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The 12 Best Dumbbells For Your Home Workouts, According To A Trainer And Online Reviews
Because honestly…there are SO many.
If you’re in the market for a new set of dumbbells, the number of options can be overwhelming. Dumbbells come in all shapes and sizes and some have pretty fancy tech built-in. But here’s a secret: The best dumbbell sets are more budget-friendly (we got you!), and the space-saving weights will allow you to strength-train toward your goals. (Yes, they're a smart buy even if you're a gym and class regular.)
“Dumbbells can be used for a variety of workouts, whether you’re looking for a HIIT-type of workout with lighter weight combined with short bouts of intense cardio moves, a muscle strength power workout using heavier weight with lower reps, or a workout focusing on muscle endurance with lighter weight and more repetitions,” says Melissa Hendrix Wogahn, CSCS, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and exercise physiologist.
Meet the experts: Melissa Hendrix Wogahn, CSCS, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and exercise physiologist. Hayden Steele, CPT, is a strength coach and creator of the Shock fitness app.
To help you get a head start on your dumbbell workout shopping quest, it’s important to look for a set of quality dumbbells, and it's okay to start low, says Hayden Steele, CPT. “Typically, dumbbells are priced according to the pounds or kilograms per dumbbell, so a set of five-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.
Jump right to shopping with a sneak peek at top-rated dumbbells.
The Best Dumbbells For Your Home Gym
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How To Shop For Dumbbells, According To Trainers
- Weight: If this is your first foray into dumbbells, it’s best to choose a weight that you can lift for 8 to 12 reps, says Hendrix Wogahn. “Keep in mind, though, that each exercise may require a different weight, so this is why investing in a set can be helpful,” she explains. When you can perform two to three sets of eight to 12 reps, it’s time to level-up. “Try five pounds and see how that feels," she adds. When you do, be sure to decrease the reps and sets, then build back up to two to three sets of eight to twelve reps.
- Comfort: Your muscles may be burning, but your hands don't have to. Take into consideration how the dumbbells feel in your hand, adds Hendrix Wogahn. Find a comfortable material (neoprene dumbbells tend to offer a bit more traction so you don’t need to squeeze while lifting) and notice the size of the grip because a set of dumbbells shouldn’t feel too large or too small for the comfort of your hands, she explains.
- Storage: Quality dumbbells don't have to take up your entire home gym, either, so when it comes to storing your weights, it’s all personal preference. Most sets come with their own rack for storage, but if your space is limited, your best bet are adjustable dumbbells, per Steele. The most important thing, though, is to store them out of the way of foot traffic, notes Hendrix Wogahn.
With those features in mind, 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 right at home.
Pros
- Comes in multiple colors
- Light for beginners
Cons
- One weight option available
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 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!
Rave Review: "These little bars are the best thing to happen to the fitness industry!! They are sleek and easy to clean. The little bag they come in make them so portable!"
| Color | Blush |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3 pounds |
Pros
- Multipurpose design
- Coating resists rust
- Four grip points
Cons
- Requires more storage space
YBells are a fave of WH's fitness editor, Jennifer Nied. 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. They're a great option for HIIT workouts, yoga, strength training, and more.
Rave Review: "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."
| Weight | 2.4 - 44 pounds |
|---|---|
| Color | Gray, Black |
BalanceFrom Coated Dumbbell Set
Pros
- Includes storage rack
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Weight range is limited
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 rack that can be easily moved or stored around the house.
Rave Review: "It was nearly impossible to find an affordable set of dumbbells. I recently moved into a new home and was at the beginning of creating a small home gym, so I 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!"
| Color | Multi |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5 - 12 pounds |
SPRI Deluxe Rubber-Coated Hand Weights
SPRI Deluxe Rubber-Coated Hand Weights
Pros
- Hex shape prevents rolling
- Easy grip for heavy lifting
Cons
- Storage rack not included
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.
Rave Review: "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."
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10 pounds |
Sporti Aquatic Dumbbells
Sporti Aquatic Dumbbells
Pros
- Comfortable foam grip
- Dry quickly
Cons
- Only for use in water
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.
Rave Review: "I use for both deep and shallow water aerobics and find them a great addition for resistance training."
| Color | Purple |
|---|---|
| Weight | N/A |
BalanceFrom Rubber-Coated Dumbbells
BalanceFrom Rubber-Coated Dumbbells
Pros
- Secure grip
- Won't roll away
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy lifters
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.
Rave Review: "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."
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10 Pounds |
FLYBIRD FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
FLYBIRD FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros
- Saves space
- Easy to change weight
Cons
- Weight distribution can be challenging
FLYBIRD's adjustable dumbbells will give you plenty of strength training options. You can easily swap your weights from five 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.
Rave Review: "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!"
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Weight | 25 pounds |
Nordictrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells
Nordictrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros
- Space-saving
- Can be controlled using voice commands
Cons
- Pricey
The best thing about this dumbbell set is that you adjust the weights digitally. With the touch of a button or a voice command using Alexa, you can increase or drop the weights in five-pound increments.
Rave Review: "This is one of my best purchases in a long time. It saves space while I get the benefits of several dumbbell weight ranges in one dumbbell system. I haven’t used the iFIT app because I just wanted the weights. It’s sturdy and simple. I only wish the weight went up to 100."
| Weight | 50 pounds |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros
- Great for challenging workouts
- Ideal for heavy lifting
Cons
- Round plates may roll
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.
Rave Review: "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."
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Weight | 40 - 200 pounds |
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Pros
- Wide range of weights
- Easy to store
Cons
- Adjustments may be hard for beginners
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.
Rave Review: "LOVE LOVE LOVE these dumbbells!!! Oh My!! I waited for a year, and then Amazon had a coupon and that was it! I live in a small trailer, so they're perfect for small areas. Super smooth, comfortable grip, can't say enough good. I am a 61-year-old female, been lifting for +40 years, and these are one of the best investments I have made."
| Weight | 5 - 52.5 pounds |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
ATIVAFIT Adjustable Fitness Dial Dumbbell
Pros
- Comes in dial or glide tech
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- More expensive
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.
Rave Review: "It is very easy to use. Being that it's adjustable, anyone in the family can use it according to 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 one dumbbell with different weights."
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Weight | 66 pounds |
Why should I add dumbbells to my home gym?
"Dumbbells are by far the most versatile equipment you can keep in your gym," says personal trainer Macy Pruett, CPT, owner of fitness workout app, Fittest Core. Because you can switch out weights easily and the pair allows for more mobility than say a barbell, dumbbells allow you to tackle a variety exercises. So you can use them to hone in on many specific muscles and muscle groups.
Plus, if you don’t have lots of extra room in your house, you don't have to buy the whole rack. You can just get a pair or two that align with your own fitness foals.
What should I look out for when shopping for dumbbells?
When it comes to shopping for dumbbells, Pruett says you shouldn't worry about making sure they're from a well-known brand. "They don’t have to be expensive or brand name. Go to your local Target or general store and purchase a set. Weights are weight, and movement is movement."
But there are a few specific things you can look out for.
Weight
If you're not buying a full rack, you should consider what dumbbell weight is good for you. Pruett recommends opting for a weight that you can comfortably use for both upper body and lower body exercises. "If you purchase a set of dumbbells with only lower body exercises in mind, chances are they’ll be too heavy to complete upper body exercises with. So a good 'happy medium' weight is what I suggest."
For women, this is typically something between 10-20 pounds, Pruett says. But, if you’re looking to add multiple sets of dumbbells, throw in a heavier set as well, she adds. "I suggest also adding a heavier weight option for lower body exercises. For women, that's anything from 30-45 pounds."
How much room you have for storage
"Since this is for your home gym, you want to consider how much space you’re working with, the floor your home gym has, and if you’re looking to own just one set or multiple," says Pruett. For example, if you're in a smaller apartment you might consider a vertical rack as opposed to a horizontal rack.
If you’re using an office or bedroom for your gym, Pruett recommends having a basket that you can easily store in a corner to throw your dumbbells or other small home gym equipment in to.
Durability
One way you can check in on a dumbbell set's durability are its online reviews. But you should know that most dumbbells do go through normal wear and tear. "For example, the dumbbells with the colored coating on them do eventually chip/break off," says Pruett.
She mostly recommends metal or brass weights, specifically with a rubber coating. "These are very durable and handle being dropped very well," she says.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
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