Buying guide for Best adjustable dumbbells
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When people initially think about slimming down, they turn to diet. Once they feel they’ve reached their desired weight, their thoughts often turn to increasing their muscle mass. For more effective results, consider putting these two processes together. In a society obsessed with multitasking, bulking up and slimming down at the same time fits perfectly.
To improve your weightlifting results at home, you no longer need an expensive set of bulky free weights that occupies a lot of space. Instead, consider getting a good set of adjustable dumbbells, like our top choice, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, for a more efficient exercise routine at home.
Weight: 105 lb | Grip Type: Ergonomic | Materials: Alloy steel, thermoplastic rubber | Colors: Black, red, gray
If you're serious about home workouts but tired of cluttering your space with a jungle of mismatched dumbbells, the Bowflex SelectTech 552s are a game-changer. These adjustable dumbbells take the guesswork out of strength training with their easy-to-use dial system; just twist to your desired weight and get lifting.
You get a wide range from 5 to 52.5 pounds in smooth 2.5-pound increments up to 25, which makes them just as suited for beginners easing in as they are for more experienced lifters.
What really sets these apart, though, is the space-saving design. You’re essentially getting 15 sets of dumbbells in one tidy package, which is ideal if you’re working out in a smaller space or just like to keep things organized.
The thermoplastic rubber handles add a bit of cushion without sacrificing control, and while the dumbbells are a bit bulkier than traditional fixed weights, most users find that a fair trade for the convenience. They aren’t the cheapest option out there, but if you're looking for durability, versatility, and ease of use, these are worth every penny.
Weight: 60 lb | Grip Type: Nonslip | Materials: Alloy steel | Colors: Black
If you're tight on space but still want the versatility of a full dumbbell rack, the Rep Fitness Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells hit the mark. With weight options ranging from 5 to 30 pounds — and micro-adjustments in 2.5-pound increments — these dumbbells are ideal for both progressive strength training and fine-tuned workouts.
What stands out most is the build quality. These feel solid in hand, with a steel handle that offers just the right amount of grip without feeling abrasive. REP clearly put these through the wringer with extensive drop testing, and the result is a dumbbell that feels sturdy and safe even during intense sessions.
Some users may wish for a bit more weight range, but for many home gym owners, especially those focused on functional fitness or higher-rep routines, these offer a compact, dependable solution.
Weight: 50 lb (per dumbbell) | Grip Type: Contoured, textured, soft grip | Materials: Composite, aluminum | Colors: Black
If you're looking for an efficient way to build out your home gym without sacrificing space or convenience, the Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set checks a lot of boxes. Each dumbbell offers weight settings from 5 to 50 pounds and uses a Twist Lock mechanism that lets you adjust weights with a simple turn of the handle. There's no need to mess with pins, dials or sliders.
What really stands out is the combination of comfort and durability. The contoured, soft-grip handle provides a secure feel without slipping, even during sweaty workouts. The composite and aluminum construction feels solid and well-balanced.
Users consistently praise how compact the design is, easily replacing an entire rack of dumbbells while taking up minimal room. Assembly is straightforward and quick, usually taking about 30 minutes.
Weight: 50 lb (per dumbbell) | Grip Type: Padded | Materials: Powder-coat painted steel, polypropylene | Colors: Black
If you're after a no-nonsense, high-performance set of adjustable dumbbells, the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells delivers on just about every front. These dumbbells offer a weight range from 5 to 50 pounds per hand, with smooth 2.5-pound increments thanks to their clever magnetic selector pin. The design may not mimic the look of traditional dumbbells, but the functionality speaks for itself.
What makes the PowerBlock Elite EXP stand out is its durability and upgrade potential. Built from powder-coated steel and engineered to withstand tough training sessions, these dumbbells feel solid and dependable.
You can also expand them to 70 or 90 pounds with additional kits, which makes them a long-term solution as your strength grows. Some users are divided on the block-style design, but once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.
Weight: 55 lb (per dumbbell) | Grip Type: Contoured | Materials: Steel, hardened plastic | Colors: Black
The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells offer a sleek and space-saving alternative to a full rack of weights. With up to 55 pounds per dumbbell and 15 different weight combinations, these deliver the equivalent of 30 individual dumbbells in a surprisingly compact design. The adjustment system allows you to switch weights in 2.5, 5 or 10-pound increments, which gives you solid control over your training intensity.
That said, the build quality draws mixed reactions. Many users appreciate the sturdy steel and hardened plastic construction, while others have reported wear and tear after only a few uses. The adjustment mechanism is another point of contrast — some find it seamless, others say it can be finicky.
The dumbbells also lean slightly bottom-heavy, which may take a few workouts to get used to. Still, for the price, you’re getting an all-in-one setup that’s compact, easy to store, and ideal for full-body training at home.
Adjustable dumbbells explained
An adjustable dumbbell uses a series of removable plates to achieve different levels of weight. The ease of removing and replacing these weight plates makes adjustable dumbbells a desirable, flexible option.
The weight plates sit in a rack with the bar in the middle. To select the desired weight for the adjustable dumbbell, twist a dial or move a pin to a new position on the rack.
The rack then attaches the needed weight plates to the bar to equal the selected weight. When you lift the dumbbell, any unused plates remain in the rack.
Expert Tip
Always lift your adjustable dumbbells with good form. As a general rule, you should always lift in a slow and controlled manner.
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Systems for selecting the weight
Ease of use is a key characteristic of adjustable dumbbells, and designs for selecting the proper weight vary widely. With some sets, you must manually slide and lock the weight plates onto the bar. Others implement rack mechanisms that lock the plates automatically.
What about cost? Clamp systems cost less than other types of adjustable dumbbells. Dial and selector pin systems are offered at similar price points. Beyond the weight-selection system, the cost for the adjustable dumbbells depends on the amount of available weight and the number of weight plates included.
Clamp system
An adjustable dumbbell that uses a clamp system requires you to slide the weights onto the bar manually. You spin a nut or collar onto the end of the bar to secure the weights with the clamp system. This system differs from some other adjustable dumbbells that automatically attach the weight plates.
Dial system
The dial system is the easiest adjustable dumbbell configuration to use. You simply turn a dial on a rack of plates, setting it to the desired total weight.
This locks the weight plates equal to the desired weight onto the bar. Simply lift the bar, and your weightlifting session begins.
To change the amount of weight locked onto the bar, just set the bar back into the rack. Twist the dial again to reset the desired weight, locking the new plate configuration onto the bar. Then lift the bar again with the new weight.
Selector pin system
The selector pin system works in a manner similar to the dial system for adjustable dumbbells.
Instead of twisting a dial to set the desired weight, though, you slide a selector pin into the hole representing the desired weight.
As with the dial system, the selector pin locks the weight plates onto the bar.
Expert Tip
Don't drop your adjustable dumbbells. Many come with “do not drop” labels. This may sound obvious, but it's the most important thing to avoid if you want to keep your adjustable dumbbells functioning.
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Pros and cons of adjustable dumbbells
Compared to other exercise equipment or gym memberships, adjustable dumbbells can be quite advantageous. They also come with some limitations. The pros and cons of this type of equipment depend largely on the exercise scenario you desire.
Cons
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Locking process: Some adjustable weights use an automatic locking system for safety. Others require you to lock the weight plates manually. Should you forget to lock the weights in place, the weight plates may fall, causing injury.
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Huge weights: Adjustable dumbbells lack the sheer weight needed for powerlifting. A gym with large free weights and machines works better for bodybuilders and powerlifters.
Pros
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Small size: Adjustable dumbbells require a limited amount of storage space versus other types of weightlifting equipment. Because of the small size, adjustable dumbbells work well for moving to new rooms or locations, and simply not taking up much space in your home.
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Low cost: Adjustable dumbbells come at a lower price point over the long run compared to other weightlifting choices. That’s especially true when compared to a monthly gym membership.
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Moving weights around: Simplicity in design exists at the heart of using adjustable dumbbells. Although it takes a bit of time to adjust the weight on each barbell, this method works easier than adjusting weights on large barbells.
Picking the proper adjustable dumbbell set
To gain the most from an adjustable dumbbell set, you must select the right design and weight limit.
Look at your storage space
Some adjustable dumbbell sets include a stand for the racks. Such stands sit at waist height, making it easier to grab each bar and adjust the weight plates. Other racks sit directly on the ground. Racks with a stand require more space, so consider this before choosing.
Consider automatic vs. manual sets
Some adjustable dumbbells are configured by sliding the weight plates onto the bar manually. You attach a collar or nut to the end of the bar to ensure the weight plates remain in place. If you prefer an automatic selection and locking process, a dial or selector pin system works better.
Start with the desired weight
Any adjustable dumbbell set offers a range of weights. Determine the amount of weight needed for your exercise routine — if the dumbbells fit your entire routine, you’re more likely to use them regularly. Adjustable dumbbell sets that offer more weight carry a higher price point, so choose carefully to avoid wasting money.
Consider types of exercise
To help you determine how much weight you should get in your set, think about your exercise plans. If you plan to do mostly arm exercises with the weights, a smaller maximum weight fills your needs. Exercises such as bench press and squats require larger amounts of weight.
Expert TIp
A warm-up is essential before any workout, and especially before an intense workout. This will get your circulation going and prepare your muscles for exercise. Each warm-up should consist of 10 minutes of static and dynamic stretching.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Understanding weight increments and weight range
Understanding the minimum weight increments and weight ranges for the weight plates within your dumbbell set helps you pick the right set.
Weight range
The weight range is the difference between the smallest total weight in the set and the largest total weight. The minimum weight consists of the bar and nothing else. The maximum weight includes all of the weight plates on the bar.
An adjustable dumbbell set with a large weight range provides more flexibility in the types of exercises you can perform. It also allows multiple people with differing weightlifting experiences to use the same set. In other words, a large weight range in an adjustable dumbbell set provides more versatility than a set with a smaller weight range, but might not provide the precision in increments found in a smaller set.
Expert TIp
Never lift a weight you can’t handle. Adjustable dumbbells have many weight increments, and lifting heavy poundages on heavier adjustable dumbbells can be tempting, but this can lead to serious injuries.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Weight increment
The weight increment is the difference between weights in the set. The increment should align to the loads you need for the exercises you perform. For example, if your array of exercises includes 12-pound, 14-pound and 18-pound weights, a set with increments of 5 pounds won’t do.
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Small increments: If the minimum weight in the set measures 1.5 pounds, for example, your changes to the weight bar must occur in 1.5-pound increments. This means when switching to a larger weight, minimal differences occur. When starting out with a 5-pound weight exercise, the next level increase becomes 6.5 pounds. Such an increment works very well when using small amounts of weight.
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Large increments: On the other hand, if you choose a set with 5-pound increments, the set will provide a greater maximum weight than a set with 1-pound or 1.5-pound increments. This increased weight range gives you more options for types of exercises and weight in a given exercise.
FAQ
Q. What is the easiest type of adjustable dumbbell to use?
A. Even though they come at a higher cost, adjustable weight sets with dials and selector pins remain the easiest to use. Such systems allow you to pick your desired weight and begin working out without needing to manually slide weights onto the bar.
Q. Will I save some money with adjustable barbells?
A. Adjustable barbells represent one of the least expensive options for weightlifting. Expect to pay roughly in the $50-to-$125 range for an entry-level set of adjustable barbells. More advanced sets exist in the $125-to-$300 range. Understand that you may need more than one set to receive the ranges of weight you need for your various exercises.
Overall, the expense remains low when compared to other types of weightlifting equipment, such as traditional barbells. And when paying roughly $40 per month for a gym membership, adjustable barbells save money in the long run.
Q. Which companies create the best brands of adjustable dumbbells?
A. Stick with well-known brands to receive the best quality in adjustable dumbbells. Some of the best brand names include Bowflex, CAP Barbells, Power Block, Unipack and Yes4All.
