Which Dumbbells Are Worth Your Money? We Put 24 Pairs to the Test to Find Out (2024)

• Our Picks

• Which Dumbbells to Choose?

• We Also Tested

• How We Tested

• Our Experts

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust Verywell Fit

Key Specs

Weight Range: 5 to 60 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagonal | Materials: Chrome steel handle and rubber head | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for any level lifter who wants to maximize their home gym strength workouts.

Why We Love Them

CAP’s Barbell Coated Hex Dumbbell Weights are a fitness-fanatic favorite for their exceptional sturdiness and durability. The rubber-coated ends don’t damage floors or other surfaces, while the hexagonal shape keeps the dumbbells from rolling away in between sets. They also aced our drop test, showing no signs of wear when released from hip height.

Throughout testing, we noticed that the chrome-plated steel handles, featuring a criss-cross stitch pattern, offer a secure grip (even with sweaty hands). And we love that these dumbbells combine functionality and aesthetics with user-friendly features, comfortable handling, and a sleek style that integrates into any home gym setting. Plus, they come in pairs from 5 to 60 pounds, so there’s an option for every level—or you can build a versatile home gym with ease.

Potential Flaws

• These dumbbells come in pairs, so they will require some space if you want more than one weight.

Key Specs

Weight Range: 5 to 50 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Square/cage | Materials: Rubber handle and powder coated steel | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for intermediate to advanced lifters who want to save space with 16 sets of weights in one.

Why We Love Them

Adjustable dumbbells are a convenient, compact way to access an entire dumbbell rack with just one pair of dumbbells. Our favorite pair, PowerBlocks’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, are easy to use and replace 16 sets of weights. We found that the quick-action adjustable pin makes it easy to adjust the weight and move on to the next exercise.

Crafted with textured rubber, the handles feel comfortable and secure to hold with both dry and wet hands. We also found the adjustable dumbbells exceptionally durable throughout testing. Plus, their rectangular case makes them easy to store, creating an efficient, space-saving option for your home gym.

Potential Flaws

• The square-shaped design of these dumbbells feels slightly bulky during some workouts, but this didn’t affect the quality of our lifts.

Key Specs

Weight Range: 5 to 25 pounds | Sold As: Five pairs | Shape: Hexagonal | Materials: Chrome steel handle and rubber head | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginners who need a simple and space-saving set for a range of workouts.

Why We Love It

CAP Barbell's 150-Pound Dumbbell Set With Rack includes five pairs of weights, ranging from 5 to 25 pounds, along with a convenient rack for storage. The sturdy steel rack offers a space-saving solution that’s ideal for beginners looking to engage in versatile workouts. We prefer starting with the lighter weights for warm-ups and then transitioning to heavier ones for strength training.

Throughout testing, we noticed that the high-density rubber heads effectively endure knocks or dings during drops between sets. And the steel-plated handles offer a secure grip without causing any discomfort to our hands. Plus, the hexagonal shape prevents the weights from rolling away during much-needed breaks.

Potential Flaws

• The weights only go up to 25 pounds, which may not be heavy enough for intermediate to advanced lifters.

Key Specs

Weight Range: 2 to 5 pounds, 3 to 8 pounds, or 5 to 15 pounds | Sold As: Three pairs | Shape: Hexagonal | Materials: Neoprene-coated steel | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best if you’re a beginner who needs a compact set of dumbbells to start your home gym.

Why We Love It

For a budget-friendly, compact set of dumbbells suitable for beginner-level workouts, we recommend AmazonBasics’ Easy Grip Neoprene Workout Dumbbell Set. It features three weight ranges, each with three sets of dumbbells and a small storage rack. The weights provide ease, comfort, and security during a variety of exercises.

During our testing, we were particularly impressed by the powder-coated handles, which remained grippy with both dry and wet hands. And when it came time to wrap up our workout sessions, we found it easy to store these dumbbells under furniture or in closets due to their compact size—a definite plus for smaller workout spaces.

Potential Flaws

• The highest weight range available only goes up to 15 pounds, so these won’t be challenging for intermediate and advanced lifters.

Key Specs

Weight Range: 10 to 50 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagonal | Materials: Chrome finished steel handle and rubber-coated steel head | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for buyers who are looking to save some cash while investing in a durable, functional dumbbell with plenty of weight options.

Why We Love It

We were pleasantly surprised by the budget-friendly price of this pick, especially considering its high quality and durable design. BalanceFrom’s Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Weight Set boasts a drop-proof rubber-coated head that safeguards floors from damage. And its hexagonal shape prevents rolling between sets.

During our workouts, we also noticed that the steel handle's textured pattern enhances grip without causing discomfort or blisters. Plus, this pair of dumbbells is convenient to store and easy to maneuver around our workout space.

Potential Flaws

• We noticed that these dumbbells had a rubbery odor at first, but it faded over time.

Key Specs

Weight Range: 10 to 40 pounds | Sold As: Single | Shape: Hexagonal | Materials: Chrome coated steel handle and rubber-coated cast iron head | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best if you’re looking for a single dumbbell and have limited space.

Why We Love It

The familiar, classic style of Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell makes it easy to use for all kinds of exercises. Like other options we tested, we love that the hexagonal shape prevents rolling, while the rubber coating adds durability and protects it from scratches. Plus, a knurled, contoured handle creates a comfortable, non-slip grip.

We were able to perform exercises like bicep curls, squats, and more since the dumbbells offered both comfort and ease of use. Sold individually rather than in pairs, they are space-saving and convenient for storage in your home gym. And they are available in weight ranges from 10 to 40 pounds, allowing you to select the perfect fit for your strength-training style.

Potential Flaws

• It’s sold as a single dumbbell, so you will need to purchase at least two if you want a set.
• We noticed that this dumbbell has an initial chemical-like odor, but it lessens over time.

Key Specs

Weight Range: 5 to 80 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Circular discs | Materials: Knurled steel handles and steel dumbbell disc plates | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for intermediate to advanced lifters who lift heavy.

Why We Love Them

SMRTFT’s Nüobell 80-Pound Adjustable Dumbbell Set offers maximum versatility thanks to its 5- to 80-pound weight range. The second set of adjustable dumbbells on our list, these are also incredibly easy to use and give you 16 weights in one dumbbell set. For intermediate or advanced lifters seeking a challenge, this set is an excellent choice for your next rep.

During testing, we found these hefty dumbbells exceptionally sturdy and durable—showing no signs of wear and tear. And despite their heavy weight, they still feel comfortable and secure in our hands (even when sweaty) during all types of upper and lower body exercises. Plus, since they replace over one dozen dumbbells in one package, these are also super space-saving.

Potential Flaws

• While they’re the most expensive on our list, these dumbbells are still worth considering for their maximum versatility and heavy weight capacity.