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BOXING IS one of the most versatile workouts you can do. Not only is it a fun way to get a sweat in, but it involves hand-eye-coordination, speed work, and of course, is a test of toughness and grit. Speaking of grit, it's no surprise that boxers including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, Ryan Garcia, Floyd Mayweather, and Canelo Álvarez have all spent countless hours training with punching bags. And you can't forget Muhammad Ali, whose iconic workouts and diet is often emulated by YouTube fitness bloggers today. (Like this guy, who ate and trained like Muhammad Ali for a day.)

In the past several years, Hollywood has also jumped on the boxing boat, with many actors using the sport to get in shape for various roles. Tom Holland used it to prep for his role in Spiderman: No Way Home. Jason Mamoa used it during his Aquaman 2 training. Chris Hemsworth for Thor: Love and Thunder. And of course, actors starring in boxing movies go all-out on the heavy bag training. For example, Michael B. Jordan got absolutely jacked with boxing for his roles in the Creed movies and Jamie Foxx implemented it while training for his role as Mike Tyson.

If you've never tried boxing before, here's your message that you should. And the most critical piece of equipment you'll need to get started practicing those jabs and crosses at home is a punching bag. (These workouts will get you started once you have your home boxing setup.)

Ready to get boxing? Here are 12 punching bags that will complete your home boxing setup.

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Trackers + Bag

Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, first demoed this package, which includes a stand-up heavy bag, floor mat, wraps, gloves, and trackers, back in 2021. According to him, the heavy bag is hands down the best freestanding punching bag he's used.

"FightCamp continues to hold up as the best free-standing punching bag I've ever used, almost three years after my first punch," he explains. "I keep it in my yard under a tarp, and it's just as effective as if it were in my living room. I don't always use the app to take classes, but any time I need to let off steam, I know it's there for me to kick."

The bag ring it sits on (a small circular mat with plastic rails connected by heavy-duty velcro) helps to ensure that it doesn't slide all over the place once the strikes begin to fly, a common issue with other bags.

The brains of the platform are actually in the smallest piece of gear included in the set, according to him. Users slot the tiny tracking devices into the provided hand wraps worn under the gloves, and the gadgets log every punch you throw during a workout via the connected app. (You can spring for a set that adds extra wraps and a pair of gloves, or this option that includes only wraps, trackers, and membership to the platform.)

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100-pound Powerhide Boxing Punching Heavy Bag

Sturdy and soft-filled up to 100-pounds, this heavy bag from Ringside competes as an ultimate do-it-all for your training. It's got a traditional chain design that you will have to hang, so it requires a bit of a setup. But it does come with a heavy bag chain and swivel included.

Another pro to consider is the price point. The brand uses strong synthetic leather, as opposed to real leather, that brings the bag down in overall cost. The construction is also heavy duty, yet smooth for the knuckles or hands to come into contact with.

If you order from the brand's site directly, shipping charges will apply. But luckily, Amazon will ship it for free.

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Omniflex Freestanding Bag

No sturdy ceiling mount for your heavy bag? No problem. This free-standing unit from Everlast can stand up to a beating, and you can adjust the height to make your punching even more efficient.

"This is one of the most compact punching bag options I've tested that can take a beating without taking up too much space," says Williams.

"You might have to be careful when you really unload a powerful punch or kick, but it gives you a great base to start home training."

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Freestanding Punching Bag

This 205-pound (when filled with sand) heavyweight punching bag is a #1 best-seller on Amazon. At approximately 70" tall, it's suitable for those between 47-73" tall. Plus, a pair of gloves come with it, saving you time and money.

Dual TPU absorbers and four springs between the base and the bag deliver a good range of fast-rebound and shock and noise absorption, making it perfect for home use. For more intensive strength training, the brand advises removing the spring to minimize vibration. Meanwhile, 12 strong suction cups under the base keep the bag in place on smooth and even floors.

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Retro Heritage Brown Leather Heavy Punching Bag

Modest Vintage Player turned back the clock on this punching bag and used heavy-duty cowhide for a beautiful, long-lasting heritage look. It's quite possible your grandfather's heavy bag looked like this, once upon a time.

Not only does it make a great addition to any home aesthetically, but it follows through on quality. Each bag is hand-crafted using 100% genuine leather and finished with genuine leather laces and hand-stitched reinforcements.

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Heritage 90-pound Genuine Leather Boxing Punching Heavy Bag

Ringside outfitted this bad boy with a thick 2.2 mm AA premium-drum dyed 100% cowhide leather and used double and triple reinforced stitching on the seams. It's thoughtfully manufactured with a soft-strike surface and a classic, heat-embossed logo on both sides.

We know it's pricey, but this is the type of heavy bag that will last you for decades—and eventually will be ready to be passed down to your kids. So if you think about this investment in cost-per-punch, it's totally worth the dough up front.

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Muay Thai Heavy Bag

Proudly made in the USA, this six-foot heavy bag from Outslayer is a great solution for those who feel like they're always punching down on their traditional four-foot design.

This fabric-filled monster is not for casual jabbers—only consider this bag if you're really set on giving fight training your all. Unlike sand-filled options, you won't experience sinking or hard/hollow spots over time with this bag. The brand is confident in the construction and durability of their product, and it comes with a 10-year warranty to prove it.

Oh, and it's available in 12 colors, with or without D-rings (which have extra padding to prevent flipping).

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80-Pound Nevatear Heavy Bag (Black)

This 80-pound faux leather bag is a great starter for any basement ring setup. It comes filled and with chain assembly and sturdy nylon straps for handing included, so you can start training right away.

A special mix of sanitized synthetic and natural fibers provides serious shock absorbency, meaning it's quiet and practical enough for consistent home use. Synthetic leather brings the price point down, and is reinforced with webbing for truly made-to-last durability.

One thing to note: The brand does not recommend this bag for outdoor use.

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Speed Ball Boxing Cow Hide Leather MMA Speed Bag

This isn't quite a heavy bag, but if you're really strapped for space to train, this speed bag might be your best option. You can hone your hand-eye coordination and punching speed with this bag, then move on to bigger heavier ones.

It's of high-quality genuine cowhide leather and lined inside with four layers of fabric for extra durability and rebound accuracy. Each speed bag is individually shaped and balanced, ensuring rebound consistency with every hit. Some maintenance is required, as the bag comes with a latex bladder, which needs to be inflated regularly.

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Wavemaster Freestanding Bag

Similar in design to the Everlast Omniflex we mentioned earlier, the Wavemaster has a sturdier base that allows for kicking and kneeing. This OG freestanding bag allows you to train your punches and kicks without taking up too much space in your home.

When the base is fully filled with sand or water, this set up sustains 250-pounds. And with the bag section measuring 24" tall and 13" wide, it's a mid-size option at a reasonable price. Our only qualm is you don't have an adjustable height like the Omniflex (which is a better perk if you're boxing only).

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BOB Body Opponent Bag

We would never advocate that you take a swing at anyone—other than BOB here. This freestanding bag is molded to look like an opponent so you can have a more realistic boxing experience, practice strike accuracy, and hone self-defense skills.

With seven adjustable height settings ranging from 60 to 78 inches, you can customize the height to suit your specific needs. The base can be filled with sand or water, with a capacity of up to 270 pounds to ensure stability. BOB's exterior is made of durable vinyl, while the internal structure is a hard plastic cylinder which offers a ton of support.

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Hyperflex Strike Bag

If you like the idea of practicing your strike and aim reflexes with a with a speed bag but want a more renter-friendly option, this standing punching bag. It's equipped with a solid plastic base for stability, and best of, doesn't require drilling or installation.

With a base diameter of just under two feet, it won't handle heavy hits as well as bigger bags, but it isn't pretending to. It's adjustable in height up to 63" at its highest setting, too. With a sleek grey color and weighing in at just 5 kilograms, it's an easy addition to any smaller home training set-up.

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How to Choose the Best Punching Bag (for You)

Punching bags, similar to other home gym equipment categories with a flood of options, can be overwhelming to shop for. A long-lasting, durable bag is essential for anyone who wants to improve their strength, endurance, and technique in boxing, martial arts, or other combat sports. But it's hard to know which options are worth the investment.

So, whether you're new to boxing or a seasoned vet, let's dive in.

Training goals: Before you even start shopping, think about what you want to achieve through your training. Do you want to improve your boxing skills, increase your endurance, or strengthen your upper body, lose weight? Knowing your goals is a crucial launching point to start from to choose the right bag.

Type of bag: There are a ton of different types of punching bags, including heavy bags, speed bags, and double-end bags. Heavy bags are ideal for developing power and strength, while speed bags are great for improving hand-eye coordination and speed. Double-end bags are designed to improve timing and accuracy.

Size and weight: One size does not fit all in the case of punching bags. Heavy bags typically range from 60 to 150 pounds, while speed bags are much lighter, usually around 10 to 40 pounds. If you're tight on space or looking to hone speed, go for a speed bag. Otherwise, opt for a full-sized hanging or standing bag ranging from 80 lb. - 150 lb., depending on your fitness level. Don't be afraid to go heavy, as it doesn't hurt to buy something that can grow with you.

Material: Quality punching bags are made of durable materials that can withstand regular use. Look for bags made of leather, vinyl, or synthetic materials that are reinforced with sturdy stitching. Nothing worse than a bag tear post-warranty period.

Adjustability: Some punching bags come with adjustable heights, which can be helpful for people who are sharing the bag with others or want to adjust the height as they progress in their training.

Additional features: Some punching bags come with additional features like target zones, hooks for attaching resistance bands, and padding for extra protection.

Return and warranty period: Return and warranty policies represent the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. With most home gym equipment manufacturers, the better the quality, the better the warranty. In the case that something goes wrong with your bench, it’s important to know your investment is protected, so look for benches that come with a 30-day money back return period and at least a 1-year warranty.

Price: Punching bags can range in price from under $50 to over $1,000, so it's important to consider your budget when shopping. Consider the features and durability of the bag when making your decision.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing in our in-house Fitness Lab before making any recommendations.

Our fitness writers and editors are experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage, which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

How We Selected

For the past three years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers on the best punching bags and heavy bags for boxing. Experts, including our fitness editor Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, put a number of heavy bags to the test to evaluate their design, performance, durability, and price point. We also considered how easy each punching bag was to set up, as some require more than one person to help with the installation.

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