The Best Box Jump Boxes

Box jump boxes, also known as plyometric or “plyo” boxes, help you include jump- or step-based activities in your workouts. They can improve your power, strengthen your muscles, and increase your heart rate.

Buying Guide for Box Jump Boxes

Why should you buy a box jump box?

What may seem like a simple box provides many benefits and variety to an exercise program. For the most common uses like jumps or step-ups, a box jump box is an excellent piece of equipment to add other forms of cardio to your workout. They’re so versatile! Use a jump box to target different muscles and accessory movements in strength training. If you play basketball, volleyball, or track and field, you know the value of increasing your vertical jump. Practicing with a jump box can help improve your performance.

What should you consider when purchasing a box jump box?

• Material: Box jump boxes are made from various materials, including wood, metal, and foam. If you need to move the box around quickly, look for one made from foam. Wood is a great choice if you want something extra stable for when you land. However, another thing to consider is that if you don’t make the jump, you could injure your shins on the edge of wooden boxes more than foam ones.
• Design: There are three-in-one and single-height jump boxes to consider. Rectangular boxes are designed so that you can simply flip them over to move between 30, 24, and 20 inches in height, making them great for challenging yourself over time. Single-height jump boxes make a reasonable choice if you want to collect different heights over time. There are also stackable single hight jump boxes to consider. Some of the boxes may come with the required assembly. Before purchasing, scan the description to ensure the process is manageable, or look for a preassembled box.
•  Safety: Like most fitness equipment, you’ll need to be careful while using your box jump boxes. Here are some things you might want to do when performing jumps: warm up before using them, build up to higher jumps, use cushioned shoes or gym floor mats to absorb some impact, stop if your joints hurt, and don’t dive in before you feel strong and confident enough to attempt the jumps.

What are some exercises to do with a box jump box?

Use a box jump to master your vertical jump. You’ll increase your power, speed, strength, and agility with practice, which can benefit your athletic performance in other areas. Additional exercises can be done using a box to target various muscle groups. Here are a few exercises: dips, incline or decline push-ups, lateral step-ups, box squats, and reverse lunges. 

If you’re new to jumping, you may find that mobility exercises, especially for the hips, will boost your efforts dramatically. And with better mobility, you’re less like to suffer sports injuries and are less prone to accidents around the house.  

Our Picks for the Best Box Jump Boxes

Pros: The three-in-one box is constructed of high-density foam and encased in PVC leather, making it a durable yet forgiving box to jump on. If you miss the box, it won’t scrape up your shins, and its nonslip surface makes it even safer. The high-density foam provides a soft landing to protect your joints. Although it’s forgiving, it is still sturdy and stays in place for jumps or any other exercises you use. The 16-pound box rotates to reach three heights of 20 inches, 24 inches, and 30 inches.

Cons: The 30-inch landing surface is smaller, so athletes need to be extra careful when using that height. Also, the box is lightweight, which makes it relatively easy to topple.

Bottom Line: This is affordable for a quality soft plyo box. It is stable yet forgiving for missed reps and has the features of more expensive brands. You may also consider the 16-pound version with a reinforced core or the heavy-duty 60-pound option.

 

Pros: This wooden box is durable for years of use and can be rotated to reach three heights. Features like interior support, puzzle construction, and countersink screws help to ensure durability and longevity. The box has handles to help with portability, too. This wooden box will stay in place and provide a sturdy landing for all your movements, including explosive, high-intensity training. It can safely hold 350 pounds. The assembly instructions are easy to follow.

Cons: Without foam or PVC leather on it, a missed jump or step can cause some pain in your shin. It doesn’t come assembled, so you must do that yourself.

Bottom Line: The basic wooden design of the box jump box has been around for a long time because it works well and lasts. It’s less forgiving if you make a mistake, but it’s sturdy for stable landings. If you want something classic, this is a great option for you.

 

Pros: While it’s made only of wood, this is the perfect box for beginners or kids because it has smaller height options. The box rotates to reach 12 inches, 14 inches, and 16 inches. Even though it’s smaller than most boxes, it has an interior support structure and can safely support 350 pounds. The box assembles easily with a puzzle fit and has handles for easy portability.

Cons: Since this is a small box, the landing surfaces are smaller. Some movements are not possible to do since it’s small. It also requires assembly.

Bottom Line: This affordable box can help beginners and kids get fit! The three heights allow for customization for kids of different sizes and beginners getting comfortable with plyometric exercises.

 

Pros: This set comes with four boxes with heights of 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, and 30 inches. They are constructed from steel and have rubber grips on the four bottom corners to protect against slipping and falling. The top of the box has a rubber, nonslip mat for safer landings. Even though there are four boxes, they have a tapered design that allows for space-saving storage by stacking them.

Cons: The top surface is much smaller than newer box jump designs and can be intimidating to use for jumps, even for the seasoned athlete.

Bottom Line: These jump boxes have been around for years in gyms because they have an outstanding reputation. JFIT plyo boxes have a sturdy construction and can withstand heavy loads, but the top surface is smaller, making them more appropriate for step-ups or those wanting more of a jumping challenge.

 

Pros: This box is another three-in-one foam box constructed of high-density foam and encased in PVC leather, similar to the BalanceFrom Foam Plyo Box. However, the Yes4All Special Edition is more interesting to look at with its screen-printed design of colorful swirls, athletic equipment, and geometric shapes. This box can safely support up to 350 pounds. As you improve, move it from 20 to 24 to 30 inches in height. 

Cons: There is some movement when landing on the box, which is most noticeable for those who are used to heavy wooden boxes. It’s also one of the lightest jump boxes we reviewed. If you miss, you won’t hurt your shin, but you might tip over.

Bottom Line: This box is a great training tool. It’s accommodating for those who might make mistakes while attempting jumps. It may be better suited to jump over rather than on since the surfaces are narrow; however, it should work just fine for a more precise athlete who can control where and how hard they land.

Final Thoughts

Adding box jump exercises to your fitness routine opens a new door for workout diversity. Whether you plan to use one of these boxes for step-ups, jumps, or something else, you’ll add beneficial exercises to help you reach your fitness goals.