I'm a Certified Trainer—These Are The Plyo Boxes I Train With

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READY TO GET some air? If you haven't incorporated plyometric jumps into your routine yet, you're missing out. The benefits are massive. We're talking stronger bones, better reaction times, and more fast-twitch muscle fibers. As far as a platform to land on, a box that you can move around and adapt to your needs is the best way to go. But not any box will do, and jumping on just anything could lead to injury. The best plyo boxes are specifically designed to handle your bodyweight from every direction.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

For beginners, I’d like to steer you towards soft plyo boxes rather than their wooden or metal counterparts. Not only are they generally safer, but they also spare your legs from potential scratches if you misjudge a distance. Derek Pratt, an ISSA-certified personal trainer who has worked with the likes of NBA star Andre Drummond, also recommends opting for a soft-padded option to start. “Box jumps are fun, banging your shins is not,” says Pratt. “The goal is to improve consistently, and you can't do that injured.” Once you get more comfortable and ready to push the height or add weight, you might want to make the move to a wooden box, as they provide more security and durability.

To help you select the ideal plyo box for you and your gym, we’ve curated a list of the top plyo boxes we’ve personally tested, catering to all budget levels. From the innovative hybrid RooBox from AbMat, to more budget-friendly, yet still very effective options. Continue scrolling to discover the seven best plyo boxes, according to fitness trainers and athletes.

What to Consider

Materials

Plyo boxes are typically constructed using wood, foam, or metal. Each material has its own advantages and considerations. Wooden boxes are known for their durability and classic look, while foam boxes offer a softer landing surface (meaning less potential for injury). Metal boxes are often lightweight, easily moved, and provide excellent stability, but they can scrape you up if you land wrong. Consider your preferences, fitness level, and the specific needs of your workouts when choosing the material that suits you best.

Size

First things first, make sure you select a plyo box with the right size for your needs. For beginners, make sure you are setting reasonable expectations for yourself. Err on the side of caution, and start with a size that is easily jumpable by you. By working your way up slowly when it comes to height, you mitigate any potential injury. It’s also important to consider the available space you have for your workouts and choose a box that fits comfortably within that area. You want to ensure you have enough room to perform your exercises without any restrictions.

Durability

A sturdy and long-lasting plyo box is a must. You want a box that can withstand your intense workouts without showing signs of wear and tear. Look for models made from high-quality materials and well-built with a weight capacity of around double your weight to account for the force exerted when jumping.

Adjustability

Opting for a plyo box that offers adjustable height is a smart move. This feature allows you to customize the box to match your fitness level and exercise requirements. Look for boxes with multiple height options so you can progress and challenge yourself as you get stronger or as you perform a variety of exercises. For this list we’ve made sure that these adjustable boxes can be secured properly, but watch out for some models that utilize velcro, because over time these connections can wear out.

Stability

Safety should be a top priority, so choose a plyo box that provides excellent stability in terms of construction and balance. As mentioned above, if there are any connecting boxes make sure those are secured well before jumping. Look for boxes that have a wide base, non-slip surface, solid joinery and reinforced corners to ensure a secure and balanced platform for your exercises.

How We Selected the Best Plyo Boxes

Starting with the extensive collective experience of our Men’s Health fitness editors, who are all certified trainers, we enlisted the help of Derek Pratt, ISSA CPT, to share his own hands-on knowledge using many different brands of plyo boxes while training elite athletes. In addition, we sought insights from trainers from both our MH Advisory Board and our Strength in Diversity class of 2024 for further anecdotal and experiential perspectives on the top plyo boxes.

3-in-1 Soft Plyo Boxes

These soft boxes from Rep Fitness are some of the most widely-tested by our team of fitness editors and experts. It comes in three sizes, each of which offer three different heights depending on what side you place it, making it incredibly versatile for any home gym.

It's crafted with a wooden core and a cushioned foam layer, which makes for a great balance of stability, protection, and shock absorption. Your shins will appreciate the soft foam covering, too. The box arrives fully assembled, and despite their sturdy construction (each size can support up to 400-pounds), they remain relatively lightweight. It's worth noting, though, that the larger size may be slightly challenging to move due to the lack of handles.

Considering the pricing, starting at $110 for the smallest option, these boxes are reasonably priced and offer exceptional durability (and therefore, value) in the long-term.

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20-in Portable Soft Foam Plyometric Box

This versatile plyobox takes your box jumps, push-ups, dips, step-ups, and other exercises to the next level. What impressed me most is the durable foam construction of this box. It's built to last, allowing you to push through intense workouts without worrying about wear and tear. The compact design makes it convenient for both home and gym use.

One standout feature is the soft and slip-free surface, which sets it apart from traditional wooden boxes. This design ensures a safer workout experience, protecting you from potential shin injuries. The stability provided by the slip-free surface allows you to focus on your jumps and movements with confidence.

From my firsthand experience, I can attest that this plyobox is versatile and well-suited for cross-training, aerobic exercises, and even physical therapy. Whether it's box jumps, push-ups, dips, or step-ups, this box has you covered.

Plush Plyo Box

Similar to some other soft boxes we've tested, the Grind Plush Plyo-Box consists of a sturdy plywood interior frame, covered in high-density foam, soft foam, and a vinyl coating. This box, however, is slightly more accessible in height for those new to plyometric box work (or new to fitness, in general). Three sides offer 16", 18", and 24" of elevation.

With a weight of 30 pounds and weight distribution toward the bottom, this box offers impressive stability that outperforms some lighter weight foam alternatives. Meaning no worries about wobbling or tipping during intense workouts. We especially love the sweat-proof grippy vinyl wrapping on the outside, which helps to slip-proof the landing surface.

Foam Stackable Plyo Boxes

The benefit of these foam boxes by Rogue is that they harness the quality and durability of the brand's foam soft boxes in an innovative, stackable design. Meaning you can mix and match different heights for a ton of added versatility. The secure large hook-and-loop straps ensure the boxes stay in place when stacked, which creates a stable platform for various exercises, including stacked jumps.

Unlike some foam boxes that have wood underneath, this box features a dense foam core with a softer foam outer layer, which we found offers a good balance of stability and comfort. It's important to note that these boxes are not recommended for use on smooth flooring such as wood or smooth concrete, as the smooth vinyl upholstery may cause slipping. However, they work perfectly on textured rubber gym flooring.

Although the Rogue Foam Plyo Boxes come at a higher price point, starting at a whopping $190 for the smallest, 6" option, their stackable feature adds a ton of value and versatility to your plyometric training routine without compromising safety or durability.

Steel Plyo Box

One-inch steel tube construction and a powder-coated surface makes for a plyo box that looks a little different, but can handle intense workouts for years to come. With a weight capacity of up to 550 pounds, this box provides a solid and stable foundation for step-ups with weights, push-up variations and more.

It's not as foolproof as a soft foam box (meaning it can still bang you up if you land the wrong way on it), but the anti-slip design is a major win. Four rubber cushions on the base and a textured rubber surface on top make for excellent grip, helping to prevent slips and fall. This allows you to focus on your workout without any distractions. Though it is a durable option, we don't recommend this type of box for jumps because of its shape.

3-in-1 Games Box

Having personally used the Rogue Games Box in hundreds of workouts throughout the years, there's no question that this box from Rogue is at the top of wood category. But don't just take my word for it, this box is widely recognized as one of the best, having been the official plyo box used in CrossFit Games competitions for years.

At 56-pounds, it isn't the most portable option on this list. However, that weight provides a feeling of stability and sturdiness that most lighter options just can't compete with. With height options of 20, 24, and 30-inches, it caters to athletes of most skill levels and heights, and can be used for a range of exercises. All you need to do is flip the box over on the correct side.

That being said, the entirely-wood build is not forgiving to missteps or fumbles, so we don't recommend this box to non-experts. Made from 3/4-inch thick Pine with plywood, it stands up well to wear and tear, too. We don't love that assembly is required, but, thanks to precision corner joints, it's pretty easy.

RooBox

We're speaking from experience when we say that, more often than not, it's smart to go with a soft plyo box. That's because, whether you're a veteran box jumper or new to the move, chances are you'll miss the box and go shin first into a corner at one time or another. Which not only hurts like hell, but makes going back for your next set of box jumps (minutes or weeks later) way more intimidating.

Enter: the RooBox from AbMat. This patent-pending design employs the durability and longevity of a wood box with the protection and risk-reduction of a soft box, taking the edge off both figuratively and literally. The corners are rounded and topped with non-slip rubber, so even if your jump falls short, your shins will be spared.

The box shows up at your door only partially built, but assembly is a breeze. We like the handles, which make for easy moving around the home gym. The price might be a little higher than the others, but for those looking for an elevated plyo box experience, this is your pick.

How to Use a Plyo Box

Most classically, the plyo box is associated with box jumps. To perform a box jump using a plyo box is straightforward, but not always easy (depending on the box height). Start by standing facing the plyo box with your feet hip-width apart. Bend your knees slightly, engage your core, and get ready to explode off the ground. Swing your arms back as you prepare to jump. Then, using the power from your legs, propel yourself upward and forward, driving your knees towards your chest. As you reach the peak of your jump, aim to land softly on the box with both feet fully planted. Make sure to extend your hips and knees to stand to complete the movement. Ta-da! You've conquered the box jump.

Plyo boxes aren't the most versatile piece of equipment in any gym (or at least, they shouldn't be). But they can be used for a variety of exercises beyond the box jump, too. Read more on the best plyo box exercises to do when you're box jumped-out here.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

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