The best adjustable dumbbells are a must-have for any home gym; they’re affordable, take up minimal space, and can be used for any type of strength training or HIIT workout.
For home workouts, it pays to opt for adjustable dumbbells instead of a regular set. You get the same basic functionality as traditional dumbbells without sacrificing valuable floor space. Instead, you can turn a dial or toggle a switch to change the weight resistance as needed.
The change in footprint alone is huge—a dumbbell rack can take up an entire wall or most of a room if the weights are spread out on the floor. Even a large set of adjustable dumbbells only takes up about 12×12 inches of space.
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Our pick for the best adjustable dumbbells overall is the tried-and-true Bowflex SelectTech 552 due to its attractive price and functionality for lifters of all levels.
Here are our favorite adjustable dumbbells for home gyms and what to consider before purchasing.
Best Overall Adjustable Dumbbells: Bowflex SelectTech 552
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Fitness giant Bowflex has been outfitting home gyms since 1986, and the SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are one of the company’s best-selling products. The weight ranges from 5 to 52.5 pounds, and you can make adjustments with two easy-to-use selection dials on each dumbbell. The first 25 pounds can be adjusted in 2.5-pound increments, giving beginners the ability to gradually increase their strength. The fixed-length bar is approximately 16 inches long, and the plates are spaced apart for even weight distribution. We also liked the molding around the metal plates, which makes for quieter workouts and prevents the plates from scratching your floor. Read our full Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells review .
Best Two-in-One Set: Kiss Gold Adjustable Dumbbell Set
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The Kiss Gold Adjustable Dumbbell Set offers maximum affordability and adjustability. Its unique two-in-one design means you also get an adjustable barbell (the dumbbells connect via a central connecting rod). This not only gives you more styling options for your home gym, but it also saves a ton of space. Each adjustable steel dumbbell holds up to 22 pounds, and the rubber handles provide plenty of grip. At less than $150, it’s one of the most affordable options you can get.
Best NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells: NordicTrack 55-Pound Select-a-Weight Pair of Dumbbells
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NordicTrack does a lot of things right with the Select-a-Weight Dumbbell Pair. For starters, the set offers maximum adjustability, including 15 different weight options, thanks to a simple two-step adjustment process. A sliding pull tab adjusts in 10-pound increments, while a separate dial lets you add an additional 2.5 or 5 pounds. The bar’s length automatically adjusts based on weight, and the rubber grip offers a comfortable, ergonomic feel. Plus, every purchase comes with a free 12-month subscription to the iFit app, which includes virtual training, video workouts, and more.
Best 50-Pound Set: PowerBlock EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
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With its square design and unique pin-locking system, the PowerBlock EXP Adjustable Dumbbells don’t look like your typical set. But there’s a lot to like about this interesting setup. It comes with a comfortable rubber grip and is easy to use once you get used to the pin-locking system. The EXP model ranges from 5 to 50 pounds in 5-pound increments, with the added weight allowing for 2.5-pound increments.
Best Grip: Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
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The Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set gets high marks for value and ease of use. It comes with a sturdy cradle for each dumbbell, weighs from 5 to 50 pounds (adjustable in five-pound increments), and you can change your resistance by simply turning the handles. For even more fine-tuned adjustability at a similar price, try the Bowflex SelectTech 552 above.
More Adjustable Dumbbells We Like
Best Cast Iron: Yes4All Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Set
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The Yes4All Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Set ranks very highly because it’s simple, sturdy, and effective, with over 13,000 satisfied Amazon shoppers giving it a perfect five-star rating. The weight plates (included with the set) fit snugly together and are secured with bendable collars. You also have a variety of size options, from 20 to 52.5 pounds. Be sure to pay attention to the weight you choose when purchasing; most are sold as pairs, while at least one is sold individually. But they’re reasonably priced, so the value is great either way.
Best Value: Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Set
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If you’re on a budget but still want to lift some weights at home, the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Set is for you. Each dumbbell can stack up to 19 pounds, and the set comes with several lightweight plates that can be attached and removed from the bar, all of which are secured with a threaded collar. It also includes a storage case. The combination of low weight and low price make this an ideal set for a beginner lifter.
Best for Heavy Lifting: PowerBlock USA Elite 90-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells
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PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells also appeal to advanced lifters with the USA Elite series. The PowerBlock USA Elite 90-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells offer up to 5 pounds of lighter weight while still holding up to an impressive 90 pounds per dumbbell. Use them for heavier bench and overhead presses, bent-over rows, and other big lifts. The square design means you can also set them on the floor and use them as push-up handles to reduce strain on your wrists, elbows, and shoulder joints.
Best Value: Lifepro Adjustable Dumbbell Set
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If you’re looking to start lifting weights at home but aren’t ready to make a big investment, the Lifepro Adjustable Dumbbell Set is worth a try. The set only ranges from 5 to 25 pounds (adjustable in 5-pound increments), but it’s a great starting point for beginners. Changing the weight is simple — just pull the tab and slide — and the knurled grip is sturdy and non-slip. Everything you need to get started on your home fitness journey.
Best for HIIT Workouts: Keppi Adjustable Dumbbell Set
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The Keppi Adjustable Dumbbell Set only goes up to 25 pounds per dumbbell, but sometimes that’s all you need—especially if you’re doing HIIT workouts or high-rep conditioning sets that require lighter weights. We love the lightning-fast adjustability of Keppi’s dial system and the contoured handles that provide a comfortable grip during tough workout sessions. The silicone steel plates are water-resistant and will last for years. Overall, this is a stylish and practical adjustable dumbbell set.
Best Premium Option: Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells
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From the non-slip rubber grips to the quick-adjust dial wheel and sleek weight plates, the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells have premium written all over them. Amazon shoppers have positive reviews, and as a testament to their feedback, the set recently won an industry design award. The set is available in pairs weighing 44 or 66 pounds and adjusts in 5-pound increments, so it’s suitable for lifters of all skill levels. Molded storage trays keep your home gym organized by keeping the weights organized, but Ativafit also offers a nice-looking stand to elevate the display.
Are Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
Despite their compact build, they provide the same training benefits as traditional dumbbells. Depending on the set, you can use adjustable dumbbells for heavy strength training with big movements like squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and bench presses. Alternatively, you can go light and do fast-paced HIIT workouts with them. If you’re looking to build muscle, adjustable dumbbells are also great for advanced strength training techniques like supersets and drop sets, where varying the weights helps you keep the intensity of the exercise high.
Conclusion: They're better. With adjustable dumbbells, you can get stronger, build lean muscle, and do high-level conditioning workouts at home in minimal space, all for a fraction of the cost of traditional dumbbells.
Related: The Best Gym Flooring Options to Build the Home Gym of Your Dreams
Features We Look For in Adjustable Dumbbells
To choose the right adjustable dumbbell set, first consider the weight range you need. Different models will offer different minimum and maximum weights, but the weight increments are mostly standard—most can be adjusted in 5-pound increments, although some heavier sets may only offer 10-pound increments, while others, like the Bowflex SelectTech 552, can be adjusted in multiple increments and can be as “micro” as 2.5 pounds per switch.
When shopping for adjustable dumbbells, you can generally expect to find them in one of three maximum weight sizes:
- Starting: about 25 pounds
- Mid-range: about 50 pounds
- Advanced: up to 80-100
As for minimum weights, most sets, even heavy sets, will fall into the 5 or 10-pound range. This means you should aim for a higher weight when purchasing an adjustable dumbbell set. If you’re new to lifting weights, we recommend starting with a lighter set.
You should also pay attention to storage space. While most sets are fairly compact, they vary in size a bit, and because they’re heavy, it’s best to store them on the floor somewhere close to where you’ll be working out. With a lightweight pair (25 pounds), you can easily store them in a closet when you’re not using them. But a heavier set will probably just sit in one place. Luckily, many sets come with a floor storage tray to help keep your home gym organized, but smart brands will sometimes make additional stands that are often very nice-looking to place your weights on as an alternative option.
Average Cost of Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells typically cost between $100 and $400, depending on features and weight ranges. If that sounds expensive, consider how much a full set of traditional dumbbells in 5-pound increments would cost at around a dollar per pound.
The bottom line is that they’re simply a better investment. Adjustable dumbbells are not only more budget-friendly and space-friendly than traditional dumbbells, but they also provide the same strength, conditioning, and muscle-building benefits.
Why You Should Trust Me
I have over 20 years of experience as a health and fitness journalist covering fitness trends, writing exercise articles, and getting hands-on experience with gym equipment for many of the biggest brands in print and digital publishing. Outside of my career, I’ve been a regular gym-goer for over 30 years, so I know what I like and don’t like when it comes to dumbbells and all other types of free weights. I’ve always gone to commercial gyms, but over the past few years—often due to being stuck at home with young kids, a busy work schedule, and/or gym closures during the pandemic—I’ve spent hundreds of hours working out at home.