The 5 Best Jump Ropes 2023 Review

Best Color Options: Multifun Jump Rope

Pros and Cons

✔ Has four buttons to control the built-in screen✔ Comes with binders to hold any extra rope on the ends✔ Tracks how many calories you burn and circles you do ✘ Has chunky handles✘ Struggles to accurately track data for heavier users

What Customers Are Saying

Users with positive feedback reported that this jump rope was affordable given its built-in screen, ball-bearing handles, and alloy steel construction. However, users who weighed over 110 pounds didn’t always get accurate calorie data.

Best Speed Rope: Epitomie Fitness Jump Rope

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a sleek design ✔ Comes with a free online training course✔ Includes a storage case ✘ Doesn’t have particularly plush handles✘ Costs a lot for a jump rope without smart features

What Customers Are Saying

Although this model was on the expensive end for jump ropes, many users thought that the build quality was on par with or better than their expectations. However, some customers reported kinks or micro-tears in the rope.

Best For Workout Data: RENPHO Smart Jump Rope

Pros and Cons

✔ Uses three sensors to track your jumps✔ Connects to Apple and Android smartphones using Bluetooth technology✔ Gives you calories burned, jumps per minute, and other metrics ✘ Can’t see all of the metrics on the built-in screen✘ Weighs close to a pound, which is relatively heavy for a jump rope

What Customers Are Saying

Positively, customers who wanted a jump rope workout appreciated the comfortable foam handles, durable build, and fitness tracking of this jump rope. Negatively, some users provided critical feedback about the app’s lack of responsiveness.

Best Beaded Rope: Champion Sports Segmented Jump Rope

Pros and Cons

✔ Can easily find it in your workout bag with its colorful design✔ Has handle caps to keep your hands from slipping off✔ Comes in various lengths to accommodate children and adults ✘ Made from plastic✘ Has slippery handles

What Customers Are Saying

Kids and adults alike enjoyed using this no-frills but familiarly designed jump rope. They said that its 16-foot length was ideal for three users at a time, with two people handling the rope and one person jumping in the middle. Critical feedback mentioned slippery handles and flimsy rope.

Pros and Cons

✔ Weighs less than a pound for easy handling✔ Uses ball-bearing handles to turn the rope as you jump✔ Backed by a one-year warranty ✘ Has foam around the handles that can tear or disintegrate over time✘ May not be long enough for taller users

What Customers Are Saying

For those who were new to jumping rope, they found this no-frills, entry-level jump rope to be a reliable option. Beginners also included that it wasn’t too light or too heavy, so the rope felt sturdy but effortless to maneuver. However, unhappy customers said that the foam handles deteriorated quickly and that the rope was too short for taller users. Buying a jump rope online may seem like a straightforward process, but there are classic beaded models, premium smart options, and everything in between. Below, we’ve outlined some considerations to help you find the right jump rope for your exercise routine.

Rope Design

Most jump ropes have PVC plastic, rubber, or metal cables. Metal is usually the most durable option followed by rubber and plastic. Plastic ropes can be solid plastic or separate plastic segments along a string. All of these materials work, though they’re better for different purposes. For example, for speed jumping, you need a thin metal rope. Choose a jump rope that’s made from solid plastic or rubber if you want an all-around rope. For an entry-level rope, consider a segmented one.

Handle Design

For durability and gripping, many handles are made from plastic or metal and coated in rubber or foam. If you want a rope that spins easily as you jump, look for handles with ball bearings. Those who want to do a double under workout with their rope should look for a jump rope with grippy handles.

Length

Select a length that accommodates your height or the height range of any people that will be using the rope. A length of six or seven feet works for children, while a nine-foot length is usually sufficient for adults. Select models have an adjustable length that can accommodate both children and adults with a rope that feeds in and out of the handles to become shorter or longer. If you want to make a game out of jumping rope, you can purchase a rope that’s 15–20 feet long and have a person hold each handle and one or more people jump in the middle.

Weight

Weighted jump ropes provide resistance training. These jump ropes require more upper-body strength to lift the cable above the user’s back. Most jump ropes that aren’t intentionally weighted usually range from as light as 0.25 pounds to as heavy as one pound.

Screen

Some jump ropes have a small built-in screen that counts and displays burned calories as well as other metrics, such as the duration of the workout and the number of jumps. If you don’t have a fitness watch or smartphone app that tracks your workout data, this is a useful feature to consider.

Additional Smart Features

Premium jump rope models sync with your smartphone to display real-time data. With an app like this, you can create an account to follow guided workouts, record jumping sessions, and track fitness goals. For an effective workout in your home gym or as a means of CrossFit exercise, you should know how to properly use your jump rope. Whether you’re skipping rope for fun or training for an upcoming competition, here are some general tips to help you get the most out of your new purchase:

Rope length is important, so choose a model that’s suited to your height. A jump rope that’s too short will smack you in the head as you jump. Conversely, a jump rope that’s too long can tangle around your feet. Studies have shown that vigorously jumping rope for just 10 minutes a day can result in improved bone, muscle, and cardiovascular health. This means that it’s better to jump rope frequently in small intervals than occasionally for longer periods of time. If you get a lot of shin splints, consider jumping on a soft surface, such as grass, sand, dirt, or a foam gym mat. When you’re jumping, put your weight over the balls of your feet. Keep your ankles, knees, and hips in a relaxed position. Grip the handles of your jump rope loosely with your fingers instead of firmly with your palms. With a loose, natural grip, you’ll be able to turn the rope more efficiently. When you’re done jumping, coil your jump rope, and place it in the provided storage bag. This prevents the rope from tangling. Keep your space in mind if you’re using your jump rope indoors. Make sure your rope has sufficient clearance and your floor has minimal bounce.

Which type of jump rope is best?

The best jump rope for most users is usually one that’s lightweight, flexible, easy to maneuver, and relatively affordable. If you’re a casual user, an entry-level jump rope with comfortable handles and a suitable length will probably work the best. If you’re a serious speed jumper, a high-quality, ultra-light speed jump rope built for quick rotations is the way to go.

How do I prevent shin splints when I’m jumping rope?

In addition to avoiding hard surfaces, such as concrete and brick, we recommend wearing athletic shoes with thick, cushioned soles. This provides you with shock absorption as your feet strike the ground.

Does correct form matter when I’m jumping rope?

Yes. We’ve outlined some basic posture tips in the previous section, but we recommend consulting the user manual or visiting the manufacturer’s website for additional pointers on jump rope technique.

How much should my jump rope weigh?

Most jump ropes weigh between 0.5 and 1.5 pounds. Although all jump ropes feel light when you’re holding or carrying them, you’ll notice a difference as you start jumping. If you want more of a cardiovascular workout and less of a muscular one, opt for a jump rope that weighs less than a pound.

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.