The 10 Best Punching Bags of 2023 | Tested by Verywell Fit

To find the best punching bags, we tested 15 bags with instructor-led workouts in our Verywell Testing Lab . Six testers, including a boxing instructor, completed workouts at three different intensity levels to evaluate the ease of use, effectiveness, comfort, durability, and value of each bag. After 16 hours of testing, these are our top picks for the best punching bags on the market.

When looking for punching bags for your fitness routine , consider the height and weight of the bag. “If getting a traditional punching bag, like a heavy bag, the general rule is that the bag should weigh about half of your body weight,” Chris Gagliardi, ACE-CPT , certified personal trainer, health coach, and group fitness instructor says. Beginners often need a smaller, lightweight bag, while advanced exercisers may require a heavier, longer bag. You’ll also want to consider whether a freestanding bag or hanging bag is more appropriate for your space.

Hitting a punching bag requires a lot of strength and stamina . Since it’s a total-body workout, it can offer multiple benefits, including a strengthened core, “stress relief, improved focus, and boosted self-confidence,” Dana VanPamelen , co-owner of Hit House, a kickboxing fitness studio in New York City, says.

Best Overall

Everlast Single Station Heavy Bag Stand with 70-lb. Heavy Bag Kit

4.8

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4

  /5

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Durability

  5

  /5

• Value

  5

  /5

Pros

• Bag comes pre-filled

• Good for all fitness levels

• Gloves and wraps included

Cons

• Takes up a lot of floor space

The Everlast Single Station Heavy Bag Kit is an all-in-one set that allows you to start exercising as soon as the setup is complete. It’s also good for all experience levels, making it an easy choice for our best overall slot. 

The stand requires some easy assembly, but the 70-pound bag comes pre-filled, and the kit includes gloves and hand wraps. The stand and bag are durable and sturdy, and we like that you can add weight plates to the built-in posts on the base to increase the steadiness of the stand. 

Our tester gave this bag a score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness, comfort, durability, and value, saying that the density of the bag is particularly good for beginners and the set is well built to last a long time. “This bag was easy to use right out of the box, allowing me to start hitting it right away,” they said. “It seems to be well-built and looks like it would last for a while. It’s stiff but not too hard, which is great for a beginner who occasionally messes up hits.”

Users have found that it comes in two separate packages when ordered.

Price at time of publication: $319

Key Specs:
Weight: 70 pounds (bag) | Height: 88 inches (stand) | Materials: Steel, leather | Type: Freestanding

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Best Freestanding

FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag

4.8

View On Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Durability

  5

  /5

• Value

  5

  /5

Pros

• Comes with boxing gloves

• Allows 360-degree use

• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Base does not come filled

• Suction cups may loosen on heavier hits

The FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag is easy to assemble and comes with boxing gloves, all for a great price—earning it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for value. Thanks to its 360-degree use, the bag allows you to move all the way around it for a more dynamic workout while not taking up a large floor footprint.

The base does not come pre-filled but can be filled with sand or water, and there are 12 suction cups on the bottom to hold it in place. “The setup instructions are very simple,” our tester said. “The kit came with everything you needed to set it up; a kid could do it. It comes with suction cups to help it stick to the ground, is easy to put on (you can screw it on—no tools required), and the suction cups made the bag feel secure and stable during most hits.”

Our tester found that the density of the bag was just right, not too hard and not too soft, but also noted that the suction cups came loose on some harder hits, particularly uppercuts. Those with limited space should note that this bag setup ships in two separate packages.

Price at time of publication: $210

Key Specs:
Weight: 205 pounds | Height: 70 inches | Materials: Synthetic leather, foam, stainless steel | Type: Freestanding

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Best Budget

BoxerPoint Double End Bag Boxing Set

4.6

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4

  /5

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Durability

  5

  /5

• Value

  5

  /5

Pros

• Space efficient

• Adjustable height

• Easy to fill

Cons

• Takes some practice to use

Improve your timing, speed, and accuracy with this bag that simulates a moving target. The BoxerPoint Double End Bag is mounted from floor to ceiling to provide a secure system for 360-degree use and is very space-efficient. The fully adjustable cords allow you to adjust the height for any ceiling or multiple users, making it very versatile. 

Our tester noted that the movement of the bag is different than a typical heavy bag, and it takes some practice to get a good workout. “This bag is definitely very challenging,” our tester said. “It sprung back rapidly after I hit it, forcing me to focus on bringing my hands back to my face quickly. It definitely makes for an effective cardio workout.” Because the bag is filled with air, it’s very soft, so there is a lower risk of injury, which is why we gave it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for comfort.

The set comes with hand wraps, an air pump, and a carry bag, and included instructions make assembly easy.

Price at time of publication: $40

Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed | Height: Adjustable; bag is 15 inches | Materials: Leather | Type: Hanging/floor mount

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Best Heavy

Outslayer 100-Pound Punching Bag

4.7

View On Amazon

View On Outslayer.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  4

  /5

• Durability

  5

  /5

• Value

  4.5

  /5

Pros

• Fabric-filled

• 10-year warranty

• Density is adjustable

Cons

• Expensive

• Doesn’t include gloves

At 100 pounds and 55 inches long, this punching bag is heavy enough to withstand your toughest workouts. The bag is fabric-filled rather than sand-filled, so you don’t end up with hard or hollow spots like you can with sand-filled bags. We like that the bag has heavy-duty straps that are sewn on, so there’s no need for noisy chains, and that it’s incredibly durable, earning it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for durability.

“This bag was great. The padding was really good, and it didn’t swing so much when I punched it,” our tester said. “I was able to get good shots in because I knew where it would be when I made contact.”

Our tester also noted that the bag’s density makes it a good fit for more advanced users. We like that you can remove some of the filling to adjust the density and that it comes with a 10-year warranty.

Price at time of publication: $240-$270

Key Specs:
Weight: 100 pounds | Height: 55 inches (bag length) | Materials: Fabric filling | Type: Hanging

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

The Best Boxing Equipment for Home Workouts

Best Long

Combat Sports Muay Thai 100-Pound Heavy Bag

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4

  /5

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  3.5

  /5

• Durability

  5

  /5

• Value

  5

  /5

Pros

• Easy to clean

• Comes filled

• Sturdy

Cons

• No warranty

If you need a versatile, high-quality bag that’s good for practicing kicks and footwork as well as punches, we recommend this extra-long heavy bag from Combat Sports. The extra length of the bag allows you to throw low kicks and get in a full-body workout.

“It’s extremely durable and sturdy and barely moved at all when hit, which made it particularly great for practicing kicks,” our tester said. “It didn’t swing around, which allowed me to have more precision with my aim and follow-through.”

Made of durable synthetic leather, it’s easy to clean and can withstand powerful kicks and blows, earning it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for durability. Our tester noted that this bag is very dense and heavy, so it’s an excellent choice for kicking but may be too hard to punch for some. The bag is filled to 100 pounds and comes with a heavy-duty chain for hanging.

Price at time of publication: $196

Key Specs:
Weight: 100 pounds | Height: 72 inches (bag length) | Materials: Synthetic leather | Type: Hanging

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Best Human-Shaped

Century BOB XL Body Opponent Bag

4.4

Amazon

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View On Centurymartialarts.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Durability

  4

  /5

• Value

  4

  /5

Pros

• Durable

• Adjustable height

• Easy to move around

Cons

• Expensive

If you’d like to make your training more realistic, we recommend the Century BOB XL Body Opponent Bag. The freestanding heavy bag has a head and torso, allowing you to practice specific self-defense punches and kicks that aren’t always possible with a regular bag.

“This bag was sturdy and durable, as well as easy to hit with a good bounceback for beginner users. I wish it were rounder for kicking, as it was somewhat difficult to hit,” our tester explained. “Otherwise, I really enjoyed the shape and its ease of use. I would definitely recommend it to a client.”

The body of the bag is made of high-strength PVC and filled with urethane foam that creates a realistic feeling when punching. With an adjustable height of 60 to 82 inches and a weight of 46.5 pounds, this bag is versatile for teens and adults of all sizes. The base can be filled with water or sand, and our tester noted how easy the whole bag is to set up, giving it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use.

Price at time of publication: $420

Key Specs:
Weight: 46.5 pounds | Height: 60-82 inches (adjustable) | Materials: PVC, urethane foam filling | Type: Freestanding

Please note: There is a newer version of this bag that we haven’t tested yet but plan to test in the future.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

The 8 Best Boxing Gloves of 2023, According to an Expert

Best Portable

Aqua Training Bag

4.3

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  3

  /5

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  4

  /5

• Durability

  5

  /5

• Value

  4.6

  /5

Pros

• Several colors available

• UV-resistant

• Waterproof

Cons

• May leak when full

• Need a hose and tools to fill

Most punching bags are filled with fabric or sand, but this Aqua Training Bag uses water for punching resistance, which eliminates hard spots. This bag is convenient to empty and move to a new location, which is why we selected it as our top bag for portability and travel. It fills in minutes, but you will need access to a garden hose and screwdriver to fill it.

In addition to its portability, we also love that the bag is extremely versatile, allowing you to adjust its pressure by adding or removing water. The bag’s teardrop shape allows for all types of moves and combinations—including hooks, straight shots, and kicks. 

Our tester noted that the bag is tough, durable, and very effective for training uppercuts and hooks, earning it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness. “Great bag, literally a buoy. It’s tough and would be a great addition to any gym,” they said.

Price at time of publication: $197

Key Specs:
Weight: Up to 75 pounds | Height: 15 inches (bag length) | Materials: Vinyl | Type: Hanging

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Best for Beginners

Everlast HydroStrike 100 lb Water Bag

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  3.5

  /5

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Durability

  4

  /5

• Value

  5

  /5

Pros

• Durable

• Budget-friendly

• Comfortable to use

Cons

• Shorter than other heavy bags

• Needs a hose to fill

If you’re interested in trying heavy bag workouts, we recommend the Everlast HydroStrike Water Bag for its ease of use and affordability. This bag’s reasonable cost is a good entry point for beginners—earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for value—and while the bag can be hung from the ceiling, there is a stand sold separately. Since it’s a water-filled bag, it’s a little more forgiving when punched, making it comfortable to use. 

“This bag was very easy to use, easy for beginners, and allows a great range of motion when punching. It takes punches well, and because it’s a swinging bag, it doesn’t move much, which is great,” our tester said.

The HydroStrike is shorter than typical heavy bags, so it may not be great for kicks, but our tester noted that the bag felt very durable and had a natural feel when punched. She also noted that this bag would be an excellent choice for beginners—or for those seeking to round out their other core training and coordination workouts, such as exercising on balance boards, by building their stamina boxing.

Price at time of publication: $150

Key Specs:
Weight: 100 pounds | Height: 28 inches | Materials: Plastic, rubber | Type: Hanging

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Best for Small Spaces

Everlast Power Core Bag

4.2

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  3.5

  /5

• Effectiveness

  3

  /5

• Comfort

  4

  /5

• Durability

  3

  /5

• Value

  4

  /5

Pros

• Durable

• Adjustable height

• Compact base

Cons

• Not as sturdy as other heavy bags

This freestanding punching bag from Everlast is our top pick for anyone who has limited space. The base is compact and can be easily filled with water or sand, and the bag height is adjustable. The Power Core bag features an innovative transfer ring that absorbs the impact of your punches to make it more comfortable and increase the bag’s durability, earning it a score of 4 out of 5 for comfort. 

This bag didn’t perform as well as other bags on our list, but we included it because we love how space-efficient it is. “It’s a nice bag, and the height is adjustable,” our tester noted. “The base is super easy to fill up—I didn’t even need a funnel to fill it up.”

This bag doesn’t come with gloves or wraps. But due to its small size, it can easily fit in any room with space to move 360 degrees around it for an effective workout. The bag offers a great space-saving option for home gyms already occupied with other fitness equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines.

Price at time of publication: $230

Key Specs:
Weight: 250 to 370 pounds depending on filling | Height: 54 to 65 inches, adjustable | Materials: Tear-resistant material, foam | Type: Freestanding

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Best Durable

Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Boxing Punching Bag

4.2

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4

  /5

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Comfort

  3.8

  /5

• Durability

  5

  /5

• Value

  4.1

  /5

Pros

• Comes pre-filled

• Bottom D-ring for anchoring

Cons

• Gloves not included

The Ringside 100-pound Powerhide bag is our top pick for its durability when practicing punches, kicks, and footwork, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for durability. The synthetic leather cover and foam filling are soft enough to protect your joints with no hard spots but still able to withstand your hardest workout. Our tester noted the bag is well-built and was impressed with its overall durability. 

This bag includes a chain and swivel for hanging, as well as a D-ring on the bottom to anchor it to the floor to limit movement. It’s easy to set up because the bag comes pre-filled, and it’s ready to hang right out of the box once a bracket is installed. It can also be hung on a freestanding rack, but some users note the included chains may need to be shortened.

Price at time of publication: $185

Key Specs:
Weight: 100 pounds | Height: 42 inches | Materials: Synthetic leather, foam | Type: Hanging

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova