The 11 Best Adjustable Dumbbells to Get a Great Workout In at Home
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Gym memberships can get expensive, but so can buying equipment to create your own home gym. And when it comes to working out at home, it's often difficult to determine what gear you *actually* need for your fitness routine versus what can be left in the online shopping purgatory of "save for later." But whether you're new to at-home workouts or a seasoned veteran, there is one versatile piece of equipment that'll benefit every kind of athlete: a set of adjustable dumbbells.
Looking for ways to upgrade your at-home workouts? These are the best adjustable dumbbells you can buy, according to thousands of customer reviews.
The Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2021
Best Overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Best for Beginners: Lifepro Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Best for Multiple Uses: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
Best Weight Range: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Weight
Best Quick Weight Changes: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
Best Durable: Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells
Best High-Tech: JaxJox DumbbellConnect
Best for Experienced Weight Lifters: Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell
Best Compact: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Pair
Best for Intermediate Weight Lifters: Soges Adjustable Dumbbell Pair
Best Budget: Sunny Health & Fitness Dumbbell Set
Benefits of Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are the convenient, space-saving alternative to the typical single-weight dumbbells you'd see in the gym. These multi-weight sets have also gone through significant improvements since they first became available and are better than the bulky weights of the past. Instead of precious space being taken up by five pairs of dumbbells in multiple weights (some of which you may rarely use), adjustable dumbbells provide anywhere from five to 50 pounds on a single dumbbell and can reach up to 100 pounds. This allows you to toggle between weights — which you'll likely want to do for different movements or as your fitness level increases — by using just one set. They're also compact and easy to store, making them ideal for at-home exercise when you don't have a ton of space. (Related: Affordable Home Gym Equipment to Complete Any At-Home Workout)
Dumbbells will enhance the intensity of your workout on pretty much any part of the body, from arms and shoulders to legs and core — think weighted squats, lunges, and Russian twists. And weighted exercises like these are not just for those trying to "bulk up." In fact, it's been proven that strength training has a slew of benefits, like burning fat to speed up weight loss, increasing bone density, and, of course, building muscle.
While some adjustable dumbbell sets are pricey, they're definitely a better value than the gym membership you keep "forgetting" to use (or the price you'd pay to buy separate pairs of dumbbells). Aside from the convenience factor, the best part is that they basically bring the gym to you — so you can get in a great workout without leaving the comfort of your home. (Related: This Simple Dumbbell Biceps Workout Will Help You Sculpt Stronger Arms)
Keep scrolling to learn more about these top-rated adjustable dumbbell sets and read the glowing reviews they've received from fellow fitness enthusiasts.
Best Overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Amazon
With a weight range of 5 to 52 pounds, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells cater to a variety of workouts and fitness levels. Each dumbbell features 15 weights in one, helping you eliminate clutter from your at-home gym without sacrificing equipment. In addition to being compact, the 4.8-star-rated set is easy to use thanks to its convenient turn dial, which changes the resistance and locks into place for safe and secure lifting. The weight is increased and decreased in 2.5-pound increments for gradual and controlled reps. Need some workout inspo? Download the Bowflex smartphone app to unlock trainer-led dumbbell workouts and create your own custom fitness plan.
"Perfect for the people who don't want a lot of clutter or don't have a lot of room for a full set," said one Amazon shopper. "Of course, these are way bulkier than 'normal' weights. But they work [perfectly] for what I needed! The quality is outstanding, they work perfectly and the transition for different weights is next to flawless."
Buy It: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, $399, was $549, amazon.com
Best for Beginners: Lifepro Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Amazon
Without any fancy bells and whistles, this adjustable dumbbell is ideal for those new to pumping iron. The dumbbell's weight setting can be quickly changed from 5 to 25 pounds with just a push and slide of the knob, so you won't waste your precious workout time by painstakingly removing and adding the plates. Whether you're curling or pressing, the weight's design ensures the plates do move or fall off, which is ideal — and necessary — for overhead exercises. (Related: Common Weight Lifting Questions for Beginners Who Are Ready to Train Heavy)
One reviewer wrote: "They are weight adjustable and are very easy to use. These are strong and durable. You can take weights off and on very simply. These are an ideal weight set for beginners because of the weight adjustment capabilities. These are affordable and a very affordable alternative to a gym membership. These are a great value for the money."
Buy It: Lifepro Adjustable Dumbbell Set, $200, amazon.com
Best for Multiple Uses: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
Amazon
If you're a fitness enthusiast who's looking for the most bang for your buck, this adjustable dumbbell set is your match made in heaven. Available in 40-pound to 200-pound sets, these weights are compatible with a variety of attachments, including a kettlebell handle and barbell connector, so you won't feel stuck in your upper body workouts. Want to boost your biceps? Use the adjustable dumbbells to pump out a few curls. Need a solid chest workout? Use the barbell attachment for chest presses and the kettlebell handles as stands for your push-ups. Looking to strengthen that booty? Use the kettlebell handles for some kettlebell swings. There are no wrong answers here.
"I love that there's so much flexibility in weight with these," raved a reviewer. "The weights are interchangeable with barbell weights, which is an added bonus I never expected, allowing even more versatility and more reason to purchase these over traditional dumbbells. The feel of these is sturdy and hardy. No weight wobbles, no imbalances, just a solid pair of dumbbells. The fact that a connector can be added to turn this into a short barbell is absolutely fantastic."
Buy It: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells, $60, was $83, amazon.com
Best Weight Range: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Weight
If you want a wide range of weights in one dumbbell set, this all-in-one option is the way to go. It includes plates as low as 2.8 pounds and as high as 4.4 pounds, allowing you to slowly work your way up in weight without straining your muscles. However, if you're looking for a super heavy dumbbell, this is not that; each adjustable dumbbell tops out at 22 pounds, though the set's connecting bar can transform it into a barbell that weighs 44 pounds for all of your squat, deadlift, and shoulder press needs. But if weight is not an issue, these are definitely the top pick for their depth of weight possibilities, durability, and bright yellow color that's sure to liven up your home gym. (Related: How to Set Up a Home Gym You'll Actually Want to Workout in)
"My husband and I both use these dumbbells," shared a customer. "As a military family who moves every two to three years, it is wonderful to not have to pack up an entire set of dumbbells and keep track of them during the move. My husband and I both have seen awesome results from these. When we change the weight on the dumbbells, it is a nice smooth transition. There is no harsh movement that you might have with other brands."
Buy It: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Weight, $110, amazon.com
Best for Quick Weight Changes: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
Speed demons, take note of this fan-favorite adjustable dumbbell. With five weight options, topping out at 25 pounds, this dumbbell changes weight with just a flick of the wrist. Simply turn the dial to your preferred weight, grab the handle while it's in its rack, rotate the handle, and voilà — you're ready to lift! Plus, the adjustable dumbbell's plates feature a unique lock that prevents the plates from falling off or clanking so loud you can't hear your playlist of workout bops.
One reviewer said: "I begrudgingly got two of these to make a pair of dumbbells because I thought they were taking advantage of the pandemic shortage. What a nice surprise it was to see how high quality they are. They are easy to change, with each turn giving you a nice satisfying ratchet/clicking sound. These aren't bulky like the Bowflex dumbbells, with a notch that makes them super easy to rack on your shoulders. The notch also helps stabilize them for push-ups. So these are worth the price individually!"
Buy It: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells, $100, amazon.com
Best Durable: Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells
Amazon
Calling all workout beasts: If you need some heavy-duty dumbbells that can withstand being dropped to the ground after a brutal max out, these are for you. The adjustable dumbbell set, which is available in 24 and 50-pound options, uses high-quality alloy steel weight plates and has a unique box-like construction to prevent wear as it ages. Its padded handle offers cushioning while protecting the dumbbell. Fans of the Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells love its color-coded design and its fast-locking selector pins, which many reviewers noted resembles the ones used in gyms.
"These get utilized every day in our family and we simply love them," wrote one Amazon customer. "The fact that you have the equivalent of seven pairs of dumbbells compacted to the space that a single set would require is simply awesome. We find this set very easy to use; it's simple, quick, and easy to change the amount of weight. Great product!"
Buy It: Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells, $169, was $239, amazon.com
Best High-Tech: JaxJox DumbbellConnect
This JaxJox dumbbell set does not come cheap, but considering its high-tech capabilities, it's certainly worth the price. The first-ever digital dumbbell set, the DumbbellConnect syncs to the JaxJox App, so you can join live or on-demand workouts and see your real-time data, including your reps, sets, time, average power, total volume, and the weight you're using. Each dumbbell can weigh up to 50 pounds, meaning you can curl and press up to 100 pounds, and even adjusting it can be done digitally: To increase or drop weight in 6-pound increments, just press the (+) and (-) buttons on the rack's LCD display screen or on your smartphone. (Related: This 5-Minute Arm Workout with Dumbbells Fits Into Any Schedule)
Buy It: JaxJox DumbbellConnect, $449, jaxjox.com
Best for Experienced Weight Lifters: Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell
Heavy lifters, listen up: This dumbbell is ready to give you a serious workout. Each dumbbell begins at 11 pounds and increases by 5.5-pound increments up to 71.5 pounds per dumbbell. The dumbbell combines 17 sets of weights into one, and to adjust the weight, all you have to do is press a safety button and twist the dial at the end of the bell. Plus, the handle has a comfy rubber handle, and the plates have a special coating to prevent rust and corrosion with wear and tear, so you won't have to re-stock your home gym after a few years. One caveat: The weights are listed in kilograms, so you might want to brush up on your imperial-to-metric conversions first. (Related: Should You Do Cardio Before or After Lifting Weights?)
"Best value high-weight adjusts in the market," raved a customer. "Trust me... for this price and solid construction I really don't think there's anything anyone can complain about! Easy to adjust dial. Need both hands to do so but super quick and easy."
Buy It: Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell, $286, amazon.com
Best Compact: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Pair
Amazon
These 11-pound weights are a great compact and budget-friendly option for lower-intensity strength training or for those who want to keep their workout equipment unassuming and out of the way. The dumbbells in this easy-to-use set start at 2.2 pounds and go up to 11 pounds each by unscrewing the cap on the end and adding weighted bars inside the dumbbell. All in all, you're able to lift 22 pounds with both dumbbells. While these aren't as heavy as others on the market, they're still more than enough to help tone and strengthen your body and are actually preferable for certain exercises where low-to-moderate weight is recommended. Not to mention, they come in at a fraction of the price of most other dumbbell sets and are super portable.
A reviewer noted: "The design makes it so easy to increase/decrease the weights. I'm really pleased. I've used other adjustable weights which were a PITA to adjust because they involved difficult-to-remove clips etc. I love that I can just twist off the top, pop out (or pop in) the metal bars, and go. More cost-effective than buying a bunch of different weights."
Buy It: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Pair, from $30, amazon.com
Best for Intermediate Weight Lifters: Soges Adjustable Dumbbell Pair
Amazon
Coming in hot at 66 pounds total, these adjustable dumbbells are ideal for intermediate lifters. The set comes with four 4.4-pound plates and eight 5.5-pound plates, made from a mixture of iron and sand, so you can increase your weight with ease. You'll also receive a connecting rod to transform your separate dumbbells into one barbell to use while you ease into powerlifting. The standout feature, though, is the plates' octagonal shape, which prevents the dumbbells from rolling away from your workout area — and scratching your hardwood floors — when they're sitting on the ground. Your landlord thanks you in advance.
"They are compact," said a shopper. "Very nice weights you don't have to worry about them rolling away with the octagon shape. The dumbbells fit great in my hands and I have big hands. The sleeve that joins the two dumbbells together works great and everything stays tight."
Buy It: Soges Adjustable Dumbbell Pair, $80, was $160, amazon.com
Best Budget: Sunny Health & Fitness Dumbbell Set
Amazon
This affordable set from Sunny Health & Fitness is proof that quality dumbbells don't always have to break the bank. For $42, fitness enthusiasts are given two 35-pound reloadable dumbbells that come with 12 interchangeable plates in varying weights — 1.5 pounds, 2.5 pounds, and 5 pounds — so you can customize them to best match your comfort level and workout goals. They also feature an ergonomic grip, which contours to the natural curve of your hands to prevent slipping and discomfort. Their unique star lock collars and durable vinyl coating ensure that they'll be a home-gym staple for many years to come.
"If you're looking for weights that aren't expensive, these are definitely it," according to one customer's five-star review. "Easy to put together, and you can hold them well. I love how many different sizes came with it. They are made well and filled with sand, which I love. Great buy and [money's] worth."
Buy It: Sunny Health & Fitness Dumbbell Set, $42, was $50, amazon.com
