This article is part of our series Battle of the Brands, in which we compare category-leading products to their counterparts to determine which are actually worth your money.
If you’re like me, you likely acquired a pair of Bala Bangles during the pandemic for your at-home workouts. To this day, it seems like the cult-favorite workout gear brand, which became a household name thanks to its spotlight on Shark Tank, has gotten even more popular thanks to an expansion of their line (I just snagged the squiggly 35-pound weighted bar as seen above). Bala Bangles are cute, but because they start at $55 (depending on their weight), I wondered if there was a cheaper alternative out there. And if so, how it compared. Naturally, a quick Amazon search led me to a pair of ankle weights from Sportneer, which depending on the day, averages about $20 less than the name-brand version.
Bala Bangles vs. Sportneer at a glance
Available in 1, 2 or 3 pounds (each weight), these ankle and wrist weights add a dose of resistance to your exercise routine — from pilates to your daily walk. They're made of steel wrapped in super-soft silicone that feels good on your skin (though I still recommend wearing socks underneath), and the elastic ensures a snug fit. Bala even has its own series of at-home workout videos called Balacize, which is made just for the brand's workout accessories. Bala bangles come in a zippered pouch so you can take them with you on the go.
Sportneer's version comes in 1-pound and 2-pound options (each weight) and six colors. Just like the Balas, they're made with a Velcro elastic for a custom fit and the recycled steel is encased by a comfy silicone material that's waterproof and sweat-resistant. Sportneer's weights don't come with a carrying case.
Quick comparison
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Bala Bangles
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| Materials | Steel wrapped in silicone; Velcro strap |
| Weight options | 1,2 and 3 pounds (each weight) |
| Colors | Varies by season and limited-edition collaborations, currently 4 permanent colors |
| Carrying case | Y |
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Sportneer
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|---|---|
| Materials | Recycled iron-steel wrapped in silicone; Velcro strap |
| Weight options | 1 and 2 pounds (each weight) |
| Colors | 6 |
| Carrying case | N |
Sportneer feels slightly less bulky and flatter against the skin
The overall design of the Sportneer feels flatter than Bala’s thicker, more rounded-shape slats. More like a second skin compared to the Bala Bangles. When I move my feet around, the Bala Bangles jiggle a bit, while the Sportneer stays in place more securely. It’s not a deal breaker or a hindrance to a workout necessarily, but if you are bothered by things that move around, the Bala might annoy you mid-workout.
I wore both styles during my long walks around the Upper East Side, and while I have seen other people sporting ankle and wrist weights outside, I felt silly doing it. However, because Sportneer’s design profile is slimmer, I felt a little less self-conscious wearing these out and about during a power walk since they almost felt part of my body. I also think that because the Sportneers are black, they didn’t feel like they were drawing attention to me like the bubblegum pink Balas.
Bala has more stylish colors and coordinating workout gear
Bala is continuously introducing new colors and collabs to keep things fresh. Currently, they teamed up with Kate Spade to give the brand’s signature ankle weights a preppy makeover. The collection includes two sets of bangle colors: an all-green version and a black-and-white style. Because Bala has so many limited-edition collections like these, there’s often a high sell-out risk.
Personally, I’m a sucker for designer collabs and an eye-catching palette, so I’m team #BalaBangles on this front. As mentioned above, I copped the Bala Beam in a gorgeous sage green with a yoga towel to match, and I’ve got my eyes on the Bala Bands to complete my at-home workout arsenal. I live in a very tiny studio and have to keep my workout gear out on display (I’ve only got so much closet space!), so it’s important to me that Bala’s workout gear almost doubles as decor.
For me, comfy and chic workout clothes and gear are a motivator to get my sweat session in, so yes, looks do matter.
Bala has an additional weight option that’s heavier
A note on the testing process: I already had the 1-pound pink Balas from years ago, so to do some more thorough investigating, I also got the new 2-pound version to compare the models, and to see how much heavier they feel versus the lighter weights. Comparing just the Balas, the 2 pound feel significantly more bulky than the 1 pound version, even though it seems like such a small difference. For a long walk around the neighborhood, I’d go with the 1 pound, as I found the 2 pound moves around more. The heavier weight is better for at-home pilates or more stagnant workouts.
If you’re looking to pack on the resistance, Bala offers the heaviest weight option at 3 pounds each, while Sportneer’s heaviest is 2 pounds. Though if you prefer Sportneer’s slimmer profile, you could wear a set on your arms and ankles while on a walk to add intensity.
While I haven’t tried the heaviest 3-pound option, just based off the difference between 1 and 2 pounds, I can assume that option is not for the faint of heart.
Both are an easy way to incorporate resistance into daily activities
I also used these weights for a quick 10-minute arm and leg workout, but some people on the internet are thinking outside the box. Lately, Bala Bangles have been trending on TikTok, but not for the reason you’d think. Instead of strapping them on for a workout, many people are putting them on their wrists while doing their hair, saying this activity made them more sore than an actual workout class.
While I wasn’t brave enough to try this challenge, I’ve watched as some people I follow posted themselves doing it on Instagram. But hey, I’m all here for the creativity. For now, I’ll stick with walks with the lighter 1-pound option and the 2 pounds for pilates workouts at home.
Bottom line
Bala and Sportneer’s ankle weights are neck-and-neck when it comes to functionality and feel, so I’d say it comes down to budget and personal preference. Want your entire workout arsenal match? Opt for Bala so you can get everything from your hand weights, yoga mat and resistance bands to coordinate. Plus, Bala offers customized at-home workout videos to make the entire process seamless. The Sportneer did feel slightly more secure than the Bala, but that didn’t bother me. However, if you’re looking for a lower-cost, practical ankle weight — and don’t care about being super trendy — Sportneer is the way to go.