The 6 Best Medicine Balls of 2023, According to a Personal Trainer

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CAP Barbell Medicine Ball
CanDo Dual-Handle Medicine Ball
Day 1 Fitness Weighted Slam Ball
Yes4All Slam Ball
Titan Fitness 20 lb Soft Leather Medicine Wall Ball
collage of three of the best medicine balls of 2023 isolated on a light purple background
Rogue MK D-Ball
When shopping for the best type of medicine ball, ask yourself: Do you want it to bounce, slam or have handles?
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

Medicine balls are among the most underrated, functional pieces of gym equipment. So, if you're looking to add one to your home gym, you've made the right choice.

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But with so many different varieties out there, settling on one can be tough. With the help of a self-proclaimed med ball fanatic (and physical therapist), we've gathered a list of the best options out there. Browse the best medicine balls on the market and learn how to find your perfect pick.

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Our Picks

  • Best Overall:‌ Rogue MK D-Ball ($92.34 to $461.94, Rogue.com)
  • Best Budget‌: CAP Barbell Medicine Ball ($31.15, Amazon.com)
  • Best With Handles:‌ CanDo Dual-Handle Medicine Ball ($72.12, Amazon.com)
  • Best for Slamming:‌ Day 1 Fitness Weighted Slam Ball ($105.99, Amazon.com)
  • Best Grip: ‌Yes4All Slam Ball ($41.92, Amazon.com)
  • Best Leather:‌ Titan Fitness Soft Leather Medicine Wall Ball ($59.99, Titan.fitness)

How We Chose

We chatted with Jereme Schumacher, DPT, a California-based physical therapist to better understand what to look for in a medicine ball and how to find your ideal option. We chose our top picks based on his recommendations and criteria, including:

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  • Features
  • Material
  • Weight
  • Price

1. Best Overall: Rogue MK D-Ball

  • Weight: ‌14 lbs to 150 lbs
  • Material: ‌Rubber
  • Size:‌ 14" diameter
  • Bounce:‌ No

What makes Rogue's medicine ball the best on the market? The easy-to-grip rubber material and 14-inch diameter (larger than most exercise balls) makes it easier to carry and maneuver. And thanks to the durability, this ball is perfect for slamming on the ground, according to Schumacher.

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Rogue has a variety of weights you can try, too, ranging from 14 all the way to 150 pounds.

Buy it:Rogue.com; ‌Price:‌ $92.34 to $461.94

2. Best Budget: CAP Barbell Medicine Ball

  • Weight: ‌10 lbs
  • Material: ‌Rubber
  • Size:‌ 9" diameter
  • Bounce: ‌Yes

Unlike some softer balls, CAP's ball bounces back, perfect for quick-paced workouts or any exercises that involve rebounding the ball against a wall, Schumacher says.

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The surface also has a rubber ridge pattern, making it easy to grip the ball as it bounces back to you.

Buy it:Amazon.com; ‌Price: ‌$31.15

3. Best With Handles: CanDo Dual-Handle Medicine Ball

  • Weight:‌ 6 lbs
  • Material: ‌Rubber and plastic
  • Size:‌ 9" diameter
  • Bounce: ‌No

This med ball is equipped with handles on either side, making it a great strength-training buddy, Schumacher says. The handles make this ball easier to grasp for moves like overhead presses or Russian twists. Or, you can even try single-handed exercises, like single-leg deadlifts.

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This specific ball is a little on the lighter side but the company does make a 12-pound version for those who want to train with more weight.

Buy it:Amazon.com; ‌Price:‌ $72.12

4. Best for Slamming: Day 1 Fitness Weighted Slam Ball

  • Weight:‌ 10 to 50 lbs
  • Material: ‌Plastic
  • Size:‌ 9" to 11" diameter
  • Bounce: ‌No

"This ball is great for slamming exercises because of its no-bounce qualities," Schumacher says. "This means you can slam it on the ground without it breaking open or bouncing back up and hitting you."

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The smaller diameter of this ball makes it ideal for slam workouts where you need to constantly bend over and pick it up off the ground. Typically, heavier slam balls have a larger diameter than bounce-friendly med balls. But even the heaviest version of this one is pretty small and easy to grasp.

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The 10- to 25-pound versions of this ball have a 9-inch diameter, while the 30- to 50-pound versions have an 11-inch diameter.

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Buy it:Amazon.com; ‌Price:‌ $105.99

5. Best Grip: Yes4All Slam Ball

  • Weight:‌ 10 to 40 lbs
  • Material: ‌PVC
  • Size:‌ 9.75" to 11" diameter
  • Bounce:‌ No

Let's face it: Everyone's palms get a little sweaty during a workout. Unfortunately, that doesn't make using a med ball any easier (or safer).

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Luckily, this slam ball has enough tread to combat even the slipperiest of hands, Schumacher says. The outer shell is an easy-to-grip PVC material and it's equipped with raised ridges that provide some extra traction. This one is also filled with sand, which prevents the ball from rolling away between slams.

The 10- to 20-pound versions of this ball are 9.75 inches in diameter, while the 25- to 40-pound versions are 11 inches in diameter.

Buy it:Amazon.com;‌ Price:‌ $41.92

6. Best Leather: Titan Fitness Soft Leather Medicine Wall Ball

  • Weight:‌ 20 lbs
  • Material: ‌Leather
  • Size:‌ 14" diameter
  • Bounce:‌ No

Unlike rubber and plastic varieties, leather medicine balls are softer and gentler on surfaces, like the floors or walls in your home, according to Schumacher. So, anyone that prefers at-home exercise may want to opt for a leather material.

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Although rubber is generally easier to grip, Titan Fitness' leather ball has thick, elevated stitches running down the front and back, offering a little extra traction.

Buy it:Titan.fitness; ‌Price:‌ $59.99

4 Factors to Consider When Looking for Med Balls

1. Bounce Factor

Med balls are a pretty functional piece of workout equipment, according to Schumacher. But while some bounce back when you throw them against the ground, others will stay put.

The best medicine ball for you depends on the type of workouts you plan to do. Those who like to do wall balls or quick-paced exercises probably need a ball with bounce. Usually, these are lighter and firmer, too.

But if you plan to do a lot of carry or slam exercises, a zero-bounce ball is ideal. Also known as slam balls, these are heavier and softer than harder rubber balls, Schumacher says.

Before you buy a ball (or medicine ball set), read the product info to make sure the bounce type fits your workout needs.

2. Weight

This factor definitely needs some thought. The best medicine ball weight depends on your strength and fitness goals, Schumacher says. If you plan to use your ball primarily for medicine ball strength exercises, opt for a weight that's comfortably challenging. Think about the dumbbell weights you use in the gym, and find a similar level.

But if you prefer high-intensity, cardio exercises and workouts, light med balls are going to be ideal. Think: 10 pounds or less

If possible, test a few different weights at your local gym. That will give you a good idea of the best weight for you.

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3. Material

Rubber/Plastic:‌ Most of the best medicine balls are either rubber or some combination of rubber and plastic. This material is ideal for exercise because it's durable, easy to clean and easy to grip. All med balls that bounce will fit this category.

Leather:‌ This is good option for those who want a softer ball or plan to use it in their home or against a wall, according to Schumacher. Leather med balls, aka slam balls, are ideal when you don't want your ball to bounce.

4. Handles

Most balls don't have a set of handles on the sides, but it's a nice option for those who plan to use their ball for strength exercises. Handles are easier to grasp and also allow you to do single-handed exercises more smoothly.

But don't forget that med balls with handles can't be bounced or tossed on the ground. So, keep that in mind before you buy.

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