Versatility is key when you are building your own home gym. The most cost-effective pieces of equipment will have multiple uses, so you can do your entire workout without having to invest in hundreds of different pieces of workout gear. Adjustable dumbbells are some of the best solutions for home fitness since they can take the place of several different pairs of dumbbells and are usually more compact to boot.
There are many different options out there for adjustable weights, so we’ve rounded up some of the most popular options so you can find what is the best adjustable dumbbell set for your own home gym. Your perfect workout is just a couple of clicks away!
Comparison Chart
Reviewing The Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets For Home
1.Bowflex SelectTech 552
Bowflex offers a solid and wide-ranging adjustable dumbbell with its SelectTech 552 option. This option can replace up to 15 different sets of weights, which is great for its relatively small size. It nests in a base and you adjust the weights by simply rotating the dial to your preferred level.
The dumbbell has a classic dumbbell shape but may be a little long for certain exercises. One really cool feature of this Bowflex option is that it comes with access to a free SelectTech app, so you can follow along and get different compatible workout ideas.
Pros
- Ranges from 5 – 52.5 pounds per dumbbell
- Compact storage
- Classic dumbbell shape
- Easy adjustments
- Comes with Bowflex SelectTech app
Cons
- A bit longer than other dumbbells
Key Takeaway
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is a tried-and-true adjustable dumbbell option that covers many of the most-used dumbbell weight levels. It’s easy to operate and makes an overall good pick for anyone looking for an adjustable dumbbell option.
2.POWERBLOCK Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbell
True to its name, seriously heavy lifters will love POWERBLOCK Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbell series. You adjust the Powerblock with a magnetic pin, and you can also do smaller “micro-adjustments” for incremental weight loading.
The different weight levels are color-coded, so you can easily identify which weights you want to use. They are also made of welded steel for extra durability, and we love that they are so easy to adjust.
Some buyers might not like the design, though – the big weight plates may not be the most ergonomic for some workouts.
Pros
- Can replace up to 16 pairs of dummbells
- Color-coded for easy weight identification
- Micro-adjustments for smaller weight changes
- Easy to change
Cons
- Expensive
- Design might be awkward for certain exercises
Key Takeaway
The Powerblock Series holds some serious weight, so if you need really heavy weights and adjustable features, you might want to give this a shot. It’s more expensive than other options on the list, but you won’t have to buy another heavier pair of free weights with this versatility.
3.Block Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
These weights replaces 28 pairs of dumbbells or 2565 lbs of free weights. The open draft of the interior surface maximizes the range of motion and increases ergonomics with the contoured rubber grip.
The Powerblock has a functional “nested” build for both compactness and security, as well as an attractive black design. The blocks also come with adder weights so you can make micro-adjustments for your weight training.
Pros
- Easy selector pin adjustment
- Included micro-load weight adjustments
- Replaces up to 28 pairs of dumbbells
Cons
- Expensive
- Possibly awkward design
Key Takeaway
Power Block Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells are a good choice if you like a wide weight range of weights. They are replacing 28 pairs of dumbbells or 2565 lbs of free weights. Use them as you would any other type of dumbbell and switching weight is amazingly easy.
4.ATIVAFIT
The ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbell comes either as a single dumbbell or in a pair and can cover up to 27.5 pounds each. This set comes with four different settings and you can easily switch between weights with a simple push-slide adjustment lever.
The design is very compact, making it ideal for people without a ton of storage space, and the handle is contoured with a soft-grip design to increase comfort during your workout. Some users did report that the weights were “clunky” and sometimes shifted during workouts, but they are overall a good investment for the relatively low cost.
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- Replaces 4 different dumbbell weights
- Soft-grip handle
- Compact design
- Base prevents floor damage
Cons
- Weights may shift during workout
Key Takeaway
This ATIVAFIT option is perfect if you aren’t looking for a ton of weight out of your adjustable dumbbell. It can also be great for warming up and lighter exercises, and the push-pull design makes it easy to adjust mid-workout.
5.Shanchar
If you’re really looking for diversity out of your dumbbell sets, you may want to consider a convertible option like the Shanchar Adjustable Dumbbell. Not only does this offer four different weight settings, but you can also connect these dumbbells to make a makeshift sponge-covered barbell for even more exercise variety.
This option is coated with rubber to make it floor-friendly, and has soft grips for comfort during your workout. These weights adjust by sliding plates on or off and locking them in with a screw nut, so it may take a little longer to change weights around as compared to the other products on this list.
Pros
- 4 different weight settings
- Can also adjust to a barbell
- Embossing prevents rolling
- Rubber coating for grip
- Plastic for floor safety
Cons
- Not as easy to adjust
- Lower-quality plastic and sand filling
Key Takeaway
This is a good option if you want to incorporate some lightweight barbell exercises but don’t want to invest in a metal barbell. This option will take longer to adjust than others on this list, so it probably wouldn’t make sense to get this if you like to switch weights quickly between workouts.
Our Top Pick, And Why!
We love the Bowflex SelectTech 552 series for its easy-adjust design and high-quality build. It comes in multiple buying options so you can get the exact weight range that you need for any workout, and the machanics is backed by both Bowflex’s great reputation and its excellent construction. These will allow you to do most workouts without compromising on storage or weight quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are adjustable dumbbells any good?
Adjustable dumbbells can be a great addition to any home gym because of their versatility. The best adjustable dumbbells will cover the majority of the weight levels that you need to get a solid total-body workout without compromising on cost or storage space.
However, the adjusting feature may sometimes sacrifice some quality. Fixed dumbbells tend to be higher-quality since they are made of welded materials that can’t be broken apart. Adjustable dumbbells might have moving parts that can present durability issues.
This can be avoided if you buy higher-quality adjustable dumbbells. Avoid the cheapest adjustable dumbbells, as they are more likely to be made of poor-quality materials like plas
What are the benefits of adjustable dumbbells?
Space-saving
When it comes to storage and space-saving abilities, adjustable dumbbells are superior. Because they are adjustable, these will take much less space than a weight set, and you won’t need to buy an organizing weight rack to house it all. This will also keep your home gym tidier since there won’t be free weights everywhere.
Cost-effective
One of the main reasons that people choose to buy adjustable dumbbells rather than full sets of fixed weights is to save money. Individual fixed weights can quickly rack up in price, even if you buy them in full sets. Adjustable dumbbells tend to be a little cheaper, so you can cover many of your weightlifting needs without having to spend an arm and a leg to get all the options you need.
Read also: Best Budget Dumbbell Sets
Increased versatility
Adjustable dumbbells allow you to do more workouts than individual fixed dumbbells on their own. For example, you may need lighter weights for your shoulder work, but heavier weights for your leg exercises. One adjustable dumbbell that can span in weight can allow you to do both with just one piece of equipment.
How do I choose a Reliable adjustable dumbbell Set?
Weight range
Whenever you buy any piece of fitness equipment, you should make sure that it has enough weight to give you a good workout. The most-used weights usually are about 60 pounds or less, although some people like to use very heavy dumbbells for certain workouts as well. Make sure that the adjustable dumbbell you buy can be used in all aspects of your training.
Design
One of the major factors to keep in mind as you shop around for an adjustable dumbbell is the mechanism they use to adjust the weights. Some adjustable weights have easy quick-change functions, like turning dials or pushing levers to your desired weights. These quick-adjust features make it easy to switch quickly between weights, which is ideal for those who like to “superset” and do multiple workouts back-to-back. However, depending on the dumbbell set you buy, these adjustment features might sacrifice on quality and safety measures if the locks aren’t secure.
On the other hand, some adjustable dumbbells come with plates that you slide on or off to adjust weight, similar to those you would find on a barbell. These tend to be a little more secure, as they usually come with locking mechanisms to secure the weights, but it won’t be as quick to adjust between weights and they may be a little bulkier than you’d like.
Quality
Durability and construction matter when you’re buying weights, since cheaper materials can lead to premature breaking and potentially dangerous situations. This is especially true with adjustable dumbbells, since there are detachable parts that can be dangerous.
Buy the adjustable dumbbells that are the most secure, even if it means that they come at a higher price point. Look for weights with welded points and metal construction if possible. It’s also a good idea to read reviews to determine how durable and secure the dumbbells are before purchasing.
Storage
Lack of storage space is one of the biggest reasons that people choose to buy adjustable dumbbells rather than sets of fixed dumbbells. Determine how much space you have to dedicate to your weights. Most adjustable dumbbells come with storage solutions simply by virtue of their nested construction, but some, especially those with removable plates, will need a different storage solution.