Best biceps exercises with a barbell

Exercises where biceps are a main mover and that need a barbell, EZ bar or trap bar, plus a bench at most. Best muscle growth rating first, with more weight on ratings several sources agree on. The full biceps ranking covers every kind of equipment.

  1. 1EZ-bar curl, start positionEZ-bar curlElbow flexionEZ barVery good; among the better picks for the muscle. Also works forearms.
    Growth
    4.0 1 source
  2. 2Barbell curl, start positionBarbell curlElbow flexionBarbellSolid; a reasonable default. Also works forearms.
    Growth
    3.0 1 source
    Worth the fatigue
    5.0 1 source
  3. 3Preacher curl, start positionPreacher curlElbow flexionEZ barSolid; a reasonable default. Hard in the stretched position. Also works forearms.
    Growth
    3.0 1 source
  4. 4Drag curl, start positionDrag curlElbow flexionBarbellBelow average; better options exist for every goal. Also works forearms.
    Growth
    2.0 1 source
  5. 5Spider curl, start positionSpider curlElbow flexionEZ barBelow average; better options exist for every goal. Also works forearms.
    Growth
    2.0 1 source