Jump ropes are featured in almost every training montage in a movie for a reason: Precious few pieces of exercise equipment offer a better cardio workout.
Jumping rope can burn calories equivalent to a running workout, with less pounding on certain joints. It can also help improve endurance, speed, and agility. Plus, jump ropes are inexpensive and easily stashed in a gym bag.
Since 2018, we’ve tested 24 ropes meant for general fitness. We recommend the KSY Jump Rope because of its smooth, pleasant-to-grip handles, as well as its adjustable length and durability. We recommend the Elite Jumps Fit+ Jump Rope (formerly known as the EliteSRS Pro Freestyle) as the best choice for tricks; the Rogue SR-1 Bearing Speed Rope for speed training, specifically; and the Buddy Lee Beaded Speed Jump Rope as an excellent weighted option, especially for beginners.
And if you’re looking for a jump rope best suited for kids, the Ohyaiayn Soft Beaded Jump Rope is our top pick.
Everything we recommend
Top pick
Sleek but not slick handles and a freely swinging, non-tangling rope will satisfy beginners and seasoned jumpers alike.
Best for
With its long handles and smooth-rotating PVC cord, this rope is great for when you want to step up your game and master tricks.
Best for
The innovative two-point rotation of this rope keeps things moving quickly—very quickly.
Best for
This jump rope is threaded with durable, thin beads that provide control-enhancing weight and a pleasant sensory experience that beginning jumpers may especially enjoy.
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Rope material
Beginners are likely to start by using a beaded or licorice rope. Cable/speed ropes are more for advanced users.
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Rope length
Rope length is a personal preference, influenced by height, arm length, shoulder width, mobility, and rope-swinging style.
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Handle length
Long handles offer a slight advantage for crossing moves and for people with broad shoulders.
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Best for kids
Specialty jump ropes for kids have features such as rubbery beads that sting less against the skin, as well as squishy, comfortable handles.
Top pick
Sleek but not slick handles and a freely swinging, non-tangling rope will satisfy beginners and seasoned jumpers alike.
The KSY Jump Rope has comfortable, lightweight plastic handles that stay put in your hands even when you’re sweaty, providing a grip that’s ideal for learning how to jump rope. Once you get skipping, the PVC rope stays tangle-free, and you can easily adjust its length to customize it for your height. The rope is easy to clean and long-lasting in comparison with its closest competition. And the styling and various color options give it a luxurious feel at an affordable price.
Best for
With its long handles and smooth-rotating PVC cord, this rope is great for when you want to step up your game and master tricks.
The Elite Jumps Fit+ Jump Rope (formerly known as the EliteSRS Pro Freestyle) has 8-inch-long handles, making tricks such as crossovers and behind-the-back moves easier to execute. That extra handle length may also be more comfortable for jumpers with larger hands or broader shoulders. The Fit+ Jump Rope’s PVC cord is rated for outdoor use. We saw several nicks on the rope after just a few uses on pavement, although that didn’t affect its quality.
Best for
The innovative two-point rotation of this rope keeps things moving quickly—very quickly.
The PVC-coated wire-cable Rogue SR-1 Bearing Speed Rope uses two distinct mechanisms—rather than just one, like most speed ropes—to facilitate rotation, so it moves fluidly on every jump even if your swinging technique is imperfect.
Best for
This jump rope is threaded with durable, thin beads that provide control-enhancing weight and a pleasant sensory experience that beginning jumpers may especially enjoy.
With a non-slippery handle that has a bit of an ergonomic design, the Buddy Lee Beaded Speed Jump Rope is the best beaded jump rope we’ve tested. Beaded ropes have a little extra weight that make them easier to control, but we found that this rope also had a bit more speed than other beaded options, which can provide a little boost of confidence as you improve your skills.
