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If you want to start your home gym or just add onto it, the best addition is easily an adjustable dumbbells set.
Dumbbells are already versatile pieces of equipment but when throw you the fact that you can adjust them, they become even more valuable.
However, sets vary widely in quality and function. That’s why we’ve spent the last few weeks testing out countless models to bring you the best adjustable dumbbells on Amazon.
Best Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells | ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbell 27.5 Lbs Weight Set | Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells | |
---|---|---|---|
Weight Range: | 5 to 52.5 pounds | 5.5 to 27.5 pounds | 5 to 40 pounds |
Increments: | 2.5 pounds | 5.5 pounds | 2.5 - 5.5 pounds |
Storage Tray: | Yes | Yes | No |
For more of my workout gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Best Women’s Workouts guide links: Kettle Bells, Resistance Bands, Medicine Balls.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Adjustable Dumbbells For 2024
- Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
- ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
- Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
- NordicTrack Speed Weights
- Merax Deluxe Adjustable Dial Dumbbell
- PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbell
- ProForm SpaceSaver Dumbbell
Our reviews to the top rated adjustable dumbbells with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right dumbbells for you.
Adjustable Dumbbell Reviews
#1 Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
- Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 pounds
- Increments: 2.5 pounds
- Storage Tray: Yes
With the ability to go from 5 pounds to an impressive 52.5 pounds with just the turn of a dial, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are a wonderful addition to any home gym.
The best Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are perfect for moving swiftly between exercises, so if you’re doing full-body workouts, these are perfect. Let’s take a look at all they have to offer.
Adjustable in smaller 2.5-pound increments, you can use them just as easily for leg exercises as smaller and generally weaker muscles, like deltoids.
We were hard-pressed to find another model that could compare when it came to how easy and quick they were to adjust. While the weight cannot be increased past 52.5 pounds, the majority of users won’t need more than that, anyway.
We did feel that the longer sizes were a bit odd to use for the initial couple of weeks, but you acclimate quickly without problem. What we did love were the comfy, contoured rubber-gripped handles that won’t fatigue your palms, making it possible to workout for longer.
When you’re done for the day, simply set them away in the convenient trays that take up very little space. To give you extra peace of mind, the set also comes with a 2-year warranty on weight plates and parts.
#2 ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbell 27.5 Lbs Weight Set
- Weight Range: 5.5 to 27.5 pounds
- Increments: 5.5 pounds
- Storage Tray: Yes
Next up, we have another one of the best adjustable dumbbells: the ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set.
These sleek-looking, all-black dumbbells go anywhere from 5.5 pounds to 27.5 pounds with an easy push-pull design.
While they’re not the heaviest out there, they’re perfect for beginners or those who are focusing on upper-body training with dumbbells.
Right when you grab them for the first time, you’ll notice they come made with some of the highest-quality materials.
They feel soft yet durable in your hands, with a smooth, chrome-plated grip handle that offers excellent grip with tiny little nodes that helps boost blood flow. They’re also wear-resistant and come made with a super-strong plastic pedestal to keep everything secure.
Essentially, one of these is equal to 4 different ones, which makes it an excellent investment and a great space-saving solution if you don’t have a lot of space.
Use them for basic exercises, for strengthening your core, or for just about anything involving the upper body. You can even use them with ease for exercises like walking lunges, as they’re relatively compact in size.
#3 Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
- Weight Range: 40 to 200 pounds
- Increments: Varies
- Storage Tray: No
If you’re looking for a bit of a more classic look or feel to your dumbbells then check out the Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells.
These are a bit of a throwback to the golden era of bodybuilding and are perfect for doing exactly that. If you’re looking to gain some muscle, these are one of the best tools to use.
Right away, you can see that this best adjustable dumbbell set means business. Comprised of 100% cast iron, these are made to easily last you for at least a decade (though they’re not covered for that long under warranty).
Each dumbbell goes up to 52.5 pounds, coming with a handle, eight 5-pound plates, two 2.5-pound plates, two 1.25-pound plates, and two collars.
The 14-inch diamond knurled chrome handle is as tough as you can get, coming with a textured surface for a non-slip grip.
They are definitely not as soft as the previous two models, but they’re great for serious lifters. However, if they’re not your cup of tea, the plates work with just about any standard 1.15” handles.
Star-lock collars with loose-resistant rubber trims and screws are also heavy duty but are made to securely keep your weights on until you need to remove them.
This means that you can focus solely on your workout, not on safety issues.
#4 NordicTrack Speed Weights
- Weight Range: 10 to 55 pounds
- Increments: 2.5 – 5 pounds
- Storage Tray: Yes
NordicTrack is one of the most well-reputed fitness companies out there, known for bringing cutting-edge technology to the exercise world and giving us consistently high-quality products.
Their Speed Weights are no exception to this. The incredibly versatile set will completely transform not only your home gym, but your workouts, too.
When it comes to changing your body, versatility is important. You don’t want your body to get used to the exercises or the weights you’re lifting.
This set is essentially 30 dumbbells in one, which gives you practically limitless workout options! This means that your body is likely to show results quicker and improve your health faster, too.
You’ll get weight increments of: 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42, 5, 45, 50, 52.5, and 55 pounds. They don’t go past 55, however, so if you need something heavier than that you may want to invest in a barbell that can take on more.
The black-and-blue design is super modern and sleek, making not only a great practical addition to your gym, but a nice visual one, too.
The easy-to-use selector system makes it ultra-quick to switch between workouts, meaning you can go from squats to bicep curls in under a minute.
Once you’re done, simply place them back in their included storage trays for both easy access and convenient storage.
#5 Merax Deluxe Adjustable Dial Dumbbell
- Weight Range: 12 to 71.5 pounds
- Increments: 5.5 pounds
- Storage Tray: Yes
Next on our order of business is a brand that isn’t quite as well-known as some of the others on our guide, but still packs a punch.
The Merax Deluxe Adjustable Dumbbell Set is a mouthful but is actually a very simple and smooth way to sculpt your body.
Unlike most others on our guide, the limit is much higher at 71.5 pounds, which is perfect for most bodies and fitness levels.
We’ll start this off by mentioning that unlike some dumbbells you get a set of two. Made of high-quality, textured steel, the handle is ultra-tough and perfect for keeping your grip firm no matter which workouts you’re going.
The molding all around the metal plates also keeps things smooth, from lift-off to actual use, to quieter workouts. This makes them ideal if your gym is in a room where others can easily become distracted by excess noise.
Each one starts at 12 pounds and ends at 71.5 pounds, with the ability to adjust your weight in 5.5-pound increments. You do so by simply turning the dials, making them incredibly user-friendly and easy to switch between different body parts.
After your workout, simply place them back into the included tray and you’re all set. You can even stow these under your bed if you’d like.
#6 PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbell
- Weight Range: 3 to 24 pounds
- Increments: 3 pounds
- Storage Tray: Yes
Without-a-doubt one of the best adjustable weight dumbbells out there, the PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Set is perfect for casual exercise or the beginner.
Adjusting anywhere from 3 to 24 pounds in 3-pound increments, they’re relatively lightweight and the best way to go if you’re just getting your footing in fitness.
In addition to that, they’re also one of the top options if you’re on a budget.
This set is easily the most unique-looking of the bunch, drawing inspiration from 80’s workout videos and coming with colorful little accents.
The selector pin allows you to change weights with no issue, just like with weight stacks you’d normally find in a gym.
One of the biggest advantages these have over traditional dumbbells, is that they’re compact and balanced.
The padded handles are one of the most plush and comfortable we’ve used, adding just the slightest amount of give, which is nice on the last few reps. In addition, it helps to protect the wrists, which we can all use in the age of computers.
If you still have some apprehensions, there’s no need to worry; they also come with a generous 10-year limited warranty so you’re covered for quite a long time!
#7 ProForm SpaceSaver Dumbbell
- Weight Range: 5 to 25 pounds
- Increments: 5 pounds
- Storage Tray: Yes
Last but certainly not least, we have the ProForm SpaceSaver Dumbbell. This is another single dumbbell, so if you need a set make sure you’re purchasing two.
While not necessarily the most budget-friendly choice, these are made to last for many years to come and will help your body immensely.
ProForm is a brand known for creating high-quality workout products – particularly innovative treadmills. You can see similar cutting-edge advances in the SpaceSaver Dumbbell as well.
It may be relatively simple when you look at it, but it’s one of the most straightforward to use, even if it’s your first time using a product like this.
The 25-pound adjustable single dumbbell starts out at a mere 5 pounds, which is perfect for working out weaker parts of your body as well as doing high-rep workouts. Adjusting in 5-pound increments, it’s not as precise as most others on our guide, but by no means bad.
The all-silver, chrome finish is sophisticated and looks just as high-quality as it performs. The round plates won’t hit against your arms or sides, which makes it all that much easier to use.
Once you’re all finished with using it, you can simply place it back inside the included tray.
Best Adjustable Dumbbells Comparison Table
Adjustable Dumbbells | Weight Range | Increments | Storage Tray | Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells | 5 to 52.5 pounds | 2.5 pounds | Yes | 4.7 / 5.0 | |
ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbell 27.5 Lbs Weight Set | 5.5 to 27.5 pounds | 5.5 pounds | Yes | 4.7 / 5.0 | |
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells | 5 to 40 pounds | 2.5 - 5.5 pounds | No | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
NordicTrack Speed Weights | 10 to 55 pounds | 2.5 - 5 pounds | Yes | 3.5 / 5.0 | |
Merax Deluxe Dial Dumbbell | 12 to 71.5 pounds | 5.5 pounds | Yes | 4.4 / 5.0 | |
PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbell | 3 to 24 pounds | 3 pounds | Yes | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
ProForm SpaceSaver Dumbbell | 5 to 25 pounds | 5 pounds | Yes | 4.0 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Adjustable Dumbbells – Buying Guide
Adjustment Type
As you may have noticed, there are various ways to adjust dumbbells. Let’s take a look at each of the most commonly used methods to determine which one works best for you.
Traditional
These are the most commonly used types and have been around the longest. These feature handles with threaded ends and normal weight plates which are kept on each end of the handles with weight fasteners. You’ll find a kind of spinning lock which will keep multiple plates secured.
Simply twist the metal lock until it’s tight enough. These are usually the most durable but also the hardest and time-consuming to use.
Selectorized
These are also often known as dial-a-weight, coming as one single piece with either selector pins or dials which let you quickly choose the weight you want.
The dials let you simply turn to choose your weight, and once you lift them up, they weight will grab onto the ends while the extras will be left on the holder/tray. A good example of this one is the Bowflex SelectTech.
Selector Pin
These are similar to the above method, except you’ll have to move a pin to choose your weight. Once you’ve done that, you can also simply lift up the weights and the extra weights will stay on the holder/tray. The PowerBlock is a perfect example of this.
Materials
You can see that these dumbbells come made of various materials depending on your personal preferences, price, quality, durability, and comfort.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is perhaps the most “traditional” material and is quite possibly the most durable but if you live in a humid area or are leaving them in your garage, then they could be prone to corrosion, which kind of defeats the whole “durability” aspect.
Chrome-Plated Steel
This is another excellent option if your main concern is with durability. In our opinion, it also just looks better. It usually comes with nice textured handles that give you a solid grip and overall feel nice in the hand.
Plastic
Plastic is nice when it comes to budgets, but not so much regarding longevity. It feels just “okay” in the hand, but isn’t exactly ideal if you’re going to be using a heavier amount of weights over time. They simply don’t feel as secure as chrome-plated steel or iron.
Rubber
Rubber is overall pretty durable and is probably the most comfortable of the bunch. It’s also very inexpensive and quiet to use which is ideal if you don’t want to wake up roommates or other household members.
Grips
One of the most crucial parts of having a comfortable and efficient dumbbell set is the grip, as it’s the part that you’re going to be holding onto and the only part that should be touching your body.
The products we’ve reviewed are all going to have straight grips, though you’ll find others out there with a variety of ergonomic or contoured grips.
Though, we do recommend opting for a set that comes with textured or come with a bit of give so it feels more comfortable in your hands and also offer additional protection for your wrists.
Maximum Weight
You should also consider the amount of weight you’re going to need. However, you should be realistic, too. If you’re just getting into weight lifting, you may not need a whole 52.5 pounds per dumbbell. It is important, though, that you get a set that you can grow with and that you won’t feel limited on in a couple months or even a year.
Also consider what you’re going to be doing with your adjustable dumbbell set. If you’re only going to be using it for your upper body, then you probably won’t need as much weight as if you were to be using it for your entire body or just your lower body.
Weight Increments
Weight increments can be a bit confusing if you’re not very experienced in weight lifting. However, you’ll want the ability to make both small and large weight adjustments. For example, you don’t want to be going all the way from 5 to 50 pounds in 2.5-pound increments, right? You’re going to be there all day and it just doesn’t make sense.
Ideally, they’ll be adjustable in small amounts (like 2.5 pounds) up until around the 25-pound. It’s also important to be able to switch from low to high resistance quickly so you can go from different body parts (such as tricep extensions to squats) for the most efficient workout.
Stands/Trays
You may notice that some of the aforementioned models come with trays while others do not. Usually, you’re going to have to pay just a bit more for one, but it can be worth it. The stands keep your weights together, organized, and not rolling around on the ground.
They can also help to keep them in good shape if you’re going to be keeping them on the hard ground of a garage, for example.
Price
How much are you willing to spend on good adjustable dumbbells? It’s important to first figure out a budget and make sure you stick to that budget so you can avoid having buyer’s remorse.
However, on the other side of the coin, we highly recommend spending a bit more when it comes to dumbbells as it almost always directly correlates with the durability and quality of the product.
FAQs About Adjustable Dumbbells
Q: Do adjustable dumbbells work just as well as regular ones?
A: There is no difference in the physical results from exercising with adjustable or traditional dumbbells. However, it’s honestly much more efficient to have adjustable ones because you can go from large weight differences in a small amount of time.
Q: When you turn the dials to adjust the weight, what happens to the left over weight plates?
A: The leftover weight plates remain in the base. The handle only picks up those weights that add up to the selected weight, and the dials must be set securely in order to remove the handle from the base.
Q: Does the weight have to be equal on each side of the dumbbell?
A: There are some that offer a kind of offset weight but not all of them. Offset weight selection involves using a different weight setting on one side of the dumbbell relative to the other, assisting in supination and pronation of the wrist and forearm.
During offset weight selection, the combination of weight plates selected will not be the same on both sides of the dumbbell, so it must be returned to the base in the same orientation that it was removed.
Tips For Choosing Adjustable Dumbbells
#1: If you want your dumbbells to last longer, make sure they’re exposed to the elements as little as possible.
This means that if you have a home gym in your garage or in the basement, etc. that you protect them as much as you can from humidity, extreme temperatures, and so on.
#2: Make sure that if you’re using traditional types of adjustments, that they’re on securely.
The other types will automatically secure themselves but you definitely do not want the weights to fall off. This can throw off your balance, pull a muscle, fall on your feet, etc.
#3: Make sure you’re using the same amount of weight on both if using them at the same time.
For example, if you have one in each hand and are doing an exercise like walking lunges, that you don’t have 10 pounds on one side and 15 pounds on the other. This can greatly put you at risk of injury, among other things.
Summary
Now that you’ve had the opportunity to read just about everything you could ever want to know about adjustable dumbbells, which set is perfect for you and your athletic needs?
No matter which one you get, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting one of the best on the market today. However, what’s most important is that you select the perfect product for you and your individual body and goals.
We hope that this guide has helped you do just that. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again soon.
How We Researched
To come up with the top adjustable dumbbells, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.
The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.
By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.
With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.
The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.