After a month of testing 18 resistance band sets from brands including Technogym, Les Mills, Peloton and Pvolve, the Technogym Power bands emerged as the best overall for their high resistance levels and versatility. The three-band set, priced at £95, successfully bridges the gap between simple loop bands and free weights, according to tester Kieran Alger.
Why resistance bands are a smart fitness investment
Resistance bands offer a portable, lightweight and compact alternative to gym memberships and bulky dumbbells. They can be used for weights-free workouts, mobility training and physio exercises, and then stashed in a drawer. For those looking to build a regular training habit, removing the friction between intention and action is key, and bands provide a quick, convenient way to start exercising.
Kieran Alger, a running and fitness journalist with two decades of experience testing fitness gear, explains that at 47, strength and mobility are increasingly important. He trains most days, often covering more than 50 miles a week, and relies on resistance bands for pre-run warm-ups, assisted weights at the gym, and bodyweight and mobility sessions at home.
How the bands were tested
Alger spent a solid month testing 18 sets of the latest and most popular resistance bands across different styles, prices and brands. He used each set for their intended workouts, incorporating them into his pre-run warm-ups, using them for assisted weights at his gym, and for bodyweight and mobility sessions at home. He even tried some YouTube yoga, which he describes as workout kryptonite for a tight-hamstring runner who can't touch his toes.
After testing, the bands were rated on the quality of the materials, resistance range and versatility, while also considering durability, portability and value. The bands were either returned or donated to local charity shops after the review.
The best resistance bands: top picks and what makes them stand out
Technogym Power bands (£95) – These heavy-duty rubber long-loop bands offer some of the highest resistance levels for this type of band, with a top weight of 31.8kg. They are ideal for strength training, power development, assisted bodyweight work (like pull-ups) and advanced resistance exercises. The thick rubber is robust and durable, with no visible joins or weak spots, and they are easy to anchor to gym equipment. The only downside is the lack of a carry bag.
Technogym Loop bands set (£35) – This triple set of natural rubber bands offers resistance up to 14.5kg and is praised for its portability and durability. They are colour-coded by resistance level, with darker colours indicating more tension. They are best for pre-run activation drills, simple strength exercises and adding resistance to bodyweight moves like lunges and glute bridges. The seamless design prevents chafing, and they pack up really small.
La Pochette Resistance band set (£30) – This trio of short-looped fabric bands is designed for lower-body work, covering prehab, rehab and activation bases with light, medium and heavy resistance options. The bands are thick, wide and soft, with a non-slip inner grip that helps them stay put over leggings. They come in subtle, stylish colours and are labelled for easy identification. A lightweight mesh carry case is included.
Myprotein Booty band (£12.99) – This single fabric band is made for lower-body strength, mobility and recovery. It is wonderfully soft and gentler on bare skin than rubber rivals, with a textured inside for grip. It stretches well beyond normal use without risk of snapping, and the resistance level is excellent for glute bridges, clamshells, lateral walks and hip thrusts. It comes with a small net pouch.
Mirafit Resistance band set (£74.95) – This multipurpose set of six long-band loops offers a huge variety of resistance levels, from 11.3kg to 104.3kg, catering for beginners to experts. They are suitable for both upper- and lower-body workouts, adding extra resistance or assistance to weighted drills and bodyweight work. They are clearly marked, highly durable and come with a handy carry bag. Total newbies may find the longer band length requires a little extra control.
Other notable bands and what you need to know
Other bands tested include the Les Mills Sculpt bands (£49.99), which are the most travel-friendly fabric bands, though they have a scratchy patch where the loop joins. The Peloton resistance bands (from £60) are great for beginners thanks to video routines, but the higher resistance levels are not sufficient for more experienced users. The Pvolve P Band (from £43.32) features built-in fingerless gloves for comfort, but it is only good for upper-body workouts.
There are several types of resistance bands: loop bands, mini bands, tube bands and therapy bands. Each serves different purposes, from muscle activation and stability to full-body workouts and rehab. According to Caroline Bragg, master pilates trainer at Third Space, resistance bands are a useful tool for increasing muscle awareness during exercise, adding tension to movement to help develop better proprioception and coordination. Marie Grujicic, founder of virtual yoga studio Awespire by MG, notes that bands help work muscles both concentrically and eccentrically, building strength and control. James Stirling, personal trainer and Technogym wellness ambassador, highlights that bands provide variable resistance, which is good for beginners or those returning from injury.
Studies show resistance band training can improve lower-limb strength, balance and flexibility, and build explosive power and agility. However, for developing significant strength or muscle, traditional resistance training with dumbbells, kettlebells or machines will produce better results because greater loads can be applied, says Bragg.
