Having a strong grip can benefit you whether you’re a powerlifter, rock climber, or piano player. And most of us could do with a firmer and more confident handshake.
A grip strengthener is a piece of equipment that doesn’t require any special instruction – Just squeeze hard! I’ve put together a list of the best hand grip strengtheners to help you pick the one that best suits your needs.
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
Quick Answer – Top 16 Best Hand Grip Strengtheners
- IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper – Best Overall
- FitBeast Hand Grip Strengthener Workout Kit – Runner-Up
- Longang Hand Grip Strengthener
- Mandrill Hand Grip Strengthener
- The Friendly Swede Hand Grip Strength Trainer
- PROHANDS Gripmaster Hand Grip Strengthener
- NSD Power Essential Spinner Gyro Hand Grip Strengthener
- NIYIKOW Grip Strength Trainer
- Basic Concepts Grip Strength Trainer
- MummyFit Grip Strengthener
- Heavy Sports Hand Grippers
- ALPHA GRIPZ Original Hand Grip Extension Trainer
- Prosource Fit Hand Grip and Wrist Strengthener
- Hand Grip Strengthener (6 pcs)
- D’Addario Varigrip Hand Exerciser
- Peradix Hand Grip Strength Trainer
Reviews – The Best Hand Grip Strengtheners
Any of these hand grip strengtheners can help you effectively improve grip strength.
But there’s always some difference in terms of their build and budget that differentiates them slightly from each other. If you’re looking to get in-depth into them, read on.
1. IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper – Best Overall
This is the grip strengthener by which all other grip strengtheners are measured. Its sturdy aluminum and steel build makes it the most effective and durable portable grip strengthener in the market today. It comes in a variety of resistances, ranging from 60lbs up to 350 lbs.
Not only does it build stronger hands fast, but it also reduces the chances of hand injuries. This is the go-to grip strengthener for musicians, athletes, and people suffering from joint pain and tendonitis.
Its silver bullet hold design is quite intuitive and is also visually appealing. It also fits nicely into the hand, regardless of your hand size.
Pros
- Sturdy aluminum and steel build
- Highly portable
- Perfect for musicians and athletes
- Intuitive design
- Fits into all hand sizes easily
Cons
- You’ll have to buy a new one for progressing
2. FitBeast Hand Grip Strengthener Workout Kit – Runner-Up
Next up, we have a complete hand strength workout kit by FitBeast. In the pack, you will find an adjustable grip strengthener, a finger resistance band, a stress ball, an adjustable hand and finger exerciser, and a hand strengthener ring. With such a huge variety of options, you can pick and choose the ones that fit your needs and use them anywhere you want.
All the components are highly portable and can be used by everyone, from musicians to athletes, to rock climbers, and people recovering from injuries as well.
The ergonomic handles of the hand grip strengthener are the perfect fit for people of all ages. They’re also quite soft, which ensures comfortable holding.
Pros
- A complete kit for progressive hand and grip strengthening
- Grip strengthener resistance ranges from 22 to 132 lbs.
- Ideal for athletes, musicians, and patients recovering from injury
- Ergonomic handles and grip
- Access to tutorial videos
Cons
- The silicone components – squeeze ball, ring, and finger exerciser – are a bit stiff
3. Longang Hand Grip Strengthener
This grip strengthener is ideal for those looking to enhance hand and finger grip strength, endurance, dexterity, and fine motor skills. It works well for those who have arthritis and tendonitis, and can also be used by budding musicians, golfers, and rock climbers.
The Longang hand grip strengthener can easily be carried around – be it in a bag, a handbag, or even your pockets. Furthermore, its steel rubber construction and adjustable resistance will ensure you won’t need a new strengthener as you progress.
Pros
- Highly portable, can be fitted in gym bag and pockets
- Adjustable resistance, from 11 lbs. to 132 lbs.
- Ideal for improving forearm and wrist strength
- Perfect for musicians, golfers, rock climbers
- Durable steel rubber construction
Cons
- Its ridged design may put pressure on fingertips at higher tensions
4. Mandrill Hand Grip Strengthener
Here we have another hand and grip workout kit, this time from Mandrill. The kit contains every essential exercise component that you will ever need for developing strength in your fingers, wrist, and forearms.
Herein you will find a grip strength trainer, finger stretcher, exercise ring, and finger strengthener.
These are ideal for those who are looking to improve grip strength, wrist stability, and fine motor dexterity. As such, these are perfect for guitarists, drummers, pianists, rock climbers, and athletes. Furthermore, these finger exercisers aid in post-surgery recovery and also help alleviate arthritis pain, joint pain, and stiffness.
Pros
- Perfect for musicians and athletes
- Assists in post-surgery recovery
- Comes with a 10-year warranty and an exercise eBook
- Highly durable and ergonomic construction
Cons
- Maximum resistance is only at a mere 88lbs.
5. The Friendly Swede Hand Grip Strength Trainer
If you’re looking to build grip strength and at the same time improve your focus or relieve stress, this grip strengthener is perfect for you.
The 3 egg-shaped balls come in 3 different stiffness levels and can be used by both adults and children alike. These can be used not just for building strength gradually, but also to reduce anxiety and stress.
Its user-friendly design is what sets it apart from its competitors. It fits comfortably in the hands. It is made from skin-safe thermoplastic rubber. These balls can be used to prevent tension, alleviate joint pain, and increase limberness.
Pros
- Different levels of resistance
- Helps relieve anxiety and stress
- Comfortable design makes them easy to hold
- Perfect for adults as well as children
- A neat little fidget companion
Cons
- Can be a choking hazard
6. PROHANDS Gripmaster Hand Grip Strengthener
Unlike many other hand grip strengtheners, Prohands Gripmaster allows you to isolate each finger and train it individually.
By isolating each digit, it ensures that stronger fingers are not compensating for weaker fingers. It helps you build strength in even the little pinky. This allows for greater dexterity, finger independence, and increased strength.
The tool can also be used for recovering patients looking to regain finger and grip strength. It also helps with arthritis, neuropathy, and poor circulation. Its ergonomic base allows for a comfortable hold.
The grip strengthener is made from premium-quality ABS plastic and contains stainless steel springs. These springs come in different levels of resistance, ranging from 0.75lb to 13lb.
Pros
- Separate triggers allow for individual finger training
- Premium ABS plastic construction
- Has stainless steel springs
- Ideal for musicians, athletes, and recovering patients
- Available in a variety of resistances
Cons
- Will require you to buy separate resistance units for progressing
7. NSD Power Essential Spinner Gyro Hand Grip Strengthener
This grip strengthener by NSD Power is unlike anything you will ever see. Where most hand grip strengtheners use springs for resistance, this tool is in the shape of a ball with a gyroscope inside which rotates at tremendous speeds.
Just as you would swirl ice cubes inside a glass, so is this spinner supposed to be rotated in sync with the gyro inside. This is an ingenious way of ensuring that you target your forearms, wrists, and arms while maintaining and improving coordination.
The plastic exterior of the ball makes it quite robust and durable. It is also quite easy to carry around.
Pros
- Simplistic design for improving grip and coordination
- Military-grade plastic exterior for longer life
- Ideal for beginners, musicians, gamers, and athletes
- Allows you to get intense hand workouts
- Spins at more than 15,000 rpm
Cons
- Can take some time getting used to
8. NIYIKOW Grip Strength Trainer
Of all the different varieties of grip strengtheners, this style is most suited for those looking for progressive resistance levels. This tool can range anywhere from 22lbs to a whopping 132 lbs of resistance.
It is also a great starting point for those looking to build serious grip strength. Furthermore, it is often used by musicians, athletes, and patients recovering from surgery.
The alloy spring responsible for the resistance is extremely durable. You can easily adjust the resistance level by turning the dial.
Its portable design allows you to carry it anywhere you want, while the grip itself is quite easy to hold, making it one of the most ergonomically advanced grip strengtheners.
Pros
- Easily vary different resistance levels
- Durable construction
- Perfect ergonomic design
- Comfortable grip
- Ideal for musicians and recovering patients
Cons
- A little on the expensive side
9. Basic Concepts Grip Strength Trainer
This tool by Basic Concepts is a traditional grip strength trainer. It’s one of the most premium grip strengtheners that you can expect to find in the market.
Having the standard design often seen in a grip strengthener, this grip trainer is highly intuitive and comfortable to use.
It allows you to work your hands, wrists, and forearms and build strength and muscles therein. Its adjustable resistance levels range from 22lbs to 88lbs, which is sufficient for musicians and recovering patients. At the same time, it can also be used to build a strong grip for those who are into heavy lifting.
Its non-slip handles will ensure that you never lose grip, while the reinforced stainless steel tension springs are durable enough to ensure longevity.
Pros
- Premium-grade construction
- Non-slip ergonomic handles
- Highly portable
- Standard intuitive design
Cons
- The maximum resistance of 88lbs. not high enough for rock climbers
10. MummyFit Grip Strengthener
If you’re looking for a grip strengthener that will last forever, then this product by MummyFit is the ideal choice for you.
The main selling point of this grip strengthener is its silent operation and ergonomic design.It can fit easily into your hands and allow you to work your fingers, hand, and forearms for a stronger grip.
The thermoplastic nylon and steel construction make it virtually indestructible while the resistance levels of 55 lbs to 154 lbs are perfect for rock climbers, athletes, and musicians. This piece of equipment is so well made that MummyFit provides a lifetime of warranty, ensuring that you will never have to buy another grip strengthener again.
Pros
- Great resistance levels
- Durable construction and design
- Silent operation
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Handles can be slippery
11. Heavy Sports Hand Grippers
Those who are looking for high resistance levels in order to truly develop a death grip will surely benefit from this gripper from Heavy Sports.
This grip strengthener comes with a resistance level ranging from 100lbs to 350lbs, which is more than enough for people looking for an extreme hand, wrist, and forearm workout.
Its non-slip handles ensure that you get a firm grip while working out and the simplistic design makes it ultra portable. Those looking to powerlifters, rock climbers, athletes, musicians, and patients in the later stages of their recovery.
Pros
- Advanced resistance levels
- Non-slip handles
- Durable construction and design
- Perfect for heavy lifters and rock climbers
- Highly portable
Cons
- Will require you to buy additional resistance units to progress
12. ALPHA GRIPZ Original Hand Grip Extension Trainer
This hand grip extension trainer by Alpha Gripz is an effective solution for building forearm, wrist, and finger muscles.
Its compact design allows you to carry it around and train anywhere. It is ideal for stabilizing wrist and muscle joints, improving muscle tone, providing tendonitis relief, and post-surgery rehabilitation. Furthermore, it can also be used by rock climbers, athletes, musicians, and weight lifters.
To use it, you just place the holes over the second knuckle of your fingers and stretch as far out as possible. The 3 units are set at 6lbs, 9lbs, and 12lbs, which you can use to progressively get better.
Pros
- Perfect for finger and hand grip extension
- Compact design, highly portable
- Ideal for rehabilitation
- 3 resistance levels
- Easy to use
Cons
- Silicone construction is prone to breakage
13. Prosource Fit Hand Grip and Wrist Strengthener
Here we have another traditional grip strengthener that is highly durable and simple to use. Unlike some other fancy hand grips strengtheners, this unit keeps things simple by delivering what users expect most, performance.
The grip strengthener can be used anywhere. Regardless of whether you are looking to develop muscles in hands, wrists, forearms, or fingers, this grip strengthener can get the job done without any hassle.
Its non-slip grip makes it convenient to hold and can fit easily into the hands of adults and children alike. The construction is truly top-grade. The handles are made of durable aluminum while the springs are of high quality. This ensures that you won’t have to buy another grip strengthener ever again.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Develop muscles in hands, fingers, forearms, and wrists
- Highly portable
- Amazing performance
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Will have to buy separate resistance units to progress
14. Hand Grip Strengthener (6 pcs)
This is another grip strengthener kit with multiple units that provide for different exercises focusing on different muscle groups.
All the 6 units are very durable as they are made of high-quality silicone which doesn’t tear easily. If they get dirty, they can even be washed without much trouble.
The 3 finger stretchers and the 3 grip strength trainers are all of different resistance levels, which allow you to progress gradually, especially if you are recovering from injury. For heavy lifters, athletes, and musicians, it can be used to build and maintain hand, wrist, finger, and forearm muscles.
The ergonomic design makes the units highly comfortable to use.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- 6 units of different resistance levels
- High-quality silicone build
- Perfect for recovering patients
- Portable
- Washable units
Cons
- The maximum resistance level of 50lb can feel quite low
15. D’Addario Varigrip Hand Exerciser
The penultimate product on our list is a grip and finger strength builder by D’Addario. The varigrip works to isolate the fingers and build strength individually. This way the stronger fingers are not able to assist, and the fingers individually have to do all the work.
Varigrip hand exerciser can help you build strength in the forearms, wrist, and hand. Its ergonomic design and the molded finger pads provide an amazing grip that makes it very comfortable to use.
If you’re a musician who needs to build calluses for string instruments, you can easily remove the molded grip and uncover simulated strings. This is the ultimate workout unit for musicians when they are away from their instruments.
Pros
- Builds finger strength by isolating each finger
- Develops grip, forearm, and finger strength
- Perfect for musicians
- Removable molded finger pads
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Each pin has equal tension, making it very difficult for the pinky
16. Peradix Hand Grip Strength Trainer
This is a set of 3 finger resistance exercise squeezers that can be used for multiple purposes.
Its intended use is to build a solid grip by strengthening the hand, forearms, and fingers. However, it can also be used just as well for relieving stress. Those who are recovering from injuries or surgeries can also use it to strengthen muscles in their hand.
The squeezer balls are small and highly portable. Both adults and children can use it for fun as well as for exercising and stress-busting. The 3 squeezers have different resistance levels, which allow you to progress gradually.
Pros
- Very convenient to use
- Highly portable
- Relieves stress and develops hand strength
- 3 different resistance level squeezers
- Ideal for rehabilitation
Cons
- The squeezers can seem a little too small for some people
Buying Guide – How to Choose The Best Hand Grip Strengthener?
Now that we have looked at some of the best grip strengthener products in the market, let’s look at what makes an ideal grip strengthener, depending on your needs.
Things to Consider
There are basically two main factors to consider when buying the best grip strengthener to fit your needs: the type of grip strengthener and the resistance levels that it provides.
Some grip trainers are designed to work in a squeezing motion while others require finger extension. You can also find grip trainers that allow you to exercise the fingers individually. Thus, each grip strengthener has a specific purpose and you should know where your weaknesses lie so you can get the tool that would work best for you.
Additionally, you must check if the resistance level can be changed on the grip strengthener. You can find grip strengtheners with both adjustable and non-adjustable resistance levels. If you want a comprehensive exercise routine, you can go for the adjustable one.
Ideal Resistance Level
Different users require different levels of resistance.
For rock climbers, the minimum resistance level should be well above 50 lbs while for recovering patients, it has to be quite low.
Athletes and weightlifters would benefit from a huge range of resistance levels such as what the Heavy Sports Hand Grippers offers.
Musicians, on the other hand, can stick with moderate resistance level, somewhere around 110lbs which is offered by D’Addario Varigrip Hand Exerciser.
Conclusion
After comparing the products based on their Pros and Cons, the best hand grip strengthener comes out to be IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper. It has everything that the perfect grip strengthener must have. It is portable, easy to use, has a simple use motion, and also has decent resistance levels that can cater to people with different needs.
A close second is FitBeast Hand Grip Strengthener Workout Kit, which contains all the essential units that you will ever need for your hand workout.
Regardless of which product you end up getting, the important thing is that you make grip strengthening a part of your exercise regimen. The benefits are innumerable and the resultant confidence truly invaluable.
