Resistance bands are a great option for any exerciser looking to build muscle, rehab after injury, or work on stabilisation. Compact, budget-friendly and surprisingly versatile, the best resistance bands can slot into almost any fitness routine, whether you're training at home, squeezing in a workout while travelling or adding an extra challenge to your usual gym session. Lightweight enough to throw into a gym bag, they're one of the easiest pieces of equipment to have handy.As a personal trainer, I regularly use resistance bands in my own training and with clients. Different styles suit different goals: fabric resistance loops are great for activating muscles, improving stability and targeting the glutes, while latex versions are particularly useful for rehab exercises. Longer loop bands are ideal for stretching, warm-ups and assisted pull-ups, and resistance tubes with handles can replicate many cable machine exercises at home.Before buying, think about how you'll use them. If your goal is to build muscle, choose a set with a range of resistance levels so you can progressively overload exercises. For rehab or mobility work, lighter latex bands are the better option, while thick fabric options (known as ‘booty bands’) offer extra grip and comfort during lower-body workouts.I’ve spent the last few weeks testing a range of different bands in my workouts and with clients, and here’s my definitive ranking of the best resistance bands to add to your gym kit.Read more: Best gym bags, tested by a fitness writerI tested these with a variety of exercises, including the clam shells (Becky Fuller/The Independent)The best resistance bands for 2026 are: Best overall – Rep Fitness resistance bands: £14.99, Repfitness.comBudget buy – Domyos fitness resistance bands three-pack: £4.99, Decathlon.co.ukBest for beginners – Core Balance resistance band set: £8.99, Amazon.co.ukBest quality – Les Mills sculpt bands: £49.99, Lesmills.comBest for sculpting glutes – Freyja Fit glute resistance bands: £14.95, Freyjafit.co.ukRead more: Best dumbbells, tested by a fitness writer