11 Best Jump Ropes for All Workouts and Fitness Levels
Whether you prefer Crossfit or boxing, or are learning double unders.
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Setting up a home gym can rack up a high bill depending on the equipment you buy, but a jump rope is an affordable yet effective piece of home gym equipment that will help you break a sweat without breaking the bank. While you can get fancy with feature-heavy picks like cordless or weighted jump ropes, there are plenty of basic options that will get your heart pumping.
In our most recent jump rope test, fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Wellness Lab evaluated some of the newest models from top-performing brands. We spent hours skipping rope and sent jump ropes to over 40 consumer testers.
Our top picks:
To learn more about the benefits of jumping rope, we sat down with psychologist and fitness trainer Dr. Janine Delaney, who started jumping rope at the age of 43. "Jumping rope increases your natural endorphins, which puts you in a good mood and increases your energy," Delaney says. "It not only puts your cardiovascular system to use but also helps to build muscle strength, improve coordination and even boost metabolism."
Find more advice for jumping rope as well as what to look for when shopping for a new jump rope at the end of this article. Looking for a place to jump rope inside your home? Check out our guide to the best exercise mats after you've found the right jump rope for your athletic style.
Pros
- Good for learning tricks
- Free access to Crossrope App
- 60-day trial period
Cons
- Pricey
This stylish and sleek rope comes with two different rope weights and is Delaney's top pick and what she personally uses when jumping rope. She loves speed ropes like this one for learning tricks. Consumer testers who tried out the Get Fit Bundle (which includes the Get Lean set) said the ropes were well-made and had an overall stylish look, with multiple testers describing the handles as comfortable. You'll have free access to the Crossrope App, where you can choose from over 1,000 workouts. "I felt like I could grow my jump rope skills on this app rather than just being overwhelmed that it was above my level from the start," says one tester. Although the Get Lean set is on the more expensive side, it includes two jump ropes (1/4 pounds and 1/2 pounds) which improves the overall value. Crossrope also sells an AMP Jump Rope Set ($199) that includes a smart handle that our tester said was easy to grip, three different weighted ropes and Bluetooth connectivity so you can conveniently track your workouts.
Length: 7'6"-9'6" | Material: Not listed | Weight: 1/4 lbs, 1/2 lbs
SPORTBIT Adjustable Jump Rope
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very affordable option
- Includes storage bag
Cons
- Not as durable as others on the list
This lightweight rope has an overall 4.3-star rating on Amazon and has been rated by over 6,600 customers. Some jump ropes can be difficult to size, but this rope is easy to cut to adjust to your preference. Reviewers like that it comes with a bag for easy storage and love its affordable price. One glowing review says, "I love traveling with this rope. It is super light, like a feather. When I skip with it, it moves very smoothly." Although this jump rope may not be the most durable option on our list, you can still tackle a hard leg or speed workout.
Length: 118" | Material: Plastic | Weight: 0.2 lb
DEGOL Tangle-Free Skipping Rope
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable, memory foam handles
- Affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for outdoor workouts or on cement
This popular rope with memory foam handles is an Amazon reviewer favorite and has been rated by over 61,000 individuals. Reviewers note that the rope is fairly easy to adjust and lightweight, and they especially love the comfortable handles. A satisfied customer writes, "I’ve used Crossrope and other high-quality ropes. Those are a lot better but they’re hundreds of dollars. For the price, this rope is awesome." At such an affordable price, it's a low-budget addition to your home gym. The brand says to avoid using the rope on a rough surface as it can damage the rope.
Length: 9" | Material: PVC, foam | Weight: 2.2 lb
Pros
- Reviewers say it's high-quality and durable
- Made for speed
- Affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for outdoor workouts or on cement
This well-designed pick is budget-friendly and has over 11,250 ratings and an overall 4.5/5 star score on Amazon. Reviewers note that it's a high-quality choice that is durable and great for complex movements like double unders. It comes in a variety of colors and is designed for speed, making it a nice choice for Crossfit, MMA, boxing and most workouts. "I’ve tried a lot of jump ropes during my 10+ years doing CrossFit and the WOD Nation Speed Jump rope is my recent favorite," says one tester. "It moves smoothly and quickly and keeps up with my double unders and triple unders." They add that the included bag is great for storing the rope in a gym locker after your workout. One drawback is that you can only use it on a smooth surface like your home gym floor rather than asphalt or cement as the rougher surfaces will damage the coating.
Length: 10" | Material: Steel, ABS | Weight: 0.2 lb
Pros
- Comfortable foam handles
- Easy to adjust length
- Available in three colors
Cons
- May not be as durable as pricier picks
If you are just starting out, prioritize a simple design that caters to ease and comfort. We love this adjustable rope with padded handles that are comfortable to hold as you jump. If it's too long, it can be trimmed to your custom length by removing the end cap, cutting off the desired length and reapplying the cap. It's designed for smooth performance and rotation and comes in different colors One five-star review writes, "It's hard to find any fault in it as it's been pounded on concrete for over six months and counting now and still holds up. For the price and how well it performs, it's an easy recommendation."
Length: 9'8" | Material: PVC, foam | Weight: 0.3 lb
Crossrope Ropeless Get Lean Set
Pros
- Can use on rougher terrains
- Compact for use in tight spaces
Cons
- Can have a learning curve
The cordless jump rope pack is designed to mimic Crossrope's Weighted Rope without the pesky rope getting in the way of a great workout. It's a great option for anyone who wants to add a new practice to their routine, and it offers a safe way to try out new tricks. Although the set can have a learning curve, we appreciated that it was convenient to use indoors and in tight spaces as well as outdoors since the lack of a cord means you don't have to worry about rough terrain damaging the rope. "I like that I can use it at my apartment without making a mess," says one tester, while another likes that you don't have to untangle any ropes. You can also upgrade to the AMP cordless set to take advantage of smart workout tracking capabilities.
Length: 14" | Material: Not listed | Weight: 1/2 lbs, 1/4 lbs
Pros
- Handles include removable 9-ounce weights
- Durable handles with good grip
- Quality vinyl coated cable
Cons
- Can be hard to uncoil
Whether you're an avid boxer, dabble with a boxing app here and there or are looking for an intensive arm workout, this weighted jump rope by TRX will help strengthen your arms and shoulders as you get ready for your next boxing match. You can add the included 9-ounce weights to the handles for more resistance and speed and adjust the 10-foot vinyl-coated cable to the right length for your height. We appreciate the rubber handles for extra grip and a PVC rope interior designed for durability. One of our testers gave this jump rope high marks for its high quality, smooth performance and easy-to-grip handles. They were impressed by the full-body workout that targeted their core, arms and forearms. "I could feel the weight helping my arms," they said. Our fitness expert notes that the rope can be a little hard to uncoil at times.
Length: 10" | Material: PVC | Weight: 9 oz
Pros
- Two weight options
- Fast clip system
Cons
- Pricey
"Weighted ropes are particularly good for beginners because you can feel the weight of the rope pass under your body and it helps with timing," Delaney says. Plus, they are a great way to get twice the impact from your workout. Delaney uses this weighted option regularly and it comes with both 1-pound and 2-pound weight options — which our experts appreciate given the higher price tag on this jump rope. A fast clip system makes it easy to switch up your routine and one tester confirmed the handles and rope weights are easy to adjust, adding, "I like that on the rope it shows the weight and length." If you choose to take advantage of the Crossrope App, another tester commented on how the app's workouts give you plenty of time to swap weights before you begin the next move.
Length: 7'6"-9'6" | Material: Not listed | Weight: 1 lbs, 2 lbs
Rogue Fitness SR-1 Bearing Speed Rope
Pros
- Available in a variety of colors
- Lightweight and speedy
Cons
- Can sometimes tangle
If you're determined to perfect your double unders, this efficient rope from Rogue is built for speed and moves quickly and smoothly. We like that it's lightweight but good quality and fits perfectly in your gym bag or locker. It can occasionally tangle so be sure to lay it down flat or hang it on a hook between sessions. A 4.6-star rating across more than 200 reviews on Rogue Fitness's site reflect its popularity, and users often comment on the rope's quality construction. One five-star review says, "Nice grip with well-constructed rope. It works perfectly for double unders for nonexperts."
Length: 120" | Material: Nylon, resin
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Keeps track of workout data
Cons
- Handles can be slippery
This jump rope syncs via Bluetooth with the SmartRope mobile app to help keep track of workout metrics like jump count and calories burned. With over 1,700 ratings and a 4.3-star score, reviewers like that it keeps track of data and connects to Apple Health and Google Fitness. One satisfied tester appreciated the overall design and construction, saying, "The jump rope is easy to charge and connect to the app. The tracking kept me honest about how much I actually worked out." Another tester, however, found the handles to be too slippery. Tangram sells an LED smart rope too, and the slightly more expensive SmartRope Pure has a sleek design and non-contact sensors.
Length: Adjustable | Material: Polyurethane (PU) | Weight: 0.6 lb
Fitness Factor Adjustable Jump Rope with Carrying Pouch
Pros
- Soft grip
- Can be used outdoors
Cons
- Some reviewers say the rope tangles
With over 5,600 ratings on Amazon and an overall 4.3-star score, reviewers love this affordable jump rope choice that comes with a carrying pouch and a handy booklet that teaches you the basics of jumping rope. One reviewer said that they used it outside on concrete regularly and noted that the rope is still quite durable. The foam handles make it easier to grip during long sessions. While the rope has built-in stainless ball bearings to help prevent entanglements and knots, some customers did experience some tangles.
Length: Adjustable | Material: Plastic, foam | Weight: 0.7 lb
How we tested the best jump ropes
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our fitness experts test everything from dumbbell sets to treadmills so you can shop the best home equipment on the market. We have been evaluating jump ropes in the Lab for over a decade. We consider handle and rope material, special features, pricing and more. In our most recent test of jump ropes, we evaluated some of the newest models from top-rated brands. We tested the ropes for ourselves in the Lab and sent out 40+ ropes to at-home testers nationwide.
What to look for when choosing the best jump rope
Whether you are an experienced or beginner jumper, here are some notes to keep in mind as you shop:
✔️ Length: Consult the listed dimensions on the retailer's site to ensure the rope is the right length for your height. Many jump ropes can be adjusted by cutting the cord to your perfect length. Most of the ropes in our list fall in the 9-foot range, but you can find shorter lengths that are a little over 7 feet or even longer ones that are closer to 10 feet.
✔️ Material: A jump rope's cord can be made from various materials, but we like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as it's a durable plastic designed to last. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is another durable option, and some cords have a coated steel cable for maximum durability. Many brands recommend avoiding jumping rope on rough surfaces like asphalt as it can cause the cable to wear over time.
✔️ Handles: You'll want an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to grip and won't slide out of your hand. We like handles made from memory foam but you can find less expensive options that are plastic. Some jump rope handles have smart capabilities like built-in sensors to track your workout.
✔️ Weight: Some are weighted so you can choose between 1/4-, 1/2-, 1- or 2-pound ropes throughout your workout. A higher weight means a faster spin and more intense session, which can be great if you do CrossFit or are a boxer. However, a weighted jump rope may not be the right choice for every jumper, especially a beginner who just wants the basics.
✔️ Features: Jump ropes can have smart capabilities and connect to an app so you can track your number of jumps, speed and more. Other ropes have adjustable lengths and weights or are designed to be tangle-free. When choosing the right jump rope for you, consider which features are necessary for your workout as some can increase the price tag.
How to use a jump rope
Delaney says that you don't have to be athletic or coordinated to start jumping rope. Making sure your rope is sized correctly to your height and maintaining proper form can help you get the hang of it more quickly — plus you'll need to put in a little practice. If you're a jump rope beginner, Delaney offers these important tips:
- Arm positioning: Keep your chest up, core engaged and arms close to your body. If your arms are too wide, it will shorten the length of the rope and you'll likely trip.
- Utilize your wrists: Jumping rope is all about recruiting your wrists to make the jump rope spin. Try to avoid moving your arms too much as this will throw off your rhythm.
- Keep your head up: Jumping rope is about timing, and if you look down and wait for the rope to pass you then you'll likely trip. A better approach is to look straight ahead and jump as the rope crosses your line of sight, which will guarantee better rhythm as you skip.
- Take a video of yourself: Practice makes perfect, and just a little bit of practice each and every day will help you get better and better. You can watch YouTube videos of tutorials to help you visualize the proper movement, and take a video of yourself to check your form.
- Properly size your rope: To size your rope, stand on the middle of the rope with one foot and bring both handles up to your shoulders. The rope should come up to your shoulders, no higher and no lower. Make sure to buy a rope that you can either cut to your size or one that comes according to height.
How long should you jump rope for?
This will depend on your fitness level and jump rope experience, but it's a good idea to start small and build up your endurance. For example, start off with two- to five-minute sessions a few times a week — you can even incorporate this into your current routine as part of a warm-up or cardio boost. As you build stamina, you can jump rope for as long as 15 to 30 minutes three to five times a week.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., wrote the original story and more recently conducted our latest round of jump rope tests. As director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, Stefani handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and avid CrossFitter.
As the updates editor for the GH Institute, Elizabeth Berry edited the story to add new products per Stefani's testing as well as shopping advice for customers. Elizabeth has written on a variety of health and wellness topics from the best tennis shoes for women to the best vitamin D supplements.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
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