To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. metal dumbbells
Building a home gym in a small space can be a serious challenge, so searching for multifunctional equipment is key. The best adjustable dumbbells—which allow you to swap the weight plates so you can change your lift load on a single set of handles—are therefore a natural addition. These dumbbells add versatility to your workouts and make a weightlifting routine easier—a pair of adjustable dumbbells can replace up to 30 sets of weights, giving you nearly everything you need from a single set (not to mention save you some floor real estate). If you find yourself gawking at the price tags, add up how much money each set of standard dumbbells would cost you, and we can almost guarantee that adjustable dumbbells are a much better value.
If you enjoy resistance training but aren’t sure about adding an adjustable dumbbell set to your home gym, keep reading. We might just convince you that these versatile heavy hitters deserve a spot in your setup.
Why we picked it: We tested dozens of adjustable dumbbells, and this pick from NÜOBELL is the best of the bunch. These weights are easy to use and adjust, have a wide range of weight options (from 5 to 80 pounds!), let you do tons of workouts that target different body parts, and feature a textured grip.
Our fave features: Our testers say these are the easiest (and fastest!) to adjust. To adjust your load, place the dumbbell in its storage cradle, twist the handle to increase or decrease the weight, and then use the safety lock feature to secure the plates. The metal grip has some nice knurling (gym-speak for textured ridging) that makes it easy to grasp. Our testers and online reviewers say that these weights feel like the ones you’re familiar with using at the gym.
Just so you know: The NÜOBELL increases in five-pound increments, and some folks might want smaller weight changes. Also, its $765 price tag is higher than other options on this list (like the BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells and PowerBlock Elite USA 90). But we believe the fact that it replaces 16 sets of dumbbells without feeling clunkier than a single fixed pair and that it can change weight loads superfast makes the NÜOBELL worth the price.
Weight range: 5–80 lbs. | Weight increments: 5 lbs. | Number of dumbbells replaced: 16 | Material: Machined steel | Warranty: 2 years
Why we picked it: The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells offer top-of-the-line features at a relatively gentle price. Our tester was particularly impressed with the knurling on the handles (a feature that he’s found harder to come by in affordable weights), which provides enough friction to give you a good grip but not so much to irritate your hands.
Our fave features: Besides helping you get a grip, testers say the Select-A-Weights are also fairly easy to adjust. All you have to do is move the plastic pins to lock in your desired weight.
Just so you know: While actually changing the weight is simple, testers say it’s difficult to differentiate between plate sizes when the weights are in the storage dock because they’re not labeled. This can make it tricky to switch things up mid-workout.
Weight range: 10–55 lbs. | Weight increments: 2.5 and 5 lbs. | Number of dumbbells replaced: 30 | Material: Steel (weights) and plastic (tray) | Warranty: 90 days
Why we picked it: While each dumbbell only goes up to 50 pounds—which may be a turnoff to heavy lifters—our testers say the affordable Core Adjustable Set is a great option for a beginner’s home gym because the weights are small and easy to adjust. “Good grip, good shape, easy weight changes, extremely easy to pick up and put down,” says one Amazon reviewer.
Our fave features: The set’s “twist and lock” technology allows for faster weight swaps than some competitors on this list (like the more cumbersome NordicTrack Select-A-Weights above). With the Core Adjustable Set, you only have to click the weight into the dock, rotate the handle to choose your load, and get lifting. A dial on the dumbbell lets you see your weight selection clearly, so you shouldn’t be confused about what you’re picking up—helpful for keeping your workout flowing and avoiding injury.
Just so you know: Our testers didn’t like the grip on these weights, which is plastic without any knurling—a.k.a. slippery. That material also may not be the most durable.
Weight range: 5–50 lbs. | Weight increments: 5 lbs. | Number of dumbbells replaced: 20 | Material: Composite, aluminum | Warranty: 2 years
Why we love it: Even though this set of dumbbells from Rep Fitness costs half the price of others on this list, SELF testers and reviewers say they’re just as durable as their more expensive counterparts. “These things are tanks,” writes one reviewer, who bought them to replace a $700-plus competitor product that felt flimsy. “With the QuickDraws, I feel I can be as rough as I want with them.”
Our fave features: The dumbbells come in four weight ranges: 5 to 30 pounds, 5 to 40 pounds, 5 to 50 pounds, and 5 to 60 pounds. This is great for newbies, who can start by investing in the 30-pound set and purchase more plates to add on as they get stronger. Testers say making adjustments is fast and easy at any weight too: The “quick switch” design allows you to change your weight simply by flipping a switch on the side of the dumbbell.
Just so you know: These dumbbells get a little unwieldy when you add more weight plates.
Weight range: Various options: 5–30 lbs., 5–40 lbs., 5–50 lbs-, or 5–60 lbs. | Weight increments: 2.5 and 5 lbs. | Number of dumbbells replaced: 24 | Material: Alloy steel | Warranty: Lifetime
Why we love it: As the heaviest option on this list, PowerBlock’s Elite USA 90 adjustable weights are great for lifters looking to take their workouts to the next level. (They’re also a staple in my at-home fitness equipment arsenal!) Tenessa Roizman, CPT, a level 4 personal trainer at Chelsea Piers Fitness, tells SELF she loves this set because the weights are easy to hold and their square shape makes them comfortable to rest in your lap between sets. Plus: “There are extension additions to make the weights as heavy as 90 pounds,” she says.
Our fave features: I’ve found that switching between weights is a cinch, and other testers who tried the dumbbells for SELF agree, saying that the weights’ color-coding makes it easy to know how much load you’re adding. I also like to use them for dumbbell exercises in a plank position (like a plank row) because their square shape makes it easy to balance my body weight on top of them. One tester who’s had the PowerBlocks for nearly 10 years says they’re also incredibly durable.
Just so you know: The unique square shape and caged handle prevent the weights from rolling around on the ground, but some may find that this design makes them hard to hold—at least until they get used to them.
Weight range: 5–90 lbs. | Weight increments: 2.5 and 5 lbs. | Number of dumbbells replaced: 28 | Material: Alloy steel | Warranty: 5 years (handle); 5 years (weight plates); 1 year (selector pin); 1 year limited (added weights)
Why we love it: Multiple trainers say they love the SELF Home Fitness Award–winning BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells because they’re easy and comfortable to use. “I drop them into the case, select the weight I want, and pick them right back up,” Mandi Stachour, NASM- and AFAA-certified fitness instructor, previously told SELF.
Our fave features: Roizman says that the simple dial—which lets you change weight by 2.5- or 5-pound increments—makes these weights “easy to adjust.” (Our testers agree, finding that it takes around seven seconds to go from the base weight up to the max weight.) And Brookelyn Suddell, fitness trainer and director of group fitness strategy and development at Crunch Fitness—who picked up these weights for her at-home workouts during the 2020 lockdown—finds that they’re “sleek, comfortable, and get the job done.” She gives the dumbbells points for their ergonomic, textured rubber handles.
Just so you know: At $429, Bowflex’s adjustable dumbbells are more affordable than many of the others on this list, though some reviewers say this comes with a durability trade-off. The bells have plastic parts which can crack or break if you drop them on the floor.
Weight range: 5–52.5 lbs. | Weight increments: 2.5 lbs. up to 25 lbs.; 5-lb. adjustments to 50 lbs.; one more 2.5 lb. adjustment | Number of dumbbells replaced: 30 | Material: Steel, nylon, ABS plastic, rubber | Warranty: 2 years (parts)
Why we love it: To be truly beginner-friendly, equipment must be non-intimidating and intuitive to use while still fulfilling its intended purpose. AtivaFit’s adjustable dumbbells fit this bill; you simply adjust the weight by turning a dial on either side to use them.
Our fave features: The plates, heads, and dials are all steel, which testers say makes them feel durable. Additionally, while other adjustable dumbbells (like the RepFitness QuickDraws mentioned above) can get bulky when you add more plates, the size here doesn’t change—each dumbbell is a fixed 16.3 inches.
Just so you know: These weights have a random-feeling range of 11 to 66 pounds, which can make it hard to mimic your gym workouts at home.
Weight range: 11–66 lbs. | Weight increments: 5 lbs. | Number of dumbbells replaced: 24 | Material: Steel, rubber, plastic | Warranty: 2 years
Why we love it: This no-frills loadable dumbbell costs under $80. The 2.75-pound solid steel bar comes with eight 2.5-pound weighted plates and four 1.25-pound weighted plates, which you can mix and match to customize your workout.
Our fave features: The set’s plates are lower weights, so you can increase your load in small increments; this is useful for people looking to build strength slowly and safely over time. “I chose these because they allow for small increments in the 2.75- to 26-pound range,” shares one Amazon reviewer. “These are solidly made and fit any plates made for a one-inch bar.”
Just so you know: Adjustments aren’t quite as easy as spinning a dial on this set. You have to slide on the plates and lock them into place with one of the included collars, which will be slower than some of the other options on this list. Some reviewers also warn that the plastic case is flimsy and arrived damaged.
Weight range: 2.75–33 lbs. | Weight increments: 1.25 and 2.5 lbs. | Material: Chrome-plated steel | Warranty: 1 year
Why we love it: These adjustable dumbbells are supposed to be able to withstand drops—something our testers verified by rolling the weights off a 30-inch plyo box. But in case you have doubts about their durability, Snode provides a two-year warranty that includes drops.
Our fave features: Testers found these weights simple and quick to adjust thanks to a single knob and said that, unlike other adjustable dumbbells, the Snode set also feels near-identical to the free weights you lift at the gym.
Just so you know: Keep in mind that you can only go up or down in 10-pound increments. So if you’re looking for something to use during your lighter-weight workouts, this probably isn’t the best pick. The fact that it only replaces eight pairs of dumbbells for that price (compared to others, like the BowFlex SelectTech 552’s and NordicTrack Select-A-Weight’s that can take the place of 15) is a bit disappointing too.
Weight range: 10–80 lbs. | Weight increments: 10 lbs | Number of dumbbells replaced: 16 | Material: Cast iron | Warranty: 2 years
Unlike traditional dumbbells that have single fixed weights, adjustable dumbbells allow you to add or remove weighted plates to go lighter or heavier while you train. They’re often made with a “click and switch” system, says Suddell, “that allows you to quickly [swap] out the total weight on each dumbbell.” (Though this isn’t always the case—the Sunny Health set, for instance, is much more manual.)
Suddell explains that while adjustable dumbbells are typically larger than their fixed counterparts (because they have a longer “bell” in the middle to accommodate multiple plates), they tend to take up less space than a full multiweight collection would because you only need one set. Brynley Joyner, a trainer with FORM, a digital fitness platform, adds that they’re also generally more expensive than one set of traditional weights, but, because they eliminate the need to buy a range of weight increments, they can ultimately save you money.
Joyner and Suddell call weight range the first thing to look for in an adjustable dumbbell set. Suddell says some will have a wide range in one set (5 to 50 pounds) while others have a more limited range (5 to 25 pounds). She says the higher the weight range, the bulkier the product will likely be (to accommodate more plates).
To help you pick the best set for your needs, Joyner suggests you “think about what actual weights you would be realistically using for different exercises,” she says. “You may only need to change between three or four weight options, but if you’re doing a lot of different exercises, you may want to look into buying adjustable weights with 5 to 20 options instead.” If your goal is muscular endurance or you don’t often lift heavy, opt for a set with lower or smaller weight increments. To build muscle mass, choose a set with heavier or larger weight increments.
Adjustable dumbbells have different ways of changing the amount of weight you’re lifting. The options we added to our list include dial adjustments (where you turn a dial or the dumbbell’s handle to select a weight), magnetic metal pins that lock in your desired load, or thick plastic or metal discs that you manually screw on or take off. Some methods are slower to adjust than others.
Adjustable dumbbells can be pricey, but they’re a worthy investment because you only need one set to get you through your workouts, even as you gain strength. However, according to Suddell, they are more delicate than fixed weights. Dropping adjustable dumbbells or misusing the weight-changing system can cause them to break—especially if you’re working with a cheap, flimsy set.
Picking an adjustable model that’s made with reliable materials can help you extend the lifespan of your product. “Look for sturdy dumbbells made of high-quality materials,” Joyner says. Generally speaking, you’ll be better off with something made of metal and rubber than plastic, which can get damaged more easily.
One thing to remember: Plates can rattle a little during use. This might seem like a sign of a cheaply constructed set, but it’s natural when the weights aren’t flush.
You want a weight that’s easy to hold onto no matter what exercises you’re doing, which is where proper grip comes in.
“You’ll want to make sure the grip is ergonomic and textured,” Suddell says. “Personally, I would recommend avoiding anything with a smooth bar, as those can slip more easily.” Some adjustable dumbbells have knurling—a textured metal pattern on the handle that helps improve grip. Others have rubber or smooth metal bars. Ultimately, the best for you is a matter of preference, but Suddell prefers a bar with a rubberized grip, which is easier on the hands than knurling. However, if you use gloves, knurling should feel perfectly comfortable.
If you’re gawking at the price tags, add up how much each set of standard dumbbells would cost to give you the same range of weights. We can guarantee that adjustable dumbbells are of much better value.
If you’re opting for adjustable weights to save space, consider how you store them. Some weights come with a cradle, which sits on the ground and features grooved slots to hold the weights in place; some can be enclosed in cases that can be easily hidden away; and others offer the option of investing in a stand to make your home setup feel like a gym. (You can find options in each of these categories on this list.) Ideally, you’ll want a set that you can pack into a small space when you’re not using it.
For the most part, any exercise you’d typically do with fixed dumbbells can also be done with adjustable dumbbells.
One of the best ways to use them is for functional movements that train multiple muscles simultaneously. “Weight machines usually are in a fixed position, only allowing you to recruit specific muscle groups,” Massy Arias, NASM-certified celebrity trainer and health coach, previously told SELF. “Free weights, like dumbbells, force individuals to recruit and engage their whole body to perform a specific movement.”
If you’re looking for specific moves to try, allow Joyner’s list of a few favorites to serve as inspiration:
Suddell says there are some potential limits to what you can do with adjustable dumbbells. “Adjustable dumbbells don’t do well with rough handling,” she says, adding that this is because they could break if dropped. “You should avoid exercises that involve fast movements—like power cleans and snatches—and any ‘one rep max’ exercises where the lifter will want to drop the weights right after a rep.” The same goes for any type of workout that involves quick changes or tossing around your equipment, such as HIIT or powerlifting.
With that in mind, Suddell notes that the best way to use adjustable dumbbells is with slow and steady reps. Additionally, “remember to take your time when switching weights, and always inspect the dumbbells for any cracks or signs that they may be damaged,” she says.
One final note worth mentioning, straight from the pros: No matter what type of workout you’re doing, you should always make sure the weight is balanced with an equal number of plates on each side (and, if you’re using two dumbbells, that they’re locked in at the same weights too). Otherwise, you run the risk of getting hurt.
It’s hard to know if a product’s promises in its marketing materials are legit, so our experienced testers use the equipment before recommending it. Check out our full fitness-testing methodology for a peek into all the factors we consider, but in the meantime, here are some qualities our testers have in mind when they’re pumping adjustable irons:
When you invest in fitness equipment, you want it to last, so durability is key. While adjustable dumbbells are generally less durable than fixed weights, the ones we recommend are made from sturdy materials like iron, which will ensure their durability over time.
In other words, “adjustability, customizability, and ergonomics.” These factors all come into play to make a product easier (and more enjoyable) to use, and any fitness equipment we recommend must check all those boxes. For adjustable dumbbells, testers scored based on how easy it was to swap out weighted plates (and how customizable the weights were; the more increment options, the better) and how easy and comfortable the bells were to hold during a workout.
Nobody wants a massive piece of workout equipment in the middle of their living room, so we pay close attention to the total size of whatever we’re testing. One of the biggest selling points for adjustable dumbbells is that they take up minimal space, so the smaller they store down, the higher our testers rate them.
To summarize some of the most important info about picking the best adjustable weights, we’ve shared some of the most frequently asked questions:
You can find a great set of adjustable dumbbells at any price point—our list ranges from $80 to nearly $800. Generally speaking, the heavier a dumbbell is, the more expensive it will be because it requires more plates. The quality of materials will also play into how much something costs—more durable weights made with steel tend to be pricier than ones made with plastic.
This list has some great budget-friendly options, but remember that investing a little more could give you a set with a longer lifespan and the ability to do more varied workouts.
“You can build muscle with adjustable dumbbells just as well, if not better, than standard dumbbells,” confirms Suddell. After all, “weight is weight,” she says.
Most adjustable dumbbells come with a bar that weighs 2.5 to 5 pounds and weighted plates in 2.5-, 5-, and 10-pound increments (you can also find options with heavier and lighter bars and plates, but the best options all generally fit within this range).
You can mix and match these plates however you’d like. The lightest weight option will always be the bar on its own, and the heaviest will be when all the plates are used together. Our list of the best adjustable dumbbells includes a range of maximum weights, from 30 to 90 pounds.
Adjustable dumbbells come with a single “bell” and multiple weighted plates that can be added or subtracted depending on your workout. Some weights require you to manually swap out the plates, while others make the process as easy as turning a dial or flicking a switch.
A fixed dumbbell is just that: fixed. It’s got a bar at one weight. On the other hand, adjustable dumbbells use plates to allow you to switch between multiple weights on a single bar.
With reporting from Sarah Madaus.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
women dumbbell © 2024 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices