Adjustable Dumbbells We Also Tested So far, we’ve tested 22 adjustable dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab—but only 12 have earned a spot in our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some of these dumbbells’ features, they ultimately didn’t stack up against the rest.
Rogue’s Loadable Dumbbells with OSO Collars offer exceptional grip, even with wet hands. But the plates are sold separately from the dumbbells themselves, and we don’t like how difficult the adjustment mechanism is to use.We like that LEADNOVO’s Adjustable Weights Dumbbells Set is budget-friendly, but it has a limited weight capacity and is made with plastic parts that could break easily. We also noticed that the bar is too long—it makes exercises like bench presses awkward.What We’ve Updated Since our initial tests, we’ve been using these adjustable dumbbells regularly at home, collecting additional observations on their design and performance. Based on this long-term testing, we recently added more insights to this article. We’ve also updated our list based on new products that have been released. We’ve updated our Best Overall Pick. Our initial choice, Bowflex’s SelectTech 552 Dumbbell, performed well in our Lab. However, during long-term testing at home, we realized that the parts tend to slide off the storage rack. We also think the storage rack feels cheap, considering how pricey the SelectTech is. We replaced it with PowerBlock’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, which was originally our pick for Best Compact Adjustable Dumbbells. Our tester, an experienced weightlifter, gave these adjustable dumbbells a perfect score in all categories.
We carefully examine each dumbbell's weight plates and adjustment mechanism during testing.
Verywell Fit / Nick Kova
How We Tested the Adjustable Dumbbells To find the best adjustable dumbbells, we’ve tested 22 sets for eight hours in our Testing Lab. Under the supervision of a certified personal trainer, we complete an exercise circuit including bent-over rows, bicep curls, forward lunges, front squats, and bench presses. Then, we take the adjustable dumbbells home and continue to test them for months to see how they hold up over long periods of regular use. During testing, we evaluate each weight based on the following criteria:
Ease of Setup: Do the dumbbells come pre-assembled, or do they require setup after we unbox them? We record how long the setup process takes and if it requires more than one person. We also note if any additional tools are required or if everything is included in our purchase.Adjustability: First, we note the minimum and maximum weight each dumbbell weighs, according to the manufacturer. As we use the dumbbells, we pay attention to how easy they are to adjust (can we use one hand, or do we need both?). We time how quickly adjustments can be made.Ease of Use: Do the dumbbell’s handles feel streamlined and easy to grasp? Are the weights easy to maneuver into different positions? Does the length of the dumbbell’s handle interfere with our workout?Grip: How does the handle’s texture enhance or detract from our ability to grip the weights? Is it smooth and padded, or rough and textured? How wide is the handle—can smaller and larger hands grasp it comfortably? During workouts, we note how secure the dumbbells feel in our hands. We also spray our hands with water to see how the grip changes with wet or sweaty hands.Durability: At first glance, do the dumbbells look high-quality? We pay attention to how the materials feel and whether they seem sturdy and built to last. Throughout testing, we monitor the dumbbells for any signs of wear and tear, like scratches, dents, chips, or dings.Storage: How much space do the dumbbells take up? Do they come with a base, rack, or other storage solution? If so, we note whether it’s well-made and how easy it is to use. These observations help us determine which adjustable dumbbells are best for smaller home gyms.Overall Value: To accurately assess each dumbbell’s overall value, we wait to check the price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve evaluated them in all other categories. Based on their performance, do we think the weights are priced fairly? Would we buy them at this price, or only if they went on sale? We also consider whether we’d recommend the dumbbells to a friend or family member.
To test the dumbbells' durability, we drop them onto concrete from waist height.
Verywell Fit / Nick Kova
How to Choose Adjustable Dumbbells A few factors can help you decide which adjustable dumbbells are right for you:
Fitness Level: If you’re new to strength training , we recommend adjustable dumbbells with a smaller weight range. As you progress, you can gradually increase the weight to ensure you’re consistently challenging and growing your muscles. Advanced lifters should look for heavier weights to help you reach your weightlifting goals. No matter your experience, consider a set of weights that caters to both your current fitness level and where you aim to be.Training Goals: Choose dumbbells that match your goals and will cater to your workout routine. If you want to build muscle , opt for heavier weights so you can push yourself while doing fewer repetitions. Lighter weights will help you do more reps to help increase your endurance or tone your muscles.Available Space: Optimizing your home gym is crucial, especially if you’re tight on space. Consider how much space you have and where you can store your dumbbells before investing (and make sure to measure!).
Benefits of adjustable dumbbells.
Michelle Parente
Our Experts We consulted fitness experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Jamie Song, NASM-CPT, Alexis Dreiss, NASM-CPT, and Stacey Dejesus, NASM-CPT, helped us design and refine our testing process. Others, like Brathwaite and Spear, taught us how to use adjustable dumbbells safely and which key features are most important to consider as you shop for them. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions, ensuring that our recommendations are grounded in professional expertise.
Jamie Song, NASM-CPT , certified personal trainer, functional range conditioning mobility specialist, and licensed yoga teacherAlexis Dreiss, NASM-CPT , certified personal trainer and functional strength coachStacey Dejesus, NASM-CPT , certified personal trainer at Leading Edge Personal TrainersDaniela Spear, NSCA-CSCS, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and founder of Remade Wellness Prince Brathwaite, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and founder of Trooper Fitness Why Trust Verywell Fit Jarrod Nobbe is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with extensive coaching experience in fitness and performance. He uses his knowledge and years in the field to evaluate products from reputable fitness brands. With a strong passion for the gym, Jarrod incorporates dumbbell training into his routines and athlete training sessions. He enjoys using PowerBlock’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells during his at-home strength workouts .