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The best adjustable dumbbells are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can add to your home gym. Not only are they a space-saving alternative to owning an entire dumbbell set in different weights, but they are also typically a more cost-efficient option than just a pair of the best dumbbells.
To find the best adjustable dumbbells, our team of certified personal trainers, Olympic weightlifters, and fitness enthusiasts has researched and personally used dozens of products. Many of them reside in our own home gyms and have been through countless workouts over the years.
Using our in-depth testing methodology, we rate dumbbells on a scale of 1 to 5 on categories that include:
- Durability: We look for high-quality materials instead of lots of plastic and perform drop tests to gauge construction and hardiness.
- Weight Range and Increments: We assess how many options the user has with each dumbbell, as well as how easy it is to change weights.
- Handle: We score each dumbbell on the quality of the handle, based on features such as diameter, knurling, and whether or not the handle is caged.
- Value: Based on the market, we assess if the product priced fairly for what it offers.
In addition to the host of training exercises, we did the following:
- Weighed each dumbbell at various increments to see how accurate to the stated weight they were
- Timed weight changes
- Performed dynamic movements to see how the weights felt
- Drop tests: Could dumbbells withstand being dropped? (Spoiler alert: don’t ever drop any of these, they aren’t meant to be dropped)
Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2024
Best Adjustable Dumbbells Video
Compare Side-By-Side
REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell | Titan Loadable Dumbbells | Rogue Loadable Dumbbells | PowerBlock Pro | REP Adjustable Dumbbells | FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells | Ironmaster Adjustable Dumbbells | Snode Adjustable Dumbbells | NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells | Kensui AdjustaBELL | |
Rating Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers and coaches, use a multi-point testing methodology to determine average ratings out of 5 stars. | ||||||||||
Weight Range | 10 to 125 lbs | Based on change plates | Based on change plates | 5 to 40 lbs | 5 to 30/ 40/ 50/ or 60 lbs | 5 to 25 lbs/ 11 to 55 lbs | 5 to 75 lbs | 10 to 80 lbs | 5 to 80 lbs | Up to 70 lbs per handle |
Dumbbells Replaced | 12 sets | Based on change plates | Based on change plates | 30 sets | 12 sets | 5 sets | 24 sets | 8 sets | 16 sets | Based on change plates |
Increment | 10 lbs | Based on change plates | Based on change plates | 2.5 / 5 lbs | 5 lbs | 5 or 11 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 10 lbs | 5 lbs | Based on change plates |
Mechanism | Pop-pin | Change plates | Change plates | Selector pin | Lock-N-Load switch | Dial | Quick-lock dial | Dial | Dial | Change plates |
Expandable? | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
Caged Handle? | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
Warranty | Lifetime | 1 year | Lifetime | 5-year limited warranty | Lifetime | 1 year | Lifetime | 2 years, includes drops | 2 years | Liftetime |
Best Ergonomic Adjustable Dumbbells: REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell
Good for: Those who want an adjustable dumbbell set that feels like a traditional fixed weight
Best Overall
REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell
Product Highlights
- Adjustable dumbbells ranging from 10-125 lbs
- Durable, all-metal construction that’s been extensively drop-tested
- Easy adjustment mechanism to change the weight between sets
- High value for the durability and weight range
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Weight ranges from 10-125 lbs
- Quick and easy weight changes
- Durable construction
- The design feels like using a regular dumbbell
Cons
- Pre-order only that won't ship until September
- No stand available at the time of purchase
Bottom Line
The REP x PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell are a new and improved version of the original Pepin Fast Series dumbbells, which are durable and innovative. At this price point, these will be some of the most popular adjustable dumbbells on the market.
Best Loadable Dumbbell: Titan Loadable Dumbbells
Good for: People who want to kick it old school with existing Olympic plates
Best Loadable
Titan Loadable Olympic Dumbbell Handles
Product Highlights
- High-quality steel material
- Knurling for better grip
- Target multiple muscle groups
- Compatible with Olympic plates
- Sold as a pair
- 15- and 20-in options
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent universal workout tool
- Compact design makes easily portable for a great addition to any at home gym
- Quality material
- Durable
- Knurled grip gives better resistance to slipping after sweating
- Great alternative to preset weighted dumbbells they allow maximum strength training achievement and room for growth
Cons
- Not everyone likes a hard knurled grip
- If you do not have Olympic-style plates already, this option could be pricey
- Heavy lifters may want/need more loadable sleeve length
Bottom Line
The Titan Loadable Olympic Dumbbell Handles are a great addition to any at home gym as a universal tool to target many muscle groups. They are built to last, and their added knurled grip is great for pushing through the end of a workout preventing any slipping. Would not recommend it for a beginner. These dumbbells are built for compound weight and are best for someone with more experience in strength training that may already have Olympic style weights on hand.
Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Versatility: Rogue Loadable Dumbbells
Good for: Home gym users needing dumbbells for a variety of exercises and weight ranges
Best for Versatility
Rogue Loadable Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- Additional Olympic change plates necessary
- Long loadable sleeve length
- Solid construction
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Use your existing weight plates
- Long, 6.75-in loadable sleeve
- Same quality as Rogue Ohio Bar
Cons
- $270 for a pair
- Weights not included in price
- Can buy in a package with weighted collars
Bottom Line
These handles are a great option for people who have change plates already.
Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set: PowerBlock Pro EXP Dumbbells
Good for: People who want a lot of weight options but want to save space
Best Set
Powerblock Pro 100 EXP Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- Adjustable dumbbells ranging from 5 to 100 lbs
- First stage goes to 40 lbs
- 3 expansion kits that works up to 100 lbs
- Optional knurled grip
- 19.2” L x 7.6” W x 7.7” H
- Adjustable in 2.5-lb or 5-lb increments
- Add-on to use as kettlebell, with future EZ curl bar and straight bar add-ons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Replaces 30 pairs of dumbbells
- Optional knurled grip
- Versatile add-ons
Cons
- Long, bulkier set of dumbbells
- Not the fastest change in weights
- Expensive
Bottom Line
The Pro 100 EXP Dumbbells are the latest set of adjustable dumbbells from Powerblock, ranging from 5 pounds to 100 pounds with 2.5- or 5-pound increment adjustments. The dumbbells begin at their first stage of up to 40 pounds, with three expansion kits that can move the maximum weight up to 60, 80, or 100 pounds. The dumbbells have the option to have a metal knurling as well.
Most Durable Adjustable Dumbbells: REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbell
Good for: Those who want an adjustable dumbbell that won’t shatter if dropped
Most Durable
REP Fitness QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbell
Product Highlights
- Adjustable dumbbells ranging from 5 to 60 lbs
- Patented Lock-N-Load steel switches for quick weight changes
- Can be bought as 30-lb, 40-lb, 50-lb, or 60-lb pairs
- Fully knurled handle
- Durability tested for drops
- Lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very durable and tested for drops
- Lifetime warranty
- Can be expanded from 30 lbs up to 60 lbs
- Quick weight changes
Cons
- Adder weights can be a bit slower to add or remove
- Longer dumbbell at max weight
- Max weight is only 60 lbs
Bottom Line
The REP Fitness QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbell is the latest piece of innovative equipment for the company, with patented Lock-N-Load switches for quick weight changes. The dumbbells can go up to a maximum weight of 60 pounds, although they can be purchased at lighter weights and expanded from there. These dumbbells are extremely durable as well, tested for drops at various heights and angles; plus, they’re backed by a lifetime warranty.
Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells: FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
Good for: The budget-conscious crowd who still want a usable adjustable dumbbell
Best for Beginners
FLYBIRD 55-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- Clear and easy-to-use dial that allows you to change weights with just one hand
- Weight ranges from 11 to 55 lbs per dumbbell
- 11-pound change increments
- Textured handle and cast iron weight plates
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Intuitive and easy-to-use
- High-quality
- Enhanced safety features
- Feel comfortable in your hand
- Safe spacing
- Quickly adjust with a dial
Cons
- 11-pound increments for weight change is a big jump in weight
Bottom Line
The FLYBIRD 55-pound Adjustable Dumbbells have a decent weight range of 11 to 55 pounds. They are easy to use and affordable but, with an 11-pound incremental weight jump, they are not a great choice for beginners or those who train with lighter weights.
Best Heavy Weight Adjustable Dumbbells: Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells
Good for: People who want heavy weight in the feel of a traditional dumbbell
Best Heavy Weight
Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- Quickly adjustable in under 15 seconds
- Adjustable from 5 to 75 lbs
- Patented quick-lock design
- Includes a stand
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Shaped like a traditional dumbbell
- Quick-Lock system makes weights are easy and quick to change
- Lock does hold tight
- Comes with a stand
- Change weights in 2.5-lb increments
- Weight range 5 to 75 lbs
- Knurled handles
- Compact design
- Flat ends make for ease in resting weights on legs
- Fits a number of accessories like fat grip adapters and kettlebell handles
- Plates marked in kgs and lbs
Cons
- Not quite as easy to change as other options
- Priced just under $900
- Cast iron plates could crack if dropped
- Not designed for movements like snatches
Bottom Line
The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells are some of the best adjustable dumbbells available. I personally prefer Powerblocks due to how quickly the weight can adjust, however, there are many who prefer Ironmasters and for good reasons. They're the most similar adjustable dumbbell to traditional fixed dumbbells, they have a wide weight increment range, and they're priced very affordably. If you own a home gym and want a set of dumbbells that doesn't take up a ton of space, Ironmasters are a great option.
Best Adjustable Dumbbells Overall: Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells
Best Ergonomic
Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- Weight ranges from 10 to 80 lbs
- 10-lb weight increments
- 36mm handle diameter
- Cast iron dumbbell cradle
- Feels like a pro-style dumbbell
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cast iron cradles
- Drop-proof design from up to 32”
- Solid cast iron dumbbell plates with dovetail design
- Flat dumbbell heads
- Knurled handle
Cons
- Expensive
- Longer dumbbell
- Only jumps in 10-lb increments
Bottom Line
The Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells are a durable pair of adjustable dumbbells that cover a broad range of dumbbell weights. If only having 10-pound increments is alright with you, these are a solid choice of dumbbell, strong enough to withstand drops from up to 32 inches.
Best User-Friendly Adjustable Dumbbells: NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells
Good for: Someone seeking high-quality, fast-changing weights with a sleek design
Best User-Friendly
NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- All-in-one adjustable dumbbell
- Weight ranges from 5 to 80 lbs
- Easy to use
- Feels like a standard dumbbell
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Feels like a regular dumbbell in hand
- Easy quick-change adjustments
- Knurled handle
- Comes with a stand
Cons
- Can be tricky to get in the stand
- Unsure of structural integrity
- Pricey
Bottom Line
These are great for people who want an easily adjustable dumbbell pair that feels more like a traditional fixed dumbbell
Best Ultra-Budget Adjustable Dumbbell: Kensui AdaptaBELLs PRO
Good for: People on a budget who still wants to lift moderately heavy weight
Best Ultra-Budget
Kensui AdjustaBELL
Product Highlights
- Loadable dumbbell
- Compatible with 1″ and 2″ plates
- Slip-resistant rubber guard
- No overhang
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Money-back guarantee
- No overhang when you add weights
- Can use both 1” and 2” plates together
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Made of nylon
- Customers complained using 2” plates could be tricky without adapter
- Only available via company website
Bottom Line
The AdjustaBELL is a compact, affordable loadable dumbbell with a unique design that doesn’t have any overhang.
Other Adjustable Dumbbells I’ve Tested
Trulap 8592 Adjustable Dumbbells: These dumbbells have the greatest number of weight increments of any adjustable dumbbell we’ve ever used, but we left them off the list due to their high price and the fact they’re not as durable as some of our top picks. If they sound enticing, you can learn more in our full TruLap Adjustable Dumbbells review.
Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells: These are great. The problem is that they can’t be dropped and take a long time to change in comparison to Ironmasters. That said, we do recommend them, especially to those that want a spin-lock style dumbbell with a great handle. Be sure to also check out our DIY concrete dumbbells guide.
Bowflex SelectTech 552: We recommended the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbell set over these because they’re cheaper, built more like a traditional dumbbell, and have a slightly heavier maximum weight. The Bowflex dumbbells are still a good set, though just not as high-value as FLYBIRD’s.
HAVAK Adjustable Triad: These are somewhat underground adjustable dumbbells featuring three different handles at different diameters to increase grip strength. I’m a big fan of these, but they’re a very different weight option from what else is out there and are honestly in a somewhat separate category.
MX55 Rapid Change Dumbbell System: These are great and compact; however, they don’t have add-on extension kits available. We do like how quickly they change and how balanced they are. Still curious? Read our full MX Select Adjustable Dumbbells review.
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells: I have yet to get my hands on these. At first glance, there are a lot of options: Singles pairs up to 105 pounds and even sets that come with a connector that changes the dumbbell into a barbell. The loadable plates are cast iron, and the handle is chrome. They are priced incredibly low–a 60-pound pair sells for just over $60. That signals to me that there may be quality issues, but I’ll report back after testing them.
NiceC Adjustable Dumbbell: The NiceC Adjustable Dumbbell is a two-in-one where the loadable dumbbells can turn into a barbell. The weight options range from a 22- to 88-pound barbell with corresponding dumbbells of 11- to 44-pound pairs. However, the “barbell” doesn’t really resemble a barbell because it just connects the two already-loaded dumbbells, so there are plates essentially in the middle of the bar. The price point is a little more expensive than the Yes4Alls, but I need to get my hands on these before I assess the quality. This could potentially be a good option for people who want to do light resistance training at home without a huge investment.
BaadAss Adjustable Dumbbells: BaadAss Adjustable Dumbbells and Pepin Dumbbells are very similar in style. The big difference is that BaadAss is practically indestructible, however, they have a worse fit and finish in their current iteration and cost more. I hope BaadAss improves some of the parts of their dumbbells and if done, I think they could end up better than Pepins.
Eisenlink Adjustable Dumbbells: As I explain in my Eisenlink Adjustable dumbbell video review, these appear to be a more budget-friendly version of the Ironmaster dumbbells. Read more in our Eisenlink Adjustable Dumbbell review.
How We Tested and Picked the Best Adjustable Dumbbells
Each model is tested based on its versatility and how well it performed during training. This means that among many other movements, we performed lunges, alternating curls, hammer curls, overhead triceps extensions, lateral raises, single-leg deadlifts, and bench presses on a weight bench. To help you choose the best adjustable dumbbells for your home training needs, our testers spent time lifting each model.
Everyone trains differently and has different fitness levels, so it’s important to note how each dumbbell feels during each movement and how it differs from others, and what they’re trying to mimic: fixed dumbbells. Personally, when I was testing the equipment, I asked myself if the shape of the dumbbell limited range of motion, if they felt unbalanced or uncomfortable, or if we closed our eyes, would we know we were using a dumbbell substitute?
Our rating system assigns a score to each dumbbell on a scale of 1 to 5 in categories that include the following:
- Weight change speed: How long does it take to adjust the weight?
- Durability: Can this be dropped and not break?
- Value: Is the product worth the cost?
- Customer reviews: We take into account reviews on the brand’s and third party sites
- Weight range and change increments: How many dumbbells does this replace?
Together, our team then comes up with an overall score for each dumbbell and determines what makes this list.
How Do Adjustable Dumbbells Work?
Adjustable dumbbells allow you to select from multiple weights or weight ranges on a dumbbell, essentially replacing many sets of fixed dumbbells in one pair. Most adjustable dumbbells use an adjustment mechanism to add or subtract weight plates from the dumbbell handle.
RELATED: Best Kettlebells / Best Adjustable Kettlebells
The weight limits can vary on the design of the dumbbells; more budget-friendly designs max out at around 50 pounds, while heavier pairs can go up to 90 or 100 pounds, or even heavier. Loadable dumbbell handles, on the other hand, use Olympic weight plates or bumper plates to load possibly hundreds of pounds on each dumbbell.
The adjustment mechanism can vary from dumbbell to dumbbell, but here are some of the more common mechanisms:
- Dial: One of the more common types of adjustment mechanisms are a dial, in which the user rotates a knob (or the dumbbell handle itself) to select the desired weight. The rotating shifts a bar forward or back, securing the desired weights for your selected weight.
- Pin selectors: Another common method of weight selection is through pin selectors. How the pins operate can vary; some will have built-in pins that can be pulled out and slid to the desired weights. Others, like PowerBlock dumbbells, allow the pin to be completely removed and inserted to a different weight.
- Lock switches: Switches like those on the REP QuickDraws can be flipped up or down, locking each weight plate into place along the dumbbell.
- Plate-loaded: Plate-loaded dumbbells are basically handles with a loadable sleeve, allowing you to use your own weight plates, or in some cases, specially designed plates for the dumbbells. Weights are then secured with a collar or a spin-lock mechanism.
Benefits of Adjustable Dumbbells
The initial sticker price of adjustable dumbbells might shock you. However, if you pick the right pair, you might find that adjustable dumbbells are some of the most worthwhile workout equipment you can own.
Dumbbell Training Benefits
Dumbbell training, in general, is extremely effective, whether you’re looking to build muscle mass, do a HIIT cardio workout or burn fat. People use dumbbells for a number of reasons, including:
- Unilateral work identifies and eliminates bilateral deficits and imbalances1
- Increased muscle stabilization
- Improved trunk strengthening2 with free weights and unilateral training
- Countless exercises for the upper body, lower body, and core muscle groups
- Greater range of movement and variability in the exercise
RELATED: Try This Back Workout With Dumbbells
Unique Benefits to Adjustable Dumbbells
Here’s a few unique benefits that adjustable dumbbells can bring to the table.
- Space-Savers: The most obvious plus to an adjustable dumbbell is that it saves an enormous amount of space. A traditional dumbbell set easily takes up substantial floor or shelving space. With adjustable dumbbells, you can get between six and 30 dumbbells in the footprint of just one pair.
- Cost-Effective: Depending on which adjustable dumbbell set you pick, you can save a significant amount of money by essentially buying 12 pairs at once.
- Durability: For the most part, adjustable dumbbells are built to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The quality ones use iron and steel to form a solid, nearly indestructible piece of equipment. Typical rubber hex dumbbells, alternatively, are prone to more damage.
Traditional Dumbbells Vs Adjustable Dumbbells
Although adjustable dumbbells can save money and space, there are pros and cons to each type of dumbbell. Here’s a quick breakdown of the good and the bad for adjustable dumbbells vs fixed.
Traditional Dumbbells
Anyone who has spent time in a commercial gym is probably familiar with traditional dumbbells. Also called fixed dumbbells, these dumbbells are simply two weighted ends, or “heads,” connected by a dumbbell handle. The heads on a traditional dumbbell are typically hex- or round-shaped, although there’s no real right or wrong shape to them.
Because traditional dumbbells don’t have the internal workings of many adjustable dumbbells, they’re much more durable—although I’d never recommend dropping your dumbbells, both for your floor and dumbbells’ sakes. Because they’re built at fixed weights, you’ll need some serious space in your garage gym to have multiple pairs of dumbbells.
Traditional Dumbbell Pros
- More durable
- No adjustments needed
- Generally go heavier than adjustable dumbbells
- Great for supersets or working out with friends
Traditional Dumbbell Cons
- Usually pricier than adjustable dumbbells
- Can take up a lot more space
- Cheaper options may not have any rubber coating
- Not easy to travel with
Adjustable Dumbbells
Unlike traditional dumbbells, an adjustable dumbbell can incrementally adjust the weight in the pair of dumbbells. Instead of needing a full set of dumbbells, a single pair of adjustable dumbbells will replace multiple pairs of dumbbells. Since they replace several weights, adjustable dumbbells can save space in your home gym—plus they’re often the less expensive alternative, too.
Adjustable Dumbbell Pros
- Saves floor space in your gym
- Often less expensive
- Easier to travel with
- Many offer quick and easy weight changes
Adjustable Dumbbell Cons
- Not as durable as traditional dumbbells
- Some dumbbells might rattle
- Usually not as heavy as traditional dumbbells
- Can have an odd shape compared to fixed dumbbells
Dumbbell Safety and Precautions
I love lifting heavy, but you still have to be safe about it. Here are some tips and precautions you can take during your dumbbell workout to minimize your risk of injury or damage to your home gym equipment.
- Have a proper warm-up: The best warm-up exercises help lower your chance of a pulled muscle or a similar injury. Warming up properly also helps improve your performance3.
- Use correct technique: If your form is wrong, you might be increasing your chance of injury. Make sure to prioritize good and proper form to avoid unnecessary stress on the wrong muscles and joints. Also, keep your form in check picking up your dumbbells for your next set; lift with the legs!
- Find the right weight: Don’t start off by maxing out. Slowly add weight as you get more comfortable with the exercise you’re performing.
- Store your dumbbells: Don’t just leave your equipment lying around. Having a proper storage rack or shelving for your dumbbells can help avoid accidents, like a trip or fall.
- Don’t drop dumbbells: Even if you have durable dumbbells, avoid dropping them. Because dumbbells are oddly shaped, the weight can bounce just about anywhere, which will cause damage to you, the dumbbells, or your gym flooring.
What to Consider in an Adjustable Dumbbell
Since 2013, GGR has researched, tested, and reviewed nearly every adjustable dumbbell with some semblance of quality that’s available. This includes the most budget-friendly, low weight capacity, imported models all the way to the stainless steel, made-in-the-USA dumbbells with a 175-pound weight capacity.
RELATED: Best Back Exercises
In addition to my own training and testing, I’ve leaned on the collective opinions of the most die-hard home gym equipment owners in the known universe, our Facebook Home Gym Community.
In all this lifting of metal and plastic, I’ve found the things that are important and those which are not. There are certain features marketed by companies to sell their products that, in all honesty, provide little, if any benefit to the user. In all this testing, I’ve found the following criteria to be the most important to look for in adjustable dumbbells:
Weight
Fixed dumbbells range in weight from 2.5 pounds all the way to 300 pounds or more. Few trainees need above 100 pounds for dumbbell movements and if they do use more, they’re often using them for only a couple of movements. For this reason, an adjustable dumbbell’s ability to get as close to 100 pounds without being grossly oversized is important.
Dumbbells that can have a higher amount of weight added are even better, although not useful for most. Our favorite adjustable dumbbells allow you to grow the size and weight of your dumbbell over time.
RELATED: Barbells vs Dumbbells
Material
More durable materials like metal and nylon are superior to cheap and thin plastics for the longevity and safety of the trainee. Although it’s usually not wise to drop dumbbells, if you do, you better hope it’s made with a lot of heavy-duty metal as opposed to plastic. Metal weight sets are superior in durability.
Warranty
Gym equipment breaks. Barbells end up bending, bumper plates fold, kettlebell handles separate from the bell, and adjustable dumbbells can, and do break. The longer the warranty period and the more generous the use cases of a warranty, the better.
However, a warranty is only as good as the company servicing it. If a company isn’t going to be around for long, then a lifetime warranty will do you no good, so we factor in the lifecycle of the company making the dumbbells.
RELATED: Kettlebells vs Dumbbells
Price
Home gym exercise equipment is not an income-producing asset like the equipment bought by a commercial gym. For this reason and others, the price and, more importantly, the value of the adjustable dumbbells are extremely important.
The holy grail for adjustable dumbbells lies in the $500 to $700 range for expandable adjustable dumbbells with a high weight capacity, less and more cost-effective for lower weight increments. Cheaper adjustable weight dumbbells will prove to be more likely to get damaged because they likely sacrifice the kind of materials used.
Weight Indicator Readout
Is it easy to tell what weight you’re using? Does it require you to do mental math that can slow down your workout? Check out the labeling on the product. Some dials are simply in “sizes” of 1-10, and you have to do the math to figure out how much is on the bell. Other weight changes are clearly marked
Balance in Hand
Trainees who come from a commercial gym with access to a full fixed dumbbell set up often remark on how awkward certain dumbbells that adjust can feel. This is true, but only for certain dumbbells, and this often goes away after a few workouts. Balance in the hand is important so the user can focus on the lift instead of their safety.
Unit Size
Typically, the more compact a dumbbell is, the more it costs. Take Watson Dumbbells, for instance, the gold standard in the fixed dumbbell world. They’re as compact as humanly possible while relying on stainless steel instead of cast iron. The reason this is so nice is that it prevents the dumbbell from interfering with the movements.
Also, when it comes to home fitness, minimizing the space your equipment uses is often a priority. You can still find adjustable dumbbells with a maximum weight capacity that save you space because they literally put multiple pairs of weights into just one set.
RELATED: Compact Exercise Equipment
Durability
By and large, adjustable dumbbells shouldn’t be dropped. However, when hitting the end of your rep range or maxing out, it can be hard to set the dumbbell set down carefully. The ability to be dropped without breaking is something we consider when testing and something you should be aware of before purchasing.
Efficiency
If you plan on doing any sort of isolation or bodybuilding movements that involve supersets, being able to change the dumbbells quickly is an important feature. We timed how long it takes to go from the minimum weight to the maximum for all of the dumbbells and recorded the times.
Single Adjustable Dumbbells vs. Pairs
Beware, some adjustable dumbbells are sold as individual dumbbells and not in a pair. Some manufacturers hide this fact in fine print, while others make it well known. Some people may like just having one adjustable dumbbell because it works for their training purposes, but most people should look for an adjustable dumbbell set.
Best Adjustable Dumbbells: FAQs
Are adjustable dumbbells any good?
There are some downsides with adjustable dumbbells; the most common problem is most lack the durability of fixed dumbbells. However, for 99% of trainees working out at home, adjustable dumbbells are vastly superior to fixed dumbbells, thanks to their savings on space and cost.
What are the heaviest adjustable dumbbells?
The adjustable dumbbells that can go the heaviest are the Powerblock Commercial Pro 175’s which can go up to 175 pounds. I have a set of these and although they go that heavy, I wouldn’t recommend them for most as they’re enormous. Almost comical to be honest. For most people, the Ironmasters, which go up to 165 pounds, are a better option at heavier weights.
How do adjustable dumbbells work?
Adjustable dumbbells have several weight stacks on top of each other, and you can choose how heavy you want them to be at a given time by using the adjustment mechanism. For some this is a revolving handle that you twist when the adjustable dumbbells are in the cradle, and others involve using a magnetic pin to make your weight selection.
Can you build muscle with adjustable dumbbells?
Absolutely, yes. Resistance training is one of the most important factors in building muscle, and adjustable dumbbells can add the resistance you need in your weight training. The ability to add weights also allows you to practice progressive overload, another important principle of building strength.
RELATED: How To Build Muscle
References
- Škarabot J, Cronin N, Strojnik V, Avela J. Bilateral deficit in maximal force production. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2016 Dec;116(11-12):2057-2084. doi: 10.1007/s00421-016-3458-z. Epub 2016 Aug 31. PMID: 27582260.
- Behm DG, Leonard AM, Young WB, Bonsey WA, MacKinnon SN. Trunk muscle electromyographic activity with unstable and unilateral exercises. J Strength Cond Res. 2005 Feb;19(1):193-201. doi: 10.1519/1533-4287(2005)19<193:TMEAWU>2.0.CO;2. PMID: 15705034.
- Fradkin, A. J., Zazryn, T. R., & Smoliga, J. M. (2010). Effects of warming-up on physical performance: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 24(1), 140–148. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c643a0
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