11 Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Any Home Gym From Bowflex, NordicTrack, and More

The best adjustable dumbbells are a home gym essential—they’re cost-effective, take up very little floor space, and can be used for any strength training or HIIT workout.

For home workouts, its worth opting for adjustable dumbbells over a regular set. You get the same basic function as traditional dumbbells without sacrificing precious floor space. Instead, you can simply turn a dial or toggle a switch to change the weight resistance as needed.

The change in footprint alone is monumental—a rack of dumbbells can take up an entire wall or most of a room if the weights are scattered across the floor. Even a large set of adjustable dumbbells only occupies about a 12-by-12-inch space.

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Our pick for the best overall adjustable dumbbells is the tried-and-true Bowflex SelectTech 552 due to its attractive price point and functionality for lifters of all levels.

Here are our favorite adjustable dumbbells for home gyms and what to consider before you buy.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells Overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552

A titan of the fitness industry, Bowflex has been outfitting home gyms since 1986, and the SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are one of the company’s bestsellers. The weight range runs from 5 to 52.5 pounds, and you can make adjustments with two easy-to-use selection dials on each dumbbell. The first 25 pounds are adjustable in increments of 2.5 pounds, which gives beginners the ability to gradually work on increasing their strength. The fixed-length weight bar is just under 16 inches long, and the plates are spaced out for an even distribution of weight. We also like the molding around the metal plates, which allows for quieter workouts and keeps the plates from scratching your floors. Read our complete Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells review.

Best Two-in-One Set: Kiss Gold Adjustable Dumbbells Set

Kiss Gold Adjustable Dumbbells Set provides maximum affordability and adjustability. Its unique two-in-one design means you’re also getting an adjustable barbell (the dumbbells connect via a central connector bar). This not only gives you more sculpting options for your home gym, but also saves tons of space. Each adjustable steel dumbbell weighs up to 22 pounds, and the rubber handles provide ample grip. At less than $150, it’s also one of the more affordable options you can get.

Best NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells: NordicTrack 55-Pound Select-a-Weight Dumbbell Pair

NordicTrack gets many things right with its Select-a-Weight Dumbbell Pair. For starters, the set offers maximum adjustability—including 15 different weight options—thanks to a simple two-step adjustment process. A sliding pull tab adjusts in 10-pound increments, while a separate dial allows you to tack on an additional 2.5 or 5 pounds. The length of the bar automatically adjusts based on the weight, and the rubberized grip offers a comfortable, ergonomic feel. Additionally, each purchase comes with a free 12-month subscription to the iFit app, which includes virtual training, video workouts, and more.

Best 50-Pound Set: PowerBlock EXP Adjustable Dumbbells

With its square design and unique pin lock system, PowerBlock EXP Adjustable Dumbbells don’t look like the typical set. But there’s a lot to like with this quirky setup. It comes with a comfy rubberized grip handle, and once you get the hang of the pin lock system, it’s easy to use. The EXP model ranges from 5 to 50 pounds in 5-pound increments, with the capability for 2.5-pound increments with the included adder weight.

Best Grip: Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set

Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set earns high marks for value and ease of use. It comes with a sturdy cradle for each dumbbell, with weight ranging from 5 up to 50 pounds (adjustable in five-pound increments), and you can switch up your resistance just by twisting the handles. For even more fine-tuned adjustability at a similar price, try the Bowflex SelectTech 552 above.

More Adjustable Dumbbells We Love

Are Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?

Even with their compact nature, they still deliver the same workout benefits as traditional dumbbells. Depending on the set, you can use adjustable dumbbells for heavy-strength workouts with major movements like squats, deadlifts, military (overhead) presses, and bench presses. Alternatively, you can go light and do fast-paced HIIT workouts with them. If you want to build muscle, adjustable dumbbells are also perfect for advanced bodybuilding techniques like supersets and drop sets, where changing weights helps you keep workout intensity high.

The Bottom Line: They're better. With adjustable dumbbells, you can get stronger, build lean muscle, and do high-level conditioning workouts right at home with minimal space at a much lower cost than a complete set of traditional dumbbells.

Related: Best Gym Flooring Options to Build the Home Gym of Your Dreams

What We Look for in Adjustable Dumbbells

To choose the right set of adjustable dumbbells, first consider the weight range you need. Different models will offer varying minimum and maximum weights, though weight increments are mostly standard—most are adjustable in 5-pound increments, though some heavier sets may only offer 10-pound increments, while others, like the Bowflex SelectTech 552, can adjust in multiple increments and go as “micro” as 2.5 pounds per switch.

When shopping for adjustable dumbbells, you can expect to generally find them in one of three maximum weight sizes:

• Beginner: around 25 pounds

• Intermediate: around 50 pounds

• Advanced: up to 80-100

As for minimum weights, most sets will go down to 5 or 10 pounds, even heavy sets. That means it behooves you to aim for a higher weight when shopping for an adjustable dumbbell set. If you're new to weightlifting, we recommend starting with a lighter set.

You'll also want to be mindful of storage space. While most sets are pretty compact, they vary a bit in size, and since they're heavy, it’s best to store them on the floor close to where you'll be working out. With a light pair (25 pounds), you can easily stow them in a closet when not in use. A heavier set, however, will probably stay in one place. Thankfully, many sets come with a floor storage tray to help you keep your home gym tidy, but savvy brands sometimes make additional stands that are typically very nice-looking to house your weights as an alternative option.

Average Cost of Adjustable Dumbbells

Depending on features and weight ranges, adjustable dumbbells typically cost between $100 and $400. If this sounds pricey, consider how much a complete set of traditional dumbbells would cost in 5-pound increments at a dollar per pound.

Ultimately, they're just a better investment. Not only are adjustable dumbbells more budget- and square-footage-friendly than traditional dumbbells, but they also provide the same strength, conditioning, and muscle-building benefits.

Why You Should Trust Me

I have more than 20 years experience as a health and fitness journalist covering fitness trends, writing workout articles, and getting hands-on experience with gym equipment for many of the biggest brands in print and digital publishing. Outside of my career, I’ve been a consistent gym rat for over 30 years, so I know what I like and don’t like when it comes to dumbbells and all other types of free weights. I’ve always frequented commercial gyms, but in the last several years—due to often being stuck at home with young kids, a busy work schedule, and/or gym closures during the pandemic—I’ve spent hundreds of hours working out at home.