7 Best Adjustable Dumbbells (2024) – Home Gym Must Have

Adjustable dumbbells are one of the smartest pieces of home gym equipment you can buy. They save space and money as a single pair and replaces an entire rack of fixed dumbbells. They also allow you to hit just about any muscle with a single piece of fitness equipment.

However, the market is stacked with adjustable dumbbells of different kinds, and it can be overwhelming not knowing which type is the right one for your needs.

We’re here to help!

Here’s a curated list of the best adjustable dumbbells with selection criteria.

• Best Adjustable Dumbbells: NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells
• Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells: Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells DT1166
• Best Adjustable Dumbbells For Beginners: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
• Best Adjustable Dumbbells On Amazon: Core Fitness® Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
• Best Loadable Dumbbell Handles: Rogue DB25-10 Loadable Dumbbell Handles
• Heaviest Adjustable Dumbbells: Powerblocks Pro 100 EXP
• Most Durable Adjustable Dumbbells: REP Fitness Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells

	NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells	Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells DT1166	Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells	Core Fitness® Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set	Rogue DB25-10 Loadable Dumbbell Handles	Powerblocks Pro 100 EXP	REP Fitness Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells
Weight	5-80 lbs (5 lbs increments)	11-66 lbs (5 lbs increments)	5-52.5 lbs (2.5-5 lbs increments)	5-50 lbs (5lbs increments)	10 lbs with collars	5-100 lbs (5lbs increments)	5-60lbs (2.5-5lbs increments)
Material	Steel and plastic	Steel and plastic	Steel, nylon, thermoplastic rubber	Composite, alluminium	Steel	Steel, plastic parts	Steel, plastic parts
Droppable	No	No	No	No	Yes (but not advised)	Yes (but not advised)	Yes (but not advised)
Handle	Chromed, knurled	Rubberized, knurled	Rubber cover	Rubber cover	Black e-coat	Rubber and knurled grip versions	Nickel-plated steel handle, volcano knurling
Price	$759.99	$399.99	$429	$369.99	$140 per handle	$1086	$499.99
Price per Pound	$0.56	$0.43	$0.65	$0.67	$15.56	$0.52	$0.64
Warranty	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years	Lifetime	5 years	Lifetime

Best Adjustable Dumbbells

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells

Specs:

• Weight: 5-80 lbs (5 lbs increments)
• Dimensions: 17×7.5×7.5”
• Material: steel and plastic, multiple color choices
• Handle: chromed, knurled
• Warranty: 2 years (without dropping)
• Price per pound: $0.56

SMRTFT NÜOBELL adjustable dumbbells stand out as the best choice for multiple reasons: an easy-to-use weight selection system, great design, and great value for money.

First off, traditional adjustable dumbbells with screws, even though affordable, are a hassle to adjust. Unscrewing and screwing them after each exercise takes so much time and wastes energy between sets.

SMRTFT NÜOBELL dumbbells solve this by adapting a truly unique weight selection mechanism.

All you need to do is to turn the handle while it’s in the plates rack, similar to a motorcycle gas handle, and the number on it will tell you how much weight is attached, followed by a pleasant clicking sound that will confirm your choice.

In other words, adjusting the weight is done in seconds, and the dumbbells are secured and ready to go.

Another benefit of NÜOBELL adjustable dumbbells is their open-handle design. While plenty of other adjustable dumbbells have a fast weight adjustment system, some (Powerblocks Pro 100 EXP, for example) obtain this by sacrificing comfort and putting your wrist and hand in a “cage.”

While this still allows you to lift, most lifters prefer the traditional, open-handle design similar to the dumbbells in most commercial gyms.

At first glance, Nuobell’s price tag looks hefty, but when you divide the price by the total weight and add the unique adjustment mechanism, you can see that you get a lot for the money paid, guaranteeing years of working out comfortably.

NÜOBELL dumbbells do have one flaw – plastic parts. While the build quality is excellent, dropping is not advised. If the plastic parts break, you are in trouble as they are a part of the adjustment mechanism.

Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells

Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells DT1166

Specs:

• Weight: 11-66 lbs (5 lbs increments)
• Dimensions: 16.3×7.9×8.3″
• Material: steel and plastic (base)
• Handle: rubberized, knurled
• Warranty: 2 years
• Price per pound: $0.43

We won’t lie and pretend that price is not a factor – it is, and a huge one. Finding a decent deal matters, especially if adjustable dumbbells are not the only equipment you want to get.

That’s where Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells DT1166 come into play, as you will get a pair of top-quality dumbbells for a fair price.

Overall, the build quality of Ativafit DT1166 is excellent. Plates are made of steel, but so is the adjusting mechanism, making these dumbbells very durable. The only exception is the base/cradle, which is made out of plastic and doesn’t feel premium.

As for the weight adjustment, it is very easy – there’s a dial pad you need to turn to select the desired weight and lock it in place by pressing a large red button. The mechanism is straightforward to use and very satisfying, too.

But there’s one drawback – the dumbbells can feel awkward at lower weights. That’s because the plate that is the furthest from the center of mass will always remain, leaving a lot of empty space between the handle and the plates at lower weights.

This can seem awkward, especially because the size of the lightest and the heaviest weight will remain the same.

But, overall, Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells DT1166 do give you a lot for the money, and you don’t have to invest a small fortune to get them, making them our budget pick.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells For Beginners

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

Specs:

• Weight: 5-52.5 lbs (2.5 lbs increments up to 25 lbs; 5 lbs increments in the 25-50 lbs range)
• Dimensions: 16.9×8.3×9″
• Material: steel, nylon, thermoplastic rubber (plates are metal with plastic coating)
• Handle: rubber cover
• Warranty: 2 years
• Price per pound: $0.65

While 52.5 lbs per dumbbell aren’t too much, the primary reason why we picked Bowflex SelectTech 552 as the best pair of dumbbells for beginners is the fact they allow you to choose weights in 2.5 lbs increments for the first 25 lbs (after that, it goes in 5 lbs increments).

Because of this, Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells can replace 15 sets of weights.

That alone makes them super suitable for those of you who are just starting with lifting, ensuring steady progress and that you get the most out of the equipment safely.

As for the design, it’s very user-friendly; as you have a dial, you simply turn to select the desired weight after locking it in place. Plates are made of steel but are in a plastic casing, so you need to be careful not to drop them.

The storage tray makes the pair very simple to use, although it’s plastic-made, so you should also be careful not to drop weights on it.

Similar to Ativafit DT1166, the critical flaw of Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the dumbbell will have the same wide footprint regardless of the weight you choose.

This is very noticeable when selecting lower weights, as there will be a lot of empty space between your hands and the plates, which will initially feel very awkward until you get used to it.

Overall, Bowflex SelectTech 552 is an excellent option for beginners primarily because you can add weight in 2.5 lbs increments and their simplicity.

If you are starting out with exercise, getting this pair of dumbbells will be a solid investment.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells On Amazon

Core Fitness® Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set

Specs:

• Weight: 5-50 lbs (5lbs increments)
• Dimensions: 14.5×7.0x7.2″
• Material: composite, alluminium
• Handle: rubber cover
• Warranty: 2 years
• Price per pound: $0.67

While you can find other dumbbells on our list on Amazon too, if you want to get an Amazon’s choice pair with their super-fast delivery, Core Fitness adjustable dumbbells are a solid choice.

The build here is composite, not steel. Composite is super durable, but you should still avoid dropping the weights.

As for the stand, it is very durable and aluminum-made, making it tough and lightweight at the same time. The weight selection mechanism is easy to use, at least in terms of its simplicity, as you only need to turn the handle.

However, the execution is not the best, as you will often find the dumbbell “sticking” to the wrong weight, which can be super annoying in the middle of your workouts.

As for the total weight, it is 50 lbs, and it goes in 5 lbs increments. This is not ideal, as stronger lifters will find 50 lbs insufficient, while beginners might find 5 lbs increase too steep.

Best Loadable Dumbbell Handles

Rogue DB25-10 Loadable Dumbbell Handles

Specs:

• Weight: 10 lbs with collars
• Length: 14.5”
• Handle diameter: 25mm, fully knurled
• Distance between collars: 5”
• Sleeve length: 4”
• Material: Black e-coat shaft, bright zinc handles, bronze bushings
• Warranty: Lifetime, made in the U.S.
• Price per pound: $15.56

While this article is about adjustable dumbbell sets, getting the Rogue DB25-10 loadable dumbbell handles will be a wise decision if you already own a barbell and plates. That way, you can get the most out of the plates you already own and include some single-handed work into your workouts.

As with other Rogue products, DB25-10 is next to indestructible.

Rogue has been well-known for its heavy-duty equipment, and these handles are no exception. They will be able to handle the heaviest loads and can take a beating.

As for the design, the handle is thinner, the same width you can find on women’s bars. Many lifters prefer this bar type for dumbbells, which is much more comfortable to work with.

The build quality is phenomenal, and so is the finish. The black E-Coat knurled handle has excellent friction and can withstand sweat corrosion.

While the design has no downsides, these handles are far from cheap. Especially considering that you must buy Rogue OSO collars separately, which adds to the price. Therefore, other dumbbell sets on our list will be a better choice if you don’t already own plates.

Heaviest Adjustable Dumbbells

Powerblocks Pro 100 EXP

Specs:

• Weight: 5-100 lbs (5lbs increments)
• Dimensions: 19.2×7.6×7.7″
• Material: steel construction, plastic parts
• Handle: rubber and knurled grip versions are available
• Warranty: 5 years
• Price per pound: $0.52

Lastly, we have a pair of dumbbells for hardcore lifters, and Powerblocks Pro 100 EXP are exactly that. With these, you can replace up to 30 pairs of regular dumbbells, as the weight goes up to 100 lbs per dumbbell.

This is excellent, and you will hardly find a dumbbell set with more weights, ensuring steady progress.

Powerblocks have a unique design, which some users might find problematic. Instead of the open-handle design of traditional dumbbells, your hands are placed in a “cage, ” which reduces maneuverability and makes you feel awkward until you get used to the balance.

As for the build quality, it is very sturdy, and you can expect these dumbbells to last, and a five-year warranty confirms that.

Choosing the adequate weight is relatively simple, as the weights are color-coded, but changing the weight can be annoying, as you need to push the inserts in place. Other models from our list (especially Nuobells) have a more intuitive weight selection design, allowing faster switches.

Overall, Powerblocks Pro 100 EXP are a good choice for the strongest lifters due to the sheer weight of 100 lbs.

While the closed handles design isn’t ideal, this pair of dumbbells will hardly ever bottleneck your progress, even as you get massively strong.

Most Durable Adjustable Dumbbells

REP Fitness Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells

Specs:

• Weight: 5-60lbs (2.5-5lbs increments)
• Dimensions: 18.5×7.3×9.45″
• Material: steel construction, plastic parts cradle
• Handle: nickel-plated steel handle, volcano-style knurling
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty
• Price per pound: $0.64

Most other dumbbells on our list contain plastic parts or plate coating, making them quite fragile when it comes to dropping, but not REP Fitness Quickdraw.

We are talking about super-durable dumbbells that passed drop testing from every angle, ensuring they can take a beating.

Plus, the lifetime warranty speaks for itself, and if you are looking to get an almost indestructible piece of home gym equipment, REP Fitness Quickdraw won’t disappoint.

As for the design itself, the Quickdraw weight selection is relatively easy to use and intuitive. All you need to do is flip the red switch and add 10 lbs or use their micro-adjustment plates to change weight in smaller increments, going as little as 2.5 lbs.

The design is not entirely open, as the plates are connected by horizontal bars, which might take some time to get used to.

Unfortunately, REP Fitness Quickdraw adjustable dumbbells only go up to 60 lbs, which means you will likely find them too light very soon unless you are a beginner. But if you want a top-quality pair of dumbbells that will last forever, this is the closest it gets.

How To Pick The Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Build/Durability

Considering that adjustable dumbbells will be the core of your future workouts, you want to pick a pair that will last, hopefully forever. That being said, iron/steel materials will always outlast plastic/composite. If you buy weights with plastic parts, ensure not to drop them.

As for other features, the zinced/chromed/powder-coated finish and handles will also add to the durability, making the dumbbell more sweat/corrosion/scratch-resistant.

Design

Regarding the design, the main two types are open-handle and “caged” systems. The open-handle design looks like a traditional, fixed dumbbell and is preferred among most lifters.

The closed-hand, caged design is often seen with adjustable dumbbells and is somewhat limiting regarding angles, as you need to put your hand inside the “cage.”

Other than that, the design of adjustable dumbbells differs in size. Some dumbbells are the same size regardless of the weight you choose. This can be problematic and create balance issues at lighter weights, as the plates will stay further away from the center of mass.

Weight Range

Generally speaking, the more max weight, the better, as it will allow you to use your dumbbells for longer and for more exercises.

But, besides total weight, increments also matter. Here, you want to choose dumbbells with the smallest weight increase increments possible, ideally 2.5 lbs. That way, you will ensure steady progress and have more flexibility.

Adjustability system

The biggest difference between adjustable dumbbells is in the adjustability mechanism. You want to choose a pair of dumbbells with the simplest and quickest mechanism that will allow you to rapidly switch weights between exercises or when performing drop sets.

There are multiple mechanisms to choose from – turning handles, dials, lock buttons, switches, and adding plates.

Out of all, the turning handle is by far the easiest to use, as you don’t have to worry about locking anything, and it also ensures the weight looks and feels like regular dumbbells, as there won’t be empty spaces between your hand and plates, even on lighter weights.

Price

Price shouldn’t be the only thing you consider, but it certainly is a significant factor, especially if you plan to buy other pieces of equipment. To make comparison easier, evaluate the price per pound, not just the total price.

And remember – it’s often better to save up a bit more and buy a better quality piece of equipment, especially considering that adjustable dumbbells are not something you buy every day.

Warranty

While you should take good care of your exercise equipment, having a solid warranty is always welcome. All of the dumbbells on our list are covered for at least two years, but some even have a lifetime warranty, which is amazing.

Benefits Of Adjustable Dumbbells

Save Space

The main benefit of adjustable dumbells is space-saving. Only one set can replace 10-30 sets of fixed dumbbells, giving you an exercise variety no other piece of equipment can match.

Cost Effective

Because one pair of adjustable dumbbells replaces an entire rack of regular ones, you will also save an enormous amount of money. Especially considering second-hand dumbbells go for around $1/pound, it will take a small fortune to get an entire set + a rack to store it.

Exercise Versatility

Adjustable dumbbells are incredibly versatile, as they allow you to perform exercises for your entire body, which is why they are a staple of home gym equipment and often the first item you get when you start working out with weights from the comfort of your home or garage.

Frequently Asked Adjustable Dumbbell Questions

Summary

Our choice for the best adjustable dumbbells falls onto the Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells, as they have a phenomenal weight selection mechanism and a solid weight of 80 lbs.

But whether you go for these or some other choice on our list, remember to consider every factor, especially because adjustable dumbbells are a piece of equipment that will be the foundation stone of your home gym and something that will help you build your body in years to come.