That’s why our team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and athletes banded together to test the best portable saunas to see which ones offered the best sauna experience and which ones were a flop. 

RELATED: Black Friday Sauna Deals

We have rigorous guidelines for testing and scoring each product. Our testers are tasked to use, assess, and score each product based on eight different categories, including: 

• Portability: How easy is it to break down? How likely are you to take advantage of the portability of this sauna?
• Construction: What is the sauna constructed from? Are the closures, zippers, window, and seating options made from quality materials? 
• Heat performance: How long does the sauna take to heat up and can it maintain that temperature? 

The 6 Best Portable Saunas

• Best Portable Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten Solo Sauna
• Best Portable Sauna Blanket: Sun Home Sauna Blanket
• Best Portable Sauna for Beginners: SereneLife Full Size Portable Sauna
• Best Portable Steam Sauna: SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro
• Best Portable Outdoor Sauna: Sweat Tent
• Best Budget Portable Sauna: Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna

Best Portable Infrared Sauna: Sunlighten Solo Sauna

Good for: Anyone looking for a portable sauna with infrared heat technology 

Best Infrared

Sunlighten Solo Portable Infrared Sauna

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Infrared sauna
• Zone-based heating
• Sliding double-dome system
• Lightweight design, easy to store

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Designed for small spaces and movability
• 5 zone-based digital heaters
• 4 color-changing modes
• Infrared heater
• Increases core body temperature

Cons

• Pricing isn't easily to find on website
• Size may not be a suitable for all users

Bottom Line

The Sunlighten Solo Portable Infrared Sauna is designed for movability and compact storage. It has multiple zone-based digital heaters and built-in chromotherapy features.

The Sunlighten Solo Sauna is our top choice for best portable infrared sauna. It not only offers a portable and telescoping design for solo sauna sessions, it also has energy efficient carbon heaters. 

Although there are other infrared saunas on this list, the carbon heaters emit infrared light and can heat the portable sauna up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which is at the top range of what most infrared saunas are capable of. This is partly why it earned a 4 out of 5 stars for heat performance and controls. 

Lindsay Scheele, GGR expert product tester and certified personal trainer, says the Sunlighten Solo Sauna holds the max temperature as well as some of the traditional Finnish saunas and barrel saunas she’s tested. “It takes about 30 minutes to reach 150 degrees, but it stays there and the outside is not hot to the touch,” says Lindsay. 

RELATED: A Brief History of Saunas

Her only callout is that the temperature controls are not intuitive, which is why she docked a point in the heat performance and controls category. She also didn’t prefer that the foam padding and the dome each had its own controls. However, once she read the owners manual, using the two remote controls was easy. We have in-depth details of the controls and Linday’s entire experience in our Sunlighten Solo Sauna Review. 

It’s also worth mentioning that Lindsay and other expert GGR testers liked the Sunlighten Solo Sauna, but don’t think it’s a good match for folks who have a wide frame or large chest or belly. The foam padding you’ll lie on is less than 3 feet wide and the dome only sits 18 inches tall. 

It also doesn’t pack down into a bag like many of the pop-up tents on this list do. Instead, the dome telescopes and nests into itself and the foam padding folds up. It’s certainly portable but it doesn’t come with a carrying case or anything like that. 

If you’d prefer to have company, we like the Amplify II Infrared Sauna from Sunlighten for two-person sauna sessions. 

Best Portable Sauna Blanket: Sun Home Sauna Blanket

Good for: Anyone looking to sweat in the prone position 

Best Blanket

Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Portable infrared sauna blanket
• Low EMF electrical field
• Temps from 95 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit
• Easy-to-use temperature controls
• Temperature displayed in Celsius

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Portable and easy to wipe clean
• Heats up to 75 degrees Celsius (167 Fahrenheit)
• Temperature stays stable
• May reduce muscle soreness

Cons

• Short 1-year warranty
• One person capacity
• Only one heating zone
• Temperature displayed in Celsius

Bottom Line

The Sun Home Infrared Sauna Blanket offers a sauna recovery in a sleeping bag-style design. This allows for the ultimate relaxation and portability. It can heat between 95 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit and can be set put on a timer for up to 60 minutes.

The Sun Home Sauna Blanket is an ultra-portable sauna option that won’t break the bank. However, the heat technology is not exactly the same in a sauna blanket as a traditional infrared sauna. Instead of emissive infrared light waves, a sauna blanket will conduct radiant heat to raise your body temperature. 

That doesn’t mean we didn’t like the Sun Home Sauna Blanket, but it’s hard to say if the infrared sauna benefits are exactly the same. However you may like knowing this sauna blanket is low EMF (low frequency electric and magnetic fields). 

The blanket has a single heating zone and can rise to 167 degrees, which GGR expert tester Lindsay Scheele says held tight after 30 minutes of preheating. “Once it was up to temperature, it held steady at 75 Celsius, which is the highest heat setting. That’s about 167 degrees Fahrenheit,” she says. 

You’ll zip yourself in like a sleeping bag, set your timer for 30 to 60 minutes, and let the relaxing begin. When you’re done you can machine wash the blanket liner and wipe down the blanket with a mild cleaner. 

It’s 71 inches long and has a 65-inch maximum circumference to accommodate a wide range of sizes and body types. For ergonomics, this earns a 5-star rating from Lindsay. 

“Because this is a blanket, with a ton of flexibility from the materials, it’s going to be comfortable for a wide range of people. And you can use it pretty much anywhere,” says Lindsay. 

The Sun Home Sauna Blanket folds up and can get tucked away in a closet or under your bed, which is why this earns a 5-star rating for footprint and portability. Plus, it’s affordable, with a price tag under $500. We have more details in our Sun Home Sauna Blanket review. 

Most research on infrared sauna uses far infrared heat waves versus radiant heat. If you want to ensure you’re getting all of the full far infrared benefits, we suggest the Sunlighten Solo Sauna. 

Best Portable Sauna for Beginners: SereneLife Full Size Portable Sauna

Good for: Folks looking for a beginner-friendly sauna option for one person

Best for Beginners

Serene Life Full Size Portable Sauna

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Full size personal portable infrared sauna
• Designed for in home use
• Reported benefits of weight loss, detoxing, stress and fatigue relief, and soothing muscles
• Includes sauna, foldable sauna chair, and heated foot pad

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Folds up for storage when not in use
• Timer and auto heat settings via remote control
• Includes foldable chair
• In home use
• Easy zipper access

Cons

• Limited reviews
• No warranty
• Time to heat up not disclosed
• Only fits 1 person

Bottom Line

The Serene Life Compact Sit-In Sauna is a portable in-home sauna that can be assembled and then disassembled for compact storage. The sauna can reach a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The sauna features easy zipper access and a foldable chair for seated use. There are limited reviews but they are positive and found the sauna easy to set up.

The SereneLife Full Size Portable Sauna is an excellent choice for sauna bathing beginners because it’s portable and priced under $400 on Amazon. 

The SereneLife sauna is essentially a pop-up tent with three infrared carbon heating panels. Keep in mind it’s only meant for one person with a single folding chair that comes with the tent. 

While it’s a great starting place for beginners, Lindsay notes she’d appreciate it if it offered higher temperatures. The max temperature is 140 degrees, but she says the control panel was reading between 125 to 135 during most of her sessions. For this reason, the heat performance earned a middle-of-the-road 3-star rating. 

RELATED: Sauna Maintenance Tips

“It’s pretty warm, but compared to some other saunas I’ve used it’s not quite enough for me,” says Lindsay. “But I think you could easily do a little DIY project and affix another carbon heater inside the tent for extra heat.” 

Lindsay shares more thoughts in our SereneLife Portable Sauna review. 

If you’re looking for a similar pop-up tent style with more heat intensity, check out the SmartSteam Kit Pro, which is a wet sauna. 

Best Portable Steam Sauna: SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro

Good for: Folks who prefer wet heat therapy from steam 

Best Stream

SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

* Portable sauna with carrying case * Steam heat * Washable floor mat * Portable chair

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 7 levels of heat
• Portable design
• 2-year warranty

Cons

• Only room for one person
• Humidity may be too intense for some folks

Bottom Line

The SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro offers an easy and affordable wet sauna option for home recovery sessions. It’s compact, folds down effortlessly, and is suitable for one person at a time. The heat is sourced from the SmartSteam Unit, which pumps steam into the SaunaBox and can be set to seven different settings.

If you enjoy a steam room more than a traditional dry sauna, now is your chance to have your own home spa with the SaunaBox SmartSteam Kit Pro. It’s a wet sauna in the form of a portable, pop-up tent, priced under $500. 

Instead of carbon infrared heaters, the SaunaBox heats water in the SmartSteam chamber (which sits outside of the tent) and emits the steam through a small plastic hose. You’ll have seven temperature settings, which can go up to 130 degrees. 

It may not sound very hot, but it’ll have nearly 100% humility, which makes the sauna experience feel a lot hotter. Additionally, a steamy sauna session may increase your heart rate and internal temperature¹ more than a dry sauna. For heat performance, Lindsay scored the SaunaBox 4 out 5 stars. 

“The heat and humidity is intense,” she says. “It’s good there is a window you can open or unzip the tent a little.”

RELATED: Steam Room vs Sauna

For portability, Lindsay docked a point and scored the SaunaBox at 4 stars. “It’s extremely easy to break down and set up, but there is a bit of a process because the sauna creates so much moisture,” she says. 

After every use you’ll need to clean with a mild cleaner, air out the foot pad (which is machine washable), and air out the entire sauna from humidity. “You don’t want this to become a breeding ground for mold and germs by packing it away wet,” says Lindsay. 

That said, she scored the construction and durability at 4 stars because it’s made from antimicrobial materials, it’s BPA-free, and is free from microplastics. 

If you’d prefer to spend less than $200 for a similar tent-style sauna, check out the Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna. 

Best Portable Outdoor Sauna: Sweat Tent

Good for: Folks who have adequate outdoor space for a wood-burning sauna tent 

Best Outdoor

Sweat Tent Outdoor Sauna

GGR Score: 4.04

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Product Highlights

• Outdoor sauna that can travel
• Made with weatherproof insulated Oxford 210D fabric
• Heated by wood-fired,stainless steel stove
• Can reach 200 degrees in any weather

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable price
• Portable enough to travel with
• Carry bag
• Weatherproof insulated fabric

Cons

• 80 lbs of material makes it less portable than other options
• Not for indoor use

Bottom Line

The Sweat Tent Outdoor Sauna is a durable, heavy-duty tent that is both an affordable and portable option for outdoor saunas. With the ability to collapse into a carry bag, and weighing around 80 pounds total, it is easy to load into a car for traveling. With a weatherproof insulated exterior, the Sweat Tent can reach 200 degrees in any weather with its wood-fired stove.

If you’ve got ample outdoor space and your area allows wood-burning fires, we suggest the Sweat Tent. It’s essentially a pop-up tent and is easy to set up with two people. It’s doable to install on your own, but the tent has a four-person capacity, so it’s best to get a helping hand to hold opposite corners of the tent. 

RELATED: Best Outdoor Sauna

The stove will also require some assembly, but expert tester Lindsay says it was a cinch. She scored the setup process 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Even though the Sweat Tent earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for portability, there are a few important things to consider each time you pack up the Sweat Tent: 

• You’ll have to haul wood to burn inside the stove
• The wood-burning stove has to be completely cooled down to handle
• Consider what you’ll use for seating and avoid metal patio furniture
• Don’t forget accessories like a water bucket, ladle, and hot mitts for the stove

As for durability, Lindsay scored the Sweat Tent 4 out of 5 stars. It’s made from high-quality, heat-resistant Oxford 210D nylon, which is often used for backpack liners, sleeping bags, and umbrellas. “For a tent, this seems super sturdy and it comes with a fiberglass roof cover to protect against rain and direct sunlight,” says Lindsay. 

We have more details in our Sweat Tent Outdoor Sauna Review. 

Best Budget Portable Sauna: Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna

Good for: Anyone with a tight budget who still wants to reap the benefits of sauna bathing 

Best Budget

Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Portable and personal full-body infrared sauna tent
• Comes in large and extra-large sizes
• Requires 110v outlet
• Washable
• Timer and temperature control

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Washable and foldable when not in use
• Temperature control and timer
• 110v outlet
• Lifetime warranty for consumer/home use

Cons

• Might be small for larger people and athletes
• Can only sit in the sauna tent

Bottom Line

The Smartmak Far Infrared Sauna is an inexpensive and portable solution for an infrared sauna. Being compact, this sauna can be folded when not in use. Available in two sizes, this portable seated sauna tent may still be a tight fit for larger athletes.

The SmartMak Far Infrared Sauna is ideal for folks on a budget. This small, lightweight, and portable sauna is priced under $200 on Amazon and comes in several different colorways. 

The SmartMak sauna cuts down on costs with its petite design, which reduces materials. You’ll sit in the foldable chair, zip yourself in, but your neck, head, and hands will still be outside of the sauna through the respective openings. 

“I can see bigger folks having a hard time with the folding chair that comes with this sauna,” says Linsay Scheele, CPT and GGR expert tester. But she notes you could easily swap it out for a more comfortable lawn chair. 

Other than the chair, Lindsay thought her experience in the SmartMak was comfortable. She even notes there will be enough space for tall people, folks with long legs, broad shoulders, or a larger chest. She scored ergonomics 4 out of 5 stars 

For heating performance, the Smartmak earns 4 out of 5 stars. It took about 20 minutes for the Smartmak to reach the max temperature of 140 degrees. “This budget sauna heats up just as quickly as other traditional saunas I’ve tested,” she says. 

She also notes it was able to hold steady at 140 degrees during her sauna sessions. “Even when I had my arms out of the sauna, using their arm pockets, the temperature didn’t drop,” says Lindsay. 

If you’d prefer to keep your hands and head inside the sauna tent, we suggest the SereneLife Full Size Portable Sauna.

Other Portable Saunas We Researched

• HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket: This sauna blanket is remarkably similar to the Sun Home Sauna Blanket we picked for this list, except it’s priced about $200 more. 
• Kutting Weight Hoodie V4: We have an entire roundup dedicated to the best sauna suits and this Kutting Weight sweat suit was our No. 1 pick. We know it’s not an actual sauna, so we didn’t include it on this list. 

How We Picked and Tested Portable Saunas 

The expert testers here at Garage Gym Reviews used an in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology to assess, score, and review each sauna. Our testers used a scale of 1 to 5 to score the following categories: 

• Price and value: Saunas are usually pretty expensive, so our testers have to use our pre-determined price ranges to decide if the price makes sense for the size, capacity, and features. 
• Delivery and setup: As part of the customer experience, our testers were tasked to score the delivery and assembly. High scores were given to saunas with a straightforward assembly process. 
• Construction and durability: Portable saunas won’t have as much durability and solid construction as a wooden cabin sauna, but our testers still had to assess materials, closure quality, and overall durability. 
• Portability and footprint: Although most saunas aren’t portable, for this list our expert testers considered how easy moving from one site to another would be, how likely they would be to do it, and how many parts you have disassembled. 
• Heat performance: Our testers assessed the time it took to heat up, if it could maintain the set temperature, and if there was heat loss around the outside of the sauna. 
• Features and amenities: Not every sauna has the same features, but common sauna features are Bluetooth connectivity for a sound system, temperature controls through a panel or remote, and chromotherapy lighting.
• Customer experience: This includes the warranty and return policy as well as how easy it was to contact the company if a problem were to arise. 

Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing

The benefit of owning a portable sauna is pretty obvious: Sauna sessions wherever you go. Portable saunas are also more affordable than a traditional sauna cabin. However, some of the drawbacks with a portable option is the fact they’re usually smaller and sometimes only meant for one person at a time. 

That said, here are some general benefits of sauna bathing (portable or not): 

Sauna Bathing Can Improve Cardiovascular Health 

Did you know sitting in a sauna can increase your heart rate? The hot climate naturally increases your heart rate² like it would during medium- to high-intensity exercise. When your heart rate increases, the cardiac muscle tissues³ are stimulated to become stronger and more efficient at pumping blood to the entire body. 

Additionally, one small study⁴ showed sauna bathing can reduce blood pressure, which can reduce unnecessary strain on your heart. The study shows that heart rate and blood pressure rise during the sauna session, but drop below baseline after resting. 

Sweat Can Help You Detox

Sweating from sauna use (or during intense physical activity) may promote detoxification. Although more research is needed, there are studies that indicate sweating⁵ may help the body detoxify from heavy metals like aluminum, cadmium, and lead. 

Sauna Sessions Can Increase Circulation 

Sauna bathing promotes blood flow and circulation⁶ by increasing your core temperature, which makes blood flow to your skin and muscles more efficiently, while temporarily decreasing blood flow to your internal organs. 

Best Portable Sauna: FAQs

References 

1. Pilch, W., Szygula, Z., Palka, T., Pilch, P., Cison, T., Wiecha, S., & Tota, L. (2014). Comparison of physiological reactions and physiological strain in healthy men under heat stress in dry and steam heat saunas. Biology of Sport, 31(2), 145–149. https://doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1099045
2. Taggart, P., Parkinson, P., & Carruthers, M. (1972). Cardiac responses to thermal, physical, and emotional stress. Br Med J, 3(5818), 71-76.  
3. Ripa, R., George, T., Shumway, K. R., & Sattar, Y. (2023). Physiology, cardiac muscle. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
4. Ketelhut, S., & Ketelhut, R. G. (2019). The blood pressure and heart rate during sauna bath correspond to cardiac responses during submaximal dynamic exercise. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 44, 218-222. 
5. Genuis, S. J., Birkholz, D., Rodushkin, I., & Beesoon, S. (2011). Blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study: monitoring and elimination of bioaccumulated toxic elements. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 61(2), 344–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-010-9611-5
6. Laukkanen, J. A., Laukkanen, T., & Kunutsor, S. K. (2018, August). Cardiovascular and other health benefits of sauna bathing: a review of the evidence. In Mayo clinic proceedings (Vol. 93, No. 8, pp. 1111-1121). Elsevier.

So if you’d rather forgo bulky cardio equipment all together, you could instead install one of the best punching bags, grab yourself a pair of boxing gloves, and protect your knuckles with one of the best boxing hand wraps. And just like that, you’ve got yourself a boxing gym at home. 

To help you invest in the best possible equipment, we enlisted our expert product testers—who are also certified personal trainers, corrective exercise specialists, and Olympic-level athletes—to test, score, and review the best boxing hand wraps for ultimate joint protection. Let’s get cracking. 

Best Boxing Hand Wraps

• Best Boxing Hand Wraps Overall: Everlast Core Hand Wraps
• Best Budget Boxing Hand Wraps Overall: Sanabul Hand Wraps
• Best Gel Boxing Hand Wraps: Hayabusa Quick Gel Hand Wraps
• Best Cotton Boxing Hand Wraps: BOXRAW Hand Wraps
• Best Boxing Hand Wraps for Beginners: Venum Gel Pro Wrap

Best Boxing Hand Wraps Overall: Everlast Core Hand Wraps

Good for: Both experienced or beginner boxers 

Everlast

Everlast Professional Hand Wraps

GGR Score: 4.04

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Product Highlights

* Elastic style hand wraps  * Features: Hook and loop closure, thumb strap, breathable fabric, and EverFresh antimicrobial treatment to prevent smell  * Sold as pairs  * Available in 120 or 180” length

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 2 lengths
• Antimicrobial treatment to prevent odors
• Machine washable

Cons

• Limited colors available and different for each size
• Too much velcro on closure according to reviews
• Some customers only received one wrap
• Mixed reviews on durability
• More expensive than competitors

Bottom Line

Everlast Professional Hand Wraps come in 2 lengths and feature a stretchy elastic fabric. Everlast treats the wraps with their EverFresh antimicrobial finish to prevent odors. Customers like the wraps, price and comfort of the straps. There were mixed reviews on the durability of the straps, especially the stitching around the velcro.

The Everlast Core Hand Wraps are ideal for anyone looking for the best wraps to wear under one of the best boxing gloves. I personally tested these Everlast hand wraps alone and with boxing gloves. I’m a personal trainer and have experience teaching clients how to get into a proper boxing stance, perform a boxing shuffle, and throw their first punch. 

While I’m not a pro fighter by any means, I’m not a total newbie to hand wraps. I scored the Everlast wraps 4.5 out of 5 stars for workout performance because these wraps had a user-friendly thumb loop, the material was easy to wrap (even when threading through the fingers), and there was absolutely no slipping. Each layer laid nicely on top of each other and created a really supportive feeling without being too tight. 

I will note that depending on your wrapping skills, the Everlast wrap could come loose. When I used to box with my clients, everyone was surprised how tight I wrapped their hands the first time. If you’re brand new you may not wrap your own hands tight enough, which could cause the wrap to loosen up over the course of a workout. 

The Everlast wraps are made from a blend of cotton, nylon, and polyester, which makes them light and breathable. They have a stretchy, gauze-like texture but with way more durability than gauze alone, which is why I scored these wraps 4.5 out of 5 stars for materials and durability. They are machine washable and will hold up to years of boxing workouts.

These Everlast hand wraps are pretty much ideal for anyone, which is why it’s at the top of our list. Everlast is a well-known boxing brand that is easy to find on third-party retailers like Amazon and Dick’s. Everlast wraps are also affordable, with pricing on Amazon starting around $15 for one pair of 180-wraps. These earned a 4-star rating for price, with a point docked because the best value wraps are priced around $10 or less. 

Best Budget Boxing Hand Wraps Overall: Sanabul Hand Wraps

Good for: Anyone looking for boxing wraps under $10

Sonabul

Sanabul Elastic Boxing Hand Wraps

GGR Score: 4.09

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Product Highlights

* Mexican style handwraps  * Features: Hook and loop closure, quick drying, breathable, pro thumb loop, and stretchable fabric  * Sold in pairs  * Available in 120 or 180” length  * 8 different colors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• More affordable than competitors
• 8 colors available
• Machine washable
• Stretchable fabric
• Available in 2 lengths

Cons

• Thin according to customer reviews
• According to reviews colors bleeds and stains clothes
• Mixed reviews on durability
• Some customers only received one wrap

Bottom Line

Sanabul Elastic Boxing Hand Wraps are 180 inches long and feature an elastic fabric. They are positively reviewed by customers who really enjoyed the affordable price point, stretchy fabric and that the wraps are machine washable. However, they did note that the colors bleed even after multiple washes. There were also mixed reviews on the durability, especially the stitching around the velcro.

Sanabul Hand Wraps are your go-to option if you want a secure fit at an affordable price point. These Sanabul wraps are available on Amazon for under $10 and have a ton of colors to choose from. 

Matt Dustin, NASM-CES, PN1-NC, and GGR expert product tester, used these hand wraps for several boxing training sessions before giving his full review. Matt immediately noticed the cotton and nylon blend was thin and had a ton of elasticity, which is what makes them a Mexican-style hand wrap. 

Not all folks like the thin, stretchy Mexican-style wraps, so it’s up to your personal preference on what  you’ll go with. Matt scored the materials and durability of the Sanabul wraps 3 out of 5 stars. “They feel decent, but I question the durability of such thin material. I also think the thumb loop would be the first feature to wear out since you’ll probably put a lot of torque on the stitching of that loop,” says Matt. 

While Matt may have concerns on longevity, he thought these wraps provided ample wrist support. He gave the Sanabul wraps 4 out of 5 stars for support and performance. 

“The wraps didn’t loosen at all,” says Matt. “On their own, I didn’t feel like I had a ton of knuckle protection, but once I put on boxing gloves my hands felt super stable.”

RELATED: Kettlebell HIIT Workout

Best Gel Boxing Hand Wraps: Hayabusa Quick Gel Hand Wraps

Good for: Folks who want wraps that go on and off like a glove

Hayabusa

Hayabusa Quick Gel Hand Wraps

GGR Score: 3.98

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Product Highlights

* Glove and wrist wrap style hand wraps  * Features: Gel/foam knuckle padding, 36 inch Mexican style stretch wrist wrap, and overlock stitching for durability  * Sold as pairs  * 6 colors and 4 sizes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Machine wash and dry
• Glove style quick wrap
• Available in 6 colors and 4 sizes
• Free shipping

Cons

• Less customizable fit than traditional hand wraps
• Some reviewers found finger holes too tight

Bottom Line

The Hayabusa Quick Gel Boxing Hand Wraps feature a non-traditional glove style with a 36 inch wrist wrap. Due to the glove style the fit is not as customizable as traditional hand wraps, however, they are much easier and quicker to get on and off. Customer reviews liked the ease of use and knuckle padding. Some customers found the finger holes to be too tight to comfortably use.

If you’re looking for gel hand wraps versus traditional wraps, the Hayabusa Quick Gel Hand Wraps are our No. 1 recommendation for speed bag work or under boxing gloves on a heavy bag. These slip on and off like a glove and offer a super quick wrap alternative to traditional hand wraps. 

Once the glove goes on, you’ll feel the gel padding framing your knuckles and you’ll use the 36-inch wrist strap for additional support around your wrist. Matt Dustin, NASM-CES, PN1-NC, and GGR product tester, appreciated the breathable polyester glove material and the gel padding. 

“These gel wraps felt so good to wear and use for the speed bag and shadow boxing. They also feel pretty durable, and the only feature I could see getting worn out over time is the Velcro closure,” says Matt, who scored these gloves 4 out of 5 stars for materials and durability. 

That said, he thought the glove material felt a little rough on his palms saying, “The padding is great, but the glove material feels a little rough on the inside. It’s not bad, but it could be better.”

During his boxing session with the Hayabusa gel wraps, Matt noticed there wasn’t nearly as much protection and stiffness from the gloves compared to traditional wrist wraps. “There isn’t as much support, but these are more about padding and knuckle protection with the huge gel cushion over the knuckles,” says Matt. 

Additionally, Matt appreciates the modern look, multiple colorways to choose from, sizes ranging from small to extra large, and a size guide to help you pick. For aesthetics, he rates these glove wraps 5 stars. 

RELATED: Circuit Training Exercises

Best Cotton Boxing Hand Wraps: BOXRAW Hand Wraps

Good for: Anyone looking for a stretchy (mostly) cotton boxing wrap

BoxRaw

BoxRaw Hand Wraps

GGR Score: 4.04

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Product Highlights

* Elastic boxing hand wraps  * Features: Stretch cotton blend, hook and loop closure, thumb lock loop, velcro fastening, and included carrying/washing bag * Sold as pairs  * Available in 120 or 180” length and 9 different colors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 2 lengths
• 9 colors available
• Wash and carrying bag included

Cons

• Multiple colors out of stock
• Care instructions not listed
• Thin fabric according to reviews

Bottom Line

BoxRaw Hand Wraps are available in two lengths and use a stretch cotton blend. They are positively reviewed by customers who found them to be high quality and comfortable. Some customers did find the fabric too thin. Care instructions are not listed however, a mesh wash and carry bag is included with purchase, so we assume they are machine washable in the mesh bag.

The best cotton hand wraps go to BOXRAW. While these are not 100% cotton (because it’s a cotton and polyester blend and the wrist strap closure is rubber), they offer a high-quality and super soft option for hand wrapping. 

I tested the BOXRAW wraps and immediately noticed the thin stretchy material. I scored the material and durability 4 out of 5 stars, because the material is on the thinner side, which I like (and it’s more gauze-like) but the thin material and open weave may lack durability. 

However, these BOXRAW wraps are everything you need from a traditional hand wrap. The cotton blend gives you enough stretch to wrap to your personal preference, with pliability to wrap between fingers your and around your knuckles. 

I also generally like the way they look and gave these a 5-star rating for aesthetics. There were tons of colors to choose from on the BOXRAW website and the Velcro closure has a solid aesthetic with a raised rubber logo and clean lines. 

Although I really liked using these hand wraps under a pair of boxing gloves and for boxing workouts, I have a few callouts. First, these are a bit pricey at $19 per pair and they frequently go out of stock. Second, I didn’t appreciate that the BOXRAW website doesn’t have a direct way of reaching customer service other than a general inquiry form. But there is a 30-day return policy if you were not satisfied with your purchase. 

RELATED: Agility Ladder Workouts 

Best Boxing Hand Wraps for Beginners: Venum Gel Pro Wrap

Good for: Beginners looking for quick wrap options 

Venum

Venum Kontact Gel Gloves Wraps

GGR Score: 4.04

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Product Highlights

* Glove style and wrist wrap style hand wrap  * Features: Gel Shock System hand protection, elastic and neoprene construction, hook and loop closure, and 90 inch wrist wrap  * Sold in pairs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Glove style quick wraps
• Gel padding for hand protection
• Easy to use according to reviews

Cons

• Fit not as customizable as traditional hand wraps
• Care information not listed
• Mixed reviews on comfort and durability
• Only available in 1 size

Bottom Line

Venum Kontact Gel Glove Wraps are a glove and wrist wrap style hand wrap. They are easier to get on and off than traditional wraps. They are only available in 1 size, which may have led to the very mixed reviews on the comfort of these hand wraps. The durability of these wraps also had mixed reviews with some customers noting the stitching tends to come undone after repeated use.

The Venum Gel Pro Wraps are great for beginners and experienced boxers alike. Our testers highly recommend these glove-style wraps for beginners because they are easy to put on, offer a gel knuckle guard, and can go under boxing gloves. 

Caine Wilkes, USAW-L1 and GGR expert tester, used the Venum gel wraps alone on the speed band and under a pair of gloves for heavy bag work. He says the neoprene material is comfortable on the skin and the gel padding will absolutely reduce impact to the knuckles. 

However, Caine is a large guy with pretty big mitts. He had to squeeze his hands into the one-size-fits-all glove. “The fact that these gel wraps are one size is disappointing. They are pretty solid wraps, but people with big hands will have to look elsewhere,” says Caine. 

Caine also notes that while these wraps are supportive, they don’t offer support around the thumb. For that reason, he scored the Venum wraps 4 out of 5 stars for support and performance. But, if you want more support around the thumb, you’ll have to use part of the 90-inch wrist strap around your joint (in addition to your wrist, of course).

Lastly, Caine says the Venum Gel Glove Wraps just look cool. The snake head logo is eye-catching and there are a few colorways to choose from, including a camo print.

RELATED: Benefits of HIIT

How We Picked and Tested the Best Boxing Hand Wraps

To test the best boxing hand wraps on the market, our team first started with internet research to find the most popular and most recommended wraps. From there, we made a short list of hand wraps we actually ordered. When our testers actually unboxed, wrapped their hands, and went through boxing workout this is what they had to consider: 

• Materials and durability: Our testers scored hand wraps based on the type of cloth, stitch quality, and overall durability. Low scores went to wraps that showed wear and tear after a few boxing sessions; high scores were reserved for quality construction. 
• Aesthetics: Although boxing hand wraps will likely be worn under a pair of boxing gloves, our testers scored the overall look based on color options, designs, and extra features. 
• Support and performance: Low scores were given to wraps that were flimsy and offered little to no support. High marks were given to hand wraps that completely stabilized the wrist on our testers. 
• Comfort: Most of the hand wraps we tested score high for comfort because hand wraps aren’t really meant for comfort. Testers docked scores if there were unusual and uncomfortable features, itchy materials, or didn’t provide enough flexibility to re-wrap your hands (like a gel wrap). 
• Price: Most hand wraps we researched and purchased for this roundup were priced under $20. We gave the best scores to hand wraps priced under $10. 
• Customer experience: Testers have to score each company based on shipping fees, return policies, and ability to get in touch with customer support if needed. 
• Customer reviews: Our experts use customer reviews to evaluate their own experience and gauge whether it is similar or highly contrasted. 

Benefits of Boxing Workouts

If you’re not quite ready to select “add to cart” on a pair of boxing hand wraps, let’s cover the benefits of wearing wraps and boxing training sessions in general. 

Hand Protection and Wrist Support

Whether you’re an at-home heavy bag hitter or a Muay Thai wannabe, hand wraps are an essential part of the boxing experience. Wraps, when used correctly, can offer support to your entire wrist, reduce impact to your joints, and provide knuckle protection from direct contact with punching bags (or a sparring partner). 

Full-Body and High-Intensity 

Speaking as a personal trainer, I’m a fan of any HIIT (high-intensity interval training) exercise that incorporates your entire body—and boxing is exactly that. But what is HIIT? Any form of exercise with short bouts of near-maximal effort is considered HIIT-style training, according to a 2021 review¹ which looked at HIIT workouts as far back as the 1920s.  

Plus, boxing is not just your arm throwing punches, you have to use your glutes and core muscles to drive power to every punch, you have to recoil every hit with your shoulders and back muscles, and you have to use your legs for bounding, jumping, and staying light on your feet. 

Boxing Workouts Can Improve Cardiovascular Health 

Because boxing is ultimately a mode of HIIT, it may not come as a surprise that habitual boxing workouts can improve your cardiovascular health and VO2 max. If you’re wondering what VO2 max is, it’s essentially a measurement of how much oxygen you can intake during exercise (along with blood flow), which is an indicator of heart health and tolerance to exercise. 

In a recent review published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health¹, multiple studies reference the fact that HIIT-style training can increase VO2 max with sessions as short as 15 minutes, however these studies weren’t specifically based on boxing workouts. 

That said, in a 2015 study² researchers compared high-intensity boxing training to walking workouts in two groups of larger adults over the course of 12 weeks. The walking group didn’t have significant improvements, but the boxing group improved blood pressure, body fat percentage, and VO2 max. 

RELATED: VO2 Max Calculator

Boxing Can Boost Mood

Do you need a form of exercise with an extra side of stress relief? Martial arts and boxing classes with heavy bags, speed bags, or kickboxing provide cardiovascular benefits like elevating your heart rate with the added benefit of serving up a great punch. That’s what I call blowing off steam. 

A 2023 review from the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine³ looked at the benefits of boxing and found non-sparring, non-contact boxing classes positively influenced mental health, overall mood, self-esteem, symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even schizophrenia. 

Hand Wraps for Boxing Buying Tips

In pro boxing and MMA, fighters typically use gauze and tape, but it’s not a practical (or reusable) option for the average home gym owner. If you’ve had some experience with boxing classes, using a punching bag, or wearing wraps and gloves, we suggest choosing a cotton blend wrap with Velcro closure that you can wrap yourself and customize the fit and whether you want the wraps between the fingers or just spun around the knuckles. 

If you’re brand new to boxing, a gel wrap is going to be an easy and quick way to protect your knuckles without the confusion of wrapping your own hands. Even if you choose to graduate from a pair of gel wrap gloves, you can always utilize them for quick bare knuckle (no gloves) sessions. 

Best Boxing Hand Wraps: FAQs

References

1. Atakan, M. M., Li, Y., Koşar, Ş. N., Turnagöl, H. H., & Yan, X. (2021). Evidence-Based Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity and Health: A Review with Historical Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(13), 7201. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137201 
2. Cheema, B. S., Davies, T. B., Stewart, M., Papalia, S., & Atlantis, E. (2015). The feasibility and effectiveness of high-intensity boxing training versus moderate-intensity brisk walking in adults with abdominal obesity: a pilot study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine & Rehabilitation, 7, 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-1847-7-3
3. Bozdarov, J., Jones, B. D. M., Daskalakis, Z. J., & Husain, M. I. (2022). Boxing as an Intervention in Mental Health: A Scoping Review. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 17(4), 589–600. https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276221124095 

RELATED: What is the Keto Diet? 

MCT oil usually contains one or a combination of the main triglycerides that help the body produce ketones, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid. We’ll talk more about these later, but the long and short (no pun intended) is that their chemical structure allows them to behave differently than regular fats or long-chain triglycerides. 

Please recognize that, despite what you may have heard, MCT oil is not in the same category as healthy fats like olive oil in terms of keeping the heart healthy. So, they should be consumed sparingly and after getting some medical advice from your primary care physician. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Best MCT Oil

• Best MCT Oil Overall: Sports Research Organic MCT Oil
• Best MCT Oil for Weight Loss: Nutricost MCT Oil Softgels
• Best MCT Oil for Brain Function: Onnit MCT Oil
• Best MCT Oil for Coffee: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
• Best MCT Oil Powder: BUBS Naturals MCT Oil Powder
• Best Organic MCT Oil: Performance Lab MCT Energy Oil
• Best Budget MCT Oil: Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil
• Best MCT Oil for Keto: Garden of Life MCT Oil

Best MCT Oil Overall: Sports Research Organic MCT Oil

Good for: Those who want a tasteless oil that’s third-party tested

Best Overall

Sports Research Keto MCT Oil

GGR Score: 3.87

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Product Highlights

* Liquid coconut oil medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplement  * Contains C8, C10, and C12 fatty acids  * Listed benefits: Brain and body fuel

Pros & Cons

Pros

• ubscribe and save 15% and free shipping
• Certified vegan, USDA organic, and Non-GMO project verified
• Third party tested and Informed Choice certified
• Made in a cGMP-compliant facility
• Keto friendly
• Available in multiple sizes and individual packets

Cons

• May create stomach discomfort according to customer reviews
• Only use with metal, glass, ceramic, HDPE plastics containers – MCT oil can dissolve some plastics/styrofoam
• Not suitable for customers allergic to tree nuts
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness and mixability especially with hot liquids

Bottom Line

Sports Research Organic MCT oil is derived from coconut oil and features a combination of C8, C10, and C12 fatty acids. Customer reviews were mixed for effectiveness and mixability. Multiple customers discontinued use to due to digestive symptoms like diarrhea.

Having been founded in Southern California in 1980, Sports Research is a family-owned company that has been previously explored many times by our team. Sports Research is trusted by athletes for having plenty of third-party tested products, and their MCT Oil is no different. 

RELATED: Sports Research Whey Protein Review

Sports Research Organic MCT Oil is USDA-certified organic and third-party tested by Informed Choice; it’s also non-GMO and gluten-free. To understand how their oil is composed, we need to understand the different types of MCTs there are:

• C6: Caproic acid
• C8: Caprylic acid
• C10: Capric acid
• C12: Lauric acid

The difference in names and numbers simply denotes how many carbon molecules each fatty acid chain contains. Sports Research makes a point to highlight that it includes MCTs from C8, C10, and C12 primarily, likely because studies show¹ these, in particular, are more easily digested and more efficient as an energy source. 

We had GGR Senior Staff Writer Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, test Sports Research Organic MCT Oil. He rated the taste—or the lack thereof—a 4.5 out of 5. “It’s unflavored and mostly flavorless, even when I tried taking it straight, so it’s pretty easy to mix into other drinks  or smoothies,” Caine reports. 

“I was also expecting a coconut flavor that never came. That said, it’s super oily, so it might be best to mix it in your morning coffee.” We scored it a 4 out of 5 for both texture and solubility.

RELATED: Mushroom Coffee Benefits

As far as ease of use, Caine gave a 3 out of 5. “The oil comes out very quickly, and you have to squeeze the bottle to get it out, so it’s a bit difficult to measure it out into a tablespoon without making a mess.”

We do like that Sports Research uses organic ingredients and C8, C10 and C12 fatty acids for a more diverse MCT profile. It’s also great that the MCT oil isn’t derived from palm kernel oil, which contributes to deforestation. 

Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss: Nutricost MCT Oil Softgels

Good for: People who want to want the health benefits of MCT Oil Supplements without the excess calories

Best for Weight Loss

Nutricost MCT Oil Softgels

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

* Softgel medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplement * Features C8 and C10 fatty acids  * 1,000 mg MCT oil per softgel  * Keto friendly

Pros & Cons

Pros

• More affordable than liquid MCT supplements – less than $0.40 per serving
• Made in a GMP compliant facility
• 60 day money back guarantee
• Third-party tested
• Gluten-free, non-GMO, and keto friendly
• Alternative for people that don’t want liquid or powder

Cons

• Less MCT oil per serving than competitors – Only 3,000 mg
• Softgel features gelatin
• Source of MCT oil isn’t listed

Bottom Line

Nutricost MCT oil softgels provide an alternative for customers that dislike liquid and powder forms. However, Nutricost does not provide information on the source of MCT oil which frustrated many customers.

Nutricost is a solid brand for people trying to get health and wellness supplements on a budget, but the reason we chose their MCT oil capsules for this category is because of the low calorie count. For one serving, there’s only 25 calories. 

So, if you’re looking for something keto-friendly or are working to stay in ketosis for weight loss purposes, Nutricost would be an MCT oil to look at. It’s not entirely clear where the MCT oil in these softgels is sourced, but you may be able to hazard a guess that it’s derived from coconut oil as 2.5 out of the 3 grams of fat present are saturated fat.

RELATED: Best Weight Loss Supplements

The Nutricost MCT Oil Softgels were also tested by Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L, who gave them a 4 out of 5 for swallowability. “While the pills aren’t wildly large, they are sizeable; about the same shape as a typical softgel and the length of a quarter,” says Caine. “There are three pills in one serving, though, so I have to say it makes swallowing them a hassle.

Caine continues by saying, “Even though I normally don’t have any issues with capsules, I could definitely see others struggling.” He gave a 5 out of 5 for taste (or lack of), stating, “They’re unflavored, so I didn’t taste anything odd while taking them.” Caine also notes that it’s kind of nice to take MCT oil in a pill form rather than having to futz around with liquid MCT oil supplements, so he scored the softgels a 5 out of 5 for ease of use. 

Before you buy, consider what goals you are trying to achieve. If you’re trying to supplement your calorie or dietary fat intake, you might want to stick with a liquid supplement, as taking three pills just to get 3 grams of fat isn’t going to be very efficient. Otherwise, Nutricost Softgels are a great way to modestly support goals such as maintaining a ketogenic diet. 

RELATED: 10 Types of Diets

Best MCT Oil For Brain Function: Onnit MCT Oil

Good for: Individuals looking for an MCT Oil with a larger amount of C8

Best for Brain Function

Onnit Coconut MCT Oil

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Product Highlights

* Liquid coconut oil medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplement  * Listed benefits: Supports ketogenic diet and promotes energy  * Features C8, C10, and C133 fatty acids

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 15%
• Gluten free and keto
• Only one ingredient – Coconut oil MCT
• Does not require refrigeration
• More affordable than competitors

Cons

• Limited customer reviews
• Only available in one size – 24 fl oz
• Not suitable for customers with tree nut allergy
• Tends to spill over when dispensing according to customer reviews

Bottom Line

Onnit’s MCT oil supplement uses 100% coconut oil. Customers liked adding the supplement to their morning coffees or smoothies. However, some noted it can be messy when dispensing due to the oil running quickly out of the cap.

Onnit MCT Oil is unflavored and lauded in customer reviews for its ease of use in smoothies and effectiveness with weight management and curbing cravings. There were mixed reviews on the taste, however, when taken plain. 

There’s limited evidence² that MCT oil can help improve brain function in those with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. However, the science is very weak regarding the effects of the benefits medium-chain triglycerides may have on the brain health of healthy individuals. 

RELATED: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout Review

That said, the brain does prefer to use glucose for sustained energy. When the body is in ketosis, however, fatty acids from foods like MCT oil can be used in the form of ketones to keep the brain running smoothly.

The reason we crowned Onnit MCT Oil the best for cognitive function is because it contains a greater percentage of caprylic acid, or C8, which helps to form ketone bodies and was the primary form of fatty acids used in studies exploring the effects of MCT oil on brain health. 

Best MCT Oil For Coffee: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil

Good for: People looking for an MCT oil they can mix in nearly any beverage

Best for Coffee

Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

* Liquid C8 coconut oil medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplement  * Listed benefits: Support energy, metabolism, and cognitive function  * Recommended addition to coffee, smoothies, salad dressing and more

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in multiple sizes and single serving packets
• Subscribe and save 20%
• 100% satisfaction guarantee – if not satisfied within 30 days can get moneyback
• No refrigeration required

Cons

• More expensive than competitors ranging from $0.62-$1.24 per serving
• Only use with metal, glass, ceramic, HDPE plastics containers – MCT oil can dissolve some plastics/styrofoam
• Not suitable for customers with a tree nut allergy
• May cause stomach upset initially

Bottom Line

Bulletproof MCT oil uses 100% coconut oil and only features C8 MCTs. According to Bulletproof pure C8 absorbs quicker and has more ketone energy than C8/10 blends. There were mixed reviews from customers about whether they could tell the difference between pure C8 and C8/10 blends.

If you’ve ever wondered where the term “Bulletproof Coffee” came from, look no further. If you are familiar with the name, you’re probably familiar with the keto diet, as the brand is nearly synonymous with it. Containing exclusively C8 medium-chain triglycerides, Bulletproof MCT Oil can be great for your brain as well as excellent in your morning coffee. 

RELATED: Bulletproof Collagen Peptides Review

Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L, was once again our guy for testing the Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil, and he awarded it a rating of 5 out of 5 for taste. “The bottle recommends you mix it with your preferred drink, and since it’s unflavored, I think it would go into almost any drink nicely. For me, I didn’t notice any flavoring at all when it went in my coffee; I thought it tasted great,” Caine explains. 

He only gave a 3 out of 5 for solubility, however. “It’s important to remember that it is an oil, and oil is a solvent that doesn’t emulsify well in water-based drinks so I did see a lot floating on the top of my coffee, despite the coffee tasting fine.”

RELATED: How To Make Protein Coffee

This effect also led Caine to rate the texture a 4 out of 5. “The first few sips were mostly oil, so you get a lot of the oily texture of the dietary supplement,” Caine recalls. “I didn’t find it unpleasant, but I need to give a fair warning if you don’t want an oily texture with your coffee.”

Caine adds, “The spout is made for pouring, so it was easy to pour out a serving without being worried about losing control of how much comes out.” So, we gave Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil a 5 out of 5 for ease of use. We do have to note that C8 fatty acids tend to be more expensive, which would explain why Bulletproof is one of the more pricey options on our list. 

Best MCT Oil Powder: BUBS Naturals MCT Oil Powder

Good for: Individuals who prefer powdered supplements

[Product Card: 6412] [Badge: Best Powder] [Score: 4.01]

BUBS Natural MCT Oil Powder

GGR Score: 4.01

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Product Highlights

* Powder coconut oil medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplement  * Vegan, keto, and paleo friendly  * Listed benefits: Support gut health, decrease cravings, and improved focus

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 14% plus free shipping
• Gluten, soy, nut, corn, and GMO-free
• Paleo and keto-friendly
• Mixes well according to customers

Cons

• More expensive than liquid competitors – over $1 per serving
• Not suitable for customers with a tree nut allergy
• Limited custom reviews

Bottom Line

BUBS Naturals is a powdered form of MCT oil supplement. According to Bubs the powdered form is gentler on the stomach than the liquid form. Customer reviews found it mixed well into their morning coffees. However there were mixed reviews on the effectiveness.

In order to create a fluffy, ultralight powder that BUBS insists makes for a soluble product, BUBS Naturals mixes MCT oil with non-GMO tapioca starch and spray-dries the solution. This method makes for a product that’s better for your gut health and easier on your digestive system compared to MCT oil. 

RELATED: The Carnivore Diet Food List

Another benefit to having a powder is—if you’re someone who takes multiple supplements—it makes for seamless consolidation if you also take things like collagen, creatine, or protein powder. 

We had GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, CPT, test BUBS Naturals MCT Oil Powder. (She tested an old version of the formulation, but it’s the same as the Halo Creamer MCT Oil BUBS currently sells.) Amanda had some interesting feedback about the texture, which she rated a 3.5 out of 5. “I have tried this in my morning coffee, and it’s weird how it’s a powder, yet you still get some of that oily texture. I’d describe it as having some heavy cream in your morning coffee,” Amanda says. 

She also gave a 4 out of 5 for taste, elaborating, “I do add some stevia when I use this MCT powder since I prefer my coffee a bit sweeter. I’ve also used this powder in my coffee blended with a mint-chocolate-flavored protein powder for a super tasty and rich protein coffee! It was like a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha.”

Amanda also didn’t have too many issues with solubility, rating a 4 out of 5. “If you want it fully blended, you might want to use a frother if you have one, but a spoon does the trick, too.” That said, she gave a 4 out of 5 rating for ease of use. 

Be warned, though BUBS advertises itself as being nut-free, it’s still made from coconuts and even notes the dietary supplement is processed in the same facility as peanuts, almonds, milk, and fish. So, if you have allergies, it may be best to steer clear. 

Best Organic MCT Oil: Performance Lab MCT Energy Oil

Good for: Individuals who want an organic product with a simple formula

Best Organic

Performance Lab MCT Energy Oil

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Product Highlights

* Available in 1- and 2-month supplies * Ingredients to help support brain health, athletic performance, and cell energy * Cold-extracted with hexane-free technology and triple-distilled for purity * Label project certified, USDA-organic, non-GMO project verified * Features C8 and C10 fatty acids

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Third-party tested
• Vegan, non-GMO, and keto friendly
• Neutral flavor that can be mixed into coffee, smoothies, soups, or sauces
• Rated 4.7 out of 5 by reviewers

Cons

• Expensive
• Not suitable for customers allergic to tree nuts

Bottom Line

Performance Lab MCT Oil is a highly-rated liquid organic MCT oil derived from non-GMO coconuts. It’s free of gluten, synthetic additives, caffeine, artificial colors and preservatives. Most important, it’s third-party tested for purity and has several certifications.

Performance Lab MCT Energy Oil is fairly new to the MCT market, but customer reviews look promising, with most praising the taste and the energy it provides. Their official product page also features a testimonial from Sophie Alisch, a professional boxer, who praises the product’s ability to give her a calorie boost during training camps after mixing it with her meals. 

RELATED: How To Gain Weight Fast: A Registered Dietitian’s Strategy for Effective Results

We named it the best organic oil on this list due to the lack of extraneous ingredients and clean formulation. The MCT oil provided by Performance Lab is made from 100% organic coconuts, non-GMO, vegan, and contains no soy, egg, fish, shellfish, dairy, peanuts, or wheat.

With 130 calories and 14 grams of fat per serving, Performance Lab MCT oil has a macronutrient profile that is comparable with most other MCT oils on the market, with 8.6 of these grams being from caprylic acid, or C8 and 4.2 grams from capric acid, or C10.

Their website also makes a point to mention that a brain starved of glucose negatively affects focus, memory, mood, and long-range health, with ketones being the only alternative energy source to help the brain operate and power your athletic performance. 

However, we must stress that you don’t need to boost ketone production through MCT oil to get these benefits—you can just as easily eat more carbohydrates.However, if you’re on the keto diet or another specialty diet that restricts carbs, supplements like the Performance Lab MCT Oil may work for your needs. 

Performance Lab also asserts it’s been proven that MCT mitochondria support improves muscle function under high temperatures. The only studies we were able to find to support this claim were done on mice³. So, it can be safe to assume more research is needed. 

Finally, we really aren’t a fan of this oil being advertised as “allergen-free” when it clearly abides by the USDA rule of listing potential allergens under the nutrition facts and Performance Lab lists coconuts as an allergen. 

All things considered, if the price tag doesn’t bother you—you can save quite a bit from signing up for one of their subscriptions—and you value 100% organic supplements, Performance Lab is a great option. 

RELATED: Best Keto Protein Powder

Best Budget MCT Oil: Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil

Good for: Those who want a cost-effective ways to take multiple daily servings of MCT oil

Best Budget

Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil

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Product Highlights

* Liquid organic coconut oil medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplement * Listed benefits: Absorbs and is converted to energy quickly, stays liquid even when refrigerated, and helps you feel full  * Features C8 and C10 fatty acids   * Recently rebranded with new packaging

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Only one ingredient – coconut oil MCTs
• Certified vegan and NON-GMO project verified
• Does not require refrigeration
• 45-day satisfaction guaranteed

Cons

• May cause stomach upset according to customer reviews
• Does not require refrigeration
• Not suitable for customers allergic to tree nuts
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness and mixability

Bottom Line

Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil uses 100% coconut oil and features C8 and C10 fatty acids. Customer reviews are mixed on effectiveness. Multiple customers experienced stomach symptoms and had to stop using the supplement. Nature’s Way has a 45-day satisfaction guarantee so if you experience stomach issues you can get your money back.

Nature’s Way is a brand that prides itself on partnering with farmers and suppliers to create high-quality products for over 50 years, with most products being GMO-free. From enzymes to probiotics, Nature’s Way is a name most recognized in the supplement space for good reason. 

Don’t believe us? At the time of writing, Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil is the #1 best-selling MCT Oil on Amazon and has a whopping 45,054 reviews that average 4.6 out of 5 stars. 

The recommended use of Nature’s Way MCT Oil is one to three times daily, so if you’ll be using it for ketosis often, you’ll come to appreciate this being the best budget option at barely $0.50 per serving. You can save even more by buying a bigger, 30-fluid-ounce bottle. 

Just be aware of getting carried away if one of your goals is weight management—this is still oil, after all!

Best MCT Oil for Keto: Garden of Life MCT Oil

Good for: People who are just getting introduced to low-carb supplements

Best for Keto

Garden of Life Organic Coconut MCT Oil

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Product Highlights

* Liquid coconut oil medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplement  * Listed benefits: Quick fuel for brain and body, promotes brain health, and quickly digested and converted into energy * Features C8 and C10 fatty acids  * Appropriate for those on paleo and keto diets

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Only one ingredient – Coconut MCTs
• Paleo, keto, Non-GMO, certified gluten free, no dairy, no soy, and USDA organic
• No refrigeration required
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or chemicals

Cons

• Customers noted the bottles sometimes leak in transit
• Not suitable for people with tree nut allergy
• Manufactured in a facility that also processes soy, dairy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish

Bottom Line

Garden of Life Organic Coconut MCT Oil is a liquid supplement designed to quickly provide energy. Customers liked adding it to their morning cup of coffee for an added energy boost.

Garden of Life MCT Oil currently holds an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on 1,820 customer reviews. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with critical reviews being mainly about some leakage on the bottle. 

RELATED: Best Keto Meal Delivery Service

The product contains only one ingredient: 100% organic coconut medium-chain triglycerides. Garden of Life recommends mixing their MCT oil with other foods such as coffee, yogurt, and even salad dressings. 

For what it is, you could argue the formulation is almost identical to pricier brands. So, if you follow or just started following a keto diet and want to dip your toe into the MCT world without spending a fortune, Garden of Life would be a safe place to get started. 

Other MCT Oils We Researched

• Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil: We think this looks like a good product, but there doesn’t seem to be anything unique about it that makes it stand out from the ones that made our list.
• BioTrust Multi Collagen Protein Powder + Keto MCT Oil: While it has a lot of positive reviews on Amazon, many customers seem to have issues getting it to dissolve. Several customers also complain about the packaging.

How We Picked and Tested the Best MCT Oil

With the rising popularity of the ketogenic diet and diets like it, the availability of medium-chain fatty acids as a supplement has also skyrocketed. Here’s how we decided which brands to include on our list.

Flavor

If you’ve ever eaten anything fatty or greasy, you know it has a tendency to coat your mouth and stick around for a while. So, if you’re going to be literally drinking oil, we would hope that we’re recommending brands that actually taste good (or have no taste at all).

This is especially true if you want to mix your MCT supplement with other beverages, as we would be remiss if we’re the ones you blame for ruining your morning coffee.

Form

We wanted to include a variety of forms of MCTs to take from the brands we decided to include. To cover all bases, for those of you who aren’t jazzed on the idea of supplementing with oil, we also took the time to highlight the best powders and pills we found.

Formulation

The thing about MCT oil is—in order to reap the benefits—you don’t need a lot on the ingredient list to get the job done. However, many supplement companies will add extraneous ingredients to set themselves apart, make fancier health claims, and charge consumers more. 

RELATED: Best Fish Oil Supplement

It’s also unnecessary to have extra flavors, sweeteners, or additives where these compounds might be appropriate and even embraced with other supplements like collagen or pre-workout. We want to choose brands with simple, minimalist formulations that don’t require much interpretation. 

Benefits of MCT Oil

According to a proprietary survey conducted by the GGR team, the supplement market is estimated at $182.6 billion in 2023, with certain populations searching for supplements to address concerns like cognitive function and weight management. But it’s time for some hard truth. All of the hype around MCT oil is mostly just that—hype. Despite the claims that it can accelerate fat burning, give you a super brain, and ramp up your athletic performance, there’s actually very little solid science behind the health benefits of MCT oil. 

In fact, consistent use may come with more downsides than health benefits. That being said, there are still some circumstances in which MCT oil can be useful. 

More Digestible Than Long-Chain Triglycerides

The big talking point surrounding the purported benefits of MCT oil is that they’re more easily digested⁴ than long-chain triglycerides, which get their name from containing more than 12 carbon chains in the fat molecule. Even healthy fats, like olive oil and omega-3s, are long-chain triglycerides. 

Now, the body’s way of breaking down fat involves a very complicated process called oxidative phosphorylation; it essentially breaks the bonds between the carbon chains. 

If there are fewer carbon chains, there are fewer bonds to break, meaning the molecule is more easily digested. This is why the shortest MCT, C8, is one of the most popular forms for its supposed fat burning—there’s no scientific evidence to support this, by the way!

RELATED: Weight Loss Pills That Don’t Work

Due to their large molecular size, long-chain triglycerides need to be rolled into chylomicrons, which then enter the lymphatic system, then go to the blood, and then the liver. However, medium-chain fatty acids are short enough to travel straight to the blood, making them a more immediate energy source. 

Before you get too excited, carbohydrates provide a source of sustained energy that’s just as immediate and is the body and brain’s preferred fuel source anyway. However, for those who are going low-carb, MCTs’ ability to cut out the digestive middleman is great for those in ketosis who are using alternative energy systems. 

May Help Manage Cognitive Diseases

What’s probably the most solid science behind MCT oil and how ketones can help those with impaired cognitive function, for example, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy⁵. That said, it’s paramount to understand that MCT oil can never be a replacement for prescription medications. Please get medical advice from your primary care provider before using MCT oil.

Most people are unaware that the ketogenic diet was first discovered as a treatment for epilepsy, acting as an alternative to prescription medications that are not effective for whatever reason. One promising study showed that nearly half of the epileptic subjects who were non-responders to their medication experienced fewer seizures⁶ after supplementing with MCT oil for 90 days. 

A meta-analysis also showed that symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease may be relieved⁷ by MCT oil taken consistently over 30 days. However, the authors concluded that the results were mixed and needed more research. 

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to the Warrior Diet

The reason MCTs have this effect is that they promote the production of ketones, which give the brain an alternative source of energy in the absence of glucose from carbohydrates. 

While this is simply a survival mechanism during periods of starvation for healthy individuals, the presence of ketones forces the brain to use energy in a different way, and this alternative method of operation could have positive benefits in those with impaired brain health. This is likely where the claims of MCTs’ “brain-boosting” effects come from, but as you can see, these claims are misguided and overblown.

Beneficial For Weight Gain

Most of the oils on this list average about 130 calories per tablespoon serving, which is a pretty small package for a good number of calories. For those looking to put on some weight and want a more natural way to increase your calorie intake than something like a mass gainer, you could use MCT oil to boost calorie intake by adding it to your meals and drinks. 

MCT oil is high in saturated fat, though, so if you use it for this purpose, it’s not advised that you use MCT oil as your primary source of extra calories. 

More Efficient Than Coconut Oil

If you’re wondering why most MCT oil supplements are derived from coconut oil, it’s because the whole MCT craze started with coconut oil in the first place. Sure, you can also find MCTs in palm kernel oil, salad dressings, and other dairy products. Despite this, coconut oil is one of the richest natural sources of medium-chain fatty acids, with over 60%³ of its fat content being MCTs.

RELATED: What Should My Macros Be?

So, why not just eat coconut oil then? Especially considering some studies show its antimicrobial properties can make it even more effective than mouthwash⁸ and it’s a perfectly edible food that’s tastier than an oil supplement. 

The problem is, since coconut oil is only 60% MCTs, you’ll have to eat 40% fats that aren’t MCTs and, honestly, aren’t really good for your body to get the stuff you’re looking for. In contrast, MCT oil isolates this good stuff for 100% medium-chain goodness.

This is especially disastrous if you’re taking MCTs for weight loss, which is why coconut oil as a tool for losing fat⁹ has been thoroughly debunked. 

Dosing and Interactions 

Now for some not-so-good news, which is that you really probably shouldn’t use MCT oils regularly. If you want to have it around to help you curb cravings now and then while following a keto-friendly diet, please go for it, but under the supervision of a healthcare professional. 

The hard truth, though, is the American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than about 13 grams of saturated fat per day¹⁰ to keep the risk of heart disease to a minimum. Excess saturated fat intake can lead to high cholesterol, hypertension, and even heart attacks over time. Unfortunately, the average serving of MCT oil contains about 14 grams, and you’ll have to account for the fat profile of your diet without added oils. 

RELATED: What Is LDL?

For this reason, MCT oil is not recommended for those with heart conditions. Due to how these fats go straight to the liver, they also aren’t recommended if your liver doesn’t process normally. Excess consumption of MCT oil has been shown to affect gut health, which reports state can lead to side effects like nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. 

Finally, you want to avoid most MCT oils if you have a nut allergy, especially if they are derived from coconuts. Even if they are sourced from something else like palm kernel oil, you still want to check your labels to make sure the oil isn’t made in a facility that also processes nuts. 

Third-Party Testing

We always recommend choosing third-party tested supplements when it makes sense for you, especially from a budget or personal goal perspective. However, there are still many high-quality supplements out there that aren’t third-party tested, with many on this list being included. 

If you’re worried about potentially banned substances or want to be very careful about other common contaminants like heavy metals, it’s always a good idea to look for NSF for Sport, Informed Choice, or Informed Sport-certified supplements. 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in MCT Oil

What should you look for when browsing for an MCT oil to buy? Here are some key things to identify: 

Source Of MCTs

If you have allergies, you definitely want to see where the supplement you’re thinking of using sources their MCTs from. So, if you’re allergic to nuts, choose an MCT oil derived from palm kernel oil. 

RELATED: How Many Calories Should I Eat Per Day?

Health Claims

It’s always a red flag when supplement brands have flashy labeling that wildly overstates the health benefits of whatever is inside. You want to be sure that whatever claims are being made are backed by science. Otherwise, the brand you’re eyeing can be tough to trust with your health. Stick to brands that are transparent about where they get their claims from as well as their formulation. 

Macros and Form

Depending on your body composition goals, the macros of your supplements can make a big difference. If you want to be more modest with your dosage, maybe pills would be a better fit. If you’re just looking for something that can fit into a paleo or keto diet, you’ll want to look closely at the content of carbohydrates. 

FAQs About MCT Oil

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Sankararaman, S., Sferra, T.J. (2018). Are We Going Nuts on Coconut Oil?. Current Nutrition Reports, 7(3):107-115. doi:10.1007/s13668-018-0230-5
2. Sharma, A., Bemis, M., Desilets, A.R. (2014). Role of Medium Chain Triglycerides (Axona®) in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. American Journal of Alzheimers Disease and Other Dementias, 29(5):409-414. doi:10.1177/1533317513518650
3. Wang, Y., Liu, Z., Han, Y., Xu, J., Huang, W., Li, Z. (2018). Medium Chain Triglycerides enhances exercise endurance through the increased mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism. PLoS One, 13(2):e0191182. Published 2018 Feb 8. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0191182
4. Li, Y., Zhang, H., Yang, L., Zhang, L., Wang, T. (2015). Effect of medium-chain triglycerides on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites and antioxidant capacity in weanling pigs. Animal Nutrition, 1(1):12-18. doi:10.1016/j.aninu.2015.02.001
5. Augustin, K., Khabbush, A., Williams, S., et al. (2018). Mechanisms of action for the medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet in neurological and metabolic disorders. The Lancet. Neurology, 17(1):84-93. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30408-8
6. Rasmussen, E., Patel, V., Tideman, S., Frech, R., Frigerio, R., Narayanan, J. (2023) Efficacy of supplemental MCT oil on seizure reduction of adult drug-resistant epilepsy – a single-center open-label pilot study. Nutritional Neuroscience, 26(6):535-539. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2022.2065816
7. Avgerinos, K. I., Egan, J. M., Mattson, M. P., & Kapogiannis, D. (2020). Medium Chain Triglycerides induce mild ketosis and may improve cognition in Alzheimer’s disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies. Aging Research Reviews, 58, 101001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2019.101001
8. Kaushik, M., Reddy, P., Sharma, R., Udameshi, P., Mehra, N., Marwaha, A. (2016). The Effect of Coconut Oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 17(1):38-41. Published 2016 Jan 1. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1800
9. Swarnamali, H., Ranasinghe, P., Hills, A.P., Jayawardena, R. (2023). Coconut oil consumption and bodyweight reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Minerva Endocrinoly (Torino), 48(1):76-87. doi:10.23736/S2724-6507.21.03654-X
10. Eckel, R.H., Jakicic, J.M., Ard, J.D., et al. 2013 AHA/ACC guideline on lifestyle management to reduce cardiovascular risk: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines [published correction appears in Circulation, 129(25 Suppl 2):S100-1] [published correction appears in Circulation. 2015 Jan 27;131(4):e326]. Circulation. 2014;129(25 Suppl 2):S76-S99. doi:10.1161/01.cir.0000437740.48606.d1

If you’ve been interested in an Apple Watch but aren’t sure which to choose or what the differences are, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking to optimize your health and wellness routine, take advantage of recovery and sleep tracking, or you’re just getting started on your fitness journey and want your first fitness tracker, the Apple Watch is a great choice. After all, simply wearing a fitness tracker has been shown¹ to significantly increase daily step count, moderate and vigorous physical activity, and energy expenditure, all of which can improve our health.

Most of the models have overlapping features, but there are a few key differences you need to be aware of before purchasing anything, and we’re here to explain everything you need to know.

In this guide to the best Apple Watch, we’ll save you a trip to your local Apple Store and help you find the perfect watch. I’ll share the key features of each watch, the differences to be aware of, and who should consider each Apple Watch. 

Tested by Fitness Tracker Experts

Our testers include certified personal trainers, strength coaches, weightlifting coaches, Olympians, and fitness enthusiasts who enjoy all types of fitness activities. We’ve tested the most popular fitness trackers and wearables on the market, including watches from Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Whoop, and more. 

RELATED: The Best Garmin Fitness Trackers

After extensive hands-on testing, we use our equipment testing methodology to assign a final score to each watch, which looks at features like:

• Activity tracking
• Battery life
• Connectivity
• Ease of use

Apple Watch Lineup

• Best Overall Apple Watch: Apple Watch Series 10
• Best Apple Watch for Fitness: Apple Watch Ultra 2
• Best Apple Watch for Kids: Apple Watch SE
• Best Apple Watch for the Money: Apple Watch Series 9

Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?

At first glance, the Apple Watches look quite similar, and aside from the significantly larger size of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the differences aren’t immediately obvious. All of the Apple Watch models pair with your iPhone and can push notifications to your wrist, allow you to stream music, track your workouts, and so much more.

Apple sells watches for three different types of users, which can help you make a decision: 

• Beginners to smartwatches: The SE line of watches is a good choice for those who want to try out an Apple Watch without breaking the bank and don’t need the most advanced health tracking features.
• Smartwatch users: Most people will want to go with the standard Apple Watch. It has all of the smartwatch and health tracking features we’ve come to expect from Apple but doesn’t have the larger, more expensive size of the Ultra series. 
• Fitness enthusiasts: If you’re looking for the best possible fitness tracking, including a durable case design and an extended battery life, the Ultra series may be the watch for you.

It’s also worth noting that Apple Watches only function with iPhones and require an iPhone for the initial setup. You can set up a watch for children or family members who don’t have an iPhone, but someone needs to have one to activate the watch. 

If you’re an Android user, you may want to choose a fitness tracker that’s not locked to Apple, such as the Garmin Venu Sq 2 or the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Now, let’s examine each of the various Apple Watches closely to help you find the best match for your needs.  

Best Overall Apple Watch: Apple Watch Series 10

Good for: Those looking for the best balance of pricing and features

Best Overall

Apple Watch Series 10

GGR Score: 4.8

Product Highlights

* Pricing starts at $399 * 18-hour battery life * Seamless integration with other Apple devices * Tracks heart rate, steps, ECG, sleep apnea * Can track body temperature and energy expenditure * Optional data plan available * Added data unlocks calls and texts without your phone

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tracks heart rate, body temperature, ECG readings, and more
• Stream music, calls, and texts with a data plan
• Works seamlessly with other Apple products
• Fast charging and bright display

Cons

• Battery only lasts up to 18 hours
• Sensors don’t work well with tattooed skin
• Only a slight improvement from the Series 9

Bottom Line

The Apple Watch Series 10 is an excellent smartwatch that’s made some small improvements over the Series 9, including a larger, thinner screen and faster charging time. This is the perfect choice for iPhone users who want a watch that acts as an extension of their phone.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best choice for most people, as it’s packed with features, upgradeable, and available at various price points depending on what features you want. 

We’ll start with the design, which features the classic Apple Watch look: a sleek, minimal display with a touchscreen encased in a rectangular design. It is available in several colors and has customizable watch faces to give you the exact look you want.

Overall, we gave the aesthetics a 4 out of 5. While most people are familiar with the iconic design, there are certainly those who prefer a round watch and don’t like the square design. 

The Apple Watch 10 contains all of Apple’s latest health and fitness features. This watch can track the usual metrics, like heart rate, steps, a variety of workouts, calories burned, and everything else you’d expect from a fitness tracker. 

The Series 10 also includes new features from Apple, like the ability to read ECG and monitor your sleep to detect disruptions that could suggest sleep apnea. Some older models can be upgraded to use these features, but not all of them.

Most of the smartwatch features, like calls, texts, and streaming music, will work if your iPhone is nearby or your watch is connected to a Wi-Fi network. If you want to use data on your watch without your phone, you’ll need to upgrade to a model that’s compatible with cellular data and then pair your watch to your mobile phone plan to share the data. 

For technology features, we rate this watch 5 out of 5 stars. 

Finally, the price starts at $399 for the smallest model without cellular data, and the price increases with larger sizes, cellular data, or upgrading to the titanium model. The most expensive Apple Watch 10 costs $699, which is the Titanium model with built-in GPS and cellular data. 

If you want the best of the best and an even longer battery life, the Ultra 2 contains all of the Series 10 features housed in a larger, more durable case.

Best Apple Watch for Fitness: Apple Watch Ultra 2

Good for: Those who want the best fitness tracking

Best for Fitness

Apple Watch Ultra 2

GGR Score: 4.6

Product Highlights

* 36-hour battery life * Seamless integration with other Apple devices * Durable titanium case * Tracks heart rate, steps, ECG, sleep apnea * Watch faces exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra * Can track body temperature and energy expenditure * Added data unlocks calls and texts without your phone

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable design
• 36-hour battery life
• Watch faces with live compass
• Advanced water sport tracking features
• Comes with cellular and GPS services

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulky design that may be too big for some
• Some report the case may still be scratched or damaged fairly easily

Bottom Line

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the longest battery life of all Apple Watches, a large and durable casing, and contains several features and watch faces exclusive to the Ultra series. It’s more expensive than the standard Apple Watch but a great fit for anyone who wants the best watch.

If you want all of the features of the standard Apple Watch in a larger, rugged case with an extended battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the one for you. 

While the standard Apple Watch tracks most of the fitness features you’d expect, the battery life may be an issue for some. The standard watch battery lasts up to 18 hours with normal use, and with a daily workout of about an hour, I’ve never had an issue with my battery lasting all day. 

However, how you use the watch can also impact battery life. If you’re going on a 3- to 4-hour run or hike and using data to stream music the whole time or a running app, the battery may drain significantly faster. 

That’s where the Ultra 2 comes in. The battery life is doubled, lasting up to 36 hours with normal use, and up to 72 hours in low-power mode. For those who want to track fitness events all day and don’t want to worry about the battery, this is a huge upgrade. 

Even if you’re not doing extensive fitness tracking, those who simply want a watch that lasts longer than a day will love the extended battery life.

The battery and technology benefits receive a 5-out-of-5-star rating from our tester. 

The Ultra 2 also comes in a larger size with a durable titanium case, and our tester gave it a 4 out of 5 for durability. He said, “I don’t think it’s any more scratch-proof than the previous models, but the case is a bit beefier. The bottom cover is held on with screws instead of glue like the normal Apple Watch.”

With the Apple Watch Ultra 2, you’ll also receive access to a few Ultra-exclusive watch faces. Our tester mentioned that he particularly liked the face with an active compass, which isn’t available on the standard watch. 

He also liked that the Ultra 2 has better support for water sports, including a depth gauge to 40 meters, a water temperature sensor, and support for recreational scuba up to 40 meters.

If you’re looking for a durable case, an extended battery that doubles the length of the standard Apple Watch 10, and a few exclusive watch faces, the Ultra 2 is a great option. But if the battery life and exclusive watch faces aren’t important to you, the Apple Watch 10 is still a good choice.

Best Apple Watch for Kids: Apple Watch SE

Good for: An affordable option for kids

Best for Kids

Apple Watch SE

GGR Score: 4.5

Product Highlights

* Affordable pricing * 18-hour battery life * Seamless integration with other Apple devices * Tracks most of the standard health features * Smaller than the Series 10 * Can be used with Schooltime screen locking for children

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable pricing
• Smaller design
• Battery lasts up to 18 hours
• Can be upgraded to the cellular data version

Cons

• No ECG or sleep apnea monitoring
• The processor is a little older and slower
• May not be compatible with future watchOS updates due to older processing chip

Bottom Line

The Apple Watch SE is an affordable watch that tracks most of the same health and fitness features you’d expect from an Apple Watch. The processor is a little slower and it doesn’t have ECG or sleep apnea alerts, but most of the other features are the same.

If your kids have been begging you for an Apple Watch of their own, the Apple Watch SE is the best choice. It’s the most affordable watch, and while it contains nearly all of the standard features from the Apple Watch 10, it’s removed a few of the modern health features that kids likely don’t need, which lowers the price. 

The Apple Watch SE is the lowest-priced model, starting at $249, which is one of the main reasons we recommend it for kids or people of any age who want to try an Apple Watch without spending too much. For overall value, the SE earns a 5-out-of-5 rating, as it’s packed with features and very affordable. 

Parents can also have complete control of their children’s Apple Watch and set it up for them using their iPhone, even if the kids don’t have one. You can use Schooltime mode, which blocks the internet and screen time, helping your child focus during school hours. The watch is also slightly smaller than the Series 10, making it a good fit for smaller wrists.

The built-in fall and impact detection is also a powerful safety feature that’s included in all Apple watches, and we love that it’s also in the SE. With wrist detection turned on, your watch will detect any hard impacts or falls using the built-in accelerometer and ask if you’re okay. If you don’t respond within a minute, it’ll automatically call emergency services with your location, which can provide additional peace of mind to parents. 

For an extra $50, you can also upgrade the SE to include cellular data and pay a small monthly fee that varies by carrier to pair the watch with your cell phone plan. This will allow you to turn on location sharing, so you can view the location of the watch in real time, at all times. 

The processer in the SE is slighty slower, which means some of the functions may not be quite as fast, and there’s no ECG, temperature sensor, or sleep apnea detection. The SE also lacks the always-on display, which some may be used to if you have a newer watch.

Still, at such a reduced price, this watch is a great deal for parents who are shopping for their children or, really, for anyone who wants a great smartwatch at an affordable price.

If you want to save money but still want all of the best health-tracking features, I recommend checking out the Series 9 instead of the SE.

Best Apple Watch for the Money: Apple Watch Series 9

Good for: Those who want a great deal on last year’s model

Bestt for the Money

Apple Watch Series 9

GGR Score: 4.6

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Pricing starts at $399
• 18-hour battery life
• Seamless integration with other Apple devices
• Tracks heart rate and steps
• Can track body temperature and energy expenditure
• Optional data plan available
• Added data unlocks calls and texts without your phone

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tracks heart rate, body temperature, ECG readings, and more
• Stream music, calls, and texts with a data plan
• Works seamlessly with other Apple products

Cons

• Battery only lasts up to 18 hours
• Sensors don't work well with tattooed skin
• Not much different from previous models

Bottom Line

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a fantastic smart watch with integrated health and fitness tracking, especially for those who use other Apple products. The battery isn't very long, and the design hasn't changed much over the years, but this is a great choice for those who want a smartwatch that functions like a small iPhone.

If you want to save some money on your watch but don’t want the SE, the Apple Watch 9 is a fantastic choice. Since it’s last year’s model, it’s still very easy to find at most retailers at a discounted rate. At the time of writing, Amazon currently has the 45mm Series 9 on sale for $344, a significantly lower price than the new Series 10. I wouldn’t be surprised if this price continues to decrease.

This watch is slightly thicker and smaller than the new Series 10, but unless you have them side by side, you won’t notice. The Series 9 also lacks the built-in speaker that allows you to play music through your watch, and while the Series 10 has a battery that charges slightly faster, the battery life is about the same. The Series 10 has a slightly bigger screen, but it’s barely noticeable.

Depending on the exact watch, your Series 9 may or may not include blood oxygen tracking, a feature that was only available in the initial Series 9 watches. Finally, the Series 9 also lacks the Oceanic Plus app made for snorkeling that was added to the Series 10.

RELATED: Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers

If I lost you along the way, just know that the Series 9 is nearly identical to the Series 10 in every way, except it has a slightly smaller screen (you won’t notice unless they’re next to each other), it doesn’t have a built-in speaker, and you can’t use the snorkeling app. 

I’ve had my Series 9 for about a year, and I rate the durability a 4 out of 5. I keep a screen protector sticker on it that I’ve had to change a few times, and that’s kept the screen looking brand new, though it may have a few dings if I had skipped the protector. There’s also a very small chip on the side of the watch from clanging it against a machine at the gym. 

Even after a year, I still have no issues using my battery all day long, and I charge it overnight. The battery earns a 4 out of 5 from me; I wish it lasted as long as other fitness trackers like Garmin, but I’m happy with the tradeoff in exchange for all of the smart features. 

While the Series 10 seems like a nice upgrade with a few extra features, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the Series 9 again today if I were looking for a new Apple Watch. If you want the latest model, faster charging, and a slightly larger screen, go for the Series 10. Otherwise, this is still a fantastic watch.

Apple Watch Comparison Chart

Discontinued Apple Watches

Apple typically releases a new watch every year, and previous models may have been available at other retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and others for quite some time. At the time of writing, the Apple Watch 10 is the most recent release. While that’s the only one sold on the Apple website, Amazon is selling the 7, 8, and 9, although those older models may be refurbished. 

Still, if you want to save money by choosing an older model, you can certainly shop around and look for a great deal. If you’re looking for the best deals on all kinds of smartwatches, holidays like Black Friday are a great time to look for sales. 

RELATED: Smartwatch Black Friday Deals

What to Look For in Apple Watches

If you’re still not sure which is the right watch for you, here are the most important factors that differentiate the various models that can help you choose the perfect watch. 

Materials and Finish

While most Apple Watches share a similar look, the materials used can vary, particularly in the flagship offering, the Apple Watch 10. 

The watch is available in two options. The standard version has an aluminum body and an Ion-X strengthened glass display. It starts at $399 for the 42mm size and $429 for the 46mm size with GPS-only capabilities. Upgrading either option to include cellular data costs an additional $100 for both sizes, bringing the total to $499 or $529. 

Apple offers a more durable Apple Watch 10 made of titanium with a sapphire crystal display, which is equipped with both GPS and cellular compatibility. The titanium edition costs $699 for the 42mm size and $749 for the 46mm size.

The more affordable Apple Watch SE is only available in aluminum and costs $249 for the 40mm size and $279 for the 44mm size. Both sizes can also be upgraded with cellular data, and this upgrade only costs $50 per watch, compared to the $100 per watch in the Apple Watch 10.

Finally, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is only available in one size and material: a 49mm titanium case with built-in GPS and cellular data that costs $799, or $899 to upgrade your watch band to titanium as well.

Size

Both the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch 10 are available in two different sizes, and it’s important to choose the size that fits your wrist. Most Apple Watch bands are adjustable, so all you need to consider is the display size and how it fits and looks on your wrist. 

A precise measuring tape can help you measure the size at home, but it’s not a bad idea to try each size on to see which feels the best on your wrist. Many retailers carry Apple Watches, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more, so even if you’re not near an official Apple Store, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find watches near you and try them on. 

If the Apple Watch is too big for your preferences, you may want to consider something smaller and more discreet, like an Oura Ring.

RELATED: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch

Cellular Data Compatability

With both the Apple Watch SE and 10, you’ll need to decide whether you want to pay extra for cellular connectivity, which is included with the Ultra 2.

This upgrade requires you to pair your phone with a compatible cellular plan for an additional fee that can vary based on your mobile provider. The carrier sets the price; for example, I pay Verizon Wireless an additional $10 per month to have my watch share my cell phone’s data plan. This allows my watch to connect to LTE and UMTS bands, receiving internet anywhere I can get service.

Cellular data allows you to use all of the smartwatch features without needing your phone nearby. You can make and receive calls and text messages, stream music, use Apple Pay, and use any of the watch apps that require data. This is great for runners who want to leave the phone behind, but still have a way to stream music and place calls in case of an emergency. 

RELATED: Fitness Tracker vs Smartwatch

All of these features can be used without the data plan as long as your iPhone is nearby and connected via Bluetooth, but if you want to leave your phone behind and continue to use your data features, you’ll need to add your watch to a phone plan.

Health and Technology Features

This may be the biggest factor to consider, as you’ll want to carefully consider which features you’re primarily looking for in an Apple Watch. Thanks to the latest software, watchOS 11, most Apple Watches now monitor for sleep apnea, track your overall training load and recovery, and more.

Most watches also have fall detection, which can alert you when it senses hard impacts or falls and call emergency services if you don’t respond within a minute. The Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 also support the double tap gesture, allowing you to respond to various notifications by tapping your thumb and finger together on the hand wearing the watch. 

Compared to the SE, the Apple Watch 10 and Ultra 2 have faster processing chips, which means Siri works faster. Both watches also have an enhanced feature called Precision Finding for iPhone. When used with compatible iPhones, your watch can help you locate the precise location of your phone, while the SE’s Find iPhone feature only causes your phone to emit a sound. 

The SE tracks most health and fitness features, but only the Watch 10 and Ultra 2 include the ability to take an ECG and monitor for sleep apnea at night. If you want advanced health features, you’ll want to choose one of the higher-end watches. 

RELATED: How to Train Using Heart Rate Zones

Regardless of the model, rest assured that all Apple Watches have the standard fitness tracking features you’d expect, like steps, calories burned, activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and much more. 

Finally, only the Watch 10 and Ultra 2 include fast charging, which claims to help you charge your watch from 0% to 80% in about 30 minutes and 0% to 100% in about 60 minutes. The SE takes about 90 minutes to reach 80% and two hours to reach a full charge. 

Battery Life

The last feature to consider is battery life. Both the SE and Watch 10 have batteries that last up to 18 hours with normal use, and both include a low-power mode. This extends the battery up to 36 hours for the Watch 10, though it’s not disclosed how long the SE battery lasts in low-power mode. 

The Apple Watch 9 has the same 36-hour battery life and low-power mode as the Apple Watch 10, though charging to 80% takes 45 minutes. Meanwhile, the Watch 10 can reach 80% in only 30 minutes.

By comparison, the Ultra 2’s battery lasts up to 36 hours with regular use and up to 72 hours in low-power mode. 

For many users, the Watch 10 and SE provide plenty of battery life, though you’ll need to use your charger every day. However, using multiple apps, especially if they use data streaming, can drain the batter faster. 

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Walk 10,000 Steps?

If you’re an endurance athlete who plans to use your watch for fitness tracking, music streaming, and GPS services for a long race, or you just don’t want to charge your watch every day, you may need to go with the Ultra 2.

Tattoos

One callout of all Apple Watches is the fact that tattoos can interfere with some of the features. This happens on most fitness trackers but is an issue some may not be aware of. As someone who has a fairly dark tattoo on my wrist underneath the watch, my Apple Watch can’t detect if I’m wearing it or not, since the tattoo blocks the light sensors. This may not be an issue with lighter tattoos or skin breaks that allow the sensors to reach the skin. 

This means several features don’t work, like the wrist detection that automatically unlocks the watch when you turn your wrist. My watch can detect a heart rate when I have the fitness mode on to track a workout, but it doesn’t track my resting heart rate, the oxygen sensor and crash detection don’t work, as the watch can’t tell when it’s on my wrist. 

I still love my watch and wear it daily, but this is something to be aware of if you have tattoos on your wrists. You can always wear it on the opposite wrist if that wrist is free of ink, but I find that using the action button, turning the dial, and navigating apps feels strange when I use my left hand.

Brand Policies

If you’re considering the Apple Watch, there’s a good chance you’re already using Apple products and may be familiar with the brand, especially as the watch is designed to pair directly with your phone. However, if you’re new to Apple, here are a few reasons we recommend ordering from Apple.

Warranty

Each Apple Watch comes with a one-year hardware warranty and free 90 days of technical support if you have any issues. 

You can also purchase AppleCare+ for a one-time payment or monthly fee, the price of which varies depending on the watch you choose. This extends your warranty for 2 to 3 years, depending on the model, and provides you with unlimited accident protection. If anything happens to your watch, this protection allows you to replace it for a $69 fee for the SE and Watch 10, or a $79 fee for the Ultra 2.

Customer Support

If you need help with your watch, Apple has great customer support. You can reach them by phone or chat, or you can make an appointment at your local Apple Store’s Genius Bar, where an expert can help you troubleshoot any problems you may be having. 

Most services at the Genius Bar are free, though repairs may require an additional fee if your watch isn’t covered under a warranty or AppleCare+.

User-Friendly Technology

As someone who loves technology and tests as many products as I can, I can attest that Apple products are some of the most user-friendly, easy-to-use products I’ve tested, and the Apple Watch is no different. 

The initial setup of your watch couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is power on the watch, put it on your wrist, and bring it near your iPhone–the phone will automatically guide you through the rest of the setup. 

You can also follow this process to set up a watch for a child or family member who doesn’t have an iPhone, but someone needs to have a phone for the initial setup. 

As with all Apple devices, everything syncs seamlessly across devices. You can use your same Apple account on a watch, iPad, iPhone, and Mac or Macbook, and everything is connected. For example, when I set up my new watch, it automatically paired with my laptop and Airpods.

Financing Options

Apple Watches can also be purchased with a variety of financing options, depending on the retailer you choose. Purchases made directly through Apple can be financed with Apple Card Monthly Installments and receive 0% for 12 months of financing, although this may require users to apply for an Apple Card.

Other retailers may offer financing through services like Affirm, Klarna, or Afterpay. 

Final Verdict of the Best Apple Watches

Overall, all of the Apple Watches offer similar features and track most of the same metrics. They’re all high-quality fitness trackers that most users will love, and aside from the large size of the Ultra 2, they even look the same. 

Most people should consider the Apple Watch 10, which offers all of Apple’s health and fitness tracking features, smartphone features, and cellular data capability. For an extra fee, it can also be upgraded to the titanium case. 

Those shopping for their children or who simply want to save money should go with the SE, while endurance athletes or those who value a longer battery life may want to choose the Ultra 2. 

Best Apple Watch: FAQs

References

1. Brickwood, K. J., Watson, G., O’Brien, J., & Williams, A. D. (2019). Consumer-Based Wearable Activity Trackers Increase Physical Activity Participation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 7(4), e11819. https://doi.org/10.2196/11819

These popular protein bars come in a wide variety of flavors, which is great for the consumer, but choosing the right one can be difficult. After all, there’s nothing worse than ordering a whole case of protein bars that you don’t enjoy. 

Thankfully, we’re here to help. We’ve already covered the best-tasting protein bars, but we wanted to get more specific and find the best Quest Bar. The GGR editorial team conducted a group taste test during a recent trip to our headquarters to find the best Quest Bar flavor, and in this guide, I’m going to share our top picks. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Taste-Tested by Our Panel of Experts

While we typically test products using our supplement testing methodology, for this guide, we did things a little differently. We weren’t focused on the exact nutritional content, pricing, or third-party testing; we were on a mission to find the best flavor. 

Still, the expert testers on our editorial team have diverse backgrounds. We’re a group made up of certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, gym owners, and even an Olympian. 

Some of us like sweets, and some of us don’t, so our top picks are based on the average flavor score for each product. 

Quest Nutrition Protein Bars

Quest Nutrition Protein Bars

GGR Score: 4

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Gluten-free
• Low-sugar
• 16 flavor options
• 17-21 grams of protein depending on the flavor
• Low net carbs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great product to keep your macronutrients on target
• Simple, grab-and-go snack
• Gluten-free helps with dietary restrictions
• Low in sugar
• Very filling

Cons

• Chewy texture isn’t for everyone
• Uses sugar alcohols, which can upset digestion
• The company recently changed the formula a bit and several customers didn’t like the change
• Can get too soft if gets too hot (like in a car or gym bag)

Bottom Line

Quest Nutrition has been serving the health and protein market since 2010 and they continue to give people high-quality products. They offer some unique flavors in their bars not seen by competitors such as White Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Sprinkled Donut, and Lemon Cake. This is one of the few bars that is actually recommended to stick in the microwave for about 15 seconds to produce a rich, tasty treat. Using a high-quality dairy-based protein, Quest Bars are dense and chewy in texture. These bars fall pretty well right in the middle as far as price point so you don’t have to break the bank to get your protein in consistently. You will want to pay attention to the ingredients as many of the customers who have used Quest for a long time were not fans of the newer formula, although if you don’t have anything to compare it to, you might find you like it just fine.

Best Quest Bar Flavors

• Best Overall Quest Bar: Blueberry Muffin
• Best Chocolate Quest Bar Flavor: S’Mores
• Best Dessert Quest Bar Flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• Sweetest Quest Bar Flavor: White Chocolate Raspberry
• Most Controversial Quest Bar Flavor: Chocolate Brownie
• Honorable Mention: Pumpkin Pie

Best Overall Quest Bar: Blueberry Muffin

Good for: Those who want our highest-rated flavor

Our taste testers rated the Blueberry Muffin Quest Bar number one, awarding it an average rating of 3.83 out of 5 stars. 

Each bar contains chunks of cobbler along with real dried blueberries, the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves pastries but wants a higher-protein option. Each bar contains 20 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber, which means it is as filling as it is tasty. 

GGR editorial team member Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC, said, “This has a very pleasant flavor. I like the cobbler and the balance of fruitiness.” 

During the blind taste testing, where we attempted to guess each flavor, I have to admit I was thoroughly convinced this was the S’Mores flavor. Regardless, I gave this a 4 out of 5 rating, and I don’t love overly sweet flavors, so I was surprised to learn this was Blueberry Muffin.

It doesn’t have the exact texture of a muffin, of course, but if you like a balance of sweet and fruity, this is a great choice. If fruity flavors aren’t your thing, I suggest giving the S’Mores or Chocolate Chip Cooke Dough a try. 

Best Chocolate Quest Bar Flavor: S’Mores

Good for: Those looking for the best-tasting bar with chocolate flavors

Protein connoisseurs know that vanilla and chocolate are the two staple flavors, and while vanilla is pretty neutral, chocolate flavors can vary widely across brands and flavors. Quest has no shortage of options if you’re looking for a chocolate protein bar, including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and more. Of the flavors we tested, S’Mores was our top pick. 

GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, gave this bar a strong 5-out-of-5 rating during our blind taste test. She said, “I really liked this one! I can’t put my finger on a flavor, but it was tasty.”

Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC, also commented that he loved the flavor and texture, particularly the crispy graham cracker crunch bits. 

This is one of the most popular Quest Bar flavors, and it is the perfect choice for chocolate lovers. It features bits of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. If you want a pure chocolate flavor, Chocolate Brownie is a great option. 

Best Dessert Quest Bar Flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Good for: Anyone searching for a familiar dessert flavor

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is the first Quest Bar flavor I remember trying, and if you’re craving dessert, it’s an excellent choice. 

If I had to pick a personal favorite, this would be it. GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, also loved this flavor and gave it a 4.5 out of 5, saying it tastes like Nestle cookies. 

This one is slightly lower in protein than other options on the list, so if you’re looking to get as much protein as possible, you may want to choose something else. Still, 18 grams of protein is very solid for a bar that tastes like cookies. 

As someone who’s consumed countless of these bars over the years, I’ll share my best tip. Toss the bar on a plate and microwave it for 10 to 20 seconds, and the resulting texture and flavor taste like a warm cookie fresh out of the oven. This pairs perfectly with ice cream (or protein ice cream). 

If you want something that tastes like dessert but doesn’t have a crunchy texture, the Pumpkin Pie seasonal flavor is very smooth and chewy.

Sweetest Quest Bar Flavor: White Chocolate Raspberry

Good for: Those with a sweet tooth

If you love sweet flavors, White Chocolate Raspberry is the Quest Bar flavor for you. 

Beware: This flavor is sweet, so if you’re like me and prefer savory over sweet, it may be a bit too much. That said, it was still extremely popular among our testers and a favorite of many. 

Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, gave this bar a 4.5 out of 5, but agreed it was a bit sweet. He said, “I’d like this as a change of pace, but wouldn’t want to have it regularly.”

The raspberry flavor is a bit tart, which does help cut through the sweetness but is a little unexpected. Lauren Strong, CPT, even commented that during the blind taste test, the tartness made her think that this was some sort of lime flavor, while Stephen Sheehan, CPT, thought it was cherry. 

If you love white chocolate raspberry desserts, this is the perfect bar for you. However, if you’re a little sensitive to sweet and tart flavors, I recommend choosing a different option, like one of the chocolate flavors.

Most Controversial Quest Bar Flavor: Chocolate Brownie

Good for: Brownie and/or bitter chocolate lovers

This flavor received mixed reviews from our team and was either loved or hated by our testers. Some of us enjoyed it, some found it too bitter, and some couldn’t detect any flavor at all. If you love sweets, this may not be the bar for you, but if you enjoy dark chocolate and bitter flavors, this is certainly worth a try.

This bar received a low rating of 2 out of 5, but don’t let that fool you. One of our testers gave it a 0 out of 5 score, saying he honestly couldn’t taste much flavor, while others awarded it a higher rating of 3 out of 5, saying it was very good but not quite as good as a real brownie. 

The consensus is that the chocolate taste is strong and slightly bitter. This isn’t your sweet, fluffy brownie; it’s more like a brownie that skipped the sugar and doubled down on the cocoa powder. 

It’s certainly not bad, but I think most people will either love or hate this flavor. It’s bitter, so if you want something sweet, one of the fruity options like White Chocolate Raspberry may be the best choice for you.

Honorable Mention: Pumpkin Pie

Good for: Pumpkin spice lovers ready to embrace the holiday spirit

Quest Bar has several seasonal flavors, the most popular of which seems to be Pumpkin Pie. When we told the rest of the GGR team we’d done a test, they insisted that Pumpkin Pie is the best flavor, but it hadn’t been released yet when we did our taste test. 

Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, the face of Garage Gym Reviews Everything, said, “I’m pretty sure I have tried every flavor available and definitely have my favorites, but the Pumpkin Pie flavor blows all other flavors out of the water in my opinion.”

She also pointed out that they are extremely hard to find, which I also found to be true. I visited three different grocery stores near me and was surprised to find all of them had every seasonal flavor except Pumpkin Pie, saying it was nearly impossible to keep on the shelves. At the time of writing, even Amazon was sold out.

After two days of searching, I finally found a single Pumpkin Pie Quest Bar at a discount supplement store near me, and I can attest that it’s very good. 

If you love Pumpkin Pie, this is a must-try. It has strong holiday spices, just like a real pumpkin pie, and a soft, chewy texture that’s very enjoyable.

While we don’t have an official team rating, as not all of the staff tried this, I really enjoyed this one and gave it a 4.5 out of 5. If you don’t like Pumpkin Pie, Quest also has Apple Pie and Peppermint Bark as seasonal flavors, but we haven’t tested those ourselves. 

Other Quest Bar Flavors

We tested the most popular Quest Bar flavors, but we didn’t have any of the seasonal flavors yet, and we didn’t try every single variation, including the dipped bars. Here are a few other flavors currently available, including seasonal flavors. 

• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
• Double Chocolate Chunk
• Lemon Cake
• Mint Chocolate Chunk
• Caramel Chocolate Chunk
• Peppermint Bark (Seasonal)
• Apple Pie (Seasonal)

In addition to these flavors of the regular Quest Bar, the company also offers a variety of flavors and variations, like crunchy bars, chocolate-dipped bars, and Quest Hero bars. 

Quest also sells other protein snacks, like protein chips, cookies, and even peanut butter cups, so you have plenty of options from Quest if protein bars aren’t your thing.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Quest Bar Flavor

The official Garage Gym Reviews taste test was conducted at our team headquarters, where our editorial team performed a blind taste test. 

Each of us was given a number sheet to match the numbers assigned to each Quest Bar, which were cut into pieces and numbered. None of us knew which flavor was on each plate, and we weren’t given a list of flavors ahead of time, so we had to use our best guess. 

RELATED: Best High-Protein Bars

For each bar, we guessed the flavor, left our notes and comments, and ranked it on a scale of 1 to 5. We also marked our personal favorites. We didn’t include every bar that we tested in our roundup, as we only wanted to pick our favorite categories, but this is the complete list of what we tested.

After trying all of the Quest Bars and completing our notes, we compared notes to see who guessed the flavor correctly, calculated the best score, and calculated average scores for each of the flavors we tested. 

Here are the eight flavors we tested, with their average rank, best and worst scores received from the team, and tasting notes from our staff. 

Why Buy Quest Bars?

If you’re new to protein bars, Quest Bars are a fantastic choice for most fitness goals. Here are some of the main reasons you may want to consider ordering a box.  

Low in Calories, High in Protein

For those looking to build muscle and gain weight, each bar contains 18 to 21 grams of protein, depending on the flavor, making it a perfect snack to boost your protein intake. That’s not quite as much as you’d find in a typical scoop of protein powder, but it’s pretty close. The bars use a protein blend made of milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate.

Most Quest Bars are under 200 calories, so they’re easy to fit into many nutrition plans for those looking to lose weight.

RELATED: High-Protein Foods for Muscle-Building

Many protein bars on the market are higher in calories and may be difficult to fit into a diet plan, but Quest Bars are a great choice for nearly any nutrition goal.

Helps Manage Hunger

The best protein bar is one that can work with a variety of nutrition plans and helps keep you full. I asked Anthony O’Reilly, GGR’s Performance Editor and a certified nutrition coach, what he thought about Quest Bars, and he said that they’re a great choice for those on a calorie-restricted weight loss plan. 

“Quest Bars are great because you can increase your overall protein intake while having something that tastes like a sweet treat,” said Anthony. “Countless studies have shown us that you’re more likely to stick to a calorie-restricting meal plan if you enjoy the things you eat. We also know that eating makes you feel more full than drinking a liquid, so even though these bars have less protein than a shake, there’s a chance you’ll feel more full after a Quest Bar.”

RELATED: Protein Bar vs Shake

If you’re constantly fighting cravings and hunger, Quest Bars may be your secret weapon.

Great Source of Fiber

Quest Bars are also filling due to the higher fiber content, which also has plenty of benefits. 

According to a 2020 study¹ published in Nutrients, a high fiber intake is associated with improved metabolic health, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and improved colon and gut health. 

Just be sure to drink plenty of water, as consuming more fiber than you’re used to without water can cause cramping and other digestive issues. 

Some users also count net carbs instead of total carbs for specific dietary needs, which is the total carbs minus the fiber content. If you use net carbs, Quest Bars are a great low-carb protein source with a low sugar content.

What to Consider Before Buying Quest Bars

Before you order your next case of Quest Bars, here are the most important things to think about.

Nutrition Content

While every Quest Bar we tried has under 200 calories, the macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat) vary slightly between them depending on the flavor. 

This shouldn’t cause any serious issues for most people, as the difference is typically no more than a few grams. However, if you have strict macro targets you’re trying to hit, take a look at the label, as not all Quest Bars have identical macros. 

RELATED: What Should My Macros Be?

The actual ingredients in Quest Bars can also vary between flavors, so I recommend checking out the entire nutrition label and ingredient list before ordering anything.

Digestability

We love Quest Bars, but one complaint I’ve heard from nutrition clients over the years is the high fiber content. Even though these are gluten-free protein bars, they contain polydextrose, a prebiotic fiber. Fiber has plenty of health benefits, but for some, Quest Bars can cause a bit of bloating and discomfort, especially if you’re not drinking enough water. 

They may also contain sugar alcohols, stevia, sucralose, or ingredients like erythritol, a low-calorie sweetener that may also cause discomfort.

If you’ve ever had digestive issues from high-fiber food sources, you may want to find an individual Quest Bar to test it before ordering a whole box.

Flavor Profiles

Finally, you’ll want to think about what flavors you enjoy and don’t mind eating repeatedly. For example, some of the flavors we tested are very sweet, and testers mentioned that they wouldn’t want to have them on a regular basis. 

Thankfully, Quest has a wide variety of flavors, so there’s plenty to choose from, and there’s nothing wrong with trying a new flavor with each order or choosing a variety pack. 

Many flavors are also influenced by popular snacks and treats, which can help those looking to cut down on their sugar intake. For example, Cookies & Cream is a great choice for those who love Oreo cookies, while Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup lovers may want to try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Quest Bar.

Best Quest Bar Flavors: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Barber, T. M., Kabisch, S., Pfeiffer, A. F. H., & Weickert, M. O. (2020). The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre. Nutrients, 12(10), 3209. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103209

To help you find the best gluten-free protein powder on the market, we carefully reviewed each one we tested, looking for options that are gluten-free, fairly priced, and taste good. 

Our team of certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, registered dietitians, and fitness enthusiasts has tested over 150 protein powders, using our supplement testing methodology to score them on a scale of 1 to 5 in various categories, such as formulation, third-party testing, flavor, side effects, and more. 

In this guide, we’ve chosen our top eight picks for gluten-free protein powder based on our extensive testing. Whatever your fitness goals may be, you’re sure to find something on our list that catches your eye. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

8 Best Gluten-Free Protein Powders

• Best Overall Gluten-Free Protein Powder: Legion Whey+
• Best-Tasting Gluten-Free Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
• Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder for Muscle Gain: Sports Research Whey Protein
• Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
• Best Budget Gluten-Free Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
• Best Vegan Gluten-Free Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Daily Protein Shake
• Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey
• Best Gluten and Dairy-Free Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein

Best Overall Gluten-Free Protein Powder: Legion Whey+

Good for: Anyone looking for our top-rated, gluten-free protein powder

Best Overall

Legion Whey+

GGR Score: 4

Check Price Use code GARAGEGYM to save 20%

Product Highlights

• Sourced from small dairy farms in Ireland
• Over 5 g of BCAAs per serving
• Non-GMO and animal welfare approved
• Third-party tested for banned substances

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low in carbs and fat but high in protein
• Natural ingredients
• Money-back guarantee
• Made with ethically-sourced milk
• Lots of flavor options
• Subscribe and save 10%

Cons

• Comparably high cost per serving
• May be clumpy when mixed
• Some customers thought flavor was too sweet, or in some cases lacked flavor

Bottom Line

Legion Whey+ is a clean, sustainable protein powder that also is macro-friendly and a great option for anyone looking for a clean protein supplement. Many of our testers have bought this with their own money because they love the taste and easy mixability.

When it comes to gluten-free protein powders, it’s hard to beat Legion Whey+. Available in 20 flavors (some may be seasonal), Legion is free from gluten, artificial sweeteners, chemicals, and unnecessary fillers, and all Legion products are third-party tested to ensure purity and quality. 

Our tester, GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, tried the Cinnamon Cereal flavor and rated it a 4.5 out of 5. Anthony said, “It kind of tasted like when you first started eating a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and the cereal hasn’t had a chance to be fully incorporated into the milk yet; aka, the flavor’s there but not quite as pungent as I would’ve liked.”

I’ve also gone through several bags of the Cinnamon Cereal protein and agree that the flavor is mild, but I actually prefer that, as I find overly-sweetened protein powders a bit hard to drink. 

The taste and quality are excellent, and we conducted our own third-party testing on Legion Whey+ with Ellipse Analytics, who scored Legion in the top half of the 150 protein powders we sent for testing.

Legion Whey+ also has a Truly Grass-Fed certification, which certifies that the protein comes from cows that spend most of their time grazing in nature. 

It’s a little pricey, but this is still our top pick based on the quality, flavors, and third-party testing.

To learn more, read our Legion whey protein review or watch Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, break down everything you need to know in our Legion Whey+ video review.

Price	$2.00 per serving/$59.99 per container
Flavors	20
Total calories	100-130, depending on the flavor
Protein per serving	21-23 g, depending on the flavor
Third-party tested?	Yes

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Best-Tasting Gluten-Free Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Good for: Anyone who wants the best-tasting protein that we recommend

Best Tasting

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• High-quality whey protein isolate
• 28 grams of protein per serving
• 15 flavors to choose from
• $1.99 per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality protein
• No artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or preservatives
• Lots of flavors to choose from
• Good customer reviews
• Whey isolate may be easier to digest for some people
• Subscribe and save 10% plus free shipping

Cons

• Price per serving on the high end
• Some reviews complain that it's too sweet

Bottom Line

Our testers love Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate because we know exactly what's in it, and almost every flavor we've tried is a 5 out of 5 on taste. Yes, it's a little more expensive than other protein powders but you get what you pay for.

Taste is always important when it comes to protein shakes, as nobody wants to force themselves to chug a shake that isn’t enjoyable. Thankfully, Transparent Labs has excellent flavors, a fantastic ingredient profile, and is third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy. 

Each scoop contains a whopping 28 grams of high-quality whey isolate, which we love to see. The flavor is excellent as well, scoring a 5-out-of-5-star rating from Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC. 

Anthony tried the Peppermint Hot Chocolate seasonal flavor, which is as delicious as it sounds. He said the only thing missing is whipped cream and marshmallows, and you’d have the perfect tasty beverage. 

If that’s not your thing, Transparent Labs Whey Isolate is available in 13 flavors (more during certain seasons), including Milk Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Blueberry Pancakes, and many others. 

Transparent Labs also scored highly in our lab testing from Ellipse Analytics, so we feel very comfortable recommending this protein for its purity and label accuracy. 

It’s not the cheapest protein, but the quality, flavor variety, and third-party testing make it well worth the cost, in our opinion. To get the full scoop, read our complete Transparent Labs protein review.

Price	$1.99 per serving/$59.99 per container
Flavors	13
Total calories	120-150, depending on the flavor
Protein per serving	28 g
Third-party tested?	Yes

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Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder for Muscle Gain: Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate

Good for: Those looking to build lean muscle and gain weight

Best for Muscle Gain

Sports Research Whey Isolate

GGR Score: 4.06

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Product Highlights

• Whey protein isolate
• 25 g of protein per serving
• Available in chocolate or vanilla
• Informed Choice-certified

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Third-party tested
• 25 grams of protein per serving
• Subscribe-and-save options
• Non-GMO, gluten- and soy-free
• Creates a creamy texture when blended into smoothies

Cons

• Only two flavors available
• Our tester had issues with solubility

Bottom Line

Sports Research whey protein isolate has 25 grams of protein per serving and just 150 calories. It's third-party tested, too. Although there are only two flavors available, our testers think it's worth a try.

Building muscle is hard, but a high-quality protein powder makes it that much easier. Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate is gluten-free, contains 25 grams of muscle-building protein per scoop, and has 140-150 calories, depending on the flavor. 

This is higher in calories than many other whey protein isolates, which is exactly what you want when building muscle, which requires extra calories. 

Now, our one call-out is the solubility. It just doesn’t mix very well, even with a shaker cup. Our tester, certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly, recommends mixing this with a blender for the best results. 

There are also only two flavors available: Dutch Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla. However, as someone who’s tried dozens of brands and flavors in my 12 years as a fitness professional, I find myself coming back to chocolate and vanilla 90% of the time, as they’re the most neutral, versatile flavors.

For the price, Sports Research Whey Isolate earns a strong 5 out of 5. The price ranges from $1.27 to $1.46 per serving, which is very affordable, especially considering the protein is rigorously third-party tested. 

Sure, we wish it blended a little better, but for those on a gluten-free muscle-building journey, the high calorie and protein content in each scoop is hard to beat. You can read more in our Sports Research Whey Isolate review.

Price	$1.27-$1.46 per serving (depending on flavor)/starting at $37.95 per container
Flavors	Dutch Chocolate, Creamy Vanilla
Total calories	140-150, depending on the flavor
Protein per serving	25 g
Third-party tested?	Yes

Read More

Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Authentic Whey

Good for: Anyone currently focused on weight loss

Best for Weight Loss

Jacked Factory Authentic Whey

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 24 g of protein per serving
• Low-fat and low-carb
• Costs $1.50 per serving
• Five flavors
• Artificial aftertaste

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low-carb
• Five flavors
• 24g of protein per serving
• No fillers or thickening agents
• Customers say the vanilla flavor tastes great, even when mixed in water
• Customers appreciate the versatility of the vanilla flavor

Cons

• Some artificial ingredients
• Has an artificial aftertaste

Bottom Line

Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is a low-carb, high-protein supplement that comes in five flavors at an affordable price.

If you’re currently on a weight loss journey, an adequate protein intake is recommended to minimize muscle loss and support recovery. Muscle loss is a real risk when dieting, and consuming plenty of protein has been shown¹ to have muscle-preserving effects, especially if you combine this with resistance training.

RELATED: How Much Protein Should I Eat to Lose Weight?

However, you don’t want to force down high-calorie, high-fat sources of protein, which could interfere with your weight loss goals. That’s why we love Jacked Factory Authentic Whey. Each scoop contains 25 to 27 grams of protein and only 110 to 130 calories, depending on the flavor.  

This has an excellent protein-to-calorie ratio and a low carb content, which is helpful if you’re trying to minimize unnecessary calories.

Our tester, GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, tried the Fruity Cereal flavor and rated it 4 out of 5. He said, “The powder is white, but once you pour liquid on it, it turns red. It tasted like Froot Loops but with a slightly medicinal aftertaste. This wasn’t anything that turned me off from the product, but it was noteworthy.”

This aftertaste may be due to the artificial sweeteners in Jacked Factory Authentic Whey, which are safe to consume but may not be the tastiest option. 

Flavor aside, we love the formulation and were happy to see that Jacked Factory scored well when we had it sent to Ellipse Analytics for independent third-party testing, which assures us that the label is accurate and the protein is free from harmful ingredients.

It’s affordable, available in a variety of tasty flavors, and a great option to support your weight loss journey. To learn more, you can read our full Jacked Factory Authentic Whey review or check out our in-depth video review below.

Price	$1.33 per container/$39.99 per container
Flavors	Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, Cookies & Cream, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Unflavored
Total calories	110-130, depending on the flavor
Protein per serving	25-27 g, depending on the flavor
Third-party tested?	No (but it passed GGR’s testing with Ellipse Analytics)

Read More

Best Budget Gluten-Free Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

Good for: Those who want quality on a budget

Best Budget

Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

GGR Score: 4.33

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Product Highlights

• 25 grams of whey protein concentrate per serving
• Available in 5 flavors, including unflavored
• High-quality ingredients and third-party testing
• Supports lean muscle growth and recovery after workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Manufactured in GMP-compliant facility
• Unflavored option only contains one ingredient, instantized whey protein concentrate
• Subscribe-and-save options
• Cost-effective price that starts around $0.87 per serving

Cons

• Whey concentrate may not mix as well as whey isolate
• Flavored options are higher in calories than other whey proteins

Bottom Line

Nutricost Whey Concentrate contains 25 grams of high-quality whey protein concentrate, available in five flavors. It's gluten-free, non-GMO, manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, and third-party tested.

Many of the protein powders we’ve chosen aren’t exactly cheap, which is why we were thrilled to discover the quality and value of Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate. 

Compared to a whey isolate, whey concentrate has more fat, carbs, and lactose per serving, but the protein itself is the same complete protein that our bodies require. Practically speaking, this means whey concentrate is often slightly thicker, and for those with sensitive stomachs, it may be a little harder to digest due to the lactose. 

RELATED: Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate

That said, if you don’t have any issues with lactose, this is the best value we’ve seen in a protein. It’s third-party tested, manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, and available in five flavors—everything we could hope for in a protein. 

Depending on the size of the container you buy, Nutricost whey protein can be purchased for as little as $0.87 per serving, making it one of the most affordable proteins we’ve tested. 

Our tester was GGR editorial team member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1. Kate was very surprised by the flavor and gave it a 5-out-of-5-star rating. 

“So, I don’t LOVE peanut butter, and I wasn’t too jazzed about trying the Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor,” said Kate. “BUT the peanutty flavor is just right—not too powerful and doesn’t overpower the chocolate. I really, really liked it.”

To learn more about this delicious, affordable protein, be sure to check out our complete Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate review.

Price	$0.87-$1.28 per serving (depending on container)/starts at $31.95 per container
Flavors	Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Vanilla
Total calories	130-150, depending on the flavor
Protein per serving	25 g
Third-party tested?	Yes

Read More

Best Vegan Gluten-Free Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Daily Protein Shake

Good for: Anyone looking for a gluten-free vegan protein powder

Best Vegan

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

GGR Score: 4.13

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Product Highlights

• Organic pea protein powder
• 20 g of protein per serving
• Formulated to support adults 18-49
• Third-party tested
• 150 mg of choline per serving 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly
• No artificial sweeteners
• Complete amino acid profile
• Non-GMO
• USA-grown peas

Cons

• Only comes in one flavor
• Price per serving is on the high end
• Velcro bag closure ineffective

Bottom Line

Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake has 20 grams of protein per serving and 150 milligrams of chlorine (to support brain and nervous system function). This protein powder from Ritual is third-party tested and Informed Sport Certified, which means this formula has been screened for over 250 banned substances.

For those looking for one of the best vegan, gluten-free protein powders we’ve tested, look no further than Ritual Essential Daily Protein Shake.

Essential Daily Protein isn’t cheap, but you’re paying for quality. This protein is Clean Label Project Certified, which means it’s free of harmful pesticides and heavy metals. All ingredients are organic and non-GMO, and the company uses traceable ingredients, so you can see exactly where each ingredient was sourced. 

It’s formulated with pea protein, which contains all of the essential amino acids but is slightly lacking in l-methionine—which Ritual has added to make this a complete protein source. 

Plant-based protein powders are notorious for having a thick, chalky texture, but our tester, Kate Meier, CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, was pleasantly surprised by the solubility, rating it 5 out of 5. She said, “Ritual has an excellent consistency, which I find shocking for a plant-based protein. Mixed in just water, it dissolves completely and has a super-smooth texture. It’s not thick, but it’s not watery like some proteins I’ve tested.” 

This is one of the most expensive protein powders we’ve tested but it also has the most transparent labeling and high-quality ingredients we’ve seen, so we think it’s worth it. 

To learn more, check out our complete Ritual Protein Powder Review, or watch the video review from Garage Gym Reviews Everything below.

Price	$2.93 per serving/$44 per container
Flavors	Vanilla
Total calories	115
Protein per serving	20 g
Third-party tested?	Yes

Read More

Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein

Good for: Those looking to avoid gluten and artificial sweeteners

Best Without Artificial Sweeteners

Momentous Grass-Fed Whey

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Grass-fed whey protein isolate 
• Cold-pressed with a micro-processing filtration 
• ProHydrolase enzyme blend 
• Protein is sourced from Irish cows

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clean ingredients
• Third-party verified
• Mixes well
• High-quality
• Bioavailable
• Subscribe and save 10% (25% off your first order)
• Free shipping on orders over $75
• Whey is sourced from grass-fed cows that are hormone-free, steroid-free, and antibiotic-free

Cons

• Unflavored may clump when mixing
• Expensive

Bottom Line

If you are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality grass-fed whey protein, the Momentous brand is a solid choice. It is cold-pressed and put through a micro-processing filtration which is supposed to preserve the protein’s amino acid profile. While we cannot confirm that, we know it tastes darn good and did not upset any stomach during our testing.

While many proteins are available in a wide range of delicious flavors, this is often due to the use of artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners are generally considered to be safe² when consumed in appropriate doses, but many wish to avoid them altogether. 

If you’re looking for a great gluten-free protein that doesn’t use artificial sweeteners, we recommend Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein. This gluten-free, soy-free protein powder is naturally sweetened with monk fruit extract and stevia.

Along with these natural sweeteners and natural flavors, Momentous is formulated with grass-fed whey protein and ProHydrolase, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of dairy products. 

It’s NSF-certified and tested by Informed Sport, ensuring the highest manufacturing standards and third-party testing. We also had Momentous tested independently by Ellipse Analytics, and it passed our strict quality standards.

Our tester, Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, tried the vanilla flavor and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. He said, “It was OK with water, very good with milk. With milk, the flavor reminded me of vanilla bean ice cream. With water, it reminded me of middle-of-the-road vanilla protein taste.”

Read more in our complete Momentous Essential Grass Fed Whey Protein Review.

Price	$2.71 per serving/$64.95 per container
Flavors	Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla
Total calories	90-100, depending on the flavor
Protein per serving	20 g
Third-party tested?	Yes

Read More

Best Gluten and Dairy-Free Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice and Pea Protein

Good for: Anyone who wants a gluten-free and dairy-free protein powder

Best Dairy-Free

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• A rice and pea protein powder 
• Rated with 4.3 stars on their website
• Comes in 2 flavors 
• 24 g of protein per serving
• Organic product with minimal ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives
• Organic and vegan
• Only 5-7 ingredients
• Reviewers love the taste
• 24 g of protein per serving
• Subscribe and save
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Only 2 flavors
• Stevia can cause GI issues for some
• Expensive

Bottom Line

This organic rice and pea protein powder is a good choice for people who want a clean plant-based protein option with minimal ingredients.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free protein powder, we recommend Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice and Pea Protein. 

Plant-based protein powders are often loaded with additives and various sweeteners to enhance the flavor, but not Transparent Labs’ protein. Each serving contains a blend of organic rice and pea protein to provide a complete protein source, natural flavors, natural cocoa powder (in the chocolate flavor), Himalayan rock salt, and stevia. 

RELATED: Best Pea Protein Powder

There’s no gluten, dairy, or artificial sweeteners, but this is still a very tasty protein, earning 4 out of 5 stars for both flavor and solubility. It’s not all that sweet, but Lauren Strong, CPT, said it has a pleasant cocoa flavor with slight hints of an earthy taste from the pea and rice protein. 

Lauren also commented that while it dissolves well, it has a thicker texture than whey protein. “It mixes well, but this has a different texture than whey proteins,” she said. “It’s not gritty, but there is more residue/film in the shaker, and I can feel that extra texture in my mouth, too. It’s really not terrible, but it’s not comparable to whey.”

To read more, check out our complete Transparent Labs Vegan Protein review.

Price	$1.67 per serving, $49.99 per container
Flavors	French Vanilla, Chocolate
Total calories	130-140, depending on the flavor
Protein per serving	24 g
Third-party tested?	Yes

Read More

Other Gluten-Free Protein Powders We Researched

• Huel Complete Black: This gluten-free meal replacement is very popular and has an interesting ingredient blend, but it’s also significantly more expensive than many of the options we included in this list.
• NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate: We love the ingredients and purity of this product, but we’ve only personally tested the unflavored version, which had a strange aftertaste that prevented us from recommending this protein.
• Transparent Labs Casein: This is one of the best casein proteins we’ve tested, but it’s often out of stock, and casein is notoriously hard to digest. Given that this guide to gluten-free protein is focused on easy-to-digest protein, we decided to leave this one off the list.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder

To choose the best gluten-free protein powder, we carefully reviewed all of the powders we’ve thoroughly tested and rated, looking for proteins with a high score, third-party testing, and a gluten-free formulation. 

We also didn’t hide these proteins in a smoothie; we tested them with both milk and water to truly assess their flavor and solubility.

Our team has tested over 150 protein powders, carefully rating each one using our supplement testing methodology. This methodology helps us assign an unbiased score by rating a variety of categories on a scale of 1 to 5, including:

• Formulation
• Taste
• Solubility
• Third-party testing

Benefits of Gluten-Free Protein Powder

Even if you don’t have a medical condition that requires you to avoid gluten entirely, there are still several benefits and reasons why you may want to consider searching for a gluten-free protein powder. 

Digestibility

While Celiac disease is the classic condition that causes people to avoid gluten, many can have a clinical condition called non-Celiac gluten sensitivity³, which can cause varying levels of digestive stress from consuming gluten. 

Many people prefer using whey isolates or plant-based proteins to avoid the digestive stress from consuming dairy, and avoiding gluten may be another way to minimize the bloating and upset stomach from protein shakes.

Complete Protein Source

With certain dietary restrictions, consuming complete proteins can be challenging. Complete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids that your body can’t produce naturally. Many plant-based proteins like brown rice are incomplete on their own, which is why you’ll often see powders blend different types of protein to create a complete source.

Many gluten-free protein powders use whey isolate, a complete protein, or a plant-based protein blend, which means they can be a complete source of protein to support fitness goals. 

Enhanced Recovery and Performance

Those following a gluten-free diet may find it difficult to consume enough food to support their training and recovery, especially when following an intense resistance training program that uses progressive overload. 

Gluten-free protein powder is generally safe to consume for those with digestive challenges, especially with the plant-based options available if you prefer to avoid dairy. Consuming a high-protein diet is a great way to support recovery and muscle growth between workouts.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Gluten-Free Protein Powder

If you’re still having a hard time choosing a gluten-free protein powder, here are the most important things to consider while you’re researching various products.

Ingredients

While most protein powders are naturally gluten-free, you’ll still want to carefully check the ingredient list before buying anything. Even if there’s no gluten, you may find other ingredients you wish to avoid, such as artificial sweeteners, thickening agents, added sugar, and more. 

Carefully checking all of the ingredients, not just the nutrition label, is a great way to ensure you’re monitoring what you’re consuming.

Cost

Sticking to a budget is important for everyone, and protein powder can be expensive. However, you don’t need to purchase the most expensive option to see the results, as all of the products on this list are high-quality protein powders that have been third-party tested. 

We’ve included options for all budgets in this list, and we only recommend products we thoroughly trust and would use ourselves.

Third-Party Testing

Each protein on this list has passed third-party testing, but the same can’t be said for all protein powders on the market. Third-party testing ensures that a protein is free of contaminants or unlisted ingredients and actually contains as much protein as it claims. 

If you choose a product that has not been tested, you can’t know for sure if you’re getting the amount of protein claimed on the label. For that reason, we always recommend choosing brands with third-party testing. 

Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Cava, E., Yeat, N. C., & Mittendorfer, B. (2017). Preserving Healthy Muscle during Weight Loss. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 8(3), 511–519. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.116.014506
2. Qurrat-ul-Ain, & Khan, S. A. (2015). Artificial sweeteners: safe or unsafe?. JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 65(2), 225–227.
3. Cárdenas-Torres, F. I., Cabrera-Chávez, F., Figueroa-Salcido, O. G., & Ontiveros, N. (2021). Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: An Update. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 57(6), 526. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57060526

While nothing can replace proper nutrition and sleep, the best muscle recovery tools can make a significant difference, especially when you’re feeling beat up after a tough workout. A staple in physical therapy clinics around the world, compression boots can enhance your recovery by providing an air-powered, pulsing massage throughout your legs. 

Unlike massage guns, which require you to use a heavy, vibrating object, boots don’t require any unnecessary work. All you need to do is slip them on and relax. 

However, there are plenty of compression boots to choose from, and deciding which features you need can feel challenging. To help you find the perfect pair, we’ve tested some of the most popular recovery devices on the market and used our testing methodology to score and rank them on a number of criteria, including:

• Compression level
• Durability
• Sizing and adjustability
• Value

In this article, I’m going to share our top five picks to help give your legs the recovery they deserve.

Best Compression Boots

• Best Overall Compression Boots: Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs
• Best Compression Boots for Recovery: Rapid Reboot REGEN Boots
• Best Compression Boots for Athletes: Reathlete Air-C Leg Massager
• Best Budget Compression Boots: FIT KING Leg Air Massager
• Best Wireless Compression Boots: Hyperice Normatec Elite

Best Overall Compression Boots: Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs

Good for: Anyone who wants the best compression technology

Best Overall

Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs

GGR Score: 4.75

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Product Highlights

* 7 compression levels * Compatible with Hyperice app * Premium materials * Multiple sizes available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Multiple compression levels
• Mimics the body’s natural blood flow
• Durable materials
• Easy to use

Cons

• Expensive
• Fewer compression settings than competitors

Bottom Line

The Hyperice Normatec 3 compression boots are some of the best boots on the market. They’re made of premium, durable materials and feature a unique system that mimics your body’s natural blood flow. Users can choose one of seven compression levels.

If you’re looking for the best of the best, it’s hard to beat the Hyperice Normatec 3 compression boots. Packed with smart features and available in multiple sizes, these are some of the most versatile and effective boots on the market. 

Normatec also offers the Normatec Go, which is meant for calves, and the Normatec Elite, an upgraded version of the Normatec 3 that we’ll cover later.

The Normatec 3 has seven different pressure levels and can be used on the legs, hips, or arms, making it extremely versatile. Normatec also uses a technology called ZoneBoost™ biomimicry, which sends sequential pulses of compression through multiple air chambers to mimic the natural blood flow of your body. With so many options and biomimicry, we give these boots a 5-out-of-5-star score for compression.

Rather than applying general compression throughout the entire leg, the pulses encourage blood flow along its natural pattern, which is a great feature. 

They’re quite durable, and our tester has owned a pair for two years with no issues. He noted that he trains early in the mornings and mostly uses them as a warm-up to get the blood flowing before leg day. 

The boots pair with the Hyperice app via Bluetooth, allowing you to view multiple preset options to choose from for a customized compression experience. They’re not cheap, but if you’re looking for the gold standard in compression boots, the Normatec 3 is the one to choose.

Best Compression Boots for Recovery: Rapid Reboot REGEN Boots

Good for: Those looking to ease the pain after a tough workout

Best for Recovery

Rapid Reboot Recovery System

GGR Score: 4.63

Check Price

Product Highlights

* Used by athletes of all levels * Supports circulation and recovery * Durable construction

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

Designed for active individuals and athletes of all levels, the Rapid Reboot REGEN Boots are our top pick for those who want to prioritize recovery from training. 

The boots have 20 levels of compression and four massage patterns, so you’ll have plenty of options when choosing your settings. You can customize the compression using the included control unit or pair your boots with the Rapid Reboot app to control them from your phone. 

Now, at $945, they aren’t cheap, but you can save money by choosing the original Rabid Reboot system. The boots are identical, but the control unit isn’t as portable and only has 10 compression settings instead of 20. However, they still work great. 

Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, has owned the original boots for about 6 years and says they’ve held up great, earning a 5 out of 5 for durability. However, sizing may be an issue depending on your body’s proportions.  

“I find them pretty effective in helping flush out my legs after a heavy leg workout, and I typically use them after a heavy session to help jumpstart my recovery,” said Caine. “I have the extra-long boots, which fit me length-wise, but fitting my thighs into them is a hassle. It’s possible, but it’s a tight fit. I usually have to drop the pressure a bit because of how tight my legs are in the upper chamber already.”

RELATED: Cool-Down Exercises

Keep in mind that Caine is an Olympian, which means he lifts weights at the highest level and has stronger legs than most of us. Still, this sizing issue is worth noting for anyone with larger-than-average thighs. 

For more, check out our in-depth review of the original Rapid Reboot Recovery System.

Best Compression Boots for Athletes: Reathlete Air-C Leg Massager

Good for: Individuals who need to customize the sizing at every part of their leg

Best for Athletes

Reathlete Air-C Leg Massager

GGR Score: 4.28

Check Price

Product Highlights

* Adjustable sizing throughout the leg * Very durable * Fits users of most sizes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Adjustable velcro sizing
• Fits most users
• 4 compression levels
• Affordable pricing

Cons

• Only available in one size
• No wireless option

Bottom Line

The Reathlete Air-C Leg Massager boots are a great choice for anyone who wants a truly customizable compression experience. There are multiple velcro straps to adjust the boots to your preferences, and 4 compression levels to choose from.

One potential drawback of compression boots is their adjustability. Many are shaped like one giant leg boot that zips up, and while you may be able to customize the compression, that’s about it. 

For athletes with large quads or anyone worried about the proportions of their legs, the Reathlete Air-C Leg Massager is an excellent choice. The boots can be adjusted with multiple Velcro straps along the leg, allowing customization throughout the entire leg. 

GGR editorial team member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, has used these boots in her gym and is very impressed, especially with the adjustable sizing. She gave them a 4 out of 5 for sizing as they only come in one size, but that one size should fit most users. 

Kate said, “We have had a 5-foot, barely 100-pound person in them as well as competitive weightlifters who weigh north of 220. Everyone has fit inside them thanks to the adjustable Velcro straps on them.”

She added, “I think these are pretty decent for how affordable they are. I have also used the Normatec boots, and those are probably the top-of-the-line, best-you-can-find for compression. These boots still do the trick, though! I’ve used these on rest days and after heavy leg days, and I love them.”

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Normatec boots that can be sized to fit most legs, the Reathlete Air-C Leg Massagers are an excellent, more affordable choice. The normal price is $399, but we’ve seen them on sale for as low as $169.

Best Budget Compression Boots: FIT KING Leg Air Massager

Good for: Those who want recovery boots that won’t break the bank

Best Budget

Fit King Leg Air Massager

GGR Score: 4.05

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Product Highlights

* Small, portable design * Lower leg compression boot * Affordable product that’s often on sale

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very affordable
• Durable material
• Easy to use
• 3 compression levels

Cons

• Only fits the lower leg
• Only one size available

Bottom Line

The Fit King Leg Air Massager is a budget-friendly compression boot that’s great for home use. It only massages the lower leg, including the calf, ankle, and foot, but it is significantly cheaper than many full-leg competitors.

If you want a great pair of boots that won’t break the bank, the FIT KING Leg Air Massager is our top choice. With a list price of $129 that’s often on sale (we’ve seen it as low as $89), it’s priced to fit most budgets and significantly cheaper than most of the other options on our list.

However, with a low price, you are sacrificing some quality, most notably in the size. These boots are 16.8 inches tall and are only meant to cover the lower legs, so you won’t be able to enjoy compression on your entire leg. If most of your pain is in the feet, ankles, and calves, this is fine, but sore quads and glutes aren’t going to benefit from the FIT KING boots. 

That said, they do have three pressure settings and two massage modes, so if your feet are aching after a long day, you have plenty of ways to enjoy a relaxing foot massage. We also like the Velcro closure system, which allows you to make these as tight or loose as you want. 

These are very affordable and earn a 4 out of 5 for value. With over 19,000 reviews and an average score of 4.3 on Amazon, they’re both popular and loved by many. If you’re looking for an affordable way to try out compression therapy, the FIT KING Leg Air Massagers are a great choice.

Best Wireless Compression Boots: Hyperice Normatec Elite

Good for: Anyone who wants portable, wireless compression boots

Best Wireless

Hyperice Normatec Elite

GGR Score: 4.3

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Portable air compression boots
• 7 levels of compression
• 4 hours of battery life
• Bluetooth-enabled controls
• Supposed benefits include decreasing muscle soreness, increased circulation, and improved recovery

Pros & Cons

Pros

• More portable than previous iterations
• 4-hour battery life
• Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Expensive piece of equipment
• Can't replace traditional hands-on massage from a professional

Bottom Line

The Normatec Elite boots are the latest iteration of air compression boots from Hyperice. These are more portable than previous versions and are controlled via the Hyperice app. You'll get a 4-hour battery life and 7 levels of compression with these boots to supposedly help recovery and muscle soreness.

The Normatec 3 boots were named the best overall, but if you’re looking for an upgraded version and are willing to spend a little extra, these are even better. 

The primary difference? The Normatec Elite is fully wireless. Each leg has an integrated control unit that’s ready to go right out of the box, so you don’t need to worry about a standalone control unit or air hoses.

No pesky cables or power cords are required; all you need to do is slip on the boots, and you’ll be ready to go. Our tester, Pete Nastasi, CPT, CNC, used these boots and was extremely impressed with the quality, particularly the battery life, which is always a concern with wireless products. 

The battery is meant to last for up to 4 hours, but Pete used the boots for 6 hours before he needed to charge them. Normatec Elite boots also earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating for durability and construction, with a premium feel and sleek design. He was also impressed with the ease of setup, saying he was able to open the box and start using them within 5 minutes.

If it sounds like the Normatec Elite is better than the Normatec 3, that’s because it is. However, it’s also going to cost more, which is why we didn’t name it the best overall. It’s great, but an extra $200 for wireless convenience isn’t necessary to experience Normatec quality. 

To read more about the Normatec Elite boots, be sure to check out our complete Normatec Elite review.

Other Compression Boots We Researched

We narrowed our list down to the top five boots, but there were a few more we considered that didn’t quite make the cut.

• Therabody RecoveryAir Pro: These look like high-quality boots, and we generally love Therabody products. However, the boots are significantly more expensive than most competitors, so we didn’t include them. 
• QUINEAR Leg Massager with Heat: The idea of adding heat to a compression boot sounds nice in theory, but several of our testers mentioned specifically using boots post-workout. If you’re already hot and sweaty, sliding into a hot compression boot may not be the most comfortable experience, so we went with standard, non-heated boots. 

How We Picked and Tested the Best Compression Boots

We didn’t simply browse a list of best-selling compression boots and put them on our list; we made sure to spend plenty of time using each pair. 

Several of these boots have been owned and used for years by our team members. For example, Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, has owned his boots for 5 to 6 years now, which is plenty of time to test every feature. 

After testing, we used our equipment testing methodology to assign a score to each boot. Our methodology rates each product on a scale of 1 to 5 in the most important categories, like durability, technology, value, and customer experience. 

RELATED: 13 Best Muscle Recovery Supplements

Benefits of Compression Boots

Compression boots can be quite expensive, but depending on your health and wellness goals, they may be worth a try, especially if you find yourself suffering from chronically sore legs. Here are the two primary benefits you can expect when using air compression recovery tools.

Can Decrease Muscular Soreness

Delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, is that painful feeling you experience a day or two after a tough workout. If you’ve ever felt great immediately after a leg workout, only to struggle to stand from a chair a day or two later, you can thank DOMS. 

Thankfully, several studies have shown that compression boots can reduce DOMS, like this 2021 research review¹ published in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. After examining the currently available literature on intermittent pneumatic compression, which is the technology used in compression boots, the authors found that compression had no impact on exercise-induced muscle damage.

However, they did say that compression may temporarily reduce soreness. While these boots don’t minimize muscular damage, reduce muscle fatigue, or promote faster recovery, they can certainly reduce the pain you may feel after a workout. 

RELATED: Post-Workout Recovery Myths

Can Improve Blood Flow 

Compression boots apply pressure throughout your leg, often in a pulsing manner, meant to simulate a leg massage. This pulsing compression can stimulate blood circulation throughout the leg, which is why many compression boot manufacturers suggest using them to warm up your legs before a workout. 

I couldn’t find any research supporting the benefits of using compression boots before a workout, but if they can relieve pain and improve blood flow through the leg, I don’t see any downsides to giving them a try. 

RELATED: 10 Tips to Speed Up Muscle Strain Recovery From a Physical Therapist

May Be HSA/FSA Eligible

If you’re on the fence about spending so much on compression boots, keep in mind that most can be purchased with an eligible FSA or HSA plan. 

If you’re not sure where to spend your HSA/FSA funds and want to indulge in a bit of self-care, leg compression boots are a great choice. There’s no reason you can’t buy them with your own money, of course, but we know many are always looking for creative ways to use those funds, and compression boots are a great choice. 

May Promote Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in the body due to excess fluid from the lymph nodes, often in the lower limbs. Massage can be a great treatment option, but it’s not always convenient. 

Thankfully, regular treatment with compression devices has been shown to be safe and effective. This 2014 study² looked at the effectiveness of air compression in long-term lymphedema treatment in the legs. The authors found that compression therapy resulted in a permanent decrease in limb circumference, concluding that “long inflation timed therapy can be safely recommended to patients with lower limb lymphedema.”

What to Look For In Compression Boots

If you’re still unsure which boots to choose from our list or you’ve got your eyes on a different pair we didn’t include, here are a few of the most important things to consider before making your decision. 

Portability

Yes, when using recovery boots, you’ll be lying down and relaxing. However, if you travel a lot, you’ll still want a pair that’s easy to move around in. 

Many compression boots include a carrying case, but you’ll also want to consider the accessories. Do you need power cables? How long are the cords, and how bulky is the control unit?

If you’re mainly going to use these at home, this isn’t a huge deal. However, if you travel frequently and want your boots with you, or you’re taking them to and from the gym, portability absolutely matters. 

RELATED: Best Calf Compression Sleeves

Some models are also wireless, so if you don’t want to be bothered by cords at all (aside from charging), you may want to spend a little extra for a wireless set.

Sizing and Adjustability

Depending on your body’s shape, you may want to choose boots that allow you to make plenty of adjustments. 

While many boots are available in several sizes, that may still be an issue for some. For example, one of our testers is an Olympian with larger-than-average quads due to the number of years he spent training and the impressive amount of weight he can lift. He found that while his compression boots fit perfectly around his calves, they’re a bit snug in the thighs, and getting them on can be a challenge. 

If you regularly find that pants or leggings often have an unusual fit due to the shape or size of your legs, you’ll want to choose a pair of compression boots with plenty of adjustability.

Pricing

As with all purchases, your budget plays a large role in what you choose to buy. Compression boots can range from less than $100 to more than $1,000. While there are certainly differences in quality and features, ultimately, they all do the same thing. 

Many of the more expensive boots will have additional features not found in affordable options, like wireless technology, and they may be a bit more durable. However, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a more affordable pair and saving your money for something else.

We made sure to choose boots that fit a variety of budgets, and there’s no need to buy the most expensive pair on the market to see the benefits of using compression boots.  

Best Compression Boots: FAQs

References

1. Stedge, H. L., & Armstrong, K. (2021). The Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on the Reduction of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Endurance Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 30(4), 668–671. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2020-0364
2. Zaleska, M., Olszewski, W. L., & Durlik, M. (2014). The effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression in long-term therapy of lymphedema of lower limbs. Lymphatic research and biology, 12(2), 103–109. https://doi.org/10.1089/lrb.2013.0033

RELATED: Best Electrolyte Powder

Most diet and sugar-free products are able to call themselves sugar-free through the use of zero-calorie sweeteners. These sweeteners can be artificial (like sucralose, otherwise known as Splenda) or natural (like Stevia or monk fruit). Either way, plenty of people still feel iffy about consuming artificial sweeteners, despite the fact that studies have shown there is no link¹ between these sweeteners and cancer risk as was once believed.

However, there are mixed results that show sweeteners are associated with other conditions like heart disease and diabetes, but some scientists argue confounding in that individuals who already have heart disease and diabetes are more likely to consume zero sugar, artificially sweetened products. 

In any case, as temperatures rise higher and higher each year, electrolytes are becoming more and more prevalent. If you’re an elite athlete who trains outdoors or just very intensely, then electrolytes can be non-negotiable. So, for those who want hydration without all of the sugar, we put together a list for you. 

RELATED: 7 Tips for Running in The Heat

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR always recommends choosing products that are third-party tested whenever possible.

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder

• Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder Overall: Sports Research Hydrate
• Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder for Athletes: Transparent Labs Hydrate
• Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder for Weight Loss: Nutricost Electrolytes Complex Powder
• Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder Packets: LMNT
• Best-Tasting Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder: Liquid IV Sugar-Free
• Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder for Diabetes: Ultima Replenisher
• Best Budget Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder: Propel Powder Packets

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder Overall: Sports Research Hydrate

Good for: Those looking for more than just electrolytes in a powder that’s naturally sweetened

Best Overall

Sports Research Electrolytes

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Has electrolytes and coconut water powder
• $1.43 per serving
• Sugar-free
• Four flavors: Raspberry Lemonade, Passion Fruit, Lemon Lime, Cherry Pomegranate

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Contains sodium, potassium, and coconut water powder
• No artificial ingredients
• Tastes great
• Sugar-free
• Third-party tested

Cons

• Only available in packets

Bottom Line

Sports Research Electrolytes contain all the electrolytes you need to stay hydrated, and contains minerals and other ingredients that can boost your workout. Our tester loved every flavor's taste so much it's his go-to morning electrolyte drink.

The Sports Research brand was founded in 1980 in Southern California by a family with a passion for fitness and wellness, and we recognize them fondly as a brand that offers third-party-tested dietary supplements including their whey protein and creatine. 

RELATED: Sports Research Whey Protein Review

We crowned Hydrate as the best overall due to it being tested by Informed Sport, the no-nonsense formulation, and our testers’ overall experience. Along with six different electrolytes, this powder also has 65 minerals and seven vitamins.  

To remove the need for sugar, the sweetener used in Sports Research Hydrate is steviol glycoside. While this sounds artificial, steviol is naturally found in nature as stevia, a calorie-free sweetener. This form of sweetener is 200-350 times more potent² in sweetness than white sugar. 

We had Sports Research Hydrate tested by GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, CPT, who gave a rating of 3.5 out of 5 for its taste after trying the Raspberry Lemonade. “The raspberry didn’t come through so much, but the tart flavor you get from lemonade was definitely there,” Amanda recounts. “I usually drink liquid IV so I was thrown for a little bit when it wasn’t super sweet, but it wasn’t super salty either.”  

As far as solubility, Amanda found the sweet spot is using the right bottle. “I mixed this in a plastic water bottle, so there was still some powder left at the bottom,” Amanda says. “Though I didn’t get much grit when I drank it, I do think it would have dissolved more completely if I had used a shaker bottle instead.” 

RELATED: How to Make a Homemade Electrolyte Drink

You heard it here, kids! Not a water bottle-friendly powder, so it gets a 4 out of 5 rating in solubility from us. The good news is we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation. We love the inclusion of vitamins and minerals and the fact that the potassium comes from a natural source like coconut powder. Also, the amount and variety of electrolytes scores major points. 

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder for Athletes: Transparent Labs Hydrate

Good for: Athletes who want a third-party tested and trusted brand they can afford

Best for Athletes

Transparent Labs Hydrate V3

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Includes taurine to help performance
• Naturally sweetened
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Contains SenactivTM for recovery

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low cost per serving
• Easily absorbed electrolytes
• Aides in muscle recovery
• Subscribe & Save available

Cons

• Contains the allergen tree nuts

Bottom Line

At an extremely low per serving cost, Transparent Labs Hydrate V3 is a great option for anyone looking to try out electrolytes or anyone looking for clean ingredients without the hefty price tag.

Here at GGR we are fans of Transparent Labs due to them providing consistently high-quality sports nutrition supplements with honest labeling and science-backed ingredients. Hydrate is no different. Hydrate contains no artificial colors or sweeteners and is non-GMO. It also contains sodium from Himalayan Rock Salt and plenty of the key electrolytes in a manageably sized scoop. 

It also contains taurine, an amino acid commonly used in pre-workout supplements for its ability to promote better mental focus and brain function³. However, it is able to achieve this by promoting better cellular hydration, thus highlighting how proper hydration can help improve performance during physical activity. 

Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, and GGR performance editor, gave Hydrate a try for us and rated the formulation a 5 out of 5. Along with being third-party tested by Informed Choice, it contains nearly a full gram of several electrolytes. Plus, some other compounds thrown in to help with athletic performance makes this powder a perfect pick for athletes.

We also gave it a 5 out of 5 for solubility since Anthony had no issues mixing it. However, for taste he knocked off a point for a 4 out of 5 rating. “It tastes like a super concentrated Hawaiian Punch if you make it the way the package recommends,” Anthony says.

“I mixed it in a shaker bottle with some cluster dextrin and got in the habit of adding more water than recommended when I used it, but the flavor still had some strength to it.” Transparent Labs recommends Hydrate be mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of water, but if you’re sensitive to strong flavors, you’ll want to consider finding out how much fluid actually works for you.

To get more details, you can read our full Transparent Labs Hydrate Review. 

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder for Weight Loss: Nutricost Electrolytes Complex Powder

Good for: Individuals who want affordable electrolytes with some extra vitamins

Best for Weight Loss

Nutricost Electrolytes Complex Powder

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

* Non-GMO * Gluten-free * 7 vitamins and minerals in each serving * Third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Third-party tested
• No artificial sweeteners
• Several flavors and serving sizes available
• Excellent solubility, according to customer reviews

Cons

• May be too sweet for some
• Low amount of sodium compared to other electrolyte powders

Bottom Line

With only a measly 5 calories per serving, Nutricost’s Electrolytes Complex Powder is a great way to hydrate when you’re trying to lose weight. Nutricost is also known for offering supplements at reasonable prices, and at only 33 cents per serving (even less if you buy in bulk), their electrolytes complex powder is no different.

Along with sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and magnesium, this powder also contains vitamin C and B vitamins in amounts akin to what you would see in a multivitamin. Though any nutritionist will tell you you don’t need to supplement with B vitamins as pretty much everyone gets enough from food, it doesn’t hurt to get a little extra as long as you don’t overdo it. 

GGR Performance Editor and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly had mixed thoughts on the Fruit Punch flavor and rated the taste a 3 out of 5. “It’s fine. I didn’t really get Fruit Punch vibes from it, but I didn’t hate it,” he said.

Anthony rated the solubility a perfect 5 out of 5, however: “There were no issues with it dissolving,” he said.

There was one thing we did have to ding Nutricost on, which was its inclusion of rice flour in its formulation. Rice flour is commonly used by companies that make dietary supplements to pad the weight of the tub, thus giving consumers the impression that they are getting more for their money. We only rated the formulation a 2.5 out of 5.

RELATED: Salt Pre-Workout: A Sports Dietitian Lays Out the Facts

That said, given how low the calorie and carb content on the nutrition facts label is it doesn’t appear that an egregious amount was added, but it’s still worth pointing out. Regardless, Nutricost Electrolytes Complex Powder has a content of total electrolytes that rivals the most popular sports drinks for a reasonable price.

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder Packets: LMNT

Good for: Individuals who need a solid rehydration tool while on the go

Best Electrolyte Packets

LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Science-backed electrolyte ratio
• Free from sugar and artificial coloring
• Suitable for Keto and Paleo diets
• Gluten-free and vegan

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great flavors
• Suitable for almost everyone
• Clean ingredients
• No-questions-asked refund policy

Cons

• Includes stevia, which is known to cause GI distress in some people
• Strong salty flavor can be off-putting

Bottom Line

With sodium, potassium, and magnesium LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix is a great post-workout hydrator. It can also be great for those who are low-carb and looking to increase electrolyte intake.

As a sports dietitian nutritionist who counsels a fair amount of endurance and ultra endurance athletes, I can testify that the popularity of LMNT is on the rise. It is not for those sensitive to salty tastes, as you’ll see in a minute, but I will say my athletes who use it swear by its effectiveness when it comes to their performance.

RELATED: How to Become an Athletic Trainer

This utility is also why we named it the best electrolyte powder packet. The packets fit easily in a fanny pack for marathoners and it has a solubility that makes for no-fuss mixing when you don’t have the luxury of stopping during competition.

Speaking of solubility, our tester, GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, rated LMNT a 5 out of 5 in solubility. “I mixed it with 16 ounces of plain water and had no issues,” Nicole states. 

We gave the formulation 5 out of 5 stars as it has the most robust content of electrolytes so far on this list with a total of 1,260 milligrams. Sodium makes up 1,000 of these milligrams, which explains why Nicole gave LMNT a 4 out of 5 on taste. 

“I won’t sugar coat it…this stuff is salty,” Nicole admits. “On my third packet I started to actually like it, but be warned—it’s an acquired taste. I used it during pregnancy when I felt like I was constantly thirsty, but LMNT quenched that no problem. I also appreciate the lack of added sugar.” 

LMNT is sweetened with stevia with a potent content of the key electrolytes. However, as you can see, most of the flavors have “salt” in their names for a reason. So don’t say we didn’t warn ya. 

You can check out our full LMNT Electrolyte review to learn more. 

Best-Tasting Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder: Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free

Good for: People who want neither sugar nor aftertaste from their hydration powder

Best-Tasting

Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

* Non-GMO * Gluten- and dairy-free * Vegan-friendly

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0 g of sugar
• No artificial sweeteners
• Available in several different flavors
• Has 3x the amount of electrolytes as other sports drinks

Cons

• Can be expensive

Bottom Line

The sugar-free variety of Liquid I.V. is great for people who need to replenish their electrolytes but don’t want to consume excess sugar. It’s non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and has no artificial sweeteners.

We had already tried the sugar-containing version of Liquid IV and were huge fans of it, so we had to see what the sugar-free version of the product was all about.

Liquid IV is sweetened with allulose, which is a naturally-occurring sweetener that tastes similar to sugar⁴ rather than being ultra sweet like artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame. However, the calories it contributes is marginal compared to sugar and doesn’t raise your blood sugar the way added sugar does. We rate the formulation a solid 4 out of 5.

Liquid IV is non-GMO and gluten-free and, along with electrolytes, also contains the amino acid L-glutamine along with L-alanine. These compounds were likely included due to the misguided belief that amino acids have a significant impact on fluid balance. 

The scientific community has concluded, however, that amino acids do not have much of an impact on fluid and electrolyte balance, and even the amino acids that did have some impact were essential amino acids, as opposed to l-glutamine and l-alanine, which are not essential amino acids. However, they are the amino acids included in Liquid IV, likely for style points.

The good news is that my athletes consistently say this is the best electrolyte drink powder they’ve tried in terms of flavor which is likely thanks to the main sweetener being allulose, which doesn’t carry the same aftertaste as stevia. 

GGR Performance Editor and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly also enjoys the flavor, rating the White Peach and Green Grape flavors a 4 out of 5 for taste. “White Peach is my go-to. It doesn’t have a strong taste, but there is a nice fruity flavor to it. Despite having 510 milligrams of sodium, it’s not salty at all,” he says.

“I haven’t had any issues with solubility, but I do sometimes see some salt residue in my cup,” he adds. He gives the solubility a 5 out of 5.

Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder for Diabetes: Ultima Replenisher

Good for: People watching carb intake and not needing aggressive electrolyte replacement

Best for Diabetes

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Provides 6 key electrolytes and minerals
• Made with real fruit extract
• Donations made to the Clean Water Foundation
• No calories, carbs, or sugar

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low cost per serving
• Clean ingredients
• Many flavor options
• Natural colors and flavors

Cons

• Lower mg of electrolytes than most other drinks
• Stevia may cause GI distress in some people

Bottom Line

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix is an affordable electrolyte option that is available at major retailers. This makes it convenient, and with their many flavors, it is a great choice for those wanting to give electrolytes a try.

Ultima Replenisher contains zero calories which means zero carbohydrates (or other macronutrients) that could raise blood glucose. This is why Ultima is likely the best electrolyte drink mix on this list for those with diabetes. It’s also suitable for those doing keto or low-carb, of course.

The ingredient list varies a bit depending on which flavor you choose. However, each single-serving packet offers six electrolytes with some zinc and vitamin C thrown in. That said, when we had Ultima tested by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, she only gave it a 3 out of 5 for formulation. 

Though the number of electrolytes is present, the total amount of them is lackluster, especially when it comes to sodium. There are only 55 milligrams of sodium in each packet, which frankly isn’t going to move the needle on anyone who sweats with even moderate heaviness when it comes to repletion. 

Even so, Amanda gave it a 4 out of 5 for taste after trying the variety pack of Ultima. “With the exception of Grape, I enjoyed all of them,” Amanda told us. “To be fair, though, I’m notoriously not a fan of things that are grape-flavored because it never tastes like grapes!” She also has a warning about the strength of the flavor. 

“The flavor is still so strong even if you mix it with 16 ounces of water like the instructions say, so I used 20-24 ounces.” Speaking of mixing, she had these comments about solubility: “You’ll definitely need a frother (my preferred method) or a bottle you can shake up—this stuff will not just mix with a spoon.” Given this, we gave it a 3 out of 5 for solubility. 

RELATED: Best Sugar-Free Protein Powder

Best Budget Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powder: Propel Powder Packets

Good for: Individuals on a budget who only need light rehydration

Best Budget

Propel Electrolyte Water Beverage Mix

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Boxes of individual powder packs available in 7 flavors
• Flavors: Berry, grape, kiwi strawberry, raspberry lemonade, black cherry, watermelon
• Provides electrolytes, vitamin B5, B6, B3, C, and E
• Formulated to replenish electrolytes lost in sweat
• Made with 0 sugar

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Convenient individual packs
• Variety of flavors
• Sugar-free
• Most users appreciate the taste

Cons

• Contains sucralose
• May cause digestive issues

Bottom Line

Propel Electrolyte Water Beverage Mix of individual powder packs are available in seven flavors described by users as refreshing, sweet, and tasty. Formulated with essential electrolytes and vitamins B5, B6, B3, C, and E, these mixes are formulated to help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. While they do not contain sugar, they do have sucralose and artificial sweeteners which may cause stomach issues for some users.

You probably have seen bottles of Propel at least somewhere if you spend a lot of time in spaces with active people. Propel is a product that’s actually owned by Gatorade. However, Propel differs from Gatorade in that it is an electrolyte drink that does not contain sugar and has antioxidants added.

Now, we have to say that the Gatorade company uses the word “antioxidants” very generously here. This is due to the fact that Propel has been fortified with vitamin C, which is technically an antioxidant, but it is not of the type we normally associate with fruits and vegetables.

As far as the rest of the formulation? “You get what you pay for,” says GGR editorial team member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, who was our tester for Propel Powder Packets. Though we crowned this one the best budget electrolyte drink, the formulation is, well, reflective of the price, as Kate points out. 

There are barely 300 milligrams of total electrolytes. Though there’s not really a standard of how many electrolytes someone needs for rehydration since every person varies, most sports drinks have two to three times this amount of electrolytes. Propel’s biggest transgression, though, is probably its use of artificial sweeteners and superfluous carbohydrates like modified food starch and maltodextrin. 

RELATED: Pedialyte Sport Drink Review

That said, Kate says Propel has a great taste when mixed with plain water. “Not salty at all, very sweet,” Kate recalls. “You get more strawberry than kiwi from the kiwi strawberry, but I enjoyed it. That said, the raspberry lemonade tastes just like it’s described, so it was my favorite. As far as the grape, it literally just tastes like purple.”

She did say that Propel “completely dissolves” when you mix it, so we gave it a 5 out of 5 for solubility. You can’t buy Propel directly from their website, so Amazon is likely the best place to pick it up. Just know that it’s only available in a variety pack on Amazon, so be prepared to give all of the flavors a whirl. 

Other Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powders We Researched

• DripDrop Zero-Sugar Electrolyte Powder: GGR Senior Staff Writer and certified personal trainer Lauren Strong enjoyed the taste of the regular version, but we haven’t had a chance to test the sugar-free varieties yet.
• BioSteel Hydration Mix: Our tester, Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC, loved the taste of the blue raspberry flavor, but we left it off the list because it’s pricey and is lower in electrolytes than some other options we tried.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powders

There is no shortage of sugar-free electrolyte supplements on the market. However, we have our own standards for including them on our list of the best of the best. Here are some key things we focused on:

Flavor

The thing about a hydration mix is…it’s gonna have some salt, y’all. Sodium and chloride are both important electrolytes for hydration, but they also make up the compound we know as salt which is something that tastes notoriously yucky in a beverage. The problem for our list in particular is that the salty taste is usually hidden by sugar in beverages like Gatorade and Powerade.

RELATED: Best Sports Drinks

However, when you’re looking for a sugar-free way to keep muscle cramps at bay, you need to find a balance between zero-calorie sweeteners and avoiding a nasty aftertaste. So, we tried to stick to products that taste great but aren’t loaded with artificial ingredients to get them that way. 

Solubility

Having a hydration powder that actually mixes completely is important, as it can taste pretty gnarly if you get a sip of some of those salty floaters. It is also important to note that most people who use hydrating packets only have a water bottle at their disposal, not a shaker bottle, and for this reason good solubility is a key feature for an electrolyte drink mix to have.

Lack of Artificial Sweeteners

Not to say that all of the brands on our list are free of artificial colors or artificial ingredients, but naturally sweetened drinks are preferable when choosing a sugar-free supplement. Though recent research has debunked the previously held belief that artificial sweeteners cause cancer, the jury is still out⁶ on whether or not excessive consumption can be detrimental to health.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout Without Sucralose 

So, for those who are still skeptical, it’s probably best to avoid zero-calorie beverages that have been sweetened with compounds like aspartame or sucralose. This is especially true if you’ll be needing some assistance with your fluid balance frequently. 

Benefits of Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powders

Now, do you really need all of this stuff anyway? Well, as a registered dietitian who has worked with athletes for almost eight years now, I have to say that electrolyte powders and I were nearly attached at the hip when I worked with any outdoor sports. Here’s why.

Great for Rehydration and Preventing Muscle Cramps

Fluid balance is maintained through electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, which work as conductors for the electrical impulses (hence the name) that cause muscle contractions. Thus, electrolyte imbalance often results in muscle cramps and weakness⁷ since the muscles are unable to contract properly.

So, if you’re wondering why a registered dietitian would encourage you to consume more sodium even though you’ve been told since high school health class to watch out for the stuff, this is the reason why. Sodium is lost in sweat and must be replaced to avoid the aforementioned electrolyte imbalance. Chloride, the other portion of salt and the most abundant electrolyte in your blood after sodium, is also important for helping your body to retain the water⁸ you drink. 

Most of us already know that staying hydrated promotes better athletic performance, it’s not just about avoiding cramps. Studies show that losing as little as 2% of your body weight⁹ from water results in a significant decrease in power and strength during exercise. 

In terms of performance, phosphorus (or phosphate) is an electrolyte that more directly helps. Studies have shown that it helps the body produce ATP at a faster rate¹⁰, using a similar mechanism as creatine.  

RELATED: How to Find the Best Creatine

Useful for Those With Diabetes

There is a phenomenon called “diabetes thirst” that refers to the seemingly endless thirst those with consistently high blood glucose experience. With diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin at the rate it should to clear the blood sugar from the bloodstream. 

When this happens, the blood becomes “thick” and needs to be diluted with more fluid to flow properly. However, no matter how much water you drink, the condition can still make hydration harder to achieve. Thus, some may turn to a hydration powder if the problem gets bad enough.

What’s great about sugar-free electrolyte powders is that they don’t contain enough sugar to raise blood glucose high enough to make diabetes symptoms worse. However, check your ingredient list to make sure to avoid ones that contain caffeine. Caffeine can raise blood sugar¹¹ levels by triggering the release of glucose from the liver to give the body more energy. 

Better for Macro Management

Even if you’re not on a keto or low-carb diet, avoiding refined sugar is great for both health benefits and tracking macros. If you’re just trying to stay hydrated, wasting carb calories on electrolyte powder packets isn’t a super responsible move.

Especially when you can use those calories to eat healthy carbohydrates that actually have some nutrients like brown rice and oats rather than sugar water. While some amounts of sugar can actually benefit athletic performance, whether or not your individual level of activity warrants it would be up for a sports dietitian to decide. Spoiler alert, though: most active individuals don’t need it.

Dosing and Interactions 

As we always preach here at GGR, more is not always better when it comes to supplements. However, with electrolyte supplements, this is doubly true. That’s because too many electrolytes can be deadly if they result in hypernatremia or hyperkalemia, which are both conditions in which too much sodium or potassium is consumed. 

If this becomes severe enough, it can cause seizures, coma, and even death. So, please use these products as directed and in moderation. Similarly, you want to make sure they are diluted properly, as too much sodium in the gut can lead to diarrhea as it pulls more water into the GI tract. 

Those who are allergic to tree nuts should be very vigilant with electrolyte powders as many use coconut water or coconut water powder as their potassium source. Finally, those with high blood pressure or kidney disease should not use electrolyte supplements as these compounds can worsen these conditions. Talk to your doctor if you take any prescription medications or have any other chronic diseases before taking any supplements like electrolytes. 

Third-Party Testing

When it comes to electrolyte powders that are third-party tested, there are only a handful of brands that have certification under NSF for Sport or Informed Choice. The reason for this isn’t totally known, but balancing the cost of third-party testing with making individually packaged electrolytes is likely a big factor. 

Thus, though we always recommend getting third-party-tested dietary supplements whenever possible, you will likely need to be more flexible with your preferences when shopping around for an electrolyte powder. Just make sure you’re reading your ingredient list.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powders

There are so many different brands, types, and sizes of electrolytes out there today, ranging from powdered tubs to premixed sports drinks. Tread lightly, though, as some of them are downright a waste of your money. Here are some things we recommend to look out for:

Price

Depending on what sport you participate in or what kind of other physical activity you do, your need for electrolytes could vary. Hydration status also heavily depends on how much you individually sweat, how hot your local climate is, if you exercise outside or whether or not you live at a high altitude. 

In any case, you’ll want to gauge how often you plan to use electrolyte supplements so you can anticipate how much you’ll be spending on them. Thus, try to calculate and compare price per serving as you shop around. 

Contains Key Electrolytes

Electrolyte drinks can be tricky, so it’s important to know that the brand you go with has all of the right electrolytes. Even the most popular brands lack key electrolytes, with Body Armor and coconut water being some that many a registered dietitian has smacked out of the hands of athletes for having plenty of potassium, but no sodium.

Sodium is the key electrolyte. Not only is it the one that makes up most of what we lose in sweat, but it’s also one that is responsible for efficient muscle contractions. If you aren’t replacing sodium losses, you can drink all the potassium you want, but you still could be at risk of muscle cramps and missing out on proper fluid balance.

RELATED: Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets Review

So, make sure your hydration mix contains primarily both sodium and potassium, with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus also being important, but less so. Most importantly, though, remember that sodium is the one that is lost in the highest quantity. So, if the brand you’re looking at has tons of potassium, but little to no sodium, it’s not going to be much good to you. 

Tub vs Individual Packets

The container you choose for your electrolytes may seem immaterial, but it’s important to nail down. Single-serving packets are nearly always more expensive than those sold in a tub. So, if you’re not a person who is consistently on the go, it would serve you better to go with a tub. 

Conversely, single-serving packets are like bread and butter for endurance athletes who can’t afford to lose precious seconds to stop to find a spoon and glass to mix a fruity powder with their water. So in cases like this, it may be worth paying a little extra to fit your needs. 

FAQs About Sugar-Free Electrolyte Powders

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Ghusn, W., Naik, R., & Yibirin, M. (2023). The Impact of Artificial Sweeteners on Human Health and Cancer Association: A Comprehensive Clinical Review. Cureus, 15(12), e51299. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.51299
2. Prakash, I., Markosyan, A., & Bunders, C. (2014). Development of Next Generation Stevia Sweetener: Rebaudioside M. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 3(1), 162–175. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods3010162
3. Jakaria, M., Azam, S., Haque, M. E., Jo, S. H., Uddin, M. S., Kim, I. S., & Choi, D. K. (2019). Taurine and its analogs in neurological disorders: Focus on therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms. Redox Biology, 24, 101223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2019.101223
4. Xia, Y., Cheng, Q., Mu, W., Hu, X., Sun, Z., Qiu, Y., Liu, X., & Wang, Z. (2021). Research Advances of d-allulose: An Overview of Physiological Functions, Enzymatic Biotransformation Technologies, and Production Processes. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 10(9), 2186. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10092186
5. Tai, C. Y., Joy, J. M., Falcone, P. H., Carson, L. R., Mosman, M. M., Straight, J. L., Oury, S. L., Mendez, C., Jr, Loveridge, N. J., Kim, M. P., & Moon, J. R. (2014). An amino acid-electrolyte beverage may increase cellular rehydration relative to carbohydrate-electrolyte and flavored water beverages. Nutrition journal, 13, 47. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-47
6. Yan, S., Yan, F., Liu, L., Li, B., Liu, S., & Cui, W. (2022). Can Artificial Sweeteners Increase the Risk of Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Evidence from Prospective Studies. Nutrients, 14(18), 3742. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183742
7. Sweeney, H. L., & Hammers, D. W. (2018). Muscle Contraction. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 10(2), a023200. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a023200
8. Berend, K., van Hulsteijn, L. H., & Gans, R. O. (2012). Chloride: the queen of electrolytes?. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 23(3), 203–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2011.11.013
9. Liska, D., Mah, E., Brisbois, T., Barrios, P. L., Baker, L. B., & Spriet, L. L. (2019). Narrative Review of Hydration and Selected Health Outcomes in the General Population. Nutrients, 11(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010070
10. Allen, D. G., & Trajanovska, S. (2012). The multiple roles of phosphate in muscle fatigue. Frontiers in Physiology, 3, 463. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2012.00463
11. Khan, R. N., Saba, F., Kausar, S. F., & Siddiqui, M. H. (2019). Pattern of electrolyte imbalance in Type 2 diabetes patients: Experience from a tertiary care hospital. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 35(3), 797–801. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.844

The best part of an inflatable cold plunge is that you’ll still get all the same cold exposure benefits, but in a lightweight and portable package. If you’re ready to take the plunge, read on. 

Best Inflatable Cold Plunge

• Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Overall: Sun Home Cold Plunge
• Best Inflatable Cold Plunge for Outdoors: Plunge Air
• Best Lightweight Inflatable Cold Plunge: Hydragun Supertub
• Best Inflatable Cold Plunge for Small Spaces: Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub
• Best Portable Inflatable Cold Plunge: Tru Grit Cold Tub

Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Overall: Sun Home Cold Plunge

Good for: Folks who want the best cold water therapy inflatable option on the market  

Best Overall

Sun Home Cold Plunge

GGR Score: 4.24

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Product Highlights

• Inflatable tub
• Can be used as a cold or hot tub
• Easy setup process
• Durable construction

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Goes from 37.5 to 104 degrees
• Inflatable tub is lightweight and portable
• Feels durable
• Controllable with an app

Cons

• Expensive
• Only fits one person
• External chiller is heavy
• Requires power outlet

Bottom Line

The Sun Home Cold Plunge was described by our expert product testers as "the most durable inflatable tub" they've seen. It can be used with hot or cold water and sets up easily.

The inflatable cold plunge tub from Sun Home Saunas is our top pick for the best inflatable cold tub. It’s lightweight, durable, and it’s made from a high-quality, military-grade drop-stitch material. That means the tub will hold its shape and you can lean back into the side walls while you’re submersed in cold water. 

For this reason, the Sun Home Cold Plunge earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for both construction and durability. “It doesn’t budge when you’re getting in and out of the tub either,” says Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, and GGR expert tester. 

Lindsay also appreciates the roomy 76-inch-long tub and gave the Sun Home Cold Plunge a 5-star rating for ergonomics because she had plenty of room to stretch out. “The website says people up to 6 feet and 8 inches tall can fit in this tub, which I totally believe. This would be a great option for heavier people, too. And you may even be able to get two smaller people in there together,” says Lindsay.   

You’ll have all the high-end amenities like WiFi connectivity for wireless temperature control, advanced filtration and circulation, and an energy efficient chiller. Plus, the Sun Home Cold Plunge can cool and heat water, which means this doubles as a mini hot tub. Your cold plunge experience just got a lot better. 

For more details on Linday’s experience, check out our Sun Home Cold Plunge review. We’ve also tested the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro, which offers an ultra-luxe, spa-like experience for about double the price. 

Best Inflatable Cold Plunge for Outdoors: Plunge Air

Good for: Anyone interested in The Plunge brand, but wants a portable cold plunge option 

Best for Outdoors

Plunge Air

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Lightweight, portable cold plunge
• Indoor and outdoor use
• Horizontal, inflatable design
• Purchase includes inflatable all-weather cover, matching ground cover, repair kit, manual air pump and custom backpack
• Compatible with Evolve Pro Chiller
• 1-year warranty

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Portable
• Lightweight
• Compatible with chiller
• Great for small spaces

Cons

• 1-year warranty
• May be small for larger individuals

Bottom Line

The Plunge Air is part of Plunge's new Evolve series and it aims to make cold plunging more accessible. This plunge is inflatable and portable, and compatible with a chiller.

You may be familiar with Plunge because it was one of the first companies to splash onto the cold plunge scene. Our Plunge review, featuring the OG acrylic tub, was one of the first cold plunges we tested and reviewed. The Plunge Air is ideal for outdoor use with its heavy-duty nylon and PVC fabric liner, insulated cover, and easy inflation process. 

The Plunge Air is a full-size tub that can hold 105 gallons of water and can get down to 39 degrees Fahrenheit. But here’s the part we really appreciate about this cold tub: there are three buying options, all with different price points. 

You can purchase Plunge Air without a chiller (which means you’ll use your own ice), with a chiller that only controls cold water, or a chiller that can create both hot and cold water temperatures. We tested the non-chiller option. 

You’ll also get all the standard sanitation system equipment you get with The Plunge, which includes a 20 Micron Filter and ozone sanitation. 

GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis says the Plunge Air is super durable. She was able to lean on the sides getting in and out, but did notice some slight warping on the edge in the middle of the tub. For this reason, she gives a 4 out of 5 stars to both the durability and the construction of the Plunge Air. 

However, Nicole and our other experts note that even with slight warping, this tub doesn’t require periodical re-inflating like some of the other cold plunges we’ve tested. Our team also noticed during the initial assembly that the hoses, chiller, and other components were higher quality and more durable than other tubs.

Best Lightweight Inflatable Cold Plunge: Hydragun Supertub

Good for: Folks who want a high-quality inflatable tub that’s light and easy to pack 

Best Lightweight

Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge

GGR Score: 4.19

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Product Highlights

• 60-gallon cold plunge tub
• Choice of 0.6- or 0.8-horsepower chiller
• 52” L x 28” W x 24” H
• Temperature range of 37-108 degrees Fahrenheit

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Portable
• Less expensive than other cold plunge tubs
• Choice of chiller
• Can be used as cold or hot tub
• Durable military-grade vinyl

Cons

• Chiller is noisy
• $400 flat-rate shipping
• Might be too small for taller or larger people

Bottom Line

The Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge comes in two different size chillers—0.6 or 0.8 horsepower. If you’re in a more moderate climate, you won’t need the larger chiller. This inflatable cold tub is constructed of military-grade vinyl material and holds its shape well.

The Hydragun Supertub is one of our favorite cold plunges because it’s lightweight, easy to use, and has a chiller that can both heat and cool. At 21 pounds, this is one of the lightest inflatable cold plunge pools we’ve tested. It comes with a carrying case and can easily be drained, deflated, and rolled into its bag for on-the-go muscle recovery. 

The chiller weight will have some heft to it at either 68 pounds (for the 0.6 horsepower motor) or 82 pounds for the (0.8 horsepower motor). However, with either choice your chiller will come equipped with transport wheels. 

The brand offers two motor sizes to accommodate different uses and climates. If you use the Supertub indoors (or outdoors in a moderate climate) the smaller 0.6-horsepower chiller is all you need. However, the bigger motor may work better for more extreme climates or full-time outdoor use. 

GGR expert tester Lindsay Scheele suggests the Hydragun Supertub for outdoor use based on her experience with the noise of the chiller. “While this may be a minor detail, the chiller runs louder than most other tubs I’ve tested. If you’re sensitive to sound, it could be annoying to hear running inside your garage,” says Lindsay. 

Noise aside, Lindsay thinks the Hydragun Supertub is durable and appreciates that she could put her weight on the edge without it bowing or moving. She gave the tub a 4.5-star rating for durability. It’s made from military-grade marine vinyl and has a 60-gallon water capacity. 

Lindsay shared more thoughts in our Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge review. 

Best Inflatable Cold Plunge for Small Spaces: Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub

Good for: Folks who need a smaller cold plunge footprint with an inflatable design 

Best for Small Spaces

Inergize Cold And Hot Plunge Tub

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Inflatable cold plunge tub
• Filtration system and chiller
• App for temperature control
• Set temperature from 37 to 105 degrees

Pros & Cons

Pros

• App control for temperature
• Portable and packable
• Replace water every 3-6 months

Cons

• Expensive
• Tub inflates with hand pump
• Over a 4-week lead time for shipment

Bottom Line

The Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub allows you to regulate the water temperature with the touch of your phone. You can prepare the water for hot or cold therapy modalities depending on your needs. The inflatable tank is portable and comes with a duffle bag for packing up and bringing with you. The tank has a 60- to 70-gallon water capacity and you can choose your temperature between 37 to 105 degrees.

If you have a small backyard or garage, we think you’ll appreciate the Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge tub for small spaces. It’s certainly not as compact as a vertical plunge (like one we tested for The Ice Barrel 400 review) but it’s only 51 inches long and 28 inches wide. It’s also fairly tall at 30 inches, which means more of your body will be underwater. 

CPT, CNC, and product expert Lindsay Scheele says her 5-foot, 4-inch frame was comfortable with her legs bent, but recognizes it may not be the best option for tall or heavy individuals. For ergonomics, she scored the Inergize tub 3.5 out of 5 stars.

One of Lindsay’s favorite features was the temperature control. “You can control the temperature on the chiller itself or connect to your WiFi network so you can control it remotely on the app,” says Lindsay. 

This tub can chill water down to 37 degrees and heat it up to 105 degrees. This range offers a ton of versatility to your recovery routine. When going from cold to hot (or vice versa) you’ll need some patience as Lindsay noticed the temperature, on average, takes about an hour to change 8 to 10 degrees. 

We have more details about our experience (plus notes on cleaning, draining, and maintenance) in our Inergize Cold Plunge Tub review. 

Best Portable Inflatable Cold Plunge: Tru Grit Cold Tub

Good for: Folks seeking the most portability in a cold plunge tub 

Best Portable

Tru Grit Inflatable Ice Bath

GGR Score: 4.0

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Product Highlights

• Inflatable ice bath tub with designated fill and drain ports
• Industrial-grade stitched chassis with PVC shell
• 60” L x 30” W x 24” H exterior dimensions
• Interior size of 52.5” L x 24.5” W x 23.5” H
• Dry weight of 38 lbs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Affordable
• Holds its shape well
• Optional chiller

Cons

• No extra features or conveniences
• Can’t drain tub entirely with drain port

Bottom Line

For those looking for a lightweight, portable cold plunge tub that can be traveled with, the Tru Grit Inflatable Ice Bath is an excellent option. Weighing only 38 pounds, this tub can be deflated and rolled up into a simple backpack, allowing for easy travel. Although there aren’t too many extra features behind the tub, it’s affordable and portable, making it a great option for anyone on the move.

If you’re looking for a portable ice bath, look no further. The Tru Grit Cold Tub is designed for maximum ease-of-use for transporting from one place to another. The kit comes with a carry bag, tub cover, air pump, and repair kit (for potential punctures). 

It also comes with a Tru Grit Rubber Floor Mat (similar to some of the best home gym flooring) to help protect your floor and the integrity of the cold tub base.  

It’s also priced under $1,000 for the tub without a chiller, which means you’ll need your own ice.  With a chiller, it’s priced at $3,900. Without the chiller, it’s a much more portable tub, but keep in mind you won’t have temperature control or filtration. Foregoing filtration means you’ll need to drain and clean the tub every month. 

Frequent draining and cleaning may sound like a hassle, but we appreciate there are designated fill and drain ports. The drain port just has one little problem: It sits a few inches from the bottom of the tub. This is actually pretty typical of cold plunges, which leaves plungers having to tip over their tubs or use a wet vacuum to drain the remaining water. For cleaning and draining, this earns a 3.5-star rating. 

GGR Performance Editor, CPT, and CNC Anthony O’Reilly says he was comfortable in the 60-inch long tub and scored the ergonomics category 4 out of 5 stars. Anthony is 6 feet and 2 inches tall and about 220 pounds. He also thought the tub was durable and held its shape well, even when he pressed his body weight into the sides and put pressure on the edge from the top. We have more details on Anthony’s experience in our Tru Grit Cold Tub review. 

Other inflatable Cold Plunges We Researched

The Cold Pod: We’ve used this cold plunge tub and think it’s a worthy contender for anyone looking for an ultra-budget option sans chillers and filters. However, it’s not inflatable. This is designed more like a pop-up tent. 

Redwood Outdoors Yukon Tub: This inflatable cold plunge tub did not make it on this roundup for two reasons. First, it’s soon to be discontinued. Second, this tub doesn’t hold its shape unless you drain the water out every 48 hours. That means the tub literally buckles in the middle if you don’t fully drain it after a day or two. 

How We Picked and Tested the Best Cold Plunge Tub

You can rest assured that our experts at GGR make tons of considerations while assessing, scoring, and ultimately recommending any piece of home gym equipment or recovery product. Each product tester is tasked with using our in-depth testing methodology to score a variety of categories on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Here are some factors we used to score cold plunge tubs: 

• Footprint and volume: High scores were given to cold plunges which had the balance of compact footprints and high water capacity. 
• Delivery and setup: A brand earned higher scores if delivery was fast and reliable in addition to the inflatable set-up process being quick and easy. 
• Durability and construction: Low scores in this category meant that an inflatable cold plunge tub didn’t hold its shape, couldn’t support weight on the edges, or was constructed from flimsy materials. 
• Ergonomics: Our testers looked for spacious cold plunge tubs with enough room to sit comfortably without being constricted.  
• Additional conveniences: Low scores were reserved for inflatable tubs without additional conveniences like chillers, filtration, or temperature regulation apps. 
• Price and value: Testers used market value and all the additional features that come with most cold plunges (like chillers, pumps, and filtrations systems) to score the overall price and value of each cold plunge tub. 

Benefits of Cold Plunging

If you’re considering adding a cold plunge tub to your recovery routine, you may already be familiar with some cold plunge benefits. Plus, an inflatable cold plunge is portable. Going to the beach for the weekend? You can pack it up and bring it with you. 

Inflatable Tubs Are Budget-Friendly

An inflatable cold plunge tub is typically less expensive than traditional ceramic tubs or hard plastic baths. It also weighs less, which means you’ll spend less in shipping fees and it won’t require professional assembly. 

Immune System Support

Persistent cold water exposure paired with therapeutic breathing techniques (like the Wim Hof method) may help to activate the sympathetic nervous system to help your body naturally fight infections and inflammation. A 2014 study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America¹ notes that these findings may suggest future treatment for folks with chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Mental Health Benefits 

Many internet influencers and celebrities boast about mental toughness and mental clarity after a cold plunge session. While it may sound a bit hokey, there is something to be said for it. Because cold water exposure can activate the sympathetic nervous system, one study found that regular cold plunges improve perception of mental health². Participants used a cold plunge once a week for four weeks and reported reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. 

Potential to Reduce Inflammation 

In a randomized control trial published by the European Journal of Applied Psychology³,  researchers found that a group of well-trained cyclists perceived less leg soreness after cold water immersion therapy. 

We also spoke to Dr. Michael Masi, doctor of physical therapy and strength coach, about cold plunges as related to muscle soreness and recovery. Dr. Masi says, “Inflammation is a natural response to activity that aids muscle growth. This natural process could be stunted with cold therapy.

“In reality, cold water immersion is more effective for athletes trying to recover quickly. For example, a pitcher trying to recover between games during a baseball double-header may have better results than the average person trying to build muscle with weight training a few times per week,” says Dr. Masi. 

Buying Guide for the Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tubs

After extensive research and hands-on experience with cold plunge tubs of all shapes and sizes, here are the main things we think you should consider before clicking add to cart: 

Size and Capacity 

Like any large piece of home gym equipment, measure your space before you buy. We even recommend using painters tape to block out the footprint and see how it will fit into your space. 

Along those lines, you’ll also want to consider your height and the height and weight of the folks who plan to use your cold plunge tub. Some brands offer extra-long tubs for tall folks. 

Filling, Draining, and Maintenance

OK folks, this may sound like a no-brainer but here it goes: Will your preferred location for your cold tub be easy to fill with water and drain? Sure, an inflatable cold plunge is portable, but not when it’s filled with water. 

Let’s say you’re going to put it in the garage—filling may be easy with a garden hose, but what does draining look like? Will it be draining onto the concrete floors or near electrical outlets? 

Plus, if your cold plunge tub does not come with a water chiller and filtration system, you may need to drain your inflatable tub frequently. 

Customer Reviews

We think customer reviews are important to read (especially on third-party retailer sites like Amazon and Best Buy). While customer reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, common uses and themes that concern you may raise some flags during your comparison shopping. 

Best Inflatable Cold Plunge: FAQs

References

1. Kox, M., van Eijk, L. T., Zwaag, J., van den Wildenberg, J., Sweep, F. C., van der Hoeven, J. G., & Pickkers, P. (2014). Voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response in humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 111(20), 7379–7384. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1322174111
2. Srámek, P., Simecková, M., Janský, L., Savlíková, J., & Vybíral, S. (2000). Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures. European journal of applied physiology, 81(5), 436–442. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050065 
3. Stanley, J., Buchheit, M., & Peake, J. M. (2012). The effect of post-exercise hydrotherapy on subsequent exercise performance and heart rate variability. European journal of applied physiology, 112(3), 951–961. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2052-7
4. Williamson, L. (2023, May 9). You’re not a polar bear: The plunge into cold water comes with risks. www.heart.org.

This guide doesn’t dive into essential oils and healing chakra crystals, but we will offer some ideas that may make yoga sessions better and muscle recovery faster. This guide of thoughtful gift ideas is for anyone who uses yoga to reap either the physical or mental wellbeing benefits of yoga. 

Let’s get started. 

Gift ideas for yoga lovers, mobility enthusiasts, and tech-savvy yogis. We’ve got supplement suggestions, too!

Gifts Under 50

Under $20

Gaiam Yoga Blocks

While not necessary, yoga blocks are nice to add to any yogi’s toolbox. Depending on the person and the pose, yoga blocks can make a pose more challenging, more comfortable to stay in longer, or more accessible. For under $20, it’s a versatile yoga gift for both beginners and experienced yogis. 

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Under $20

Bombas Gripper Ankle Sock

Bombas socks make an excellent gift with soft cushioning and supportive compression in every pair. These Bombas socks come equipped with silicone grippers on the bottom, making them ideal yoga socks for anyone who wants to practice with a little cushion underfoot. 

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Under $20

AmazonBasics High Density Foam Roller

Yoga enthusiasts may have a love-hate relationship with the foam roller, but it’s part of muscle recovery and self-care. This high-density foam roller is sure to ease sore muscles from extended and challenging asanas (yoga poses). Choose from four different foam roller lengths, all priced under $20. 

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Under $20

Buff CoolNet UV Headband

Buff headbands are excellent for wicking sweat away from the hairline and keeping the face dry, which is helpful for hot yoga. It’s also an excellent gift for anyone who does outdoor yoga because this headband has UPF-50 protection against UV rays. 

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Under $50

Ice Shaker

This heavy-duty stainless steel shaker cup can handle cold or hot drinks and perfectly blends any protein powder, creatine, or other wellness supplement. It’s sweat proof, which makes it ideal for leaving near your mat and sipping between poses during yoga class. 

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Under $30 

Bodylastics Resistance Bands

These bands are the perfect gift for yoga lovers who have a versatile training approach. These resistance bands are good for stretching, mobility, and strength training. Plus, you can score a set for under $30 on Amazon. 

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Best Yoga Accessory Gifts

Best Yoga Mat

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

This Manduka yoga mat may be the last yoga mat your gift recipient ever needs. It has a 10-year lifetime guarantee and is constructed from a thick, durable, and ultra-dense PVC material. Plus, it comes in more than a dozen fun colors. 

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Best Non-Slip Yoga Mat

b, halfmoon b, mat Everyday 4mm

This is our top pick for extra stability during yoga sessions. If you know someone who has been slipping around on their mat, give them this yoga mat for the most locked to the ground feel they’ve ever experienced. 

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Best Yoga Bolster  

Gaiam Yoga Bolster

A yoga bolster is a great gift for the slower-paced yogis or anyone who takes a few additional minutes in the savasana pose. Who doesn’t want to feel extra chill? A yoga bolster can double as a meditation cushion, too. 

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Best Yoga Towel

Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Towel

The Manduka yoga towel makes an excellent gift for the hot yoga enthusiast or your yoga friend who perspires a lot. This towel goes right over your yoga mat, absorbs every drip of sweat, and is machine washable. Trust us, they’ll appreciate this towel. 

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Best Yoga Pants

Lululemon Wunder Leggings

The Wunder Leggings from lululemon are the best of both worlds: They offer medium compression and buttery soft fabric. They are breathable, don’t roll down at the waistband, and come in a ton of colors. Our testers say these leggings are super durable and worth every penny. 

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Best Shorts for Men

Ten Thousand Interval Short

These shorts are our top pick for general fitness because they are sweat-wicking with a four-way stretch, which also makes them ideal for yoga. You can opt to purchase these shorts with a built-in liner or go without. You’ll also have a handful of colors to choose from.  

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Best Recovery Gifts

Best Budget Recovery Shoes

Crocs Mellow Recovery Clog

The Crocs Mellow Recovery Clogs are a budget-friendly option for a cloud-like, slip-on, post-yoga shoe. Your yogi friends will enjoy these super-cushioned clogs, which are designed to ease sore and aching feet. 

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Best Acupressure Mat

CXCTCT XL Yoga Acupressure Mat Set

This was our No. 1 choice for acupressure mats for both performance and value. Our testers enjoyed the increase in blood flow, reduction in muscle pain, and general feelings of mindfulness during acupressure sessions. Yoga enthusiasts will 100% enjoy this gift. 

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Best Muscle Pain Cream

Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment

Tiger Balm is a classic choice when looking for muscle relief from yoga or any other form of exercise. The blend of cassia oil (cinnamon) and menthol creates harmony of warming and cooling sensations for the ultimate self-care item for muscle pain relief. 

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Best Muscle Soak

Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Wellness Therapy

Epsom salt is a perfect gift for yoga teachers, yoga enthusiasts, or mobility aficionados. This one is infused with rosemary and mint to enhance muscle recovery with the added benefit of aromatherapy. Lay back, grab an eye pillow, and enjoy how the muscles feel after soaking in epsom salt.  

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Best Red Light Therapy Devices 

NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad 

This portable red light therapy device is ideal for yoga lovers dealing with chronic pain or nagging injuries. The medical grade red light therapy can potentially boost cell production and repair tissues. 

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Best Massage Gun

Theragun Prime

The Theragun Prime is the pinnacle of massage guns because of its power. It can provide 16mm of impact to muscles for the ultimate muscle recovery experience. Yogis with sore muscles will be back on their mat in no time.

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Best Technology Gifts

Best Yoga App

Down Dog

This ultra-customizable yoga app allows you to be in control of your yoga practice with preferences and yoga sessions with certain muscle focus or asana practice. You’ll also have the ability to view a pose list and view past yoga sessions. Our experts highly recommend this budget-friendly monthly subscription app. 

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Best Budget Tracker

Fitbit Inspire 3 

Our experts love the Fitbit Inspire 3 for its price and ease of use. It has a slim and sleek design and is comfortable to wear. It tracks everything you need (like automatic workout detection, steps, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels) without feeling an overwhelming connection to your smartphone. 

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Best Fitness Tracker Ring 

Oura Ring

The Oura Ring is a small but mighty fitness tracker wearable on one finger. It doesn’t have a screen, but it syncs to your smartphone to update stats like body temperature, calories, steps, blood oxygen, heart rate, HRV, and sleep data. An excellent gift for the high-tech yogi in your life. 

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Best Supplement Gifts

Best Mushrooma Coffee

Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee

For a yoga lover who may not be a morning person, gift them with Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee. The brand blends both coffee beans and mushrooms like lion’s mane and chaga into its formula. There are ground and instant coffee options, different levels of caffeine, and flavor options to satisfy all taste palates. 

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Best Whey Protein 

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isoalate

If your yogi friend appreciates the finer things in life, it’s time to introduce them to Transparent Labs whey protein. Its formula is third-party tested and is packed with 28 grams of grass-fed whey protein per serving. Plus, you’ll have over a dozen delicious flavors to choose from. 

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Best Creatine

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine can help yoga enthusiasts build muscle and power, and promote faster recovery. Creatine may even help support cognition and bone health. Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate is an excellent option because it’s affordable and comes in a variety of flavors (including unflavored). 

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Best Plant Protein

KOS Organic Plant Protein

For plant-based eaters, gift them with a delicious protein powder to help fuel muscle growth and recovery. We named this KOS protein the best-tasting plant-based protein, so we know your yogi will be totally satisfied. And you can trust us because we’ve tested dozens of protein powders! 

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Best Protein Bar

Legion Athletics Protein Bars

These Legion protein bars are packed with 20 grams of protein and free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and food dyes. These high-protein bars are also light on sweeteners with only 3 grams of added sugar. Enjoy them in four different flavors including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (yum!). 

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Best Protein Treat

Onnit Protein Bites

The yogis in your life will be delighted you introduced them to Onnit Protein Bites. These are low in sugar, high in fiber, gluten-free, and packed with 9 grams of protein. Plus, all five flavors taste amazing and feature a chocolate-dipped chewy coating. 

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Other Gift Ideas for Yoga Lovers

If your yoga-loving friend or family member also enjoys strength training and cardio exercise, you can consider even more types of fitness gifts. We have more exercise-related gift ideas below including supplements and apparel. 

Additionally, you could consider reaching out to a local yoga studio to see if gift cards are available or the ability to coordinate a private session led by a certified yoga instructor. 

What to Look for in Gifts for Yoga Lovers

When you’re shopping for the yoga lover in your life, here are some things we think you should consider: 

Create a Budget

It’s easy to get carried away when shopping for health and fitness gifts. Trust us, because we’ve tested (and admittedly loved) yoga mats priced over $100. But, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to let people know you care. Hence why we hand-selected a range of gifts priced under $50 including foam rollers, resistance bands, headbands, and socks. Some of the supplements we picked are also budget-conscious. 

Yoga-Adjacent Equipment Gifts

If you know a yoga lover, you may want to straight up ask if they’re missing anything to make their yoga routine better. Yoga practice can often be done with little to no equipment, but some folks like to use yoga as a base of other forms of exercise by including dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and other accessories for strength. 

Dietary Restrictions

We think an edible gift is a solid option, but before you shop you may want to consider asking the gift recipient if they have any dietary restrictions. Common allergies and intolerances include gluten, milk, eggs, and nuts (which tend to show up in protein powders, bars, and cookies). You’ll also want to consider if you’re buying for a plant-based eater or not. 

Apparel Gifts

Yoga lovers aren’t going to turn down a new pair of leggings, shorts, tops, socks, or sports bras. Materials that are workout-friendly (like synthetic or wool blends that wick sweat) are favorable, although cotton works just fine, too. Clothing for yoga shouldn’t compress too much or require  the wearer to adjust the waistline or hems.  

Gifts for Yoga Lovers: FAQs