The 7 Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2023

What are the best adjustable dumbbells? To find out, we tested 15 top-rated pairs by performing an intermediate full-body weightlifting circuit with each set in The Verywell Testing Lab . Our testers (including two certified personal trainers) evaluated each pair through jumping squats, overhead presses, walking lunges, and more to score each pair on their setup, adjustability, ease of use, grip, durability, storage, and overall value.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are our top pick, thanks to their superior grip, wide weight range, and ease of adjustability. For an ultra-compact set that aced our test, we recommend the PowerBlock Elite Dumbbells .

A set of adjustable dumbbells provides an efficient way to get a complete workout at home. Adjustable dumbbells “provide access to an entire dumbbell rack that occupies only a fraction of space,” Prince Brathwaite, CPT , founder of Trooper Fitness, says. Most adjustable dumbbells range in weight from five to 50 pounds but some go as high as 80 or 90 pounds, allowing you to perform a full-body set of exercises. The pairs we recommend can replace anywhere from three to 15 (or more) dumbbells in a single set, making them a great space-saving option for anyone who does strength training at home.

Thanks to the curved shape and neoprene coating of the handlebars, our testers found these dumbbells super easy to grip with both dry and wet hands (a feature that is particularly important if you’re using them during a sweaty cardio routine). Price at time of publication: $33

Testing Notes: “The ease of use and adjustability of these dumbbells is honestly the single best thing about them. They’re great for beginners. I think they offer a great way to add weights to exercises like kickboxing, Pilates, or barre.”

These dumbbells are listed as “adjustable.” However, they only adjust to three weights. When we weighed each dumbbell in The Lab, the minimum weight per dumbbell was 2.2 pounds (although the manufacturer lists it as 2.3 pounds), the medium weight was 3.4 pounds, and the maximum weight was 4.4 pounds (although the manufacturer lists it as 4.5 pounds). But we still gave these dumbbells a score of 4 out of 5 for adjustability because they’re super easy to adjust while you exercise—simply twist open the ends of the dumbbells to add or remove the small weight bars found inside to increase or decrease the weight.

Although we wouldn’t recommend these dumbbells for traditional weightlifting, they’re a great pick if you’re looking for a lightweight dumbbell to add to your cardio routine, like HIIT exercises , to make it more challenging. Use it for arm exercises while you cycle (à la Peloton), to power your punch in kickboxing, or to level up your core training on balance boards .

Key specs: Weight Per Dumbbell: 15-55-pound or 11-71.5-pound options | Total Set Weight: 110 pounds or 143 pounds (depending on which option you chose) | Replaces: Five or 12 sets of weights | Sold As: Single or pair | Storage Bases Included: Yes | Warranty: Not listed

You can also buy this set as a single dumbbell, or buy the heavier option that adjusts from 11 up to 71.5 pounds in 5.5-pound increments.

Testing Notes: “I would recommend these weights to someone who is already a pretty heavy weightlifter and who doesn’t require weights below 15lbs and who feels comfortable progressing weights in 10-pound increments.”

We were also impressed that the dumbbells came fully assembled and were super easy to set up—which earned them a score of 5 out of 5 for setup. Easier to store than other options on our list, this pair came with its own storage bases.

We love that the weight of these dumbbells can be easily adjusted with the twist of their handle and that the safety locking mechanism secures the dumbbells on your chosen weight, even when completing more dynamic moves, like weighted jump squats .

Perfect for intermediate-to-advanced weightlifters, these dumbbells adjust from 15 to 55 pounds in 10-pound increments, making a single dumbbell the equivalent of five sets of weights. This weight range may not be the best for beginners, as starting off with 15-pound weights and progressing the load at a pace of 10 pounds can be difficult for those just starting out.

Earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5, we love the textured grip on this adjustable dumbbell, which is perfect for weightlifters in need of a particularly anti-slip handle. Even when performing lifts with wet hands during the wet test, our tester noted that her hands never slipped from the handle, even when performing the exercises with a heavier weight.

The adjustable dumbbell comes with a storage base and is fairly lightweight, so it should be easy to move and store. Price at time of publication: $110

Testing Notes: “I would prefer if this product came with another dumbbell, as a pair would allow for more exercise versatility. However, the price is good enough that someone could buy two dumbbells and it would still be cheaper than most on the market.”

Thanks to the textured handle, we found the dumbbell fairly easy to grip with dry hands. But when testing with wet hands, one tester noted that the metal handle of the dumbbell started sliding a bit in their hand. This earned the dumbbell a rating of 4 out of 5 for grip. If you’re someone who tends to get sweaty when exercising, you may want to opt to use these with weightlifting gloves to maintain a good grip throughout your workout .

Because the dumbbell is also super easy to set up and unbox (it took our tester 13 seconds from start to finish) as well as to use, the FLYBIRD would have been our “best for beginners” pick if only it adjusted in smaller increments. For beginners looking to increase the weights they use over time, it may be hard to jump from 5 to 10 pounds for certain exercises. But we still think this is a great pick for more advanced beginners who already feel comfortable working with 5 to 25 pounds.

If you’re looking for a single dumbbell—whether it’s to save space or because you’re on a budget—FLYBIRD’s Adjustable Dumbbell is a great, reliable choice. You can adjust the weight of the dumbbell with a quick turn of the handle, and the dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 25 pounds in 5-pound increments. It’s so easy to adjust that we gave it a 5 out of 5 for adjustability.

We recommend watching a how-to YouTube video that guides you through how to adjust these dumbbells if you’ve never used them before, as they don’t ship with clear instructions. Price at time of publication: $449

Testing Notes: “Although these adjustable dumbbells are shaped a little unconventionally, they’re very storable given their square shape and the fact that they easily adjust from 5 to 50 pounds (and you can buy add-on weight separately to make them adjust to 90 pounds).”

While the adjustment mechanism is fairly easy once you get the hang of it—simply place the auto-lock handle on the color-coded bar that corresponds with the weight you’re trying to use—it can be difficult to understand for beginners. The dumbbells also come with two Chrome adder weights that allow you to increase the weight in 2.5-pound increments, further customizing your weightlifting experience.

The dumbbells adjust from 5 to 50 pounds each in 2.5-pound increments (although when we measured the minimum weight of the empty handles in the lab, they were actually 5.4 pounds, instead of 5 pounds as reported by the manufacturer). Customers who want to lift even heavier can purchase add-on weights that go up to 70 pounds or 90 pounds —both sold separately—thanks to the dumbbells’ expandable stands.

The 5.5 x 11.75 x 6.25-inch dumbbells are easily the most durable dumbbells on our list. We gave them a 5 out of 5 for durability after dropping them on both foam flooring and concrete, which resulted in zero damage to the dumbbells—not even minor scratches. These dumbbells broke the concrete, so you should be careful not to drop them on your floor (they come with a warning from the manufacturer that says “do not drop”).

These compact adjustable dumbbells may not look like traditional dumbbells, but they still allow you to get 16 weights in one. And thanks to their square shape, they can easily be stored and stacked in a corner of your apartment or garage without taking up too much space—which earned them a 5 out of 5 for storage. They’re a great space-saving solution for home gyms already occupied by larger fitness equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines .

These dumbbells scored a 4 out of 5 for portability, and they come with their own storage cradles, although you may want to purchase a NÜOBELL stand for easier storage. Price at time of publication: $685

Testing Notes: “I did a workout with these weights and adjusted between 15-20 pounds in a circuit of six exercises. Changing the weight between exercises took less than 10 seconds from finishing one exercise, adjusting the weight, and then getting ready for the next exercise.”

Our testers gave the dumbbells a 5 out of 5 for both ease of use and grip. These weights are shaped like regular dumbbells and can be used for all exercises you would do with traditional dumbbells without requiring you to alter your form or the way you hold them. And our testers’ grip was solid with both wet and dry hands.

Although these dumbbells don’t come fully assembled, set up and unboxing is relatively easy (it took our tester less than nine minutes), and the dumbbells ship with a manual with directions and pictures for a six-step setup. An intermediate or advanced lifter shouldn’t have a problem setting these up, but a beginner may require some assistance.

However, when measuring the weight of the dumbbells in The Lab, we found that the minimum weight was actually 6.4 pounds, slightly higher than what was listed by the manufacturer. This, and the fact that the dumbbells require you to increase weight over time by 5-pound increments, make these adjustable dumbbells not a great pick for beginners.

For the advanced weightlifter looking to keep up their strength gains at home or in limited space, the NÜOBELL 80LB Classic Adjustable Dumbbells are a great pick. Our testers gave these dumbbells a 4 out of 5 for adjustability, as the dumbbells can easily be adjusted between exercises with the simple twist of a handle, and they adjust from 5 pounds all the way to 80 pounds in 5-pound increments.

These dumbbells scored particularly well for durability, earning a score of 5 out of 5. When dropped on gym flooring, the dumbbells remained completely intact with no scratches. And dropping them on concrete resulted in only minor scratches with no broken or chipped parts. Price at time of publication: $360

Testing Notes: “As a beginner, I wasn’t intimidated by the weights and quickly knew how to adjust. It’s easy to use, and it felt very comfortable in my hands. The adjustable weights were firm and stayed in place. When I started to sweat, I felt it slipping a little, but I still had a good grip on it. Overall, super easy to adjust and store.”

We gave these dumbbells a score of 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use and a 4.5 out of 5 for grip because we found the weight to be balanced and were able to complete all exercises without having to adjust our grip (although one tester felt the dumbbells slipping a little when performing exercises with wet hands).

Like the Bowflex weights, the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells also received a 5 out of 5 for adjustability. We found they could easily adjust the weights from exercise to exercise with a simple twist of the handles. However, our testers still think the Bowflex is superior for adjustability because it adjusts in 2.5-pound increments up to 25 pounds and offers 15 weights in one, while the Core Home Fitness dumbbells adjust in 5-pound increments and only offer users ten dumbbells in one. Our beginner testers thought the 5-pound weight increase was a little difficult to work up to week over week, and they would prefer slightly lower increment adjustments.

Although these dumbbells don’t ship assembled, our tester took less than five minutes to fully assemble them without needing any tools, so these dumbbells received a 4.5 out of 5 for setup and unboxing.

While they don’t ship with a rack, Bowflex does offer the SelectTech Dumbbell Stand which is made especially for these dumbbells and sold separately. Price at time of publication: $549

Testing Notes: “I love how easy these adjustable dumbbells are to adjust between exercises. It took me less than 20 seconds to adjust the weight between sets. I was also able to maintain a good grip on the dumbbells, even with wet hands, thanks to the grippy rubber handle.”

These dumbbells also scored well for portability, grip (with both dry and wet hands), and storage, as they ship with their own storage bases. However, we found them to be slightly less durable than other dumbbells on our list. The dumbbells stayed intact when dropped on gym flooring, but a small piece of one of the dumbbells chipped off when they were dropped on concrete flooring. But rest easy knowing these dumbbells come with a two-year warranty.

These dumbbells scored a 4.8 out of 5 for ease of use. We found that, although the adjustable dumbbells are slightly bulkier than regular dumbbells, they still maintain the traditional dumbbell shape (unlike many other adjustable dumbbells). This allows you to perform any traditional strength training exercise without having to alter your form.

We gave these dumbbells a 5 out of 5 for adjustability because we found that they could quickly adjust weight between each exercise in less than 20 seconds with the turn of a dial. Plus, since the dumbbells adjust from 5 to 25 pounds in 2.5-pound increments and from 25 to 52.5 pounds in 5-pound increments, they offer plenty of weights for a variety of total-body exercises for both beginner and advanced users. And they allow users to increase the weight they use over time, ensuring they can keep progressing their workouts to achieve better results. We found the maximum weight of the dumbbells to be slightly heavier than what was listed by the manufacturer—we measured 53.6 pounds, whereas the manufacturer lists 52.5 pounds.

After completing a strength training circuit of three lower body and three upper body strength training exercises, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells were the clear overall winner of our test with their impressive weight range and ease of adjustment as the standout features. These adjustable dumbbells ship fully assembled, although you need to use the included Allen wrench to free them from the strap that holds them in place upon delivery.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

How We Rated the Adjustable Dumbbells

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best adjustable dumbbells we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These dumbbells are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great dumbbells, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These dumbbells are just average.

3.4 and below: We don’t recommend dumbbells with this rating; you won’t find any on our list.

How We Tested the Adjustable Dumbbells

To make our list of the best adjustable dumbbells, members of the Verywell Fit editorial team tested 15 adjustable dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab to see how they performed in key areas, including unboxing and set up, adjustability, ease of use, durability, grip, portability, storage, and overall value. Five testers—including two certified personal trainers, one barre instructor, and two beginner-to-intermediate weightlifters—spent two full days running through a circuit of a variety of dumbbell-based strength training exercises.

Unboxing

Before beginning the exercise circuit, we unboxed each dumbbell and took note of the initial condition of each one as well as how long it took us to set each dumbbell up for use once unboxed. We also noted how portable and storable each dumbbell was, based on its bulkiness, weight, and whether it came with a storage device—like a storage base or rack.

Throughout the test, our testers paid special attention to how each dumbbell felt in their hands and if the weight felt evenly distributed in the dumbbell.

Weightlifting Circuit

We tested each adjustable dumbbell twice through a dumbbell weightlifting circuit of six upper body and lower body exercises which included squats, jump squats, overhead presses, walking lunges, Russian twists, and single-arm front raises. Before running through this exercise circuit for a second time, each tester sprayed their hands with water to see how their grip would hold up when things got humid or sweaty.

We evaluated the ease of use of each dumbbell while performing the exercise circuit, as well as the ease of adjustability of the dumbbells by noting how long it took to adjust the weight from exercise to exercise. During both the wet and dry tests, we paid special attention to whether our grip on the dumbbells faltered or didn’t feel as secure at any point throughout the circuit.

Drop Test

Following our sweat test, we took each dumbbell through a drop test to evaluate its durability. Testers dropped each dumbbell from hip height once on gym foam flooring and once on concrete slabs to evaluate how the dumbbells would hold up if accidentally (or purposefully) dropped on various flooring.

Dumbbells that only had very minor scratches after being dropped on foam and concrete flooring received a higher score for durability, while those that chipped or lost parts throughout the test scored lower for this attribute.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Attributes vs. Price

We also rated each dumbbell for “overall value,” a subjective score that weighs all the other attributes (unboxing and set up, adjustability, ease of use, durability, and storage) against the price of the dumbbell. If an adjustable dumbbell scored highly on all attributes but was significantly more expensive than the other dumbbells we tested, we did not give it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for overall value.

Computing the Score

We then used this data to calculate an overall average score. Because this score is an average, no adjustable dumbbell received a perfect overall rating. Some of the adjustable dumbbells that scored highest for adjustability and ease of use scored lowest for storage because since they offer more weights to the user, they tend to be slightly bulkier. And some adjustable dumbbells that were super storable scored low for adjustability because they didn’t offer our testers enough weights to complete a full workout.

Since the quality of some dumbbells may deteriorate over time based on their durability, we are continuing to test each dumbbell at home, and we will update our recommendations based on any new insights.

What to Look for in an Adjustable Dumbbell

Weight

Any time you’re shopping for weightlifting equipment, the actual weight should be a key factor. Consider your experience as a lifter and find a set that suits your needs and skill level, also remembering that you’ll want to increase the weight over time. Remember that sets can range from light (2 to 11 pounds per dumbbell) to heavy (11 to 70 pounds per dumbbell) to wide-ranging (4 to 100 pounds per dumbbell).

You’ll also want to keep in mind increment jumps. “Especially for weight under 25 pounds, you may want the weight to go up in small increments,” Marita Martina Gumbs, CPT, Fight 2B Fit DC Lead Trainer, says. “Going from 10 pounds to 20 pounds—or even 10 pounds to 15 pounds—can be tough to handle.” If you want more control over your workouts, look for a set that increases in smaller, more nuanced increments.

Efficiency

How many dumbbell sets are you trying to replace? Depending on weight range and increment size, adjustable dumbbell sets can replace between 4 to 15 dumbbell sets (and sometimes, even more).

Unit Size

Some adjustable dumbbells are sold as singles, and others are sold as pairs. This is key to keep in mind as you compare prices, consider weights, and ultimately buy a set of dumbbells. You should also check whether the weight in the product description describes a single dumbbell or a full set. (You’ll be disappointed if you get a 20-pound set, thinking you ordered two 20-pound dumbbells. And you’ll also be disappointed if you receive one dumbbell, thinking you ordered a full set.)

Price

One thing that our testers noted after testing 15 adjustable dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab is that you’ll probably have to shell out a minimum of $300 for a high-quality adjustable dumbbell. Cheaper options do exist, but keep in mind that you’ll likely end up compromising in some areas—like weight range, increment increase, ease of adjustment, portability, and durability—if you opt for a budget-friendlier option. Adjustable dumbbell sets can range in price from $200 up to $800 or more depending on the weight range and other included features.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

We Also Tested These Adjustable Dumbbells

These adjustable dumbbells were also tested in our Lab and while they didn’t make our Best Adjustable Dumbbells list, they are a solid option.

The Yes4All 105-pound Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set is not easy to adjust since it has 28 different weight plates but if you’re looking for heavy dumbbells, these go up to 100 pounds per dumbbell.

The Nordic Track Select-A-Weight 55 Lb. Dumbbell Set is a bit on the expensive side but goes up to 55 pounds and replaces 15 sets of dumbbells.

The Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell has a small weight range that is good for beginner lifters but comes as a single dumbbell rather than a set.

If you’re looking for portable weights for travel, the Deiris Travel Weights are hollow and can be filled with water to adjust the weight.

The PINROYAL 4 in 1 Adjustable Dumbbell Set is versatile enough to be used as a set of dumbbells, a barbell, or a kettlebell but is not easy to adjust between exercises.

The papababe Adjustable Dumbbells are super space-saving due to the included connector bar that lets you configure them into a barbell but they are difficult to adjust between exercises.

If you’re looking for adjustable dumbbells that use the metric system of measurement, the Merax Deluxe 71.5 Pounds Adjustable Dial Dumbbell is a good choice. It goes as high as 71.5 pounds making it a solid option for more advanced lifters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do adjustable dumbbells work?

Most adjustable dumbbells come equipped with some type of lock. Unlock the dumbbells, and you can add or remove weight as you see fit—usually by turning a dial or sliding a slider to a given number. This number signals how much you want the dumbbell to weigh, and the dumbbell will use it to determine how much weight to add or drop.

Some manually adjustable dumbbells won’t do this work for you. Instead, you’ll have to remove the collars from your dumbbells and add or remove weight plates until you reach your desired weight.
Are adjustable dumbbells safe?

Adjustable dumbbells have many benefits and can be safe, but it’s important that you follow the directions for your specific set. If you don’t lock your dumbbells properly, weights could fall off of them mid-workout—leading to potentially serious injuries.

Brathwaite notes that spinlocks may be tougher to use than other locks, and he specifically recommends Bowflex’s SelectTech Dumbbells for their ability to be used easily and safely.
What should I expect to pay for adjustable dumbbells?

The cost of adjustable dumbbells can vary depending on whether you’re buying a single dumbbell or a pair, how much total weight the dumbbells are, and features like durability and how easy it is to adjust the weight. Most quality sets of adjustable dumbbells will run you about $300 and can be as high as $800 or more.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Isabella Broggini is the Commerce Editor for Verywell Fit and a certified personal trainer who has trained clients at Equinox. Isabella strength-trains using dumbbells several times a week. While testing adjustable dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab, Isabella focused her attention on the time it took to adjust each dumbbell throughout the workout circuit as well as how long it took her to set up and unbox each dumbbell. She performed side-by-side comparisons of products and collected first-hand data.

Isabella favors slightly pricier adjustable dumbbells if it means she can get more weights per dumbbell. Isabella is a fan of the POWERBLOCK Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells because they offer lots of weight options in one dumbbell and can be easily stored in her small one-bedroom New York City apartment.

Additional reporting by Lindsey Lanquist.

Verywell Fit writer Lindsey Lanquist has years of experience in the health and fitness space. For this piece, she prioritized adjustable dumbbells that were easy to use and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. She also made sure to feature adjustable dumbbells in a range of different weights and styles. After all, personal preference can vary a lot—and you deserve an adjustable dumbbell set that meets your precise needs.