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Reviewed by Amanda Dvorak, CPT
Expert Contributor Chris Mohr, PhD, RD
Expert Verified by Dr. Jen Roper, PhD, CSCS
Fact Checked by Kelly Uhler
We’ve researched over 100 pairs of dumbbells and tested about 50 different types, putting them through strength training workouts and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. We analyzed their grip, versatility, and construction—and even put some through drop tests to see how they stand up.
We consulted with Chris Mohr, a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology and Registered Dietitian, and home gym experts who have been testing fitness equipment for nearly a decade.
If you want to achieve your fitness goals, you need the right tools. While many garage gym owners rely on a barbell, weight bench, and squat rack to build strength and muscle, a reliable pair of adjustable dumbbells or a high-quality set of fixed-weight dumbbells can help add more variety to your routine and allow you to expand your exercise repertoire.
Since dumbbells come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, it’s important to consider the type of workouts you perform and your training environment when deciding which direction to go. To help you find the ideal fit, our team researched and tested more than 100 pairs and sets of dumbbells. Our in-depth evaluation process identified the best dumbbells based on key factors such as construction, durability, functionality, and value.
From a fully knurled, chrome-plated handle to a stainless steel head coated in premium rubber, the REP Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells feature high-end build materials that make them incredibly durable. Available in a wide range of weight options, they offer tremendous value thanks to their sturdy construction, excellent grip, and rock-solid price point.
*Prices do not include sales or promotions
These affordable dumbbells are a favorite among our product testers for both their performance and durability.
With near-perfect scores from our product testers across all of the categories we evaluated, the REP Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells earned our best overall nomination over some worthy contenders. Priced on par with most other brands at about $4–$5 per pound, they’re built to last, thanks to REP’s decision to utilize friction welding to secure the head to the handle. This technique involves rapidly spinning one of the pieces being welded to create sufficient heat to fuse the two pieces, creating an ultra-secure weld.
In addition, the rubber coating on the steel heads makes these dumbbells durable, as it’s resistant to cracking and chipping. Many rubber-coated dumbbells have a strong odor out of the box, but our product tester—who has been testing home gym equipment for over a decade—reported no such issues. REP used a low-odor rubber that he described as “almost unnoticeable.”
Thanks to a durability-focused design you typically don’t see with other fixed-weight dumbbells in this price range, our product tester gave them an impressive score of 4.75 out of 5 stars for construction.
These dumbbells also differ from other rubber hex models with their handle design. Rather than an ergonomic handle that tapers toward the heads and is only partially knurled, REP went with a straight, fully knurled handle. Our tester described the knurling as “fairly mild compared to most decent barbells.”
Still, the grip is better on these dumbbells than on ones with ergonomic handles, which led to a knurling rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Meanwhile, the straight handle is something you’re more likely to see on cast iron dumbbells. Cast iron dumbbells typically have more passive knurling and a slick paint coating.
Although our reviewer appreciated the Rubber Hex Dumbbells’ superior knurling, he would have preferred a more compact handle design. The heads are 5.2 inches apart. According to our tester, less distance between them would make the dumbbells easier to handle, especially with heavier weights.
Plus, REP uses two different diameters: 28 millimeters for 2.5–15 pounds and 34 millimeters for anything above 17.5 pounds. Our reviewer would have liked to see a uniform 29-millimeter handle throughout all sizes.
Ultimately, though, it’s tough to find dumbbells that offer as much bang for your buck as these well-built ones from REP Fitness. Not only are they durable and affordable, but they come with a lifetime warranty for home use. Throw in free shipping and excellent customer service, and it’s easy to see why these dumbbells earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for value from our product testers.
Nearly 300 customers have reviewed the Rubber Hex Dumbbells on Amazon. With an average rating of 4.7 stars, they’re a popular choice for home fitness enthusiasts.
Many customers expressed their appreciation for REP’s attention to detail regarding the design of the dumbbells.
“There was no strong rubber odor; the handle was thick and fully knurled from end to end. The heads of the dumbbell also had great detail and quality to them, the numbers and the logo are embossed, the seams were smoothed out with no rough edges.”
Although you won’t find much negative feedback about the Rubber Hex Dumbbells, verified customer Jack pointed out some dissatisfaction after opening his dumbbell package.
“They were a tiny bit dirty, with some discoloration on the knurled handle and a few small dings in the rubber, but they are dumbbells after all, so I’m not worried,” he said.
These Titan Fitness hex dumbbells come in a wide variety of weights at a great price point.
Hex dumbbells offer a distinct advantage over other designs in that they don’t roll away when you put them on the floor. According to Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, associate professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University, the hex design also makes it easy to perform more compound movements where the dumbbells are bearing weight while on the floor, such as a push-up with a single-arm row. This can increase the efficiency of your workout when you are short on time.
Plus, you can easily stack the dumbbells due to the flat edges, which can help you save valuable space. Whether you want to add a few pairs to your current collection or purchase a complete set to take your home gym to the next level, the Rubber Hex Dumbbells from Titan Fitness are a terrific choice.
Available in 5-pound increments from 5–100 pounds, there are more than enough options to satisfy lifters of all strength levels. With these dumbbells, progressive overload—a strength training principle known for developing strength and muscle mass—is easy to achieve. ( 1 ) A 5-pound pair of dumbbells costs $25, while a 100-pound pair will run you about $360.
Titan also sells sets of these rubber-coated hex dumbbells, including a 5- to 25-pound set, a 5- 50-pound set, and a full set of 55–100 pounds. At about $1,100 for the 5- to 50-pound set (plus free shipping), we believe that represents great value, especially due to the durable design and rock-solid build materials.
Between an ergonomic chrome-plated steel handle and high-quality rubber coating for the hexagonal heads, these dumbbells should hold up well for everything from standard strength training to CrossFit-style workouts that involve dropping your dumbbells on the floor.
The handle features knurled textures for a comfortable and firm grip. Titan also included embossed weight increments on both sides for easy identification—a user-friendly feature we appreciate.
Unfortunately, Titan falls short in the warranty department. They only provide one year of coverage. Many brands offer multiple years, if not a lifetime policy for home use. However, these Titan dumbbells are built to last and shouldn’t suffer damage from repeated use.
The Titan Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells have earned an Amazon 4.2-star rating based on over 100 reviews. Several customers highlighted Titan’s price point and quality.
“These are a lot less expensive than most hex rubber coated dumbbells,” verified buyer Romeyn T. said. “The quality seems at least as good as the more expensive brands.”
Meanwhile, one buyer named Joe found Titan’s design provided a much more comfortable training experience.
“The grip is comfortable, the balance is solid. You can rest them on your legs without them digging into you.”
Although most Amazon reviews are positive, the dumbbells’ smell and general packaging were cause for complaint.
“They definitely smell like rubber as others have commented, but they are made of rubber,” verified customer Kate wrote.
“The packaging was pretty beat up but what do you expect when shipping weights,” verified buyer Steven said.
The Snode AD80s offer a full set of dumbbells up to 80 lbs in a compact and incredibly durable design.
Earning our top recommendation in this popular category, the Snode AD80s exude all the qualities we look for in the best adjustable dumbbells. With a design that’s reminiscent of classic dumbbells, they boast a sleek aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into any home gym environment. Most importantly, the twist-dial mechanism allows you to go from 10 to 80 pounds in seconds, which helped the AD80s earn 4.5 out of 5 stars for adjustment speed from our product tester.
The durability of these dumbbells stems from their mostly metal construction. They consist of cast iron weight plates, chrome-plated iron handles, and cradles crafted from cast iron. Our rigorous testing process included dropping one from a 30-inch plyo box, and it suffered zero damage. As a result, the AD80s earned 5 out of 5 stars for durability.
Setting themselves apart from other adjustable dumbbells, these have a notably thicker handle diameter of 1.4 inches. Most other models have a handle diameter of 1.1–1.3 inches. As such, the AD80s will certainly test your grip strength and endurance.
Luckily, though, the fully knurled handles ensure optimal friction between your hands and the handle, contributing to a secure grip. While the knurling may not be super aggressive, it should be more than sufficient for the majority of users. Overall, the handle scored 4.5 out of 5 stars from our reviewer.
Functionality takes center stage with the Snode AD80s. The twist dial mechanism facilitates seamless adjustments, allowing users to tailor the load for different exercises. “It also makes it easy to perform drop-, super-, and compound-sets during your workouts, which increases the level of intensity to just about any exercise you are performing,” adds Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, associate professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University.
For further customization, you can purchase magnet weight plates from Snode for around $60, which will enable you to add precise increments of 2.5 or 5 pounds.
Our reviewer did note that he would have liked to have seen the adjustment system made with the same quality materials as the rest of the dumbbell rather than with so many plastic parts.
“The plastic is durable, but it would have been nice if the same materials were used throughout the entire dumbbell.”
While the price tag of $800 may seem steep, a traditional dumbbell set spanning 10–80 pounds would easily cost double that amount. Ultimately, the Snode AD80s still earned 4 out of 5 stars for value from our reviewer. He believes they’re a great space-saving solution for your bodybuilding or strength training workouts.
With an average rating of 4.6 stars based on 26 Amazon reviews, the AD80s have left lifters impressed. Users consistently praise their build quality, durability, and functionality.
“These guys really go above and beyond. The dumbbells are super high quality and easy to use. I’m very happy with them. They’ve really changed the game for me and my workouts.”
“They’re durable, easy to use, and work great for one-handed dumbbell exercises,” wrote verified buyer Jafar. “In my opinion, these are the only option if you’re going for one set of dumbbells to last you years, that can also handle drops.”
One common knock against the AD80s is that they aren’t available in smaller increments, which has drawn criticism from several customers.
“They only go up in 10 lb. increments,” verified customer Jerry said. “I wish they were in 5 lb. increments; only a minor problem.”
The Eleiko Loadable Dumbbell Set will give you the ultimate level of control in a premium package.
While traditional adjustable dumbbells typically feature a dial or pin selector system for changing weights, loadable dumbbells are essentially mini barbells that require you to add or remove weight plates manually. This gives you the ultimate level of control, but it also can be a more time-consuming process.
Although we have yet to get our hands on them, we’re confident that the Eleiko Loadable Dumbbell Set will get the job done for lifters of all levels. We’ve tested several other loadable dumbbells, and the Eleiko ones have all the makings of a worthwhile investment for your home gym.
Built to the specs of Eleiko’s well-performing XF barbells, these steel dumbbells feature a 28-millimeter shaft and mild knurling. That should feel ultra-comfortable in your hand, as the diameter mimics a traditional barbell and the knurling provides superior grip.
Compatible with any weight plate designed for an Olympic barbell, the sleeves measure 50 millimeters in diameter and feature both bushings and bearings for smooth, controlled rotation. CrossFitters and people who perform dynamic movements like snatches and cleans will appreciate that smart design decision by Eleiko.
Each dumbbell handle weighs 11 pounds and can go up to 88 pounds when fully loaded. You’ll want to utilize the four included collars to keep the change plates secured. We reached out to Eleiko and confirmed that this loadable dumbbell set comes with 12 10-pound plates, four 5-pound plates, and four 2.5-pound plates.
If there’s one knock on this dumbbell set, it’s the cost. At just over $1,600, that’s quite a chunk of change to drop on a pair of loadable handles and a range of change plates. If you’re on a tighter budget, other options may provide better value, including loadable dumbbell handles from Titan.
But if you’ve got the wiggle room and want a versatile training tool from a manufacturer known for producing high-end gym equipment, the Eleiko Loadable Dumbbell Set may be worth that high price tag.
The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells will give you a wide number of options at one of the lowest price points.
This adjustable dumbbell set from Core Home Fitness earned our nomination for the best dumbbells for home after undergoing extensive testing from our team. Our product reviewers used them to perform presses, deadlifts, lunges, biceps curls, and rows. They noted that these dumbbells felt well-balanced in their hands thanks to circular weight plates that distribute the weight evenly to both dumbbell heads.
Our testers rated these dumbbells 4.5 out of 5 stars for performance. They appreciated the flexibility to use 5 pounds for prehab and accessory work—both of which are useful practices to incorporate into your wellness routine to keep you feeling fresh. Meanwhile, having the ability to go up to 50 pounds should allow you to get a solid strength-building stimulus for other exercises.
Like the Snode AD80s, the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells have a twist dial adjustment mechanism. Our testers were able to adjust their weights within seconds. This feature is a big plus when doing supersets or circuit-style workouts where you don’t have much time to stop and switch your weights.
Unfortunately, this dumbbell’s handle didn’t live up to expectations. Despite being marketed as a “contoured, textured, and soft grip handle” by Core Home Fitness, our reviewer didn’t find it supportive or grippy. Essentially just plastic with no knurling, the handle received a disappointing score of 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Durability may also be a concern, as the materials used include plastic, composite, and aluminum. This led to a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
“The amount of plastic parts worries me. I wouldn’t want to drop these dumbbells on any hard surface.”
Ultimately, though, these dumbbells by Core Home Fitness still scored incredibly high for value (4.5 out of 5 stars) thanks to the attractive price point of $350. If you’re diligent about taking care of your fitness equipment and have the right flooring, it’s tough to pass on an excellent space-saving solution for your home gym.
With an average rating of 4.6 stars based on 1,300 reviews on Amazon, these budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells have earned plenty of positive feedback from reviewers. Customers enjoy how easy it is to change the weights, along with a compact, user-friendly design.
“Unbelievably smooth and easy to switch between weights. Definitely worth the expense and an excellent space saver for the home gym.”
A few customers have called out the storage rack as a potential headache.
“When the weight’s set to 40 and above they get stuck to the cradle. So you have to use your foot while picking up the weights to separate them,” verified buyer Thierry wrote.
Furthermore, others found issues with the weights rattling while lifting. Keep in mind that that’s fairly common with adjustable dumbbells and not exclusive to this model from Core Home Fitness.
The Rogue Fitness Urethane Dumbbells bring the feel and performance of bumper plates to a compact dumbbell package.
Out of the many urethane dumbbell options on the market, the Rogue Fitness Urethane Dumbbells set themselves apart due to their sturdy construction, unique handle, and a wide array of weight options. Crafted from steel and durable urethane plating, these dumbbells are sold in pairs in 5-pound increments up to 150 pounds. The solid steel heads are welded to a straight hardened chrome handle to create a single-piece dumbbell that moves well and may minimize floor damage when dropped.
When it comes to durability, it doesn’t get better than urethane. This type of rubber is ideal for home gym owners who train at all hours. The shock-absorbent nature of this material not only reduces the impact on the floor but also minimizes noise.
Commonly used on bumper plates, urethane adds a layer of protection for both the ground and, in this case, your dumbbells. Less susceptible to cracking than other types of rubber, it’s also weather-resistant, which is a huge plus if you train outdoors or in a non-climate-controlled setting.
Rogue utilized the same six-inch, fully knurled handle on all of their urethane dumbbells. However, the diameter differs based on the weight. Dumbbells up to 45 pounds have a diameter of 31 millimeters, and dumbbells 50 pounds and up have a diameter of 34 millimeters. Both of those are thicker than what you’ll see on the Ohio Bar (28.5 millimeters), Rogue’s popular multi-use barbell. Using the dumbbells will challenge your grip and forearm strength in a way the barbell won’t.
All of the handles have edge-to-edge, medium-grade knurling. While we haven’t gotten our hands on these dumbbells ourselves, our experience testing various Rogue barbells gives us confidence that the knurling pattern on their dumbbells should provide a firm but comfortable grip.
The Rogue Urethane Dumbbells boast a high-end look thanks to a distinct black matte finish with bright, clear increment markings and the company logo on the heads. But they also come with a premium price tag. The cheapest option is a 5-pound pair for $45. Meanwhile, a pair of 150-pound dumbbells will set you back nearly $1,000, or roughly the same price as a set of 5- to 50-pound rubber hex dumbbells from other manufacturers.
On the other hand, a 5-pound pair of Titan Urethane Dumbbells costs $59.99, and their heaviest option (120 pounds) will set you back about $749.99. REP prices their urethane dumbbells similarly to Rogue, with a 5-pound pair costing $50.
Additionally, while comfortable for many users, the straight handle design might not suit everyone’s preferences. Individuals who prefer a contoured or ergonomic handle design may find the straight handles less forgiving, especially at higher weights. Plus, the round head design means the dumbbells may roll away when you put them down.
These low-odor rubber dumbells are available at an affordable price point and can be purchased in singles.
Made from premium, ultra-low odor rubber, these hex dumbbells from Flybird Fitness offer several advantages for home gym owners. First, the rubber-encased heads reduce noise and can help prevent floor damage. In addition, their classic hexagon head design prevents rolling issues and makes them a breeze to stack and store.
Although these dumbbells have yet to go through our testing process, they meet all the spec standards we look for. Sold in singles or pairs ranging from 5–50 pounds, each dumbbell has a weight tolerance of 3%. That means the dumbbell’s actual weight is within 3% of the listed weight.
To make it easy to identify your dumbbells, Flybird included embossed weight indicators on two sides of the rubber-encased heads. A fully knurled straight handle also adds a user-friendly touch, as it can help provide maximum grip.
However, Flybird falls short of its competitors in one key category: optionality. Your choices are quite limited, as the only weight options for pairs are 5, 10, 15, and 20 pounds. Meanwhile, there are only four choices for singles: 25, 35, 45, or 50 pounds. If you want a full set of dumbbells for at-home workouts, Flybird won’t be for you.
Luckily, they’re priced on par with other similar models. A 5-pound pair costs $39.99, and a 20-pound pair costs $90. On the high end of the weight options, a 50-pound single will run you $106, or just over $2 per pound.
While Flybird offers free shipping, they only provide one year of warranty coverage, which is shorter than many other manufacturers.
These efficient and affordable dumbbells will save you both space and money when building out your home gym.
Even if you can’t afford a higher-end set of adjustable dumbbells like the Snode AD80s, you can still improve your strength and conditioning from home with this more budget-friendly option. Although the NordicTrack 55-Pound Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set didn’t rate as highly for construction and durability as some of its more expensive competitors, it earned a perfect value score of 5 out of 5 stars from our lead product reviewer.
For $399, you get 15 weight options in 2.5- or 5-pound increments—more than enough variety to meet your training demands. To compare, the BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells also provide 15 choices, along with a higher price tag of $429. Meanwhile, the Nuobell Classic 50-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells only replace 10 sets of dumbbells and cost almost $600.
With a range of 10–55 pounds, you can perform isolation exercises like lateral or front raises with lighter weights, then ramp up the weight for compound movements like bench presses or deadlifts. A well-rounded resistance training program that includes both types of exercises is beneficial for developing strength. ( 2 )
While 55 pounds may not be heavy enough for some users, these dumbbells still earned 4 out of 5 stars from our product tester for weight range.
Most importantly, NordicTrack designed these free weights to be user-friendly. You can easily change the weight settings using a pin selector system. Plus, they have light knurling on the handle, which we consider a nice touch given the price point.
“Most dumbbells with this type of construction and in this price range don’t have metal knurled handles.”
However, while our reviewer appreciated the use of flat weight plates for resting the dumbbells on your thighs, the round design can lead to problems with your weights rolling away if your floor isn’t even.
Nearly 2,000 customers have rated the NordicTrack 55lb Select-A-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells on Amazon. With an average rating of 4.6 stars, they’ve proven to be an excellent choice for people shopping for gym equipment on a budget.
“Between myself, my wife, and my kids, they are used just about every day and adjusted multiple times during each session. They’ve held up with no issues. Great investment.”
Another satisfied customer, with the username ClimbAnyMountain, highlighted several standout features, including the knurled grips and flat dumbbell ends that let you rest the weight comfortably on your thighs. They also offered a helpful piece of advice about these NordicTrack dumbbells:
“Mount these to a stand so you don’t have to bend down to the floor to pick them up, especially at heavier settings.”
One consistent callout about these adjustable dumbbells is the finicky cradle.
“If you don’t get it set into the cradle perfectly you can forget adjusting weight and continuing,” verified customer Kris wrote.
Several customers also experienced difficulties changing the weights, noting that the adjustment lever can prove problematic.
“The concept is great, but if a slider gets stuck I cannot use the weight,” verified buyer J. Reents noted in their 3-star review.
For the ultimate home gym setup, you may want to opt for this high-quality dumbbell set at a reasonable price point.
Investing in a set of high-quality dumbbells is a surefire way to upgrade your home gym and workout routine. Having multiple pairs of weights to choose from will allow you to train at the appropriate intensity and utilize progressive overload to achieve your strength and hypertrophy goals. ( 3 ) Plus, outfitting your garage gym or training space with a full dumbbell rack will instantly give it a more professional feel and potentially motivate you to ramp up your efforts.
As Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, points out, “There are great data on dumbbells as a whole when compared to other tools. One study in particular compared muscle activation between barbell bench press and dumbbells. According to this study, the researchers suggested the dumbbell might prove more useful.” ( 4 )
If you’re looking for a set you can rely upon for years, you’ll likely enjoy this set from Living.Fit. It offers six options that cater to both beginners and more advanced lifters.
Those new to weight training can start with a 5- to 25-pound set for $300, which we believe represents excellent value. If you want to perform heavy bench presses, goblet squats, and other movements, you can grab an 80- to 100-pound set for just under $1,500. Meanwhile, a 5- to 50-pound set costs $1,050, slightly cheaper than the same set from REP Fitness.
Living.Fit dumbbells are guaranteed to be within 3% of their stated weight, which is the industry standard. They also feature textured ergonomic handles that are wider in the middle to more accurately fit the shape of your hand. Plus, these solid cast, rubber-encased dumbbells have a hexagonal shape that prevents them from rolling around on floors—or worse, off of a storage rack.
While we didn’t test out a full set, one of our product reviewers who is a certified personal trainer owns several pairs of Living.Fit dumbbells. He uses them regularly for his workouts and with his clients. He described the center knurling as “OK,” noting that the dumbbells don’t have edge-to-edge knurling like the REP Fitness hex dumbbells.
However, after having them stored in his garage gym for more than a year, he was happy to report zero issues other than some slight corrosion on the handles that he deemed “barely noticeable.” That helped these dumbbells from Living.Fit earn 4.5 out of 5 stars for durability. Along with a lifetime warranty, this should give you confidence about spending more than $1,000 on a complete set.
To put together our list of the best dumbbells, we tested over 50 pairs and sets. Some featured adjustment systems and others were of the fixed-weight variety. We thoroughly assessed each dumbbell’s strengths and weaknesses based on applicable criteria. Check out our strength training equipment testing methodology for an expanded look into each factor.
Here are the factors we evaluated during our testing process:
From cast iron to stainless steel to premium rubber, we evaluated the build materials and the overall design for any issues that could affect your training experience. We also analyzed how the dumbbells felt in our hands and how grippy the knurling was.
Between drop tests and using the dumbbells to perform a variety of exercises, we also studied how well each set should hold up over time.
Here are the main factors our testers looked for:
Many of our reviewers are home gym owners themselves. We’re familiar with the brands that consistently provide excellent customer service, offer reasonable shipping fees (or free shipping), and stand behind the quality of their products.
Because we don’t want you to have any regrets when buying dumbbells, we paid close attention to:
We evaluated whether the build materials and design align with the cost. Dumbbells that are constructed and priced well earned high scores for value.
Most of us don’t have 10,000-ft. gym spaces in our homes. Space is at a premium, so we rate strength equipment on its overall footprint. If it can provide more functionality while taking up less space, that’s a big plus.
Are the dumbbells available in a wide range of weight levels to accommodate your strength level? Does a set of fixed dumbbells or a pair of adjustable dumbbells come with a storage rack to help you keep them organized? We favored dumbbells that can suit a variety of skill levels and come with storage solutions so you can keep your gym floors clear.
Selecting the best dumbbells for your home gym comes down to several factors, including:
Do you have enough room to accommodate a full set of dumbbells? Or would a space-saving solution like a pair of adjustable dumbbells work better? You don’t want to crowd your training space with too much equipment. This can make it difficult to perform dynamic movements and increase the chances of an accident or injury.
If you’re into CrossFit, HIIT, or functional fitness, you’ll want to invest in sturdy rubber hex dumbbells. Designed and built to withstand drops, drags, and repeated use, they’re the most durable option. On the other hand, uncoated cast iron dumbbells or adjustable dumbbells made with plastic parts can crack or break more easily. This makes them a less-than-ideal choice if you’re concerned about durability.
In many cases, a set of adjustable dumbbells can replace more than a dozen pairs of traditional dumbbells at a much cheaper cost. Not only do they take up less space, but they allow you to go from one weight to another in a matter of seconds. However, fixed-weight dumbbells tend to last longer and include user-friendly features like knurling.
The kind of dumbbell you buy should align with your fitness goals and training style. Resistance training offers many benefits, including improved mobility, a potential decreased risk of disease, and improved metabolic health. ( 5 ) But there are different ways to incorporate dumbbells into your regimen.
If you’re focused on hypertrophy and mostly stick to bodybuilding-style training, regular iron dumbbells or adjustable dumbbells will get the job done. If you enjoy dynamic workouts that are more geared toward functional fitness, rubber hex dumbbells work best since they can be dropped without suffering damage.
Be honest about how much you can spend to add to your home gym setup. While a full set of iron or rubber hex dumbbells will give you the most flexibility, it will also cost you at least $1,000, if not substantially more. If your budget is tighter, you may want to consider a single set of adjustable dumbbells, which cost an average of $200-$500. Make sure to compare options from different brands to see who provides superior value based on build quality, price, warranty, and customer service.
Several companies produce high-quality dumbbells that hold up well with extended use. Some of the best brands include REP Fitness, Rogue Fitness, and Snode. Ultimately, you’ll want to select dumbbells that best suit your style of training, amount of space, and budget.
The best type of dumbbell depends on the type of workouts you perform and your training environment. For example, an adjustable dumbbell gives you the ultimate flexibility to go from a lower weight to a higher one in a matter of seconds. Plus, a pair of adjustable dumbbells takes up minimal space.
On the other hand, fixed-weight dumbbells are typically more durable due to their design. However, you will have to purchase multiple pairs to have more options, which can quickly become expensive.
The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set is our top choice for at-home workouts. Capable of going from 5 to 50 pounds with the twist of a handle, these dumbbells allow you to make quick changes in 5-pound increments. That flexibility gives you the ability to tailor the weight to the exercise so you train with a load that’s challenging but manageable.
Even if you don’t have access to a barbell or weight machines, you can still build muscle by relying exclusively on dumbbells. There are countless variations of standard strength training exercises that you can perform with dumbbells, including squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. Plus, you can use them for isolation exercises like biceps curls and overhead triceps extensions that target specific muscle groups. Isolation exercises may result in greater hypertrophy gains than compound exercises. ( 6 )
Of course, building muscle also requires you to eat in a caloric surplus. ( 7 ) So, in addition to following a dumbbell-centric program that includes a combination of lower- and upper-body resistance training, you must consume enough calories and protein to add more lean muscle to your frame. ( 8 )
The list of exercises you can do with dumbbells is nearly endless. For upper body training, you can perform bench press variations to target your chest, anterior delts, and triceps. You can also perform overhead press variations to hit your shoulders or lunges, farmer’s carries, and dumbbell deadlifts to target your lower body. Other upper body options include rows, flyes, shrugs, and curls.
“Dumbbells really open up the possibilities to train any exercise for any body part, while also allowing the range of motion that other tools may not offer,” says Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
When it comes to specifically targeting your glutes, hamstrings, or quads, you can change your stance or elevate your heels by standing on a weight plate. ( 9 ) Other dumbbell-based lower-body exercises you can pencil in to your routine include lunges, step-ups, calf raises, and bridges.
Don’t forget about your core, either. You can incorporate dumbbells into your abdominal training with movements like dead bugs, bird dogs, or weighted leg raises. Plus, dumbbells work well for full-body exercises like snatches and cleans, which require core strength and coordination.
Just like the barbell vs. dumbbell debate, neither kettlebells nor dumbbells are inherently better than the other. Both types of free weights can provide a sufficient stimulus for everything from strength to hypertrophy to metabolic conditioning. You can typically swap out one for the other and be able to perform essentially the same movement.
Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, adds, “Sometimes variety with tools is just what’s needed to change up the stimulus, the way an exercise feels and, ultimately, the outcome.”
Another benefit of working with either dumbbells or kettlebells is that you can do single-arm or single-leg versions of exercises. Referred to as unilateral training, research shows this style of training can help address muscular imbalances. ( 10 )
“It’s important to remember there are a lot of tools in an exercise toolbox,” says Mohr. “Each has pros, cons, costs, learning curves, and so on. Figuring out what works for you with your space, budget, skill level, and desires are important. There’s no ‘best’ tool, and not every tool is appropriate for every body. But dumbbells do offer a lot of flexibility as you’re building out your own space.”
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD
Dr. Chris Mohr is an internationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker and performance coach. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and more to help busy executives all over the world, develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS
Dr. Jen Roper is an associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in physical education, sports and exercise science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in exercise science and biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.
Amanda Dvorak has been writing and editing fitness and nutrition content since 2021, with a heavy focus on equipment and supplement reviews. She has contributed to BarBend, Breaking Muscle, Fitbod, FeastGood, and PowerliftingTechnique. While she currently does CrossFit out of her garage gym, Amanda also enjoys lifting heavy weights, running, cycling, and hiking. She is studying for her personal trainer certification through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Stephen Sheehan is an ISSA-certified personal trainer and nutritionist who uses his fitness expertise to review products for Fortune Recommends™. A two-time University of Florida graduate, he has a diverse writing and editing background that’s primarily focused on sports, health and fitness, and e-commerce content. His work has been featured in Runner’s World and Keto Magazine, as well as Bulletproof, Breaking Muscle, and YouFit Gyms.
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