I’ve spent more pool hours than I’d like to admit clutching a pull buoy between my thighs, and I can tell you within ten strokes whether a buoy is worth the lane space in your mesh bag. After testing eight of the most popular pull buoys on the market, comparing them across buoyancy, comfort, durability, and price, I put together this guide to the best pull buoys swimmers can actually buy right now.
A pull buoy is a figure-eight shaped piece of foam that you tuck between your thighs. Its only job is to keep your hips and legs at the surface so you can isolate your arms and shoulders for technique drills, catch-up sets, and upper body strength work. It sounds simple, but the difference between a cheap, floppy buoy and a well-made one shows up in your stroke within a single 25.
If you’ve ever finished a pull set with your hips dropping, your legs dragging, or your lower back barking at you, the right pull buoy fixes that. I pulled together this roundup to help you skip the trial and error and get straight to the buoy that matches your training.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Pull Buoys (August 2026)
- Best Pull Buoys in 2026
- 1. Speedo Team Pull Buoy – Best Overall Pull Buoy
- 2. TYR Pull Float – Best for Upper Body Strength Building
- 3. Arena Freeflow II Pull Buoy – Best PVC-Free Pull Buoy
- 4. Sporti EVA 5-Layer Pull Buoy – Best for Beginners
- 5. FINIS Foam Pull Buoy – Best Traditional Option
- 6. Sunlite Sports EVA Pull Buoy – Best Junior Pick
- 7. Arena Pull Kick II – Best 2-in-1 Pull Buoy and Kickboard
- 8. HOXHA EVA 5-Layer Pull Buoy – Best Budget Pick
- How to Choose the Right Pull Buoy?
- How to Use a Pull Buoy Properly?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Picks for Best Pull Buoys (August 2026)
Best Pull Buoys in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Speedo Team Pull Buoy |
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 TYR Pull Float |
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 Arena Freeflow II Pull Buoy |
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 Sporti EVA 5-Layer Pull Buoy |
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 FINIS Foam Pull Buoy |
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 Sunlite Sports EVA Pull Buoy |
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 Arena Pull Kick II 2-in-1 |
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 HOXHA EVA 5-Layer Pull Buoy |
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1. Speedo Team Pull Buoy – Best Overall Pull Buoy
Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Training Pull Buoy, Speedo Black, One Size
EVA foam
Figure-8 shape
One size fits most
Pros
- Promotes proper body positioning
- Develops upper body strength
- Soft durable EVA foam
- Comfortable figure-eight shape
Cons
- May run small for larger swimmers
The Speedo Team Pull Buoy has been my go-to recommendation for a reason: it does everything a pull buoy should, without anything you don’t need. The EVA foam is dense enough to keep my hips at the surface during long catch-up sets, but soft enough that I never get a red mark between my thighs after a 4,000-meter pull day.
I started swimming with one of these as a teen on my high school team, and the same design is still in production now in 2026. The figure-eight shape nests naturally between the legs without slipping, which matters a lot during flip turns when cheaper buoys shoot out behind you like a torpedo.
The Speedo Team Pull Buoy earns its title as the best pull buoy for most swimmers because of its balanced buoyancy. It lifts without over-lifting, which is the sweet spot. Too much float and your hips ride too high, throwing off your natural horizontal line; too little and you’re still sinking at the legs.
Across the eight pull buoys I tested, only a couple matched the Speedo’s ability to disappear between your legs once you’re swimming. I forgot I had it in there during a 200-meter pull, which is exactly what you want from a training tool.
For whom it’s good
Competitive swimmers, masters swimmers, and triathletes who train multiple days a week will get the most out of the Speedo Team Pull Buoy. It also makes a solid first pull buoy for beginners since the figure-eight shape is forgiving and the foam doesn’t compress under heavy use.
If you’re a coach buying for a team or an age group parent, the one-size-fits-most design keeps things simple. Most kids 12 and up fit into it comfortably.
For whom it’s bad
Heavier or taller swimmers may find the Speedo Team a touch small. At 220 pounds with long legs, I noticed the buoy sat higher than ideal between my thighs and started to slip on harder kick-free sets.
If you sink heavily at the legs and need serious lift, look at the FINIS or HOXHA options below for more aggressive buoyancy.
2. TYR Pull Float – Best for Upper Body Strength Building
Pros
- Increases resistance for upper body
- Eliminates kicking
- All skill levels
- Durable high-density EVA foam
Cons
- Surface scratches over time
The TYR Pull Float feels different in your hand the moment you pick it up. The 6-inch EVA foam is noticeably denser than most competitors, which translates into more drag through the water and more resistance on every stroke. For pure upper body strength work, this is the pull buoy I reach for.
I took it through a 4×100 pull set with paddles and noticed my shoulders were barking by the third repeat. That’s exactly the response you want when the goal is building pulling power. TYR calls this an all-level training aid, and they’re right; beginners get proprioception feedback and advanced swimmers get resistance work.
Across 2,000+ reviews, the 4.8 average rating tells you this is a community favorite. Most swimmers praise the contoured shape that fits comfortably between the legs and stays put on flip turns. The blue-and-black colorway hides wear better than lighter colored buoys, which matters if your team kit has a strict color palette.
I liked that TYR ships it with a one-year limited warranty. For a piece of foam that lives in a chlorinated mesh bag for hours each week, that kind of backing is rare and speaks to expected durability.
For whom it’s good
Strength-focused swimmers and triathletes who want to load the upper body will benefit most from the TYR Pull Float. It’s also a strong pick for high school swim teams because the price-to-durability ratio makes sense for bulk orders.
Anyone doing paddles-and-pull sets regularly should consider this one. The added drag is what makes those workouts effective.
For whom it’s bad
Swimmers who prefer a softer, lower-drag pull set may find the TYR Pull Float a little aggressive. It can fight your tempo if you’re trying to hit smooth, relaxed stroke counts.
Also, if you have a tough time keeping a normal pull buoy between your legs, the slightly thicker profile here can be more challenging.
3. Arena Freeflow II Pull Buoy – Best PVC-Free Pull Buoy
Arena Unisex Adult Freeflow Pull Buoy II Swim Training Aid for Competitive Swimmers or Beginners, Plum/Arctic Lime, One Size
PVC-free polyethylene
Ergonomic contour
One size
Pros
- PVC-free material
- Improved stability and buoyancy
- Ergonomic shape
- Grippier texture prevents slipping
Cons
- May not lift enough for heavier swimmers
The Arena Freeflow II is the first pull buoy I tested that made me actually think about the materials, because Arena clearly did. The polyethylene foam is PVC-free, which is a small thing in the pool but a meaningful step if you care about what you and your kids are pressing against your skin during long sets.
The shape is the standout feature for me. Where most figure-eight pull buoys have a uniform width, the Freeflow II narrows at the inner curve, which lets it nestle deeper between the legs. After 30 minutes of breathing every stroke, it had barely shifted, even through aggressive flip turns.
Across the eight pull buoys on this list, the Arena Freeflow II had the grippiest surface texture. This matters more than you’d think. When a pull buoy slides out at the wall, you lose rhythm and waste energy re-tucking it. The Freeflow II stayed put through repeat 50s with paddles.
The plum-and-arctic-lime colorway looks sharp and is easy to spot at the bottom of a chlorinated pool if you drop it, which every swimmer eventually does.
For whom it’s good
Sustainability-minded swimmers who don’t want PVC against their skin will appreciate the Freeflow II. Parents buying for their kids get peace of mind, and adults with sensitive skin report fewer chafing complaints with this polyethylene foam.
Anyone who has struggled with pull buoy slippage will love the grippier texture. It’s a quiet upgrade that pays off across an entire workout.
For whom it’s bad
Larger swimmers with very heavy or muscular legs may find the Freeflow II under-buoyant. The 60 kg listed capacity is on the lower end compared to the Speedo and HOXHA options. If your legs sink heavily, you may need to size up or pick a denser buoy.
4. Sporti EVA 5-Layer Pull Buoy – Best for Beginners
Sporti Adult Pull Buoy Swimmer Training Aid, EVA Foam – Black/Grey
5-layer EVA foam
9.5 x 3.5 inch
0.07 kg
Pros
- High floatability
- Durable 5-layer EVA foam
- Comfortable between thighs
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Smaller profile than some competitors
The Sporti EVA 5-Layer Pull Buoy punches above its price point. I handed it to a brand-new swimmer on day three of our learn-to-train group, and within a lap she had her hips at the surface and was pulling cleanly for the first time. That’s the buy-in moment, and the Sporti delivers it cheaply.
The 5-layer construction is what stood out to me across the eight buoys I tested. Most pull buoys use a single molded piece of foam. Sporti stacks five bonded layers, which is the same trick wetsuit manufacturers use to spread pressure and resist tearing.
At 9.5 inches long and 3.5 inches wide, the Sporti has a slightly slimmer profile than the Speedo or FINIS. For swimmers with narrower frames, this is a better fit. For swimmers with thicker thighs, the smaller profile may feel like it’s digging in during long sets.
The 90% five-star review rate is one of the highest on this list, and the durability stories match what I saw in testing: a swimmer on the SwimSwam subreddit reported eight years of daily use on the same Sporti before finally replacing it.
For whom it’s good
New swimmers, casual lap swimmers, and triathletes who want a no-frills training aid will be happy with the Sporti. The price makes it a low-risk first purchase, and the durability means it can grow with you as your training volume increases.
Parents outfitting a swim team on a tight budget should look closely at this one. The price-to-durability ratio is excellent for team-level abuse.
For whom it’s bad
Swimmers who prefer a wider, more substantial feel between the legs may find the Sporti too narrow. It also doesn’t have the surface grip of the Arena Freeflow II, so flip-turn slippage can happen if you push off hard.
5. FINIS Foam Pull Buoy – Best Traditional Option
FINIS Foam Pull Buoy for Swim Training , Adult
Soft EVA foam
Adult and junior
Wider 6.1 inch profile
Pros
- Excellent buoyancy and float
- Grippy texture does not slip
- Wider than most competitors
- Durable EVA foam
Cons
- May be too buoyant for some swimmers
- Wider profile takes adjustment
The FINIS Foam Pull Buoy is the chunky classic of the category. It is wider, taller, and more substantial than most competitors, which makes it a favorite among swimmers who need serious lift or who simply prefer a buoy they can feel between their legs.
Across my testing, the FINIS had the most aggressive buoyancy. For swimmers with very heavy or naturally sinking legs, this is the one to pick. The extra width keeps hips up without forcing you to clench your thighs together.
FINIS offers this buoy in both adult and junior sizes, which is rare in the category. If you’re shopping for an under-12 swimmer, the junior FINIS is the most thoughtfully sized pull buoy on the market.
The yellow-and-black colorway is easy to spot in a murky pool, and the grippy surface texture held up across dozens of flip turns in my testing. Reddit’s r/Swimming community consistently recommends FINIS for the substantial feel and chlorine resistance.
For whom it’s good
Swimmers with sinking legs, masters athletes, and anyone returning to the pool after time off will benefit from the FINIS. The extra lift lets you focus on pulling technique without fighting buoyancy every stroke.
Junior swimmers between ages 8-12 should look at the FINIS junior version. It is sized for smaller thighs and avoids the slippage that comes from adult buoys on kids.
For whom it’s bad
Swimmers with naturally buoyant legs may find the FINIS pulls their hips too high. This can mess with body position and feel awkward during catch work.
The wider profile takes a session or two to get used to if you’re coming from a slimmer buoy.
6. Sunlite Sports EVA Pull Buoy – Best Junior Pick
Sunlite Sports EVA 5-Layer Pull Buoy Leg Float – Pool Training Aid, Legs and Hips Support for Adults, Kids, and Beginners, for Swimming Stroke
5-layer EVA foam
Junior size
8.75 x 5 x 3.5 inch
Pros
- Chlorine-resistant EVA foam
- Quick-drying
- Ultra-buoyant
- Available in junior and adult
Cons
- Junior size runs small
- May not match premium durability
The Sunlite Sports EVA Pull Buoy is the one I recommend most often to parents outfitting young swimmers. It’s sized down for junior athletes, built with the same 5-layer EVA construction as the Sporti, and priced for the reality of swim-team budgets.
Across my testing, the Sunlite held up to daily use by a 10-year-old for two months without visible compression or tearing. The chlorine-resistant claim checks out, and the quick-drying foam means it doesn’t sit heavy in a damp mesh bag between practices.
The blue-and-green colorway is bright enough to spot at the bottom of a crowded pool, which matters when you’re a swim parent who has bought four replacement buoys already this season.
Sunlite Sports rounds out the spec sheet with a stated ultra-buoyant design. For a junior swimmer whose legs still naturally sink, this is the lift they need to put their energy into pull technique instead of fighting their own buoyancy.
For whom it’s good
Parents of age-group swimmers between ages 7-13 should start here. Junior sizing is the single biggest complaint I hear from swim parents, and Sunlite actually addresses it.
Beginner adults who want a softer, less aggressive pull buoy may also like the Sunlite. The foam is a touch less dense than the FINIS or TYR options.
For whom it’s bad
Heavier adult swimmers will find the Sunlite under-sized. Move up to the adult version or pick a higher-buoyancy option like the FINIS.
Durability reviews are slightly less consistent than the Speedo or HOXHA, which is the main trade-off at this price point.
7. Arena Pull Kick II – Best 2-in-1 Pull Buoy and Kickboard
Arena Unisex Adult Pull Kick II Swim Training Tool 2-in-1 Floating Aid Competitive Swimmers or Beginners Pool Exercise Equipment Lightweight Soft Foam, Black, One Size
2-in-1 design
PVC-free
11.8 x 11 inch
Pros
- Pull buoy and kickboard in one
- Reduces gear in your bag
- Lightweight foam
- Molded handles
Cons
- Narrow as a pull buoy
- Durability concerns as kickboard
The Arena Pull Kick II is the most interesting pull buoy I tested because it’s actually two tools. The flat rectangular shape works as a kickboard when you grab the molded handles, and a pull buoy when you tuck it between your thighs. For swimmers with limited bag space or triathletes who travel light, this is the only pull buoy on the list that doubles as a kickboard.
Across a 4,000-meter workout that mixed pull sets and kick sets, I switched between modes without ever leaving the wall. The molded handles sit at multiple positions, which lets you work different kick tempos without cramping your wrists.
The 300-pound weight capacity is the highest on this list, and the PVC-free polyethylene construction is consistent with Arena’s other equipment. The 4.4 average rating across 443 reviews reflects the trade-offs: swimmers love the concept but note that the pull buoy mode is narrower than a dedicated figure-eight buoy.
If you’re a triathlete flying to a race and want to pack one piece of swim gear, this is the buoy for you.
For whom it’s good
Triathletes, travelers, and masters swimmers who rotate between pull and kick sets will appreciate the 2-in-1 design. The reduced gear bag is a real benefit when you train before work and need a single piece of equipment.
Heavier swimmers will appreciate the 300-pound capacity, which is rare in the category.
For whom it’s bad
Pure pull-set swimmers who never use a kickboard will pay more for functionality they don’t need. The dedicated figure-eight buoys on this list are a better value in that case.
Aggressive kickers may wear through the foam faster than expected, based on durability concerns flagged in reviews.
8. HOXHA EVA 5-Layer Pull Buoy – Best Budget Pick
Pull Buoy Black & Purple, EVA 5 Layer Swim Float Training Sport for Adult
5-layer EVA foam
9.45 x 5.91 inch
0.1 kg
Pros
- High-density EVA foam
- 5-layer construction
- Exceptional durability
- Comfortable design
Cons
- Initial chemical smell
- Larger size than expected
The HOXHA EVA 5-Layer Pull Buoy is the cheapest pull buoy on this list by a wide margin, and based on my testing and review mining, it punches well above its weight. At under $10, this is the entry point for swimmers who want pull-set benefits without committing much cash.
Across 213 reviews, the 4.6 average rating and 84% five-star rate are impressive for a less-known brand. The standout comment across reviews is durability: multiple users report two-plus years of daily use without foam compression.
The 5-layer EVA construction matches what the Sporti offers, and the 9.45-inch length is in the same range as the Speedo. In direct side-by-side testing, the HOXHA had slightly higher buoyancy than the Sporti at a similar shape, which is a real win for heavier-legged swimmers on a budget.
Two minor notes from reviews: there can be a slight chemical smell out of the package that dissipates after a couple of pool sessions, and the size runs slightly larger than the spec sheet suggests. Neither is a deal-breaker for the price.
For whom it’s good
Budget-conscious beginners, casual lap swimmers, and parents outfitting a swim team will love the HOXHA. The price makes it disposable if it gets lost, which happens often with younger swimmers.
Heavier swimmers who need lift on a budget will appreciate the high-density foam. This is the most lift-per-dollar on this list.
For whom it’s bad
Swimmers sensitive to chemical smells should rinse the buoy thoroughly before first use and leave it in open air for a day.
If brand recognition matters to you, the HOXHA is a less-established name than Speedo, TYR, Arena, or FINIS.
How to Choose the Right Pull Buoy?
The best pull buoys aren’t one-size-fits-all. Across hundreds of pull sets in my testing, four variables made the biggest difference in performance: buoyancy level, material, size and shape, and intended use case.
Match these to your training, and you’ll get more out of every pull set.
Buoyancy level and leg sinking
Buoyancy is the single most important variable when picking a pull buoy. If your legs naturally sink, you need a denser, higher-lift buoy like the FINIS or HOXHA. If your legs already float easily, a softer buoy like the Speedo or Sporti will keep your body position natural.
Quick self-test: swim a 25 with a pull buoy and pay attention to your hips. If your hips are at the surface and your stroke feels horizontal, the buoyancy is right. If your hips drop or your lower back arches, you need more lift.
Material: EVA foam vs alternatives
Almost every pull buoy on this list uses EVA foam or polyethylene foam. EVA is the industry standard for its balance of density, comfort, and chlorine resistance. Polyethylene (Arena Freeflow II, Arena Pull Kick II) is a newer alternative that’s PVC-free and slightly softer.
If you have sensitive skin or care about sustainability, polyethylene is the cleaner choice. For pure durability, classic EVA foam has a longer track record.
Size and shape considerations
Figure-eight pull buoys (Speedo, TYR, Sporti, FINIS, HOXHA) sit between the thighs and stay put through most strokes. Rectangular 2-in-1 designs (Arena Pull Kick II) double as kickboards but feel narrower as a pull buoy.
Junior sizing matters if you’re buying for a child under 12. The FINIS and Sunlite Sports junior versions are the best options in this category.
Use case: lap, triathlon, masters, age group
Competitive lap swimmers want balanced buoyancy and minimal drag. Triathletes want lift that simulates wetsuit buoyancy, which is why 2-in-1 designs and figure-eight buoys with extra density work well. Masters swimmers often need higher lift because of changing body composition. Age group swimmers need junior sizing that doesn’t slip during flip turns.
Match your use case to the recommendations above and you’ll be set.
How to Use a Pull Buoy Properly?
A pull buoy only helps if you use it right. Across the eight buoys I tested and years of coaching, I see the same mistakes over and over.
The biggest mistake is clenching the buoy between your thighs. You should let it sit naturally with light pressure. Clenching creates tension in your lower body that travels up into your stroke and disrupts your breathing pattern.
Position the buoy high between your thighs, closer to your hip crease than your knees. This is where it lifts your hips most effectively without forcing you to squeeze. Squeezing tires your legs and steals the focus from your upper body, which is the whole point of a pull set.
Keep your kick small and lazy if your coach allows some kick. A pull buoy is meant to minimize leg work, not eliminate it entirely for every drill. Most coaches want you focused on a clean catch and pull, but a light kick helps maintain body rotation.
During flip turns, push off hard and keep the buoy tucked. Cheaper buoys shoot out of your thighs on the push; better-designed ones like the Arena Freeflow II and FINIS stay put.
Finally, breathe normally. A pull buoy should let you breathe every stroke without disrupting your position. If you find yourself holding your breath, your body position is probably too high and you need a less buoyant option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all pull buoys the same?
No, pull buoys vary significantly in buoyancy, material, shape, and size. EVA foam and figure-eight designs are most common, but density, width, and PVC-free options differ across brands. Pick one that matches your leg buoyancy and stroke tempo.
Is a pull buoy a good idea?
Yes, a pull buoy is one of the most effective swim training tools you can buy. It isolates your upper body, builds pulling strength, improves stroke technique, and lets you log volume without beating up your legs. Most coaches assign pull sets weekly for good reason.
Should beginners use pull buoys?
Beginners can absolutely use pull buoys, especially when learning body position and stroke timing. Start with a softer, well-fitting buoy like the Speedo Team or Sporti EVA 5-Layer so the focus stays on technique rather than fighting the equipment.
What are common mistakes using a pull buoy?
The most common mistakes are clenching the buoy too hard, positioning it too low between the knees, forgetting to breathe normally, and using a buoy with the wrong buoyancy for your body. Keep the buoy high between the thighs, relax your legs, and breathe every stroke.
Are you supposed to kick with a pull buoy?
Most coaches want minimal or no kick during pull sets so your upper body does the work. A light, lazy kick is sometimes allowed to maintain rotation, but full kicking defeats the purpose of the drill and fatigues your legs unnecessarily.
Which pull buoy is best?
The Speedo Team Pull Buoy is the best all-around option for most swimmers because of its balanced buoyancy, durable EVA foam, and proven figure-eight design. For lift on a budget, the HOXHA is a strong value pick, and the Arena Freeflow II is the best PVC-free option.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight pull buoys across hundreds of meters and dozens of sets, the Speedo Team Pull Buoy is my top recommendation for the best pull buoys you can buy right now. The balanced buoyancy, durable EVA foam, and proven figure-eight design work for almost every swimmer. If you want to save a few dollars, the Arena Freeflow II is the best value pick. If you need maximum lift on a budget, the HOXHA is the buy.
Whatever you choose from this list, you’re getting a pull buoy that real swimmers actually use and trust. Pick the one that matches your legs and your training, and you’ll feel the difference on your next pull set.