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 some of the best fixed dumbbells around.
Therefore, we've compiled a list of our top picks based on features, price, 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 your exercises. 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.
We've also answered some of the most commonly asked questions to help you come to an informed decision on which set is best for you and your home or garage gym. With that in mind, here's our list of the best adjustable dumbbells available now.
Best adjustable dumbbells
- Best all-round adjustable dumbbells - Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best premium adjustable dumbbells - BODYTECH x NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best adjustable dumbbells under 250 - Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best smart adjustable dumbbells - NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best adjustable dumbbells under 150 - Yes4All Dumbbells
- Best adjustable dumbbell alternative - POWERBLOCK Elite EXP
- Best adjustable dumbbells for beginners - Hhusali 44lb Adjustable Dumbbells
Best all-round adjustable dumbbells - Bowflex SelectTech 552
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!)
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On top of that, you get a 12-month JRNY App membership included when you purchase a set.
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.
Best premium adjustable dumbbells - BODYTECH x NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells
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.
Asides from its frankly stunning design, this dumbbell allows you to select the weight you need but without pulling the 'empty slots' with it.
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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.
Best adjustable dumbbells under 250 - Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
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.
Read More: Best barbells
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.
Best smart adjustable dumbbells - NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells
The NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells look to be one of the smartest and most technologically advanced sets on the market ready to take your home gym setup to the next level.
The dumbbells are voice-controlled, allowing you to adjust the weight through 5 to 50lbs increments by simply speaking to the Amazon Alexa-enabled smart speaker.
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Also, NordicTrack boasts its dumbbells support pre-set weights for up to 15 of the most common dumbbell exercises, which includes some of the best bicep and shoulder exercises around.
So, if you're looking for dumbbells that do the adjusting for you, then make sure you check out this smart set from NordicTrack.
Best adjustable dumbbells under 150 -Yes4All Dumbbells
These Yes4All dumbbells tick practically every box you could think of when it comes to finding a great budget dumbbell set.
The cast iron set can reach a maximum weight of 105lbs, which is fantastic for the price and will allow larger lifts such as squats to be progressed significantly.
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Their cast-iron construction should also improve their durability, making them a great set for a home or garage gym setup.
We'd say these Yes4All dumbbells will likely be a perfect fit if you're after a relatively inexpensive adjustable dumbbell set.
Best adjustable dumbbell alternative - POWERBLOCK Elite EXP
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 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.
Best adjustable dumbbells for beginners - Hhusali Adjustable Dumbbells
Want to get yourself started on weight training to progress from the likes of resistance bands? Then these Hhusali Adjustable Dumbbells are a great option for anyone looking to kit out their home gym with the latest in dumbbell technology.
They come with 5 weight settings to cater to a variety of workouts, with the adjustable weight changed by a simple turn of the handle whilst on the tray. No removing and re-racking plates, just a twist. Nice and easy.
The tray also doubles up as a storage facility for the dumbbell, preventing the dreaded roll across the hardwood floor from the cast iron dumbbells of old.
This modern, stylish dumbbell also comes with anti-rust protection to ensure they'll serve you well throughout your workout journey.
If you're after something modern and inexpensive, then this Hhusali set certainly appears a good pick to us.
Frequently asked questions about adjustable dumbbells
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?
One of the biggest things to look out for is how easy it is to switch the weight of each dumbbell.
You'll want to avoid spending your entire rest period swapping out plates as this could eat into your precious workout time, so any set that makes this step easier gets a tick in our books.
Also, keep an eye on the stated min. and max. weight as you don't want to pick up dumbbells that are too light to deliver an effective workout for your experience level, or ones you're likely to quickly outgrow.
We'd also recommend checking how the weights are secured. You'll want to find a set where the plates will remain locked in place during your sets to avoid them moving around and potentially even falling off.
Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?
Yes, if you want to save space and don't fancy having weight plates everywhere, which is arguably what you're paying a premium for.
Weight plates don't just require space to store, the constant removal and loading can increase the chances of scuffs on the floor and even pose trip hazards when improperly placed.
Adjustable dumbbells get rid of practically all that hassle, but more often than not at a more premium price range.
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.