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Up to 24 different weight options in one practical package? Sold kettlebell iron
Not only can investing in one of our best adjustable dumbbells help you get the most out of your home workouts, but it can also keep your lifting zone clutter-free (win-win, right?).
Granted, these space-saving sets are slightly pricier than your standard dumbbell or hand weight, but by providing up to 24 different weight options in one practical package, they're a great solution for anyone looking to get a sweat on and make serious strength gains. In some cases, these smart ‘bells even allow you to up the weight and push for new PBs with just the touch of a button (looking at you, JAXJOX).
Sound good? Well, before you *add to basket*, there are a few things you should know. Amazon has launched its Prime Day sale with huge discounts on select adjustable dumbbells, which will run for two days and end on 17th July, so you can save more on your home gym.
There's plenty of choice on the market right now, but our team of writers and editors put some top models to the test to find the weights which are worth forking out on. Here they are in one quick list, with our full reviews below:
That's a big fat yes! If you’re looking to level-up your at-home gym without having to make more room, and progress your training simply by purchasing a single piece of equipment, then an adjustable dumbbell is one of the best ways to do so. Think of it as your own version of a weight machine and dumbbell rack-heavy gym without the cost, space and time. Sounds worth it to us...
First up, there are three types of adjustable dumbbell: spinlock, dial and digital. Here's a breakdown of each.
They're all great for providing a variety of weight options in a single dumbbell, but each has its own advantages.
Traditional spinlock dumbbells are generally cheaper, sturdier and more readily available, while dial dumbbells are quicker when it comes to loading and unloading weight plates. They also tend to have heavier weight options and a wider variety of weight increments to choose from (with the MuscleSquad Adjustable Dumbbell able to go all the way up to 40kg).
Digital dumbbells tend to be the priciest of the bunch, but by allowing you to change the weight with the touch of a couple of buttons, they really take the faff out of workouts that require multiple different loads, as well as cutting down the time it takes to change weight.
There’s no denying that both traditional fixed dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells have their strengths, but it all depends on where you are working out, the type of movements you plan to use them for and what you are wanting to achieve.
Adjustable dumbbells can seem quite expensive compared to a single set of fixed dumbbells, but they tend to be cheaper in the long run. Once bought, you’ll have a versatile piece of kit that allows you to progress without needing to spend more (think of it as the world’s smallest dumbbell rack). In contrast, fixed dumbbell sets can cost upwards of £300, and when you’re ready to lift heavier you’ll have to splurge on a new pair.
Many dumbbell users will end up sticking with the same fixed dumbbell weight for way longer than is beneficial to their training, just to avoid having to buy another set. This isn’t an issue with an adjustable dumbbell, which can be switched easily between weights as you progress.
An adjustable dumbbell will allow you to customise your workout based on the strength of the muscle you are targeting or the type of exercise you are performing. Looking to add weight to your HIIT plan? Easy. Need a lighter weight for your arms, which aren’t quite as strong as your legs? Done. All possible with a single weight.
You only need storage space for one or two dumbbells, but they can be transformed into multiple weights with the help of a simple mechanism or by changing the plates.
If you enjoy working out in different locations that don’t include the gym (park-workout lovers unite!), it will be a lot easier transporting one multitasking dumbbell than a whole lot of separate ones. At the end of the day, it depends on what you’ll be using your dumbbells for and where. If you’re looking for a specific weight to enhance a targeted area of training, then fixed dumbbells will do the trick. But if you’re wanting to commit to an at-home resistance programme with the aim of progressing in strength, or you use weights for different types of training, then buying an adjustable dumbbell will be a great investment.
More of a kettlebell gal? Check out our round-up of the best adjustable kettlebells, from under £30.
Our team of writers and editors tested the mettle (and metal) of a range of top adjustable dumbbells.
The team timed how long it took to load each dumbbell up to its maximum weight and how quickly and easily they could change the load mid-workout. The dumbbells were also assessed on sturdiness, with top points awarded to those that felt stable and didn’t rattle or shake while being used.
Finally, testers donned their fave leggings for a workout, using each dumbbell for the same 20 bodybuilding movements, ranging from deadlifts to goblet squats to bench press. Top-scoring models moved smoothly and were a practical shape that didn’t obstruct any movement patterns.
The best adjustable dumbbells earned both bragging rights and a place in our round up, which you can see below.
Unlike any dumbbell we’ve ever seen, this stylish yet sturdy set impressed our testers. The plates themselves have built-in screws, and can be added to the bar by twisting them into place (rather than securing them with a collar, as with traditional spinlock weights).
This leaves them with a sleek, compact design that feels a lot like a fixed-weight dumbbell, making them a good option for functional movements such as snatches or renegade rows. At 12kg, the starting weight is a bit high for isolation moves like curls. But, for heavy lifters and CrossFit fans after a versatile dumbbell for compound exercises and at-home WODs, these come highly recommended.
With weight plates of durable cast iron, handles of solid steel and quality being a priority throughout the manufacturing process, these adjustable dumbbells have been made to last.
Special anti-loose O-rings will ensure your weight plates stay where you want them to, and iron spin locks will prevent them from coming loose over time or accidentally taking a dive mid-repetition.
Did we mention the steel connector? Yep, you’ll also have yourself a barbell.
This adjustable dumbbell is basically four dumbbells in one, and all it takes to select the one for you is a quick push and slide of the lever.
Weighing between 2.5 to 12.5kg, it's a great option for those looking to progress their upper body strength slowly but steadily.
You’ll be renegade rowing and lateral raising your way to stronger arms in no time.
One for the gadget-lovers among you, this digital adjustable dumbbell makes changing weight a cinch — just pop it in the holding dock, select your chosen load with the push of a button on the holster, and watch the magic happen.
They come as a pair too, which is a major win for anyone looking to hit dual dumbbell exercises such as deadlifts.
Despite all their high-tech features (we never thought we’d use a pair of dumbbells with Bluetooth), these JAXJOX dumbbells are super simple to use.
The screen is easy to read and we were changing the weight with ease after a quick initial play around. The dumbbells themselves have a compact design, feel really secure and move smoothly in and out of the rack. They can also be linked to a handy App, which can track your reps, sets, workout length and more.
The weight is only displayed on the holding dock, not on the weights themselves, but that was our only real niggle.
Combining 15 weights into one, this space-saving dumbbell is a seriously impressive bit of kit, sure to give your home workouts a boost.
The grooved rubber handle gave us great grip and proved more forgiving on our hands than its metal competitors. Our experts also really liked the rounded finish, which was easy to manoeuvre throughout every exercise we tried.
The plastic finish didn’t have the luxe look of other metallic entries on this list, but it did mean the Bowflex ‘bell was pretty much silent with none of the clanging or banging associated with iron plates.
The dials used to select how much they weigh were easy to use too, though they take a bit longer to tinker with than others, as you’ll have to turn two (one on each side of the dumbbell) to make sure you get a uniform setting.
If it’s no-frills lifting you’re after, look no further than this Mirafit spinlock dumbbell set. It comes with an assortment of smaller weight plates, so you can play around with different combinations to increase the weight depending on your strength and which movement you’re doing.
These dumbbells are built to last and simple to use too, characteristics that soon saw them become favourites with our experts.
Yes, changing the weight will take longer than with dial and digital dumbbells as you need to change the plates manually and screw collars onto either end to secure them. But, once in place, these weights won’t let you down.
The average dial adjustable dumbbell doesn’t come cheap but, with a price tag under £150 (and even less now that it's on sale), this Everlast set was by far the most affordable we tried.
Changing the weight is quick and easy, with a single movable dial offering a range of settings that increase by 2.5kg each time — particularly helpful if you’re supersetting two movements that require different loads.
The dumbbell itself is quite long and bulky, which we found a bit cumbersome for exercises like curls, as the plates caught on our thighs at the bottom of the movement.
But we had no problem hitting a thorough lower body workout, with split squats, goblet squats and deadlifts all moving smoothly.
York has been in the fitness game for more than eight decades, and the brand’s wealth of experience shows in this premium pair of dumbbells. Our experts said they looked and felt the part, with the weight of each plate displayed clearly on both sides so you always know what you’re lifting. They also praised the smoothness of the spinlock collars, which were able to twist into place and secure the plates seamlessly.
With a name like MuscleSquad and the aesthetic of a Transformer, we expected some impressive specs from these dumbbells… and we weren't disappointed. With a max weight of 40kg per ‘bell, even leg day aficionados should be able to push themselves, though the weight can easily be stripped down to 5kg for lighter sessions too.
The dial turns with ease and is straightforward to use, making changing weight a doddle, and we liked the safety lock button for ensuring the plates stayed in place. Unloading and re-racking the dumbbells into their holder to switch the resistance can be a bit clunky, and the metal plates rattled during some movements. However, if heavy compound lifts like squats are your mainstay, you won’t find a weightier pair of dial dumbbells. If you don't want a pair, you can also buy a single dumbbell for £210.
Okay, so these look a bit daunting, but there’s a good reason for their odd appearance, we promise. The open handle design allows for a greater range of movement when performing exercises.
As for the colours, well, each one corresponds to a specific weight so it’s easy to see which one you’re selecting. All you do is pull out the selector pin on the side of the adjustable dumbbell and reinsert it around the colour rail you want.
See, nothing too scary, right?
Ready to get your full body workout on? It’ll be easy thanks to all the options available with this adjustable dumbbell set.
Dumbbells for tricep kickbacks? Check! Adjustable dumbbells to switch it up for squat variations? Check! Barbell to get in that chest press? Check!
All possible before the first coffee of the day, or second if we’re being honest with ourselves.
Yes, as long as you've been cleared for physical activity and are fit for resistance training, you should have no issues using adjustable dumbbells. It is worth remembering the following when using them though.
Warm up: A good warm-up can help prevent injuries and prepare your body for the session ahead.
Choose the correct weight: Make sure it's appropriate to your level of fitness and strength.
Focus on your form: If you can't maintain good form, reduce your range of motion or switch to a lighter weight.
Familiarise yourself with your adjustable dumbbell: Know how the weight-changing mechanism works so you can ensure your weight plates have been loaded securely.
Load weights safely: Take care when loading and unloading weight plates.
Listen to your body: If anything doesn’t feel right, back off or speak to a professional.
Cool down: An adequate cool-down will help your body recover from the stresses of the session.
Yanar has spent 15 years as a health and wellness editor and writer for national titles such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World. Yanar is a 580-hour yoga therapist, 200-hour yoga teacher and level 3 personal trainer at Yanar Mind & Movement. After years of running races and marathons, she discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting in her mid-30s and fell in love with training and competing. She now advocates strength training for women to build a stronger body for life and the benefits of nervous system regulation for better physical and mental health. When not training, teaching or writing, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen.
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