5 Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2024, Tested by Fitness Experts

5 Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2024, Tested by Fitness Experts

Read more: How Men’s Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

The great thing about the best adjustable dumbbells is that they require minimal space, shifting from light to heavy with a quick turn of a knob or tweak of a setting. Adjustable dumbbells offer a range of weights from one compact footprint, eliminating the need for multiple sets of weights and even minimizing the amount of other weight equipment you might need. They simplify things by tackling the two main common challenges posed by working out at home: Space and equipment. Think about it; just one set of the best adjustable dumbbells typically replaces around 15 standard dumbbells.

If you prefer working out at home (or do it out of necessity on days when you can’t make it to the gym), a pair of adjustable dumbbells is a solution that will allow you to be consistent with your training without leaving your abode. Check out our top 5 picks of the best adjustable dumbbells to shop in 2024 below.

What to Consider When Shopping for Adjustable Dumbbells

With all the options on the market, it’s hard to know how one pair of adjustable dumbbells differs from the next. This isn’t a cheap piece of equipment either, so consider these factors while you shop:

Weight Range

Look for a weight range that meets your fitness goals. Most adjustable dumbbells can be adjusted in 2.5-pound or 5-pound increments, so it’s important to consider a weight minimum and maximum that fits your needs.

Size and Shape

Adjustable dumbbells come in different shapes and sizes. Consider the size and shape of the dumbbells and make sure they feel comfortable in your hands. Basically, does the dumbbell feel “good” or natural to you? Again, this comes down to personal preference and might involve some trial and error.

Adjustment Mechanism

Some adjustable dumbbells have a dial or pin system that allows you to change the weight quickly and easily. Others may require more time and effort to adjust the weight. Consider which type of adjustment system works best for you. Dial systems tend to be the most user-friendly for beginners. More on this in the FAQs at the end of this story!

Weight Distribution

Some adjustable dumbbells don’t distribute the load only on the outside of the handle, changing how the dumbbell responds to certain movements (particularly accessory movements). A good rule of thumb is if you’re looking to perform heavier exercises (farmer’s carries, RDLs, rows) you can consider an adjustable dumbbell that doesn’t distribute its weight like a traditional dumbbell, such as the PowerBlock option featured below. If you’re planning to do more accessory movements (like biceps curls or skull crushers), opt for something more dumbbell-like, such as the SMRTFT or Living.Fit picks on this list.

Price

Price is important for just about every home gym builder. For many people, this might be the deciding factor. Because a single pair of adjustable dumbbells replace as many as 17 dumbbells, it’s important to put this investment in perspective. You want to opt for something that can grow with you in terms of durability and weight range, which the cheapest models often can’t.

Warranty

Warranties reflect a manufacturers confidence in their product. And with some of the best adjustable dumbbells priced north of $500, you want to be sure your investment is protected. So, it’s important to purchase from a manufacturer that offers a clear, comprehensive warranty. They vary widely across the industry, with the most budget-forward brands offering just 90 days on some parts, and others boasting generous 5-year warranties on everything. Again, the more you spend upfront, the better the warranty is likely to be. And, if there’s anything that isn’t clear to you about the stated warranty, be sure to ask. It’s your money, after all.

How We Selected the Best Adjustable Dumbbells

To find the best adjustable dumbbells, we tested more than 30 different adjustable dumbbells over the last four years, relying on in-house certified trainers including Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, and Fitness and Commerce Editor Talene Appleton, NASM. Samuel utilized the top performing adjustable dumbbells featured on this list in fitness programs with several of his advanced clients.

We enlisted the help of Maillard Howell of Dean CrossFit in Brooklyn, NY, to test and assess how well these dumbbells performed in the real world (read: a high-volume, high-traffic training facility). In addition, we sought insights from trainers from both our MH Advisory Board and our Strength in Diversity class of 2023 for further anecdotal and experiential perspectives on the top adjustable dumbbells.

Each dumbbell was rigorously tested in a variety of categories, including durability, weight distribution, and ability to shift between weights efficiently, as well as aesthetics. All dumbbells were tested with three types of exercises: Explosive exercises (like swings and cleans), multi-joint strength exercises (like bench presses and Romanian deadlifts), and accessory motions (like biceps curls and lateral raises). A minimum of 10 sets and 100 reps were performed at both comfortable and near-max weights for each motion. All dumbbells were also dropped from a basic bench to test baseline durability (no adjustable dumbbell should ever be dropped from shoulder height), and all dumbbells were monitored for signs of rust over a three-month period.

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Best Adjustable Dumbbells Overall

SMRTFT Nüobell 80lb Dumbbells

“The Nüobell is the best blend of reliability and authentic dumbbell feel I’ve used,” says Samuel, who has been using these for over three years. “The shape and design of these bells make them ideal for accessory motions, like skullcrushers and biceps curls, and they’re easy to hold for goblet squats too.” Aside from a few scratches, they’ve held up great to three years of heavy use.

With up to 80 pounds of weight per dumbbell and a feel that’s nearly indistinguishable from traditional ‘bells, users can utilize the same set of weights for a complete full-body workout. Users can quickly drop down to lower weights for exercises like bent-over flies, for example, or pile on the plates for more intense squats. “It features a ‘turn-and-click’ design rather than just a built-in selector,” notes Williams. Users simply turn the handle until they reach their desired weight.

During testing, Howell noted that the Nüobell arrived assembled and was easy to plug and play once unboxed. Of all the adjustable dumbbells he tried, these felt the most like actual dumbbells. “These feel like the next evolution of the traditional dumbbells we have become used to in gyms,” Howell said.

The major defining features include: metal plates and handles, top-tier construction that’s built to handle more volume than we can, the easy click-and-go weight adjustment ability, and the way the weight selected is displayed on the dumbbell itself.

However, Howell expressed some concerns about the rack it came with, feeling it might have been an afterthought. He questioned whether the tempered plastic rack would hold up to constant re-racking of the metal plates over time. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the actual dumbbells are well-crafted and feel solid as hell.

In Howell’s opinion, these dumbbells are best for someone who has invested in a home gym and is serious about fitness. They are tailored for the hardcore client who likely has a squat rack and barbell in their garage as well, but wants to add an elite set of adjustable dumbbells to their training arsenal.

If you’re building the mother of all home gyms and money is no object, this comprehensive premium set of dumbbells from SMRTFT might just be your best pick.

Read more: SMRTFT Nuobell Review

Best Value Adjustable Dumbbells

Living.Fit Adjustable Dumbbell

Now 50% Off

Credit: Living.Fit

Pros

• Compact and straightforward
• Under $300
• Storage base included

Cons

• A little noisy

The Living.Fit adjustable dumbbells are solid and well-made, and coming in at less than $3.00 per pound on sale, their value is hard to beat. Not only do they come at an entry level price point, but they’re also incredibly durable. Steel weight plates and a tough ABS plastic handle hold up well to wear and tear from regular use (think rust and scratches).

The plates can be adjusted in 10-pound increments, spanning from 15 to 55 pounds. Yes, this option features less adjustability than others on this list, but some people may actually prefer that. Unfortunately, Living.Fit doesn’t currently offer a heavier option, but we’re hoping that changes.

The adjustment process is straightforward and requires just one tweak per ‘bell. Select your desired weight by turning the handle into place and until you hit the weight you want to use.

These dumbbells arrive in two boxes and require no assembly upon arrival, which makes them an ultra-accessible choice for delivery and use at home.

One potential drawback of this set is that the individual plates can generate some noise during use. By no means is the noise level a dealbreaker, but it may pose a challenge in your space.

Read more: Best Home Gym Floor Mats

Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Beginners

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells

These Bowflex adjustable dumbbells have weights that adjust from 10 to 90 pounds in 5-pound increments, which replaces up to 17 pairs of dumbbells (that’s a lot of potential saved time and money). We love that the weight distribution is close to that of traditional dumbbells, and the weight range makes them one of the heavier options on this list.

The weight is adjusted through selection dials located on either side of each dumbbell. “The dial system is easy to use and has jammed only once in two years of using them at home weekly,” according to Fitness and Commerce Editor Talene Appleton, NASM. But keep in mind that changing the weight requires docking and adjusting both sides of each dumbbell–that’s four dial adjustments for each change in weight. This process takes a bit more time than, for example, the PowerBlocks, which require just one tweak to each dumbbell. “During workouts where transition times are particularly tight, this can be annoying, but it’s not a dealbreaker,” says Appleton.

Moving on to their construction, these dumbbells feature a plastic casing around the plates to protect them from damage and dampen noise during use. We find the plastic casing makes these feel quite bulky and slightly less premium compared to, let’s say, the NÜOBELL Classics. We find the design a bit wide and cumbersome for exercises like curls and even side-loaded squats and lunges. “In my experience, these work best for chest-supported rows and overhead presses,” says Samuel.

It’s worth mentioning that in over two years of consistent use, we haven’t encountered any durability issues with them. That said, it’s essential to handle them with care and consider your exercise preferences when incorporating them into your home gym setup. For example, is the plastic casing sturdy enough to support exercises like renegade rows? “I’m not sure I’d want to put the weights on the ground and my weight on top of them,” says Williams.

The plastic casing doesn’t make these the best choice for those who are prone to dropping weights during workouts, but all-in-all, we’ve found these extremely reliable for most movements.

Read more: Best Power Racks

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Most Reliable Adjustable Dumbbells

PowerBlocks Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells

PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells are an ultra-sturdy set designed for lasting performance, perfect for executing heavy-duty moves like dead stop rows, Romanian deadlifts, and heavy presses. With a length of just 12 inches (including a storage stand), these dumbbells offer decent compactness and versatility.

The Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells cover a weight range from 5 to 50 pounds per bell, with adjustments possible in increments of 2.5 pounds. This weight range suits beginners well, and more experienced lifters can expand the weight by opting for additional expansion kits. For those who find 50 pounds per dumbbell insufficient, PowerBlock offers heavier models such as the Elite USA (up to 90 pounds per dumbbell) or the Pro 100 EXP (up to 100 pounds per dumbbell). All models of adjustable dumbbells by the brand feature the same pin-and-lock adjustment mechanism, which is easy to use and avoids jamming issues found in some other systems.

In his testing, Howell pointed out the compact structure of the actual dumbbell, noting that the plate-like weights that are more like weighted frames than traditional circular structures. Howell found this design “genius”, as the square nature of the dumbbell makes it easy to lay down once done using it without it rolling away or requiring a rack to rest it in. He also appreciated that they arrived assembled and were fairly easy to unpack and begin using.

However, Howell expressed concerns about the durability of certain components, such as the handles and the “clip” that allows you to lock your chosen weight in, which are made of plastic. He believes these dumbbells might not be robust enough for consistent use, particularly for hardcore gym-goers.

Despite these concerns, Samuel praises their adjustability and durability, stating, “I’ve never encountered a more adjustable dumbbell. I love them for farmer’s walks, heavy DB lunges, and thrusters, and rely on them anytime I do a metcon-style workout at home.” He’s dropped these from three or four feet up after tough sets of presses, “and they hold up just fine.” (Although it’s not advisable to make a habit of dropping any adjustable dumbbells regularly.)

These dumbbells offer a comfortable grip and knurled handles that enhance grip during workouts. However, they do not provide the same weight distribution as traditional bells, as Samuel points out, “If you’re looking to use a set of adjustable movements for plenty of accessory movements, go with something more dumbbell-shaped.”

Read more: Best Percussion Massage Guns

Best Mid-Range Adjustable Dumbbells

NordicTrack 55 Lb. Select-A-Weight Dumbbells

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells are sturdy and easy to use, featuring metal plates and a robust plastic casing designed to withstand the occasional drop (though we don’t recommend it). With a weight range of 10 to 55 pounds per dumbbell, adjustable in 2.5-pound increments, they cater especially well to home workouts. However, they’re not our top pick for accessory movements because of the relatively broad plates.

This set arrived assembled and was ready to go once unboxed. “I appreciated that it came with a tray that gave it a home and an easy-to-store footprint,” noted Howell. “Making changes in weight by 2.5-pound increments was fairly easy, and they felt really sturdy and safe even as I adjusted it to the heavier loads—the knurled metal handle helped with this.”

What Howell didn’t love about these was that there was no way to confirm what weight you were using once the ‘bells were removed from the rack. Only the rack is labeled with weight numbers, not the actual dumbbell.

“I think this is an ideal product for someone who knows their way around a gym and is looking for a solid addition to their home to supplement,” says Howell. “They’re perfect for an intermediate client.”

In terms of sound, while “these are quieter than the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells, they make more noise than the PowerBlocks,” explains Samuel. Additionally, if you wish to incorporate barbell movements into your home workout routine, we’ve found that these dumbbells work seamlessly with the Hyperbell.

For those already invested in the NordicTrack suite of products and utilizing the iFit app in their home gym, these dumbbells offer continuity that makes sense. A tablet/smartphone holder at the back of the cradle facilitates seamless following of virtual workouts.