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Ready to upgrade your at-home gym? Look no farther than these shiny new sets of dumbbells—from light hand weights to full racks of dumbbells to small space-friendly adjustable sets.
To help you in your dumbbell shopping quest, WH tapped Hayden Steele, CPT, for what to look for in a set of quality dumbbells. “Typically, dumbbells are priced according to the pounds or killograms per dumbbell,” says Steele. “A set of 5-pound weights will be cheaper than 10-pound weights, so only purchase the dumbbells that fit within your strength profile or align with your fitness goals." When you get stronger (because you will, trust!): "You can always add more!" he says.
Quality dumbbells don't have to take up your entire home gym, either. Most sets come with their own rack for storage. If your space is limited, your best bet are adjustable dumbbells, per Steele.
Here are the 12 best dumbbell sets based on trainer recommendations and reviews that will definitely catch your eye. Get ready to hit your strength goals.
Reviewers say these are easy to hold on to, have great weight distribution, and are perfect for barre workouts. Plus, they are kind of the cutest weights you could ever have lying around in the house. And these are light enough and small enough to toss in your suitcase if you're into a lil sweat sesh during your vacay!
Reviewer Rave: "These little bars are the best thing to happen to the fitness industry!! They are sleek are easy to clean. The little bag they come in make it so portable!" -Samantha, shopbala.com
Because of the YBell’s unique shape, it can be used as a kettlebell, dumbbell, medicine ball, and pushup stand. It also comes in a wide range of weights that are perfect for anyone looking to find ways to incorporate equipment into their workouts. It’s also a great option for HIIT workouts, yoga, strength training, and more.
Rave Reviewer: "YBells are so versatile, they've replaced my kettlebells and a rack of dumbbells. I can easily switch up my workouts by changing my grip, which is also super comfortable."—Jennifer Nied, WH Fitness Editor
These dumbbells are exactly what you need if you're just getting started on your home gym. The weights range from five to 12 pounds, the neoprene material makes them great for both indoor and outdoor workouts, and they come with a shown that can be easily moved or stored around the house.
Reviewer Rave: "Awesome! It was nearly impossible to find an affordable set of dumbbells. I recently moved into a new home and at the beginning of creating a small home gym and needed a starter set of dumbbells. These were delivered quickly and the bells are great quality. It comes with a cute little rack, which is great if you’re like me and can’t stand mess. I use them daily and then tuck them all back in to their corner for the following day! Would highly recommend!" —Julie, amazon.com
These rubber-encased hex dumbbells are sold in pairs, and they're great for upper-body workouts. They'll make your home gym feel legit. And the best part? The weight range is great for intermediate training. You can shop from 10 to 50 pounds.
Reviewer Rave: "These are the perfect dumbbells for CrossFit or body building. I do both and really love this style of dumbbell and they are worth their price. Being the more affordable option, they aren’t cheaply made. I have zero complaints and will be adding some heavier ones to my collection soon." — Travis, amazon.com
Adjustable dumbbells aren't for everyone. But if you still want the compact nature and variety they offer, minus the dials and levers, the Cap Dumbbell set is for you. It ranges from 15 to 120 pounds. And it comes with an upright standing rack to maximize floor space in your home gym.
Reviewer Rave: "These are some of the nicest dumbbells I've ever seen, let along owned. The stand is perfect for compact storage. The rubber helps it from slipping or rolling and the grips don't hurt a bare hand. This was one of my best purchases for our home fitness!" —Amanda, amazon.com
These dumbbells are available in a bunch of sizes, so you can lift heavy (or light), depending on your fitness goals. Buy them as singles from three to 25 pounds or in a pair from 30 to 50 pounds. Whichever you purchase, you'll love how durable and secure the chrome-contoured handles feel. And you'll still get the rubber coating on the ends to protect your home gym floors (a.k.a. your living room floors) from getting scratched.
Reviewer rave: "I love the fact that even with smaller hands, I can grip these weights easily. I also love that the weights are covered in a coating that won't dent my wood floors. I've bought weights where they are fully coated, but then the "handle" is too big for my hands to grasp. I recommend these weights." —Kimmy B, amazon.com
When you add water to your workouts, you’ll want these by your side. (Just try one of these swim workouts, featuring aqua weights.) Made of foam, they offer extra buoyancy in the water, so you can burn out your biceps, triceps, back, and shoulders.
Reviewer Rave: "I use for both deep and shallow water aerobics and find them a great addition for resistance training." —Lesslie, swimoutlet.com
FLYBIRD's adjustable dumbbells will give you plenty of strength training options. You can easily swap your weights from 5 to 25 pounds. Users also love how durable they feel and how quiet they are when adjusting or lifting them on and off the ground.
Reviewer Rave: "The dumbbells are great! Adjusting the weight is super easy. They're quite large overall if you're petite but that's what you work with if you choose adjustable dumbbells. They feel sturdy so far and the weights don't jiggle and clink. Worth the money if the weight range is what you would normally work with!"— Katherine, amazon.com
The best thing about this dumbbell set is that you adjust the weights digitally. With the touch of a button, you can increase or drop the weights in six-pound increments.
Rave review: "The dumbbell connect blows my mind! It is so simple and easy to use. It also is such a space saver. The dumbbell connect system only takes up a small space in my living room which having it accessible like that gives me no excuse not to work out. The weights range from 8 to 50 pounds and with a touch of a button the weights automatically adjust...So simple, so easy!"—Court1984, jaxjox.com
These cast-iron dumbbells start at 40 pounds and go all the way up to a whopping 200 pounds (great for heavy lifters!). If you're used to lifting with weight plates, you'll love this set. You can also purchase a connector with your dumbbells that can easily turn them into barbells for even more variety.
Reviewer Rave: "I bought these while on quarantine to try and keep up with the moves I learned in CrossFit. These dumbbells are perfect. I love that the weights are adjustable and fit under my coffee table. The handle is a little rough but works out if you are one of those people that sweat a lot. It will keep it from slipping out of your grip. Money well spent." —Kimberlee, amazon.com
This one is a classic fan favorite (and Steele's expert pick) and quickly fluctuates between being in and out of stock. There's a reason these fly off the shelves. They can go from five to 52.5 pounds in a matter of seconds with a simple dial turn. Plus, it's compatible with the Bowflex SelectTech training app where you can track your weight, reps, and sets while watching workout videos and coaching sessions.
Reviewer Rave: "LOVE LOVE LOVE these dumbbells!!! Oh My !! I have waited for a year, then Amazon had a coupon and that was it! I live in a small trailer, perfect for small areas. Super smooth, comfort grip, can't say enough good. I am 61 yrs female, been lifting for +40 years and these are one of the best investments I have made." —Cindy M., amazon.com
As far as adjustable dumbbells go, these offer one of the widest weight ranges. They can be cranked up to 71.5 pounds—combining 17 sets of weights into one. Users praise the rubber grips for being super comfortable and love how easy the switching mechanism is to use.
Reviewer Rave: "It is very easy to use. Being that it's adjustable, anyone can use it in the family with their weight preferences without having to buy extra dumbbells. If space is an issue in your house, this would be a great alternative to buying more than 1 dumbbell with different weights."—Bryan B. amazon.com