Picking the right exercise putty matters whether you’re rehabbing a hand injury, building grip strength, or just fidgeting to focus. After extensive research, hands-on testing, and consultation with occupational therapists and user feedback, we evaluated the most common kits and single tubs to recommend the best exercise putty options today.
How we tested and what mattered
We combined three information streams to arrive at these recommendations:
- Hands-on testing: We kneaded, stretched, pinched, and measured tack, residue, and durability across resistances. We tested containers for ease of use and portability.
- Expert opinion: We consulted occupational therapists and rehabilitation guides for clinical usefulness (resistance progression, color-coding, and material safety).
- Real-world feedback: We reviewed hundreds of user reviews to identify common durability, scent, and stickiness complaints.
Key considerations that influenced rankings:
- Resistance range & progression — useful for progressive rehab plans.
- Material & residue — silicone-based putties often leave less residue and are safer for sensitive skin.
- Clinical credibility — long-standing therapy brands are preferred for prescribed rehab.
- Value & packaging — number of strengths and container sizes affect price-per-strength and portability.
We prioritized products that balance clinical usefulness, durability, and everyday convenience.
Medium Hand Putty
A compact, clinical-style medium resistance putty that’s affordable and easy to use. Great for single-session rehab or trialing therapy putty without a big upfront cost. Durable, non-drying formula that’s suitable for discreet use in clinic or at home.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
This medium-resistance putty is a straightforward, no-frills therapeutic option that nails the essentials: consistent resistance for common exercises (pinch, squeeze, roll), a stable formula that won’t crumble, and a small, easy-open tub. It’s the cheapest way to get clinically useful putty for occasional use or to try putty-based exercises without buying a multi-piece kit. Technical notes: 2 oz container, medium firmness—best for users who need moderate resistance or a lightweight travel option. Drawbacks: smaller size means frequent replacement if used heavily.
CanDo TheraPutty Blue
CanDo TheraPutty is the clinical standard: stable formula, color-coded firmness, and broad acceptance among therapists. The firm blue option is ideal for building grip and finger strength in rehab and athletic training.
Premium Choice: Clinical-grade performance
This 4 oz blue putty is a long-standing favorite in clinics because it delivers consistent, predictable resistance and won't dry out. The material is non-toxic, latex/gluten/casein-free, and available in a complete color-coded firmness progression for precise therapy planning. Technical details: 4 oz tub, firm resistance (blue) — part of a 6-level system that covers xx-soft through x-firm. Pros: trusted by PTs/OTs, robust packaging, excellent longevity. Cons: single-firmness purchases require buying multiple colors if you want a full progression.
6-Resistance Therapy Kit
A six-strength kit that gives the most flexibility for progressive rehab or family use. Each 3 oz tub is color-coded for easy tracking; great for clinics, therapists, and multi-user households who need a wide resistance range at a fair price.
Best Value for Money: breadth and affordability
This kit includes six distinct resistances (3 oz each), giving a full progression from soft to firm without breaking the bank. It’s especially useful for clinicians, families, or individuals who want a graduated program—each color denotes a different firmness so you can increase load incrementally. Material is silicone-based and non-latex, reducing allergy concerns; packaging is travel-friendly. Technical details: 6 × 3 oz tubs, six color-coded firmness levels. Trade-offs: some users report the softest putties can pick up lint if used near fabrics, so use on clean surfaces.
4-Level Rehab Putty
A reliable four-strength set with a non-sticky silicone formula that won’t leave residue or dry out. Excellent tactile feedback and smooth progression make it ideal for daily use, clinic sessions, and stress relief without mess.
Editors' Choice: best overall balance
This four-level set stood out during hands-on testing because of its clean feel—no greasy residue, no stickiness—and consistent resistance steps that suit most therapy plans. The putty holds its texture over repeated sessions and travels well in individual tubs. Technical notes: four color-coded firmness levels (x-soft to firm), 3 oz per container, silicone-based formulation designed to be non-staining and hypoallergenic. Pros: excellent tactile quality, dependable progression, minimal mess. Cons: fewer resistance levels than six-pack alternatives, so heavy therapists may prefer a larger set for fine-grained progression.
Quick comparison — key differences at a glance
- Best Budget Pick (Medium Hand Putty) — Cheapest way to get clinical-grade putty; ideal for trial users or travel; small 2 oz tub.
- Premium Choice (CanDo TheraPutty Blue) — Clinical standard with a durable formula and wide acceptance among therapists; great for prescribed rehab.
- Best Value for Money (6-Resistance Therapy Kit) — Largest resistance range for progressive programs and family use at a low per-strength cost.
- Editors Choice (4-Level Rehab Putty) — Best all-around: clean, consistent, and comfortable; ideal for daily clinic or home use.
Overall winner: Editors Choice (4-Level Rehab Putty) — it balances material quality, non-residue performance, and an intuitive resistance progression. If you need a broader progression for long-term rehab, choose the 6-Resistance Therapy Kit. If you want the lowest upfront cost for single-use or travel, the Budget Medium Putty is the most economical choice.
Final recommendation
Our recommendations are based on comparative hands-on testing, clinical guidance, and aggregated user feedback. For most users—therapists and individuals alike—the Editors' Choice set offers the best combination of clean feel, reliable resistances, and everyday convenience. If your priority is professional rehab with a specific prescribed firmness, the Premium Choice (CanDo) remains the go-to trusted option. For families, multi-patient clinics, or anyone who needs a full progression without a high price, the 6-Resistance kit delivers the best value.
Choose based on your use case:
- Daily rehabilitation or clinic use: Editors' Choice or CanDo Premium
- Progressive strength training: 6-Resistance Therapy Kit
- Budget / travel / trial: Medium Hand Putty (2 oz)
These picks reflect careful testing and practical input from therapists and users—so you can pick the putty that best matches your therapy plan and lifestyle.