If you’ve been working out at home and are looking to challenge your fitness levels, adjustable dumbbells can really supercharge your routine.
Adjustable dumbbell sets are an ideal option if you vary the muscles you work out and need to switch between light and heavy dumbbells but don’t have space for – or access to – different sizes of dumbbells.
This year, many of us will be looking to reboot our workouts so that we’re feeling at our best both physically and mentally.
We’re here to do the hard work for you when it comes to choosing cost-effective and space-saving weights, rounding up the best adjustable dumbbells starting from a beginner 1kg to adjustable dumbbells at 40kg and beyond.
Adjustable dumbbells at a glance:
Best adjustable dumbbell for heavier weights: Novumtechs Dumbbell Set 40kg
Best adjustable dumbbell for value: Anchor's Adjustable Dumbbells 20kg
Best adjustable dumbbell for beginners: PROIRON Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Set 20kg
Best affordable adjustable 30kg dumbbell: Trintion 30kg Adjustable Dumbbells Set
Best quick change dumbbell: MuscleSquad Adjustable Dumbbell 12.5kg
Best adjustable dumbbell for very light weights: PANMAX Adjustable Dumbbells Weights
Best dumbbell starter set: Opti Vinyl Dumbbell Set 15kg
Best adjustable dumbbell from reputable sports brand: EVERLAST Dumbbell Set 20kg
Best premium adjustable dumbbell set: JAXJOX DumbbellConnect Adjustable Dumbbell Pair
The best adjustable dumbbells
Best adjustable dumbbell for heavier weights
Description
dumbbell set is vinyl coated, making it "ultra-quiet" when placed on the floor. It has strong red nuts that secure various weight plates into place and a corrugated non-slip handle. It has 8 x 3kg, 4 x 2.5kg, and 4 x 1.25kg weight plates and features a barbell connector that will transform two dumbbells into a barbell for a variety of exercises.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Quiet vinyl coating
- Non-roll
- Good grip
- Quick-change spinlock
Cons
- Limited weight combination
Best adjustable dumbbell for value
Description
Another adjustable dumbbell set with a spinlock to screw your plates in place. It may mean you can't switch weights quickly between sets, but these are some of the cheapest adjustable dumbbells on the market and do what they say on the tin. The set totals 20kg and includes 4 x 1kg, 4 x 1.25kg plates and 4 x 2.5kg plates.
Pros
- Good non-slip grip
- Warm vinyl material
Cons
- Spinlocks can take time to undo
Best adjustable dumbbell for beginners
Description
Traditional cast-iron style dumbbells, as you tend to find in the gym, are much more durable. They also come with a free connector to adapt both dumbbells into a barbell, increasing the maximum weight allowed on the bar. It features 4 x 0.5kg, four 1.25kg, and four 2.5kg plates to easily build up your strength.
Pros
- Wide handgrip
- Changes from dumbbell to barbell
- A good combination of weights
Cons
- Short barbell bar
Best affordable adjustable 30kg dumbbell
Description
For those looking to get back to their former gym strength, these 30kg adjustable dumbbells are a good place to start. Recommended as great value for the price you pay, the plastic-coated plates are easy to switch between. The total weight of 30kg is divided between 4 x 2.5kg, 4 x 2kg, 4 x 1.5kg and 4 x 1kg plates.
Pros
- Good starter kit with large range of weights
Cons
- Chunky weight plates
Best quick change dumbbell
Description
Instead of unscrewing or unlocking your adjustable dumbbells, this MuscleSquad weight comes with GlideTech, that makes it super quick to change from 2.5kg to 12.5kg in moments. It also has its own storage holder, so saves space. The black chrome finish is very stylish and caters to all-round workout styles. MuscleSquad also goes up to 40kg.
Pros
- Quick change weights
- Space-saving
- Stylish
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Sold as a single dumbbell
Best adjustable dumbbell for very light weights
Description
Not your usual dumbbell style, these are a sleeker design for newbies to weights. If you're looking for a lighter option but still want the choice to increase your weight then these rubber coated small adjustable dumbbells from Panmax might be a solution. They can be adjusted from 2.2 to 4.4lbs by screwing the ends of the weights and dropping in a different weight block.
Pros
- Soft grip
- Easy to use
- Compact
Cons
- Not very heavy
Best dumbbell starter set
Description
Depending on the area you live in, Argos has a good selection of weights on offer, including these adjustable dumbbells. A 15kg dumbbell is a good starter set for building strength. The set comes with 4 x 2.5kg weight plates and 4 x 1.25kg. There are also other weight options (depending on stock), including 20kg and 25kg.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Easy to switch weight plates
Cons
- Uncomfortable grip
- Thin bars
Best adjustable dumbbell from reputable sports brand
Description
A cast-iron style adjustable dumbbell set with a total weight of up to 20kg (though sets ranging from a max 15kg to 30kg are available too). They are classic in shape with circular plates and the bars also include knurled polyurethane grips.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Good grip
Cons
- Black paint coating can peel off
- Spinlocks can loosen easily
Best premium adjustable dumbbell set
Description
setThe price tag may be hefty, but with this set you get a pair of adjustable weights ranging from 3.6kg-22.7kg, packing 45.4kg into the two dumbbells. Using the platform, you can adjust your weights at the push of button - no faffing about between sets - and by syncing to the JAXJOX app, you can track your progress, power, and reps in real time. Pretty nifty, right? We think this'll be particularly handy if you making big adjustments between weights or need a good range to share with home workout buddies.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Smart tech without subscription
Cons
- Unclear instructions on how to connect your phone
How do adjustable dumbbells work?
Fixed dumbbells are designed as a free weight to use as a pair in each hand and most commonly have a weight on either end with a handle in the middle.
Adjustable dumbbells have a fixed bar and a selection of plates, measured in either kilogram (kg) or pounds (lb), that are attached on each end depending on what weight you want to use. They are clipped in place with a secure lock to prevent the plates from slipping off.
Adjustable dumbbell sets will total the particular weight group you purchase, so if that’s 20kg, you can expect sets of plates ranging between 1kg and 2kg, with two bars that tend to weigh between 0.5kg and 2kg.
The equipment is a lot more cost-effective than fixed dumbbells and space-saving. They are used for targeting different muscle groups in your upper and lower body. They also help to challenge coordination and stimulate muscle growth when used correctly and consistently.
How do I choose dumbbells?
Dumbbells come as fixed or adjustable weight. For beginners, affordable sets of light, medium and heavy weights are ideal. Those who have progressed to novice or advanced in lockdown and are looking to upgrade will want to consider adjustable dumbbells that can range from 10kg upwards.
When choosing an adjustable dumbbell set, you want to consider your long-term fitness goal, as it’s likely you will progress at a steady pace and will need to increase the weights you use.
Picking a set of 40kg adjustable dumbbells is a good option for a novice as they will offer more choice for your dumbbells and you can add plates as you see fit. But remember not to add too much weight too soon, otherwise, you can cause yourself an injury if you are not used to heavier dumbbells.
With adjustable dumbbells, you will have a reduced option when it comes to the shape of your weights. Fixed dumbbells tend to have circular, hexagonal and anti-roll options, but adjustable dumbbells will tend to only feature circular plates that you switch between your bars.
Key features to look out for in an adjustable dumbbell:
• Multiple weight plates
• Rubber-coated cast iron
• Vinyl coated
• Additional storage case or rack
• Secure pins or locks
• Lever or dial for adjustable weight settings
Why are adjustable dumbbells better?
Adjustable dumbbell sets can be a better option for your home because they are cost-effective and save space. They are just one piece of equipment as opposed to fixed dumbbells that may need their own stand or rack as your collection grows.
They are much more versatile when you consider building muscle and strength without attending a gym.
Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?
Investing in a set of adjustable dumbbells can help you reach your long-term fitness goals, as you don’t have to stick to the same fixed weights.
They allow you to swap between weights thanks to the adjustable plates but can be awkward when doing exercises in quick succession that need different weights.
Make sure you get hold of a pair of weight-lifting gloves to protect your hands from calluses.
Natalie Corner is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Bauer Media, working across brands such as What’s The Best, Yours, Mother&Baby, Heat and Closer, specialising in lifestyle and fitness content.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from Natalie and the rest of the What’s The Best team.