The Best Adjustable Dumbbells to Get a Great Workout In at Home

Gym memberships can get expensive, but so can buying equipment to create your own home gym. And when it comes to working out at home, it's often difficult to determine what gear you *actually* need for your fitness routine versus what can be left in the purgatory of 'save for later.' But whether you're new to at-home workouts or a seasoned veteran, there is one versatile piece of equipment that'll benefit every kind of athlete: a set of adjustable dumbbells.

Adjustable dumbbells are the convenient, space-saving alternative to the typical single-weight dumbbells you'd see in the gym. These multi-weight sets have also gone through significant improvements since they first became available and are better than the bulky weights of the past. Instead of precious space being taken up by five pairs of dumbbells in multiple weights (some of which you may rarely use), adjustable dumbbells provide anywhere from five to 50 pounds on a single dumbbell and can reach up to 100 pounds. This allows you to toggle between weights — which you'll likely want to do for different movements or as your fitness level increases — by using just one set. They're also compact and easy to store, making them ideal for at-home exercise when you don't have a ton of space. (

Dumbbells will enhance the intensity of your workout on pretty much any part of the body, from arms and shoulders to legs and core — think weighted squats, lunges, and Russian twists. And weighted exercises like these are not just for those trying to "bulk up." In fact, it's been proven that strength training has a slew of benefits, like burning fat to speed up weight loss, increasing bone density, and, of course, building muscle.

While some adjustable dumbbell sets are pricey, they're definitely a better value than the gym membership you keep 'forgetting' to use (or the price you'd pay to buy separate pairs of dumbbells). Aside from the convenience factor, the best part is that they basically bring the gym to you—so you can get in a great workout without leaving the comfort of your home. (

These are the best adjustable dumbbells you can buy on Amazon, according to thousands of customer reviews.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Beginners

Without any fancy bells and whistles, this adjustable dumbbell is ideal for those new to pumping iron. The dumbbell's weight setting can be quickly changed from 5 to 25 pounds with just a push and slide of the knob, so you won't waste your precious workout time by painstakingly removing and adding the plates. Whether you're curling or pressing, the weight's design ensures the plates do move or fall off, which is ideal — and necessary — for overhead exercises. (

One reviewer wrote: "[These] dumbbells work great. They are so easy to change the weights. You can do one [set] at one weight and quickly change to another weight for your next. They take up very little space and are super simple to use. I use this for chest and shoulder presses and flies, bicep curls, skull crushers, triceps kickbacks, and more. My roommates love them as well. Overall, I am very very happy with this product and am glad to have them for my home workouts."

Buy It: Hhusali Adjustable Dumbbell, $140, amazon.com

Best Adjustable Dumbbells with Multiple Uses

If you're a fitness enthusiast who's looking for the most bang for your buck, this adjustable dumbbell set is your match made in heaven. Available in 22- to 88-pound sets, these weights are sold with standard dumbbell handles, a barbell handle, and two kettlebell handles, so you won't feel stuck with strictly upper body workouts. Want to boost your biceps? Use the adjustable dumbbells to pump out a few curls. Need a solid chest workout? Use the barbell attachment for chest presses and the kettlebell handles as stands for your push-ups. Looking to strengthen that booty? Use the kettlebell handles for some kettlebell swings. There are no wrong answers here.

"Works as designed to turn free weights into a kettlebell," said a shopper. "I like its versatility because I can customize how heavy I want it to be without buying multiple different kettlebells."

Buy It: Feierdun 6-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbells Weight Set, from $229, amazon.com

Adjustable Dumbbells with the Best Weight Range

If you want a wide range of weights in one dumbbell set, this all-in-one option is the way to go. It includes plates as low as 2.8 pounds and as high as 4.4 pounds, allowing you to slowly work your way up in weight without straining your muscles. However, if you're looking for a super heavy dumbbell, this is not that; each adjustable dumbbell tops out at 22 pounds, though the set's connecting bar can transform it into a barbell that weighs 44 pounds for all of your squat, deadlift, and shoulder press needs. But if weight is not an issue, these are definitely the top pick for their depth of weight possibilities, durability, and bright yellow color that's sure to liven up your home gym. (

"My husband and I both use these dumbbells," shared a customer. "As a military family who moves every 2-3 years, it is wonderful to not have to pack up an entire set of dumbbells and keep track of them during the move. My husband and I both have seen awesome results from these. When we change the weight on the dumbbells, it is a nice smooth transition. There is no harsh movement that you might have with other brands."

Buy It: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Weight, from $100, amazon.com

Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Quick Weight Changes

Speed demons, take note of this fan-favorite adjustable dumbbell. With five weight options, topping out at 25 pounds, this dumbbell changes weight with just a flick of the wrist. Simply turn the dial to your preferred weight, grab the handle while it's in its rack, rotate the handle, and voilà — you're ready to lift! Plus, the adjustable dumbbell's plates feature a unique lock that prevents the plates from falling off or clanking so loud you can't hear your playlist of workout bops.

One reviewer said: "I begrudgingly got two of these to make a pair of dumbbells because I thought they were taking advantage of the pandemic shortage. What a nice surprise it was to see how high quality they are. They are easy to change, with each turn giving you a nice satisfying ratchet/clicking sound. These aren't bulky like the Bowflex dumbbells, with a notch that makes them super easy to rack on your shoulders. The notch also helps stabilize them for push-ups. So these are worth the price individually!"

Buy It: FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells, $140, $200, amazon.com

Best Durable Adjustable Dumbbells

Calling all workout beasts: If you need some heavy-duty dumbbells that can withstand being dropped to the ground after a brutal max out, these are for you. The adjustable dumbbell set, which can weigh up to 66 pounds, is made with high-quality cement weight plates and an iron handle that's plated to prevent rusting and wear as it ages. Don't worry, though, these weights won't damage your floor: Each plate is covered with plastic to reduce its impact, and to prevent the dumbbell from slipping out of your hand as you get sweaty, the handle has a bumpy surface to help you get a firm grip on the weight. If the bar's rough texture leaves you with war wounds (read: blisters) on your palms like other dumbbells can, consider investing in some lifting gloves.

"During the new coronavirus period, all gyms were closed and the barbell gave me the opportunity to exercise," a shopper wrote. "Inexpensive and the dumbbells are adjustable, which can ensure adequate exercise at home! Highly recommended."

Buy It: MOVTOTOP Adjustable Dumbbells Set, $130, $150, amazon.com

Best High-Tech Adjustable Dumbbells

This JAXJOX dumbbell set does not come cheap, but considering its high-tech capabilities, it's certainly worth the price. The first-ever digital dumbbell set, the DumbbellConnect syncs to the JAXJOX App, so you can join live or on-demand workouts and see your real-time data, including your reps, sets, time, average power, total volume, and the weight you're using. Each dumbbell can weigh up to 50 pounds, meaning you can curl and press up to 100 pounds, and even adjusting it can be done digitally: To increase or drop weight in 6-pound increments, just press the (+) and (-) buttons on the rack's LCD display screen or on your smartphone. (

Buy It: JAXJOX DumbbellConnect, $449, jaxjox.com

Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Experienced Weight Lifters

Heavy lifters, listen up: This dumbbell is ready to give you a serious workout. Each dumbbell begins at 11 pounds and increases by 5.5-pound increments up to 71.5 pounds per dumbbell. The dumbbell combines 17 sets of weights into one, and to adjust the weight, all you have to do is press a safety button and twist the dial at the end of the bell. Plus, the handle has a comfy rubber handle, and the plates have a special coating to prevent rust and corrosion with wear and tear, so you won't have to re-stock your home gym after a few years. One caveat: the weights are listed in kilograms, so you might want to brush up on your imperial-to-metric conversions first. (

"I have used multiple adjustable dumbbells including Powerblock and Bowflex and this one is by far the best," raved one customer. "Not only because of the lower price, but also the quality. The weight adjusting dial system is very smooth compared to other adjustable dumbbells. I have yet to have any issues with it and don't foresee any issues. The system is simple enough and doesn't have an excess of moving components that could go wrong. You simply press the red button and turn the dial to the weight you want. I did a weight test to see if the weights were accurate according to my bathroom scale. Sure enough, when I stood on my scale with the 25-pound weight, it was exactly (to the tenth [0.1]) my weight plus 25 pounds. I am very confident that this will last a very long time and am extremely pleased with my investment. You can't go wrong with this adjustable dumbbell."

Buy It: ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbell, fro $240, amazon.com

Best Compact Adjustable Dumbbells

These 11-pound weights are a great compact and budget-friendly option for lower-intensity strength training or for those who want to keep their workout equipment unassuming and out of the way. The dumbbells in this easy-to-use set start at 2.2 pounds and go up to 11 pounds each by unscrewing the cap on the end and adding weighted bars inside the dumbbell. All in all, you're able to lift 22 pounds with both dumbbells. While these aren't as heavy as others on the market, they're still more than enough to help tone and strengthen your body and are actually preferable for certain exercises where low-to-moderate weight is recommended. Not to mention, they come in at a fraction of the price of most other dumbbell sets and are super portable.

A reviewer noted: "The design makes it so easy to increase/decrease the weights. I'm really pleased. I've used other adjustable weights which were a PITA to adjust because they involved difficult-to-remove clips etc. I love that I can just twist off the top, pop out (or pop in) the metal bars, and go. More cost-effective than buying a bunch of different weights."

Buy It: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Pair, from $40, amazon.com

Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Intermediate Weight Lifters

Coming in hot at 66 pounds total, these adjustable dumbbells are ideal for intermediate lifters. The set comes with four 4.4-pound plates and eight 5.5-pound plates, made from a mixture of iron and sand, so you can increase your weight with ease. You'll also receive a connecting rod to transform your separate dumbbells into one barbell to use while you ease into powerlifting. The standout feature, though, is the plates' octagonal shape, which prevents the dumbbells from rolling away from your workout area — and scratching your hardwood floors — when they're sitting on the ground. Your landlord thanks you in advance.

"They are compact," a shopper wrote. "Very nice weights you don't have to worry about them rolling away with the octagon shape. The dumbbells fit great in my hands and I have big hands. The sleeve that joins the two dumbbells together works great and everything stays tight."

Buy It: Soges Adjustable Dumbbell Pair, $126, amazon.com