Above all else, the weight spread is impressive, and should prove more than enough for even advanced lifters to perform a variety of exercises at home. The 18-piece set comes with two bars, four collars and a selection of smaller weight plates. We particularly liked the inclusion of 0.5kg plates (a unique feature for these ‘bells) as they allowed us to gradually increase the weight when progressing on lighter lifts like the lateral raise or rear delt fly. This Northdeer dumbbell is a little different to anything we’ve tried previously, as the central bar come with weights permanently attached. These weights have grooved holes; additional plates with built-in screws can be secured to the central bar by twisting them into place (similar to a nut and bolt). This innovative design is brilliantly compact and the flat base makes it easy to store. The shape took our expert a while to get used to – the handle is surrounded by the rectangular weight plates – but it felt reassuringly robust. There is also the option to buy and add extra weights, should you want to lift more than the maximum 22.5kg.

They feel good in-hand thanks to an ergonomic grip and knurled handles that help you keep a hold during your workout. But, as you may be able to tell by looking at them, they don’t offer the same weight distribution as a traditional bell. "If you’re looking to use a set of adjustable movements for plenty of accessory movements, go with something more dumbbell-shaped," Samuel explains.You'll find York Fitness's bombproof dumbbells in gyms up and down the country. They're made to last, ergonomic and are available – even now – in an enormous variety of different weights. So even if you can't get the exact range you want at the moment, you'll be able to fill in any gaps soon. This JAXJOX pair proved sturdy and secure, with none of the metallic clanging you’d expect from less robust free weights when pressing them overhead. They have 16 different weight options from 3.6kg to 22.7kg — great for isolation exercises — and the compact shape meant they never felt clunky or cumbersome. For beginners and folks looking to engage in moderate strength training at home, a set that maxes out at 50 pounds per dumbbell should suffice. They offer a range of weight that can be used for a wide range of exercises and is a great starting point. Beginners can work on everything from bicep curls to overhead presses to squats with these.

And now for something completely different. Initially, it’s easy to mistake this Northdeer offering for a fixed weight dumbbell, as it comes with 12.5kg already attached to the bar. However, these weights have grooved holes on either end that can be used to attach additional plates with screws built into them (much like a nut and bolt combo). 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 makes 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 heavy use.The appeal is in their simplicity and cheap price point. However, there is a reason they are cheap and here’s why: 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. Lifting and tech might seem like unlikely bedfellows, but it transpires a union of the two makes for a top set of dumbbells. Whether you’re looking to add some muscle or lose some fat, lifting weights is essential to maximise results. This kind of exercise is often referred to as resistance training.

Strengths: Changing the weight of these dumbbells couldn’t be less labour intensive. The digital weights we tested were also sturdy, compact and came as a pair, meaning we weren’t limited to unilateral (single-sided) movements.

Though the humble dumbbell is the ultimate home workout tool, adjustable incarnations offer more versatility, thanks to their wide variety of weight options. A lone adjustable weight will let you add progressively heavier loads to your squats, deadlifts, presses, rows and more, all of which (when paired with the right nutrition) build functional muscle. Price Feeling strong? This adjustable dumbbell from boxing brand Everlast taps out at 32.5kg, and offers 13 increments on the way up from 2.5kg. That makes it perfect for everything from high-rep moves like raises and flyes, to heavyweight leg exercises like deadlifts, snatches and front squats. That said, even light weights offer enough of a challenge to hit most of your fitness goals, if you think creatively. Varying the tempo of your workouts, selecting more mechanically challenging movements (like subbing goblet squats for Bulgarian split squats) or bundling different exercises into circuits and complexes, can make a pair of lightweight dumbbells feel very heavy indeed. This out-of-the-box design provided the sturdiest experience of any adjustable dumbbell we tried, making these great for functional movements like snatches and devil’s press (add these into a full-body workout at your peril). The removable rubber rings that fit around the attached plates are also a clever feature for protecting your floors. No, it's not a dumbbell. But it's so much more! Kettlebells offer an unbalanced weight, which means as well as your standard lifts, you can challenge your body in new ways with swings and catches. This Bowflex 'bell switches from 3.5kg to 18kg when you spin the dial at the top, offering six weight stops on the way, and when not in use it sits happily in the accompanying holder.

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. If you’re a seasoned lifter, chances are you like a challenge. These hefty adjustable dumbbells from MuscleSquad certainly offer that, maxing out at 40kg. Overall, they’re a really durable piece of equipment that we use weekly in our strength routines. "I've dropped these from three or four feet up after tough sets of presses, and they hold up just fine," Samuel recounts. (Although we don't recommend making a habit out of dropping any adjustable dumbbells on the regular.) Some retailers sell these as singles without making it obvious, so ensure you view a pair before buying.For 2023, using our unique scoring system, the MuscleSquad 5kg – 40kg takes the crown for the best adjustable dumbbells in the UK. We understand that building a dedicated fitness room in your home is probably a bridge too far (unless your house happens to have an empty wing). And, when you've already turned the spare room into a home office and the kids have to sleep somewhere (apparently), finding any spare workout space can be a mission. Well, with a premium dumbbell, you don't need a gym from MTV Cribs.