Finding the best adjustable dumbbells can be a challenge due to the wealth of choices out there. Nevertheless, we believe a well-rounded set is essential to a home gym setup.
Not only do they allow for heaps of progression, but they're also great at saving space compared to fixed dumbbells. Therefore, we've compiled a list of our top picks as far as home gym equipment goes, based on price, weight, and reviews, to narrow your search so you can find the perfect set for you.
Features-wise, we've picked out dumbbells that provide a broad spectrum of weights to use for some of the best back, bicep, and shoulder exercises around, for example. We've also made sure to include both manually and automatically adjustable sets to suit a variety of different preferences.
So, whether you're searching for some of the best dumbbells under 150 in these Yes4All Dumbbells, or you're after something a little more premium, like this BODYTECH x NUOBELL set, then we've got you covered right here. Let's get into it...
Best adjustable dumbbells
- Bowflex SelectTech 552 - best adjustable set
- Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells - a great option under 250
- BODYTECH x NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells - a top premium pick
- Yes4All Dumbbells - an excellent budget contender
- POWERBLOCK Elite EXP - an intriguing dumbbell alternative
- Nice C Dumbbells - a great set for cardio and lifting
1. Bowflex SelectTech 552
Best adjustable dumbbells overall
Weight Range: 5 - 52.5 lbs
Bowflex is practically a household name in fitness, and they make some seriously high-quality and impressive exercise equipment like these SelectTech dumbbells.
Each bar can hold between 5 to 52.5lbs, which makes it great for beginners getting used to the core compound movements (dumbbell press, dumbbell row, etc.), and decent for advanced gym-goers for supersets, isolation exercises, and even multi-plane dynamic workouts (we're looking at you CrossFitters!). On top of that, you get a 12-month JRNY App membership included when you purchase a set.
So, if you're committed to fitness and want to buy something once that you'll have for years to come, then this adjustable set could be a good way to go.
- Read More: Best shoes for CrossFit
2. Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
Best adjustable dumbbells under 250
Weight Range: 5 - 25 lbs Per Dumbbell
These dumbbells look like an excellent pick for your home gym. First off, they're designed simply and actually look quite stylish in comparison to some of the other dumbbells on the market.
Secondly, they're light! Up to 25 lbs or 11 kg isn't that much for someone advanced, however, for many stepping into fitness for the first time it can be a decent amount of weight to allow for some progression.
We'd say for beginners, who want to save some space, and potentially those who enjoy a lighter workout and prefer to apply weight to dynamic whole-body exercises (like a weighted lunge for example) these Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells could hit the mark. And at the price...it won't break the bank either.
- Read More: Best barbells
3. BODYTECH x NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells
Best premium adjustable dumbbells
Weight Range: 5 - 50 lbs
If you're looking for something that fits in with a minimal aesthetic and also has a distinct advantage over most adjustable dumbbells, then the Bodytech x Nuovell collaboration could be worth looking into.
Aside from its frankly stunning design, this dumbbell allows you to select the weight you need but without pulling the 'empty slots' with it. This is a definite plus point as it allows for a smaller dumbbell at lighter weights, which in turn means you can move them around in a more natural way in relation to the weight itself.
If you're looking for something super high-end, then these adjustable dumbbells may be up your street.
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4. Yes4All Dumbbells
Best adjustable dumbbells under 150
Weight Range: 52.5lbs per dumbbell max.
The Yes4All dumbbells stand out as a top choice for those in search of a budget-friendly dumbbell set that checks all the boxes.
Crafted from sturdy cast iron, these dumbbells offer a maximum weight capacity of 105lbs, making them an excellent choice for those looking to progress to heavier lifting exercises such as squats.
Their robust cast-iron construction ensures they are well-suited for a home or garage gym setup as well, providing long-lasting performance that surpasses the durability of plastic alternatives.
If you're on the hunt for an affordable and adaptable dumbbell set, the Yes4All dumbbells are undoubtedly the ideal option.
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5. POWERBLOCK Elite EXP
Best adjustable dumbbell alternatives
Weight Range: 5 - 50 lbs
Among adjustable dumbbells, power blocks play an essential role, especially for those who train a certain way... Having a design that allows the dumbbell to not rock or slip can be important to training with confidence during certain exercises.
If these sound like the perfect dumbbells for you, then we feel the Powerblock Elite EXP are some of the best around as they allow you to perform exercises without needing to let go of the weight.
Picture holding these, pressing them over your head, then grounding them, doing a push-up, jumping back up...you get the idea! As a result of their large box design and flat sides, you can do this confidently without worrying about movement interfering with your workout.
For more athletic styles of training, we'd say these dumbbell blocks are well worth considering.
- Read More: Best multi-gyms under 500
6. Nice C Dumbbells
Best adjustable dumbbells for cardio
Weight Range: 1kg-2kg
For traditional weightlifting, dumbbells that can be adjusted all the way up to double digits in weight are great. However, if you're after a lightweight set to make your cardio routines a little more challenging, these Nice C Dumbbells may just be the ideal solution.
They only go up to around 4.5lbs in total (2kg), but this is really all you need if all you're using them for is to add weight to your punches during a boxing session, curling while you cycle, or to add weight during your core routines.
While 4.5lbs is their max., there are 3.4lbs and 2.2lbs presets as well in case you want to make things a little easier while you smash a cardio session. If this is the case, then you only have to open the ends of the dumbbells and remove the small weights inside.
With this in mind, we'd say they're a great pick. If you're only really after a lightweight set for your cardio routines, then we'd highly recommend checking out this Nice C set.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Picking the best adjustable dumbbell can be a little tricky, and potentially an expensive trial-and-error process if you get it wrong. Here are our two cents on some of the most frequently asked questions.
What should you look for from a set of adjustable dumbbells?
When looking for a set of adjustable dumbbells, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, look for a set that offers a weight range that meets your needs. Make sure the weight range is appropriate for your fitness level, strength, and the exercises you plan to do.
We'd also recommend looking for a set of dumbbells that are easy to adjust. Some sets require you to manually add or remove weight plates, while others have a quick and easy adjustment mechanism that allows you to change the weight with the turn of a dial.
Next, make sure you pick out dumbbells made from high-quality materials. You'll want a set that can withstand regular use and won't break or wear out easily.
Finally, make sure you're selecting adjustable dumbbells that fit within your budget. Keep in mind that higher-end sets may cost more but offer additional features and higher weight ranges.
Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?
Adjustable dumbbells can be a worthwhile investment depending on your fitness goals, workout preferences, and available space as they're an incredibly space-concious solution compared to having a full set of individual dumbbells. Therefore, if you have limited space at home or prefer to work out in a smaller area, adjustable dumbbells can be a practical choice.
They're also extremely versatile. Adjustable dumbbells offer a range of weight options in a single set, allowing you to adjust the difficulty according to your strength and progression, making them suitable for a variety of exercises and fitness levels. They can accommodate both lighter and heavier loads, providing flexibility in your workouts.
Finally, adjustable dumbbells are defintiely the more budget-friendly option. They may have a higher upfront cost compared to purchasing individual dumbbells, they can be more cost-effective in the long run. Instead of buying multiple sets of dumbbells as you progress, adjustable dumbbells eliminate the need for additional purchases, potentially saving you money in the long term, thus making them worth it.
Are adjustable dumbbells good for beginners?
We'd argue that picking up an adjustable dumbbell set is a great way to begin weight training if you're a complete beginner to the sport.
This is because you can set the weights to whatever you feel comfortable lifting, meaning you can start off light to nail your technique and form.
As a beginner though, it's highly likely you'll see progress fast, so going for an adjustable set means you can easily up the weight to ensure your workouts remain challenging.
Once you gain a little more experience, then you may find opting for a fixed set more beneficial as you can often find heavier weights well over the general 50lbs max. weight an adjustable set can hold.
What exercises can you do with adjustable dumbbells?
One of the biggest upsides of adjustable dumbbells is that they're highly versatile.
Not only can you use them for your typical shoulder and chest press exercises, but they can also be used for rows, curls, and even squats and deadlifts if you're looking to use a lighter weight.
You can even secure them with your legs to add weight to your pull/chin-ups and dips.
If you're looking to find out more about exercises you can perform at home, then check out our guides on the best back and chest exercises right here.
How much weight can adjustable dumbbells hold?
This will vary depending on the dumbbell as some can hold significantly more weight than others.
Taking an average from the products featured in this list, it would seem the typical top weight of an adjustable dumbbell is around 50lbs.
However, there are some dumbbells out there that can hold 100lbs+ on one bar if you're looking to go a little heavier with your lifts.
We'd recommend checking the description on the manufacturer's website if you're unsure of the max. weight of a certain adjustable dumbbell set.
Can adjustable dumbbells be dropped?
We'd highly advise against it, especially because the mechanisms on these dumbbells are more prone to damage than fixed sets.
And for anyone bemused by the question, oftentimes you'll find people dropping weights in the gym if they need to exit the movement quickly, so it's good if they're solid and can withstand the force.
Adjustable dumbbells are not the way to go if you're planning on slamming them on the ground.
Are adjustable dumbbells safe?
Generally speaking, adjustable dumbbells are very safe to use at home as they are often lighter than barbells, come with handle knurling for added grip, and sometimes feature flat bases to stop them from rolling away.
There are, however, a few ways adjustable dumbbells can be unsafe to the user. In fact, the following can be applied to free weights in general.
For example, trying to lift too much weight can result in your form slipping, thus increasing the risk of injury. Also, overextending past your natural range of motion can cause muscle tears.
As a result, it's important you warm up before working out, and execute movements with the correct technique to avoid causing yourself any harm with adjustable dumbbells.
How do you change the weight of adjustable dumbbells?
There are many different ways to change the weight of your adjustable dumbbells.
Most adjustable dumbbells will come with a threaded bar allowing you to load up the plates, then fix them in place using the accompanying threaded locks. These known as spinlock dumbbells.
You can also get dumbbells that can be adjusted using a twistable dial. Set the dial to whichever weight you desire, and the mechanical system will set the plates accordingly, leaving the unused plates behind in the base.
NordicTrack takes this a set further by implementing a voice-control system into its iSelect dumbbells.
It's worth keeping in mind though that, the more advanced adjusting technology used, the greater the price tag.
How long do adjustable dumbbells last?
This depends on how often you use them, but theoretically, your adjustable dumbbells could last forever if maintained and used appropriately.
The key is to not damage them in any way. For example, we'd recommend you avoid dropping them onto a hard floor, especially from any great height, as you may crack the plastic/chip the iron.
In turn, this could alter how much the dumbbells weigh when loaded which can have a negative impact on your training progression.
You also have to be wary of iron dumbbells rusting. This can be caused by sweat, dropping the weights, or improper storage, so make sure you're maintaining your dumbells correctly in between uses.
Can you purchase additional weight plates for adjustable dumbbells?
Yes, in most cases, you can purchase additional weight plates for adjustable dumbbells. Many manufacturers offer expansion sets or individual weight plates that can be added to your existing adjustable dumbbell set. This allows you to increase the maximum weight capacity of your dumbbells as your strength progresses, providing the bar can take the weight.
When purchasing additional weight plates, it's important to ensure that they are compatible with your specific brand and model of adjustable dumbbells. Different brands may have unique designs and locking mechanisms, so it's essential to check compatibility before making a purchase.
You can typically find additional weight plates for adjustable dumbbells on the manufacturer's website, fitness equipment retailers, or online marketplaces. Make sure to verify the weight plate sizes and any specific instructions or recommendations provided by the manufacturer to ensure a proper fit and safe usage.
However, some adjustable dumbbells, like dial-adjustable models, may not allow for additional weight plates to be added. Therefore, you'll need to purchase a set heavy enough to allow for your own strength progression.