Best Overall
FR Score 9.2 out of 10, Exceptional
Optimum NutritionCreatine
Micronized Creatine Powder
5 g micronized monohydrate per scoop, Informed Choice tested, about 23 cents a serving
4 videos
AmazonTikTok ShopBrand store
Shop by goal
Build Muscle & Strength
Protein, creatine and the gear that lets you keep adding load, at the gym or at home.
45 products · 9 categories
Muscle and strength come from training hard and consistently, adding resistance over time and eating enough protein. Products can make that easier: a protein powder or bar helps you hit a daily protein target, creatine is among the most researched supplements for strength training, and adjustable dumbbells or a bench let you keep progressing at home.
Start with our creatine guide, whey vs. plant protein and the adjustable dumbbells buying guide.
Top pick in each category
- Protein PowderOptimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% WheyFR Score 9.1 out of 10, Exceptional
- CreatineOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine PowderFR Score 9.2 out of 10, Exceptional
- BCAAs & EAAsThorne Amino ComplexFR Score 8.4 out of 10, Great
- Protein Bars & SnacksBarebells Protein BarFR Score 9.0 out of 10, Exceptional
- Dumbbells & KettlebellsPowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable DumbbellsFR Score 9.1 out of 10, Exceptional
- Resistance BandsWHATAFIT Resistance Bands with Handles (150 lb Set)FR Score 9.0 out of 10, Exceptional
- Benches & Home GymREP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 FID Adjustable BenchFR Score 9.2 out of 10, Exceptional
- Gym AccessoriesGymreapers Lifting Wrist StrapsFR Score 9.1 out of 10, Exceptional
- Training ShoesReebok Nano X5FR Score 8.9 out of 10, Excellent
Every product for this goal
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products
Best Overall
FR Score 9.1 out of 10, Exceptional
GymreapersGym Accessories
Lifting Wrist Straps
The $15 straps that turn grip failure into more back gains
4 videos
AmazonBrand store
Best Overall
FR Score 9.0 out of 10, Exceptional
WHATAFITResistance Bands
Resistance Bands with Handles (150 lb Set)
Five stackable tubes, handles and a door anchor: a full-body home gym for about $22.
3 videos
AmazonBrand store
Best Shaker Bottle
FR Score 9.0 out of 10, Exceptional
BlenderBottleGym Accessories
Classic V2 Shaker Bottle (28 oz)
The shaker almost everyone owns, upgraded with a rounded base and SpoutGuard lid
3 videos
AmazonBrand store
Best Budget
FR Score 8.8 out of 10, Excellent
NutricostCreatine
Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Micronized 5 g creatine for about 21 cents a serving, unflavored or flavored
5 videos
AmazonTikTok ShopBrand store
Best Value
FR Score 8.8 out of 10, Excellent
Quest NutritionProtein Bars & Snacks
Protein Bar
The high-fiber, low-sugar classic: 21 g of protein and one of the best prices per gram.
4 videos
AmazonBrand store
Best Budget Power Rack
FR Score 8.5 out of 10, Excellent
SPORTSROYALSBenches & Home Gym
RK2 Power Rack with Lat Pulldown
Power cage, lat pulldown and low row in one budget rack loaded with attachments.
3 videos
AmazonBrand store
Best Budget Lifting Belt
FR Score 8.5 out of 10, Excellent
Dark Iron FitnessGym Accessories
Genuine Leather Weightlifting Belt (4-Inch)
A 4-inch genuine leather belt with a double-prong buckle for about $54
3 videos
Amazon
Best Budget
FR Score 8.4 out of 10, Great
Fit SimplifyResistance Bands
Resistance Loop Exercise Bands (Set of 5)
Go-to mini loop bands: five levels, a carry bag and a guide for about $10.
3 videos
AmazonBrand store
Best Budget Bench
FR Score 8.4 out of 10, Great
FLYBIRDBenches & Home Gym
WB5 Adjustable Weight Bench
A go-to budget folding FID bench: 800-lb rated and about $150.
4 videos
AmazonBrand store
Best BCAA
FR Score 8.3 out of 10, Great
XtendBCAAs & EAAs
Original BCAA Powder
The classic BCAA drink: 7 g BCAAs, 2.5 g glutamine, and electrolytes with zero sugar.
4 videos
AmazonBrand store
Best Fabric Booty Bands
FR Score 8.3 out of 10, Great
WALITOResistance Bands
Fabric Resistance Bands (3-Pack)
Non-slip fabric hip bands that won't roll, pinch or snap mid-squat.
3 videos
Amazon
Best Budget
FR Score 8.2 out of 10, Great
NutricostProtein Powder
Whey Protein Concentrate
No-frills 25 g whey concentrate that reviewers name their budget pick
4 videos
AmazonTikTok ShopBrand store
Best Doorway Pull-Up Bar
FR Score 8.1 out of 10, Great
Iron GymBenches & Home Gym
Total Upper Body Workout Bar
The no-drill doorway pull-up bar that doubles as a push-up and dip station.
3 videos
Amazon
Best Budget Barefoot
FR Score 8.1 out of 10, Great
WHITINTraining Shoes
W81 Minimalist Barefoot Sneaker
A favorite zero-drop, wide-toe barefoot sneaker for about $43
3 videos
Amazon
Best for Energy
FR Score 7.6 out of 10, Good
Optimum NutritionBCAAs & EAAs
Essential AMIN.O. Energy
100 mg of natural caffeine plus a 5 g amino blend: the budget anytime energy drink.
4 videos
AmazonTikTok ShopBrand store
Best Budget
FR Score 7.6 out of 10, Good
FEIERDUNDumbbells & Kettlebells
DS2 5-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Dumbbells, barbell and kettlebells in one box, for under $100.
4 videos
AmazonTikTok ShopBrand store
From the blog
Read before you buy
Home GymHow to Build a Complete Home Gym for Under $500
Home Gym8 min read
How to Build a Complete Home Gym for Under $500
You don't need a garage full of iron. With five or six well-chosen pieces, you can train every major movement pattern at home for less than $500. Here's the blueprint.
Home GymAdjustable Dumbbells Buying Guide: Dial, Pin, or Plate-Loaded?
Home Gym9 min read
Adjustable Dumbbells Buying Guide: Dial, Pin, or Plate-Loaded?
Dial, pin, twist or spin-lock? How each adjustable dumbbell design trades speed, durability, feel and price, and how to pick the right set for your space and goals.
Supplement ScienceCreatine Monohydrate: The Complete, No-Hype Guide
Supplement Science9 min read
Creatine Monohydrate: The Complete, No-Hype Guide
Creatine is one of the most researched sports supplements on the shelf. Here's what it does, how to take it, what the side effects really are, and how to buy a good one.