At-home workouts, hotel workouts, and the best workouts during peak gym hours all need one thing: the best dumbbells. When you’re short on space and equipment, free weights—especially convertible ones like the best adjustable dumbbells—are key for building muscle in a pinch.
Whether you’re a veteran lifter or seeking guidance on weight lifting for beginners, a good set of dumbbells is essential when learning the basics (i.e. the best dumbbell exercises) and scaling up to more advanced workouts like EMOM circuits and body-part protocols like the best shoulder workouts, best back workouts, and best leg workouts.
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If you’re seeking the best dumbbells for your home gym or boutique gym space, Cap Coated Dumbbells are our top pick for their grippy knurled steel handles and hex-shaped heads that keep the weights from rolling.
Read on for the 10 best dumbbells you can buy now.
Best Dumbbells Overall: Cap Coated Dumbbell
Anyone who’s spent time in a gym has likely used Cap Coated Dumbbells. They’re a solid piece of workout equipment with knurling on the steel handles and a chrome finish for a non-slip grip. The hexagonal shape means they won’t roll away on you, and the polypropylene material won’t damage your floor when you set them down, making them an excellent option for home gyms. These traditional dumbbells offer one of the largest weight selections available, boasting between 10 and 120 pounds in 10-pound increments. Cap also offers a comfort grip dumbbell, as well as a 12-sided dumbbell. I have a 35-pound set of Cap Coated Dumbbells in my home gym, and let me tell you, I’ve gotten tons of use out of that single weight. I’ve had them for years and they’re still good as new.
Pros:
- Solidly constructed and won’t break
- Available in all popular weight increments
- Hexagonal shape won’t roll
Cons:
- Handles can still get a little slippery
- Buying more than a couple pairs can get expensive
- Bulky and not easily stored
Best Adjustable Dumbbells: Bowflex SelectTech 522
You can configure Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells to 15 different weights, ranging from five to 52.5 pounds, which makes them suitable for both beginners and experienced lifters. There’s a dial for quick weight adjustments between sets and each dumbbell can be stored in its own tray that conveniently stacks on top of one another. From personal experience, using these dumbbells multiple times a week since early 2024 (and for this in-depth review), Bowflex SelectTech 552s are a great do-it-all set for total-body workouts. They’re sturdy, comfortable in the hands, easily adjustable, and accommodate all home gym exercises from shoulder presses to goblet squats to bentover rows.
Pros:
- Non-slip rubberized grips
- Quick adjustability
- Sleek and attractive
Cons:
- Not expandable beyond 52.5 pounds
- Dumbbells might feel awkwardly long at lighter weights (20 lbs and under)
- Plastic-coated plates could potentially crack
Best Dumbbell Set: Papababe Dumbbell Set With Rack
Papababe Dumbbell Set and rack is a great quality option for beginners and pros alike. This set comes in five different variations, ranging from three to five pairs of dumbbells with max weights of 60 for the lightest set and 210 pounds for the heaviest. Though they’re not as consolidated as an adjustable dumbbell set, the rack means easy storage against a wall or even in a closet. Also, having multiple sets of dumbbells allows more than one person to work out at a time, so you and a partner can lift together.
Pros:
- Rubber coating won’t damage floors
- Rack allows for easy vertical storage
- Well-made and durable
Cons:
- Not as cost-effective as adjustable dumbbells
- Steel handles aren’t as grippy as rubber
- Rack isn’t easy to store out of sight
Best Block Dumbbells: PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
PowerBlock was a pioneer of the modern adjustable dumbbell set in the early 1990s and it’s still a trusted brand for strength enthusiasts working out at home. Powerblock Pro 50 Dumbbells adjust from five to 50 pounds in 2.5-pound “micro” increments for quick resistance changes with a user-friendly, color-coded pin system. The handles are padded for comfort and steel weight plates are urethane-coated to eliminate a clanging noise. One thing that separates these from many other adjustable dumbbells is the enclosed design, where you essentially put your hands inside the Powerblocks which provides a slightly more solid, stable feel.
Having used different PowerBlock models over the years, the brick-like design provides a reassuring feel, especially when going heavy with exercises like dumbbell bench presses. These have a “hardcore” element to them that makes you feel like you’re in a real gym.
Pros:
- Unique “block” design feels firm in hand
- Micro loading with 2.5-pound increments
- Sturdy and well-constructed without being loud
Cons:
- Wrists can get banged with enclosed handle design
- Adjusting weight can be clumsy at times
- Can be slightly unattractive to those who prefer a more classic dumbbell design
Best Hybrid Dumbbells: YBell 3-in-1 Kettlebell, Dumbbell, and Pushup Bar
We can call the 3-in-1 YBell a dumbbell because it has a handle in the middle, but it triples as a kettlebell and pushup bars (when bought as a pair) with its innovative “Y” design—a level of versatility that makes it ideal for at-home use. The 3-in-1 YBell comes in both “Neo Series” (2.4 to 27 pounds) and slightly more expensive “Pro Series” (10 to 44 pounds) to accommodate all fitness levels. If you opt for the complete Neo Series dumbbell set, which includes a pair of each of the five weights, you end up saving just under $200 on everything. As a space-saving bonus, the triangular YBells are stackable.
Pros:
- Great multitasker for pushups and kettlebell moves
- Neoprene surface extends to handles for added comfort
- Attractive modern design
Cons:
- Only available up to 44 pounds
- Bars outside of the handles can bump up against the wrists
- A little pricey
Best Dumbbells for Home Gyms: Peloton Dumbbells
Peloton doesn’t just do bikes (see Peloton Bike+) and treadmills anymore. The brand now extends into strength training with Peloton Dumbbells sold in pairs from five to 30 pounds. The unique square shape provides stability for dumbbell pushups and an optimal grip for goblet squats. As a bonus, the non-slip rubberized handles add comfort to all traditional dumbbell exercises. If you’re looking for guided workouts in which you can use these dumbbells, Peloton offers an affordable app with a variety of routines for all fitness levels.
Pros:
- Square design keeps them from rolling
- Comfortable non-slip rubberized handles
- Great strength training addition for Peloton users
Cons:
- Only available up to 30 pounds
- Bulky and take up space
- Fairly expensive, even at lighter resistances
Best Dumbbells for Garage Gyms: RitFit Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set
When you buy a set of dumbbells for your home gym, you want them to be durable and last for years. With RitFit Rubber Hex Dumbbells, that’s what you get. Their ergonomic cast-iron handles provide superb grip to help you get a serious pump, while their hexagonal shape and rubber design prevent damage to floors.
Pros:
- Hex-shaped weights don’t roll
- Rubber coating won’t mark up floors
- Well-built and will last a lifetime
Cons:
- Metal handles can slip in the hands
- Buying multiple pairs can get expensive
- Generic design looks like many other sets
Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells: NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells
NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells are great for anyone in search of a premium but affordable set of free weights from a very reputable brand. This durable dumbbell set is highlighted by a smooth weight selection system that involves simply pulling a plastic tab. Each dumbbell is adjustable in 2.5- or 5-pound increments from five to 55 pounds. Included in the set are molded storage trays, complete with printed weight markings to keep your home gym tidy.
Having used these dumbbells several times at a family member’s house, they’re perfect for any light- to moderate-weight lifting workouts. The weight plates sit snugly against each other with no movement, which allows you to do explosive exercises like dumbbell cleans and snatches.
Pros:
- Compact design for easy storage
- Easy weight adjustments
- Weight plates stay together with no clanging
Cons:
- Only go up to 55 pounds
- Plastic storage trays can crack with hard use
- Non-contoured handles are only moderately comfortable
Best Hex Dumbbells: TRX Hex Rubber Dumbbells
Originally known for its go-anywhere suspension training straps, TRX has since launched a complete product line of functional training equipment for non-bodyweight exercises. TRX Hex Rubber Dumbbells feature a traditional rubber-coated hex design to prevent rolling and scuffing up hardwood floors, as well as contoured handles for a solid grip. Weights are available in 5-pound increments from 10 to 30 pounds.
Pros:
- Versatile hex dumbbells for all types of workouts
- Rubber-coated ends won’t scratch floors
- Well made and built to last
Cons:
- Metal handles are a bit slippery
- Expensive when buying multiple pairs
- Only available up to 50 pounds
Best Dumbbells for Beginners: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
Th Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells are just one of the popular offerings from the brand. This sleek two-piece set adjusts in 3-pound increments from three to 15 pounds and is an ideal adjustable dumbbell set for beginners or even advanced lifters doing high-rep workouts in the home gym. Red accents and grey ergonomic handles make these dumbbells as attractive as they are functional. The set comes with a small, sturdy tray for easy storage under a bed or sofa or even under a weight bench.
Pros:
- Quick and easy weight adjustments
- Sleek, attractive design
- Compact and easily storable
Cons:
- Only go up to 15 pounds
- Plastic parts could crack under heavy usage
- Non-rubberized handles aren’t very grippy
How to Pick the Best Dumbbells for You
When shopping for the best dumbbells, there are a few factors to consider before buying. It’s important to think of your budget, how much space you have at home for a gym setup, and what types of workouts you’ll be doing to decide whether you want to buy a go-to pair of traditional dumbbells, a complete set, or adjustable dumbbells.
Traditional Dumbbells
Generally speaking, those doing functional workouts (e.g., CrossFit) with dynamic exercises like dumbbell cleans and snatches are best served by traditional dumbbells rather than adjustable. That’s because a solid piece of metal will be more stable than individual weight plates that may clang against each other on an adjustable set. If you’re doing more standard resistance-training programs, any of the three types of dumbbells will work.
If the plan is to get only one pair of dumbbells due to space or budget constraints and you aren’t sure which weight to select, think of a weight that’s not too light for lower-body exercises like squats and lunges but also not too heavy for upper body moves like shoulder presses and curls. Somewhere in the 25-to-45-pound range should be just right for most people.
Dumbbell Sets
If you have the space for a set of traditional dumbbells, consider which resistances you’ll actually use in order to stay on budget. For example, if the heaviest you plan to go is 50 pounds on any exercise, there’s no need to buy 55 pounds and up. Likewise, if you know you won’t get any significant use out of 5- or 10-pounders, start at 15 and 20 pounds. And while dumbbell sets usually come in 5-pound increments, you may be able to get away with 10-pound increments (20 pounds, 30 pounds, etc.) if your workouts aren’t too intricate.
Adjustable Dumbbells
Today, many people migrate toward adjustable dumbbells because they take up way less space and are typically more economical than a full set of traditional dumbbells. Advanced lifters can certainly use adjustable dumbbells, but many prefer the more solid feel of traditional dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells are best suited to beginner-level individuals or those living in smaller living spaces who want a wider scale of weight.
How We Chose the Best Dumbbells
The products in this story were selected based on the following criteria:
Variety
Knowing that there’s a wide range of individual training goals, exercise preferences, and available floor space, we wanted our list to include traditional dumbbells as well as adjustable sets, ranging from super light (five pounds) to super heavy (100+ pounds).
Usability
User experience was a strong consideration, too. Are the dumbbell handles grippy and comfortable? Do the weight plates clang annoyingly while lifting? Do the weights accommodate different types of workouts and functional movements? These questions and more were addressed when picking the products.
Budget
We focused on a price range that we feel represents a sweet spot—from moderately affordable (well under $100) to higher-end splurges (around $500), all delivering quality, durability, and great value for the money.
Why You Should Trust Me
I have more than 20 years of experience as a health and fitness journalist covering fitness trends, writing workout articles, and getting hands-on experience with gym equipment for many of the biggest brands in print and digital publishing. Outside of my career, I’ve been a consistent gym rat for over 30 years, so I know what I like and don’t when it comes to dumbbells and other free weights. I’ve always frequented commercial gyms, but in the last several years—due to often being stuck at home with young kids, a busy work schedule, and/or gym closures during the pandemic—I’ve spent hundreds of hours working out at home.