Best Adjustable Dumbbells | We Tested Them to Find What’s Actually Worth Buying

The best adjustable dumbbells can replace an entire rack of weights, but after testing multiple sets, we found some are much easier to adjust, more comfortable to lift with, and better suited to progressive strength training than others.

Instead of buying multiple sets of weights, you get a range of options in one compact setup.

This makes it easier to use lighter weights for upper-body exercises and then increase the weight for squats, lunges, or deadlifts.

Of course, adjustable dumbbells aren’t exactly the same as picking up a traditional dumbbell at the gym.

Depending on which adjustable dumbbell you get, the grip can feel different, and the weight may not feel quite as balanced in your hand. You’ll also have a limit on how heavy you can go, which is something to consider especially as you get stronger!

But if you’re looking for an easy way to strength train at home without turning an entire room into a gym, adjustable dumbbells are the perfect place to start.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells

There are a lot of adjustable dumbbells out there, and while they may look pretty similar, there are some key differences between them.

We’ve pulled together a few options that we think are worth adding to your home setup. And if you’re looking to be able to lift heavier without giving up a bunch of space, we have an option for that too!

Best for Reliability – Bowflex 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

A longtime favorite in the adjustable dumbbell world, offering plenty of weight options in one space-saving set.

Bowflex has been a popular home gym option for years, and these adjustable dumbbells are always a favorite on our holiday gift guides. The dial system feels satisfying to use, you’ll hear an audible click as the weight locks in, and it makes it easy to switch between weights depending on the exercise.

It only takes a few seconds to go from the lightest to the heaviest setting. The handle is also a comfortable length, similar to a fixed dumbbell, so it sits well in your hand. One issue is the rubber grip on the ends: it can spin around and even pull off during use. Because the plates are plastic-encased, you also shouldn’t drop them between reps.

They’re a great option if you want one set of dumbbells that can grow with your strength training without adding more equipment, especially if you have a smaller space!

Important to note: Bowflex recalled the 552s in June 2025 due to reports of plates dislodging. However, a redesigned version is now available, so if you still have the older version, it may be worth checking whether yours is affected.

Best for a Premium Feel – Nordictrack Select-a-Weight Dumbbells

An easy way to add adjustable weights to your Nordictrack home gym and iFit workouts.

The Nordictrack Select-a-Weight Dumbbells make it easy to get a range of weights without taking up a ton of space. You can adjust the weights from 10-55lbs simply by placing the dumbbells back into the tray. They’re perfect for squats, lunges, rows, or upper-body workouts.

The metal handle has a light knurling that’s grippy without being harsh on your palms, and the flat plate design means the dumbbell rests comfortably on your thigh between sets — this can be helpful during incline presses. The weight selectors are easy to slide once you get the hang of them, though there are two pins on each side (one for 10-lb jumps, one for smaller 2.5- or 5-lb increments), and neither is clearly labeled, so it may take some getting used to.

If you already have Nordictrack equipment at home, these are an easy addition to round out your home gym. You can also use them alongside iFit strength workouts, making it easy to add more strength training to your routine without a full rack of weights. Note that the adjustable dumbbells max out at 55lbs, so if you need to lift heavier, you’ll need another option.

Best for Beginners – Acezoe Adjustable Dumbbell Set

A beginner-friendly adjustable dumbbell set that makes it easy to start strength training at home.

Specifications

• Weight: Incremental Weights from 3-25lbs or 3-50lbs
• Option to buy as a pair or a single 50lb weight
• Storage tray included
• Available from Amazon for $170

Quick Take

Pros

• Super easy to adjust and lock into place
• Great option for those newer to lifting

Cons

• Do not drop them because there’s no rubber like traditional weights
• Bulkier design than regular dumbbells

If you have ever struggled with space and where to put free weights in your house or apartment, this set solves all of those issues. It’s very easy to use.

It’s very beginner-friendly; just turn the handle and wait for it to click to the weight setting you want. The weight automatically grabs the corresponding weight setting, and you just lift and go. The modular locking design keeps the plates firmly seated during lifts, but avoid dropping them since there’s no rubber cushioning as you’d get with traditional weights.

We love that you can purchase these in either 25 lb or 50 lb sets. The handles also come with grips, so if your palms tend to get sweaty, you won’t slip.

Best for Quick Weight Changes – Echelon Strength Adjustable Dumbbells

An easy-to-adjust dumbbell set that lets you quickly change weights between exercises.

Specifications

• Weight: incremental Weights from 7 to 52.5 lbs
• Option to buy a single dumbbell with no stand
• Comes with a stand vs. tray
• Available from Echelonfit.com for $499

Quick Take

Pros

• Easier transition during workouts
• Super easy to switch between the weights and not worry about them disconnecting

Cons

• Stand will take up more space than a traditional tray
• Bulkier design than regular dumbbells

One thing that makes these adjustable dumbbells stand out from the other options on our list is the stand.

Instead of keeping the dumbbells in trays on the floor, the stand keeps them at a more convenient height for grabbing, adjusting the weight, and getting right into your next exercise.  You’re still getting the space-saving benefit of multiple weights in one, but the stand makes the whole setup feel a little more like having a traditional dumbbell rack at home without needing nearly as much room — however, the stand will take up more space than a traditional tray.

The grip is also a strong point. It’s a rubberized, non-slip handle that stays secure even when your hands get sweaty.

As for adjusting, it takes about three or four seconds once you’ve seated the dumbbell in the stand and set the pin. They also run on the longer side, which can feel a little unwieldy at the lightest settings.

Best for Small Spaces – PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells

A compact adjustable dumbbell set that’s built for tight workout spaces without sacrificing weight options.

If floor space is your biggest obstacle to strength training at home, the PowerBlock Pro 50 is worth a look. Each dumbbell takes up less than a square foot, yet the set still replaces close to 20 pairs of traditional dumbbells thanks to its 5- 50 lb range in small increments.

For a lighter option, check out the PowerBlock Sport 24 (3-24 lbs) from Amazon for $219, and for a heavier option, PowerBlock Pro 100 (5-100 lbs) from Amazon for $599.

The magnetic pin system takes a little practice at first, since the blocky shape feels different from a standard dumbbell in your hand. But once you get used to it, switching weights takes just a couple of seconds.

You just move the pin and go, which makes it easy to keep momentum during circuit-style workouts or supersets.

The handle itself is comfortable for most hand sizes, and the plates are built from steel with a coating that helps cut down on the clanking noise you sometimes get with adjustable sets.