We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (2025)

We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (1)

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If you’re looking for a full-body workout that combines strength, cardio, and agility, consider boxing. The best punching bag can do more than just provide a target—it offers reliable resistance that helps you build muscle strength and power. "Boxing is so much more than just punching," says Semoura Villa, CPT, trainer at Rumble Boxing. "You’re using your entire body to create momentum, speed, power and, in turn, burning so many calories while gaining strength." Plus, who doesn’t like to hit things?

Sounds like the ultimate stress-reliever, TBH. And while shadow boxing (hitting the air) is an effective way to learn the technique, upgrading your home gym set-up with a punching bag is a sure-fire way to pack more power into your punches.

Best punching bags

Of course, that requires finding the right bag for you and your at-home sweat sitch. After all, there are *so* many types of bags out there, from hanging bags to free-standing bags—and a whole slew of materials and fills to choose from.

What to consider

Type

The first major decision to make is whether you want a free-standing or hanging bag. Heavy hanging bags are best for power punches and kicks, freestanding bags are good for smaller spaces and are easy to move, and speed bags are ideal for improving hand-eye coordination and, well, speed.

Still not sure what type speaks to you the best? "I recommend hanging bags, but they're difficult to install and require a lot more space for permanent installation," says trainer and boxer Taylor Rae Almonte, CPT, co-founder of anti-racist wellness program ACTIV-ISM. If you don’t have the space (or installation capabilities), a freestanding bag works well too!

Material

Next, consider what your bag is made of. Leather is durable but expensive, while vinyl and synthetic materials are budget-friendly and still durable, they just won't last quite as long. The filling also matters; sand generally provides a harder impact than water or foam.

Almonte is a fan of water-filled bags because they absorb your punches (rather than rebounding them) and feel more life-like. However, sand- and synthetic-filled bags are also good options for stronger punchers, as long as the exterior is legit. "With leather bags, there’s no tearing or cracking, unless you hit like the hulk," says Villa. "They truly stand the test of time."

Size and weight

Consider your strength, fitness level, and the dimensions of your space when choosing the size and weight of the bag. Heavy hanging bags are better for powerful hits, Muay Thai, and MMA because of their size and weight, but can be hard to manage if they are too heavy or long. Freestanding bags work better in small spaces, but aren't as conducive to kickboxing since they tend to move more. As a general rule of thumb, both heavy hanging bags and freestanding bags should weigh at least half your body weight to ensure stability.

Experts recommend measuring your space to get an idea of what size bag it can accommodate and looking for bags with adjustable height and/or weight to grow with your fitness progress.

Accessories

Boxing isn't really one of those activities where you can get by as a total minimalist. A bag and gloves—and potentially wraps, too—are essential to get started the right way, protecting your hands and wrists. Ensuring that hanging bags are properly mounted is also majorly important, as not every hanging bag comes with a mount.

So, it's a good idea to set a budget that covers not only the bag itself, but also any necessary accessories like gloves, wraps, or mounts. Look for options that offer the whole package to save time and money.

How we tested and selected

For the past year, Women’s Health editors and experts, including fitness editor Talene Appleton, NASM-CPT and contributor Nikhita Mahtani, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated punching bags at home and in fitness studios across the country. Our team also consulted two boxing coaches to understand what features and factors set the very best punching bags apart from the rest.

Ready to throw some punches (and kicks, if that's your thing)? Below, check out the seven best editor-tested and boxer-approved punching bags for every budget and experience level.

Best Punching Bag Overall

MaxxMMA Adjustable Heavy Bag

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Pros
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (10)Just over $100
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (11)Life-like feel
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (12)Adjustable weight
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (13)Great impact absorption
Cons
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (14)Faux leather may lack long-term durability

As someone who's tried out a ton of heavy bags (boxing classes were my obsession 3x/week pre-pandemic), this one from MaxxMMA is my favorite home option. Its size, setup, feel, and price make it ideal for anyone looking to amp up their boxing workouts from home.

The water and air filling system is the star of the show. It feels way more life-like when you hit it and absorbs impact better compared to those old, clunky sand-filled bags. Plus, if you have arthritic wrists like me, it’s a game-changer, making your punches feel smoother and more comfortable.

The second coolest thing about this bag is that you can adjust its weight from 70 to 120 pounds using an air pressure system. It’s awesome for multi-person households or those looking for a bag that can grow with their fitness level over time. Sure, it means a bit more maintenance, but the system is easy to use and the flexibility makes it totally worth it.

My only concern with this bag, given its affordable price point and that it's made of faux leather, is that the seams may start to loosen over time. However, the shape stays consistent with no annoying sagging points, and the material feels durable.

TypeHanging
MaterialOuter: Faux leather; Inner: Water and air
Size and weight13" W x 39" H; 70-120 lbs.
AccessoriesMounting kit

Best Connected Freestanding Bag

FightCamp Console + Bag

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Pros
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (16)Comes with everything you need to get started
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (17)Offers programmed workouts and expert guidance
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (18)Tracks workouts and progress over time
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (19)Doesn't move when striking
Cons
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (20)Costs nearly 10x more than traditional, tech-free options

I initially tested this setup, which includes a stand-up heavy bag, floor mat, wraps, gloves, and trackers, back in 2021. Today, I still think it's the best freestanding punching bag package out there.

It can be kept indoors or outdoors (although it's not waterproof and should be covered with a tarp to stay dry) and Fight Camp offers an app for classes, which is perfect for when you want a little guidance and instruction.

The platform’s key innovation lies in the smallest piece of gear contained in this set. Users place optional tiny tracking devices (which log every punch via the connected app) into the provided hand wraps worn under the gloves.

Another one of the standout features is the bag ring it sits on—a small circular mat with plastic rails connected by heavy-duty Velcro. Something about this design is just so good. The bag doesn’t slide at all when you're striking it, a common issue with other freestanding bags.

You have the option to upgrade to a set that includes extra wraps and a pair of gloves, or opt for a package with only wraps, trackers, and membership to the platform. Yes, both packages are pricey. But if you're looking for a comprehensive at-home boxing setup with programmed workouts to follow along with and metrics tracking, this is worth the investment.

TypeFreestanding
MaterialOuter: Vinyl; Inner: Foam; Base: Sand or water
Size and weight2"W x 67"H; 250 lbs. (water-filled base) or 350 lbs. (sand-filled base)
AccessoriesGloves, wraps, trackers, console

Best Water-Filled Punching Bag

Aqua Training Bag 120-Pound Heavy Punching Bag

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Pros
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (22)Great impact absorption
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (23)Heavy yet compact
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (24)Unique aesthetic
Cons
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (25)Not suitable for kickboxing

At 120 pounds, this short hanging bag won’t budge too much, no matter how hard you punch it. Plus, because of its soft water interior, it doesn't hurt your wrists, making it ideal for building up resistance. Because it's filled with water, that also means it won't lose its shape or develop hard spots overtime like traditional heavy bags do.

Each bag is crafted from thick-walled vinyl with a vibey swirl pattern, offered in eight different colors (the pink one is what my boxing girly dreams are made of).

TypeHanging
MaterialOuter: Heavy-duty vinyl; Inner: Water
Size and weight11"W x 18"H; 120 lbs.
AccessoriesMounting kit

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Best Sand-Filled Bag

RDX Heavy 5-Foot Punching Bag

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Pros
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (27)Durable construction
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (28)Reasonable price for real leather
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (29)Adjustable weight
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (30)Comes with gloves
Cons
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (31)Requires at least two people to install

This heavy punching bag set comes with hand wraps, steel chains, and gloves. Its leather casing is resilient and durable, while the zippered bag closure allows for easy filling. Note: It'll come pre-filled but has the capacity to fill nearly double that (110 pounds) if you need more resistance.

With a real leather exterior, durable core that minimizes movement, and mounting kit and gloves included, this bag is well worth the price tag (just north of $110 at the time of publish).

TypeHanging
MaterialOuter: Leather; Inner: Sand
Size and weight12"W x 48"H; 55-110 lbs.
AccessoriesMounting kit and gloves

Best Punching Bag for martial arts

Meister 110-Pound Filled Muay Thai Heavy Bag

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Pros
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (33)Ideal size and weight for martial arts
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (34)Just over $100
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (35)Durable construction and exterior
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (36)Responsive feel
Cons
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (37)Slightly harsher feel than water-filled options

If you’re looking for a bag you won’t have to jump up to kick, this six-foot-long option fits the bill. Its weight is long enough for a full range of strikes yet manageable for those looking to hone their skills. The “Banana Bag” shape—72 inches in length and 13 inches in diameter—is ideal for practicing dynamic moves with precision.

Triple-stitched seams and reinforced nylon straps allow for durability, even when you’re attacking it with all of your body weight. Whether you’re into Muay Thai, MMA, or just love landing kicks to blow off steam, this bag can take the heat without sagging or losing shape.

Filled with 100% packed textiles, this bag also offers the ideal density for martial arts strikes. It doesn't absorb impact quite as well as the water and/or air-filled options on this list, but provides more responsiveness instead.

TypeHanging
MaterialOuter: Vinyl; Inner: Packed textiles
Size and weight13"W x 72"H; 110 lbs.
AccessoriesMounting kit

Best Freestanding Bag

FITVEN 70" Freestanding Punching Bag

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We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (39)

Pros
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (40)Relatively quiet
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (41)Sturdy
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (42)Easy to assemble
Cons
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (43)Moves around more than heavy hanging options

The thing about freestanding bags is that they swing from the top, not the bottom, so they can be difficult to hit (and if they're not secure and sturdy, even dangerous). This springy freestanding bag works well for fast-paced cardio workouts and is both portable, easy to assemble, quiet, and very stable. Fill it with either sand or water, depending on your resistance preference. Either way, just be prepared for a responsive rebound to any (and all) punches.

It's our favorite freestanding bag to hit in terms of the way it feels to land strikes and how it moves in response. At approximately 70" tall, it's perfect for punch and kick combos for novice boxers, though it may not be heavy-duty enough for advanced folks. We also love that you get a pair of gloves included (which are actually great)!

TypeFreestanding
MaterialOuter: Polyurethane; Inner: Foam; Base: Sand
Size and weight20"W x 70"H; 250 lbs.
AccessoriesGloves

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Best Punching Bag for Apartment-Dwellers

Frjjthchy Doorway Punching Bag

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Pros
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (45)Easy to setup and breakdown
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (46)Portable and compact
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (47)Fun to use
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (48)Made from real leather
Cons
  • We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (49)Not sturdy enough to take all-out punches

This funky alternative punching bag fits right into a door frame so you can practice your best moves without sacrificing tons of space. Since moving into a tiny NYC apartment, this has been one of my favorite fitness toys to play around with. It takes less than a minute to set up the suspension poles and get to hitting, although I can't strike this thing nearly as hard as I would a legit bag.

To set it up, you simply press the base at both ends of the pole, take the pole to the door frame, and adjust it to the appropriate length. Then repeat with the second pole. Boom—it's really that easy.

Another thing to note about this alternative design is that since you won't be hitting it full-force, you don't really need gloves to start punching comfortably and safely.

TypeDoorway
MaterialOuter: Leather; Inner: Cotton
Size and weight11.81"W x 11.81"H (works with 26" to 36" doorways)
AccessoriesSuspension rods (pictured)

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How do I properly use a punching bag?

Step 1: Get a punching bag. Step 2: Figure out how the heck you're going to use it. That's what we're here for! Using a punching bag is pretty intuitive, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to get the most out of it to boost your workouts (and prevent injury).

Warm up: Always start with a thorough warmup to prepare your muscles and joints for the intensity of punching bag workouts. This can include dynamic stretches, light cardio, and joint mobilization exercises.

Protect your hands

: It's always a good idea to wear hand wraps and gloves to protect your hands and wrists from impact and repetitive strain, even if you don't expect to punch full-out. Well-fitted gloves provide cushioning and support to punch safely and comfortably.

Learn proper technique:

Ensure strikes (punches, kicks, elbows, whatever) are thrown with the entire body engaged, not just the arms, according to Villa. "This helps to distribute impact and reduce stress on joints," she says.

Start slow:

Begin with lighter punches and gradually increase the intensity and power of your strikes as your technique improves and muscles adapt. It might seem tempting to just start wailing on a bag as soon as you get it set up, but starting out easy helps prevent overexertion, muscle soreness, or strain.

Follow along with a workout: If you don't opt for a connected bag like the FightCamp setup, chances are you might want a little guidance for your home boxing workouts. There are tons of videos and programs online to follow along with, which can help you hone your skills and switch up your workouts. Check out this beginner-friendly boxing workout. And this one is suitable for all levels).

Cool down: Finishing your boxing workout with a cooldown session to gradually lower your heart rate and stretch the muscles used during the workout is worth the extra few minutes, according to Villa.

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Meet the experts

Additional reporting by Nikhita Mahtani

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Talene Appleton, NASM-CPT

Fitness Editor

Talene Appleton is the fitness editor at Women’s Health, where she covers all things fitness, nutrition, and healthy living. She studied nutrition and exercise science at George Washington University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant. Passionate about the intersections between fitness, food, and community, she strives to foster inclusive and holistic wellness narratives for underrepresented populations. When not writing, she can be found hosting dinner parties and exploring new wellness and culinary experiences around New York and Los Angeles. Prior to her role at Women’s Health, she was the fitness and commerce editor at Men’s Health and contributed to General Surgery News, The Food Institute, and The Nessie.

We Tested The Best Punching Bags For Both Apartments And Houses (2025)
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