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Boost your fitness and total body strength with these dumbbell sets. Hex Dumbbell Rack
A pair of dumbbells is an essential component of any home gym. As the American Council on Exercise (ACE) points out, you can do tons of different exercises with a pair, from muscle-specific isolated curls, rows and presses, to full-body exercises like deadlifts and other essential pieces of a balanced high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. Though it isn’t the first thing you think about for run training, having a good set of dumbbells, or even a single pair, will greatly expand the range of workouts you can do at home.
Depending on how often you lift weights and your exercise goals, you may want to get a pair of dumbbells at a single weight, or a set with many pairs at different weights. If you only plan to use them for light daily exercise or as part of a routine like pilates, which sometimes call for a dumbbell, then you really only need a lightweight pair that allows you to do many reps quickly, no matter the exercise. Conversely, someone who wants to get stronger and put on muscle mass needs the capability to add weight over time and push their muscles to fatigue to strengthen them.
Aside from cost, space is the only major downside to going with a set of dumbbells. Even a small one can take up a fair amount of floor space, depending on the size of the rack that comes with them.
If you want the best of both worlds–lots of weight options that don’t take up much space–we recommend trying a pair of adjustable dumbbells, which allows you to add or remove plates to increase or decrease the amount of weight on a single pair of handles. Of course, since adjustable dumbbells replace a whole rack of dumbbells, they’re far more expensive than buying a few pairs with the specific weights you want, so expect to pay a premium for their convenience and robust functionality. It’s also worth noting that adjustable dumbbells may add a little learning curve as you figure out how they work. In many sets, the weight plates may feel shaky and potentially clatter during exercises. All that is to say, adjustable dumbbells are a more advanced option for people who want to bring a full gym experience home, as opposed to someone who simply wants to start integrating a little weightlifting into their regular exercise regimen.
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Almost all weights are made of cast iron. Most have some kind of rubberized grip as a handle. Many are fully encased in rubber, neoprene or vinyl to smooth over sharp points and minimize the possibility of damaging your exercise space.
If you have hardwood or tile floors in your home gym that you absolutely don’t want damaged, stay away from chrome or cast-iron dumbbells that will scratch up your floor. (You can also use them on an exercise mat to keep your floors scratch-free.) Instead, look for dumbbells with weights coated in rubber, neoprene, or vinyl.
For the longest time, there were two shapes for dumbbells, round or hexagonal. Round weights can roll, which is good for ab rolling or deficit push ups, but they may not stay in place when you put them down. Hexagonal dumbbells sit flat, so they’re less likely to roll away. We’ve seen all kinds of shapes recently, though, including square weights, like this adjustable set from Powerblocks, and triangular ones, like this hybrid dumbbell/kettlebell from YBells. These new shapes aren’t just for show, either. Square weights will stay put while you use them, making them ideal for wrist-friendly push-ups or dips.
Given the many types and sizes of dumbbells available, we considered a ton of options, both classic and modern, based on experience at the gym and at home. From that we put the weight of the decision back on the racks and looked at weight size, versatility, cost, design, material, and got a bit pumped. We also considered reviews from other respected publications like Men’s Health, Healthline, and Very Well Fit, as well as customer reviews on retailer websites like Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Do you use multiple weights in every workout or have different family members who need dumbbells of varying sizes? Your best bet is to go with this rack of 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-pound pairs. Having multiple weight options also gives you the possibility to increase over time or scale back if you’re injured or are just looking for a lighter weight, higher rep kind of day.
The rack keeps the hexagonal weights all together in one place, and its tall, narrow profile doesn’t take up much room in a home gym or smaller spaces like apartments.
We’re big fans of Spri Ignite’s dumbbells, having tested multiple pairs in a variety of weights from 5 to 30 pounds. The chrome grips have knurled (or knobby) centers for a bit of traction, so the weight is easy to hold, but won’t cut into your palms or leave intense blisters (though we can’t promise anything if you’re lifting heavy weights or wearing rings).
The ends of the bells are coated in rubber, which protects your floor— important if you ever have to drop them. They’re easy to grip by the head, too, for exercises like goblet squats.
If your palms get sweaty when you lift, these color-coded hand weights have a neoprene coating that will keep them from slipping. The color-coded set spans 1-15lbs, so they aren’t for heavy training, but it’s a great option for full-body routines at home. The dumbbell heads are hexagonal, so they don’t move on the floor and are great for a push-up grip.
We’ve used them in HIIT workouts, with no fear of them flying out of our hands or slipping, which is especially important as you try heavier weights. They’re durable, easy to wipe clean, and the neoprene won’t dent wood floors—if you somehow manage to drop them.
A classic set of adjustable dumbbells for anyone who wants to recreate the gym experience at home. With the bars alone, you can do quick reps at three pounds each. When you need more, simply unscrew the retention collars on either end and load on more weight.
The set comes with multiple plates in two different weights, which will allow you to create different variations in weight, up to 19 pounds if divided equally among the two bars. If you want to go higher, you can add more weight to a single bar. Plus, it’s a standard one-inch dumbbell, so you can purchase larger weights to build out your set.
As a bonus, the set comes with a plastic case, which makes it easy to store everything in a compact, stowable package.
These bright-colored neoprene-coated dumbbells are eye-catching and easy to grab off the rack, even in the middle of a tough HIIT or pilates workout. This 20-pound set, with weights from 2 to 5 lbs and a storage rack, is perfect if you only need very light dumbbells, but Amazon also sells individual pairs up to 20 lbs, and heavier sets as well.
PowerBlock’s Elite EXP adjustable set sports a unique shape and unique capabilities. The handles alone weigh 5 pounds each, and the set, as sold, allows users to increase weight in 2.5 pound increments up to 50 pounds per dumbbell by adding weights to the handle or with a locking pin.
You would need 16 pairs of fixed-weight dumbbells to replace the range of this single pair. If 50 pounds isn’t enough you can add expansion kits which bring the weight up to 90 pounds in each hand.
This is one of the most revered and popular adjustable dumbbell sets. It offers tremendous range, adjusting in 2.5-pound increments from 5 lbs up to 25 lbs, then 5-pound increments up to 50 lbs, with a little extra on top to bring the max weight to 52.5 lbs. A similar fixed set would feature 15 pairs of dumbbells.
Adjusting weights mid-circuit is incredibly easy and intuitive. Simply place the dumbbells in their storage cradles, then twist the knobs at each end and voila, weight changed! They also come with a year of Bowflex’s JRNY app full of exercises and routines, which even includes rep tracking and real-time feedback. It’s a very expensive piece of equipment, but trainers and athletes will tell you they’re worth the investment.
If you’re looking to do a wide range of weightlifting to get stronger and build bigger muscles, there’s no replacement for a large, gym-quality set of fixed-weight dumbbells. This 10-pair set from XMark comes with a three-tiered rack, with weights ranging from 5-50 pounds in 5-pound increments. On the low end, that’s enough for exercises that require lower weights. On the higher end, it’s enough to challenge those who are looking to boost their biceps and challenge their chest and back.
The dumbbells feature textured chrome handles and rubber-coated heads to minimize scuffing. They look and feel just like what you’d find at the gym.
With weights, the sturdiest, most durable option will always be the most simple. That means plain, uncoated cast iron. This fixed-weight set from WF Athletic Supply should last for generations. They aren’t wrapped in rubber or any sort of plastic–just a baked-enamel coating to protect against rust and chipping. You can also find larger sets, including a 50-pound option with six pairs of dumbbells and a 590-pound collection with 12 pairs.
If you’re looking for weights and guided training to help to use them, NordicTrack’s iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells are designed specifically to pair with its iFit home training platform. You can adjust their weight from 5-50 pounds very easily–just holster them in their storage cradle and turn a knob to the weight you need. You can even adjust the weights using Alexa voice commands.
Beyond voice controls, the main differentiator here is the iFit platform, which offers a wide variety of guided workouts. Of course, like Peloton or Apple Fitness+, the service costs a monthly fee. You get a 30-day free trial when you purchase the dumbbells, but it costs $39 per month after that.
The big sibling of the Bowflex SelectTech 552, the SelectTech 1090 is just as easy to use, but offers nearly double the number of weights in a single dumbbell. Instead of maxing out at 52.5 pounds, this arm-buster goes up to 90 pounds in 5 and 10-pound increments.
Just like the 552s, change its weight simply by placing it the cradles and twisting the knobs at each end.It also comes with a year of BowFlex’s JRNY app full of exercises and routines.
Obviously, only having a single dumbbell limits the range of exercises you can do, but this is far more versatile and useful than a pair of fixed-weight 90-pound dumbbells for most people.
RW: What’s the most important pair of dumbbells to buy first?
CM: If you’re going to buy dumbbells on an as-needed basis, you need to pick the weights based on the exercises you’re doing and how much weight you can handle. Ideally, you can find a single pair that’s heavy enough for you to perform 8-12 reps of every exercise in your routine.
Depending on the range of exercises you plan to do, you may want to get a second, slightly lighter set for exercises you don’t do as often. With time and training, you will eventually get used to whatever weights you buy. At that point, you’ll need to consider whether you want to buy a heavier set of weights and push yourself further.
RW: Should I buy a set of fixed-weight dumbbells or a pair of adjustable ones?
CM: It depends on your priorities. If you usually move rapidly through an exercise routine that requires multiple weights, I think you’re better off with a set of dumbbells. While adjustable dumbbells are more compact and versatile, it’s ultimately easier to switch weights by going to the rack and picking up a different pair.
On the other hand, adjustable dumbbells save a lot of space at home. Many of them also offer more incremental weight adjustments, giving you more flexibility.
RW: Is it okay to buy used dumbbells?
CM: Sure! While a shiny new set of dumbbells feels nice, a used pair won’t be any less effective. I would be careful when buying a used pair of adjustable dumbbells, though, as they could be missing some components, and some of the mechanisms could be worn out.
Make sure to take a minute and inspect all the plates and mechanisms for connecting the weights to the bars and make sure you’re getting a full set in working order.
Chris Meehan is an internationally published writer, author, and editor with more than two decades of professional experience. He has authored multiple adventure guidebooks with Falcon Guides and his work focusses primarily on the nexus between sustainability and outdoor adventure. He is an experienced gear reviewer, tester, and travel writer who has explored multiple continents.
Amy Schlinger is a health and fitness writer and editor based in New York City whose work has appeared in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, The New York Post, Self, Shape, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and more; The National Academy for Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) is extremely passionate about healthy living and can often be found strength training at the gym when she isn’t interviewing trainers, doctors, medical professionals, nutritionists, or pro athletes for stories.
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