Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms 2023

Specifications

• Weight range: Five to 55 pounds
• Weight increments: Five to 11 pounds
• Adjustment type: Dial
• Dimensions: 14.6” L x 7.9” W x 6.7” H or 16.1” L x 7.9” W x 6.9” H, depending on which base model you buy
• Materials: Alloy steel
• Warranty: One year

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Dial-adjustment mechanism is quick and easy
• Storage tray is included

Cons

• 55-pound dumbbells go up in 11-pound increments
• Not very durable

The FLYBIRD adjustable dumbbells are a great option for home gym users who want to do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts with weights. You can purchase dumbbells that go up to 25 or 55 pounds, so they won’t offer enough of a challenge for experienced athletes who can lift heavy, but they are great for faster-paced workouts with light weights.

One important thing to note is that the 55-pound option goes up in weight in 11-pound increments, which may be too large of a jump for beginners. New lifters may want to stick with the 25-pound option, which goes up in five-pound increments, though you may have to replace them with heavier weights after a few months.

For the dumbbells that go up to 25 pounds, you can buy one or a pair. While there are certainly plenty of single-dumbbell workouts you can do, I’d suggest buying a pair. This way, you can use only one if you want, but you’ll always have the option to use two.

The dial mechanism is smooth and allows you to change weights quickly, and it displays a weight indicator so you can easily see the amount of weight you’re lifting. The dumbbells also come with a storage tray, though it feels flimsy. These aren’t the most durable adjustable dumbbells because they have a lot of plastic parts, but they’ll get the job done if you just want to do some light resistance training.

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Best Heavy Adjustable Dumbbells: Bells of Steel Loadable Dumbbells

Bells of Steel Loadable Dumbbells

These loadable dumbbells can hold up to 200 pounds and are coated with rust-resistant black zinc to enhance their durability.

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Specifications

• Weight range: 13.2 pounds for the handles only; can load up to 200 pounds worth of plates
• Weight increments: Can be as little as 0.25 if you use fractional plates
• Adjustment type: Loadable
• Dimensions: Total handle length of 20.5 inches; sleeve diameter of 28 millimeters
• Materials: Steel, cast iron
• Warranty: None, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Black zinc coating on the handles helps prevent rust
• Compatible with plates with two-inch inserts you may already have at home
• Ridged sleeves help plates stay in place, even if you don’t use collars

Cons

• Handles weigh 13.2 pounds, which may be too heavy for some
• Black zinc coating can become dull over time

With the ability to hold up to 200 pounds, these are the heaviest adjustable dumbbells I’ve come across. They can be a great choice for experienced athletes who can move some serious weight.

They are compatible with any plates that have a two-inch insert, so if you already have a barbell and some plates at home, you may not have to invest in more plates because you can use the ones you already own.

They have a 28-millimeter diameter, which should feel familiar to those who are already used to lifting with a barbell. The sleeves on the dumbbells spin just like they would on a barbell, which can help reduce force from being placed onto your joints.

The knurling isn’t too aggressive because the black zinc coating softens it. The black zinc also offers rust protection, which is great if you keep your dumbbells in a humid garage. However, the black zinc can fade over time. I’ve had this happen with a barbell with a black zinc coating. It won’t affect the dumbbells’ performance, but it will make them look more dull.

While it’s recommended to use collars to secure the plates, the Bells of Steel loadable dumbbells have ridged sleeves, which make it harder for the plates to slip off. If you do want to use collars, Bells of Steel sells spring collars for about $18 and zip clips, which act like pressure cuffs to keep the plates in place, for about $30.

Because the handles weigh 13.2 pounds on their own, these may not be the best dumbbells for beginners or those coming back from an injury. They’re better suited for intermediate or advanced lifters.

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How We Chose the Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Because we know that everyone has different needs, we chose adjustable dumbbells that come in various price points, offer large weight ranges, have different adjustment mechanisms, and have different space requirements.

Cost

On our list, we have options ranging from around $135 to around $800. The less expensive options contain more plastic parts, while the more expensive ones feature more cast iron or steel, which are more expensive materials. Adjustable dumbbells that go up to 80 or 90 pounds—or more—will also cost more because more materials are needed to make them. Furthermore, the total price of loadable dumbbells can be high or low, depending on how many weight plates you buy for them.

Additionally, adjustable dumbbells made in the US will cost more due to better manufacturing processes and working conditions, and those made overseas will be less expensive because labor costs are cheaper.

We included a large array of price points on our list because we know everyone has different budgets. But we didn’t just look at price—we also considered the value you get for the amount you have to pay and how durable each set of dumbbells is. Sometimes, paying more for quality is worth it because it’s an investment you only have to make once.

Variety of Weights

Whether you’re a beginner or have years of training experience, you should lift weights that feel challenging so you can get stronger and build muscle. Our list includes options that start anywhere from five to 15 pounds and go up to as much as 200 pounds. We also choose a few products that allow you to change the weights in increments as small as 0.25 pounds. This way, you can progressively overload your muscles without trying to make large jumps in weight.

We also picked adjustable dumbbells with vast weight ranges so that you have room to grow and don’t have to buy more equipment in the future that would take up precious floor space in your gym.

Adjustment Mechanism

The adjustment mechanism is an important element of adjustable dumbbells, as you want to be able to adjust your weights quickly and seamlessly. We included several dumbbells that you can adjust with a simple dial or a flick of the wrist for those who don’t want to fuss with complicated adjustment systems.

We also included a few loadable dumbbells, which require you to load and unload weight plates, for those who may have more time—or patience—to change their weights during their workouts.

Size

The main purpose of adjustable dumbbells is to save space in small gyms. A dumbbell storage rack for fixed dumbbells can be at least four feet long and almost two feet deep, but adjustable dumbbells may only have a footprint of about 12 inches by 12 inches.

That said, you may want to keep your adjustable dumbbells on trays or stands, which still take up space. Loadable dumbbells require small weight plates, which you also have to find a storage solution for. However, a compact stand for adjustable dumbbells or a small weight plate storage tree may only require two feet of space.

Still, to suit a variety of space requirements, we picked adjustable dumbbells of various sizes and included options that don’t have a lot of extra parts to store.

Types of Adjustable Dumbbells

There are several types of adjustable dumbbells available, with the three most common being pin lock, dial, and loadable. I’ll break down these three styles below to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Pin Lock

Pin-lock style adjustable dumbbells are those on which you use a pin to keep weight plates in place or secure weight stacks to a handle. It typically only takes a few seconds to adjust the weights.

The PowerBlock Elite USA dumbbells are an example of pin-lock adjustable dumbbells, as the weight selector pins help secure the dumbbell handle to the weight stacks.

Dial

As the name implies, dial-adjustable dumbbells feature a spinning dial that allows you to set your desired weight. Like pin-lock adjustable dumbbells, dial-adjustable dumbbells are quick to adjust because you don’t have to load and unload plates.

If you’re looking for dial-adjustable dumbbells, the Snode AD80s, NÜOBELLS, and FLYBIRD dumbbells from the list above are all excellent choices.

Loadable

Loadable dumbbells, such as the REP Fitness, Rogue Fitness, and Bells of Steel dumbbells reviewed above, are like mini barbells. They feature a metal handle with sleeves on each end where you can load weight plates to get your desired weight. You can use spinning star collars or barbell collars to keep the plates from sliding off.

You can typically find loadable dumbbell handles with one-inch or two-inch sleeves. Loadable dumbbells with two-inch sleeves are great if you already have an Olympic-sized barbell and various change plates or fractional plates (plates in smaller weights of around 0.25 to five pounds) at home because you can use the same plates on both your barbell and the dumbbell handles. If you buy loadable dumbbells with one-inch handles, you need to invest in plates that fit that size.

Regardless of which size handle you buy, storage can be an issue, and you may have to buy a weight plate tree to keep the plates organized.

Benefits of Adjustable Dumbbells

There are numerous benefits of adjustable dumbbells. They don’t require a lot of space, and they can be more cost-effective than fixed dumbbells. You can swap out the weights quickly and use smaller weight increments, which isn’t always possible with fixed dumbbells. Most adjustable dumbbells are also easy to take on the go.

Space Efficiency

The biggest benefit of adjustable dumbbells is that they have compact designs and don’t take up as much room as multiple pairs of fixed dumbbells. With adjustable dumbbells, you can get more than 20 different weights in just one pair of dumbbells rather than having 20 pairs of dumbbells lying around.

Furthermore, when you buy fixed dumbbell sets, you usually also need a storage rack for them. Dumbbell storage racks can be several feet long and take up valuable floor space. Even though some adjustable dumbbells may require a tray to keep them on, that tray may only be about 1.5 or two feet long.

Trays and stands for adjustable dumbbells are also easier to move around if needed. I frequently move my PowerBlock stand around my garage gym when I need more space to do core work on the floor or perform movements like deadlifts. It would be much harder and more time-consuming for me to do that with a storage rack with several pairs of fixed dumbbells.

Small Weight Increments

Fixed dumbbells often only go up in weight in 2.5-pound increments until you get to about 25 or 30 pounds, then they increase by five pounds. Some adjustable dumbbells allow you to adjust the weights in increments as small as 1.25 pounds, offering you more versatility in your weight training journey. Smaller increments can make it easier to progressively overload your lifts, especially for movements like lateral raises, where a five-pound jump may be too much.

Affordability

Adjustable dumbbells can cost anywhere from $135 to $800 or more. This may not seem cost-effective at first, but considering that sets of fixed dumbbells can cost close to $1,000, adjustable dumbbells can be a more attractive choice for those who want to save some money.

Can Easily Use Different Weights

Because you get multiple weights in just one pair of dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells make it easier for you to use different weights when working out. For example, if you’re doing a circuit-style workout, you don’t have to have one pair of dumbbells for upper body movements and another pair for lower body exercises. You can quickly change the weights of your adjustable dumbbells for different exercises without wasting too much time between transitions.

Adjustable dumbbells are also efficient when doing strength training workouts with supersets. If you need to use different weights for hammer curls and skull crushers, for example, you can quickly adjust the weights while keeping your rest times to a minimum.

Easy To Travel With

As is the case with regular dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells are easy to travel with. You can throw them in your trunk when going on a road trip and use them in your hotel room or rental home. You can even take them to a nearby park for an outdoor workout.

Having a variety of weight selections with a single pair of dumbbells makes it easier to do effective workouts when away from home. You can challenge all of your muscle groups equally instead of being stuck with dumbbells that are too light for leg exercises but too heavy for arm exercises, for example.

What to Look for When Buying Adjustable Dumbbells

While a pair of adjustable dumbbells may not be as huge of an investment as other fitness products like a squat rack or a treadmill, there are still several things to look for before making your purchase. The cost of the dumbbells, the workouts you plan to do with them, how easy it is to adjust the weights, and how comfortable they are to hold can all impact your decision. But that’s not all—below, I provide a full list of things to consider when shopping for adjustable dumbbells.

Price

Adjustable dumbbells typically require an upfront investment of up to $800. The price depends on the materials used, how many weight options are available, and where the dumbbells are made. For someone who needs light weights for circuit-style workouts, cheaper adjustable dumbbells with a lower maximum weight of around 50 pounds will likely be sufficient. For advanced athletes or those who will put their dumbbells through more abuse, more expensive options with heavier max weights and better-quality materials may be needed.

Intended Use

Because adjustable dumbbells can be more cumbersome than traditional dumbbells, it’s important to consider what types of exercises you’ll do with them. 

For example, I don’t like using my PowerBlock dumbbells for CrossFit workouts. It’s not easy to switch them from one hand to the other during dumbbell snatches because the handle is enclosed, and the hard metal is uncomfortable on my shoulders during dumbbell cleans. I also find it awkward to maintain my grip on them for dumbbell front squats because my hands have to maneuver around the frame of the dumbbells.

On the other hand, I’ve found loadable dumbbells like the REP Fitness ones easier to use for CrossFit. The handles are a similar length as those on traditional hex dumbbells and are more open than the handles on PowerBlock dumbbells, making it easier to swap hands quickly. It’s also easier for me to get them in a comfortable position for dumbbell squats because I can easily rest the handles on my shoulders.

That said, I much prefer my PowerBlock dumbbells for strength training, especially when I’m doing supersets. Changing the weights on them doesn’t take as long as it does to adjust the weights on loadable dumbbells, so I can keep the time between exercises short.

Considerations like these are all important to take into account when shopping for adjustable dumbbells. If the ones you buy make your workouts more frustrating, you may be less likely to use them, and you’ll have wasted a lot of money.

Ease of Use

Look for adjustable dumbbells that allow you to change weights quickly. You don’t want to waste time fumbling around with a complicated adjustment system in the middle of your workout, especially if you have limited time to train.

As mentioned earlier, adjustable dumbbells with a pin mechanism allow for quick and easy weight adjustments. So do adjustable dumbbells with dial mechanisms. Loadable dumbbells take more time to adjust the weights since you have to load and unload weight plates and secure them on the handles with collars.

Available Weights and Weight Increments

It’s good to look for adjustable dumbbells that fit your current strength levels, but you should also consider your future goals. Some adjustable dumbbells only go up to about 55 pounds. This should be sufficient if you’re a beginner, but you may outgrow those weights after a few months of training. Therefore, it’s also important to prepare for the possibility of needing heavier weights in the future. You may want to look for adjustable dumbbells that go up to at least 80 or 90 pounds so you can keep progressing over the long term.

Comfort and Gripability

As with traditional dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells should offer a good grip so that they don’t slip out of your hands while you work out. Look for handles with knurling or a rubber coating, which can make it easier to maintain your grip even as you sweat.

The dumbbells should also feel comfortable to hold at light or heavy weights. All dumbbells can be unwieldy once they get heavy enough, so when looking for adjustable dumbbells, try to find ones that are still maneuverable once you get to about 50 pounds.

Materials and Durability

Materials and durability go hand in hand. Cast iron and steel can withstand a lot of abuse, so look for adjustable dumbbells that are made mostly from these materials. A lot of adjustable dumbbells have some plastic parts, primarily the selector pins, but plastic shouldn’t make up the bulk of the construction. If it does, the dumbbells will be more prone to breaking, even with light use.

Size

While adjustable dumbbells take up far less room than fixed dumbbell sets, they still take up some space, especially if you store them on a tray or stand. Before you make a purchase, measure the area where you plan on keeping the dumbbells to ensure you have enough room to store them and will still have enough space to do your workouts safely.

Warranties

With items like adjustable dumbbells, which can be expensive and have multiple parts that hold them together, a lengthy warranty is beneficial. Most reputable fitness brands will offer warranties that cover issues arising from defective materials or poor construction. This way, you don’t have to shell out a ton of extra money if your dumbbells break through no fault of your own.

Final Thoughts

Adjustable dumbbells are an excellent space-saving solution for those who want to train with free weights but have limited space in their home gyms. You get multiple weights in one pair of dumbbells, so you don’t have to worry about large storage shelves or leaving several pairs of dumbbells on the floor. You can also save some money, as adjustable dumbbells can be a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than sets of fixed dumbbells.

If you put your workout equipment through a lot of abuse, look for a pair of dumbbells like the Snode AD80s that can be dropped from heights of up to 32 inches without breaking. If you just need some lightweight dumbbells for circuit training workouts, a set that goes up to 25 pounds, like the FLYBIRD adjustable dumbbells, are a good choice. Whichever option you choose, rest assured that you can keep up with your fitness routine and get stronger, even if you have limited space in which to train.

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