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Why buy an entire rack of weights when you can own one pair of versatile adjustable dumbbells? 30kg dumbbell set
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Unless you own an at-home training facility to rival that of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, investing in racks of single-weight dumbbells can become both extremely expensive and take up loads of space. But what if we told you it's possible to carve out a part-time iron paradise without giving up your garage by investing in a pair of adjustable dumbbells instead?
Our team of fitness experts have spent time testing the very best adjustable dumbbells for levelling up your home workouts from the likes of Bowflex, MuscleSquad, JAXJOX and more, testing each pair on their ease of use, durability and how well they perform during a workout. Here are the ones we'd recommend introducing to your home gym.
More of a kettlebell guy? Check out our round-up of the best adjustable kettlebells on the market, from just £31.99.
Never ones to shirk a workout, we sent our team on a mission to find the finest adjustable dumbbells on the market. They then set about putting them to the test, working through a session of bodybuilding staples including lateral raises, lunges, bench press and (of course) the humble dumbbell curl.
Top-scoring models provided the natural, sturdy feel of a fixed dumbbell, with minimal rattling or shaking, and had a practical shape that was easy to wield.
When then rounded out our testing by timing how long it took to change the weight of each dumbbell from the lightest load to the heaviest possible, as a quick transition can hold the key to a successful spicy drop set.
The textured rubber handles on the Bowflex SelectTech 552i dumbbells are more comfortable than their metal counterparts, and with 15 weight options that range between two and 24kg (selected using dials on both ends of the dumbbell), it unlocks plenty of scope for your training.
We found the classic rounded shape of the weight plates easy to manoeuvre, snd, as they're plastic, there was none of the usual metallic clanging when we pressed them overhead — neighbours, you’re welcome.
The only downside? These are sold individually as opposed to as a pair. But they are also available in a higher weight range; 4–41kg.
Read our full Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells Review
We trialled these dumbbells as part of our Magic Mirror review and loved them so much we had to include them here. With a wide weight range of 2kg all the way to 32kg, via 2kg increments, they're among the most versatile adjustable dumbbells out there, and as they're sold in a pair (winning), you've a whopping 64kg to play with.
The twist handle mechanism gives off a satisfying click when you lock in your desired weight and couldn't be easier to use, with the weight displayed via a dial on each side of the handle. This system also means that the weight plates on both sides of the handle adjust in tandem, rather than having to select your weight on each side of your dumbbell independently, as with some models.
Sold in pairs, these are excellent value when you take quality and weight range into account — plus they don't take up much room either. Because of their compact nature we did find you have to slot the dumbbell back into the cradle with precision, but this is a minor quibble. An excellent home gym staple.
We’d like to extend a hearty congratulations to anyone who can max this dumbbell out on bench. It has 24 weight options stretching all the way up to 40kg, which should be enough to satisfy most lifters.
You can change the weight in no time by twisting a single dial on each dumbbell, making these a top drop set companion. The metal plates wobble and rattle slightly during some movements, but that’s our only gripe.
Happy with a lower weight range? The 32.5kg version are also excellent.
Changing the resistance of these futuristic free weights couldn’t be easier; just rerack them and select the load using buttons on the holding dock to attach the necessary plates digitally in a matter of seconds.
We were impressed by their sturdy performance and changing the weight was seamless. The plates stayed secure throughout all movements, and the fact they’re sold as a pair gives them an immediate advantage over lone dumbbells.
If it's flat-bottomed dumbbells you're after, look no further. The flat, stable base of these makes them ideal for exercises like renegade rows, while also allowing them to moonlight as push-up stands if you fancy giving some bodyweight exercises a go. They have nine stacked weight options (between 4.5kg and 22.5kg) which you can switch between using a resistance machine-esque pin.
The PowerBlocks’ solid base, along with the fact the weights slot neatly into one another, makes them compact and easy to store. They feel robust too, and we like the option to buy additional blocks to increase their max weight. The shape, with the handle placed within the weights blocks, took a bit of getting used to and made them less manoeuvrable for some movements, but that was our only complaint.
Ten weight options for under 150 quid is pretty good going, if you ask us. Our most affordable dial dumbbell is easy to use, has a nifty safety lock to keep the weights in place and comes complete with a holding dock. So, we think it's a great value option if you’re looking for your first adjustable dumbbell.
The rubber knurling (the grooves on the handle of a weight that give you more grip) feels a bit cheap compared to its metal competitors, and the long shape can be a bit clumsy when curling. But most movements were unaffected, making this a handy (and affordable) training tool.
These Northdeer dumbbells were different to anything else we tested, with the weight plates themselves having built-in screws and screw holes. These are used to attach them together, with the weight maxing out at 25kg.
There are only four different weight settings, starting at 12kg (a bit heavy for isolation moves like lateral raises). But the weights fix soundly into place, making these dumbbells suitable for more dynamic movements such as snatches.
There’s something nostalgic about spinlock dumbbells, whether they remind you of your first free weight set or a spit and sawdust gym you used to frequent. This 20kg kit was no different, with 12 cast iron plates combining to provide a range of weight options.
Now, with 90 years in the weightlifting game, we expected big things from York, and the brand didn’t disappoint. These well-built dumbbells oozed quality, with the spinlock collars moving smoothly to secure the weight’s plates. They aren’t particularly heavy, even when maxed out, but work well if you want to supplement your weekly gym routine with some at-home sessions.
If you're focussing more on lean muscle than bulking up, this sleek set of adjustable dumbbells might be the pick for you. Ranging from 2-12kg in 2.5kg increments, they still offer a wide range of training options but for a cut price and more compact footprint. Plus they're sold in a pair — score.
Twist handles make for seamless weight changes, while the sturdy base stops your dumbbells rolling off in-between sets. For the price, the build quality is excellent too.
With weight settings ranging from 2kg up to 20kg, Stairmaster's adjustable dumbbells are hard to beat. When you twist the handle, the adjustment mechanism helps you switch between weights with ease – and the handy cradles keep everything locked into place. An investment for life.
Featuring iron plates and threaded steel bars for safety, Domyos' adjustable dumbbells come with a two-year warranty. Grab these and you'll receive two 2kg threaded weight bars, four chrome-plated collars, eight 1kg plates and four 2kg plates. Ideal for less than £50.
Though there are some obvious exceptions (namely, these Northdeer and Powerblock pairs), most adjustable dumbbells fit into one of three categories: digital, dial and spinlock.
The latest evolution of the humble dumbbell, these innovative bits of kit allow you to change the resistance of your weights with minimal effort (just what you want between energy-sapping sets).
They come with clever holding docks that have a small screen and buttons on the side. When the dumbbell is racked, you can use the buttons to select your chosen weight (displayed on the screen). Then, the relevant plates will attach to the bar, while any unused plates remain in the rack.
The docks have to be plugged in to work, and the dumbbells tend to max out at about 20kg, but those are the only real downsides.
Looking like the lovechild of a free weight, a high-security safe and a Transformer, these nifty training aids can help you look your (Optimus) prime — sorry.
They have the traditional dumbbell design — plates attached to a central handle — but each end is capped with a rotating dial that can be used to select how much weight you want on the bar. You’ll need to re-rack it into its holding dock before changing the resistance. Then, similar to digital dumbbells, any excess weight plates will be left behind while the necessary load will remain attached to the bar.
Some will have a dial on each end, while others save time by only requiring you to turn one dial to switch the resistance. We also like the addition of security locks to a few models, making sure the plates stay in place.
They can rattle a bit in use, but we tested one pair that can load up to 40kg on a single dumbbell, making these a good option for at-home heavy lifters.
Commonplace in teenage bedrooms the world over, these classic bits of kit will no doubt be familiar to you. Usually comprising two bars, a selection of smaller weight plates, and four spinlock collars that twist into place on the grooved ends of each dumbbell to secure the load, these old school lifting implements offer everything you’d want from a pair of weights.
Yes, it can take a while to change the weight as you have to spin each individual collar on and off each time, and the plates can clang when you press them overhead. But their no-frills build makes them a darn sight cheaper than their tech-heavy counterparts.
Ergonomic and compact, adjustable dumbbells offer up to 24 different weight options in one, replacing a decadent dumbbell rack with a single, space-saving piece of kit. That leaves more room for full-body dumbbell exercises (think thrusters, lunges and deadlifts) and other fitness gear (that's your barbell, skipping ropes, kettlebells and squat rack).
Sure, the price of some sets may raise a few eyebrows at first glance, but these dumbbells are cost effective. Hear us out. The cost of gym memberships is rising and may soon surpass the singular fee of an adjustable dumbbell. Plus, with fixed free weights, you’d have to splash out every time you made decent progress and need to challenge yourself with something heavier. No such pain with the adjustable variety; simply push a button/twist a dial/slap a couple more plates on and feel the burn.
Below we've compiled a list of the best adjustable dumbbells for building muscle, strength, endurance and power from the relative comfort (if you'll allow us to call it that) of your living room.
Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones. Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges.
She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.
Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Hattie Parish is the Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor for Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World, covering the best gym wear, latest fitness tech and wellness launches worth investing in, plus the best deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. As well as clocking up the miles in myriad running socks, pummelling her muscles with massage guns, testing out fitness mirrors and donning dry robes every other weekend, Hattie consults leading experts in the health and fitness industry to help readers make informed decisions when shopping online. Brought up by two medics, Hattie worked in health clinics before completing a BA in English at King’s College London. She qualified as a journalist in 2015 and has since written for titles such as Healthy magazine, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Red, as well as worked commercially with health and wellness clients such as Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug. Hattie is passionate about arming readers with honest, unbiased product reviews and has a particular interest in the role of technology in our wellbeing, as well as gender-based inequalities in healthcare. When she’s not putting gym wear through its paces on the Pilates reformer or kitting out her home gym (garage) with the latest equipment, she’s attempting to make progress on her teetering pile of bedside books, cycling round South East London or sampling wellness retreats for the Women’s Health travel pages.
Yanar has spent 15 years as a health and wellness editor and writer for national titles such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World. Yanar is a 580-hour yoga therapist, 200-hour yoga teacher and level 3 personal trainer at Yanar Mind & Movement. After years of running races and marathons, she discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting in her mid-30s and fell in love with training and competing. She now advocates strength training for women to build a stronger body for life and the benefits of nervous system regulation for better physical and mental health. When not training, teaching or writing, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen.
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