Not only do they give you access to the same weight as a dumbbell rack at the click (or twist) of a button, but they also save you money and space, which means you won’t have to find inventive ways to stash them in your home (yep, I’m still using one of mine as a doorstop). According to studies like this one published in Current Sports Medicine Reports (opens in new tab), weight training also packs several benefits — it can build muscle mass, improve bone density, boost metabolism and heart health, increase stamina and lower your risk of injury. Regardless of where you are in your fitness journey, the best adjustable dumbbells allow you to adjust your weights on the go. To help you find the best dumbbells for you, we’ve put some of the most popular pairs on the market to the test, looking for how easy they were to use and adjust, how bulky they were to store, and any extras that make them a great deal.
The best adjustable dumbbells to buy right now
Voice-controlled dumbbells sounds like something from a gym of the future, but thanks to NordicTrack, they’re here, and we really rate them. When plugged in and connected to Alexa, you can switch the weights of the dumbbells by saying things like, “Alexa, increase the weight by 10 pounds”, or “Alexa, set my dumbbells for deadlifts”. While it might seem gimmicky, during testing we found it extremely helpful, and it allowed us to actually rest between sets, rather than fiddling with weight plates. The weights come with a free 30-day iFit membership, which gives you access to live and on-demand classes to get you into the swing of things. Alternatively, you can use them for your own home workouts, and adjust them from five, to fifty pounds each at the click of a button (or command). Of course, like all good tech, it doesn’t come cheap, and these are some of the most expensive dumbbells on the market. That said, this is a premium product with a premium price point, and if you can afford them, you won’t regret the time you save between sets. Read our full NordicTrack iSelect Voice-Controlled Dumbbells Review here. If you’re not ready to spend a fortune upgrading your home gym, the Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells represent excellent value in the ever-saturated world of strength-training gear. Performance-wise, these dumbbells are very similar in feel and function to the more expensive BowFlex, NordicTrack, and Core Home Fitness brands. The mini-weight plates fit snugly together and don’t rattle around too much. The knurl is also top-notch; the contoured design lets you get a firm grip on everything before you pick it up. Not everyone needs a full 55 pounds of dumbbell for their home gym, and Flybird hits the mark with their 25-pound adjustable dumbbells. While you won’t get the same extras as more expensive competitors (ex, fitness apps, a dumbbell stand), you won’t be disappointed in these functional fitness tools. Read our full Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell review. If you’re lucky enough to find the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells in stock, be quick! These were the best adjustable dumbbells on our list until NordicTrack released their newest voice-controlled weights a few months back. If you’re not into Alexa, these best-in-class dumbbells are ready to help you take your weight-training to the next level. The dumbbells’ 15.8 x 9 x 8-inch footprint (when maxed out to full weight capacity) is somewhat bulkier than old-school steel dumbbells, but each one is fully adjustable between 5 and 52.5 pounds in 5-pound increments. Swapping out those mini-weight plates is as simple as twisting the knobs on either end of the dumbbell to the desired weight, and you’re good to go. The dumbbells’ rubber-and-steel grip feels substantially more ergonomic than comparably priced competitors, but they do get a little slippery if your hands are sweaty. The grip style isn’t really meant for two hands, but you can load weights on just one side of the dumbbell for skull-crushers and sumo squats. Just remember that these dumbbells are simply not designed for powerlifters, especially since dropping them on the floor is a big no-no. The compatible BowFlex SelectTech app includes dozens of dynamic exercises you can perform with your new dumbbells, along with six targeted workouts, a six-week weight-training program, and a digital journal. It’s a genuinely useful app, and you just can’t argue with the price — free. Read our full Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell review. The next evolution of muscle-building is surprisingly simple, and the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set is poised for popularity amongst those looking to expand their home gym setup, without the faff. The contoured, rubberized grip on the dumbbell handles are the best I’ve tested so far, and feel secure in the hand when exercising. The dumbbells’ 14.5 x 7.9 x 7.5-inch footprint (when maxed out to full weight capacity) is adjustable up to 50 pounds in 5-pound increments. Swapping out those weight plates is as simple as twisting the handle on either dumbbell to the desired weight. (This only works when the dumbbells are resting securely in their cradles; as a safety measure, the plates can’t be removed from the handle once you pick the dumbbells up.) Overall, the structural design is very similar to what BowFlex has to offer, and equally easy to use. Whereas the BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells have adjustment knobs on either end of each dumbbell, the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set gets the job done even quicker with their handle mechanism. Thanks to sleek ergonomics, intuitive adjustment mechanisms, and an uber-grippy knurl, you won’t be disappointed in this premium gym gear, especially if you spring for the additional stand. Read our full Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set review. Some of the best adjustable dumbbells we’ve reviewed lately cost upwards of $300, and one of the big draws for such premium brands has to do with how quickly you can adjust the weight plates — often in just a few seconds. Tepson is not only much cheaper than such competitors, but their unique dumbbell set doubles as one modest barbell with all the pieces connected. The design is far from perfect, but for anyone looking to start a home gym, it’s not a bad value overall. Reracking the weights is tedious, sure, but it’s not a deal-breaker at this price. These adjustable dumbbells aren’t exactly top-of-the-heap when it comes to build quality, but for the average gym-goer, there’s plenty to like about the Tepson Adjustable Dumbbells Barbell 2-in-1 with Connector. Read our full Tepson Adjustable Dumbbells Barbell 2-in-1 with Connector review.
How to choose the best adjustable dumbbells for you
When selecting the best adjustable dumbbells, you’ll want to consider several factors. The first is weight range. If you’re more of a hardcore body builder, you’ll want individual dumbbells to go up to 50 pounds at the least. For exercisers who want to do minimal resistance training, a maximum of 20 pounds should suffice. But you will want a good range, since that’s essentially the point of adjustable dumbbells. Then, consider how the adjustable dumbbells work — whether you prefer manually adding and removing plates, or if you want to use a simple dial system. Some sets are designed for easier adjustment, but may feel less secure and safe to you. Depending on those two factors, the price will vary. Heavier weights cost more and dial system dumbbells also tend to be more expensive. Other factors you may want to think about are storage (does it come with a rack or case?) and portability.
How we tested the best adjustable dumbbells?
In order to help you find the best adjustable dumbbells for your home workout needs we spent time lifting them! For each of the weights we did a number of home workouts, involving adjusting the weights multiple times to test how easy this was to do between reps.
What are the best exercises to do with dumbbells?
Dumbbells are a super-versatile item you can use for a number of different home workouts and strength-training sessions. Whether you’re a bodybuilder, a cross-fitter, or a runner, adding dumbbells to your training can really help elevate your training. Not sure what to do with your new weights? Here’s some of our suggestions:
The best arm workouts to do with dumbbells10 exercises that blast away belly fat 5 exercises you should stop doing now — and what to do instead
And check put how this $10 piece of gym equipment has revolutionized my home workouts.
title: “Best Adjustable Dumbbells For Weightlifting At Home” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-25” author: “Lowell Ross”
Not only do they give you access to the same weight as a dumbbell rack at the click (or twist) of a button, but they also save you money and space, which means you won’t have to find inventive ways to stash them in your home (yep, I’m still using one of mine as a doorstop). According to studies like this one published in Current Sports Medicine Reports (opens in new tab), weight training also packs several benefits — it can build muscle mass, improve bone density, boost metabolism and heart health, increase stamina and lower your risk of injury. Regardless of where you are in your fitness journey, the best adjustable dumbbells allow you to adjust your weights on the go. To help you find the best dumbbells for you, we’ve put some of the most popular pairs on the market to the test, looking for how easy they were to use and adjust, how bulky they were to store, and any extras that make them a great deal.
The best adjustable dumbbells to buy right now
Voice-controlled dumbbells sounds like something from a gym of the future, but thanks to NordicTrack, they’re here, and we really rate them. When plugged in and connected to Alexa, you can switch the weights of the dumbbells by saying things like, “Alexa, increase the weight by 10 pounds”, or “Alexa, set my dumbbells for deadlifts”. While it might seem gimmicky, during testing we found it extremely helpful, and it allowed us to actually rest between sets, rather than fiddling with weight plates. The weights come with a free 30-day iFit membership, which gives you access to live and on-demand classes to get you into the swing of things. Alternatively, you can use them for your own home workouts, and adjust them from five, to fifty pounds each at the click of a button (or command). Of course, like all good tech, it doesn’t come cheap, and these are some of the most expensive dumbbells on the market. That said, this is a premium product with a premium price point, and if you can afford them, you won’t regret the time you save between sets. Read our full NordicTrack iSelect Voice-Controlled Dumbbells Review here. If you’re not ready to spend a fortune upgrading your home gym, the Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells represent excellent value in the ever-saturated world of strength-training gear. Performance-wise, these dumbbells are very similar in feel and function to the more expensive BowFlex, NordicTrack, and Core Home Fitness brands. The mini-weight plates fit snugly together and don’t rattle around too much. The knurl is also top-notch; the contoured design lets you get a firm grip on everything before you pick it up. Not everyone needs a full 55 pounds of dumbbell for their home gym, and Flybird hits the mark with their 25-pound adjustable dumbbells. While you won’t get the same extras as more expensive competitors (ex, fitness apps, a dumbbell stand), you won’t be disappointed in these functional fitness tools. Read our full Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell review. If you’re lucky enough to find the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells in stock, be quick! These were the best adjustable dumbbells on our list until NordicTrack released their newest voice-controlled weights a few months back. If you’re not into Alexa, these best-in-class dumbbells are ready to help you take your weight-training to the next level. The dumbbells’ 15.8 x 9 x 8-inch footprint (when maxed out to full weight capacity) is somewhat bulkier than old-school steel dumbbells, but each one is fully adjustable between 5 and 52.5 pounds in 5-pound increments. Swapping out those mini-weight plates is as simple as twisting the knobs on either end of the dumbbell to the desired weight, and you’re good to go. The dumbbells’ rubber-and-steel grip feels substantially more ergonomic than comparably priced competitors, but they do get a little slippery if your hands are sweaty. The grip style isn’t really meant for two hands, but you can load weights on just one side of the dumbbell for skull-crushers and sumo squats. Just remember that these dumbbells are simply not designed for powerlifters, especially since dropping them on the floor is a big no-no. The compatible BowFlex SelectTech app includes dozens of dynamic exercises you can perform with your new dumbbells, along with six targeted workouts, a six-week weight-training program, and a digital journal. It’s a genuinely useful app, and you just can’t argue with the price — free. Read our full Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell review. The next evolution of muscle-building is surprisingly simple, and the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set is poised for popularity amongst those looking to expand their home gym setup, without the faff. The contoured, rubberized grip on the dumbbell handles are the best I’ve tested so far, and feel secure in the hand when exercising. The dumbbells’ 14.5 x 7.9 x 7.5-inch footprint (when maxed out to full weight capacity) is adjustable up to 50 pounds in 5-pound increments. Swapping out those weight plates is as simple as twisting the handle on either dumbbell to the desired weight. (This only works when the dumbbells are resting securely in their cradles; as a safety measure, the plates can’t be removed from the handle once you pick the dumbbells up.) Overall, the structural design is very similar to what BowFlex has to offer, and equally easy to use. Whereas the BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells have adjustment knobs on either end of each dumbbell, the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set gets the job done even quicker with their handle mechanism. Thanks to sleek ergonomics, intuitive adjustment mechanisms, and an uber-grippy knurl, you won’t be disappointed in this premium gym gear, especially if you spring for the additional stand. Read our full Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set review. Some of the best adjustable dumbbells we’ve reviewed lately cost upwards of $300, and one of the big draws for such premium brands has to do with how quickly you can adjust the weight plates — often in just a few seconds. Tepson is not only much cheaper than such competitors, but their unique dumbbell set doubles as one modest barbell with all the pieces connected. The design is far from perfect, but for anyone looking to start a home gym, it’s not a bad value overall. Reracking the weights is tedious, sure, but it’s not a deal-breaker at this price. These adjustable dumbbells aren’t exactly top-of-the-heap when it comes to build quality, but for the average gym-goer, there’s plenty to like about the Tepson Adjustable Dumbbells Barbell 2-in-1 with Connector. Read our full Tepson Adjustable Dumbbells Barbell 2-in-1 with Connector review.
How to choose the best adjustable dumbbells for you
When selecting the best adjustable dumbbells, you’ll want to consider several factors. The first is weight range. If you’re more of a hardcore body builder, you’ll want individual dumbbells to go up to 50 pounds at the least. For exercisers who want to do minimal resistance training, a maximum of 20 pounds should suffice. But you will want a good range, since that’s essentially the point of adjustable dumbbells. Then, consider how the adjustable dumbbells work — whether you prefer manually adding and removing plates, or if you want to use a simple dial system. Some sets are designed for easier adjustment, but may feel less secure and safe to you. Depending on those two factors, the price will vary. Heavier weights cost more and dial system dumbbells also tend to be more expensive. Other factors you may want to think about are storage (does it come with a rack or case?) and portability.
How we tested the best adjustable dumbbells?
In order to help you find the best adjustable dumbbells for your home workout needs we spent time lifting them! For each of the weights we did a number of home workouts, involving adjusting the weights multiple times to test how easy this was to do between reps.
What are the best exercises to do with dumbbells?
Dumbbells are a super-versatile item you can use for a number of different home workouts and strength-training sessions. Whether you’re a bodybuilder, a cross-fitter, or a runner, adding dumbbells to your training can really help elevate your training. Not sure what to do with your new weights? Here’s some of our suggestions:
The best arm workouts to do with dumbbells10 exercises that blast away belly fat 5 exercises you should stop doing now — and what to do instead
And check put how this $10 piece of gym equipment has revolutionized my home workouts.
