The Best Medicine Balls of 2024

Working out with a medicine ball builds strength and helps with reaction time. Here’s what trainers have to say about this versatile piece of equipment.

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If you find yourself hitting a plateau in your workout routine, are rehabilitating an injury or just want to elevate your training, try introducing one of the best medicine balls into the mix. “I like using medicine balls because they’re a great way to include resistance training without using weights,” says Carmen Narcisse Pichone, certified personal trainer and Kickoff Coach. “I like medicine balls because they can be used in a multitude of different positions and exercises,” says Jackie Murray, DPT, FAFS. "They’re an invaluable tool when it comes to reactive training and restoring subconscious movement patterns in rehabilitation."

Medicine balls are weighted balls that can be used for a plethora of different exercises, which makes them a versatile type of exercise ball and one of the best pieces of equipment to add to your home gym. Medicine balls are designed to build strength in all major muscle groups—core, arms, legs and back. Plus, you can use them as a tool to help boost mobility, endurance and athletic performance.

There are all kinds of medicine balls on the market. They come in different materials, diameters, weights and textured grips at various price points. It’s important to note that most medicine balls are not designed for slamming. Choosing the best medicine ball for you depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. Whether you’re trying to elevate your training by using equipment other than your best dumbbells, or are rehabilitating an injury, these are the best medicine balls available right now.

Our Picks for the Best Medicine Ball:

• Best Overall Medicine Ball: REP Fitness Medicine Ball
• Best Medicine Ball for a Home Gym: TRX Medicine Ball
• Best Medicine Ball for Slamming: Fringe Sport Slam Ball
• Best Heavy-Duty Medicine Ball: REP Fitness Medicine Ball
• Best Rubber Medicine Ball: TRX Rubber Medicine Ball
• Best Lightweight Medicine Ball: ProForm Medicine Ball
• Best Dual Grip Medicine Ball: American Barbell Medicine Ball
• Best Budget Medicine Ball: Hammer Strength Medicine Ball
• Best Medicine Ball with Handles: Body Solid Medicine Ball
• Best Beginner Medicine Ball: Yes4All

Best Overall Medicine Ball: REP Fitness Medicine Ball

REP Fitness

Key Features:

• Price: From $43 (lightest) to $86 (heaviest)
• Weight: Four pounds, six pounds, eight pounds, 10 pounds, 12 pounds, 14 pounds, 16 pounds, 20 pounds, 25 pounds and 30 pounds
• Material: Synthetic leather
• Diameter: 14 inches

The REP brand is well-known for designing high-quality home gym equipment, and their medicine balls are no exception. The Rep Fitness Medicine balls can be used to train core strength, improve coordination and develop explosive movements. These medicine balls are soft, grippy and well-balanced.

They come in a range of weights, from four to 30 pounds, so you can pick the weight that suits your training load best. All weights have the same 14-inch diameter and are color-coded for quick and easy identification. They’re hand stuffed and double-stitched with extra-thick threading and made of synthetic leather.

These are not slam balls, so they do have some bounce to them. If you drop these balls, they will rebound back to you.

Pros:

• 10 weights to choose from
• Durable
• Soft, grippy texture
• Color-coded for easy ID

Cons:

• Bouncy
• Stitching may fray

Best Medicine Ball for Home Gym: TRX Medicine Ball

TRX

Key Features:

• Price: From $100 (lightest/smallest) to $230 (heaviest/biggest)
• Weight: Four pounds, six pounds, eight pounds, 10 pounds, 12 pounds, 14 pounds, 16 pounds, 18 pounds, 20 pounds, 25 pounds, 30 pounds, 35 pounds, 40 pounds, 45 pounds and 50 pounds
• Material: Kevlar blend
• Diameter: 10 inches or 14 inches

TRX Medicine Balls come in weight increments ranging from four to 50 pounds. You can choose from 10-inch or 14-inch diameters for all weights. They’re built with Kevlar, an extremely durable material, to sustain your highest-impact workouts. These low-bounce balls are perfect for strength, stability and endurance training.

While not all medicine balls are built for slamming, you can slam this TRX ball on the floor, against walls and rebounders. Just make sure you have proper flooring in your home gym before doing so. They are on the pricey side, but they’re made for durability, and you can use these for indoor and outdoor training.

Pros:

• 15 weights to choose from
• Built with Kevlar for durability
• Can be slammed
• Easy grip exterior
• Moisture and scuff resistant

Cons:

• Pricey
• No color coding to differentiate weight

Best Medicine Ball for Slamming: Fringe Sport Slam Ball

Fringe Sport

Key Features:

• Price: From $52 (lightest) to $483 (heaviest)
• Weight: Six pounds, 10 pounds, 15 pounds, 20 pounds, 25 pounds, 30 pounds, 40 pounds, 50 pounds, 60 pounds, 80 pounds, 100 pounds and 150 pounds
• Material: Textured rubber filled with sand
• Diameter: Nine inches for six-pound, 10-pound, 15-pound and 20-pound sizes; 11 inches for 25-pound, 30-pound, 40-pound, 50-pound, 60-pound, 80-pound and 100-pound sizes; 15 inches for 150-pound size

The Fringe Sport Slam Ball is our pick for best slam ball. It features a dead bounce, extremely durable construction and a textured rubber exterior for a solid grip. Ball slams host a myriad of health benefits. These full body movements are excellent for total body conditioning, multi-directional core training, enhanced athletic performance and “power training which combines speed, explosiveness, and intensity,” says Hannah Heller, fitness consultant and certified personal trainer. In a nutshell, they’re a slam dunk for any training regimen.

Fringe Sport Slam Balls come in 12 different weight increments, or you can purchase a set. Diameters are dependent on the weight you opt for, and range between nine and 15 inches. The heavier you go, the pricier they are, but the sets are a great option if you want multiple weights and want to save a few bucks.

Pros:

• Built for slamming
• 12 weights to choose from
• Dead bounce
• Won’t lose shape or crack

Cons:

• Rubber can be slippery for sweaty hands

Best Heavy-Duty Medicine Ball: REP Medicine Ball

REP Fitness

Key Features:

• Price: From $43 (lightest) to $86 (heaviest)
• Weight: Four pounds, six pounds, eight pounds, 10 pounds, 12 pounds, 14 pounds, 16 pounds, 20 pounds, 25 pounds and 30 pounds
• Material: Synthetic leather
• Diameter: 14 inches

The REP Fitness Medicine Ball is not only our pick for best overall medicine ball, but best heavy-duty medicine ball, as well. That’s because these balls are built to last and constructed to stand up to the toughest of workouts.

They are made of synthetic leather and feature a stitched REP logo and weight markings that shouldn't wear off (no matter how sweaty or rough you get with them). The double stitching with extra-thick threading ensures this heavy-duty medicine ball will be a long-standing staple in your home gym.

Pros:

• Durable
• Made of synthetic leather
• Hand-stuffed
• Double-stitched with extra-thick threading

Cons:

• Stitching may fray

Best Rubber Medicine Ball: TRX Rubber Medicine Ball

TRX Fitness

Key Features:

• Price: From $60 (lightest) to $180 (heaviest)
• Weight: Eight pounds, 10 pounds, 15 pounds, 20 pounds, 25 pounds and 30 pounds
• Material: Natural rubber and Kevlar fiber
• Diameter: 10 inches

The TRX Rubber Medicine Ball features an innovative design. TRX uses tire technology—the best natural rubber—combined with Kevlar fiber to create this rubber medicine ball. It comes in six weight increments ranging from eight to 30 pounds and measures 10 inches in diameter.

It features custom surface patterns that give you the right grippy texture for movements like catching and throwing. It has a medium bounce built to withstand high-volume training, even in tight spaces. This medicine ball is not designed for slamming, but it can be used indoors and outdoors.

Pros:

• Tire technology, natural rubber and Kevlar
• Custom surface patterns
• Very durable
• Indoor/outdoor use

Cons:

• Not designed for slamming

Best Lightweight Medicine Ball: ProForm Medicine Ball

ProForm

Key Features:

• Price: $28
• Weight: Six pounds
• Material: Rubber
• Diameter: Nine inches

“The weight a medicine ball should be depends on the person,” says Heller. “If someone is just starting out, you want to start at an accessible weight for their current fitness level.”

That’s why we included the ProForm Medicine Ball as our best lightweight ball on the list. It’s budget-friendly and a great starting point for beginners or those rehabbing an injury.

It’s ideal for plyometrics, functional fitness and performance training. This versatile ball can easily be integrated into any workout (think lunges, pushups, squats and shoulder raises).

“If I’m working with a client using a lighter weighted medicine ball, I’ll increase their rep count. High reps with lighter resistance builds endurance and long, lean muscle mass,” Heller says.

The ProForm Medicine ball has a textured, rubber, non-slip grip that's designed to be easy to hold even as your workout intensifies.

Pros:

• Lightweight for more reps
• Rubber textured surface
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Six pounds will be too light for some

Best Dual-Grip Medicine Ball: American Barbell Medicine Ball

American Barbell

Key Features:

• Price: From $32 (lightest) to $110 (heaviest)
• Weight: Two pounds, four pounds, six pounds, eight pounds, 10 pounds, 12 pounds, 15 pounds and 20 pounds
• Material: Rubber shell filled with sand
• Diameter: Not provided

The American Barbell Medicine Ball comes in weight increments ranging from two to 20 pounds. They’re color-coded according to weight, making them easily identifiable. Each ball features a textured surface with two different tread patterns, which is why they’re our pick for best dual-grip. All balls feature a stock black dimpling design coupled with a textured color that displays the weight of the ball.

The American Barbell range of medicine balls have undergone thousands of hours of testing against all kinds of surfaces to ensure they can handle the toughest of sweat sessions.

Pros:

• Dual grip texture patterns
• Color coded
• Can be slammed

Cons:

• Diameter not provided

Best Budget Medicine Ball: Hammer Strength Medicine Ball

Hammer Strength

Key Features:

• Price: From $18 (lightest) to $78 (heaviest)
• Weight: Four pounds, six pounds, eight pounds, 10 pounds, 12 pounds, 18 pounds, 25 pounds and 30 pounds
• Material: Textured rubber
• Diameter: Not provided

The Hammer Strength Medicine Ball comes in a weight range of four to 30 pounds. You’ll be hard pressed to find a ball of this quality in this price range, which is why it’s our best budget medicine ball.

Hammer Strength balls feature a rugged design and textured surface for durability and a firm grip. You can use them in solo workouts or with a partner. The opportunities are virtually endless with these versatile pieces of equipment, and because they’re so budget-friendly, you can buy multiple for your in-home workout space.

Hammer Strength does not list the diameter of each ball, but the listings indicate that the size of the medicine ball depends on the weight, so the lighter ones most likely have a smaller diameter, which will increase as the weight increases.

Pros:

• Super budget-friendly
• Eight weights to choose from
• Durable
• Textured surface

Cons:

• No diameter provided

Best Medicine Ball with Handles: Body Solid Medicine Ball

Body Solid

Key Features:

• Price: $100
• Weight: 16 pounds
• Material: Rubber
• Diameter: 11 inches

This 16-pound, dual grip medicine ball by Body Solid features a durable, solid core and easy-grip handles that you don’t see on many standard medicine balls. The handles allow for an even wider variety of exercise options, and you won’t have to worry about gripping a heavy ball with a large diameter.

This version is 16 pounds, but Body Solid Medicine Balls come in weight increments ranging from six to 25 pounds, so you can vary the intensity of your workouts with different weight loads.

Body Solid medicine balls are constructed of thick, reinforced rubber to prevent them from splitting or cracking. They're on the pricier side of our list, but they're built to last.

Pros:

• Handles for dual-grip options
• Solid core
• Reinforced rubber construction

Cons:

• Pricey

Best Beginner Medicine Ball: Yes4All Medicine Ball

Yes4All

Key Features:

• Price: $36 (lightest) to $62 (heaviest)
• Weight: Six pounds, 10 pounds, 12 pounds, 15 pounds, 18 pounds, 20 pounds and 30 pounds
• Material: PVC
• Diameter: 13.6 inches

Yes4All medicine balls come in weights ranging from six pounds to 30 pounds. They feature a larger 13.6-inch diameter, making them ideal for tossing, catching or throwing against a wall, but not slamming.

They’re made of stuffed PVC material and feature double-stitching for durability. You have three color options to choose from to add a personal touch to your workouts. Plus, they have built-in finger loops for an extra-firm grip that the company says makes them guaranteed not to slip.

Pros:

• Larger diameter
• Seven weights to choose from
• Built-in finger loops

Cons:

• Shape may alter with use

How to Choose the Best Medicine Ball for You

Choosing the best medicine ball for you depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. When it comes to weight, start with a weight that’s immediately accessible to your current fitness level, and then work your way up to heavier weighted medicine balls as you grow stronger, explains Heller. Doing more reps with a lighter weighted ball can be just as effective as fewer reps with a heavier weighted ball. So, try increasing your rep count if you’re starting light to intensify your workout.

The size or diameter of the ball also comes down to what types of exercises you’re doing and how heavy the ball is. Lighter balls tend to be smaller in diameter than heavier balls.

“Medicine balls can be integrated into almost any workout,” says Narcisse Pichone, “They’re a great form of resistance training without being a dumbbell or kettlebell, and they’re easy to use. Some have handles, some don’t. They’re accessible to everyone.” She suggests incorporating medicine balls into your strength training routine.

When considering the texture of your medicine ball, you’ll want something grippy that won’t slip out of your hands while you sweat. Every medicine ball on our list has excellent grip.

How We Chose the Best Medicine Balls

We carefully curated each medicine ball on this list through consulting experts and thorough research to accommodate people of all fitness levels and to suit every budget. They vary in size, weight, diameter and workout variety, so be sure to pick a ball that can accommodate your needs and help you reach your fitness goals.

Benefits of Medicine Ball Workouts

“Medicine balls are a great way to switch up your routine if your workout regimen grows stagnant,” Narcisse Pichone says. Working with a medicine ball will build strength and endurance, as well as improve cardiovascular health, coordination, agility, balance, power and speed.

The Difference Between a Slam Ball and a Medicine Ball

Slamming a ball is incredibly satisfying. “Slam balls are a great way to get your aggression out in a healthy way,” says Narcisse Pichone. They don’t call it a slam dunk for no reason. A slam ball is the medicine ball’s cousin. The main difference between a medicine ball and a slam ball is the bounce. Slam balls have a “dead bounce,” or no bounce, so you don’t have to deal with a big rebound. Slam balls also tend to have a tougher exterior to stand up to—you guessed it—the hardest slams.

How to Use a Medicine Ball

“You can use a medicine ball in a variety of different ways,” Heller says. She likes to incorporate them into weight training, stability and functional training. The way to use a medicine ball varies between exercises. You can use them to target the core, back, upper and lower body. Below, we’ve included a few medicine ball workouts to help you get started.

Medicine Ball Workout 1

Created by Carmen Narcisse Pichon

How to do it: Complete each move for 30 seconds with 15 seconds of rest in between. Repeat twice.

Medicine ball press in bridge position

Lie flat on your back with knees bent and lift until your butt is no longer touching the floor. Keep your glutes engaged. Hold the med ball with two hands directly in front of your chest and push out until arms are long and then back in. Do this for 30 secs while holding the bridge position.

Medicine ball squat and press

Holding the ball with two hands in front of your chest, spread your feet shoulder width apart and squat.

Medicine ball slams

Stand tall with your feet shoulder width apart, holding the ball with both hands. Keep your core engaged. Squat down slightly and press through your heels, rising up on the balls of your feet and throw the ball down in one powerful motion. Use your core and arms to slam the medicine ball down between your feet with as much force as you can. Squat down to pick the ball up and repeat.

Medicine ball lunge and twist

Step forward with your right foot and into a basic lunge position while holding the ball directly in front of you with elbows at a 90-degree angle. Twist your upper body to the right from your midsection keeping your core engaged. Repeat on the other side.

Medicine ball triceps extension to hammer curl

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and both hands holding the ball. Extend the ball over your head and bend so that the ball goes behind your head and your elbows extend out front facing. Remember to keep your elbows as close to your ears as you can. Raise the ball back over your head and lower it in front as if you were doing a bicep curl, keeping both hands on the ball in front of you.

Kneeling medicine ball lift

Kneeling down on both knees and holding the ball with both hands, extend and lift the ball to one side as if reaching up. Keep the torso facing front as much as possible. Return hands to in front of the chest and repeat. Then switch sides.

Weighted twists

In a sit-up position, twist from side to side while holding the ball with both hands. Make sure you're bringing the ball down as if you were putting something in your pocket. Keep your core engaged. 

Medicine ball toe touches

Lying face up, bring both feet straight up. Keeping your arms straight as well, holding the ball with both hands, try to reach your toes by crunching towards your feet. Come as close as you can to your feet with the medicine ball. Come back to the starting position and then repeat.

Medicine Ball Workout 2

Created by Hannah Heller

Circuit 1: Four rounds using a heavy medicine ball.

1A) Squat and Press, 10 reps

Hold the medicine ball at chest level with your feet hip width apart. Squat down, and as you rise up, press the ball overhead. Return to start.

1B) Forward Lunge with Twist, 10 per side

Hold the medicine ball at chest level. Step forward into a deep lunge. While in this position, engage your core to twist to the side of the forward leg while maintaining an upright torso. Return to your starting position and alternate sides.

Circuit 2: Three rounds using a light to medium weight medicine ball

2A) Hollow Hold with Pec Fly, 10 per side

Sit down as if you were to do a Russian Twist. Keep the core engaged and stable as you pass the ball back and forth from one hand to the other.

2B) Weighted Crunch, 15 reps

Lie back with your knees bent. Keep holding the ball towards the ceiling as you contract the abdominal to pull your shoulder blades off the floor.

2C) Medicine Ball Mountain Climber, 10 per side

Come into a high plank with both hands on the medicine ball. Keep the core engaged as you drive one knee towards your chest at a time.

Medicine Ball FAQs

How heavy should a medicine ball be for squats?

“It depends on the person,” says Heller. “Ideally, you’re working with something ranging from 15 to 20 pounds.” Heller likes to do fewer reps with heavier weights for squats.

Do medicine balls tone your arms?

Yes, medicine balls tone your arms. Using a medicine ball engages your upper body, lower body and core.

How many reps should I do with a medicine ball?

The number of reps you should do depends on the weight of the ball. Pichon likes doing timed intervals instead of rep counts. “The number of reps someone should do varies from person to person,” Pichon says. “I like to do as many reps as you can do in 15 seconds, followed by a 30 second rest period.”

Is using a medicine ball better than weights for building strength?

It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. “If you want major muscle gains, using a medicine ball isn’t better than weights for building strength,” says Heller. “It’s hard to focus on making major muscle gains when you’re limited to what you can carry.” Narcisse Pichone agrees, saying, “It depends on what you’re trying to achieve. For people who want to do heavier lifting, you’ll need free weights. However, for most exercisers looking for consistent toning and conditioning, medicine balls are just as good.”

What’s the difference between a medicine ball, a slam ball and a wall ball?

These three types of exercise balls are all related, but they do have key differences. The biggest differences among the three are the types of training they provide and their bounce. A slam ball is good for power movements or movements where you’re looking to incorporate power explosiveness and all around athleticism. A wall ball provides a lot of functional and athletic components for CrossFit and or strength and conditioning workouts, explains Heller. 

To utilize slam balls and wall balls at home, you must have the right flooring and walls. Don’t go slamming or throwing unless your floors and walls are reinforced to take the hit. A traditional medicine ball has a lot of bounce, a wall ball is in between with a medium bounce and a slam ball has no bounce or a dead bounce to prevent strong rebounds.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating a medicine ball into your workouts is a great idea if you’re looking to add variety, don’t have free weights on hand or are rehabbing an injury. They’re very versatile and can be incorporated into almost any exercise. The medicine balls on this list are the best on the market. No matter your fitness level, age or ability, you should be able find the right ball for your workouts.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.