Regular dumbbells occupy lots of space and can be a headache if you're limited in terms of real estate, like in a home gym setting.
On the other hand, adjustable dumbbells can save you much-needed space and keep your costs down.
Our team got together with eight fitness experts and spent a few weeks testing dozens of different adjustable dumbbells to see which ones were the most suitable for home workouts.
Here is a list of the best-performing adjustable dumbbells.
10 Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gym (September 2023)
1 - Rogue - NÜOBELL (Editor's Choice)
With NÜOBELL, we consistently had the easiest and fastest switching between weight increments of all the adjustable dumbbells we tested. We went from 5 to 80 pounds in seconds.
The dumbbells can go up to 80 pounds in weight range, making it one of the best adjustable dumbbells for lower body exercises [1].
Another thing we loved about the Nuobell is the great design that gives you the familiar feeling of a dumbbell, unlike other square-shaped designs.
The barbell-type handles on the Nuobell adjustable dumbbell set feel comfortable and grippy, unlike dumbbells with rubber and foam contoured handle grips.
- Quick weight adjustment
- Regular dumbbell feel
- Knurled handle design
- Includes a stand
- A bit on the higher-end in terms of price, but worth the investment
2 - Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex dumbbells offer a dial-in weight selection—much quicker than the loading involved with traditional dumbbells and even some adjustable dumbbell sets, based on our experience.
The Bowflex adjustable dumbbells offer up to 15 weight options ranging from 5 to 52.5 pounds, making them ideal for upper-body and lower-body weight training [2].
Unlike most adjustable dumbbells, which scale at 5 pounds, the Bowflex weights adjust in 2.5-pound increments. This allows you to progress at a slow but precise rate.
In addition, there are no clanking weight plates, thanks to the clever molding encasing the metal plates.
"The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are suitable for those who have limited space for exercise equipment or don't want to purchase a large rack of dumbbells."
- Christine Luff, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
Related Article: Bowflex vs PowerBlock Dumbbells
- Comes with a fitness app and a dumbbell stand
- Small weight increments
- Comfortable, rubberized grip
- Pricey
3 - PowerBlock EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
The PowerBlock EXP adjustable dumbbell offers a great option if you're looking to jump through weights quickly.
It uses Powerblock's patented clip and pin weight system, which is quick and simple to use.
Just pull the pin handle and slide it back in for the desired weight (it only takes 3 seconds).
This adjustable dumbbell set adjusts at 2.5 pounds and provides 16 impressive weight offerings, starting from 22.5 pounds to 50 pounds.
Compared to free weights of the same capacity, our team demonstrated that the PowerBlock takes up much less space.
The only discrepancy we found was the noisy and clanky weight plates. While it may not matter, you might have to get used to it.
Related Article: PowerBlock vs Ironmaster Dumbbells
- An open handle with a wedge shape to give space for your hand and wrist movement
- Auto-lock adjustments
- Durable urethane-coated plates
- Clanky plates
4 - NordicTrack Dumbbells
Unless you're a pro powerlifter, the weight range of 10–55 pounds that this dumbbell offers for weight training is more than enough to strengthen your muscles for better physical functioning and to keep you from cardiovascular risk factors [3].
With a top weight of 55 pounds, our team experimented and found that the NordicTrack dumbbells can replace up to 15 pairs of dumbbells.
The measurements include 19.5 inches by 11.5 inches by 8.5 inches, similar to a large shoebox.
So, you don't have to worry about fitting this adjustable dumbbell set in tight spaces in your home gym.
And when it comes to adjustable weights, they have small increments of 2.5 and 5 pounds.
It means you can progress at your own pace, which makes it one of the best adjustable dumbbells for beginners.
- Easy-to-use pin system
- Space-saving, compact design
- 30-day i-Fit membership
- Maximum weight of 55 pounds only
5 - Merax Deluxe 55 Pounds Adjustable Dumbbell
The Merax Deluxe impressed us right off the bat regarding its weight range.
It adjusts from 11 to 71.5 pounds for each dumbbell, making it one of the best adjustable dumbbells for strength training.
Another factor that makes it one of the best adjustable dumbbells on this list is the amount of space it saves.
Our investigations demonstrated that this dumbbell can replace up to 12 sets of fixed-weight dumbbells and can prove useful in tight home gym spaces.
It also has a dial-based system; you just need to set different weights in trays, push the red button, and dial to the desired weight with a click indicating they're locked.
It's that simple and fast.
In addition, the Merax weight plates are coated with anti-corrosive paint. This is much better than plastic, which tends to break when dropped.
"Dumbbell exercises are more advanced as they require more stabilization and activation muscles that might not get used or missed in bilateral or barbell exercises."
- Andrew Tracey, Fitness Editor, Men's Health
- Great weight range
- Durable constriction
- Comfortable rubber convex grip
- Long handles
6 - Core Fitness® Adjustable Dumbbell
The Core Twist Lock has a one-handed twist system that allows you to change weights on the dumbbell with a single hand quickly.
This is perhaps one of the best adjustable dumbbells in terms of efficiency, based on our analysis.
The weight range of the Core Home Fitness adjustable dumbbell is among the most adjustable dumbbell systems (5–50 pounds) and can be adjusted in 5-pound increments.
The Core Home Fitness adjustable dumbbells have smaller weight plates than other adjustable dumbbells by a few inches.
The advantage of such a lean profile is that it's easier to maintain form during sets and is not clunky during bicep curls.
In our experience with Core Home Fitness adjustable dumbbell sets, we found the weights well distributed and the locking system secure.
The rubber handles also had a better grip than most rival models.
- Quick and clever weight adjustment mechanism
- Sleek design
- Optional dumbbell stand
- Not ideal for fine-tuning small increments
7 - NordicTrack 50 Lb iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells
We had some memorable moments with the NordicTrack iSelect's Alexa voice compatibility feature for adjusting weight.
You just need to say, "Alexa adjust to 40 pounds," and it responds accordingly; quite a convenient experience, we must say.
Of course, you need an Alexa-compatible device, a good internet connection, and an iSelect app, which can be downloaded for free.
When it comes to the dumbbell itself, the NordicTrack iSelect adjusts from 5 to 50 pounds in 5-pound increments to make them lighter or heavier.
It may not be the most ideal for fine-tuning, but it sure saves you the space that 10 fixed dumbbells would occupy.
The handles are made of knurled steel, which is easy to grip.
The manufacturers of this adjustable dumbbell set also chose a more traditional approach with the bar, making it straight instead of rounded, which, based on our first-hand experience, is good for the grip.
- Hands-free Alexa compatibility option
- Sleek design
- High-quality steel knurled handles
- Alexa requires an electrical outlet to use
8 - PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
With a weight range of 5–50 pounds per dumbbell, the PowerBlock Elite EXP offers a good weight range for moderate and average lifting workouts.
The auto-lock mechanism is one of the unique features of the Elite EXP.
The fact that you don't have to remember to lock the adder weights gives you a bit of convenience that you may not find in many adjustable dumbbell sets.
Another feature of convenience that we found while using the Elite EXP is the padded wrist support bars at the top of the handle.
It makes leaning your forearms against the dumbbell more comfortable.
The thermoplastic rubber on the handle grip is hard and scratch-resistant.
It's also grippy, but not as grippy as knurled steel. But in terms of comfort, our team found it easy on the hands.
- Compact and well-balanced
- Comfortable grip with wrist guards
- Auto-lock mechanism
- Blocky shape
9 - ProForm Weight Dumbbells
The company gets it right in the design right off the bat. It's also easy to adjust and pocket-friendly.
We tested the adjusting speed, and it was under the desirable five seconds.
That's partly because you need to adjust both sides of the dumbbells.
Although not as quick as some of the dumbbells on this list, you can still perform drop sets with ease.
One of the things that ProForm Weight dumbbells impressed us is how sturdy they are.
And by solid, we mean no plate movements when lifting and how solid they feel on the hand.
It's also worth noting that it comes in pairs and not as a single dumbbell, thus saving you money.
In fact, the price is almost similar to the cost of some single-unit adjustable dumbbells.
- Solid and compact
- Super affordable
- Conventional design that feels like fixed-weight dumbbell
- Plastic casing
10 - FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbell
The Flybird had a twist lock system, which is a simple and fast adjustment mechanism based on our tests. All it takes is a twist of the handle, and you're good.
The Flybird adjustable dumbbells also offer an attractive option if you want quality gym gear but don't want to break the bank.
What impressed us most about this dumbbell is that, despite such an affordable price, the manufacturers did not use a plastic casing.
See, plastic casings can be a disaster, especially when dropped from heights.
The only plastic is the adjustment and handle. So, you still need to be a bit careful. But not as serious a threat as dropping a dumbbell with a plastic casing.
- Extremely fast twist lock adjustment system
- Anti-slip grip
- Minimal plate movements
- The adjustment is made of plastic
11 - BOLT FITNESS SUPPLY x NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell 5
These Nuobell dumbbells allow users to go from 5 to 50 pounds, a perfect weight range within the market for adjustable dumbbells.
Based on our practical knowledge of the product, we found the number display on top of each dumbbell particularly useful in knowing how much weight the dumbbells are set to avoid accidents like lifting more than you can handle.
The dumbbell uses the latch mechanism safety lock to fasten the plates in place and prevent them from falling out.
We did not like the high price attached to the item. It may not work for low-end users unwilling to part with such a lump sum. This is why it didn’t make our list of the 10 best adjustable dumbbells.
- Solid and compact
- Number display to show what weight they're set to
- Fast weight change
- A bit pricey
12 - Nice C Women's Weights, Adjustable Dumbbells
You adjust the weight by simply unscrewing the ends of the dumbbells and adding or removing the mini weights—perfect for travelers and those who rarely change weights.
You may not achieve the same level of strength training as the Nuobell maximum range, but it does offer a decent lightweight option for cardio workouts, which can be beneficial for women trying to lose weight [4].
The design is small and compact, and the grip is made of non-slip neoprene, which is comfortable to hold.
When the weight blocks are not filled, the dumbbell can be noisy or clunky in motion.
It was such an issue that we had to insert some folded paper to minimize the clunking.
- Comfortable to hold
- Easy to change weights
- Stylish and colorful
- Clunky
Adjustable Dumbbells Buyer’s Guide
Everyone has their own taste and personal preference when shopping for adjustable dumbbells.
However, there are some factors you should keep in mind If you want to pick the best adjustable dumbbells available.
Let's examine some of them.
Weight Range
One of the reasons why adjustable dumbbells exist is to replace multiple sets of fixed dumbbells, so there's no need to have a collection that can limit your gym space.
This is an advantage, especially where space is limited, like a home gym.
With that in mind, you need to consider whether the adjustable dumbbell has enough weight range to make up for the set of dumbbells.
If you're an advanced bodybuilder, you'd want an adjustable dumbbell that can reach at least 50 pounds.
On the other hand, for normal exercisers who are looking to do minimal resistance training, a 20-pound dumbbell would be ideal.
That said, you'd want an adjustable dumbbell with a good range. Going a little over your normal weight range won't hurt. It gives room for gains. Otherwise, it would be disappointing to buy a comfortable range and outgrow them.
"Having an adjustable dumbbell set that offers a wide range of weights helps you make even more out of your training space. Beginners can learn the basic exercises with lighter weights while more advanced trainees can push themselves by using heavier weights."
- Roger Lockridge, Author at Garagegymreviews.com
Weight Increments
Most adjustable dumbbells, including those mentioned here, offer 2.5-pound increments, and others offer 5-pound increments.
Before purchasing, it's wise to contemplate whether you need a small weight increment or a big jump.
All this depends on what you will use the dumbbells for: strength gains, heavy lifting to build muscle mass, or light toning [5].
As a fitness trainer, I always advise my clients to go for a 2.5-pound increment because it allows them to progress slowly and precisely.
Speed and Ease of Adjustment
How quickly or smoothly you can load or unload a weight affects your workout flow, timing, and safety.
Everybody wants a fast-to-adjust and easy-to-use dumbbell for advanced bodybuilding techniques, such as drop sets that require fast weight changes.
A fast weight adjustment system is also ideal when training for muscle hypertrophy. Experts recommend shorter rest periods between sets for the same [6].
In any case, adjustable dumbbells with complicated adjustments can lead to mistakes in changing weights or cause you not to adjust, leaving you with too much or too little weight when training.
Budget
Remember that you're buying these dumbbells for a home gym and not for an income-producing venture.
So, when making purchase decisions for your adjustable dumbbells, it's wise to consider the price and value of the dumbbell.
That said, while it's good to consider cheap adjustable dumbbells, they may cost more in the long run as they are more likely to get damaged due to the materials used.
Related Article: Budget Home Gym Equipment
Durability
Too much plastic can be an issue, especially if you're used to dropping weights.
This is a common problem with most dumbbells on the market today.
Now, I would have no issue with plastic, except when you drop the dumbbells, the plastic casing is the first to crack.
This renders the dumbbells completely useless. And because the warranty doesn't cover drops, you might incur heavy losses.
The point is, if you like dropping weights, it can be an issue you'd want to consider before buying. That said, you need to be extra careful not to drop adjustable dumbbells.
Warranty
Speaking of durability, like any other gym equipment, adjustable dumbbells can break and get damaged.
This is why you need a warranty, ideally one with a long cover and more use cases.
But then again, a warranty is only as good as the company servicing it.
The cover period won't matter if the company has already dissolved.
Make Sure the Set Plates Are Secure From Sliding
With no secure mechanism to lock the plates, they might become loose.
The worst thing that could happen is the plates falling off the rack. Most users experience clanking, which can be annoying.
Ensure there's a securing agent that securely holds the plates in place. Some brands install some kind of bumper between plates in addition to a fastener to give a little room for wiggle movements.
Storage
Now, choosing a set that can be stored efficiently is not that important.
However, given that saving space is one of the perks of adjustable dumbbells, it's worth considering.
That said, consider a set that comes in a case.
It allows you to store your adjustable dumbbell quickly and ergonomically.
Related Article: How to Store Workout Equipment At Home
Unit Size
Some dumbbells are sold in pairs, while others are sold in singles. This is a key factor you should keep in mind as you compare prices.
The goal here should be to purchase a set of dumbbells, preferably not a single unit.
So be sure to check the weight in the product description and whether it describes a single unit or a full set of adjustable dumbbells.
The worst thing that can happen is to buy a single dumbbell, thinking you've purchased a full set of adjustable dumbbells.
FAQs
Can You Build Muscle With Adjustable Dumbbells?
Yes, you can build muscles with adjustable dumbbells. The dumbbells offer a wide variety of weights that you can use to add to your normal load to challenge muscle tissue and stimulate muscle hypertrophy (the bulking up of muscles).
How Much Should I Pay For Adjustable Dumbbells?
How much you should pay for adjustable dumbbells depends on various factors, such as whether you're buying a pair or a single dumbbell, the total weight of the dumbbell, its durability, and how easy it is to adjust.
Is It Worth Buying Adjustable Dumbbells?
Yes, adjustable dumbbells are worth buying, especially where limited space for working is involved. Adjustable dumbbells save you space that would fit 10 fixed dumbbells.
What Happens If You Drop Adjustable Dumbbells?
When you drop adjustable dumbbells, they can break or get damaged. That's because many are made of plastic casings that are prone to cracking when dropped from a height. Users are advised to avoid dropping or tossing adjustable dumbbells.
Should I Buy Adjustable Dumbbells or Regular Dumbbells?
Whether you should buy adjustable dumbbells or regular dumbbells depends on several factors. The portability and space-saving factor of adjustable dumbbells make them suitable for traveling or working in limited spaces, such as a home gym.
Are Adjustable Dumbbells Good for Beginners?
Yes, adjustable dumbbells are good for beginners because they offer a minimum weight of about 5 pounds, which is a great place to start for somebody who's lifting for the first time.
What Are the Cons of Adjustable Dumbbells?
The pros and cons of adjustable dumbbells can vary depending on the manufacturer. For instance, some adjustable dumbbells are made of less durable materials, while other adjustable dumbbells don't have the feel or shape of a typical dumbbell.
Our Top Pick for the Best Adjustable Dumbbell for Home Gym
Besides saving you space for your home gym, an ideal adjustable dumbbell should stand the test of time and provide you with the necessary customizations to make weight lifting quicker and easier.
The NÜOBELL adjustable dumbbell has all these features, which makes it one of the best adjustable dumbbells for strength training at home.
We've carried out multiple tests on this product, and as far as quality, functionality, and safety are concerned, the premium price of this item is worth the salt.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue - NÜOBELL
- Quick weight adjustment
- Regular dumbbell feel
- Knurled handle design
- Includes a stand
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- A bit on the higher-end in terms of price, but worth the investment
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