With a basic design and a range of versatile uses, the dumbbell helps to build the foundational basics. It keeps things simple by using a handle and a dumbbell weight head attached to either end. 

Adjustable dumbbells are a dumbbell variation that combines several dumbbell weights into one equipment piece. They offer an adjustable weight, allowing you to perform a range of dumbbell exercises without heading to the weight rack. Alongside this, they’re space-saving and cost-efficient. 

To help you choose something suitable, we’ve reviewed our top ten best adjustable dumbbells below.

10 Best Adjustable Dumbbells In 2025

These are our top ten adjustable dumbbells to consider purchasing in 2024. Each one would make a great addition to your home gym setup. The choice of which to pick is up to you! 

Best Overall Adjustable Dumbbells: NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells

• Large 80-pound weight capacity.
• Durable steel construction.
• Easy-to-use handle twisting adjustment system.

• The adjustable handles may feel uncomfortable.
• Very expensive.

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When we think about the NÜOBELL adjustable dumbbells, we’re honestly not sure how they’ve combined so many amazing features together. Because of this, they sit firmly at the top of our list as the best overall adjustable dumbbells.

Let’s start with the construction, as it’s one of their best features. We can see that they use a combination of steel and chrome. This gives you great durability with some added protection using a sleek finish.

In terms of weight range, they go from 5–80 pounds. This gives you a great amount of options to choose from as a beginner or advanced athlete. 

You can use them for compound movements, smaller isolation-type exercises, and anything in between. These are also known as multi-joint or single-joint movements.

However, they do use bigger 5-pound weight increments, which is something that can be worked on. Future models could offer smaller weight increments at the lower end of the weight range. 

To adjust them, simply twist the handles and select your weight. We’re surprised they can use this with such a high weight range. However, this is a testament to their innovative design. 

Overall, these dumbbells do everything really well. If you’re happy to pay the higher price tag, these should last for a lifetime. You definitely won’t regret purchasing a pair once you start using them!

Best Loadable Dumbbell Handle: Bells Of Steel Loadable Dumbbell

• 28mm handle Olympic bar width.
• Different protective shaft coating options.
• Sold as a single unit or as a pair

• Only compatible with 2″ weight plates.
• Doesn’t come with any plate options.

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This is a loadable handle with Olympic-sized loading sleeves, so you need to use Olympic-sized plates before securing them with the collars. 

One thing we particularly like about the Bells Of Steel loadable dumbbells is the finish options. You can purchase them in black zinc with bright zinc sleeves, or black cerakote with golden titanium sleeves. Besides looking cool, this provides added corrosion protection.

In terms of durability, the loadable handles are made from steel, which sets the standard. The 20.5″L handle length is slightly longer than adjustable dumbbell options which is something to bear in mind.

The main thing you need to consider is that you’ll still need to purchase the plates and bar collars. You’ll also need to make sure you have somewhere to store each of the different components. Alongside this, the round plate design means that they’re not as easy to store.

If you’re into Olympic-sized lifting, the Bells Of Steel handles are right up your alley. They use a durable design with great finish options. However, consider that you’ll need to buy everything separately.

Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set: Titan Adjustable Chrome Dumbbells

• Huge 200-pound weight capacity (both dumbbells together).
• Budget-friendly price point.
• Durable steel construction.

• The spinlock mechanism is time-consuming to use.
• Round head design and no docking station make them harder to store.

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Take one look at the Titan adjustable dumbbells, and the first thing you’ll notice is the striking chrome look. While this isn’t for everyone, we’re certainly fans. However, you need to take more care not to chip them when bringing them back to the floor.

Take an even closer look, and you’ll see that they offer a huge 200-pound weight capacity. Yeah, you did read that right. If you’re a fan of progressive overload, these are the dumbbells for you.

Even with the huge weight range, they offer 2.5, 5, and 10-pound increments. With this, the possible exercise options are endless. 

Now, the adjustment mechanism is what will start to split opinions. The spin lock adjustments are simple to use but will take much longer than traditional adjustable dumbbells. Alongside this, the round plate design means that they will be harder to store as they may move around.

Overall, we think that the pros outweigh the cons on these. If you’re looking for an old-school style pair of adjustable dumbbells with a huge weight capacity, these are the ones.

Best For Beginners: NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells

• Small weight increments for beginners.
• Low-profile, sturdy design.
• iFit Compatible for interactive exercise.

• Low maximum weight range.
• No warranty information is provided.

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If you’re looking for adjustable dumbbells that are easy to use and offer small increments, these tick all the boxes. Because of this, we’ve picked them as our recommended choice for beginners.

Firstly, they use sliding selector pins. This means you place them in their docking stations and slide the pins to choose your weight. Secondly, the 2.5 and 5-pound increments give you a huge range of lower-end weights to choose from. 

Both of these are well-suited for beginners looking for something easy to use and suited to their ability level.

In terms of construction quality, they use a steel core with a plastic coating. Even the handle is made from steel with moderate knurling. This gives you a durably constructed dumbbell that’s easier to grip.

Something that deserves a mention is that they’re compatible with iFit. This is NordicTrack’s way of providing an interactive workout experience. 

Fitness apps such as this have become more popular as technology develops. This allows you to follow along with trainer-led workouts at home and offers on-demand feedback.

The features of the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight dumbbells make them a perfect choice for beginner gymgoers. They’re easy to use, offer small increments, and give you the choice of interactive programming.

Best Looking Adjustable Dumbbells: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

• Aesthetic red and black horseshoe-type design.
• Compatible with the JRNY application.
• Comfortable ergonomic handle.

• The small weight range might not be enough for advanced lifters.
• The rubber grip is less durable than a metal one. 

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While we know this is our opinion, we think the Bowflex SelectTech 552i dumbbells are the best-looking on the list. Their red and black horseshoe-shaped design fits nicely into the study docking stations.

However, this isn’t the only thing going for them. Bowflex was one of the first brands to manufacture adjustable dumbbells, which means they know what they’re talking about. They’ve used a combination of steel, nylon, ABS, and thermoplastic rubber. This gives you a hybrid-like dumbbell that combines the benefits of many materials into one.

In terms of weight range, they go from 10–52 pounds. This isn’t the biggest but should be enough for all beginner and some intermediate exercises at home. This can be adjusted via the handy turn dial on the outside of the dumbbell heads. 

The combination of 2.5 and 5-pound weight increments is one of their main selling points. The lower end uses the smaller increments before they step up at 25 pounds. This makes them a great option for the smaller beginner exercises and compound ones as you progress.

If you’re looking for adjustable dumbbells from a proven brand, these hit the mark. They offer a good range of lower-end weight options. Alongside this, they look great and come with a large 2-year warranty.

Cheapest Adjustable Dumbbell Option: Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbells

• Budget-friendly price point.
• Small 0.5-pound increments.
• Includes a black storage case and carry handle.

• The round dumbbell heads make them harder to store safely.
• The weight range is too low for advanced athletes.

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The Amazon Basics adjustable dumbbells strip back all the added extras to give you a simple and functional design. They come at a hugely reduced price compared to the other options. However, this is at the expense of some added features. 

One thing they have that most others don’t is a handy carry case. Even at this budget-friendly price point, Amazon has included a case to help you transport them around.

With a 7–23 pound weight range, they’re primarily designed for beginners. The 2.5 and 5-pound increment options help with this. Unfortunately, this means that they’re probably not going to be used by intermediate and advanced athletes.

The spin lock mechanism requires you to manually screw the collars onto the ends of the loading sleeves. Of course, this uses valuable time between switching weights, which might not suit those looking to maintain a high intensity.

The Amazon Basics adjustable dumbbells are about as basic as it gets. Despite this, they’re a great adjustable option for beginners who don’t mind the simple design.

Best Dial Adjustable Dumbbells: Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells

• The hexagonal dumbbell head design is better for storage.
• Nice looking black and silver design. 
• Reinforced docking station base for added durability.

• No small increment options.
• The iron plates are not as durable as steel.

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The Ativafit adjustable dumbbells are widely marketed as an alternative option to the Bowflex variants. At first glance, we have to say that they do a great job of enhancing them. While they’re from a lesser-known brand, they offer a higher weight range and a more compact design. 

The dumbbells use an iron core with a plastic casing and reinforced base design. This gives you a durable construction that should stand up to the test of time. The 16.7″L x 7.7″W x 8″H design is normal as far as most adjustable dumbbells go.

The 55-pound weight capacity offers a decent range of weight options for beginners and intermediate athletes. Some advanced athletes may even use them towards the top range for advanced training variations. The weight increments are quite strange compared to the competition, but it doesn’t matter once you get used to them.

Overall, the Ativafit adjustable dumbbells are a great alternative option to other common models. They improve some of the features and come at a budget-friendly price point.

Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells

• The docking station has built-in carry handles.
• The sleek black design is good for minimalists.
• Free shipping is offered on all orders.

• The plastic build isn’t as durable as iron or steel.
• The small weight range might not be suitable for advanced athletes.

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The Flybird adjustable dumbbells use a sleek, black design. This makes them a great option for gym users who prefer a minimalist-type adjustable dumbbell option. Alongside this, they are one of the cheapest options on our list, making them a great budget-friendly choice.

Flybird has kept everything simple, using a 5–25-pound weight range that goes up in 5-pound increments. This means that they’re marketed towards beginner gymgoers who want something easy to use. However, this makes them a poor choice for more advanced gym users. 

They’re made out of plastic, which means you’ll need to be more careful when using them. However, this may not be an issue for beginner gym users performing the basic movements. 

Like most of the other dumbbells on our list, they use a turn dial adjustment mechanism. After placing them into the docking station, you turn the inner handle and pick them back up. This should be fairly simple for beginners to do with correct use. 

Overall, the Flybird adjustable dumbbells are a great budget-friendly choice for beginners. They offer a simple design and easy adjustment mechanism, making them a great entry-level option.

Best Space-Saving Dumbbells: Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set

• Space-saving design with raised stands.
• Large 2-year parts warranty.
• Textured, soft-grip handles.

• The twist lock adjustment can jam easily.
• No small increment options for beginners.

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The Core Home Fitness Dumbbells offer a sleek and compact design, making them a great option for a smaller home gym space. We like that Core Home Fitness also gives the option to purchase high dumbbell stands. 

In terms of construction and dimensions, they certainly pass the test. They’re constructed using aluminum which is well-known for its durability. Alongside this, the 4.5″L x 7.9″W x 7.2″H dimensions are smaller than other options. 

One thing we are not sure about is the handle twist adjustment mechanism. This makes them easy to use but also much more prone to breaking. Just make sure to use them correctly and take good care. 

The weight range is normal as far as adjustable dumbbells go, which is 5–50 pounds. This means it should be suitable for beginner and intermediate athletes. However, the 5-pound increments could be made smaller in future models.

Overall, the Core Home Fitness dumbbells offer a compact and durable design. The raised docking station or option to purchase a bigger one is a nice addition. They work well as a mid-priced, compact option.

Best Quick-Change Adjustable Dumbbells: REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbell

• Slide-pin mechanisms allow quick weight changes.
• A lifetime warranty is offered.
• 2.5-pound micro adjustment plates can be used.

• The longer dumbbell design might not be suitable for small spaces.
• The round heads may cause them to move if they’re not correctly stored.

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The quick-change dumbbells from REP Fitness are marketed as being super durable with fast weight changes. When looking at the design and specs, we have to say that they live up to that reputation. 

They use a slide-pin mechanism that seems fairly easy to use when in their handy carry case. Alongside this, REP Fitness claims that they’ve been heavily drop-tested more than 100,000 times. They even show them being dropped on their website.

They’re made using iron with steel support rods and plastic casing. With a dimension of 20.6″L x 8.5″W x 7.9″H, they’re definitely on the larger side which is something to consider. 

One thing we love about the REP dumbbells is the weight increment options. You can purchase the dumbbells in 30, 40, 50, and 60-pound pairs. Alongside this, you have a 2.5-pound micro-adjustment clip or 5-pound increments. 

This gives you great freedom over your weight choice. With this, you can practice the correct resistance exercise technique before moving on to the higher weights.

Overall, we think these dumbbells are an excellent choice if you’re happy to spend a little more money. They’re well-designed, look great, and offer multiple exercise options.

How Do Adjustable Dumbbells Work?

Adjustable dumbbells consist of a bar, a locking mechanism, and a set of weight plates. The different adjustment options allow you to change the weight as needed depending on the exercise you’re performing.

This quick-change feature gives you a versatile equipment option that can be adapted and customized to each individual. This large exercise variety can be a key factor for training motivation.

Some of the common adjustment mechanisms include a turn dial, handle twist, spin lock, and slide pin. These differ in location and ease of use. In some cases, the dumbbells come with a docking station which allows adjustments to be made. Some may use a docking station for easy storage.

Adjustable Dumbbells Vs Traditional Dumbbells

The two main dumbbell types are adjustable dumbbells and traditional dumbbells. Both types offer benefits and drawbacks that should be considered before using them. 

Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells are space-saving equipment options that allow you to change the weight using handy adjustment mechanisms. This makes them the better option for gym users who are looking to save space or money.

The adjustment mechanism means that they offer most of the same exercise options as a traditional dumbbell. However, they don’t tend to go as heavy as traditional dumbbells. 

Alongside this, adjustable dumbbells are a great portable equipment option. With no weight rack required, they’re easy to move around and store away when needed.

However, care needs to be taken to maintain the adjustment mechanisms and avoid letting them contact the floor too hard. This is one of the main drawbacks that should be considered when choosing adjustable dumbbells over traditional ones.

Adjustable Dumbbells Pros:

• They offer a wide range of exercise options using one piece of equipment.
• They use space-saving designs that make them a great choice for smaller gyms.
• Budget-friendly options that offer the benefits of multiple dumbbells.
• Some adjustment mechanisms allow quick weight changes.

Adjustable Dumbbells Cons:

• Care needs to be taken when using the adjustment mechanisms.
• The dumbbells require regular maintenance for normal use. 
• They offer a smaller weight range. 
• Some adjustment mechanisms take time to use.

Traditional Dumbbells

Traditional dumbbells consist of a handle and a weighted head at each end. In most cases, they’re made out of iron or steel with some having a protective plastic casing. These are the dumbbells you tend to find in most commercial gym settings. 

Each dumbbell uses a set weight, meaning you need to switch the whole dumbbell when performing different exercises. Because of this, they require a weight rack for storage, which takes up more room than adjustable ones.

Compared to adjustable dumbbells, traditional ones tend to be more durable and require less maintenance. However, this comes at a much bigger cost when multiple ones need to be purchased.

Traditional Dumbbells Pros:

• The iron and steel construction offers excellent durability. 
• High maximum weight availability.
• The simple designs are great for minimalist gym users.
• They can be dropped if needed (not recommended).
• Allow quick superset transitions when they’re already lined up.

Traditional Dumbbells Cons:

• Very expensive when purchasing multiple pairs.
• You need to use a weight rack to store them away safely.
• They take up a lot of space when multiple options are used.

How To Choose The Best Adjustable Dumbbells For You

Before you press the purchase button, consider the factors below. Apply these to each of your options to get a better idea of the right choice for you.  

Weight Range 

Think about the exercise you’re performing. You need a weight range that will sufficiently challenge you for each exercise.

You should pick a pair that’s over your maximum number for your main exercise. This allows you to make sufficient progress while applying the progressive overload principle.

Weight Increments 

Your available weight increments are the main factor determining the weight to use when trying to progress. If you only have five-pound increments, that’s the number you’ll progress with. 

This is important, especially at a beginner level or when using smaller isolation exercises. Care should be taken to prioritize proper form. At this stage, It’s highly unlikely that you’re going to be able to progress using big increments without causing injury.

Generally speaking, dumbbells with a larger range of smaller weight increments would be the better option. Of course, you’ll also have to consider the other factors when choosing. 

Durability 

The two things to consider here are the dumbbell construction and the outer casing. Generally speaking, those with a steel core tend to be more durable. 

Iron is also a great option, but it won’t last as long as steel. Plastic works, but you’ll need to be more careful when using them. 

Next, you need to look at the outer casing. Some dumbbells have a protective outer layer that makes them more durable. Examples include rubber and neoprene materials. 

Adjustment Mechanism 

The adjustment mechanism is one of the most important things on the dumbbell. It’s the part that allows you to change the weight. It also tends to be one of the possible problem areas when not used correctly or incorrectly maintained.

We can split the adjustment mechanism into different types and locations. Some are on the inside of the dumbbell next to the handle, while others are on the outside. Consider your preferred adjustment point and try to test both types.

The type of adjustment mechanism varies more widely. This may be a dial, twist and lock, slide pin, or spinlock mechanism. Each offers different adjustment times and durability.

For example, the dial mechanism offers quick adjustment. The slide pin mechanism is harder to use correctly, so it takes more time. The spinlock is the traditional mechanism that takes more time but tends to be more durable.

Storage 

The dumbbells with docking stations are usually easier to store away. The stations are shaped so that the dumbbells firmly fit in them. 

The ease of storage in the stand-alone dumbbells will largely depend on the head shape. Luckily, most adjustable dumbbells are now hexagonal rather than round. 

If your adjustable dumbbells do not have a docking station and have a round head, make sure to store them safely. If not stored correctly, they are more likely to roll around and fall. This is a big factor to consider if you’re around small children or animals.

Price 

Look at the price of each dumbbell and compare it to what they offer. Consider the other factors such as weight range, weight increments, and adjustment mechanism. This will give you a better idea of the value for money that the dumbbells offer.

Conclusion

Adjustable dumbbells offer a versatile, space-saving weight option. This makes them well-suited to a smaller gym space or for those who are looking to save money. Their adjustable designs allow you to switch between different weights using a variety of adjustment mechanisms.

At the top of our list, the NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells take home our best overall prize. They’re easy to use, made from steel, and go up to 80 pounds, While they’re on the expensive side, they should be suitable for all the exercises you need and last a lifetime.

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