The best adjustable dumbbells make a great addition to any home workout space. These customizable weights combine several dumbbell weights, so you don't need space for a whole rack to still benefit from a muscle-building workout.
However, there are many styles to choose from, and it can be hard to tell which are the right weights for your training. That's why we put these adjustable weights to the test for strength training workouts and to add resistance to bodyweight exercises.
We've tested these products using our experience and knowledge of the best gym equipment and have only included models we recommend. Our top pick is the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells, which are easy to grip and range up to 55 lbs in 5 lbs increments. Or to train without breaking the bank, the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbells are a good option.
If these aren't quite right for your training needs, we've rounded up the best adjustable dumbbells for a variety of workout styles and budgets to help you get the most from your muscle-building workouts at home.
The quick list
The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells offer weights ranging from 10 to 55 pounds, adjustable in 15 load increments. They're also easy to grip and well-made.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552i have an easy adjustment mechanism, from 5 to 52.5 lbs. You can change the weight in 5 lbs increments and get two months of access to the JRNY app.
The Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbells are a budget-friendly way to get into resistance training. You can manually add or remove weights plates from 3 lbs up to 19 lbs.
The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells are quick to adjust, feel secure in your hand, and don't rattle around during exercise. Plus, they range from 11 lbs up to an impressive 66 lbs.
The Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells are a solid option and they're excellent value for money. You can adjust the load in 5 lbs increments up to 25 lbs and keep them in their storage trays.
The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells have the best grip of any we've tested. If you're looking for weights to use in sweaty, high-intensity workouts, these are your pick.
The Tespon Adjustable Dumbbells come with two handles that can load weight plates up to 33 lbs. Or you can attach all the plates to the foam-coated bar for a 66 lbs lift instead.
The best adjustable dumbbells you can buy today
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Best adjustable dumbbells overall
If it's an easy-to-use, versatile set of adjustable weights you crave, NordicTrack's Select-a-Weights are the best adjustable dumbbells for most people. With 15 total weight loads to choose from, ranging from 10 to 55 pounds, and adjustments possible in both 5 and 2.5-pound increments, this is a weight set you can grow with.
Made of steel and hardened plastic, the NordicTrack Select-a-Weights feel well-constructed and solid in hand. They come with a plastic storage tray that's also well-made though unlikely to survive a dropped weight. Still, the weight set doesn't take up too much floor real estate, making it a solid choice for apartment dwellers.
The handles of these adjustable weights have a decent amount of knurling, making them plenty grippy, even for the sweatiest hands. That said, the addition of rubber grips might make them a bit more comfy.
The weight-adjusting pins can be a tad temperamental to set into place but overall, they work as they should. More importantly, you don't have to worry about weights falling off, like the NordicTrack iSelect Dumbbells, which were recalled in 2023.
NordicTrack's Select-a-Weight Dumbells come with a 30-day free trial of the iFit app which is bursting at the seams with on-demand workout routines and at-home training sessions. However, you only get a three-month warranty, which is a bit measly.
Best adjustable dumbbells for beginners
Recent updates
Bowflex filed for bankruptcy in early 2024 and was eventually acquired by Johnson Health Tech. According to a company representative, the BowFlex "product lineup is fully intact," and the JRNY app won't be discontinued in the immediate future.
If you're after a single set of easy-to-use weights that will see you through strength workouts and high-intensity training, while keeping up as you get stronger, look no further than the Bowflex SelectTech 552i adjustable dumbbells.
Each dumbbell ranges between 5 and 52.5 lbs in 5-pound increments, so it has a great range and small enough increments that you can gradually increase the load as you get stronger (in line with progressive overload training).
It's easy to switch the load as well — all it takes is a twist on the dial on each side to set your desired weight. The mechanism is secure as well. We were initially wary of dropping plates on our head during presses, but they stayed firmly in place (thankfully!).
We felt they were also more ergonomic than any other weights we've tested, but that didn't stop the handle from becoming a bit slippery when you've got sweaty hands. And the handle isn't quite long enough to grip with two hands either.
However, you also get two-month access to JRNY workout app, which comes with hundreds of on-demand classes and sessions for you to use while training at home or the gym. The app also has some features specifically for these weights, like dedicated classes and motion tracking to help improve your form.
We originally reviewed the first-generation Bowflex SelectTech 552, but the company has since released the 552i, which are almost unchanged except for an improved rubber grip.
- Read our full Bowflex SelectTech 552i review
Best budget adjustable dumbbells
The Amazon Basics adjustable dumbbells are a solid, entry-level set of weights at a good price. The retailer's Basics range is usually good value for money, and that applies here as well, as you get a durable set of weights that are great for the price.
The weight plates fit together well, so you don't get a lot of banging metal as you exercise, and there's a textured handle to improve your grip. It's not as comfortable as the contoured grip on the Bowflex SelectTech 552i, but it does help.
And, unlike pricier models, you can remove all the plates and store the set away in the included carry case for when you want to take them out with you. However, the downside is that it's a fairly manual process, and not that quick.
So, if you want to change loads between exercises, you'll have to spend longer with the Amazon Basics adjustable dumbbells. And if these are your first weights, you might prefer the security of a dial, rather than using the clips to keep the plates in place.
- Read our full Amazon Basics Adjustable Weight Set review
Best adjustable dumbbells for durability
Like many of the best adjustable dumbbells, the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells have a circular, rather than hexagonal design, and come with a quick adjustment mechanism so you can switch between 11 and 66 lbs with ease.
To keep the weights secure, there's a red button you need to press to unlock the mechanism. From there, it only takes a few twists to select your chosen load. It's important to do this before lifting them out of the storage tray, though.
The tray is designed to hold the additional plates while they're not in use, and you risk accidentally dropping a plate if you change the load while out of the tray. We did find it a little strange that the tray feels so flimsy on a premium set, but it did the job.
But once in use, we had no reservations, as the plates fit together snugly and didn't clash together or make a lot of noise while exercising. Although, we did make sure to place them back in the tray between sets to stop them rolling away.
However, they're also expensive. You'll often find the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells on sale as individual weights, rather than as a pair, so keep that in mind if you spot a price that seems on the low side. Expect to pay around $600 for a set.
- Read our full Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells review
Best value adjustable dumbbells
If you're looking for a sturdy set of adjustable dumbbells with an easy adjustment mechanism without breaking the bank, the Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells might be exactly what you need.
These excellent value dumbbells are easy to adjust, as all you need to do is place the dumbbell in its storage tray, rotate the handle to the load you want, and then lift the dumbbell out of the tray. Plus, you can adjust in 5 lbs increments.
This makes them a good option if you want to gradually increase the load as you get stronger. And, to prevent accidents, you can't remove the plates once the dumbbell is lifted out of its storage tray.
The plates fit together well, so there's not a lot of noise while you're working out, and the contoured handle helps you keep a firm grip, even when you've got sweaty hands.
You don't get an app (like you do with the Bowflex SelectTech 552i), but the Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells are a solid option at a reasonable price and are some of the best value adjustable dumbbells available right now.
- Read our full Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell review
Best adjustable dumbbells for grip
The grip on the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells is the best we've ever tested. We felt fully in control of the weights, and it felt secure even with sweaty hands in the middle of a workout.
You get a 5-50 lbs range, which is large enough for small changes between exercises and to train into as you get stronger. Plus, you can increase the load in 5 lbs increments if you use progressive overload training.
There's a quick adjustment mechanism that's easy to use, so it should leave you plenty of time to catch your breath and change the load between exercises. All you need to do is place the dumbbell in its cradle, and turn the dial, just like with the Flybird weights.
There's not a lot of difference between those two models, but if you're looking for a comfortable, durable grip for during sweaty high-intensity sessions, then the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells are a great choice.
- Read our full Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set review
Best adjustable dumbbells with barbell
The best adjustable dumbbells make great home workout companions, but if you've trained at the gym and miss deadlifting with a bar, this Tespon Adjustable Dumbbells and Barbell is just what you need.
You get two dumbbell handles with enough weight plates (coated in plastic, filled with an iron and cement powder) to load each up to 33 lbs. The bars are foam coated to make the lift more comfortable too.
To adjust the load, you'll need to manually remove or add plates, so it can be time consuming and not the most practical solution if you want to change weights between exercises in the middle of a workout.
However, it does come with a larger foam-coated bar for when you want to train with a barbell instead. The weight plates all fit onto this longer bar, and you can add the full amount up to 66 lbs.
- Read our full Tepson Adjustable Dumbbells and Barbell review
How to choose the best adjustable dumbbells for you
When it comes time to decide between the best adjustable dumbbells, it'll depend on how you like to exercise, your budget, and the weight range. If you're new to resistance training, you'll want a set on the lower end, starting at around 20 lbs. For experienced lifters, you may prefer a maximum weight around 50 lbs.
The minimum and maximum load are important, but so is the range and adjustment increments, as that's the main purpose of adjustable dumbbells.
If you want something that'll see you through the years as you get stronger, opt for a wider range. If you need weights to complement bodyweight or cardio workouts, then a narrower range might suit your needs, and that's often a more budget-friendly option too.
You'll want to also look at the adjustment mechanism on offer. Premium sets usually come with easy to use dials, and don't require you to take weight plates off manually, but they also cost more and tend to come with extra features like storage trays or access to virtual workout apps.
If you're working on a budget, you may prefer manual weights plates and a narrower range or lower maximum weight. Generally, the heavier you go, the more you'll need to spend. If you're buying online, check your retailer's shipping policy too, as they may charge extra to deliver heavy items.
How we tested the best adjustable dumbbells
To help you find the best adjustable dumbbells for your home workouts, we spent time lifting them! For each of the sets of dumbbells, we considered the design, ergonomics, and how easy they were to adjust.
Firstly, we looked at the general design and how durable the materials felt. This didn't just include the weights themselves, which are often metal or plastic, but we also assessed the weight holders and trays too.
Once you've picked them up and you're ready to work out, you want to be sure they're comfortable to hold, even during longer sessions. So, we put them to the test across a variety of controlled and high-intensity exercises.
This would also be true of standard dumbbells, but the best adjustable dumbbells come with adjustment mechanisms, allowing you to switch between weights fast. So, we looked at how easy the system was to use, and the type of mechanism in use; dials, manual plates, or handle twists.
FAQs
What's the difference between an adjustable and fixed-weight dumbbell?
Most dumbbells you find in stores or at the gym have a fixed weight. There's a handle connecting two equal-weighted heads on each end. These are ideal for fitness centers and gyms as you can line them up by weight on a rack and let people choose the ones they need for their workouts.
But if you're working out at home, you may not have space for (or want) a whole rack of weights. Plus, stocking it up with the range of loads you need to train effectively can get pretty expensive. That's where adjustable dumbbells come in.
These have a handle connecting two weighted heads, but the loads are customizable; some with manually removable weights plates, others with dials that disconnect the plates and leave them in a storage tray while not in use.
The adjustable varieties can combine several weight sizes into a single product, making it easier to store. But compared to fixed-load weights, they're more complex, so you generally find that adjustable weights are more expensive than a comparable single weight 'bell.
For example, if you need a 20 lbs dumbbell, an adjustable version will often be more expensive than the fixed-load equivalent. But although the up-front cost is higher, you're really getting multiple dumbbells for the price.
Adjustable dumbbells also mean your workouts can be more flexible, as you can quickly change the load between exercises if needed. And you can gradually increase the load as you get stronger to continually challenge your muscles (if you bought a set with a maximum weight above what you currently lift).
What are the cons of adjustable dumbbells?
Although adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving option compared to buying a range of fixed-load weights, they are still quite bulky. They combine several weights into a single unit and tend to be circular rather than hexagonal, so may be harder to keep in place during floor exercises.
Because of the extra weight compared to a set of fixed dumbbells, they're also not as easy to carry with you to the gym, workout space, or local park. But you can get around this by investing in a set with removable weights plates, like the Amazon Basics set.
Your grip might also be compromised using adjustable dumbbells compared with the more durable and chalk-absorbing materials of hex bells.
Should you buy one adjustable dumbbell or a pair?
You can do many exercises with a single dumbbell, just be sure to train the same on both side of your body (like doing lunges with the weight in your right and then left hand) to ensure you keep your muscle development balanced.
However, it's definitely easier to do some staple moves like chest presses or deadlifts with two dumbbells, so it depends on the style of training and how often you'll use them whether you need to buy a pair or a single dumbbell.
It's important to check the product listing before you buy your weights, as adjustable dumbbells can be sold as individual weights or as a pair. The price often gives an indication, but it's worth looking over if you're after two.
Is it better to have two dumbbells or one?
The cost can quickly stack up for adjustable dumbbells, so you may be wondering if you need to invest in two weights or if a single dumbbell will do.
The answer depends on your goals. If you're looking to increase the challenge of bodyweight exercises and need a weight to add in, a single dumbbell may work for you.
And, if you choose an adjustable model, then, as you get stronger, you can increase the load in line with progressive overload training to continually challenge your muscles.
However, if your main aim is to build full-body muscle or switch from the gym to home workouts, then two dumbbells are a good bet. This way, you can perform right and left-side exercises simultaneously.
So, if you want to do biceps curls, you can work both sides together. Then again, if you want to challenge your core and work on your stability, holding a single weight on a specific side can help.
Ultimately, you want to balance your fitness goals with your budget. If you can't stretch to a set like the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight, you can still invest in two weights with the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbells.
Why are adjustable dumbbells so expensive?
Premium adjustable dumbbells can set you back up to $500 — they're certainly not cheap, but it's important to weigh that against the alternatives.
Although you can work out effectively with a set of fixed-weight dumbbells, to continue getting stronger, you'll need to follow the progressive overload technique and gradually increase the weight to challenge your muscles.
In that case, it'd mean buying (and storing) a second set of dumbbells, and then what do you do with the old pair? You could keep them for some moves, but it's hard to store multiple individual weights without a rack (which also needs space).
Adjustable dumbbells often combine up to seven individual weights into a single unit, making them easier to store. Plus, in effect, you're buying seven pairs of dumbbells, which makes the high initial cost easier to explain.
But the increased price is also because adjustable dumbbells are more complex than fixed weights. There are dials, levers, and storage trays, and the company has to use individual weight plates to allow for adjustments compared to a single block of metal.
Are cheap adjustable dumbbells worth it?
Although adjustable dumbbells are usually more expensive than fixed weight models, they can be cheaper in the long run, especially if you want to continually challenge your muscles as you get stronger with heavier loads.
However, there are cheap adjustable dumbbells, like the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbells, so you may be wondering whether these more budget-friendly models are actually worth your money.
If you just need a pair that you can lift occasionally or you're new to strength training, these are definitely a good option, especially if you're not sure how often you'll train with them and don't want to break the bank.
The main drawback of cheap adjustable dumbbells is that they are usually not as 'premium-feeling' as more expensive options. This seems obvious, but it can be hard to tell when comparing sets online.
You'll usually find that the handle isn't as wide or comfortable to grip, the weight range is more limited, and the materials aren't as durable. But they do get the job done, so the decision will depend on your budget and training needs.
