The best dumbbells are, quite simply, the best piece of home gym equipment you can invest in. With them you can do a wide variety of strength training exercises to help you gain muscle, build strength, and even lose weight. Plus, they're easy to store and relatively inexpensive, making them an ideal piece of kit for working out with at home.
Dumbbells come in all different shapes, sizes and are made out of various materials, which are all key things to consider before buying a pair. Beginners may want to opt for an adjustable dumbbell, as they allow for a wider weight selection and also take up less space than buying multiple dumbbell sets. Those more experienced in weight training, or are looking to build on their current dumbbell collection, will probably benefit more from a fixed-weight dumbbell.
In comparison to barbells and workout machines, dumbbells also allow you to train unilaterally. They're therefore great for ironing out muscular imbalances and help you build a more balanced physique.
Ready to start making some gains? Below are our top picks of the best dumbbells that we think are actually worth your time and attention.
T3's Top 3 Dumbbells
Best overall
These dumbbells aren't only a delight to use, but to look at too. The knurling iron handles provide good grip and also rotate, making them easier on your joints. A well-worth investment for serious weightlifters who are looking for a top-quality product.
Best affordable
These adjustable spinlock dumbbells from Decathlon's own brand, Corength, go up to 10kg each (or 20kg on one) and are perfect for those looking to purchase their first pair of dumbbells. They also come in a handy little travel case and are made from cast iron for extra durability.
Best premium
If you lack the space for an entire rack of dumbbells then these adjustable ones from Bowflex are a good option. Simply spin the adjustable dial to select a weight from 2-22.5kg. They aren't sold as a pair and are expensive, but they'll still save you money in comparison to a full set of individual dumbbells.
Best dumbbells to buy right now
Why you can trust T3
Best overall
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We wish we have enough space (and money) to buy a complete set of Eleiko Plate Dumbbells. These premium home weights are a delight to look at and use, although they will be most appreciated by bodybuilders and weightlifters. The sloped, oversized plate design might seem odd initially, but using the weights for the first time will change the minds of even the harshest critics.
Considering the hefty price and the premium nature of the Eleiko Plate Dumbbell, it's hard to recommend them to anyone apart from gym owners, hardcore lifters and premium home gym equipment aficionados. If you're either of those, you should start saving now, so you can have a complete collection of Eleiko's finest rotating dumbbells sooner. We love them, and you will, too, should you decide to invest in them.
Read our full Eleiko Plate Dumbbell review.
Best premium
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These beasts from Bowflex pack 2-24 or 4-41kg in each dumbbell, depending on the model you go for, with weight selection as easy as spinning a dial. When paired with a simple weights bench, they offer an effective alternative to a gym floor yet don't require an entire rack to the house.
The spinning dial is easy to navigate, and the included plastic stand makes it simpler to guide the weights back into place when you're finished, although, with certain configurations, you do have to be quite careful.
Overall, a great solution for those who like to push on with intensive 'drop set' workouts or those who are tight on space. In fact, our only real reservation is the price, which will make you sweat before you even try to lift them.
Read our full Bowflex SelectTech 1090i dumbbell review
Best affordable
3. Corength 20 kg Weight Training Dumbbell Kit
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Corength is Decathlon's own brand – you can buy its products at Decathlon in the UK and Walmart in the US – but unlike other own-brand products, Corength dumbbells are high quality and priced affordably.
These durable iron-cast adjustable dumbbells are one of the best sets you can get your hands on. There's enough weight plates to load 10kg onto each dumbbell or, if you want to go heavier, you can add all the plates onto one. We appreciate they're not the heaviest dumbbells on the planet and that the spinlock system takes a little longer to adjust the weight (so not ideal if you're doing drop sets), but you can't really complain at this price. Plus, these dumbbells can hold up to 32kg, so you can always buy this additional weight plate set if you need to move more mass.
Best adjustable
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The BLK BOX Adjustable Dumbbell boasts one of the most impressive weight-changing mechanisms we’ve ever used on an adjustable dumbbell, purely because it’s just so darn easy to use. All you have to do is twist the handle forwards or backward to cycle through the increments and select your weight. It’s very satisfying to use and great for timed workouts where you need to change weights quickly.
Featuring steel weight plates and a chrome-plated knurled handle, this adjustable dumbbell is very well made but, at the same time - dispute its hefty price tag - doesn’t quite have the polished finish as other dumbbells we’ve used, such as the JaxJox DumbbellConnect.
Read our full BLK BOX Adjustable Dumbbell review
Best all-rounder
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The Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell and Stand set is an unbelievably convenient piece of home gym equipment, according to our review, linked below. It's easy to use, has a great weight range and looks pretty much like a traditional dumbbell but takes up less space than the 10 dumbbells it replaces.
The asking price looks steeper than if you just bought a hex dumbbell on its own, but investing in the Core dumbbells, is waaaaaaay cheaper than getting multiple pairs of dumbbells, not to mention they are also more convenient to use than their non-adjustable counterparts. We recommend the Core Fitness Dumbbell and Stand to people who take muscle building at home seriously and would like to have home gym equipment that enables them to progress steadily in the coming months/years.
Read our full Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells and Stand review
Best for heavy lifters
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Taking everything into consideration, including the price, the versatility, the weight spread, the construction – all of it – we recommend the Primal 34kg Adjustable Dumbbell for home use, especially for those who like to go heavy (or go home) in their workouts. One minor issue is that you will probably need two of them to perform exercises effectively, and admittedly, it’ll cost you.
However, the quality of these dumbbells are top-notch. Made from cast iron with a polypropylene cover and grippy knurling on the handles, these dumbbells have been designed to last. They use a built-in sliding mechanism so the weight can be switched quickly and effortlessly between sets too. Rest assured, these dumbbells will allow you to pack on muscle at home without taking over your living room floor.
Read our full Primal Personal Series 34kg Adjustable Dumbbell review
Best for hard floors
7. Mirafit Rubber Dumbbell Set
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The Mirafit rubber dumbbells are sexy, and they know it. The solid cast weight is connected with a 32mm knurled solid steel grip, and the rubber coating protects the flooring and reduces noise. The weights are clearly marked on the ends for easier identification. There really isn't much to say about these dumbbells: you get what you pay for, in a good way. The only possible downside is that they might roll around a bit on hard floors, but that's it, really. Get these if they are in stock; they will serve you well.
Best for beginners
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Although not as enjoyable to use or as versatile as traditional dumbbells, there’s no escaping just how useful a set of adjustable dumbbells is for most folk looking to get fitter, build muscle or burn fat from home. With its unique stacking system, the units feel well-balanced even when fully loaded. The recessed grips allow plenty of range of motion for various exercises.
We liked the fact that these dumbbells take up very little room, making them really easy to store, and offer a very affordable way of achieving a decent weight spread without needing an entire rack or tower full of individual dumbbells. They are around half the price of purchasing a set of 1-10kg pairs with a stand or rack and require a fraction of the space.
Read our full Powerblock Sport 2.4 review
Best Bowflex alternative
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Not everyone has the space at home (or the spare cash) for a full dumbbell set, and you may have already noticed that your local gym probably uses a dedicated rack to hold theirs. That’s because all that weight adds up quickly.
NordicTrack’s Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set clocks in at 110 pounds in total and is undeniably bulky. However, if you were to purchase pairs of dedicated dumbbells for each weight increment that these dumbbells offer, that would easily add up to 700+ pounds and 30 individual dumbbells. Suddenly, the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set doesn't seem so bulky.
Pound for pound, the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight 55 Lb. Dumbbell Set is a sound investment for anyone looking to augment their home gym setup. Thanks to that one year of iFit classes, they’re also a great choice for anyone who could use some pointers on how to incorporate dumbbell exercises into their fitness journey. By the time your membership expires, you’ll practically be a pro yourself.
Read our full NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set
How we test the best dumbbells
The best dumbbells are not only good for advanced gun sculpting. 💪 They can also provide a full-body workout, get you fit, boost metabolism and build muscle. Therefore, the dumbbells in this guide are thoroughly examined by our experts using a variety of workouts. We only recommend weights that are safe to use at home and can effectively help you achieve your home fitness goals.
In fact, dumbbells are tested in a home environment to ensure they perform well in the surroundings they are supposed to be used. We look at performance details as well as how convenient it is to use and store the dumbbells.
How to buy the best dumbbells for you
As with many things in life, the humble dumbbell comes in a confusing array of shapes, sizes, weights and mechanisms, so choosing the right one for you is important. Here's what to think about before you buy:
- Shape: Typically, a dumbbell will either be rounded or hexagonal. The latter won't roll away when you put it down and are also good for press-up variations. Whereas rounded dumbbells are often easier to store and are available in a wider weight range.
- Weight: This often comes down to whether you want a fixed weight dumbbell or an adjustable dumbbell. The latter is a great option for beginners, because they take up less space and allow you to tailor the weight to your ability at the time. Whereas fixed weight dumbbells are best for more experienced lifters who are in need of a specific weight, or looking to add to their current dumbbell range. If you decide on the latter, you should also consider what exercises you want to do with your dumbbells. As the weight you'd need for lateral raises will be much lighter than what you'd use to squat with, so make sure you think about this.
- Material: You can get cast iron, stainless steel, rubber or urethane dumbbells. One isn't necessarily better than the other, it's personal preference what you go for. However, the latter are good for home gyms as they'll have more of a 'bounce' and are less likely to damage your floor if dropped. Whereas the former are often more attractive and more long-lasting.
FAQ
Can you build muscle with dumbbells only?
Yes! Dumbbells are more than capable of helping you build muscle, you do not need an Olympic barbell, weight plates or even a weight bench. The most important thing to remember is progressive overload; so once the dumbbell weight becomes too easy, you either need to increase it or up your reps. If you don't do this, you will most likely hit a plateau.
If you have you ever wondered which one is best for your home workouts: maybe dumbbell vs barbell? Or even dumbbell vs kettlebell? We compared them already.
What is the best brand for dumbbells?
There are many excellent dumbbell brands on the market. Bowflex, NordicTrack and JaxJox dominate the adjustable dumbbell scene, while Eleiko and Rogue Fitness are great examples of premium hex dumbbell manufacturers. If you're on a slightly tighter budget, then MiraFit ,Bulldog Gear and Decathlon offer some excellent affordable options.
Which dumbbells are best for beginners?
Beginner lifters often need lighter weights at the beginning, but will progress quickly once they start working out. Getting a pair of hex or cast iron dumbbells will only help you progress so far, so if you're thinking about working out for more than just a couple of months, we recommend getting an adjustable dumbbell instead, like the BLK Box adjustable dumbbell. Spinlock dumbbells are also straightforward to use and can be stored easily, like Decathlon's 20kg Dumbbell Kit. They also allow for some weight adjustment, making them the perfect combination for beginner lifters.
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Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.
- Bryony Firth-BernardStaff Writer, Active