Working out with free weights can be an excellent way to pack on some eye-catching muscle, but if you’re like most home gym enthusiasts, your domicile has far less room to spare than your typical brick and mortar training center. The gear you choose to fill your pain cave needs to be compact and space-saving, yet still offer plenty of training potential across its silhouette.
For athletes wanting a wide range of weights without the space for a lengthy weight rack, adjustable dumbbells can be just the ticket. A singular dumbbell profile can house a litany of weights perfect for high-rep circuits and max-outs alike. Plus, the days of silhouettes with complicated adjustment systems or ill-balanced frames are long gone — there’s a slew of profiles out there that can be just as effective as their standard counterparts. But which of these dumbbells are prime for your workout needs? How much weight do you really need across your set? That’s where we come in.
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BEST ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELLS FOR HEAVY LIFTERSMX Select MX85 Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells Read More
How We Tested
While we’re more often using standard dumbbells at our go-to gyms and training centers, we’re not opposed to using a number of these adjustable options at home when getting out the door is a tall order via weather, traffic or just a lack of motivation. Each profile selected was examined for its weight range, adjustability, balance in the hand and more. Plus, we tend to favor a knurled handle for added grip, but aren’t opposed to rubberized options if they’re done correctly. We also looked at how compact the dumbbells and cradles were in storage, because what’s the point of a “space-saving” fitness tool if it becomes more of an obstacle in your at-home gym?
Editor’s note: the prices shown are for paired dumbbell sets, unless otherwise noted.
Our Top Picks
Smrtft Nüobell
- Weight Range: 5–80 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: 16
- Dumbbell Size: 17” x 7.5” x 7.5” (L x W x H)
It’s hard not to admire the Nüobells on aesthetics alone, but aside from their looks, these are also some of the best performing adjustable options on the market, too. The steel weight plates and steel knurled handle give each exercise a similar feel to your regular dumbbell, and we also admire how balanced and natural these weights felt during movement. Swapping between weights is done through a quick turn of the knurling as the weight stacks expand outward across the impressive range. Plus, the built-in window is also a perk to help easily identify your chosen working weight, and the numbers are kept inside a casing to help prevent fading over extended use.
Naturally, though, there are some pitfalls with this silhouette, namely in the realm of durability. Despite the plates being of steel, the locking dovetails use a plastic casing that can chip or crack overtime. This could compromise how effectively the plates stay in place during workouts, so be sure to set these puppies down properly after your set and never drop them like you would a normal dumbbell.
Editor’s Note: If you don’t think you’ll ever utilize the larger weight range yet still want a set of Nüobells for your training room, consider Smrtft’s lighter 50-pound set.
Snode AD80
- Weight Range: 10–80 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: 8
- Dumbbell Size: 18.11” x 6.68” x 6.68” (L x W x H)
Now these are some strength-minded workout tools. The Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells utilize a similar setup to the above Nüobells, but rather than steel and plastic, the plates are composed of cast iron with the connecting dovetails built right into the cast itself. Even the included cradles for these impressive adjustable dumbbells is made from cast iron, showcasing durability whether in motion or at rest. We also appreciate the thicker 36mm knurled handle, as this creates a new challenge during training to help train the forearms during exercise, too.
The AD80s are also one of the few adjustable dumbbells with a drop-proof design. Thanks to their bulkier makeup, the brand states you can drop these behemoths from up to 32 inches, although we’d be hesitant to try and test this claim given the heightened price tag. Also, there’s less versatility in the weight range, so you’re only able to train with rounded numbers. Snode does offer 2.5- and 5-lb. magnets that can be added at the end for more varied weights, but they do require an extra purchase.
Kensui AdjustaBell
- Weight Range: Up to 70 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: Unlimited
- Dumbbell Size: Dependent on Weight Plates Used
If you’ve already filled your garage with a power rack, barbell set and a slew of weight plates, there’s probably not a ton of wiggle room in your training space (or wallet, for that matter) for more gear. Well, these AdjustaBells from Kensui Fitness are ultra-portable, lightweight — and come in far cheaper than your standard set of adjustable dumbbells. We love the versatility this handle system provides, allowing you to utilize those change plates across a wide range of weights. The nylon frame is surprisingly durable with a weight capacity of up to 70 pounds, but as is the case with most adjustable equipment, it’s best to avoid dropping these Kensui options.
The Kensui AdjustaBells are compatible with both 1-inch and 2-inch weight plates, adding another layer of versatility to the profile, but we do recommend purchasing the additional centering adapters to help prevent any excess wobble at the top of a lift. Additionally, it goes without saying that these adjustable dumbbells are rendered useless if you don’t have change plates available, so be sure to have those at the ready, too.
Ativafit 66 lbs. Adjustable Dumbbells
- Weight Range: 11–66 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: 12
- Dumbbell Size: 16.3” x 7.9” x 8.3” (L x W x H)
It doesn’t make sense to purchase training equipment you’ll likely never utilize, and for athletes just getting started with dumbbell training, that means finding a set that isn’t too massive. We love the 11–66 pounds featured across Ativafit’s new Adjustable Dumbbell set, as the 5-pound increments allow you to really get a solid foundation built while still delivering some heavy resistance for exercises like rows.
We also found the adjustment mechanism to be simple and utilitarian, highlighted by a convenient safety lock that helped keep all the plates firmly in place, regardless of the chosen weight. These dumbbells don’t feature a knurling patch, however, instead opting for a honeycomb rubber grip that can begin to slip and slide once our workouts got a little sweatier. For newcomers, though, this rubber patch may be comfortable enough to learn the ropes.
MX Select MX85 Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells
- Weight Range: 12.5–85 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: 19
- Dumbbell Size: 16” x 9.8” x 9.2” (L x W x H)
When you’re moving some serious weight, you want to ensure your tools are ready for the job at hand. Boasting metal adjustment gears that toggle via plastic push-button knobs, the MX85s from MX Select are strong enough for powering through those max effort lifts. We also appreciated the easy-to-read legend across the accompanying base, which allowed us to easily find the proper settings across the expansive weight range that also allows for offset weights, meaning one side of the dumbbell can weigh more than the other.
While we’re more inclined to choose an adjustable dumbbell with a knurled handle, the antimicrobial contoured handle was still comfortable enough for worthwhile training, and could be a solid option for those new to strength workouts. Be mindful, however, that the MX85s feature a taller profile in order to achieve that gargantuan weight. These larger plates could interfere with your range of motion, particularly during presses. If you’re a stickler for this workout aspect, you may want to consider other options.
Editor’s Note: MX Select now offers this beefy adjustable dumbbell with a metal knurled handle, albeit for an extra $100.
NordicTrack 55 lb. Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set
- Weight Range: 10–55 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: 15
- Dumbbell Size: 19.4” x 11.4” x 8.5” (L x W x H)
We find these NordicTrack adjustable dumbbells suitable for female athletes thanks to the flat head design and less aggressive knurling across the handle. Unlike other dumbbell silhouettes, the flat head allows the weight to rest comfortably across the thighs or chest when resting or setting up for movement — no sharp corners or smaller bases that dig into the skin. Plus, the 55-pound range can be adjusted through 15 increments, creating a setup that’s prime for lighter exercises while still having enough mass for those high effort movements.
The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells are also quite approachable from a price standpoint, too, but that does come with some potential design issues that can lead to more headaches than PRs. For one, the sliding pin adjustment mechanism requires up to four movements to achieve a desired weight, so quickly swapping out numbers for a super set or high-intensity interval training can be difficult. Additionally, the weight totals across the cradle are handy, but the stickered profile can begin to fade or peel over time. Still, though, if you want a well-built, handy set of weights to pound through classes and sessions, these adjustable dumbbells prove that NordicTrack is far more than a cardio-minded brand.
PowerBlock Pro EXP 5–50 Stage 1 Set
- Weight Range: 5-50 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: 20
- Dumbbell Size: 12.5” x 7” x 7.25” (L x W x H)
If you seek dumbbells that can grow with you, you're looking at 'em. The Pro EXPs from PowerBlock are already impressive, given their 20 increments and micro-adjustment features, but where these dumbbells shine is in their expandability. You’re able to purchase add-on stages that can take each max dumbbell weight to 70 or even 90 pounds if you so desire. Plus, no matter how expansive the weight, we found no jostling or wobble across the stages during training, helping ensure a trusted and safe training environment.
We do recommend forgoing any workouts that call for quick adjustments, especially when it comes to the 2.5-lb. chrome ballast inserts. There’s a few steps to complete to get to these weights, and when you combine that with the selector pin that needs more attention than other adjustable dumbbells, it can make for a time-consuming endeavor.
Titan Fitness 15-Inch Olympic Dumbbell Handle
- Weight Range: Up to 400 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: N/A
- Dumbbell Size: 15” long
Adjustable dumbbells aren’t just for those novice at-home lifters. They can be a great addition to any home gym setup, and if you already have a solid stash of Olympic weight plates, the 15-inch Olympic Dumbbell Handles from Titan Fitness are a must-own. The 3.5-inch loadable sleeves allow for a plethora of weight options, with a maximum capacity of 400 pounds. Knurled handles help with grip, and a chrome finish is sure to glisten as you sweat toward a new PR. We also appreciate the loadable design of these “adjustable” dumbbells as they don’t take up nearly as much space as other options that house their weights across the cradle.
Our tester found the medium knurling exceptional at creating that secure in-hand feel, and the sleeves allowed for easy weight changes on the fly. One thing to note, however, is that these Olympic Dumbbell Handles are best paired with slimmer change plates. Our tester discovered that thicker plates began to crowd the sleeves, leaving little room at the end to add a security collar.
Editor’s Note: The Titan Fitness 15-inch Olympic Dumbbell Handles are currently out of stock, so be sure to sign up for the brand’s notification service if you fancy adding these to your home gym in the future.
Other Good Options
Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System 75-lb. Set
- Weight Range: 5–75 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: 24
- Dumbbell Size: 14.5″ x 6.7″ x 6.7″ (L x W x H)
Thanks to a makeup composed solely of steel and iron, the IronMaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells are more than ready for a lifetime of hard-nosed training (minus drops, of course). We admire how secure these weights feel at the top of the lift thanks to the locking screw that eliminates that worrisome plate wobble you can experience across other profiles. And for athletes that fancy going heavy day in and day out, these adjustable dumbbells can expand out to a whopping 165 pounds for some serious training capabilities.
These adjustable dumbbells also feel very similar to traditional dumbbells during movement, and the add-on plates resemble a setup you’d typically find across barbell exercises like the bench press. While the math may be a little intimidating for less-invested athletes, it can soon become intuitive once you get a few sets under your belt with these burly adjustable workout tools from Ironmaster.
NordicTrack iSelect Voice-Controlled Adjustable Dumbbells
- Weight Range: 5–50 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: 20
- Dumbbell and Cradle Size: 21” x 19” x 16” (L x W x H)
“Alexa, let’s get training.” That’s right, with a simple voice command, you can use Amazon's cloud-based voice service to change up your workout routines. Simply connect the base to a power outlet, be within Wifi range and have your Alexa-enabled device close by to toggle through the 20 available dumbbell weights of the iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells. If you’d rather not have Alexa taking on your weight range, a convenient toggle knob in the center of the base allows for easy changes, too.
iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells also come with a 30-day membership to NordicTrack’s iFit digital fitness library, where you can follow along to live and on-demand workouts. But if you plan on viewing these sessions on your smartphone or tablet, make sure to place the dumbbell base on an elevated, sturdy surface. Our tester found that the tablet holder built into the base can be hard to view if placed on the floor of your training space.
Nice C Adjustable Dumbbells
- Weight Range: 2.2–11 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: 5
- Dumbbell Size: 11.8” x 3.5” x 3.5” (L x W x H)
You don’t need to go heavy for an effective strength training session. For example, carrying a light pair of dumbbells during cardiovascular training can be a nice way to mix up your routine. These adjustable dumbbells from Nice C can be loaded with 16 small and 2 large weight bars for a total of five potential weights ranging from 2.3–11 pounds. While those aren’t record-breaking densities, that can be enough to put a little more resistance in your next run or walk.
The Nice C Adjustable Dumbbells are crafted from slip-resistant Neoprene, allowing for a comfortable feel during training. And at less than 10 inches long, these fitness accessories can sit neatly in a corner, under a desk or anywhere you plan to store them.
Flybird Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set
- Weight Range: 3.5–90 lbs.
- Adjustment Increments: Varies by Kit Piece Used
- Kit Dimensions: 23.2” x 12.3” x 8” (L x W x H)
Adjustable dumbbells are versatile already, but when the included weight plates can be used for barbell exercises, kettlebell exercises and more? The possibilities seem endless, right? While this adaptability might sound great on paper, though, these all-encompassing kits often feature less durable build components … unless you’re talking about the Adjustable Dumbbell Set from Flybird Fitness. We appreciate how secure the plates feel across the dumbbell, barbell and kettlebell offerings thanks to the threaded locking screw, and it’s hard to ignore the variety of training potential that comes with the overall roster.
Now, we’re not saying this standout kit will replace a traditional barbell setup or even those kettlebells resting in the corner of your garage gym. But for novice athletes just getting used to fitness, this could be an excellent point of entry. Just be sure you have the room to accommodate all the available accessories — they can easily consume a corner if you’re shoddy with organizing your equipment.
What are the Perks of Adjustable Dumbbells?
Adjustable dumbbells can make a fine addition to most home gyms for a few reasons, none surpassing their space-saving capabilities. With just one silhouette, you’re capable of replacing a wide range of dumbbells that would otherwise require a separate profile and subsequent floor space.
Additionally, while adjustable dumbbells aren’t the cheapest pieces of fitness equipment, when you do the math, their price tags are far more approachable than, say, a standard dumbbell set offering the same variety of working weights.
Should You Purchase Adjustable or Standard Dumbbells?
Now, with all the perks across adjustable dumbbells, when then do most big box gyms still use standard dumbbells over their more versatile counterparts? Well, there’s still a heightened sense of durability across the traditional profile that doesn’t feature any moving parts or locking mechanisms. This allows for a constant sense of balance that doesn’t rely on a locking mechanism or properly-stacked plates across each end. Standard dumbbells are also more withstanding when it comes to drops, so if you’re an athlete that literally throws around the weights in training, these may be the better investment in the long run.
Additionally, standard dumbbells could be a worthwhile option for athletes if they often lift heavier totals. As massive as some silhouettes may be, there’s still a size restriction to adjustable dumbbells. This can affect not only how awkward the devices feel in-hand during exercise, but how easily they’re able to be stored when training ends for the day. While there’s no denying that a 150-lb. dumbbell is gargantuan, but facilitating that weight across a moveable, maneuverable profile is much more feasible across a fixed weight silhouette.
How Heavy Should My Adjustable Dumbbells Be?
When thinking of how heavy your adjustable dumbbells should be, you need to look at both your current lifting performance and where you want to get to. If you don’t foresee yourself tallying press or pull totals past a certain mark, there’s no sense in purchasing a massive set of adjustable dumbbells with increments that won’t be touched.
If you think of it from an experience standpoint, a weight range from 5–50 lbs. can be an excellent starting spot for most athletes. This total should offer plenty of versatility with some room to grow in each chosen exercise. For stronger, more advanced lifters, a higher max weight may be more appealing around 75–80 lbs.. Some adjustable dumbbell silhouettes even offer expansion packs that can be purchased at a later date once you’ve grown strong enough to warrant the more massive profiles. In the end, it’s all relative to your fitness goals — there’s no shame in biting off what you can chew, but leaving a little meat on the bone for future training sessions is also worthwhile, too.
