We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Your Home Gym
Pick up an adjustable dumbbell and start making gains, sans-gym
While fitness fads may come and go, few health innovations have stood the test of time as steadfastly as the humble dumbbell. With a strong claim to being the most versatile piece of gym kit around, variations of these free weights have been contributing to users’ bulging bis and bulky tris since Ancient Greek times.
So, it’s about time you added one to your home gym arsenal, don’t you think?
If only it were so simple. There are a huge variety of options on the market today, and the argument over which is the best dumbbell is still very much up for debate.
Adjustable dumbbells, spinlock sets, fixed free weights; finding the right one for you isn’t easy. Luckily, we’re here to help, having tested the best adjustable dumbbells and selected our favourite fixed pairs on the market to bring you our top recommendations.
Why buy a dumbbell?
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.
Unlike a barbell, dumbbells are infinitely flexible. You can hammer every muscle group, from legs to shoulders, and even give yourself a cardio workout by being smart with your sets and rests. They take up less space than a static bike, too, especially if you opt for adjustable dumbbells, which offer all the weight options you need but with the footprint of a wastepaper basket.
What's better, dumbbell sets or adjustable dumbbells?
This all depends on how much space you've got and how you train.
If your goal is to get swole at home with some dedicated bodybuilding sessions, adjustable dumbbells are hard to beat. They provide up to 24 different weights in one space-savvy package, meaning you can progressively overload your muscles by adding weight to your lifts as you improve.
You can also change the weight in no time with the twist of a dial or (in some high-tech cases) the touch of a button — ideal if you’re switching between exercises quickly during a superset-heavy workout.
On the other hand, if functional training is more your bag, fixed weight dumbbells will be the one for you.
"I would recommend opting for hex style rubber dumbbells for durability and safety," says Zack George, Crossfit athlete and UK's fittest man 2020 (so, y'know, listen up), who swears by Wolverson Fitness's dumbbells. These hexagonal-shaped dumbbells won't roll around, so they're good for things like renegade rows.
"I’d choose the rubber ended versions because they’re really durable and also help to protect the floor against any damage and reduce noise." Those with sensitive neighbours, take note.
How much weight do I need for home dumbbells?
How strong is a piece of string? "This is highly dependent on what your current fitness levels, your goals and what kind of exercise you’re doing," says George. "For example, are you looking to do a CrossFit WOD, or a bodybuilding session? Have you been strength training for years, or are you a novice?" If you're only ever going to be training at home, then err on the heavy side: you want your bench press PB to be defined by how much weight you can lift, not how much weight is available to lift.
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.
After you’ve made your mind up — adjustable dumbbell or fixed pair — all that’s left to do is to find a decent set. This is where we come in. We've done the legwork to dig up the best dumbbell sets (for those of you with a bit of space) and adjustable dumbbells (for those looking for flexibility) at a range of different weights and price points. Whatever your training needs, you're sure to find the best dumbbells for you.
Esquire Approves
You might notice that some of the adjustable dumbbells below have an Esquire Approves logo emblazoned upon them. That’s because each of these products has been put through the wringer by our dedicated fitness testing team. So, when we say Esquire Approves, we really do.
Our health experts put each one through an 11-move bodybuilding workout, working all major muscle groups using a combination of unilateral and bilateral movements, to see which ‘bells felt as sturdy and secure as a fixed weight dumbbell. They also tested how smoothly they could switch weights, before settling on their seven favourites.
All other products have been trialled (and deemed pump-worthy) by the Esquire editors, having helped them tighten their t-shirt sleeves sans-gym.
Best adjustable dumbbells
JAXJOX DumbbellConnect Adjustable Dumbbells
Lifting and tech might seem like unlikely bedfellows, but it transpires a union of the two makes for a top set of dumbbells.
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.
But it was when changing the weight that these unique digital dumbbells really came into their own. You only have to load them into their holding dock, use buttons on the dock to select which weight you want to use, then let them take care of the rest digitally.
All necessary weight plates will automatically attach to the bar, while any that are excess to requirements will be left in the dock — ideal for conserving your energy in between draining sets.
Key specifications
Type: Digital
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight: 22.7kg
Minimum weight: 3.6kg
Bowflex SelectTech 552i Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552i Adjustable Dumbbells
Forcing your neighbour to endure the metallic clang of a dumbbell in the early hours is going to do little for your relationship. With that, let us introduce the Bowflex SelectTech 552i — the silent assassin of the adjustable dumbbell world.
The plastic casing around the weight plates meant they made next to no noise during our workout, and the grooved rubber grip was easy to hold on to when things got heated. The dials on either end of the dumbbell moved smoothly, making changing the weight a painless endeavour, and we were big fans of the rounded shape as it allowed us to perform all exercises without ever feeling unwieldy.
Key specifications
Type: Dial
Sold as a pair?: No
Maximum weight: 24kg
Minimum weight: 2kg
MuscleSquad 40kg Adjustable Dumbbell
MuscleSquad 40kg Adjustable Dumbbell
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.
We found loading the weights into the holding dock could be a bit clunky but, once there, the dial worked a treat when changing the load. There is also a security lock to press once your selected weights are in place, which we definitely appreciated when holding 30kgs overhead.
Key specifications
Type: Dial
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight: 40kg
Minimum weight: 5kg
Northdeer Steel Dumbbell Adjustable 25kg Single )
Northdeer Steel Dumbbell Adjustable 25kg Single )
The standard, bulky adjustable dumbbell design definitely wasn’t inspired by Bond’s DB5. However, when it comes to style, these sleek free weights are the pick of the bunch.
These Northdeer Dumbbells have a unique no nut (stop sniggering at the back) design. This means the weight plates have screws and screw holes built into them, so they can be attached without the need for a spinlock collar. The result? A secure and compact weight suitable for dynamic functional training movements like devil’s press (give a set of 12 a go, that name is well-deserved).
Key specifications
Type: N/A
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight: 25kg
Minimum weight: 12kg
PowerBlock Sport 50 Adjustable Dumbbells Set
PowerBlock Sport 50 Adjustable Dumbbells Set
These adjustable dumbbells have been around the (Power) block a few times since the company was founded in 1993, with the brand working to improve their design over the last three decades.
The weights stack on top of one another and, similar to a resistance machine at the gym, you use a moveable pin to choose how much weight you want to attach to the central base. We found this close-packed design makes these dumbbells easy to store, and the flat base meant they can double up as stands for bodyweight exercises like push-ups. The shape — with the handle encased within the weights — takes a little getting used to, but that was our only note.
Key specifications
Type: N/A
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight: 22.5kg
Minimum weight: 4.5kg
York 20kg Cast Iron Dumbbell Spinlock Set
York 20kg Cast Iron Dumbbell Spinlock Set
Ah, the spinlock dumbbell. Whether it’s a serendipitous introduction to bodybuilding in your teenage bedroom or benching a battered set at your school gym, these will bring back happy memories for many. And, despite the relentless passage of time, these remain one of the most durable and versatile bits of fitness kit around.
This York set has everything you need to get started with some sans-gym lifting — namely, two bars, four collars and 12 different-sized pairs of plates that can be combined to achieve different weights. Though it will inevitably take a little longer to change the load of a spinlock set, compared to the efficiency of pricier dial and digital options, these dumbbells are speedier than most thanks to their smooth-moving collars. Their maximum weight is on the lower side too, but you can still load up 20kg to one of the bars from some unilateral lifting.
Key specifications
Type: Spinlock
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight: 20kg
Minimum weight: 1.3kg
Strongology Adjustable Smart Dumbbells 5kg to 25 kg – Pair
Strongology Adjustable Smart Dumbbells 5kg to 25 kg – Pair
Strongology's (extremely) smart adjustable dumbbells go from 5kg up to 25kg with a spin of the handle, which makes them perfect for total-body home workouts. You won't be setting a new bench PB, but that's more than heavy enough for most supplemental work and you can work every muscle to failure with pyramid sets (once you hit failure at one weight, step down a couple of kilos and go to failure again; repeat until you run out of weight) or by increasing reps.
Key specifications
Type: Dial
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight: 25kg
Minimum weight: 5kg
Strongology Adjustable Smart Dumbbell 2kg to 11kg
Strongology Adjustable Smart Dumbbell 2kg to 11kg
Lightweight, but also light on your pocket, Strongology's entry-level adjustable dumbbells max out at 11kg, so aren't an all-in-one gym replacer, but they're ideal if you want something to tide you over between sessions.
Key specifications
Type: Dial
Sold as a pair?: No
Maximum weight: 11kg
Minimum weight: 2kg
PowerBlock Pro 32 Adjustable Dumbbells
PowerBlock Pro 32 Adjustable Dumbbells
We're big fans of PowerBlock's square (and compact) adjustable dumbbells. The shape means they're as secure for floor work as hex dumbbells, and they also feel a bit space-age. They're a doddle to use too, even when your hands are slippery with sweat – just stick them in the cradle and slide the selector pin to pick your weight. Then get back to work.
Key specifications
Type: N/A
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight: 14.5kg
Minimum weight: 1.8kg
Everlast Adjustable Dumbbell – 32.5kg
Everlast Adjustable Dumbbell – 32.5kg
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.
Key specifications
Type: Dial
Sold as a pair?: No
Maximum weight: 32.5kg
Minimum weight: 2.5kg
Novumtechs Dumbbell Set 40Kg
Novumtechs Dumbbell Set 40Kg
A pocket-friendly dumbbell-cum-barbell set, these vinyl weights offer workouts at up to 20kg in dumbbell form, or 40kg when you attach them together.
Key specifications
Type: Spinlock
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight: 40kg (as a barbell)
Minimum weight: 2.5kg
TnP Distribution 40KG Adjustable Dumbbells
TnP Distribution 40KG Adjustable Dumbbells
Old-school tech that gets old-school results. Yes, you have to spin the lock off and add plates each time you want to change weight. Yes, they leave a little to be desired in the looks department. But spinlock sets are still the simplest, most cost-effective way to build muscle at home — as they have been for some time.
Key specifications
Type: Spinlock
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight: 20kg (per dumbbell)
Minimum weight: 3kg
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell
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.
Key specifications
Type: Dial (kettlebell)
Sold as a pair?: No
Maximum weight: 18kg
Minimum weight: 3kg
Best fixed dumbbell sets
Technogym Bench
Home gyms don't generally play nice with your interior decor, but trust an Italian brand to solve that problem. Technogym's wheeled workout bench doubles up as a store for the supplied dumbbells, weighted knuckles and resistance bands, which keeps everything neat and out of the way when you're not using it, but offers a wealth of training options when you are.
Key specifications
Type: Fixed
Sold as a pair?: Full rack
Maximum weight available: 10kg
Minimum weight available: 2.5kg
Eleiko Evo Dumbbells — Rotating
For 60 years, Swedish weightlifting expert Eleiko has made the world's best barbells (you'll have spotted them at the 2012 London Olympics). The Evo dumbbell takes everything that makes the brand's barbells great and condenses it into a one-handed package, with heavy-duty build quality (the weights can withstand being dropped from five metres at least 500 times) and an innovative rotating handle that makes Olympic lifts easier on your wrists. Handily, they're also still available in sets and individual weights.
Key specifications
Type: Fixed
Sold as a pair?: No
Maximum weight available: 60kg
Minimum weight available: 5kg
York Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbell
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.
Key specifications
Type: Fixed
Sold as a pair?: No
Maximum weight available: 22.5kg
Minimum weight available: 22.5kg
Bison PU Dumbbells
Bison PU Dumbbells
Buy these heavy-duty hex dumbbells either individually, or invest in the whole 13-pair set, which will take you from 2kg up to 30kg and satisfy every training need.
Key specifications
Type: Fixed
Sold as a pair?: Yes
Maximum weight available: 30kg
Minimum weight available: 2kg
HOCK Design LOFT Dumbbell Set Walnut
HOCK Design LOFT Dumbbell Set Walnut
Or, it turns out, a German brand. Engineered from walnut and non-reactive steel, this dumbbell set might not offer the most challenging workout – it maxes out at 6kg – but it is the only piece of fitness gear that you could plonk in your living room and pass off as a piece of art.
Key specifications
Type: Fixed
Sold as a pair?: Yes (rack of five pairs)
Maximum weight available: 6kg
Minimum weight available: 2kg
Watch Next
Sebastian Stan's Winter Soldier Workout
The Resistance Band Exercises that Build Muscle
10 Best Exercise Bikes
How to (Actually) Get a Six-Pack
