User Review
( votes)Adjustable dumbbells are a great addition to any home gym that lacks the space needed for a full dumbbell set. While not as sturdy as traditional single-weight options, these products allow users to quickly move between various weight requirements with ease, providing a nice experience for various exercises.
The best adjustable dumbbells come in various shapes and sizes which we’ve broken down so you can find just the right adjustable dumbbell for your own needs.
Table of Contents
In examining various adjustable dumbbells we decided to focus on several important aspects.
First, we wanted to see how quickly weights could be adjusted between lifts. We review many products while performing CrossFit and general interval training so speed is almost always an important part of our reviews.
Second, we examined the weight increments available, with our top three selections offering 2.5, 5, and 10-pound weight change options. With both men and women using the weight sets in our gym, the ability to change up weight increments is very important to us.
Next, we understand the importance of longevity so we looked up warranty information and checked out hundreds of user reviews to understand how well each set was holding up over time.
We also examined how bulky each unit is when lifting light and heavier weights. It was also important for us to understand the balance of each product when adjusting between 5 and 70 pounds (depending on the unit being tested). It was also important for us to understand if bulkier adjustable dumbells would affect our range of motion during certain movements.
Because we know price is important, we also assigned our winners based on the value they provide for the money. Given that a full 5 to 50-pound traditional dumbbell set can be purchased for anywhere between $500 to $800 on average, we were cognizant of the cost associated with our winning choices.
We also note in our final product selection that part of its appeal is the ability to add on to the unit at a later time.
Here are the best adjustable dumbbells of the year.
BowFlex SelectTech 552
BowFlex SelectTech 552
The BowFlex SelectTech 552 is the champion among the very best adjustable dumbbells on the market. With an incredibly simple-to-use locking and unlocking mechanism and a decent grip bar, there’s good reason so many lifters have turned to this product.
Bowflex is known for creating popular adjustable dumbbells and the Bowflex SelectTech 552 is our top pick from the company. It also happens to be the top pick among thousands of Amazon reviews.
Bowflex allows for adjustments that range from 5 to 52½ pounds and you can adjust between 2½-pound increments up to 25 pounds and then 5 pounds thereafter. If you prefer to step-up your workouts more slowly, this is a great option.
The dials on the Bowflex require two dials to be used, making adjustments slightly slower than some other adjustable dumbbells. With that being said, the extra step helps ensure an equal weight load.
One downside to these Bowflex adjustable dumbbells is the longer 15¾-inch bars that don’t adjust down as you unload weight. Smaller people have complained about the length issue on Amazon. Check out more about these weights and see over 10,000 mostly positive user ratings here.
If you want to hold your Bowflex SelectTech552 adjustable dumbbells in style, check out this high-end stand which features an area to hold your phone or tablet.
Bowflex offers a 5-year warranty which provides a little piece of mind given the cost for these units.
Pros
- Easy To Adjust.
- 2.5-pound weight adjustments are the best available.
- A grippy handle is excellent for intense workouts.
- An excellent 5-year warranty.
Cons
- Not the most durable option on our list.
SMRTFT Nüobell Adjustable Dumbbell
SMRTFT Nüobell
If you lift up to 80 pounds with your dumbbells you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option. The SMRTFT Nüobell are the best adjustable dumbbells for heavy weightlifting and they are among the best overall because of their quality build tha resonates all the way from their solid grippy handles to their quality metal plates.
NÜOBELL’s 80-Pound Classic Adjustable Dumbbells are the best overall pick for any gym enthusiast who lifts heavy. The weights can be adjusted in 5-pound increments and with just the twist of the dumbbell handle. While many of the best adjustable dumbbells max out at 50 to 75 pounds, The SMRTFT Nüobell reaches a maximum weight of 80 pounds making it our top best for best heavy adjustable dumbbells.
The weights come unassembled but only take a few minutes to put together. Don’t worry, it’s only a six-step setup process that is very simple to follow.
The minimum starting weight for this set is 6.4 pounds which means you’ll actually be slightly over each 5-pound increment.
On a very positive note, the dumbbells are shaped like traditional dumbbells, giving them a familiarity that we haven’t found in some of the other options on our list.
Changing weights with this set takes less than 10 seconds and the handlebars are very grippy, even during high-intensity workouts where our hands tend to lose some of their grip because of sweat.
While these stand out among the best adjustable dumbbells for heavy lifting, their included cradle also adds to the appeal.
While this adjustable dumbbell set is expensive, it’s well worth the cost.
Pros
- A maximum weight of 80 pounds is the best on our list.
- Changing weights is simple and very quick.
- The handles are very grippy with a nice knurl.
Cons
- The starting weight is 6.4 pounds.
- They are expensive.
PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells
The PowerBlock system of dumbbells offers a unique slider that provides for weight adjustments. A big advantage of this type of system is that the weights don’t start to slide out of place over time, an issue Bowflex and Merax users have both complained about.
The Powerblock Elite EXP adjustable dumbbells will cost you around $350 with free shipping. You can check current PowerBlock pricing here. What’s really cool about this set of adjustable dumbbells is that you can buy add-ons in the future, thus helping to extend the value of the product.
The weight increments for this particular unit include 2.5 (adder weight), 5, 7.5, 10,15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, and 50 pounds.
There are a few issues we need to address. First, at lower weights of 5 or 10 pounds, the weights don’t feel as well balanced as traditional dumbbells. The balance is also easy to recognize when using the fine adjustment weights which increase the dumbbells’ weight by 2.5 pounds. Because the frame of the system remains intact, it also feels oddly bulky when you’re working with a lighter weight.
Because the lower weights require a few more adjustments, it’s not as easy to adjust this unit for 2.5 and 5-pound increments, however, 10-pound increments are near instantaneous.
It’s also a bit strange to get you to place your hand inside of the weight to grab the center of the Powerblock. Thankfully it’s a feeling you’ll overcome pretty quickly. We use Sorinex Center Mass Bells in our gym and it sort of reminded us of those units.
Keep in mind, because your hands are basically surrounded by the Powerblock, ditching the weights is harder than traditional dumbbells, just something to keep in mind when lifting for maximum reps. There are almost 1,500 user reviews for you to check out here.
By the way, Powerblock dumbbells are made in the United States and provide a solid 10-year warranty. In terms of the options available for various use cases, these are the best adjustable dumbbells on the market for what they offer in terms of flexibility.
Pros
- Very durable product for intense workouts.
- They come fully assembled.
- There are a ton of weight options with the included 2.5-pound adder weight.
Cons
- They are not shaped like traditional dumbbells.
- The adjustment mechanism is awkward to use at first.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, Sold in Pairs, Stage 1, 5-50 lb. Dumbbells, Durable Steel… | $359.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Core Home Fitness: Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set
Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set
While many of the best adjustable dumbbells on our list come as a single piece of equipment, the Core Home Fitness adjustable dumbells come as a pair.
It takes about five minutes to set up this pair of adjustable dumbbells but only seconds to change between weight choices. The speed of changing weights is thanks to the company’s Twist Lock technology which allows you to change weight settings with one hand. Simply set the dumbbell in the included cradle, twist the handle and you’re ready to go with your new weight setting.
The Core Home Fitness adjustable dumbbell set adjusts in increments of five pounds which limits their user when compared to the BowFlex SelectTech 552 which can change weights at just 2.5 pounds per weight.
One of the best aspects of this product is the grippy handles that are perfect for sweaty hands during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and other high-intensity workouts.
With a total weight set of 100 pounds, the cost of owning this set is less than $4 per pound, a small price to pay for a product that takes up significantly less space in your home gym or garage gym space.
As an added bonus this adjustable dumbbell set comes with a two-year warranty.
Because of their ease of use and decent starting cost, these are among the best adjustable dumbbells for beginners.
Pros
- Excellent Price.
- Comes as a pair.
- Under $4 per pound of weight.
- A very quick twist and lock weigh selector.
- A nice grippy handle is perfect for intense workout sessions.
Cons
- They must be assembled upon arrival.
- The weight increments are a bit higher than others on our list in terms of available weights.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Core Fitness® Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set by Affordable Dumbbells – Space Saver – Dumbbells for… | $379.99 | Buy on Amazon |
FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
If you only need a single dumbbell or you’re looking for a product that offers a smaller weight profile, the Flybird might be the perfect option for your gym space. It’s fairly priced, is very easy to adjust, and it has a comfortable grip.
FLYBIRD’s offers an adjustable dumbbell for anyone who wants a lighter-weight profile with the same convenience of heavier weights on our list. The dumbbell moves between 5 and 25 pounds in 5-pound increments. Weight is adjusted with a simple turn of the handle which allows for quick changes as needed.
The dumbbell features a textured handle that is easy to grip with dry hands, although some users have complained that the metal knurling isn’t great during intense workouts if your hands become sweaty.
Of course, if you like the weight profile, you can always apply extra chalk or wear lifting gloves while using this product.
A base is included with this product which is a nice addition and the FLYBIRD adjustable dumbbell comes with a one-year, limited warranty.
Compare this adjustable dumbbell to the cost of buying five different dumbbells and it’s a no-brainer.
Pros
- It’s a very budget-friendly option.
- Super easy to adjust.
- Arrives already assembled.
Cons
- Only 5 weight choices.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | FLYBIRD Adjustable 25LB Single Dumbbell for Men and Women with Anti-Slip Metal Fast Adjust Weight by… | Buy on Amazon |
Merax Deluxe Adjustable Dumbbell
Merax Deluxe Adjustable Dumbbell
If you tend to jump up in weight at 10 pounds or more between lifts, and if you want a solid grip for your workout, along with an easy-to-change weight set, the Merax Deluxe adjustable dumbbell set might be perfect for your needs.
We don’t love that the Merax Deluxe adjustable dumbbells start at 15 pounds or that they can only be adjusted in 10-pound increments. However, they provide one of the best grip experiences among the dumbbells on our list.
Like many of the other options on our list, Merax makes it simple to change weight size with just the twist of a handle. While you may have to start at 15 pounds per weight, you can quickly increase to 25, 35, 45, and 55 pounds.
There’s also a safety locking mechanism that ensures the weight you choose stays in place for the duration of your workout.
This particular dumbbell comes fully assembled and arrives with its own base.
We recommend this option for anyone with grip strength issues or any person who wants to lift heavier during their workouts.
Pros
- The safety locking feature is a nice added layer of protection.
- The anti-slip grip is excellent.
Cons
- Starts at a heavier 15-pound weight.
- 10 pound increments.
No products found.
ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells
ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells
The ProForm adjustable dumbbells are a compact option that provides quick weight changes. The dumbbells also come with their own molded tray and a decent total weight of 50 pounds per dumbbell.
There’s a lot to like about the ProForm adjustable dumbbells but our favorite aspect is the compact size of the set. Because this adjustable dumbbell set only has five weight options, they are smaller than some of the other sets on our list.
The weight increments in this case include 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 pounds. That makes this set a great option for replacing five of the most popular dumbbell weights but not ideal for anyone looking for incremental changes to their lifting.
The ProForm adjustable dumbbells also include an easy-to-change weight setup and they come equipped with a dumbbell tray that is molded to hold each fully equipped weight. The tray is even marked with weight totals to make switching between each weight a very simple process.
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While we often prefer a rubber or urethane coating, the combination of steel and hardened plastic makes for a great combination in this particular case.
Pros
- A compact design for small spaces.
- A simple-to-use weight selector.
- Arrives fully assembled.
Cons
- The 10-pound increments and 10-pound starting weight aren’t ideal for all users.
No products found.
Looking for a premium dumbbell set? Check out our surprising Peloton weights review to see one of our top Urethane-based picks!
