The 13 Best Punching Bags, According to Fitness Experts (2024)

Kickboxer Rachel Macpherson, CPT, says she loves this bag because it’s portable and fills with water to any type of firmness you prefer. “They are excellent for speed work up high, as well as practicing jabs, crosses, hooks, and elbows. Larger ones are also great for knee strikes,” she says.

5. Century Bob Punching Bag

Neiman’s top pick is the Body Opponent Bag a.k.a. the BOB. “BOB is a free-standing bag that has both the look and feel of a real body—and the height is adjustable with a free-standing base,” he says. If you’re looking for an opponent bag that’s realistic and allows for more precise, accurate strikes, consider making BOB your new training partner.

6. Fitven Freestanding Punching Bag

This freestanding bag by Fitven is a high-quality punching bag at a great value. “It’s perfect if you don’t want to hang a punching bag or have a large stand for it,” Thomas says. “It comes with boxing gloves. All you need to do is fill the base and you’re ready to go!”

7. Boxerpoint Double End Boxing Set

From adjustability to affordability, there are a number of reasons why this is one of Frayna’s favorite punching bag training sets. “This boxing set is a great budget-friendly option for anyone at any level as it can be adjusted for height, set up anywhere due to its small compact size, and is easy to use and install,” she says. “This bag will give you a great cardio workout, as it challenges speed and accuracy.” Another nice bonus, this set comes with hand wraps, a carry bag, and an air pump, so you can get your at-home exercises started as soon as you open the bag.

8. Meister Speedkills Speed Bag

Harris is also a fan of Meister’s leather speed bag because it’s built to last. “Great for improving hand-eye coordination and defensive skills, speed bags are an important component of any fighter’s training regimen,” he explains. “However, with heavy use, a lot tend to have short lifetimes. That’s not the case with this bag, as I have found it to be incredibly durable, especially given the low price point.” There are three size options available, including small, medium, and large for users of all skills and goals.

9. Ringside Powerhide Punching Bag

Matt Scarfo, a NASM-certified CPT-OPT, tells SELF that this is a great, durable bag that can hold up long training sessions. “Generally, when practicing on a heavy bag, the bag should be about half your body weight,” he explains. “That heft will give you enough feedback when you punch to challenge your strength and your form, so you can make adjustments to prevent injury through your workout.”

10. Everlast Hydrostrike Water Bag

Frayna recommends this bag for those new to boxing. “This is a ‘heavy bag,’ which is a great option for beginners as it does not move much so it absorbs shock well, but still gives you a good range of motion and a good punch,” she says.

11. Everlast Punching Bag with Stand

This Everlast punching bag is one of Thomas’ favorites. “I love that it’s prefilled, durable, and comes with boxing gloves and hand wraps so you can use it as soon as you set it up,” she says. Scarfo says having a stand for your punching bag is essential when you live in an apartment or a home with other people. He adds, “A stand can protect your home’s structure because even a support beam can experience wear and tear from a bag swinging on it.” The stand also helps eliminate noise and shaking throughout the house.

12. Everlast Powercore Punching Bag

Neiman is a big fan of Everlast’s products, particularly this freestanding bag. “This freestanding bag offers a fillable base that ups its weight to 250 pounds for some solid resistance,” he says. “It’s free-standing, so you don’t have to invest any more money in hanging it.”

13. Balazs Lazer Speed Bag

Caroline Grainger, an ISSA-certified personal trainer at FitnessTrainer, says durability and comfort matter when looking for the best punching bag. The Balazs Lazer bag is her top choice for a speed bag. “It is, above all, durable. You won’t have to constantly repair it between sets, and it’s surprisingly affordable,” she says. Grainger explains products that hold up the best are those with uniform consistency and durable casing—ideally, leather.

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