If you’re getting dumbbells and need something lower-cost and space-efficient, adjustable dumbbells are what you need.
If you’re building a home gym and don’t have a ton of space for multiple fixed dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells are an excellent choice.
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Instead of buying each weight separately, adjustable dumbbells offer a range of weights. Each one varies, as it has a maximum and minimum weight, along with different increments.
When you’re doing different exercises or as you get stronger, you’ll use different weights.
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An adjustable dumbbell ensures that you’re able to have an effective workout without getting multiple fixed dumbbells.
The following are the best adjustable dumbbells.
1. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros:
- Wide range of 5 to 52.5 pounds with 2.5-pound increments.
- Easy to adjust.
- Best value for the price.
Cons:
- Not meant for dropping.
- Bulky, even at lighter weights.
- A lot of plastic.
Dimensions: Each dumbbell measures 15.75″ L x 8″ W x 9″ H.
Warranty: 2 years.
Buy SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells from Bowflex for $399.
Talk to anyone about adjustable dumbbells, and they’ve most likely heard of or would recommend the Bowflex SelectTech 552. It’s one of the most popular and valuable options.
For the price, it’s hard to beat the pair. You get 15 weight options that range from 5 to 52.5 pounds. Plus, you can quickly change the weight selection.
While it’s an overall excellent pick, it does have drawbacks. Regardless of the weight you use, it feels bulky. It’s relatively wide, which can make the learning curve steep.
Another drawback is that the weight connectors are plastic, which can crack if you drop it. For the price, it makes sense, but you can save up a bit more and get something more durable.
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2. PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells
Pros:
- Choose between 2.5 and 50 pounds with most increments being 2.5 pounds.
- Ability to get extensions up to 90 pounds per hand.
- Top-notch durability and quality.
Cons:
- Shape is awkward at first.
- Not the cheapest.
- Polypropylene plastic selector pin.
Dimensions: Each dumbbell measures 12″ L x 6″ W x 6″ H.
Warranty: 10-year warranty.
Buy PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells from Amazon for $606.83.
PowerBlock’s Elite Dumbbells are innovative and come as a pair. The rectangular shape is uncomfortable at first because it’s different. However, it’s worth getting used to.
The weights are steel with powder-coated paint. With the magnetic plastic selector pin, you can quickly change the weight in 10-pound increments. For 2.5-pound increments, you’ll use the dial.
While the maximum weight is 50 pounds, you can get accessories to expand the maximum weight to 70 or 90 pounds.
Being just over $600 for a pair, you’re getting adjustable dumbbells that’ll last a decade. If it doesn’t last, you’re backed by a 10-year warranty.
3. NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 Lb. Dumbbell Set
Pros:
- 10 to 55 pounds with mostly 2.5-pound increments.
- Easy to maintain and change weights.
- Free iFit membership for a year.
Cons:
- Pricey.
- iFit membership ends after a year.
- 90 day warranty is much shorter than others.
Dimensions: Each dumbbell measures 26.59″ L x 21.25″ W x 10.53″ H.
Warranty: 90 days.
Buy the Select-A-Weight 55 Lb. Dumbbell Set from NordicTrack for $599.
Imagine a slimmer version of the Bowflex adjustable dumbbell with fewer weight options. That’s pretty much what the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 Lb. Dumbbell Set is.
If you have the budget to spend more than $500 on an adjustable dumbbell and don’t like the rectangular-shaped one from PowerBlock, the NordicTrack set is an excellent choice.
The weight starts at 10 pounds and goes up to 55 pounds. To change the weight, you need to place the dumbbells on the storage trays and use the blue pin to select a weight.
It takes up minimal space, is easy to clean, and you get a free year-long iFIT membership.
4. NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Pros:
- 5 to 50 pounds.
- Feels like a fixed dumbbell.
- 80-pound option, as well.
- Easy to change the weight.
Cons:
- 5 pound increments instead of 2.5 pounds.
- Plastic pieces may crack if dropped.
- Handles will hurt after a while if you don’t wear gloves or have callouses.
Dimensions: Each dumbbell measures 15.75″ L x 7.68″ W x 7.28″ H.
Warranty: 2 years.
Buy the NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set from Finer Form for $595.
The NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set is a well-designed option that changes weights faster than the others. You can get the one that goes up to 50 pounds or 80 pounds.
Regardless of the weight, it’s a sturdy dumbbell. As your lifting it, you won’t feel the weights shift.
A few drawbacks include the handle and the plastic that connects the plates. The plastic can break if you drop the dumbbell, which means you’ll have to be more careful with it.
If you have callouses or gloves, the handles won’t bother you. If you’re not used to it, the handles will hurt after a while.
5. Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros:
- Wide variety of options. Choose between 40, 50, 52.5, 60, 105 or 200-pound limit.
- Classic cast-iron look and feel.
- It costs less for more weight than competitors.
Cons:
- May chip if dropped.
- Not easy to adjust the weight.
Dimensions: The handle is 16 inches long with a 5-inch long grip. The weights range from 4 to 6 inches wide.
Warranty: 30-day for satisfaction and 1-year for workmanship.
Buy Yes4All 105-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells from Amazon for $155.89.
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, the Yes4All adjustable dumbbells are the one. They also offer a classic cast-iron look and feel.
You can choose between a maximum weight of 40, 50, 52.5, 60, 105, or 200 pounds. Yes4All offers the most choices at a fraction of the price that others are charging.
However, other modern adjustable dumbbells offer convenience and efficiency.
With the Yes4All dumbbells, you need to unscrew the collars at the end of each bar to add or remove weights. It’s tedious and time-consuming.
6. Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell
Pros:
- 4.4 to 44 pounds.
- Relatively slim.
- Easy to adjust.
- Comfortable rubber handle.
Cons:
- Sold as a single.
- Plates aren’t as tight and strong.
- 6.6-pound increments.
- Easy to chip or crack.
Dimensions: The dumbbell measures 16.9 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 6.7 inches tall.
Warranty: 1 year.
Buy the Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell from Amazon for $149.99.
Many adjustable dumbbells are chunky, but Ativafit offers a slim 44-pound one. It uses a pull-up and slide adjuster, which makes changing the weight easy.
Another excellent feature is the soft and cushioned handle. It’s comfortable and won’t hurt your hands. Overall, it’s a good adjustable dumbbell.
The main drawback is that the weights aren’t as tight and firm, meaning there’ll be a bit of shifting and noise. It’ll still work well, though.
It’s also important to note that it’s a single dumbbell and not a set.
7. Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System 75 lb Set
Pros:
- 5 to 75 pounds in 2.5 increments.
- Solid steel and iron construction.
- Comes with a sturdy stand.
Cons:
- Not as fast to adjust as advertised.
- Unsteady at heavier weights due to the longer handle.
Dimensions: Each dumbbell is 14.5 inches long and 6.7 inches wide and tall.
Warranty: Lifetime.
Buy the Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System 75 lb Set from Ironmaster for $749.
For an almost invincible set of adjustable dumbbells, the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System is the top pick.
It’s constructed with steel and iron. So, you don’t have to worry about any plastic or fragile pieces. You can drop it without damaging it.
Aside from being sturdy and durable, the Ironmaster dumbbell also feels like a traditional fixed one.
You can also adjust it up to 75 pounds. However, the longer-than-normal handle makes it feel a bit unsteady.
The plates are also time-consuming and a hassle to put on and take off despite Ironmaster’s Quick-Lock technology.
8. MX Select MX55 Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros:
- Choose between 10 to 55 pounds.
- Knurled handle feels natural.
- Easy to change the weights.
- Relatively slim and compact.
Cons:
- Not strong enough to be dropped.
- Expensive.
- 5-pound increments.
Dimensions: Together, the dumbbells measure 16.02” L x 16.29” W x 8.14” H.
Warranty: 2 years.
Buy MX Select MX55 Adjustable Dumbbells from Amazon for $689.
If you don’t plan to lift more than 55 pounds and aren’t dropping the dumbbells, the MX55 Adjustable Dumbbells are ideal.
The dumbbells are steel and have knurled handles, which offer a natural and comfortable feel. Overall, the dumbbells are compact and have a small footprint, making them excellent for small spaces.
The main drawback is that it’s more expensive than other options, especially those that offer heavier weights. However, it’s a durable adjustable dumbbell. With care, it’ll last years.
9. Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set – 5-50 lbs.
Pros:
- Changing the weight is quick and easy.
- Weight options between 5 and 50 pounds.
Cons:
- 5-pound increments instead of 2.5 pounds.
- Dropping can result in permanent damage.
- Mediocre customer service.
Dimensions: Each dumbbell measures 14.5″ L x 7.9″ W x 7.5″ H. The measurements for the stand with the dumbbells are 22″ L x 33.5″ W x 31.9″ H.
Warranty: 2 years.
Buy the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set – 5-50 lbs. from Amazon for $395.99.
Core Home Fitness offers a good pair of adjustable dumbbells. The weights are steel with a urethane coating.
Changing the weight selection is straightforward, as you only need to twist your wrist. The simplicity of changing weights is what makes the Core Home Fitness set worth considering.
If you can use it without dropping it, the set will likely last you a few years. Otherwise, look into more durable options, such as a Powerblock.
Conclusion
Adjustable dumbbells are a must-have for your home gym because they’re versatile. The one you choose depends on how much weight you need for a good workout and your budget.
The best overall option is the PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells. If you have a tighter budget, get the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells or Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells.
Featured image courtesy of Bowflex and Amazon.