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Looking for a fun, efficient and portable way to get your cardio? While a jump rope may seem like a simple workout tool, it can provide you with an effective full body workout. Jumping rope is a vigorous cardio activity that can help you improve balance, coordination, speed and endurance while increasing strength and burning calories. It’s also been linked to positive mental health impacts such as stress reduction.

Not only is jumping rope popular in boxing, CrossFit, HIIT and other cardio workouts for adults, but it’s also an easy exercise for kids, making it a great option for many ages. Finding the best jump rope for your home gym needs will vary based on factors including your budget, height, goals and moves you plan to do. Whether you’re looking for a cheap beginner jump rope or want to master your speed jumping and double unders, this list will help you select the best jump rope for your workout.

If you want a jump rope workout with the added benefit of strength training, this TRX option provides the opportunity to customize your resistance with removable nine-ounce weights in the handles. The weighted resistance will add an extra challenge to your reps. The jump rope features grippy handles for a comfortable hold and a vinyl coated PVC rope with low friction bearings to help with smooth spinning.

For unlimited on-demand TRX guided classes to help you get the most out of your jump rope and workout routine, you can purchase the TRX training app for $5.99 per month. You’ll also get 10% off your order when you purchase the app.

Reviewers on the TRX website say that they like this rope for it’s added weight and challenge. One reviewer says, “Love this rope. It’s a great weight and I love how it is adjustable too.”

Purchase TRX Weighted Jump Rope

This Lululemon jump rope gives you an adjustable length of 96 to 104 inches (8 to 8.67 feet) to help you get the perfect length for your workout needs. The jump rope features lightweight aluminum handles for a comfortable grip as you get your exercise. Built-in bearings are designed to provide a smooth experience. The rope is available in blue or black colors and made from 70% steel, 25% polyurethane and 5% silicone.

A reviewer on the Lululemon website shares, “The hubby gifted me this as a part of my ‘fitness journey.’ What I liked about this —One, it is adjustable. Two, grip handles.”

Purchase Lululemon Adjustable Length Jump Rope

Double unders are a way to jump rope where the rope passes under your feet twice in one jump instead of only once. A popular CrossFit exercise, you can incorporate double unders into your workout routine for cardio and endurance. Learning double unders takes practice and the right jump rope to help you master the skill. You want a rope that provides speed control, so you don’t trip on the rope. This WOD Nation jump rope is designed to be fast and stable to help you quickly get back in the zone if you have any inaccurate swings. It’s also a budget-friendly option for beginners.

When you are doing double unders, it’s important to have a jump rope that is the correct length for your jumps. This high speed jump rope is made from a 2.5 mm wide, 10 foot long coated steel cable that can be easily trimmed with a cable cutter to make size adjustments. The WOD Nation jump rope features 6.75 inch tapered handles for a sturdy grip. It comes with a spare cable and an on-the-go nylon carrying bag. You can select from nine vibrant jump rope colors to personalize your jumping experience.

Out of over 12,000 reviews on Amazon, WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope received an average of 4.5 stars out of five. Reviewers on Amazon say that this rope is easy to size and that they appreciate the carrying case. One reviewer says, “I had to get a replacement fast and I decided for this one. I must say I'm very impressed. It's a very stable and fast rope that allows me to do more than 100 double unders unbroken easily because of the light handles and all the metal bearings. It comes with an additional replacement cable, a carrying bag and some extra bolts.”

Purchase WOD Nation Double Under Speed Jump Rope

If you’re into CrossFit, you’re going to want to get a reliable jump rope for cardio staples like double unders.This Rogue jump rope features an adjustable speed cable and a ball-bearing swivel design to switch directions with ease. Handles are lightweight, textured for grip and constructed with aircraft grade aluminum. The tapered handles are 6.75 inches long, but if you prefer a shorter grip, the same model is also available with a 5.25 inch handle. The jump rope is available in eight handle color choices to customize your style.

Reviewers on the Rogue Fitness website say that these ropes are fast and good for double unders. One reviewer shares, “Smooth and fast… I couldn’t do double unders properly until I got this rope.” Another reviewer says, “Excellent speed rope. Handles are light, sturdy and sit well in the hand. Plan to buy another one soon..”

Purchase Rogue Fitness SR-2 3.0 Jump Rope 

Whether you are new to jumping rope or working on your double unders, this versatile jump rope provides everything you need to get an effective cardio workout anywhere. The slim ergonomic handles come with two different weight options for the cable, a quarter-pound rope that is light and durable and a half-pound rope for extra intensity. You can easily switch the ropes out thanks to Crossrope’s patented “Fast Clip” system. The jump rope comes in four length options, ranging from eight feet to nine feet six inches to help you find the best size for your needs. Crossrope also has a free downloadable app with more than 1,000 fitness tutorials and a community of over 80,000 people.

This Crossrope jump rope is highly rated with 87% of over 4,000 reviewers on Amazon giving the set five out of five stars. Reviewers say this jump rope system is high quality and worth the price. One reviewer comments, “I have owned many brands and types of ropes over the past three years. None of them are even close in comparison to this set. Most systems have only lasted a couple weeks, let alone a couple months. This set has lasted me two years... two years of daily abuse.” Another reviewer shares, “This jump rope is hands down the best jump rope I ever used. I love the quality and durability, it’s definitely worth buying just make sure you get the right size. I’m 5.9 and medium is just perfect!”

Purchase CrossRope Get Lean Jump Rope Set

Are you looking for a budget-friendly, but fast jump rope? This Beast Gear jump rope with rotating built-in double ball bearings is designed for speed and control. On sale for just $12.33 on Amazon (regularly $17.99), this speed jumping rope is a convenient and affordable choice. The jump rope features contoured aluminum handles and an 8.75-inch alloy steel rope. It also comes with a felt travel pouch and a spare cable.

Amazon reviewers say this Beast Gear jump rope works well for double unders and is durable. “I've been doing Crossfit for seven years and have gone through multiple jump/skipping ropes. I pretty much destroyed the first one I had trying to master double-unders. Of all that I've owned and used at gyms, this one is far and away the best. So much so that I bought two more for my kids (also crossfitters),” says one reviewer.

Another reviewer says, “This really is a good rope. Best I've ever had in helping me with double unders. Love the weight and adjustment feature, also the spare rope and carry case. Easy to set up and after several months it's not showing any signs of wear.”

Purchase Beast Gear Skipping Rope

Automatically track your jump count, calories burned and jumping time with this innovative “smart” jump rope. This Tangram jump rope connects to a mobile app on your iPhone, Android or Apple Watch through Bluetooth to allow you to monitor your progress. The app also helps keep you motivated with bonuses like awards, interval training and a community of users. With the app you can see how you rank among other users and also record your own history.

Tangram Smart Jump Rope includes a nine feet 10 inch cable that can be adjusted for your height without cutting the rope. The sleek handles come in four colors and use magnets attached to the ball bearings to sense your movements. This equipment takes coin batteries which usually last around six months when used for 30 minutes a day.

Reviewers on Amazon say the app is fun and easy to use. One reviewer says, “Such a cool product! I love how my jumps are recorded.” and another reviewer shares, “Bought two for my 30 year old kids and myself. Found that this 60 year old mom is very competitive. Jumped 3000 counts in one day just to beat my kids.”

Purchase Tangram Smart Jump Rope Rookie

Not only is this jump rope only $7.99 on sale at Amazon (regularly $16.99), but XYL Sports offers it with a 100% money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty. If you’re already planning your holiday gifts, this jump rope could make a good budget-friendly stocking stuffer for adults or children. The nine foot two inch PVC cord rope is easily adjustable and features soft foam grips for comfort. It also comes in three colors, black, seafoam green and bubblegum pink.

Several reviewers on Amazon say that this is a good rope for beginners. One reviewer comments, “As someone who doesn't work out much, I didn't want to spend lots of money on a jump rope. Simple lightweight jump rope does the job for a beginner.” It should be noted that if you are looking for a heavier beginner jump rope, this may not be the right fit for you. “Nice rope but it could be a little heavier. The lighter weight makes the rope a bit slow,” says another reviewer.

Purchase XYL Sports Jump Rope

With a length of 12 feet, this speed jump rope is a great option for those that need a little extra room to jump. It’s also easily adjustable so it can be used no matter what your height.

This RPM Training Session4 speed rope features aluminum handles and a unique patented dual-axis rotation to reduce torque build-up while balancing power transfer and free spin. It’s designed to be fast and lightweight, so you can use it for double unders and more. The rope comes with a five-year warranty and a microfiber storage bag for taking it on-the-go.

89% of this jump rope’s Amazon reviewers give it five out of five stars. One reviewer comments, “RPM ropes are definitely worth the money. High quality rope and handles feel great and adds to the quickness of the rope. Double unders are much easier with these.” The brand warns that this rope can sting when snapped against bare skin and one reviewer who says this rope is perfect, also comments, “Hurts to whip yourself. Spins very fast.”

RX Smart Gear Drag Rope is an old school jump rope. While it doesn’t have the swivel or bearings many of the newer models feature, this rope offers constant resistance and challenge. The rope is made from a polypropylene woven rope which is gentler on bare skin and comes in three sizes based on height. It’s available in two colors, black and camo.

Reviewers on the RX Smart Gear website say that this rope is a durable and solid product, great for building your double under skills. One reviewer comments, “If you’re looking to challenge your efficiency on double unders this is THE rope to do it with! I own the evo, Kronos, Zeus and now the drag rope and it’s been the best rope so far at building my capacity!” Another reviewer says, “Love this rope, no matter how much you use it, it continues to be challenging each time.”

Purchase RX Smart Gear Drag Rope

Whether you are looking for a jump rope for boxing, MMA, CrossFit, personal trainer sessions or just a simple cardio workout, this affordable $8.99 Degol skipping rope will help you achieve your workout goals. The jump rope features six inch soft EVA memory foam handles for a comfortable grip and an adjustable length of up to nine feet. The rope’s cable is made from PVC-coated braided steel wire for a smooth and protected surface. A ball bearing system helps keep this Degol jump rope kink and tangle-free while also adding stability.

This is a popular wire rope on Amazon, earning an overall rating of 4.3 out of five stars with over 57,000 reviews. Reviewers say the rope handles are comfortable and that it is a good option for adults or kids. “Very good addition to my team training. Solid rope. Durable. Soft handles. Adjustable,” sums up one reviewer. Another reviewer comments, “A great jump rope: does not tangle, is weighted just right, cord spins freely inside the handle, allowing for fast jumping.”

Purchase Degol Ball Bearing Skipping Rope 

Jump ropes are an easy and effective workout tool for getting cardio exercise, working the muscles in your arms, core and legs as you get your heart rate up. Jumping rope has many benefits including burning calories, improving grip, increasing coordination and building endurance. It’s also an affordable and fun workout tool that can be enjoyed by many ages from children to adults.

Many brands offer adjustable jump rope lengths or multiple jump rope sizes, so you can find the best length for your jumping. Brands will often provide instructions or videos to help you appropriately size or adjust their jump rope. Usually, your jump rope length will be based on your height. The taller you are, the longer a rope you will need.

Often finding the best jump rope weight for your needs is a matter of personal preference and your jump rope goals. Added weight can add an element of strength training to your workout. For example, with the TRX Weighted Jump Rope, you can add nine-ounce weights to your handles for an extra challenge. With the CrossRope Get Lean Jump Rope Set you can switch between a ¼-pound rope and a ½-pound rope for more intensity.

Jump rope materials can affect the speed, stability and grip of the rope. For instance, many of the jump rope options on this list have cords made from steel which is considered to be a faster material. Other jump rope materials include PVC, polypropylene woven rope, beaded rope and more.

Handle materials can impact the comfort of the jump rope’s grip. Examples of materials used in jump rope grips include soft foam, aluminum and wooden handles.

Special features include smart technology, compatible fitness apps, removable weights and customized colors. Some manufacturers like RPM even offer customized jump rope engraving. Often ropes with special features will come with a more expensive price tag.

Cardio exercises like jumping rope can be an effective way to burn calories and help manage weight. Studies have linked cardio exercise to a reduction in belly fat.

How long you should jump rope a day will vary based on your goals, skills, and lifestyle. According to a 2013 study, 10 daily minutes of jumping rope is as efficient as 30 minutes of jogging.

Crossrope, one of the jump rope brands on this list, recommends that beginners start with short sessions of one to five minutes. As you become more advanced, you can work your way up to longer jump rope sessions such as 15 to 30 minutes or even more.

In some cases, the best fitness jump ropes that offer additional features may be more expensive than basic jump ropes. For instance, they may include spare ropes, added weights or smart features. They may also be made from more durable materials. Finding the right jump rope for your needs will vary based on your personal preferences and how you plan to use the jump rope.

Jumping barefoot is not recommended because it can increase risk of injury, add to plantar pressure and lead to poorer performance. It can also be painful if the rope hits your bare skin.

A 2022 study suggests that shoes designed to reduce plantar pressure are best for prolonged jump rope exercises.

Jump ropes provide an affordable fitness tool that can be used just about anywhere to get an effective calorie-burning cardio workout, even if you have just 10 minutes to spare. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to do home workouts or a portable fitness tool you can take on-the-go, this popular piece of equipment can be a valuable addition to your fitness routine and help you reach your fitness goals.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer and editor. This author is writing sponsored content paid for by Pillar4 and not affiliated with Sports Illustrated.