Even high-quality dumbbell sets can become bulky obstacles in your home gym—especially when you’re tight on space. Adjustable dumbbells provide access to an entire dumbbell rack at a fraction of the space, says Prince Brathwaite, NASM-CPT, founder of Trooper Fitness. The best adjustable dumbbells are easy to use whether you’re a novice or a seasoned athlete. They’re convenient, space-saving, and versatile, making them an excellent choice for working on your muscular strength and definition at home.
In our quest for the best adjustable dumbbells, we first sought advice from personal trainers on which key features you should consider as you shop. Then, we rigorously tested 25 pairs of adjustable dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home, performing traditional weightlifting moves like bicep curls, bent-over rows, forward lunges, front squats, and bench presses. We evaluated each adjustable dumbbell based on its ease of setup, adjustability, ease of use, grip, durability, storage, and value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review the contents of this article for accuracy regarding what to look for in adjustable dumbbells and how to use them safely.
What to Know Before You Get Started
Before diving into the world of adjustable dumbbells, we recommend keeping these factors in mind:
- Weight Range and Increments: Look for adjustable dumbbells that offer a wide range of weight options in convenient increments to match your skill level and preferences.
- Design and Materials: Pay attention to each dumbbell’s design and material—this can affect its durability and performance. The ends of the dumbbell (also called the heads) should be sturdy and well-balanced so you can stay stable and safe while you lift. Look for materials known for their longevity, like cast iron and steel.
- Grip: Opt for ergonomic, textured handles with good grip to prevent slipping and reduce hand fatigue.
- Storage: Storage bases or racks keep your adjustable dumbbells organized and easily accessible in your home gym. Some models come with space-saving storage solutions, while others may require additional space for storage when you’re not using them.
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Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 50 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 100 pounds | Replaces: 16 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for intermediate to advanced lifters.
Why We Love Them
Don’t let their square, futuristic design fool you—PowerBlock’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells are compact, easy to adjust, and can replace 16 sets of weights, making them our top pick for the best adjustable dumbbells. We like that you can adjust them from 5 to 50 pounds in 2.5-pound increments, which makes them versatile enough to help you take on a wide array of exercises. If you’re looking for heavier weights as you build strength, you can invest in one of the brand’s expansion kits.
During testing, these dumbbells impressed us with their unique pin system that makes changing weights mid-workout quick and easy. We also love the handles for their ergonomic, textured rubber grip that felt comfortable even when we lifted heavy weights with sweaty hands. But we’re not the Elite EXP’s only fans: Certified personal trainer Daniela Spear, NSCA-CSCS, NASM-CPT, also loves these adjustable dumbbells, noting that their rectangular case is easy to store. Earning a perfect score in every category, PowerBlock’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells have outperformed most other options we’ve tested, securing their spot at the top of our list.
Potential Flaws
- These adjustable dumbbells are pretty pricey. However, we think they’re a great investment because of their efficient, durable, high-quality design.
Most Valuable Insights
“With sleek, thin weighted panels, PowerBlock provides added weight without the added bulk. Using these dumbbells felt great.” —Nikki Berryman, Verywell Fit product tester
“PowerBlock’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells have a unique rectangular shape that’s stackable, which makes them super easy to store under a bed or couch. Out of all the adjustable dumbbells I’ve tried (and I’ve tried many, including the popular Bowflex adjustable dumbbells), these are by far my top pick.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer, associate editorial director, and Verywell Fit product tester
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Compact
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Great value
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Easy to adjust
Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 25 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 50 pounds | Replaces: 5 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for people who are new to strength training or who have never used adjustable dumbbells before.
Why We Love It
Lifepro’s PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbell Set is our top pick for beginners because they’re compact, easy to adjust, and a great value. During testing, we found that the adjustment dial was straightforward and foolproof, allowing us to change weights quickly and easily. We also noticed that the ergonomic handles provide a solid grip for a more comfortable workout.
This space-saving set easily fits into more corners or storage areas, keeping your home gym neat and tidy. Plus, we love how durable the weights are. At a great price point, their resilient design makes these adjustable dumbbells a smart buy for anyone new to strength training.
Potential Flaws
- These dumbbells can only be adjusted between 5 and 25 pounds each. You may need heavier weights as you grow stronger.
Most Valuable Insight
“These are best for beginners simply because they are so foolproof to use! ‘Beginners’ could apply to weightlifting beginners or even just those new to an adjustable dumbbell.” —Keighley Nemickas, Verywell Fit product tester
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Easy to assemble
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Smooth, comfortable handles
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Can convert into a barbell
Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 8 to 30 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 60 pounds | Replaces: 4 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Best for anyone who wants the flexibility of dumbbells and a barbell in one.
Why We Love It
Budget-friendly, easy to assemble, and intuitive, BCBIG’s Adjustable Dumbbells Set is our favorite option if you’re searching for a deal. During testing, these weights were easy to use and adjust for a fast and effective workout. The simple knob system only takes a few seconds when you need to change weights or grips.
We love that you can use this set as dumbbells or barbells when you want to get creative (think: good mornings, jammers, or even classic deadlifts). The handles are smooth and comfortable to hold, even when your hands start to sweat. Best for beginners or intermediate users, BCBIG’s set is ideal for amping up your workouts without breaking the bank.
Potential Flaws
- We do think you get what you pay for, meaning these weights don’t feel as durable as some others we tested.
- When fully assembled, the barbell can be large and a little bulky. But the pieces are easy to store in a small space when taken apart.
Most Valuable Insight
“These dumbbells are good for beginners and intermediate active people. Adjusting the weight and adding the weights on the barbell is super easy.” —Vanessa Mickalonis, Pilates instructor and Verywell Fit product tester
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Sleek, stylish design
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No assembly required
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Compact
Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 15 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 30 pounds | Replaces: 3 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for lifters looking for a sleek, compact, lightweight adjustable dumbbell set.
Why We Love Them
Northdeer’s Adjustable Steel Dumbbells don’t just look ultra-modern—they’re also built with seriously grippy handles. The foam cushioning helps prevent calluses and makes these weights easy to hold, even with wet or sweaty hands. We also love their high-end design and sturdy feel, which set them apart from other dumbbells we tested.
Adjusting the weights is simple. Simply screw as many plates as you need onto each end, and you’re ready to go. The dumbbells are also fairly small, so you can tuck them away in most small spaces. An added bonus? They’re ready to go right out of the box—no assembly required.
Potential Flaws
- The plates can only be screwed on in a certain order, meaning the weights are only customizable to a certain extent. Still, we think these dumbbells are adjustable enough to help you complete a wide range of exercises.
Most Valuable Insight
“The chic silver and black design stands out, making it a stylish addition to any home gym with the safety of a reassuring grip.” —Vanessa Mickalonis, Pilates instructor and Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 30 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 60 pounds | Replaces: 6 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best if you like to switch up your upper body workouts regularly.
Why We Love Them
Rep Fitness’s Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells have three handles per weight instead of one—perfect for triceps extensions and similar exercises when you need to change your grip. The largest grip, in the middle, is made from knurled nickel-plated steel, while the other two are slightly thinner, with a matte texture. During testing, we immediately noticed the dumbbells’ durable steel switch system that helped us adjust the weight quickly and effortlessly. We also like how flexible the plates are: You can add 10 pounds at a time or use the micro-adjustment plates for more control.
Made from steel and reinforced with nylon composite accents, these tough dumbbells are built to withstand regular use (and even the occasional drop—it happens!). Like some of our other top picks, the Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells come fully assembled and ready to use, so you can get started chasing your strength training goals right away.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed that these weights have a wide diameter, which makes them a little bulkier than others we tested.
- These dumbbells are pricier than others on our list. However, we think their unique design and durable construction make them a worthy investment.
Most Valuable Insight
“Since changing the weight levels required a lot of flicking of switches, I felt like a pilot in the control room. There was barely any clanging or loose plates, so these dumbbells felt perfectly secure and safe to use.” —Amy Kwan, physical therapist and Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 80 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 160 pounds | Replaces: 16 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for intermediate to advanced lifters.
Why We Love Them
SMRTFT’s Nüobell Adjustable Dumbbells replace 16 sets of weights, making this set our favorite option for anyone who likes lifting heavy weights. We love its sleek, modern design and maximum set weight of 160 pounds for tackling everything from weighted squats to chest presses. Sturdy, stable, and solid, these dumbbells are also easy to handle and feel well-made.
Switching between weights during the testing workouts was effortless, thanks to the easy-click turn handle mechanism—we could even do it with one hand. We also like the handles, with a comfortable grip that ensures a secure hold, even with sweaty hands. Although they do require a little assembly, we had them out of the box and fully operational in just a few minutes.
Potential Flaws
- While they’re pricier than some of our other picks, these dumbbells are still worth considering for their sturdy, high-end design and heavy maximum weight capacity.
- In testing, we noticed that the storage base tended to fall off the weights when we tried to move everything as one unit. This seems inconvenient, considering how pricey this set is. Even so, we think this is a small trade-off, and we recommend keeping the base in one spot.
Most Valuable Insight
“These dumbbells are very easy to use—they feel sturdy, durable, and secure. They’re easy to manage. I was impressed with the design and feel, and I was happy with how comfortable they felt in my hands.” —Michelle Cabrera, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 52.5 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 105 pounds | Replaces: 15 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for the intermediate to advanced lifters looking for a wide range of weights to accommodate a variety of strength exercises.
Why We Love Them
With a quick turn of the dial, Bowflex’s SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells can be adjusted from 5 to around 53 pounds each in under 20 seconds using one hand. This, plus the ability to adjust the weight in small, 0.5-pound increments, makes them our pick for the set with the best weight range. We like that these dumbbells arrive fully assembled, requiring only an Allen wrench to release them from their packaging.
Another plus? You can mix and match weight plates to customize your workouts even more. That means that on one dumbbell, you can combine plates of different weights to achieve the specific number you’re looking for. The grippy rubber handles are easy to hold with wet or dry hands, providing stability and safety during your workouts.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed in testing that the storage rack doesn’t seem as well-made as the actual dumbbells do. As with SMRTFT’s Nüobell Adjustable Dumbbells, the weights tended to slip out of the rack when we tried moving the entire set as a unit, so we’d recommend keeping it in one place.
- This set is one of the pricier options on our list. But their intuitive design may be worth the cost if you plan on lifting every day.
Most Valuable Insights
“Everything about the setup was rather intuitive—I got the hang of the design in less than a minute.” —Elizabeth Taylor, Verywell Fit product tester
“I’ve used Bowflex’s adjustable dumbbells more than once, and every time I work out with them I really appreciate how easy they are to use. Since they’re shaped like classic dumbbells, they don’t feel as bulky as other adjustable dumbbell options.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer, associate editorial director, and Verywell Fit product tester
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Adjustable with one hand
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Great value
Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 25 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 25 pounds | Replaces: 5 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for combining weights and cardio, as in high-intensity circuit training (HICT).
Why We Love It
For fast-paced circuit workouts, Keppi’s Adjustable Dumbbells Set is our top pick. We like how simple the weight adjustment mechanism is—you can switch from 5 to 25 pounds with just one hand, ensuring seamless transitions between exercises. We also love that you can adjust the weights no matter which way you place the handles in the tray, so you can focus on hitting your fitness goals (not on fussy mechanics).
The plastic storage tray keeps the handles and weight plates neatly organized and won’t take up too much space in your home gym. With a sturdy, high-quality feel, we think this set is a great value for beginners who like to lift lighter weights along with their cardio.
Potential Flaws
Most Valuable Insight
“The ease and speed with which these weights can be adjusted are crucial for cardio workouts that often incorporate rapid switches between different exercises and intensities.” —Lee Hubilla, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 50 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 100 pounds | Replaces: 10 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for anyone looking to upgrade their home gym with a simple, durable set that comes with smart technology.
Why We Love Them
Centr’s Smart Stack Adjustable Dumbbells stood out during testing for their modern, user-friendly design. Unlike most of our other top picks, these weights come with an app you can download on your smartphone, complete with a free, three-month membership that unlocks training, nutrition, and mindfulness content. We also love that the dumbbells arrive fully assembled, with minimal setup required, and have a sleek silhouette that won’t stick out in your home.
The contoured, textured rubber handles provide a comfortable and secure grip during workouts—no slippage in sight. We also love how effortless the weight adjustment system is: All you have to do is twist the handle while the weights are in the base and watch the pounds change on a small window on top of the dumbbells. Also unique to this set are the magnets in the plastic storage base, which prevent the weight plates from sliding around when you need to move the set as a whole.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed in testing that these weights are longer than others we tested, which may be awkward for some users.
- Although these are a significant investment, we think the price is a fair trade-off for how well-made these weights are.
Most Valuable Insight
“Truly, I can’t think of an easier way to change between weights. With their thoughtful design, I can understand why they are listed at this price—I think they are worth it.” —Keighley Nemickas, Verywell Fit product tester
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No assembly required
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Compact
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Grippy handles
Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 50 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 100 pounds | Replaces: 9 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for intermediate and advanced lifters who may be rough on their home gym equipment.
Why We Love Them
ETHOS’s 50 lb. Selectable Dumbbells are by far the most durable adjustable dumbbells we’ve tested so far. Made from steel and thick plastic, they felt tough, solid, and sturdy during testing. We also like how grippy the handles feel, so you can lift confidently. Not a fan of putting pieces together? This set arrives fully assembled—our setup time was mostly spent unboxing all of the components.
Adjusting these weights from 5 to 50 pounds is easy, with 5-pound increments that make mental math mid-workout simple. And this wide weight range caters to most fitness levels, making them versatile for different strength training routines. The storage rack’s compact footprint is just another bonus for those in tight spaces.
Potential Flaws
- These dumbbells are longer and bulkier than some other options we tested, so they may be awkward to hold for some users.
- We noticed during testing that the weight plates don’t always slide smoothly back into the base after you’re finished using them, which can be frustrating.
Most Valuable Insight
“This is a high-quality, well-made set of dumbbells that is very durable. I love that these dumbbells are very well-designed, sleek. and compact.” —Amy Kwan, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 10 to 55 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 110 pounds | Replaces: 3 sets of weights | Sold As: Pair | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for intermediate weightlifters who need a higher maximum weight.
Why We Love Them
MX55’s Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells are ideal for any weightlifters with larger home gyms. The setup process was straightforward during testing—the dumbbells arrive ready to use, while the stand took us seven minutes to put together. Adjustable from 10 to 55 pounds in 5-pound increments, these dumbbells suit most intermediate lifters, with a simple dial that makes switching weights easy.
In part thanks to their size, these dumbbells feel secure and sturdy during use. The comfortable, cushioned grip is suitable for both dry and sweaty hands—we never felt like the weights might slip during our workouts. Durable and well-built, this set was made for long-term home gym use.
Potential Flaws
- These are also on the pricey side. However, we think they’re a smart investment for intermediate lifters who need a larger maximum set weight than many of our other top picks offer.
- With the stand, these are fairly bulky and not meant for smaller spaces.
Most Valuable Insight
“I like how securely the plates rest on the handle—they didn’t shift at all during use, which is a prime complaint I have about the set that I am currently using at home.” —Skye Senterfeit, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Per Dumbbell: 5 to 52.5 pounds | Maximum Set Weight: 105 pounds | Replaces: 15 sets of weights | Sold As: Single | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for most weightlifters who like to lift heavy weights and have a little extra room in their home gym.
Why We Love It
FitRx’s SmartBells Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell offers exceptional value. It offers a wide weight range of 5 to 52.5 pounds and can be adjusted in 2.5-pound increments, replacing 15 sets of traditional weights. Suitable for beginners, intermediates, and some advanced users, these dumbbells are easy to adjust—it took us less than 10 seconds between exercises to change weights using the simple turn-and-lift mechanism.
FitRx’s convenient rack makes it easy to store these dumbbells when not in use, and we like the safety lock that keeps the weights in place during workouts. During testing, we also noticed their durable design and grooves that help with grip. For a user-friendly, intuitive weight, we think this one can’t be beat.
Potential Flaws
- These weights are fairly long and bulky. It’s also worth noting that they come with a stand that takes up a decent amount of space.
- Although the grooved handles are comfortable to hold with dry hands, they did feel a little slippery with wet hands.
Most Valuable Insight
“The FitRx SmartBells set is one of my go-to adjustable sets for building a home gym on a budget. I recently purchased a pair for my father for his birthday!” —Jarrod Nobbe, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Verywell Fit contributing commerce writer
Adjustable Dumbbells We Also Tested
So far, we’ve tested 25 adjustable dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home—but only 12 have earned a spot in our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some of these dumbbells’ features, they ultimately didn’t stack up against the rest.
- Rogue’s Loadable Dumbbells with OSO Collars offer exceptional grip, even with wet hands. But the plates are sold separately from the dumbbells themselves, and we don’t like how difficult the adjustment mechanism is to use.
- We like that LEADNOVO’s Adjustable Weights Dumbbells Set is budget-friendly, but it has a limited weight capacity and is made with plastic parts that could break easily. We also noticed that the bar is too long—it makes exercises like bench presses awkward.
- We also tested: CAP Barbell’s Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set, NordicTrack’s 55 Lb. Select-A-Weight Dumbbells, and Xterra Fitness’ ADB25 Adjustable Dumbbell.
What We’ve Updated
- Since our initial tests, we’ve been using these adjustable dumbbells regularly at home, collecting additional observations on their design and performance. Based on this long-term testing, we recently added more insights to this article. We’ve also updated our list based on new products that have been released.
- We’ve updated our Best Overall Pick. Our initial choice, Bowflex’s SelectTech 552 Dumbbell, performed well in our Lab. However, during long-term testing at home, we realized that the parts tend to slide off the storage rack. We also think the storage rack feels cheap, considering how pricey the SelectTech is. We replaced it with PowerBlock’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, which was originally our pick for Best Compact Adjustable Dumbbells. Our tester, an experienced weightlifter, gave these adjustable dumbbells a perfect score in all categories.
Verywell Fit / Nick Kova
How We Tested the Adjustable Dumbbells
To find the best adjustable dumbbells, we’ve tested 22 sets for eight hours in our Testing Lab. Under the supervision of a certified personal trainer, we complete an exercise circuit including bent-over rows, bicep curls, forward lunges, front squats, and bench presses. Then, we take the adjustable dumbbells home and continue to test them for months to see how they hold up over long periods of regular use. During testing, we evaluate each weight based on the following criteria:
- Ease of Setup: Do the dumbbells come pre-assembled, or do they require setup after we unbox them? We record how long the setup process takes and if it requires more than one person. We also note if any additional tools are required or if everything is included in our purchase.
- Adjustability: First, we note the minimum and maximum weight each dumbbell weighs, according to the manufacturer. As we use the dumbbells, we pay attention to how easy they are to adjust (can we use one hand, or do we need both?). We time how quickly adjustments can be made.
- Ease of Use: Do the dumbbell’s handles feel streamlined and easy to grasp? Are the weights easy to maneuver into different positions? Does the length of the dumbbell’s handle interfere with our workout?
- Grip: How does the handle’s texture enhance or detract from our ability to grip the weights? Is it smooth and padded, or rough and textured? How wide is the handle—can smaller and larger hands grasp it comfortably? During workouts, we note how secure the dumbbells feel in our hands. We also spray our hands with water to see how the grip changes with wet or sweaty hands, and see how it feels with jewelry like rings on.
- Durability: At first glance, do the dumbbells look high-quality? We pay attention to how the materials feel and whether they seem sturdy and built to last. Throughout testing, we monitor the dumbbells for any signs of wear and tear, like scratches, dents, chips, or dings.
- Storage: How much space do the dumbbells take up? Do they come with a base, rack, or other storage solution? If so, we note whether it’s well-made and how easy it is to use. These observations help us determine which adjustable dumbbells are best for smaller home gyms.
- Value: To accurately assess each dumbbell’s overall value, we wait to check the price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve evaluated them in all other categories. Based on their performance, do we think the weights are priced fairly? Would we buy them at this price, or only if they went on sale? We also consider whether we’d recommend the dumbbells to a friend or family member.
Verywell Fit / Nick Kova
How to Choose Adjustable Dumbbells
A few factors can help you decide which adjustable dumbbells are right for you:
- Fitness Level: If you’re new to strength training, we recommend adjustable dumbbells with a smaller weight range. As you progress, you can gradually increase the weight to ensure you’re consistently challenging and growing your muscles. Advanced lifters should look for heavier weights to help you reach your weightlifting goals. No matter your experience, consider a set of weights that caters to both your current fitness level and where you aim to be.
- Training Goals: Choose dumbbells that match your goals and will cater to your workout routine. If you want to build muscle, opt for heavier weights so you can push yourself while doing fewer repetitions. Lighter weights will help you do more reps to help increase your endurance or tone your muscles.
- Available Space: Optimizing your home gym is crucial, especially if you’re tight on space. Consider how much space you have and where you can store your dumbbells before investing (and make sure to measure!).
Adjustable Dumbbells vs. Regular Dumbbells
Regular or standard dumbbells are individual weights sold in fixed increments, meaning you’ll need to purchase multiple pairs for different workouts. Adjustable dumbbells have dials you can use to change their weight—most weigh anywhere from 5 to 50 pounds. They allow you to try new exercises and lift heavier as your skill level increases without having to buy and store multiple sets of weights. Adjustable dumbbells can also be more cost-effective over time since you only need to invest in one set.
Michelle Parente
Our Experts
We consulted fitness experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Jamie Song, NASM-CPT, Alexis Dreiss, NASM-CPT, and Stacey Dejesus, NASM-CPT, helped us design and refine our testing process. Others, like Brathwaite and Spear, taught us how to use adjustable dumbbells safely and which key features are most important to consider as you shop for them. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions, ensuring that our recommendations are grounded in professional expertise.
- Jamie Song, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer, functional range conditioning mobility specialist, and licensed yoga teacher
- Alexis Dreiss, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and functional strength coach
- Stacey Dejesus, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer at Leading Edge Personal Trainers’
- Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit associate editorial director
- Daniela Spear, NSCA-CSCS, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and founder of Remade Wellness
- Prince Brathwaite, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and founder of Trooper Fitness
Frequently Asked Questions
Are adjustable dumbbells safe to use?
Quality adjustable dumbbells, like the ones listed here, should not pose any safety risks if used properly. “Always make sure your adjustable dumbbells’ locking mechanism is secure before using the dumbbell after you change the weight,” says Broggini. Cheaper adjustable dumbbells may pose more of a safety risk than higher-priced options made with more durable parts.
How do adjustable dumbbells work?
Adjustable dumbbells work differently depending on their adjustment mechanism—some can be adjusted to different weights with the turn of a dial, others can be adjusted by adding or removing weight plates, and some (like our best overall) feature a pin system that allows you to select between different weights. When selecting an adjustable dumbbell, make sure you choose one with an adjustment mechanism that makes sense to you.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Jarrod Nobbe is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with extensive coaching experience in fitness and performance. He uses his knowledge and years in the field to evaluate products from reputable fitness brands. With a strong passion for the gym, Jarrod incorporates dumbbell training into his routines and athlete training sessions. He enjoys using PowerBlock’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells during his at-home strength workouts.