I've been using adjustable dumbbells as part of my home workouts for half a decade now. I started with a basic pair, before upgrading to some of the best adjustable dumbbells and testing many more sets to see how easily they switch between loads.
The main reason I like them is that they save a lot of space; most adjustable sets combine five standard dumbbells into a single weight. This is useful for storage, but also means I don't need to keep moving weights around the house when I train.
Since you can quickly change the weight (either by removing plates or with a slider), I use them to add resistance to bodyweight exercises like squats, but I've also been able to incorporate the progressive overload technique to gradually increase the load as I get stronger.
Currently, my favorite weights are the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells. The grip is effective, even without gloves, and you get a good range (10-55 lbs in 5 lbs increments) for the price.
And if you're working on a budget, I'd recommend the LifePro PowerFlow Plus. Despite the flimsy plastic tray, I enjoyed working out with these and the slider was easy to use, the weight range was good (up to 25 lbs) and the flat base stopped them rolling away.
But for those of you after more choice, I've rounded up the best adjustable dumbbells for a range of uses, experience levels and budgets to help you get the most from your at-home workouts and get the results you're after.
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.
More secure than manual weight plates and with a good range up to 25 lbs, the LifePro PowerFlow Plus are some of the top weights on a budget. The slider is quick to change the load and the storage tray is flimsy, but practical.
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.
I started hitting the gym over a decade ago to help manage a chronic health condition. I learnt how to make the most of limited equipment, which prepared me well for switching to home workouts in early 2020. I grabbed a set of adjustable dumbbells and a kettlebell and found ways to build strength with just a few weights and a bit of space. My main focus is to find options that get out of your way; form is the most important part of any exercise and I look for adjustable dumbbells where you can quickly change the load and keep your mind on your training.
The best adjustable dumbbells you can buy today
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Best adjustable dumbbells overall
NordicTrack has a great (ahem) track record with weights. For as long as I've been testing adjustable dumbbells, the brand has nearly always been at the top of the pile. And now it's got the novelty-esque iSelect Dumbbells out of its system (the voice-controlled Alexa smart weights that were recalled in 2023), it's back on form.
The Select-a-Weights are easily the best adjustable dumbbells for most people, with 15 loads to choose from, ranging between 10 and 55 lbs in 2.5 or 5 lbs increments. So while the initial cost seems high, they'll see you through versatile workouts where you need to load and unload, and progress with you as you get stronger.
Like almost all other adjustable dumbbells, the weights come in a storage tray that doubles as a way to keep them out of the way between workouts, but also a depository for the weight plates that aren't in use. The tray is more substantial than most, but I'd still recommend that you place the weights down with control.
When I'm not testing, I will always wear gloves for improved grip but you don't really need to with the Select-a-Weights. The handle is knurled and is grippy enough, even with sweaty hands, although it's not the most comfortable — but whether this is a problem largely depends on your hands and how you usually find holding weights.
There's a lever on each dumbbell for you to switch between 5 lbs and 2.5 lbs adjustments, and then a slider to release or engage the plates. These are pretty straightforward, but you do need to make sure that the pin is properly locked into position before you try to pick up the weights.
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.
The BowFlex SelectTech 552i adjustable dumbbells make the best pick for beginners for a few reasons; they 'feel' premium, there's a good weight range which can support your training as you get stronger and they come with an app for workout guidance and form tips.
Of course, there are plenty of workout apps out there, but bundling two months of free access takes some of the hassle away when all you want to do is focus on your training. Then again, I highly recommend Centr (the app developed by muscular actor Chris Hemsworth), which I've been using for almost five years now.
So value of the free app trial depends on how you feel about choosing a platform. But what's really on offer here is the dumbbells themselves, which are some of the easiest to get started with. They often come as individual weights, and each one ranges between 5 lbs and 52.5 lbs in 2.5 lbs increments.
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, so there's no need to worry about loose weights falling on your head during presses or skull crushers. The only drawback is that the handle is too short to comfortably grip with two hands.
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
I want to address something right away: these are not the cheapest dumbbells. There are cheaper sets available, but there's a reason I recommend the LifePro PowerFlow Plus as the best budget adjustable dumbbells over something on the lower price range — safety.
I used to own a cheap manual set of weights that were quite a lot like the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbells. But over time, the locking nut and thread got rusty and damaged, leading to a weight plate flying off during a set of dumbbell swings. So, I don't recommend cheap-cheap sets anymore.
I'd call the LifePro PowerFlow Plus cheap premium adjustable dumbbells. The weight range is on the lower side (only up to 25 lbs per 'bell) and the plastic storage tray doesn't scream luxury. But for a bit more money than the basic sets, you get an easy to use load adjustment slide and flat-bottomed weights that don't roll away.
The steel handle was comfortable and with enough space (just) for two-handed moves, whether I was wearing gloves or not. I didn't have any trouble with sweat loosening my grip either. The only slight challenge I had was that the indented plate design with a smooth finish made it hard to hold onto during skull crushers.
It's a bit of a shame that the end of each weight has a plastic bumper — it makes the set feel cheaper than it actually is, and also is more fragile that the surrounding material. So while mine stayed intact during testing, I can easily imagine one accidental drop fracturing the plastic ends.
But for the most part, these weights were a breeze to use. I see anything that doesn't actively get in my way during workouts to be a win. And I didn't have to think about how to handle the PowerFlow Plus, they just sat in the storage tray until I needed to change the resistance and helped me train without a whole rack of weights.
Best adjustable dumbbells for durability
At a glance, the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells look pretty much like all adjustable dumbbells. The circular design sits neatly inside the storage tray, but there's a slightly flat bottom to stop them rolling away — it's only slight, so they seem fully circular, but it means you don't end up with runaway weights on uneven floors.
Unlike many others I've tested, though, this Ativafit set has a dial on the outer edge of the 'bell for you to make quick adjustments to the load. It has the same effect as a slider, so it's really down to person preference which you prefer. The dial is large and easy to grab hold of, so isn't a hassle between sets.
The unused weight plates stay in the storage tray, and you risk accidentally dropping a plate if you change the load while out of the tray. And speaking of the tray, it felt more flimsy than you'd expect for the price, but this is a pretty common complaint among adjustable dumbbells.
But once you start training with them, that minor issue leaves your head because the plates fit together snugly and don't hit each other or create a lot of noise while you're exercising. And although the very slightly flat bottom should stop them rolling, I'd recommend putting them directly back in the storage tray when not in use.
- Read our full Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells review
Best value adjustable dumbbells
If you want to avoid sliders and don't like the dial on the Ativafit weights, the Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells have a twisting handle to change the load instead. This is one of the most convenient mechanisms and really does speed up the process, so if you want to drop the load mid-set to keep your form on point, these are a good option.
They adjust in 5 lbs increments, and run up to 25 lbs just like the LifePro PowerFlow Plus. The Flybird weights are a bit more expensive, though, but because the mechanism relies on the handle, there's additional knurling and texturing to improve your grip.
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 Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells are not the most exceptional weights; they rattle, they're not super cheap and they're pretty similar to the Flybird 'bells. But where they absolutely excel is grip.
Like the Flybird weights, the handle doubles as the adjustment mechanism, but rather than apply a coating to make it easier to hold, Core Home Fitness decided on a textured handle. It's simple, doesn't look that remarkable, but it's impressively effective.
Even with sweaty hands, it's easy to keep the dumbbells in place and focus on your form, rather than keeping the weights up. And while they're a bit on the expensive side, they do range up to 50 lbs each and come as a duo.
The handle-based mechanism means it's quick to change the load, so they're a good option for high-intensity workouts where breaks are short. The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells aren't exceptional, but they are very good.
- Read our full Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set review
Also tested
We test a lot of adjustable dumbbells to make sure that we're genuinely recommending The Best. That doesn't mean that the others we've tried aren't good, so if you're after more choice, these are the weights that didn't quite make the cut.
How to choose the best adjustable dumbbells for you
Deciding on the best adjustable dumbbells for your home workouts will depend on how you like to train, weight range and your budget. If you're new to resistance training, aim for something on the lower load end, around 20 lbs.
If you're used to working with weights, consider going to 50 lbs, but you'll also notice that the price increases roughly in line with the extra weight. The maximum load is important, but so is the range and adjustment increments.
Go for a wide range if you want something that'll suit you several years from now as you get stronger, even if you initially have the load set on the lower end. But if you want to add some resistance to cardio or bodyweight workouts rather than do dedicated muscle-building sessions, a narrower range would work (and it's cheaper).
Pay attention to the adjustment mechanism too — premium sets have dials or sliders, cheaper sets have manually adjustable weights plates (like you'd find on a barbell at a gym). The dials and sliders are a lot easier, but you generally pay more for these sets, as they're typically on weights that have a larger range or higher load.
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
Since I began exercising at home, I've used the workout app Centr for strength training sessions, so I do my usual weekly routine with each set of weights. This includes dedicated upper body workouts, high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) and some bodyweight routines where I generally add a low weight into the mix.
Most days, I train with workout gloves on. This helps improve my grip, which is useful for keeping good form, but to get a real sense of what the weights are like, I also do some sessions bare-handed to see how well the handles cope with sweaty palms and unusual holds, like during triceps skull crushers or dumbbell halos.
Because the training is varied, I need to keep changing the load I'm using, giving me the perfect opportunity to test out the weights adjustment mechanism. If the set uses manual plates, I look at how secure the locking nuts are, whether you can get them off easily, and if the plates are easy to get back into place in a pinch.
For those adjustable dumbbells with sliders or load selectors, I look whether you need a lot of dexterity to move them around (after all, you're probably gasping for breath and trying to recover between sets — not exactly ideal conditions for fiddly mechanisms) and how securely the plates stay in the storage tray.
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.
