When creating your own home gym, investing in durable or smart fitness equipment is super important. Adjustable dumbbells should be part of your selections because they’re practical and durable. If you don’t have a good set, there’s a chance you’ll need to buy a new one sooner rather than later. It’s a problem, as this Reddit discussion proves, that’s worth considering before making a purchase. Throughout my years of testing home exercise equipment, I’ve tried adjustable dumbbells from various brands and narrowed down options for everyone, regardless of whether they’re experienced or a beginner. Check out our full list below to help keep your home workouts effective.
FITNESS DEALS OF THE WEEK
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
What are the best adjustable dumbbells overall?
The Core Adjustable Dumbbells are my favorite pair because of their design and ease of use. They’re less bulky than most adjustable dumbbells and are comfortable to hold even at the heaviest weight (50 pounds). These work well for both leg and upper body days without getting in the way of your movements. I had no issues using them during my workouts, including holding the dumbbells out in front of my body. Adjustable dumbbells can be bulky, which makes holding them in front of your chest for exercises like goblet squats uncomfortable. The Core adjustable dumbbells don’t have this issue. They also have soft-grip handles, so the weights remain secure in your hands.
Recent updates
August 2025: We updated this page to include the Lifepro PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbells.
June 2025: The BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells were previously selected as the best overall for this best list. However, this product was removed after a voluntary recall was announced due to an impact hazard. If you have BowFlex adjustable dumbbells, you can read more here on what this recall means for you. Now, the Core Adjustable Dumbbells have become our best overall.
Best adjustable dumbbells for 2025
Pros
- Less bulky than other round adjustable dumbbells
- Easy to change weight by twist of a dial
- Soft grip handle that doesn’t slip out of your hand, even when sweaty
Cons
- The heavier the weight, the easier the dumbbell gets stuck when pulling it out of the rack
- Only goes up to 50 pounds, which may be an issue if you lift more than that
- The dumbbells scuff easily
What we like about it: The Core adjustable dumbbells are my top pick because of their design and shape. I also liked that the weight plates are magnetic and can be easily separated before the dumbbell is placed on the rack. These were the only ones that came with a loose handle that latched onto the base and then the weight plates.
Core’s dumbbells range from 5 to 50 pounds, and you can change the weight in 5-pound increments. They’re easy to use because you can change the weight with just a twist of the handle, and they have the fastest weight transition for an adjustable dumbbell with a manual design. I liked the sleek design and found them to be the least bulky of all the adjustable dumbbells I tried. The soft grip handle is designed to sit comfortably in your hand.
Who it’s best for: This adjustable dumbbell is best for someone who wants dumbbells that don’t roll easily. This could be a good pick if you live in an apartment and want to keep noise to a minimum when you work out. If you like doing a lot of exercises that require holding the dumbbells in front of your chest, these dumbbells are less restrictive than some others on the list.
Who should avoid it: One thing I didn’t like about these dumbbells was that I would have to hold the rack down when I changed it to a heavier weight. This was because the weights felt stiff and would get stuck as you pulled them out of the rack. Core also offers an optional stand for purchase. Based on customer reviews, the stand is sturdy and eliminates the issues I experienced compared to just having the rack alone. Another solution I figured out was to place the rack on a rubber mat; it provided a better grip and made it easier to slide out the dumbbell. However, this flaw is one thing to consider if you prefer dumbbells that don’t give you this issue.
Pros
- Heaviest set of dumbbells, ideal for experienced lifters
- Easy to adjust weight with twist of dial
Cons
- Increments increase by 11 pounds, which is high compared to usual five pound increments
- Plastic handle design makes it appear cheaply made
What we like about it: The dial on the Flybird adjustable dumbbells was easy to use and just required a single twist to lock in the weight. These dumbbells are made up of cast-iron weight plates and a black plastic-coated handle. They range from 11 to 55 pounds and go up or down in 11-pound increments. The round design is similar to other adjustable dumbbells and passed the roll test when I placed them on the ground. In other words, it stayed put and didn’t seem at risk of rolling around. The dumbbells were the right challenge for me when I was doing heavier lifts such as squats and deadlifts.
Who it’s best for: I’d recommend these if you’re an experienced lifter and know you can handle double the weight each time. The handle design is made up of plastic, which can be tough on the hands, so if you don’t mind this factor, you’ll like these weights. However, I wouldn’t recommend these to inexperienced or beginner lifters.
Who should avoid it: Beginners and newbies to strength training may prefer dumbbells that have more of a comfortable and rubber-coated handle. I also found that its lightest weight at 11 pounds was still on the heavier side, especially for newer lifters. The 11-pound increments are also not ideal if you’re just figuring out the right weights for you. Most adjustable dumbbells go by 5-pound increments instead, so if you purchase these, you have to mentally prepare for the sudden jump in weight.
Pros
- Its unique shape lends itself to overhead and lower body exercises
- You can do offset exercises using the guide on the rack
- It goes up to 55 pounds, compared to others that only go up to 50
Cons
- The dumbbells can feel awkward if there is more weight placed on one side
What we like about it: The MX55 adjustable dumbbells didn’t take long to put together, which is always a plus. These dumbbells replace 10 sets of dumbbells, ranging from 10 to 55 pounds. They have a small dial on top of each side of the handle, as well as a button beneath them. To change the weight, you have to press the button underneath first, which prompts the dial to pop up. From there, you can turn the dial, select the weight and press the dial back down to lock the weight into place.
These adjustable dumbbells are ideal for doing offset exercises (exercising when one side of the body has more weight than the other) because each of the weight plates weighs only 2.5 pounds. The weight legend on the rack gives a guide on the proper offset settings based on how much weight you want to lift. For example, if you’re doing an offset squat that’s 17.5 pounds, all you have to do is adjust one side of the dials to 15 pounds (setting 2) and the other to 20 pounds (setting 3). Keep in mind that the purpose of offset exercises is to intentionally load one side more than the other, which will make the dumbbells feel unbalanced.
I liked that even while holding a dumbbell that was uneven in weight, it was still comfortable to grip and didn’t dig into my palm.
Who it’s best for: I would recommend these adjustable dumbbells for the more advanced exerciser, who doesn’t mind doing extra math when calculating their weights. If you’re into experimenting with offset exercises or want to focus on strengthening your muscle imbalances, the MX55 adjustable dumbbells could be a good fit for you as well.
Who should avoid it: I could see the weight adjustment feature on these dumbbells being a nuisance to some people. So, if you prefer a simpler adjustable dumbbell that adjusts the weight with fewer steps, then I would opt for the Core adjustable dumbbells instead.
Pros
- Goes up to 71.5 pounds, making it one of the heaviest dumbbells on the list
- Weight changing dial is user-friendly and changes quickly
- Sleek black design blends into any room
Cons
- The design looks like the dumbbells could scuff easily
- If the plastic button that assists with the dial were to break it would impact the way the dumbbell functions
What we like about it: The Ativafit 71.5 adjustable dumbbells were the most foolproof to use. The dumbbells range from 5 to 71.5 pounds and replace 12 sets of dumbbells. The plastic rack has grooves that latch onto the dumbbells, keeping them secure when not in use. By looking at these, you can tell they are high-quality dumbbells because of the sturdy iron plates that make up the weights. It also has a nonslip handle with rubber, which helped with my grip when upping the weight. My favorite part about these dumbbells is how easy it is to change the weights with just a press of the red button on top of the dumbbell and a twist of the dial.
Who it’s best for: These dumbbells are best for advanced lifters who can handle dumbbells that max at over 70 pounds each. If you care about having the most foolproof method of changing the weight on an adjustable dumbbell, then the Ativafit will be the right design for you.
Who should avoid it: If you’re looking for lighter-weight options, there are other adjustable dumbbells on this list that are a better fit for your needs.
Editor’s note: The Ativafit 71.5 Adjustable Dumbbell set we tested is no longer available. Instead, Ativafit released an updated version, the 66-pound Adjustable Dumbbell set. Although we have yet to test these ourselves, according to Ativa, it has a smoother adjustment mechanism and is being sold for the same price as its predecessor on its site.
Pros
- The 25-pound weights are good for beginners and intermediate exercisers
- Easy to adjust weights
- 5-pound increments make it easy to track weights
- Doesn’t roll around when placed down
Cons
- Plastic found on certain parts of the dumbbells makes it seem less durable
- The lever that adjusts the dumbbells could break with wear and tear
- May be too light for advanced lifters
What we like about it: The Lifepro PowerFlow Plus is the lightest of all the adjustable dumbbells on this list. They max out at 25 pounds and go down by 5-pound increments. The weight adjustment mechanism makes it easy to change your weights as you go through your workout. These dumbbells are round and sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about them rolling around when placed down. I was easily able to do leg and upper body exercises with these dumbbells without them feeling bulky or in the way.
Who it’s best for: These dumbbells are best for someone who is resuming working out or isn’t ready to upgrade to the heavier set just yet. I’m always an advocate for focusing on form first before graduating to heavier weights.
Who should avoid it: If you’re already strength training regularly and are looking to challenge yourself, depending on your fitness level, these may feel light. In that case, I would upgrade to a pair of 50-pound adjustable dumbbells instead. Additionally, one of the things I didn’t love about this set, and it may not matter to some exercisers, is that the base and the mechanism where you change the weight are made of plastic. This cheapens the feel and look of the dumbbells to me. Particularly, the lever that changes the weight feels a little flimsy and like it could eventually break off after lots of use.
- Smrtft Nuobell 80: In a previous adjustable dumbbell roundup, CNET writer Lindsey Boyers named the Smrtft Nuobell 80 the adjustable dumbbell with the best design. I couldn’t get my hands on these dumbbells, but based on the review, they could potentially be a good alternative to the Core adjustable dumbbells, given their sleek look and favorable design.
- Powerblock Pro 32: Although I didn’t get to try these Powerblock sets, I’m familiar with Powerblock and consider them a classic. In CNET’s previous best list, the Pro 32 was named the best adjustable dumbbell for beginners, and I would’ve probably chosen it as well if I’d gotten to formally test it. These are easy to hold thanks to the rubberized ergonomic grip handle, and the pin-lock system may be easier for newbies to manage compared to dials on other adjustable dumbbells.
Best adjustable dumbbells for 2025 compared
| Adjustable dumbbells | Max weight | Safety features | Materials | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Adjustable Dumbbells | 50 pounds each | Twist lock | Aluminum | $340 |
| MX55 Rapid Exchange Adjustable Dumbbells | 55 pounds each | Selector controls | Alloy steel | $480 |
| Flybird 55 LB Adjustable Dumbbells | 55 pounds each | Twist lock | Cast iron plates and plastic handle | $390 |
| Ativafit 71.5 Adjustable Dumbbells | 71.5 pounds each | Latch | Iron | $356 |
| Lifepro PowerFlow Plus | 25 pounds each | Latch | Alloy steel | $152 |
We took a multifaceted approach to ensure a comprehensive assessment of performance for diverse needs and preferences. Here are the metrics we considered.
Ease of use: This is an essential factor when selecting adjustable dumbbells. We looked for intuitive adjustment mechanisms and considered how quickly users can switch between weights.
Weight adjustment increments: We checked out how much flexibility the adjustable dumbbells allow for weight increments.
Design and comfort: The design of the adjustable dumbbells played a big role in our evaluation. We considered things like ergonomics, comfort and compact storage.
Load versatility: We assessed the range of weight options and the ease of transitioning between them during a workout.
Shape: Think about what shape feels comfortable to you. Some dumbbells can feel awkward or imbalanced if they’re too square or round.
Materials: Consider what material you want your dumbbells to be made of. Many are made with iron, steel, aluminum alloy or plastic.
Comfort and feel: Decide whether you want your handles to have a protective covering. Choose dumbbells that feel sturdy and fit comfortably in your hand.
Type of exercise: The type of exercise you’re using your dumbbells for could tip the scales when finding the best set for you. Consider your overall workout routine before you make a final decision.
Warranty: Check the company’s warranty and what it covers and be sure to double-check the return policy.
Weight capacity and design: Adjustable dumbbell sets will differ in their maximum capacity and their weight increments. You should also consider the overall design, what you have room for and how easy the set is to use.
Adjustable dumbbells can range anywhere from about $200 to $500 or more, depending on the weight range and brand. You can sometimes find budget adjustable dumbbells for less if you only lift lighter weights, but most adjustable dumbbells offering solid quality and a wide weight range will be a bit pricey.
Weights on an adjustable dumbbell can range from 5 to 50 pounds (sometimes more or less). Some might go by kilograms and require you to do a little extra math (multiply by 2.2 to convert to pounds).
Adjustable dumbbells have a manual dial that turns and latches onto the selected weight. Some companies experimenting with more advanced technology may use digital dials or voice control, such as NordicTrack.
The right set of adjustable dumbbells for you will be the ones that fall in the range of weights you prefer. While shopping for a set, be sure to check the minimum and maximum weight. Also consider handling, comfort, design and cost.
As with any dumbbells, we don’t recommend dropping adjustable dumbbells. They may pose an injury risk, and it may affect their functionality.
Adjustable dumbbells combine multiple weight options in one unit, while traditional dumbbells need a separate pair for each weight. Adjustable models save a ton of space and money — a single set can replace 10-15 traditional pairs. Traditional dumbbells are simple and durable with no moving parts to break, but they need a lot of storage space.
