Fitness

5 of the best adjustable dumbbells that you can use at home

No gym? No problem.
By Chelsea Wolf  on 
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Our Top 5 Picks

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells (opens in a new tab)

Best Overall

Some of the highest-rated adjustable dumbbells on the market offered at an affordable price.

The Good

  • Easy to use
  • Quiet
  • Comfortable

The Bad

  • Bulky
  • Some reviewers have had problems with the handles jamming easily

The Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong with this highly-rated set from one of the best brands in the workout game.
Pros & Cons

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 (opens in a new tab)

Best Splurge

A great set of dumbbells for anyone looking to lift a wide range of weight.

The Good

  • Replaces up to 34 dumbbells (17 sets)
  • Adjusts in 5-pound increments
  • Resistance goes up to 90 pounds

The Bad

  • Parts not sold separately
  • If you break a piece and the set is no longer covered by warranty, you’ll have to purchase the set again
  • Expensive

The Bottom Line

Splurge on this set if you’re serious about weight lifting.
Pros & Cons

Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells (opens in a new tab)

Best For Comfortable Lifting

A no-nonsense set of adjustable dumbbells designed for comfort.

The Good

  • Comfortable and secure grip
  • Every purchase comes with an exercise guide

The Bad

  • Some reviewers have warned about the handles becoming stuck and unable to adjust the weight

The Bottom Line

A durable set perfect for all fitness levels.
Pros & Cons

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight (opens in a new tab)

Best For Free Weight Exercises

Offers a ton of weight settings and allows you to adjust your weight in 2.5, 5, and 10 lb increments.

The Good

  • Storage tray included
  • Portable
  • Good for small spaces

The Bad

  • Some reviewers have experienced difficulty re-racking the weights

The Bottom Line

Buy this set if free weight exercises are your thing.
Pros & Cons

NordicTrack SpeedWeight Adjustable Dumbbell (opens in a new tab)

Best Adjustable Dumbbells With Weight Rack

A lightweight set of dumbbells that comes with its own weight rack.

The Good

  • Weight rack included
  • Inexpensive
  • Space saver

The Bad

  • Limited weight range
  • Limited settings

The Bottom Line

A lightweight adjustable dumbbell set with an included weight rack at a price that you really can’t beat.
Pros & Cons

The beginning of a new year always sees an uptick in fitness interest.

If you’re thinking about adding adjustable dumbbells to your home gym or workout routine as you come out of hibernation, then know this: There are a ton of options out there.

If the thought of scouring the internet looking at sets of adjustable dumbbells stresses you out, allow us to do the heavy lifting for you. There are a few features you should consider before taking the plunge on a new set of weights. The following criteria can help narrow down your options:

  • Adjustability. You’ll want to look for a set of adjustable dumbbells that are actually easy to adjust. If you find yourself missing the clanking of metal that you’ll typically hear in a gym, the traditional pin-lock set of dumbbells may be right for you. Or maybe you’re looking to incorporate weights into your H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Workout) routines, in which case the simple twist of a dial would be better. You’ll find both on our list, along with the pros and cons of each.

  • Weight settings. Another feature you’ll want to think about is the minimum and maximum weight settings offered. Why spring for a heavier set when you could easily find one in your desired weight range? The set used by serious weight trainers won’t be suitable for beginners or someone looking to rebuild muscle while recovering from an injury. It’s also important to look at the increments in which you can adjust the weights. Lucky for you, we’ve already done the research and have solid options in a variety of weight settings.

  • Storage. You’re most likely in the market for adjustable dumbbells because you’re looking for a way to get fit without sacrificing precious space for equipment. If you don’t mind storing your equipment out in the open, a set that either comes with its own weight rack or sells a compatible one separately is your best bet. Otherwise, you’ll want to look for either a set that can be put away in a case, or one that's compact enough to fit into a drawer or closet. Whichever you prefer, we have a recommendation for you.

How do adjustable dumbbells work?

Adjustable dumbbells are a major hack for saving space in your home gym. While regular dumbbells have a set amount of weight attached to each end, an adjustable dumbbell allows you to change the weight on the bar.

Most sets use either a dial, a pin, or a lever to allow you to release weighted plates from each side of the dumbbell, and replace them with heavier or lighter ones. If you're using adjustable dumbbells while doing a workout that requires a lot of different weight in succession, you'll have more time between each exercise while you adjust the weight. But, the upside is that you'll save space and money if you opt for an adjustable pair over a full set of traditional dumbbells.

Which adjustable dumbbell set is the best?

Overall, we think the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells(opens in a new tab) are an excellent choice for people who are looking to get swole. This set is great for all levels because it features weights as low as five pounds per dumbbell, and goes all the way up to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell. These are especially great if you're sharing a home gym with a partner or roommates, as there are plenty of weight levels for both beginner and advanced lifters. All weight adjustments are made using a simple dial, so you can spend less time fiddling with your weights and more time actually working out with them.

Need a few more options before you settle on a pair of adjustable dumbbells? Stop searching and start lifting — check out the rest of our top picks below.

Best Overall
Credit: Bowflex
Specs
  • Weight range: 5 to 52.5 pounds for each dumbbell
  • Weight settings: 15 (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 52.5 pounds)
  • Dimensions: 15.75” L x 8” W x 9” H each

With over 2,000 positive reviews, it’s no wonder the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells(opens in a new tab) have earned our top spot. Not only does this pair replace 15 sets of weights, but they also offer a wide range of weight settings from 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell. This set also has the ability to adjust in 2.5-pound weight increments up to the first 25 pounds making it super easy to switch from shoulder presses to bicep curls to deadlifts. All of this can be done with the simple twist of a dial, so you won’t have to worry about making a lot of noise adding and removing plates. Bonus: This set of dumbbells is compatible with the Bowflex SelectTech training App allowing you to track your progress and receive personalized coaching, if you’re into that sort of thing. 

Best Splurge
Credit: bowflex
Specs
  • Weight range: 10 to 90 lbs for each dumbbell
  • Weight settings: 17 (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 lbs)
  • Dimensions: 17.5” L x 10” W x 10” H each

This set of dumbbells is a must-have for the serious weight trainer. With 17 adjustable weight settings, you’ll be able to switch between light weight lifting and hard-hitting training sessions with ease. This set allows you to lift up to 90 pounds per dumbbell, making it the set with the heaviest weight setting on our list. The metal storage tray is covered with durable plastic, so you won’t have to worry about making a ton of noise. Bonus: This set of adjustable dumbbells is compatible with the free Bowflex SelectTech training App. You’ll be able to track your progress, receive personalized coaching, and be part of a virtual community. 

Best For Comfortable Lifting
Credit: Core Fitness
Specs
  • Weight range: 5 to 50 pounds for each dumbbell
  • Weight settings: 10 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 pounds)
  • Dimensions: 16” L x 9.1” W x 8” H

These dumbbells offer 10 different weight settings, going all the way up to 50 pounds, making them great for all fitness levels and a wide range of exercises. The ends of each dumbbell handle feature a dual-sided weight selection window, making it simple for you to switch between 5-pound weight increments. Speaking of handles, these contoured dumbbells are designed with your comfort in mind. So the only thing you’ll be building is muscle, not calluses. They also come with aluminum weight cradles making them both super quiet and easy to store. This set is also compatible with the Core Fitness Dumbbell Stand, but you’ll have to purchase that separately. 

Best For Free Weight Exercises
Credit: nordictrack
Specs
  • Weight range: 10 to 55 pounds for each dumbbell
  • Weight settings: 15 (10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5, 55 pounds)
  • Dimensions: 19.4” L x 11.4” W x 8.5” H

The NordicTrack 55-pound Select-A-Weight(opens in a new tab) dumbbell set is great for free weight exercises. Each dumbbell has 15 different weight settings, allowing you to move seamlessly through your workouts. This set also allows the most weight flexibility compared to others on our list. 

Adjustable dumbbells can be intimidating, especially when they only allow you to move in 5-pound to 10-pound increments. With the NordicTrack 55-pound Select-A-Weight, you have the option to move in 2.5-pound increments. This feature is especially helpful for anyone who may be new to lifting or recovering from an injury. The different weight settings make this pair perfect for H.I.I.T. workouts. NordicTrack is known for making some of the best workout equipment on the market, so you can rest easy knowing you made a smart purchase. 

Best Adjustable Dumbbells With Weight Rack
Credit: nordictrack
Specs
  • Weight range: 2.5 to 12.5 pounds for each dumbbell
  • Weight settings: 5 (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 pounds)
  • Dimensions: 20.3” L x 14.8” W x 25.8” H

The NordicTrack 12.5-pound SpeedWeight Adjustable Dumbbell(opens in a new tab) pair is the perfect addition to any home gym. This set comes with its own weight rack so you don’t need to worry about shelling out any extra dough for storage. Each dumbbell can only be adjusted to hold a maximum of 12.5 pounds, which could be a downside if you’re looking to pump some serious iron. This set only has 5 different weight settings but it allows you to adjust your weight in 2.5-pound increments. This makes it a great set for those looking to incorporate some weight lifting into their regular sweat sessions. 


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