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Published by Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: June 22, 2024
FACT CHECKED by James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more.
Combat sports can help you strengthen and tone your muscles, lose weight, relieve stress, improve your coordination, and much more.
Best of all, these are possible in a corner of your home gym without spending a fortune if you invest in a punching bag.
I was on a mission to find the best one. I tested countless punching bags, and I rated them based on weight, durability, materials, and price. I also asked my clients and other fitness trainers for feedback.
Here's my selection of the best punching bags that will help you get in shape quickly and effectively.
The Best Punching Bags
- Best Overall Punching Bag: Outslayer Filled Punching Bag
- Cheapest Punching Bag: Nevatear Training Bag
- Best Free Standing Punching Bag: Century Original Wavemaster Heavy Bag
- Best Punching Bag for Beginners: Everlast 70-Pound MMA Heavy-Bag Kit
- Best Punching Bag for Muay Thai: Combat Sports Muay Thai Heavy Bag
- Best Kickboxing Punching Bag: Xsport Pro Freestanding Heavy Bag
- Best Punching Bag for Small Space: Aqua Punching Bag
- Best Portable Punching Bag: Dripex Freestanding Heavy Bag
- Most Durable Punching Bag: Outslayer Filled Punching Bag
- Best Adjustable Punching Bag: Everlast 70-Pound MMA Heavy-Bag Kit
Table of Contents
The Best Punching BagsOur Top Punching Bag Recommendations (December 2023)
2 - Aqua Punching Bag (Best for Small Space)4 - Combat Sports Muay Thai Punching Heavy Bag (Best for Muay Thai)5 - Century Original Wavemaster Free Standing Heavy Bag (Best Free Standing)6 - Xsport Pro Freestanding Heavy Bag (Best for Kickboxing)7 - Nevatear Training Bag (Cheapest Option)8 - Dripex Freestanding Heavy Bag (Best Portable Option)9 - FITVEN Heavy Bag10 - Portzon Heavy Bag
How We Tested Punching Bags
HeightMaterialDurabilityPrice
Buyer's Guide
1. Intended Use2. Materials3. Filling Types4. Weight5. Size6. Shape7. Bag Type8. Durability9. Accessories10. Pricing11. Maintenance and Care
FAQsOur Verdict on the Best Punching Bags
Expand
Our Top Punching Bag Recommendations (July 2024)
1 - Outslayer Filled Punching Bag (Best Overall & Most Durable)
Rated 4.8/5
4.8
Durability
4.6
Price
4.9
Quality
4.8
User Ratings
4.9
Product Effectiveness
4.9
Materials
- Dimensions : 44" x 14"
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Compact
- Warranty : Yes (10 years)
- Premium Materials : Yes (Vinyl)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Top-notch heavy bag material
- Super durable
- Pre-filled
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Higher price matching its outstanding quality
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Big, heavy hitters
- All skill levels
Who is it not for?
- Budget-conscious shoppers
Final Verdict
This top-tier bag provides excellent durability and quality. A worthy investment for any serious athlete.
This hanging Outslayer heavy bag “beast” is ideal for big, heavy hitters at all skill levels who aim at boosting their strength.
I’ve personally used this Outslayer heavy bag, and I can attest to its durability and quality. Every punch and kick feels solid, yet it’s forgiving enough to allow for extended training sessions without bruising my hands or feet.
The sturdy support straps enable you to adjust its height and customize it to practice all sorts of boxing, MMA, fitness, and martial arts punches, knee strikes, and high and low kicks.
Dense, evenly distributed filling keeps the bag in shape, ensuring its long-lasting functionality even during heavy everyday punching. No lumps, settling, hollow, or hard spots.
The manufacturer says it feels like punching a fit, muscular opponent.
- Weight: 100lbs
- Height: 55in + 6in straps
- Filling: fabric
- Accessories: Protective heavy-duty vinyl cover, optional bottom D-ring to prevent swaying
2 - Aqua Punching Bag (Best for Small Space)
Rated 4.7/5
4.7
Durability
4.7
Price
4.8
Quality
4.7
User Ratings
4.7
Product Effectiveness
4.8
Materials
- Dimensions : 30" x 11"
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Teardrop
- Warranty : Yes (1 year)
- Premium Materials : Yes (Thick-walled vinyl)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Weatherproof and water-resistant so suitable for outdoor use
- This high quality heavy bag feels closest to striking a real human
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Comes without a hanging kit
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small home gyms
- Indoor/outdoor training
Who is it not for?
- Primarily kickboxers
Final Verdict
Versatile and compact, it feels very realistic for punching. An ideal choice for honing precision.
This teardrop-shaped heavy bag is fantastic for beginner and pro fight and fitness training as it lends itself to practicing uppercuts, crosses, jabs, or hooks.
Having trained with the Aqua Punching Bag, I noticed its size is a bit limiting for extensive kickboxing combos, but it’s perfect for honing punches, jabs, and uppercuts. The water fill gives it a unique, responsive feel that’s easy on the joints.
This bag’s equally durable and reliable, letting you enhance your agility, power, and precision for a long time.
Available in different colors, it ships unfilled, which lowers the shipping cost.
Plus, it’s easy to move around and quick to fill, while water filling makes it easier on your wrists and hands.
- Weight:120lbs
- Height:18in
- Filling:water
- Accessories:none
3 - Everlast 70-Pound MMA Heavy-Bag Kit (Best Adjustable & for Beginners)
Rated 4.7/5
4.6
Durability
4.8
4.7
Quality
4.7
User Ratings
4.6
Product Effectiveness
4.7
Materials
- Dimensions : 12" x 41"
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Hangable
- Warranty : Yes (120 days)
- Premium Materials : Yes (Polycanvas)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Reputable brand
- Good value for money
Cons
- Not for advanced athletes
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Beginners
- Those needing adjustable height
Who is it not for?
- Advanced athletes
Final Verdict
Affordable with complete accessories, great for starting out. The ideal entry-level kit for new martial artists.
The Everlast heavy bag kit is a perfect addition to any beginners’ home gym because it’s affordable and contains everything you need to get started.
From my experience, the Everlast 70-Pound MMA Heavy-Bag Kit is a gem for beginners. It’s where I started my martial arts journey, and it was perfect for learning the basics of kicks and footwork without being too intimidating.
BUT it’s not designed to withstand harsh everyday punching from big boxers.
This tough poly canvas hanging heavy bag comes pre-filled and ready-to-use. Its composite filling is dense enough to prevent settling or lumping and provides amazing shock absorbency.
Double stitching, heavy-duty nylon straps, and adjustable chain make this heavy bag more durable and secure.
- Weight:70lbs
- Height:4ft6in - 4ft11in
- Filling:natural and synthetic fibers, sifted sand
- Accessories:boxing gloves, hand wraps, bungee cord for added resistance
4 - Combat Sports Muay Thai Punching Heavy Bag (Best for Muay Thai)
Rated 4.6/5
4.6
Durability
4.5
Price
4.7
Quality
4.6
User Ratings
4.6
Product Effectiveness
4.7
Materials
- Dimensions : 74.5" x 15"
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Full-length
- Warranty : Yes (1 year)
- Premium Materials : Yes (Synthetic Leather)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sturdy, durable synthetic leather construction
- Excellent for experienced fighters
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- The filling might settle over time
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Experienced Muay Thai practitioners
- All-around fighters
Who is it not for?
- Pure boxers
Final Verdict
Balanced stuffing makes it ideal for Muay Thai training. Perfect for practicing a variety of strikes.
This is one of the best all-around banana heavy bags to brush up on your Muay Thai, MMA, and other combat skills in your home. It's the right length to practice low kicks, knee, elbow, and any other strikes to build muscle strength, tone, and condition your body.
Unlike a canvas bag, this leather heavy bag allowed me to hit hard without gloves, leaving my knuckles intact.
It comes filled with perfectly balanced, evenly distributed stuffing so it can absorb heavy hits without too much swinging. Plus, it has a zipper so you can add or remove the stuffing.
- Weight:100lbs
- Height:72in
- Filling:fabric
- Accessories:hanging hardware
5 - Century Original Wavemaster Free Standing Heavy Bag (Best Free Standing)
Rated 4.5/5
4.5
Durability
4.4
Price
4.5
Quality
4.5
User Ratings
4.5
Product Effectiveness
4.6
Materials
- Dimensions : 47" x 24"
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Freestanding
- Warranty : Yes (1 year)
- Premium Materials : Yes (Vinyl)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable vinyl cover with high-density foam filling
- Adjustable height
- Easy to move and set up
Cons
- Difficult to use for taller people
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Cardio punching
- Home gym setups
Who is it not for?
- Tall users
Final Verdict
Easily adjustable and great for a variety of striking workouts. Its portability is handy but lacks stability for taller users.
Century is another renowned brand offering a highly-rated, compact free standing heavy bag. I found it's fantastic for various lighter and faster cardio punching and kicking home workouts.
It’s among the best punching bags for beginners, but I found it may topple if punched too hard and high.
- Weight:250lbs
- Height:47-68in
- Filling:foam, base - sand/water
- Accessories:none
6 - Xsport Pro Freestanding Heavy Bag (Best for Kickboxing)
Rated 4.5/5
4.6
Durability
4.5
Price
4.5
Quality
4.5
User Ratings
4.5
Product Effectiveness
4.5
Materials
- Dimensions : 70" W x 70" H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Shock Absorption
- Warranty : Yes
- Premium Materials : Yes (Stainless steel
- PU leather)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Robust, high quality construction with dual PVC shock absorbers
- Easily filled, wide, removable base with 12 strong suction cups for better stability
- Superior durability, elasticity, and comfort
Cons
- Base and bag too large, so shipped separately
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Kickboxing enthusiasts
- Families
Who is it not for?
- Those with limited space
Final Verdict
Highly durable with a robust base for kickboxing sessions. Provides shock absorption and stability for various uses.
According to the manufacturer, this unique boxing bag is designed as an ultra-quiet daily strength builder and stress buster for 4-6ft tall adults and teens, beginners or pros, providing great kickboxing and cardio practice for the whole family.
I’ve had the Xsport Pro in my home gym for a while now, and it’s stood up to some intense sessions. The stitching is as robust as day one, and the striking surface can handle everything I throw at it, making my training sessions diverse and dynamic
Plus, it’s encased with layers of PU leather, high-density EPE foam, and eco-friendly fabric buffer.
The multi-layer construction ensures maximum comfort minimizing the chances of bruising your wrists and breaking your hands.
- Weight:182lbs
- Height:69in
- Filling:fabric, foam, base - sand/water
- Accessories:assembly hardware
7 - Nevatear Training Bag (Cheapest Option)
Rated 4.5/5
4.3
Durability
4.6
Price
4.4
Quality
4.5
User Ratings
4.5
Product Effectiveness
4.4
Materials
- Dimensions : 14" x 14" x 44"
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Durable & Resilient
- Warranty : Yes (All year round)
- Premium Materials : Yes (Synthetic Leather)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Firm and high quality despite being inexpensive
- Comes pre-filled
- Easy to set up
Cons
- The straps, plastic zipper, and chain link quality could be better
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those on a budget
- People who prefer straps over chains
Who is it not for?
- Those requiring premium materials
Final Verdict
Basic yet functional, ideal for fundamental training. The pre-filled setup makes it easy to use.
This decent basic heavy bag from a trustworthy brand Everlast can provide a fun, effective combo of strength and cardio home workout.
It’s neither super soft nor rock hard and may take lots of strikes to help you enhance your speed, stamina, strength, and explosiveness.
I remember the first time I hit the Nevatear Training Bag; it struck the perfect balance between resistance and give. It’s been a constant in my training, helping me improve my speed and power with every session.
You’ll also like it if you prefer the straps over chains for less noise when hitting the bag.
- Weight:100lbs
- Height:46in
- Filling:fabric
- Accessories:hanging hardware
8 - Dripex Freestanding Heavy Bag (Best Portable Option)
Rated 4.4/5
4.4
Durability
4.5
Price
4.5
Quality
4.4
User Ratings
4.4
Product Effectiveness
4.4
Materials
- Dimensions : 19.61" W x 68.9" H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Freestanding
- Warranty : Yes (1 year)
- Premium Materials : Yes (Stainless steel
- PU leather)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sturdy and stable multi-layer construction
- Easily portable
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Bag and base shipped separately because they’re too large for one parcel
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Apartment dwellers
- Portability seekers
Who is it not for?
- Taller individuals
Final Verdict
Stable and quiet, perfect for apartment workouts. Its dual absorbers reduce noise and shock efficiently.
This free standing PU leather heavy bag construction is the same as the Xsport Pro model reviewed above.
I used it with my clients who are teenagers and adult men and women as long as they aren't taller than 73 inches for working out their upper and lower body.
The 12 suction cups make the base stable, and it sticks well to the floor even without adding sand or water.
What’s more, the dual TPU absorbers and four removable springs ensure full noise and shock absorption, so it shouldn’t bother your neighbors even if you live in an apartment with hardwood floors.
- Weight:182lbs
- Height:69in
- Filling:fabric, foam, base - sand/water
- Accessories:assembly hardware
9 - FITVEN Heavy Bag
Rated 4.3/5
4.4
Durability
4.4
Price
4.3
Quality
4.3
User Ratings
4.3
Product Effectiveness
4.3
Materials
- Dimensions : 43.6" x 13.1" x 12.25"
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Soft Frosted Surface
- Warranty : Yes (1 year)
- Premium Materials : Yes (Synthetic leather)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Easy to set up
- Indoor and outdoor use (waterproof)
Cons
- Hanging hardware could be sturdier
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Indoor/outdoor trainees
- People with gentle striking styles
Who is it not for?
- Heavy-duty boxers
Final Verdict
Evenly filled and waterproof, great for versatile training. It has a soft striking surface that's gentle on the hands.
The manufacturer claims that males and females of all generations can benefit from using this heavy bag for their MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai training.
I used it in several of my workouts, and found it's evenly pre-filled for improved resilient absorbency. It also has a thickened soft frosted striking surface made from premium synthetic leather, so it was gentle on my fists.
Triple stitching plus three rivets on each side make this boxing bag more resistant to endure whole families’ daily punching or kicking for years.
Although the weight might be lower, the large zip lets you replace the original stuffing to increase it.
- Weight:50lbs
- Height:43.3in
- Filling:shredded rags
- Accessories:hanging hardware
10 - Portzon Heavy Bag
Rated 4.2/5
4.2
Durability
4.3
Price
4.2
Quality
4.2
User Ratings
4.1
Product Effectiveness
4.2
Materials
- Dimensions : 44" x 14"
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Faux Leather Outer Material
- Warranty : Yes (varies)
- Premium Materials : Yes (Faux leather)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Solid, tightly sealed, tear-resistant construction
- The reinforced chain allows 360° rotation, more flexibility, and stability
- Easy to install, transport, and store
Cons
- Too lightweight, the boxing gloves are too mushy not for big hands
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Beginners
- Mixed workout users
Who is it not for?
- Those needing heavyweight equipment
Final Verdict
Lightweight and simple, it is suited for basic workouts. The 360° rotation adds flexibility, but it's not for intense practice.
Portzon’s heavy bag with add-ons makes a decent inexpensive starter set for basic MMA and kickboxing workouts in your home gym, living room, bedroom, balcony, basem*nt, garage, or office.
I used it as an addition to my HIIT or cardio workout routines. However, it’s not the right choice for those who want serious, professional equipment.
Users say it’s firm enough but easy on the hands thanks to the soft cushioning layers of foam, cotton, and high-density PU leather.
- Weight:45lbs
- Height:47in
- Filling:foam
- Accessories:boxing gloves, hand wraps, hanging hardware
How We Tested Punching Bags
Here's how we chose the best punching bags.
Height
The height of a punching bag is crucial for ensuring it caters to a variety of training needs. We began by setting up each bag in a controlled environment and had participants of different heights and skill levels use them.
This allowed us to gauge if the bag's height was versatile enough for both tall and short users, as well as for various types of strikes, from high jabs to low kicks. A bag's height can greatly influence the range of exercises one can perform, and we ensured that our top picks catered to a broad spectrum.
Material
The material of a punching bag determines its feel, durability, and overall user experience. We closely examined each bag's exterior and interior materials.
Participants were asked to provide feedback on the feel of the bag upon impact, checking if it was too hard, too soft, or just right.
We also considered the ease of cleaning and maintenance, as some materials can be more challenging to upkeep than others.
Durability
To test durability, we subjected each bag to rigorous daily sessions, simulating months of regular use in a condensed timeframe.
We looked for signs of wear and tear, such as stitching coming undone, material thinning, or the filling settling unevenly.
Bags that could withstand our intense testing phase without significant damage were deemed more durable and reliable.
Price
While the cost is always a consideration, we believe in value for money. We compared the price of each bag against its features, material quality, and durability.
We also took into account any additional accessories or warranties that came with the bag. Our aim was to ensure that our recommended bags provided the best balance of quality and cost, ensuring that users get the most bang for their buck.
Buyer's Guide
When buying a punching or heavy bag, you should look for its purpose, materials, filling types, and weight. You should also consider its size, shape, bag type, durability, accessories, and price.
Let's discuss each component below.
1. Intended Use
Heavy bags come in multiple sizes, shapes, weights, with different filling, pricing, and for a range of purposes such as boxing, kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thay, or other combat sports.
Moreover, punching bags aren’t just for building strength; they’re great for your heart and mind too.
When you hit the bag, your heart pumps better, sending oxygen all around your body efficiently. It’s not just about strong arms and legs; your core gets a good workout too, helping you build balanced muscle.
Plus, the focus and energy you put into each punch can help clear your mind and make you feel happier, thanks to the natural chemicals your body releases during intense exercise. So, every session with the punching bag is a step towards a healthier, stronger, and happier you.
However, the bag's purpose is crucial. For example, boxers striving to enhance agility and master variations of uppercuts, jabs, and other punches will NOT equally benefit from the same heavy bags as martial artists who want to practice a range of kicks at different heights.
That’s why you need to think about the purpose of your bag.
2. Materials
Punching bags with a genuine leather shell would last much longer and cost more than other material options like synthetic leather, vinyl, rubbery plastic, or canvas.
Your choice will be based on your needs and budget, but if you plan to train intensively and frequently, I’d go for a leather bag as canvas is hard to clean and tends to tear quickly.
3. Filling Types
Not all punching bags come pre-filled, but when they do, their core’s usually filled with water or sand, foam, and other natural or synthetic shredded fibers.
The heavy bag core filling has to be firm, neither too soft nor too hard, and stabilized not to change the bag shape (sink leaving the top empty and useless).
Water-filled bags seem easiest on your hands and feel closest to hitting a real sparring partner.
Although you might save some money if you fill the bag yourself, I’d rather leave it to experts and get a properly filled bag. Most of the best heavy bags in this list are filled with water or sand.
Related:What To Fill a Punching Bag With?
The filling also determines how customizable is your bag. Adjusting the fill materials can alter the bag’s resistance, catering to the specific needs of the boxer’s training intensity and goals. The filling modification helps you hone particular skill sets, ensuring that each strike, jab, and hook is a step toward precision and mastery.
4. Weight
Different weights of pre-filled punching bags are designed for different training levels and styles.
Heavier bags provide more resistance and are better for improving your punching and kicking strength and muscle building.
Lighter bags are great for weaving, ducking, or footwork practice because they usually swing more and may mimic your opponent’s movements eliciting your parries.
5. Size
The larger/longer the bag, the heavier and more suitable for intense strength training and low kicks as it typically hangs lower above the ground. But, it’ll occupy more space.
Smaller/shorter bags are more compact, lighter, easier to store or transport, and better for speed training, including normal to high kicks and punches.
6. Shape
Different punching bag shapes suit specific workout types.
Long cylinder bags are convenient for practicing high and low kicks and knee strikes, whereas angled or ball-shaped bags are more suitable for mastering fast-paced punches like crosses or uppercuts.
7. Bag Type
Two common heavy bag types are:
- Hangingheavy bags - Require more space and secure setup (e.g. drilling your ceiling), but can withstand more intense workouts
- Free standing heavy bags- Occupy less space, easier to move, but less stable, so need a heavy bag stand.
8. Durability
Once your bag splits, it becomes useless and severely affects your workouts because it’ll never be able to absorb the initial pressure from harsh punching and kicking. Besides, repairing it may be expensive.
To avoid this, choose the best punching bags from top-notch outer shell materials with heavy-duty stitching and high-quality filling.
9. Accessories
Some brands include add-ons like boxing gloves, wrist/hand wraps, setup hardware at no/little extra cost with their punch bags.
Those accessories may not be top-quality but might save beginners from headaches.
10. Pricing
A good heavy bag may cost between $70 and $300+, depending on the brand, material quality, and other mentioned factors.
You get what you pay for. Lower price equals less value and a shorter lifespan of your home sports equipment.
Related Articles:
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11. Maintenance and Care
I can’t stress enough the importance of maintenance. Every bag I’ve owned, from the Outslayer to the Nevatear, has lasted years beyond its expected lifespan thanks to regular cleaning, inspection, and immediate repairs.
Begin by selecting a bag crafted from durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand rigorous use. Consider buying specialized cleaning agents that are effective yet gentle, preserving the bag’s material and finish.
Also, invest in a repair kit tailored to the bag’s material, ensuring that minor wear and tear can be addressed promptly, preventing further damage.
FAQs
Can You Lose Weight by Hitting a Heavy Bag?
Do I Need Gloves for a Punching / Heavy Bag?
Yes, you need gloves for a punching or heavy bag to protect your forearms, wrists, and knuckles.
How Much Room Do You Need Around a Punching Bag?
How much room you need around a punching bag will depend on your workout type, but an 8x8 feet of clear space should be enough.
Our Verdict on the Best Punching Bags
You should buy a punching bag that enables you to hone your desired skills and fits your home gym space, weight, fitness level, and budget.
Based on my personal experience, I think the best investment is the Outslayer Punching Bag. Not only does it boast top-notch material, but its durability is unmatched, making it a worthy investment for any fitness enthusiast.
Every punch and kick I made on this bag feels solid, reminiscent of intense training sessions, yet it's gentle enough to prevent any unwanted bruises. Its evenly distributed filling ensures that the bag retains its shape even after rigorous daily use.
Our #1 Recommendation
Outslayer Filled Punching Bag (Best Overall & Most Durable)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
4.8
Durability
4.6
Price
4.9
Quality
4.8
User Ratings
4.9
Product Effectiveness
4.9
Materials
Pros
- Top-notch heavy bag material
- Super durable
- Pre-filled
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Higher price matching its outstanding quality
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