 kg.
- Color options: 1 color
Designed to “challenge your bodyweight movements," the adidas Performance Weights amp up your exercise routine without adding the strain on joints that heavier weight training may bring. The outer-facing weight pouches and inner suede lining combine to provide less bulk and more snug comfort. The faux-leather exterior is timeless in black and holds up to wear for years. The Velcro fastening and cast-iron buckle will certainly hold up well.
What We Like
- Doubles as both ankle weights and wrist weights
- Evenly distributed weight
- Comfortable suede lining
What We Don’t Like
- Not modular/adjustable
- Not machine washable
BUY: adidas Performance Weights
Best Budget Wrist Weights - BalanceFrom GoFit Weights
SPECS
- Weights (Individually): Available in 1 lb., 1.5 lbs., 2 lbs., 2.5 lbs., 3 lbs., 4 lbs., 5 lbs., 7.5-lb. adjustable, 10 lbs.
- Color options: 9 colors
Whether you’re at home doing Pilates or at the beach working your core, these budget-friendly ankle and wrist weights will augment your routine. At 15 dollars per set—or $30 for the modular version—these are a steal. But they don’t lack in quality: Their neoprene exterior is comfortable and should absorb moisture while maintaining a secure grip.
What We Like
- Includes an adjustable/modular model
- Lots of color options
- Comfortable
What We Don’t Like
- May not be very durable—customers have reported tears and leaks
- Not easy to adjust the modular model
BUY: BalanceFrom GoFit Weights
Best Wrist Weights for Women - Bala Bangles
SPECS
- Weights (Individually): Available in 1 or 2 lbs.
- Color options: 7 nature-inspired hues, 2 patterned options
If you want the benefit of wrist weights but like to stay on trend, Bala Bangles were designed to be both beautiful and functional. Wear these while being active outdoors, during your workout, or just while you go about your everyday business. The baby-soft silicone outer makes for a smooth and easy-to-wash finish that will not absorb sweat or bacteria. They’re versatile, too—equally snug on ankles as they are on wrists. Try boxing, yoga, or physical therapy routines in style. “The world just became your gym,” touts Bala.
What We Like
- Comfortable
- Evenly distributed weight
- Stylish with nice colors and patterns
What We Don’t Like
- The closure may wear with time
- Expensive
BUY: Bala Bangles
Best Wrist Weights for Walking - ProsourceFit Weights
SPECS
- Weights (Individually): Varies from 1 to 15 lbs., including several adjustable models
- Color options: 9 colors, coded by weight
While they may not be as stylish as the Bala, the ProsourceFit weights are solid and do exactly what they promise. The soft and comfortable neoprene outer wraps around your wrists for a snug fit. This material allows for sweat absorption and keeps it from chafing. The durable Velcro straps and metal loop closure adjusts easily and stay secure through the most powerful of movements.
You may want to wear socks if you use these as ankle weights, as the band itself may chafe on exposed skin. These won’t wear out much with time, thanks to the nylon outer and iron sand filler. They may be a bit bulky and slide when worn on smaller wrists, so that could be a turnoff for some.
What We Like
- Adjustable/modular models available
- Adjust easily and stay secure
- Durable material and build
- Limited lifetime warranty included
What We Don’t Like
- May not be comfortable on bare skin
- May be too bulky for some wrist users
BUY: ProsourceFit Weights
Best Adjustable Wrist Weights - Sportneer Weights
SPECS
- Weights (Individually): Available in 1-3.5 lbs. adjustable or 1-6.5 lbs. adjustable
- Color options: 5 colors
Why have several weight bands cluttering your space when one will do the trick? That’s where Spoortneer excels, featuring a modular setup with removable weights. Start small with just the half-pound pocket and go all the way up to either 3.5 or 6.5 pounds, depending on the kit that you choose! This gives you the freedom to customize your workouts and gradually increase your resistance, without buying more and more weights. Not only are they modular, but they also have a nice extended Velcro for adjusting to your wrists or ankles. If you plan on a regimented uptick in resistance, this type of adjustable wrist weight is exactly what you need.
What We Like
- 5 weight options in one
- Breathable, comfortable neoprene
- No gaps for the band to chafe your skin
- Anti-fray trim
What We Don’t Like
- Not machine washable
- May be too bulky for smaller wrists
BUY: Sportneer Weights
Best Ankle and Wrist Weights - BONA Fitness Weights
SPECS
- Weights (Individually): Available in 1 lb., 1.5 lbs., 2.5 lbs.
- Color options: 2 colors
While many ankle weights claim they can double as wrist weights, not every design works in practice, especially for smaller wrists. BONA Fitness wrist and ankle weights, however, offer a compact, comfy, and secure build that works well for both. Their colors and reflective edging make these safe and fun—great for a night workout. The soft, stretchy lycra should absorb moisture and give a bit of stretch while the Velcro and metal closure will keep these from falling down or off.
What We Like
- Easily adjustable and secure closure
- Exercise manual included
- Reflective trim
What We Don’t Like
- Fabric may wear with time
- May not fit larger ankles
BUY: BONA Fitness Weights
Best Wrist Weights for Men - Fragraim Ankle Weights
SPECS
- Weights (Individually): Varies from 0.5 to 10 lbs.
- Color options: 10 colors, coded by weight
These affordable, no-frills bands do what they’re supposed to do. Their mercerized cotton will absorb moisture, stay put, and, more importantly, won’t pull your body hair. The stretchy material and adjustable strap closure make for easy use and a snug fit. They do just as well on the wrists as they do on the ankles and the extra-long Velcro will suit larger men, too. Tuck these in your pack the next time you’re headed to the gym.
What We Like
- Adjust easily and secure well
- Comfortable cotton
- Absorb sweat and stay put
What We Don’t Like
- Cotton tends to hold odors
- No adjustable weight or modular option
BUY: Fragraim Weights
Most Comfortable Wrist Weights - Gaiam Restore Weights
SPECS
- Weights (Individually): Available in 2.5 or 5 lbs.
- Color options: 2 colors, coded by weight
If comfort is what you seek, Gaiam will deliver. After all, when you’re adding resistance to your regular routine, you want to hardly feel anything there. These bands feature a comfy anti-chafe neoprene on the skin-facing side. Because these bands are multi-use for both wrists and ankles, they don’t come in some of the lower-weight increments. This may be a no-go for some users, like those recovering from injury or maintaining bone density as they age. Otherwise, these weights are a quality and comfortable option.
What We Like
- Comfortable, soft neoprene
- Easily adjustable
- Durable, quality stitching
What We Don’t Like
- Not a large variety of weights; too heavy or loose for some wrists
- Few color options
Best Wrist Weights for Beginners - The Cuff
SPECS
- Weights (individually): Varies from 0.25 to 25 lbs.
- Color options: 10 colors, coded by weight
A longtime staple in rehab clinics, The Cuff’s ankle and wrist weights are built to last. They offer fine-tuned weight increments for precise needs and workouts. Starting at just 0.25 pounds, these are well-suited to seniors, rehabbers, and beginners alike. It’s their vinyl outer that makes these super durable, easy to clean, and not odor-absorbing.
What We Like
- Super durable
- Easy to adjust
- Easy to wash, vinyl material
What We Don’t Like
- No modular version
- Vinyl may slide on sweat
BUY: The Cuff
What To Look For in Wrist (and Ankle) Weights
If you’re ready to buy a pair of wrist weights, here are some factors to keep in mind.
For starters, read the reviews and see if they hold up to their claims. Do they actually work well on both the wrists and the ankles? Are they as secure and comfortable as advertised? How easily do they get sweaty and—inevitably—smelly? If so, are they washable? Last but not least, consider what you’ll use them for. This will affect what type of bands you should go for and which weight will be best.
Comfort and Fit
The best wrist or ankle weights are snug and secure so that you hardly feel them—all you should notice is their weight. You’ll probably want them slightly elastic and easy to adjust.
Materials
The material also affects comfort. Most weights will be made of neoprene with Velcro closures, but they sometimes come in cotton, polyester, vinyl, or silicone. I have two recommendations: Silicone may not be breathable but it’s especially smooth, doesn’t soak up sweat, and is easy to wash. On the other hand, it may be a bit too smooth and liable to slip a bit. Conversely, neoprene is absorbent like cotton and polyester but tends to stink less than those materials. It also stays put without chafing. It can be washed in theory, but if the device is filled with sand, you want to be extra careful and it may take quite a while for the sand inside to dry—a drawback you won’t have to worry about with silicone.
Versatility
While most wrist weights can double as ankle weights and vice versa, it’s not always the case. This comes down mostly to size and chosen weight. If you want a set that does both, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your ankles while compact enough not to slip around on your wrist like bangles. And be conservative when choosing the weight—less weight is a safer choice.
One option could be choosing bands with weight that is easily added or removed. Having a modular option for upping the resistance is a great feature of some bands. Keep in mind that some of these modular options can be too bulky for wrists.
Durability
It goes without saying your weights should take years of exercise, sweat, and washing without fraying or falling apart. You don’t want to be buying these more than once every 5 to 10 years. Materials like silicone and vinyl tend to hold up best. Stitching and build come into play as well.
Weight
Choosing the weight of your ankle or wristbands should be a personal decision based on your fitness level, goals, and history of injury. While they range from tenths of a pound to as much as 20 pounds, keep in mind that by their nature, these bands are at the edge of your gravity and that you’ll likely be doing a high number of reps. This means that a little weight will go a long way. No matter your fitness level, start light and use heavier bands over time.
FAQs About Wrist Weights
Do wrist weights actually work?
That depends on what your specific goals are. Without a doubt, wrist and ankle weights provide resistance for many forms of exercise. Given that they’re at the edge of your body (at the end of a pendulum), a small weight can have a large impact, especially over many repetitions. This essentially increases the intensity of movements you are already doing, and thus gives you more impact with less time spent.
The main benefit of wrist weights is shown via cardio and calories burned. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), weights worn with cardio movements can increase heart rate by five to 10 beats per minute and oxygen consumption, as well as caloric expenditure, by about 5 to 15 percent compared to performing the same activity without weights. They’re also hands-free, which makes them versatile: For example, you can still grab a pullup bar while wearing them.
However, some medical professionals urge caution when using them for running and even walking—they can change your gait and cause an imbalance in certain muscle groups. And while they help tone muscle—great for recovery or maintaining bone mass as you age—they won’t build a lot of muscle, which brings us to our next question.
Can you build muscle with wrist weights?
While the main benefit of wrist and ankle weights is actually cardio and calories burned, they can help with recovering or maintaining muscle and bone mass. Any form of resistance builds muscle when you exercise regularly. Just don’t expect a pound or two to have a huge impact on your strength.
Do wrist weights help tone arms?
If we define toning as increased strength plus decreased fat, then yes wrist weights can help—to a degree. As they’re better at increasing your heart rate rather than gaining pure strength, they can help with the cardio and calorie-burn component. Your muscles will grow strong enough to accommodate the small weight, but you may not see a visible difference. Wrist weights can effectively tone muscle if incorporated into a greater fitness regimen that includes strength training two to three times per week and at least 150 minutes of cardio, in addition to a healthy diet.
What is the best weight for wrist weights?
The best weight for your wrist weights will be determined based on your own fitness level, goals, and history of injury. Because you will be adding a small weight for a high number of repetitions, it is best to start small at first and increase from there. As with all exercise, the best choice is the one that will be sustainable for you and will keep you moving—the heaviest wrist weights won’t do you any good if you never put them on!
About the Author
Marco is a writer and avid runner. He’s passionate about health, wellness, and the benefits of regular exercise.
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