Whether you’re already accustomed to regular dumbbells and weight lifting, or you’re completely new to weights, adjustable dumbbells can help you build a complete home gym, without taking up a bunch of space.
We’ve done the heavy lifting for you by finding the best adjustable dumbbells for every type of user.
A quick look at the best adjustable dumbbells
- Editor’s pick: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Set
- Best budget: Amazon Basics Adjustable Barbell Set
- Best for beginners: PowerBlock Sport Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best low weight: ProForm 12.5 lb. Adjustable Dumbbell Set
- Best intermediate weight: PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best for Crossfit: Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
- Best for bodybuilding: Bowflex SelectTech 1090
- Best for P90X: Merax Deluxe 71.5 Pounds Adjustable Dial Dumbbell
- Best barbell-style: CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set
- Best streaming-ready dumbbells: NordicTrack Select-a-Weight 55 lb. Dumbbell Set
How they stacked up
Which adjustable dumbbells got to flex over the others? We sweated the details, poring over review sites, and other online resources to compare simple “spin-lock” sets to more sophisticated “plate-loaded” adjustable dumbbells.
We based our rankings on several key factors, including:
- Ease of use. Were the weights simple to adjust?
- Comfort. Do the dumbbells have padded hand grips or other features designed to make them easier to use?
- Flexibility. How much weight can be added to the dumbbell?
- Storability. Can the dumbbell set be easily stacked and stored when not in use?
- Customer feedback. What did online reviewers have to say about each dumbbell set?
- Manufacturer Warranty. How long is the dumbbell set protected under warranty against manufacturing defects?
Note: High demand and limited supply during COVID-19 has many dumbbell sets on backorder or unavailable through certain sellers.
The 10 best adjustable dumbbells
No need to adjust this list.
Pricing guide
$ = under $200 per pair
$$ = $200–400 per pair
$$$ = over $400 per pair
Editor’s pick
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Set
Price: $$$
Rating: 4.8 stars
Reviews: 17K+ on Amazon
How to adjust weight: dial
Weight range: 5–52.5 pounds (lbs.) each; adjustable in 2.5 lb. increments up to 25 lbs., then in 5 lb. increments
This top-rated adjustable dumbbell set is a pricier choice but delivers tons of value. With a dial system to quickly adjust each dumbbell from 5 to 52.5 pounds, it’s literally an entire weight rack in a single, integrated package. This makes it ideal for both beginner and intermediate weight lifting.
Plus, it’s compatible with the Bowflex SelectTech training app.
Users praise these dumbbells for easy resistance changes and a high quality locking mechanism. But a common gripe is that while the set is compact for easy storage, it can be a little bulky in use.
Best budget adjustable dumbbells
Amazon Basics Adjustable Barbell Set
Price: $
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviews: 1,300+ on Amazon
How to adjust weight: add and remove plates
Weight range: 3–19 lbs. each; includes two 3 lb. dumbbells, four 2.5 lb. plates, four 5 lb. plates, and four 0.5 lb. collars
Amazon Basics is usually a good bet for quality, low cost products, and that holds true with this pair of 38-pound adjustable dumbbells. These weights use a simple spin-lock mechanism to add, remove, and hold weights in place.
The dumbbells also have a textured grip and come with a carry case for easy storage. The set includes a pair of 3-pound barbells, four 2.5-pound plates, four 5-pound plates, and four collars weighing a half-pound each.
Best adjustable dumbbells for beginners
PowerBlock Sport Adjustable Dumbbells
Price: $$
Rating: 4.6 stars
Reviews: 1,400+ on Amazon
How to adjust weight: pins
Weight range: 3–24 lbs. each; adjustable in 3 lb. increments
A color-coded weight guide and simple adjustment pin system make this dumbbell set a no-brainer for workout newbies. Each dumbbell easily adjusts from 3 to 24 pounds, more than enough for anyone just getting started with weightlifting.
The padded handle adds comfort, although users with bigger hands may find the grip clearance a little narrow. It can also be hard to change the pins if you’re not on a hard surface. Also check seller reviews to make sure if you’re purchasing a set, not a single weight.
Best low weight adjustable dumbbells
ProForm 50 lb. Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Price: $
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviews: 60+ on Amazon
How to adjust weight: pins
Weight range: 10–50 lbs.; adjustable in 10 lb. increments
For lunges, step-ups, lateral shoulder raises, triceps extensions, and other exercises performed with lighter weights, this two-piece dumbbell set can adjust in 10-pound increments up to 50 pounds each. They also come in a single-weight option.
Best intermediate weight adjustable dumbbells
PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
Price: $$$
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviews: 50 on PowerBlock
How to adjust weight: pins
Weight range: 5–50 lbs. each; adjustable in 2.5–5 lb. increments
These highly versatile adjustable dumbbells can be set at 5 to 50 pounds per hand. When you’re ready to advance further there are add-on kits to increase the weight to 70 and 90 pounds on each dumbbell.
Best adjustable dumbbells for Crossfit
Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
Price: $$
Rating: 4.6 stars
Reviews: 700+ on Amazon
How to adjust weight: twist handle
Weight range: 5–50 lbs. each; adjustable in 5 lb. increments
Common Crossfit exercises that can be done with dumbbells include walking overhead lunges, snatches, and push presses. These can start out with low weight and build up during your workout and over time as strength and stamina increase.
The Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set quickly adjusts from 5 to 50 pounds with a quick handle twist while sitting in its custom cradle. The midrange price also won’t add too much extra pain to your monthly CrossFit dues.
Best adjustable dumbbells for bodybuilding
Bowflex SelectTech 1090
Price: $$$
Rating: 4.4 stars
Reviews: 1,400+ on Amazon, 1,900+ on Bowflex
How to adjust weight: dial
Weight range: 10–90 lbs. each; adjustable in 5 lb. increments
Adjustable from 10 to 90 pounds in 5-pound increments, these adjustable dumbbells replace a whopping 34 regular dumbbells. You’ll have plenty of weight options for heavy upper and lower body workouts like shrugs and lunges.
They also don’t take up too much space and can be stored in a pair of custom floor stands when not in use. But they can be a bit bulky in use.
Best adjustable dumbbells for P90X
Merax Deluxe 71.5 Pounds Adjustable Dial Dumbbell
Price: $$$
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviews: 800+ on Amazon
How to adjust weight: dial
Weight range: 11–71.5 lbs.; adjustable in 5.5 lb. increments
The P90X Fitness Guide advises you to have a dumbbell set that can adjust between 5 and 70 pounds total. With an adjustable weight range from 10 to 71.5 pounds, these dumbbells can accompany you on most of your journey from workout beginner to gym beast.
Changing weights involves a quick spin of a dial, rubber grips make lifting and curling comfortable, and the 2-year warranty is a nice plus. The only drawback is if you hate the metric system, because weight is measured in kilograms, not pounds.
Best barbell-style adjustable dumbbells
CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Price: $
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviews: 3,000+ on Amazon
How to adjust weight: add and remove plates
Weight range: up to 20 lbs. each; includes four 2.5 lb.-plates, four 5 lb.-plates, 4 collars, and 2 handles
Looking for old-school, plate-loaded adjustable dumbbells? The CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set offers 20 pounds max per weight (40 total), but the dumbbells can hold up to 100 pounds each with additional plates.
The old-school spin-lock set comes with 2 handles, four 2.5-pound plates, four 5-pound plates, plus 4-star-type locking collars.
It also comes with a storage case for easy stowing after a workout. A potential downside is that some reviewers have noted the collars can come unscrewed and the handles can cause splinters after wear.
Best streaming-ready adjustable dumbbells
NordicTrack Select-a-Weight 55 lb. Dumbbell Set
Price: $$$
Rating: 4.6 stars
Reviews: 1,000+ on Amazon
How to adjust weight: pins
Weight range: 10–55 lbs. each; adjustable in 2.5–5 lb. increments
NordicTrack Select-a-Weight dumbbells are a solid set of dumbbells comparable to Bowflex’s popular SelectTech models in price, and they too come with some solid name recognition.
So, why are they streaming ready? Well, if you purchase them through the NordicTrack website, you’ll get a free 1-year iFit Family membership (a nearly $400 value). If you’d be buying a streaming fitness membership for the fam anyway, then that makes these dumbbells one heck of a steal (and you’ve got access to an essentially endless supply of workouts to help you get your lift on, along with yoga, running, rowing, kickboxing, cycling, etc).
One BIG caveat: there are lots of 1-star reviews on Amazon detailing some potentially dangerous failures of these weights. YMMV.
How to choose your weights wisely
If you’re just getting started with weightlifting, light individual hand weights or fixed-weight dumbbells are fine. But if you plan on building out a more complete gym, there can be a lot of value to purchasing a set of adjustable dumbbells. Here are some basic pros and cons.
Pros
- Space-saving. Adjustable dumbbells replace a ton of regular dumbbells, meaning more room to move.
- Better deal in the long run. If you’re planning on purchasing a bunch of different weight options anyway, it may be cheaper going adjustable.
- The spin-lock varieties are more budget-friendly and simple to load and unload. But some users complain that the locking nuts can get loose mid-workout.
Cons
- Pricey up-front cost. Adjustable weights can be pretty steep, making it a major investment.
- Can be awkward. Some adjustable weights (especially if they’re heavy weights) can be super bulky IRL use, making some workouts more difficult.
If you still think adjustable weights are for you, consider the differences between spin-lock (barbell-style) and plate-loaded.
The pull-pin or dial system adjustable dumbbells tend to hold weights more securely, are more compact, and easier to store — and some models can hold almost as much weight as their spin-lock cousins.
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