Adjustable Dumbbells Are the Home Gym MVPs

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Building a great home gym requires investing in multifunctional equipment, like the best adjustable dumbbells—especially if you’re low on space. Owning a single set of these dumbbells is just as good as having an entire rack of individual weights at the gym. You can use them as-is for a weightlifting routine or pick them up for the strength-training portion of your at-home spin class.

The best part? You can increase the weight on the fly without buying more equipment, which makes progressive overload training a lot more doable at home. We asked experts which adjustable dumbbells deserve a spot in your rotation—shop our favorites below.

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, $549
2. Runner-up: PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, $360
3. Best for Beginners: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbells, $56
4. Best Budget Pick: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Pair, $229
5. Best Splurge: SMRTFT Nüobell 2-Piece Adjustable Weight Set, $655

As you get stronger, these weights will meet you where you’re at.

Best Overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell (Single)

These 2024 Home Fitness Award winners come highly recommended by experts. “Bowflex SelecTech models offer intuitive dial systems for rapid weight changes, [which is] ideal for dynamic, on-demand classes,” Tyler McDonald, a certified personal trainer and certified nutrition coach at the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), tells SELF. All you have to do is place the dumbbells in their cases, turn the dial to the weight you want, then pick them back up. When I tried two of these as a set, I was surprised by how easy they are to use—changing weights only takes a few seconds. (Heads up: The sets are currently out of stock, so you’d need to purchase two individual dumbbells.)

Mandi Stachour, a NASM- and AFAA-certified fitness instructor, also puts her stamp of approval on these: “They have their own storage tray, and you can purchase a stand so that you aren’t bending down to lift them from the floor,” she previously told SELF. We also like that they increase by 2.5-pound increments up to 25 pounds, then switch to 5-pound increments up to the max of 52.5—you get a great variety of weights, without having too many overwhelming options.

Runner-up: PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells

The block-like shape of these dumbbells means that the weight surrounds your hand, rather than sitting on either side of a grippy bar. The result is a more ergonomic, comfortable feel. McDonald also vouches for this set: “With their unique design, they’re exceptionally durable and compact,” he says.

Another cool feature: You can run a barbell pole through them, effectively turning these dumbbells into weight plates for exercises like deadlifts or back squats. You can also purchase expansion blocks to increase the weight range to 90 pounds.

Best for Beginners: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbells

If you’re new to strength training and don’t need a super heavy set of dumbbells—or you want lighter weights for barre, kickboxing, or Pilates—check out these adjustable neoprene weights. The ends twist off, so you can add weight blocks inside to get your desired set. That makes these a little more time-consuming compared to other options on our list, but the process is still pretty easy.

Best Budget Pick: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Pair

Flybird’s dumbbell is similar to others on this list: It has a dial weight change system, a sturdy holder to keep it in place (and to make adjustments easier), and a handle with notches to keep your hands from sliding.

But unlike some others on our list, these can adjust from 5 to 25 pounds, making them a good middle-of-the-road set. For a lot of weightlifters, that’s a solid range for most smaller movements (think: bicep curls) and larger ones (like bent-over rows). And because their maximum weight isn’t quite as high, you’ll save over $100 if you go with these, compared to some of our other top picks.

Best Splurge: SMRTFT Nüobell 2-Piece Adjustable Weight Set

For the weight training pro, there‘s the Nüobell from Smrtft. Given the high price point, it’s an adjustable dumbbell set for the person who works out at home often and has a serious strength-training regimen. These weights have a twist-and-lock weight selector instead of a dial, which the brand says makes them feel more like traditional dumbbells.

You can spring for a weight stand for an additional cost, which brings the weights closer to your height, making it easier to reach for heavy bells.

How we chose the best adjustable dumbbells

Most adjustable dumbbells are an investment, which makes sense because you can use them for years, even as you progress in your training. That said, we want to make sure you feel confident in what you choose, so our picks include sets tested by SELF editors and approved by trainers. We’re also recommending options we vetted by sorting through online reviews—but only if they also have the qualities our experts approve of.

What are the benefits of adjustable dumbbells?

A pair of adjustable dumbbells removes the need for a room full of traditional dumbbells. Though they can be bulky, some options can replace up to 16 sets of weights, which would otherwise take up a lot of real estate.

Adjustable dumbbells also allow for quick and (mostly) seamless weight changes as you switch between exercises. Like any dumbbell, they allow you to practice functional movements that machines just can’t replicate. “Weight machines usually are in a fixed position, only allowing you to recruit specific muscle groups,” Massy Arias, an NASM-certified celebrity trainer and health coach, previously told SELF. “Free weights, like dumbbells, force an individual to recruit and engage their whole body to perform a specific movement.”

What should you look for in adjustable dumbbells?

Related:

• The Best Treadmills Help You Get Your Run In, Rain or Shine
• These Kettlebells Will Take Your At-Home Workouts Up a Notch
• Olympians Say the Best Home Rowers Are Worth the Investment

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