If you’re looking for a fun, low-impact way to boost your fitness, a rebounder—essentially a mini trampoline—might just be your new favorite personal workout tool. According to personal trainer Eva Pena, ISSA-CPT, rebounding strengthens muscles, improves balance, supports heart health, and even helps with stress relief, making it a great option for anyone looking to mix up their routine or stay active—plus, let’s be honest, bouncing is just plain fun!
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Trampoline vs. Rebounder
A rebounder trampoline, also called a mini trampoline, is a compact, fitness-specific personal trampoline designed for controlled movement and low-impact exercise. According to personal trainer Mike Julom, ACE-CPT, it’s typically around 3 feet wide and uses springs or bungee cords to create a gentler bounce that’s easier on the joints. Unlike traditional trampolines meant for tricks and high jumps, rebounders offer a firmer, more stable surface for workouts focused on cardio, balance, and strength. Some models even include handlebars for added support.
The trampoline’s stable platform and arched legs kept it in place while we jumped.
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What to Look For
- Frame Quality: A well-built frame is essential for personal safety and the longevity of your rebounder. Since workouts involve constant jumping, your rebounder’s frame should be made of high-quality steel, not flimsy aluminum, to prevent bending over time, says Julom. The mat should be firm yet flexible, offering a stable surface without excessive noise or wobbling.
- Size and Foldability: Rebounders typically range from 36 to 50 inches in diameter, with 40 to 44 inches being ideal for most workouts, says personal trainer and rebounder instructor Claire Lo Russo, MSEd, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES. Lo Russo adds that if you have the space for it, a 48-inch model offers more surface area for dynamic movements. Compact or foldable models make storage and transport easier, but Julom notes that folding mechanisms can weaken over time, so a solid frame may be a better choice if space isn’t a concern.
- Tension Type: A rebounder comes with metal springs or elastic bungee cords. Bungee cords provide a quieter, smoother, and lower-impact bounce, making them gentler on the joints and ideal for older individuals or anyone with joint stiffness or pain. However, they can wear out over time. If choosing bungees, Julom advises selecting a model with replaceable cords for long-term use. Springs offer a firmer, more responsive bounce for high-intensity workouts but can be noisier and more jarring.
- Weight Capacity and Stability: A sturdy rebounder should have a high weight capacity to ensure durability and safety during workouts. Stability features like anti-slip feet and a solid frame prevent shifting during exercises. If extra support is needed, consider a model with a removable handlebar, but avoid overreliance on it, as it can encourage poor posture and improper technique, says Aly Giampolo, an instructor at a trampoline-based fitness studio.
- Mat Material and Durability: A strong, durable mat ensures a safe and effective workout surface while minimizing wear and tear as you use your rebounder over time. Your rebounder’s mat should be constructed from high-quality, stretch-resistant materials, like polypropylene, to maintain elasticity and withstand repeated use.
- Safety Features: Many rebounders come with safety pads that cover springs to protect feet from accidental slips. Some also include handlebars for added stability, which may work well for older adults and anyone who wants some additional support while rebounding. Our experts recommend learning to balance independently rather than heavily relying on handlebars.
- Additional Features: Some rebounders offer customizable options such as handlebars, adjustable tension, color choices, or even resistance bands for added strength training. Others may include digital workout programs or app connectivity to help guide you through exercises. These extras can enhance your rebounding experience and add variety to your workout routine.
Acon’s 55-inch trampoline has six durable legs and a bouncy bungee rebound system.
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How We Tested
To find the best rebounders and trampolines on the market, we started by speaking with fitness experts—three certified personal trainers and one trampoline-based fitness instructor—for advice on what key features to look for in a high-quality option. We then tested 39 expert-approved rebounders from top brands, using them during workouts that included basic jumps, squats, jumping jacks, low ski jumps, high knees, and more. When testing rebounder trampolines, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.
- Ease of Assembly: Before we begin testing, we evaluate how simple or challenging it is to put each rebounder together right out of the box. We assess the clarity of the instructions, whether extra tools are needed, and whether one person can complete the setup without difficulty. Were the instructions straightforward or complicated, and were there any particularly challenging steps? We prioritize rebounders that are easy and intuitive to set up and have clear instructions.
- Stability: A high-quality rebounder should feel stable and safe when in use. While performing various exercises, such as basic jumps, jumping jacks, ski jumps, squats, and high knees, we observe whether the rebounder remains steady or shifts during use. We also examine how the springs or bungees contribute to balance and whether there are moments when the trampoline feels unstable.
- Bounce and Tension: While performing test workouts, we assess whether the trampoline provides a responsive and controlled bounce that is effective for different workout intensities. Is the bounce consistent and suitable for several types of exercises or just certain kinds? Does the tension cause any strain? Rebounders receive high ratings if their surface tension supports fluid movement, maintains consistency across exercises, and prevents excessive strain or discomfort.
- Quality: After repeated use, we examine the rebounder for signs of wear, checking whether the frame, mat, and support components hold up over time. We also test if stability remains intact or if any issues, such as squeaking or loosening, develop after extended workouts. We only prioritize high-quality rebounders that are well-built and durable.
- Value: Without knowing the price beforehand, we put each rebounder through rigorous testing and then compare its cost to its performance. We determine whether the quality and functionality justify the price and whether we’d recommend it to others based on long-term usability. We prioritize rebounders whose quality exceeds their value.
The Stamina Oval trampoline has a responsive bounce and a support bar to target the upper body.
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Testing the Best Trampolines and Rebounders
Rebounder Trampolines We Also Tested
We spent over 1,200 hours testing 39 rebounders and mini trampolines, but only 12 impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some of their features, the following rebounder trampolines didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements to be selected as top picks.
- DARCHEN’s Rebounder Mini Trampoline impressed us with its surprising stability and silent performance, making it a great option for home workouts. However, its high bounce may not be ideal for beginners or those with low ceilings, and for its small size and lack of premium materials, the price feels a bit steep.
- ONETWOFIT’s 48-inch Silent Mini Trampoline With Adjustable Handle Bar has a solid construction, supportive bounce, and wide jumping area, which makes for a comfortable and stable workout. Unfortunately, the uneven legs caused some noise during use, and while it didn’t impact stability, it was a notable flaw in an otherwise well-priced rebounder.
- RAVS’s 48-inch Foldable Fitness Rebounder offers solid stability, effective bounce, and quality materials. However, the assembly process was frustratingly complex, requiring two people and careful reading of instructions. While the trampoline itself performed well, the unstable support bar and higher price made it feel less valuable than other options.
- Assembly for JumpSport’s 570 Pro 44-inch Fitness Trampoline was quick and straightforward, and the jumping surface provided an excellent balance of bounce and firmness for a controlled workout. However, the wobbly base and legs left us questioning its long-term stability, especially given its high price, which didn’t match the overall build quality.
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What We’ve Updated
- Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best rebounder trampolines, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and tested five additional models from top brands. We’ve also continued long-term testing on some original selections. We evaluated each rebounder for its ease of assembly, stability, bounce, quality, and value.
- Based on our testing insights, we’ve updated our product pick for Best With Handlebar and introduced two new superlatives: Best Foldable and Best Stability.
- Based on our academic research and expert interviews, we’ve added additional information to help readers find the best rebounder trampolines for adults based on various goals and needs.
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts advised us on which key features to look for when selecting and using a safe, high-quality rebounder. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.
- Eva Pena, ISSA-CPT, fitness coach and founder-owner of Wellness+ Studio in New York, NY
- Mike Julom, ACE-CPT, CrossFit Level 1 athlete, ACE-certified personal trainer, and founder of ThisIsWhyImFit.com in Los Angeles, CA
- Aly Giampolo, founder and method director at the Ness, a trampoline-based fitness studio in New York, NY
- Claire Lo Russo, MSEd, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES, certified personal trainer, certified rebounder instructor, and founder of Carve It Fitness in New York
Benefits of Rebounding
- Cardiovascular Health: Jumping on a rebounder raises your heart rate, improving circulation and overall cardiovascular endurance. According to Pena, it provides a low-impact way to strengthen your heart without the joint strain of high-impact cardio exercises, such as running or jumping on hard surfaces.
- Weight Loss: Rebounding is an effective and efficient full-body workout, making it a great option for weight management. Rebounder workouts burn calories efficiently, especially when combined with strength training tools like dumbbell sets and weighted vests.
- Improved Balance and Coordination: Bouncing on a rebounder challenges your proprioception (your body’s ability to sense movement and position), enhancing stability and coordination. This is especially beneficial for older adults who want to reduce their risk of falling.
- Muscular Strength and Toning: The repetitive jumping motion during rebounder workouts engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, core, and glutes, helping to build strength while improving muscle definition and bone density.
- Stress Relief: Exercise on a rebounder releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress, boost mood, and promote overall mental well-being. The rhythmic bouncing motion on a rebounder can also have a meditative, calming effect.
- Fun and Motivation: Bouncing adds an element of play to workouts, making them enjoyable and, for some, easier to stick to a fitness routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you wear shoes on a rebounder?
If you want to wear shoes on a rebounder, Pena suggests opting for ones with thin, flexible soles to support ankle mobility. Going barefoot or wearing secure-grip socks while rebounding improves balance, strengthens your feet and lower legs, and prevents slipping. Avoid non-grip socks since they’re too slippery, says Julom.
What is 10 minutes on a rebounder equivalent to?
According to Pena, a mere eight to 10 minutes of rebounding can deliver benefits similar to 30 minutes of treadmill exercise, making it a time-efficient workout.
What’s the best rebounder for older individuals?
Julom says a rebounder with bungee cords provides a gentler, low-impact bounce, which is easier on the joints. Anti-slip feet, a solid frame, and an optional handlebar can also help older individuals remain stable as they improve balance and strength.
How many minutes a day should you rebound?
In practice, Julom suggests 10 to 15 minutes for basic cardio and 20 to 30 minutes for endurance training, with the potential for some seriously significant calorie burn.
Which rebounder is better, spring or bungee?
Bungee cords provide a quieter and lower-impact bounce, while springs are a bit louder and firmer, with a more intense and responsive bounce. Rebounders with bungee cords may be a better option for you if you’re looking for a rebounder that’s more gentle on the joints, while ones with springs may work best for you if you prefer a higher-intensity workout.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, is a Los Angeles-based certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit writer dedicated to recommending trustworthy products and evidence-based practices to help readers achieve sustainable wellness. A lifelong athlete, runner, and certified personal trainer, she owns and uses various types of home gym equipment, like rebounders, to help her cross-train. For this roundup, she prioritized trustworthy brands that provide safe and effective products.
