The 10 Best Adjustable Dumbbells, Tested and Reviewed by Athletes
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Adjustable dumbbells offer a consistent, immediate choice between “light” weights for a breezy toning session that totally still counts as movement and a gruelling, grunt-inducing lift where one can actually feel the tiny microtears happening.
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One can adjust based on mood, vibes and actual physical capacity, all within the span of seconds without needing to store ten different dumbbells, which has also made them incredibly popular. Basically, they’re an ideal addition to nearly any home gym setup worth a damn, and SPY is here to help you pick out the best ones.
They offer the ability to switch between weights seamlessly mid-workout and store all of the equipment for everything from toning sessions to heavyweight training all within one square foot of space.
Gym people need different things from any given bit of workout equipment, and a great part of adjustable dumbbells is they’ve got flexibility baked right there into the design. Even with that versatility though, everyone has their own preferences. While some might be veteran weight lifters looking to keep their lifting strength up at home, other might only just be stepping into the world of weight training, and that all requires different features and weights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adjustable Dumbbells
How Heavy Are Adjustable Dumbbells?
Adjustable dumbbells come in a variety of weights, some go up to 90 pounds, while others tap out at 15 pounds. You have an average of 5-10 different weight options in each pair, so you can go up as heavy or stay as light as you’d like. They allow for flexibility, which is one of the top reasons to get them.
How Do You Use Adjustable Dumbbells?
You use adjustable dumbbells in the same way you use regular dumbbells once you remove them from their stand. While on the stand, the exact design varies, however for most of them you twist or rotate a dial or the handle to change the weight. Switching between weights is typically very easy with adjustable dumbbells.
How Expensive Are Adjustable Dumbbells?
Adjustable dumbbells are not inexpensive, because you’re purchasing multiple pairs of dumbbells in one machine. They vary in price wildly depending on how much weight you’re buying and how many different weight options they come with. High-end options can cost as much as $500-$700, while more affordable options can cost as little as $80-$100.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
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Why It Stands Out: Bowflex makes easy-to-use and high-quality weights, and this pair of dumbbells is no different. There are plenty of weight increments here to choose from, they’re easy to adjust, and as far as weights go, they don’t look bad either. They’ve got nearly everything anyone needs in a pair of adjustable dumbbells, which is why they sit atop our list of the best adjustable dumbbells.
Total Weight: 52.5 pounds
Weight Increments: 2.5 pounds up to 25 pounds; 5 pounds after that
Dimensions: 16.0″ L x 8.2″ W x 9″ H (each)
Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set
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Why It Stands Out: One of the biggest standouts for this pair is the fact that the handles are actually quite comfortable. A lot of adjustable dumbbells use knurled grips, and while that does help grip, it can also shred up palms. These are smoother, and that’s consistent throughout their design as they’re also easy to use, and the stand looks nice.
Total Weight: 50 pounds
Weight Increments: 5 pounds
Dimensions: 22″ L x 33.5″ W x 31.9″ H
Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells
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Why It Stands Out: These weights from Ativafit are easy to use, are heavier than Bowflex but with small-enough increments for plenty of options. They’re an excellent pick for lifting heavier for a cheaper price tag, so if maximization is the name of the game, SPY recommends these.
Total Weight: Up To 71.5 pounds
Weight Increments: 5.5 pounds
Dimensions: 16.34 x 7.5 x 8.67 inches
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell (Single Dumbbell)
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Why It Stands Out: For maximum weight with no specific budget, these 1090 dumbbells from Bowflex are the way to go. With almost double the weight of many of the other best adjustable dumbbells, the sheer size of these is the main appeal. Despite their increased bulk, they’re still easy to use and adjust with the same sliding system as Bowflex’s smaller model.
Total Weight: 92.3 pounds
Weight Increments: 5 pounds
Dimensions: 17.5″ L x 9.5″ W x 10″ H (each)
SMRTFT Nüobell 50lb Adjustable Dumbbells
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Why It Stands Out: These SMRTFT Nüobells are gorgeous, and their design is only part of their appeal. These weights impressed SPY Editors with their look and usability, as they slide easily in and out of the tray and transitions between weight were seamless. They do have sharp edges, however, so holding each dumbbell by the ends for exercises like halos or dead bugs is uncomfortable.
SMRTFT’s adjustable dumbbells are also designed with more intense knurling, a sharper texture on the handles, that helps you grip but can also be more uncomfortable for the hands. Beginners or those who prefer softer textures should keep this in mind.
Total Weight: 50 or 80 pounds
Weight Increments: 5 pounds
Dimensions: 65 centimeters x 61 centimeters
Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Set
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Why It Stands Out: This is a pair of adjustable dumbbells that isn’t as intent on shredding what’s left of uncalloused hands, and is actually quite comfortable to hold. They still have a grip, but it’s a lot kinder to the skin than the spiky metal of other options on this list. They’re also really easy to adjust via a twist of the handle, which can be a quicker option than knobs or dials. They do have fewer increments than many others on this list though, which is worth keeping in mind.
Total Weight: 55 pounds
Weight Increments: 11 pounds
Dimensions: 14.6″ L x 7.9″ W x 6.7″ H (each)
Lifepro 15lb Adjustable Free Weights Dumbbell Set
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Why It Stands Out: Not everyone wants a dumbbell that goes up to 50 pounds, and having a lighter pair is a convenient option for toning and sculpting. These Lifepro adjustable dumbbells are smaller than a lot of the others, and they go up to 15 pounds in 2.5-pound increments. This makes them ideal for newer weight lifters, or even as an additional pair for working on isolations like lateral raises.
Total Weight: 15 pounds
Weight Increments: 2.5 pounds
Dimensions: 6.8″ L x 8.4″ H x 2.7″ W
NordicTrack iSelect Voice-Controlled Dumbbells
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Why It Stands Out: An adjustable dumbbell that changes weight using just the sound of your voice? These NordicTrack iSelect Dumbbells will do exactly that, with a good Alexa hub. They’d almost be worth it for the novelty alone, but they’re also very well built and are a solid set of weights without the extra tech appeal. Their design is very clean, and the digital display and adjustment knob feels a lot cleaner and more modern than the other best adjustable dumbbells.
Total Weight: 50 pounds
Weight Increments: 5 pound
Dimensions: 185 millimeters x 185 millimeters
PowerBlock USA Elite Series Adjustable Dumbbells
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Why It Stands Out: There’s just something undeniably old-school about the feel of these. There’s nothing wrong with modern designs; innovation drives interest for a reason, but this pair of adjustable dumbbells look like they’ve been ripped from the golden age of weight lifting in a great way. They’ve got an amazing build quality which makes them very durable, and the color-coded weight levels make them easy to adjust between too.
Total Weight: 50 pounds, with options for 70 and 90 pounds
Weight Increments: 2.5 pounds
Dimensions: 12″ L x 6″ W x 6″ H
Yes4All Adjustable Cast Iron Dumbbell
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Why It Stands Out: Not everyone wants to spend over $100 or more on a pair of dumbbells, even adjustable ones. There are cheaper ones available that are more manual in their design and involve adding and removing weights by hand. They’re not truly adjustable dumbbells in the same way as the others, but they get the job done.
Total Weight: 50 pounds
Weight Increments: 3 or 7 pounds
Dimensions: 15″ L x 12.5″ W x 4″ H
Are Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
While the entry point for any set of adjustable dumbbells, even the cheaper ones, seems high, for those looking to get the same variety of weights as individual dumbbells, while saving space, they’re the only practical option. There’s no denying the convenience they add to any workout, and one could argue they make it easier to progress in strength training by putting that extra five or ten pounds within reach. Testing the waters with a heavier squat or deadlift is not only possible, but encouraged in their streamlined design. With a monetary, space and potential performance benefit — the price tag becomes easier and easier to justify.
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1. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell
Home fitness juggernaut Bowflex leads the pack with the SelectTech 552 dumbbell set. The weights adjust from five to 52.5 pounds, with 2.5-pound increments for the first 25 pounds, then five-pound increments the rest of the way. The dial for adjusting weights works very well, and made selecting new weights mid-workout easy during our testing. The grip for the weights is somewhat comfortable, and comes with knurling on it that makes them easy to grip. This is a definite plus when you're trying to go up in weight class and complete longer sets. All of the weight selections are clearly marked, and the weights themselves feel high-quality, sturdy and durable.
The pair of adjustable dumbbells replaces 15 different pairs of dumbbells, and they come in a storage tray that protects your floor and makes it easier to organize them between uses.
Pros:
Smooth automatic weight adjusting system
Sturdy plastic design
Included stand
Large weight range
Small weight increments
Cons:
Can't drop them due to plastic construction
Long end to end, which can limit your range of motion
Have to adjust both ends of the bell separately, takes longer than with other models
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell
2. Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex also makes another, significantly heavier adjustable dumbbell set that goes up to 90 pounds, and adjusts at five pound increments giving you 17 different weight options. The weights adjust using the same mechanism as the SelectTech 552 dumbbells, with dials on either end, and work just as smoothly despite the heavier weight. They're made with a more comfortable, stainless steel grip that has strips of knurling rather than it covering the whole thing, and they come with a sturdy stand for keeping them organized when not in use.
They are taller than the SelectTech 552 dumbbells, but not in an unnecessarily bulky way. The weights easily slide in and out of the stand once you've made your selection, and the larger weight plates work just as smoothly as the smaller ones.
My one large con with this pair, similarly to the SelectTech 552 dumbbells, is the length. Because the weight plates are thicker, the total dumbbell length is very long no matter how light you go. This is fine for deadlifts and squats, but can make movements like a bicep curl and Arnold's Press more difficult.
Pros:
High weight capacity
Streamlined design
Easy weight adjustments
Cons:
Weights are very long, which can make moves like bicep curls more difficult
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells
3. POWERBLOCK Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbell (2020 Model)
PowerBlock’s dumbbells feature powder-coated steel weights with a range of five to 50 pounds and a color-coded chart, making it easy to adjust the weight setting with the magnetic selector pin, similar to the mechanism you'll find in most gym weight machines. The real advantage here is Powerblock’s Expansion kits, which offer additional plates for added weight. Its Stage 2 Kit allows lifters to haul between 50-70 pounds, while the Stage 3 Kit expands up to 90 pounds. If you plan to make some serious gains during your home gym journey, the PowerBlock dumbbells are a great choice.
Pros:
Heavy weight capacity
Extremely durable
Drop friendly
Classic design many old school weightlifters are used to
Cons:
The box design is more restrictive in terms of your movement while holding them
POWERBLOCK Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbell (2020 Model)
4. Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
Flybird's adjustable dumbbells are well-designed and come with a solid construction that feels durable and high-quality while you're using them. They're sold as single dumbbells and pairs, and have automatic weight adjustment via a twist of the handle. There wasn't anything super notable about these dumbbells other than the fact that they go up to 55 pounds, start at 11 pounds and go up in increments of 11 for some reason. Thus, they have fewer weight options than other pairs, but if you're not interested in a variety of weight settings this set will do just fine. This one might be better purchased as a single dumbbell you can use for heavy unilateral work, or moves like side lunches and goblet squats.
Pros:
Smooth handles
Easy twist automatic weight adjustment
Medium-heavy weight capacity
Cons:
Fewer weight options
Larger weight increments, awkward weight numbers
Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
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