To curate a list of the best adjustable dumbbells, members of the Verywell Fit editorial team tested 30 adjustable dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Labto see how they performed in key areas. We rated each set on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for ease of setup, adjustability, ease of use, grip, durability, storage, and overall value.

Perfect for intermediate-to-advanced weightlifters, these dumbbells adjust from 15 to 55 pounds in 10-pound increments, making a single dumbbell the equivalent of five sets of weights. This weight range may not be the best for beginners, as starting off with 15-pound weights and progressing the load at a pace of 10 pounds can be difficult for those just starting out. In addition to reviewing gym equipment, I also own a couple other businesses, have three kids, a wife, and many other responsibilities. Training is a supplement to everything else in my life and therefore forces me to value each second I spend in the gym. Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbell could be better for beginners who want something simple to work with as well as lifters who really want to use the weights in all the ways you would a fixed dumbbell. The lifter who makes time a priority may also be pleased with the Bowflex adjustable dumbbell because turning the dials is faster than removing and adding a pin. Benefits of Adjustable DumbbellsDuring testing, we appreciated how grippy the dumbbells felt in our dry hands. But after the sweat test, we did notice some slipping and sliding, which made for an insecure grip during many overhead exercises. Overall, this durable pair is great for intermediate users looking for a space-saving set of high-quality adjustable dumbbells. and below: We don't recommend dumbbells with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Tested the Adjustable Dumbbells Requiring zero assembly, ProForm's Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells arrived setup and ready to use. They offer a compact footprint compared to other options on our list, making them great for smaller living spaces. We love this pair for space-saving strength training, but if you're looking for a super versatile set, this isn't the one for you.

If you're looking for portable weights for travel, the Deiris Travel Weights are hollow and can be filled with water to adjust the weight. The extender options are absolutely worth it for those who lift heavier and need more weight; the non-expandable options are a great value for people who don’t need lots of weight. You can adjust each dumbbell from 10 to 50 pounds, in 10-pound increments, which is great if you're only looking to replace five sets of weights. But if you're a beginner who wants to progress at a slower pace, we recommend FitRx's Adjustable Dumbbells that adjust in 2.5-pound increments from 5 to 52.5 pounds. With that being said, we did find this ProForm pair to be super simple to adjust with just the turn of a handle. Some of the weights in one of the dumbells are slightly bowed which makes it hard to pull out sometimes and you have to have a little force pushing them in which has caused unnecessary damage with scraping. One of the insertable 2.5 weight is also flaking whatever coating it has.

The pin has magnets on the inside to hold it securely against the weights. Although I’ve had mine fall out during dumbbell snatches one time, it was only because I didn’t place it all the way in. Otherwise, this method for holding the weights hasn’t caused me any issues. In that tiny amount of space, you get (again, depending on the model), between 5 and 90 pounds in 5-pound increments, replacing anywhere between eight and 28 pairs of dumbbells. The Commercial Pro Series can go all the way to 175 pounds (though, I won’t lie, they do start feeling pretty clunky at that point). Isabella Broggini is the Commerce Editor for Verywell Fit and a certified personal trainer who has trained clients at Equinox. Isabella strength-trains using dumbbells several times a week. While testing adjustable dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab, Isabella focused her attention on the time it took to adjust each dumbbell throughout the workout circuit as well as how long it took her to set up and unbox each dumbbell. She performed side-by-side comparisons of products and collected first-hand data.

One thing that trips up many people about the handles is that they are caged in, which isn’t the most ergonomic thing in the world. On some movements, the bars hit your wrists. This isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it’s worth noting. Durability Don’t expect these to feel like traditional fixed dumbbells; their shape is boxy and the handle is caged. Although these adjustable dumbbells are shaped quite unconventionally, they're very storable given their square shape, which we think makes them worth it for those with smaller spaces. We loved how grippy the pair was with dry hands, but did notice some slipping when performing exercises with wet hands. When dropped on gym flooring, the dumbbells remained completely intact with no scratches. And dropping them on concrete resulted in only minor scratches with no broken or chipped parts. We think that this pair offers reliable durability, making them well worth the investment.The 5 to 50-pound weight options make this a great choice for most levels, but advanced weightlifters may want to opt for a heavier set, like NÜOBELL's 80LB Classic Adjustable Dumbbells. And beginners should note that the 5-pound increments offer less accessibility to a lower weight.