The 10 Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home of 2024, Tested by Fitness Experts, Athletes, and Coaches

The best adjustable dumbbells are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can add to your home gym. Not only are they a space-saving alternative to owning an entire dumbbell set in different weights, but they are also typically a more cost-efficient option than just a pair of the best dumbbells.

To find the best adjustable dumbbells, our team of certified personal trainers, Olympic weightlifters, and fitness enthusiasts has researched and personally used dozens of products. Many of them reside in our own home gyms and have been through countless workouts over the years.

Using our in-depth testing methodology, we rate dumbbells on a scale of 1 to 5 on categories that include:

• Durability: We look for high-quality materials instead of lots of plastic and perform drop tests to gauge construction and hardiness.
• Weight Range and Increments: We assess how many options the user has with each dumbbell, as well as how easy it is to change weights.
• Handle: We score each dumbbell on the quality of the handle, based on features such as diameter, knurling, and whether or not the handle is caged.
• Value: Based on the market, we assess if the product priced fairly for what it offers.

In addition to the host of training exercises, we did the following:

• Weighed each dumbbell at various increments to see how accurate to the stated weight they were
• Timed weight changes
• Performed dynamic movements to see how the weights felt
• Drop tests: Could dumbbells withstand being dropped (spoiler alert: don’t ever drop any of these, they aren’t meant to be dropped)

Since 2014, our expert product testers have used dozens of the best adjustable dumbbells on the market for hundreds—no, thousands—of reps and sets. I (Coop, the founder of Garage Gym Reviews) personally have been using adjustable dumbbells for over a decade now, so I know exactly what to recommend—and which products to steer clear of.

RELATED: Black Friday Dumbbell Deals

Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2024

• Best Adjustable Dumbbells Overall: Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells
• Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set: PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP Dumbbells
• Best User-Friendly Adjustable Dumbbells: NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set
• Best Heavy Weight Adjustable Dumbbells: Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System
• Best Loadable Dumbbell: Titan Fitness Loadable Dumbbell Handles
• Most Durable Adjustable Dumbbell: REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells
• Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells
• Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Beginners: FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
• Best Ultra-Budget Adjustable Dumbbell: Kensui AdaptaBELLs PRO
• Best Adjustable Dumbbell for Versatility: Rogue Loadable Dumbbells

Best Adjustable Dumbbells Video

Best Adjustable Dumbbells Overall: Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells

Good for: Anyone who’s looking for a heavy set of adjustable dumbbells that won’t break easily

Best Overall

Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Weight ranges from 10 to 80 lbs
• 10-lb weight increments
• 36mm handle diameter
• Cast iron dumbbell cradle
• Feels like a pro-style dumbbell

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cast iron cradles
• Drop-proof design from up to 32”
• Solid cast iron dumbbell plates with dovetail design
• Flat dumbbell heads
• Knurled handle

Cons

• Expensive
• Longer dumbbell
• Only jumps in 10-lb increments

Bottom Line

The Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells are a durable pair of adjustable dumbbells that cover a broad range of dumbbell weights. If only having 10-pound increments is alright with you, these are a solid choice of dumbbell, strong enough to withstand drops from up to 32 inches.

Simply put, the Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbells are the best-built adjustable dumbbells on the market today due to their nearly all-metal construction, quick adjustment, and high-quality handle. They’re also the only adjustable dumbbells that are protected against drops up to 32 inches in height—all other adjustable dumbbells recommend you don’t drop their products at all.

I used the Snode bells and even did some drop tests to see how durable they were. While I don’t recommend you drop any fitness equipment (do as I say, not as I do), it’s nice to know that nothing will happen to these if they fall out of your hands.

I dropped these from a 30-inch plyo box at its lightest and heaviest setting and they worked just fine afterward, which can’t be said for many of the dozens of adjustable dumbbells I’ve tested since 2014, making them one of the few adjustable dumbbells to earn a perfect 5 out of 5 for durability from the GGR team.

These felt like pro-style dumbbells during testing, which is a huge benefit. The knurling is passive, which I’m not a huge fan of, though not overly passive so that you’ll lose your grip during high-rep workouts.

Another huge plus is the 36-millimeter handle, which is thicker than most other adjustable dumbbells. This gives you a better pump when lifting with them, especially for your forearms.

RELATED: 15 Exercises for the Best Forearm Workouts

Here’s the one annoying thing about these adjustable dumbbells: They go up in 10-pound increments. Snode has said they don’t plan on releasing a 5-pound increment version any time soon, which is disappointing since it makes progressive overload a little more difficult. You can buy 2.5 – or 5-pound magnetic plates that can attach to either end, though we would’ve liked to see that on the product due to how pricey it is (to be clear, we do think it’s worth the price due to the heavy-duty construction).

Learn more in our Snode Adjustable Dumbbell review.

Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set: PowerBlock Pro EXP Dumbbells

Good for: People who want a lot of weight options but want to save space

Best Set

Powerblock Pro 100 EXP Dumbbells

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Adjustable dumbbells ranging from 5 to 100 lbs
• First stage goes to 40 lbs
• 3 expansion kits that works up to 100 lbs
• Optional knurled grip
• 19.2” L x 7.6” W x 7.7” H
• Adjustable in 2.5-lb or 5-lb increments
• Add-on to use as kettlebell, with future EZ curl bar and straight bar add-ons

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Replaces 30 pairs of dumbbells
• Optional knurled grip
• Versatile add-ons

Cons

• Long, bulkier set of dumbbells
• Not the fastest change in weights
• Expensive

Bottom Line

The Pro 100 EXP Dumbbells are the latest set of adjustable dumbbells from Powerblock, ranging from 5 pounds to 100 pounds with 2.5- or 5-pound increment adjustments. The dumbbells begin at their first stage of up to 40 pounds, with three expansion kits that can move the maximum weight up to 60, 80, or 100 pounds. The dumbbells have the option to have a metal knurling as well.

If you want an upgrade and don’t mind the price, the Pro EXP PowerBlocks look great and have a cageless handle that feels more similar to a traditional dumbbell set. These are actually my favorite dumbbells from PowerBlock, and they are an upgrade to the PowerBlock Elite series. I rated all the PowerBlocks a near-perfect 4.75 out of 5 on weight adjustment speed and ease of use.

The plates on this particular set are covered in urethane, providing for a quieter workout. The 2.5-pound weight changes up to 20 pounds mean you can get a lot of weight in. In fact, if you add on the 60-, 80-, and 100-pound expander kits, at $199 each, the EXP replaces up to 30 dumbbells.

I’ve talked about this ad nauseam, but I would love it if PowerBlock would offer a knurled handle for the Elite Series as an option. In fact, I’ve talked and asked them so much, they finally gave in and have the option on the Pro 100 EXP dumbbells. They gave the people what they want.

There is one PowerBlock model that I’m not a big fan of, and that is the 175-pound commercial dumbbell set. It’s awesome they can create a dumbbell that goes up to 175 pounds, however, the dumbbell is so large that it both looks and feels comical. For university weight rooms where 300-pound football linemen are training, it probably makes sense, but for most home gym owners, I’d suggest avoiding them.

You can check out our Powerblock Pro 100 EXP Dumbbells review for more on Powerblock’s latest dumbbell set, or read about all they have to offer in my PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells review.

Best User-Friendly Adjustable Dumbbells: NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells

Good for: Someone seeking high-quality, fast-changing weights with a sleek design

Best User-Friendly

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• All-in-one adjustable dumbbell
• Weight ranges from 5 to 80 lbs
• Easy to use
• Feels like a standard dumbbell

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Feels like a regular dumbbell in hand
• Easy quick-change adjustments
• Knurled handle
• Comes with a stand

Cons

• Can be tricky to get in the stand
• Unsure of structural integrity
• Pricey

Bottom Line

These are great for people who want an easily adjustable dumbbell pair that feels more like a traditional fixed dumbbell

NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells are the best of a new breed of space-saving dumbbells. They consistently had the fastest recorded times for changing weights, earning a near-perfect 4.75 out of 5 on the GGR weight change testing metric. In just a matter of seconds, you can change from 5 pounds up to 80 pounds. I tested, trained with, and reviewed the NÜOBELLs in-depth and keep a pair of them in my own home gym.

To be honest, I was reluctant to order these because of all the plastic. Plastic opens the door to durability issues. However, after using these for a while myself, I can say they are well-built and aesthetically pleasing. The flat pancake plate design really sets these apart from other similar products on the market because it gives it a more natural feel than some of its competitors. It makes me excited to see the innovation they’ll put into the into the new NÜOBELL S240 dumbbells, which will be coming out soon.

In addition to being quick to change, the NÜOBELLs are some of the most familiar feeling dumbbells I’ve used. Due to the use of metal plates and an uncaged handle design, if you closed your eyes during say, a bench press, you wouldn’t even know you were using an adjustable dumbbell. This is highly appealing for those who don’t want to deal with more square-shaped blocks like Powerblocks or Bowflex SelectTech’s that are extremely wide even at lighter weights.

RELATED: NÜOBELL Vs Bowflex Dumbbells

Unlike many dumbbell sets that use contoured handles with rubber or foam grips, the NÜOBELLs use a barbell-type handle with a surprisingly aggressive knurled finish. This handle makes this dumbbell set really appealing to people who normally do barbell exercises because you will get to train with the same feeling you’re used to. Most rubber hex-head dumbbells use a contoured handle with some knurling, but I think many will grow to like the straight handle on these.

Due to all the plastic, this is not a set of adjustable dumbbells I would suggest dropping from even a couple of inches off the ground. Also, I don’t love that these lack upgradability (max weight is 80 pounds with no way to go higher in the future). But if you don’t need more than 80 pounds in each hand, these could be a great option.

For more, read our full NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells review.

Best Heavy Weight Adjustable Dumbbells: Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells

Good for: People who want heavyweight in the feel of a traditional dumbbell

Best Heavy Weight

Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells

GGR Score: 4.4

Community Score: 4.8

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Product Highlights

• Quickly adjustable in under 15 seconds
• Adjustable from 5 to 75 lbs
• Patented quick-lock design 
• Includes a stand

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Shaped like a traditional dumbbell
• Quick-Lock system makes weights are easy and quick to change
• Lock does hold tight
• Comes with a stand
• Change weights in 2.5-lb increments
• Weight range 5 to 75 lbs
• Knurled handles
• Compact design
• Flat ends make for ease in resting weights on legs
• Fits a number of accessories like fat grip adapters and kettlebell handles
• Plates marked in kgs and lbs

Cons

• Not quite as easy to change as other options
• Priced just under $900
• Cast iron plates could crack if dropped
• Not designed for movements like snatches

Bottom Line

The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells are some of the best adjustable dumbbells available. I personally prefer Powerblocks due to how quickly the weight can adjust, however, there are many who prefer Ironmasters and for good reasons. They're the most similar adjustable dumbbell to traditional fixed dumbbells, they have a wide weight increment range, and they're priced very affordably. If you own a home gym and want a set of dumbbells that doesn't take up a ton of space, Ironmasters are a great option.

If you want a more traditional feeling dumbbell, then the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System is what I’d recommend. Ironmasters can go up to 165 pounds, use metal weight plates, and although they aren’t the quickest to change, the Quick-Lock System is very smart. I call these the Lifter’s Adjustable Dumbbells as they feel most similar to a fixed dumbbell and have the look and feel of an old-school weight room.

RELATED: Adjustable Dumbbells vs Fixed Dumbbells

The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells are known for their durability, and earned a 4.5 out of 5 during the durability testing. Also, when I asked the Home Gym Community Group what they thought about Ironmasters, nearly everyone that had them remarked on how tough they were. It makes sense as they are made entirely from steel and iron.

The handles are chrome-plated, and each weight plate is machined and precision cast to ensure a tight fit. They look great, feel great, and can be relied on for years of use thanks to their quality construction materials.

With the ends of Ironmaster dumbbells being flat it is easy to rest them on your quads before starting a set in order to increase stability. Loadable dumbbells can’t really compete with this because they will dig into your legs, which makes working out on the floor unsafe. The square weights also make the workout go quicker as they don’t roll around all over the place when set on the floor.

RELATED: Best Home Gym Flooring

Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells are also a great tool for those looking to do goblet squats and French presses. These workouts are more difficult to manage with other adjustable dumbbells due to a caged system or how the plates are secured. The balance and feel of Ironmasters, which is really only able to be experienced during a weight lifting session, is a more similar feeling to normal dumbbells than most other adjustable.

The stand-out feature that makes the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell special is the Quick-Lock adjustment system. The rod that holds the weights in place can quickly be removed is what separates these from other spin-lock dumbbells. They aren’t as quick to change as others on this list and they do require you to do some mental math similar to a barbell and weights, but the grooved rod that slides in and out quickly is amazing.

To read more, check out my in-depth Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells review.

Editor’s Note: The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbells are currently out of stock until mid to late August. You can join a waitlist to be notified when these dumbbells are back in stock.

Best Loadable Dumbbell: Titan Loadable Dumbbells

Good for: People who want to kick it old school with existing Olympic plates

Best Loadable

Titan Loadable Olympic Dumbbell Handles

GGR Score: 4.3

Community Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• High-quality steel material
• Knurling for better grip
• Target multiple muscle groups
• Compatible with Olympic plates
• Sold as a pair
• 15- and 20-in options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent universal workout tool
• Compact design makes easily portable for a great addition to any at home gym
• Quality material
• Durable
• Knurled grip gives better resistance to slipping after sweating
• Great alternative to preset weighted dumbbells they allow maximum strength training achievement and room for growth

Cons

• Not everyone likes a hard knurled grip
• If you do not have Olympic-style plates already, this option could be pricey
• Heavy lifters may want/need more loadable sleeve length

Bottom Line

The Titan Loadable Olympic Dumbbell Handles are a great addition to any at home gym as a universal tool to target many muscle groups. They are built to last, and their added knurled grip is great for pushing through the end of a workout preventing any slipping. Would not recommend it for a beginner. These dumbbells are built for compound weight and are best for someone with more experience in strength training that may already have Olympic style weights on hand.

Adjustable weights aren’t limited to proprietary designs. Loadable dumbbells use the Olympic plates you already own and use regularly on your barbells and can go as heavy as you could ever lift. These Titan handles have killer value and take this pick due to the great pricing and free shipping Titan offers (these handles cost $99).

GGR Head of Content Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and competitive weightlifter, has had these handles in her garage gym for nearly two years.

“They fit my existing change plates, they are easy to load and unload, they get the job done,” she says.

A loadable dumbbell often mimics one of the best Olympic barbells. The Titan loadable dumbbells feature a diamond knurling that Kate rates a 4 out of 5 (“fairly passive but still gives a good grip,” she says).

Also, because they work with existing weight plates, they are typically much cheaper to get started with than other adjustable dumbbells on the list thanks to a lower upfront cost for the majority of home gym owners.

The other feature is that they can go as heavy as you’d like. I’ve done rows with upwards of 150 pounds with loadable dumbbells, and there’s still room to spare. The Titan dumbbells are rated for as much as 400 pounds each.

There are several options for the Titan dumbbells:

• 15″ handles
• 20″ handles
• 36″ handles

Kate bought the 15-inch handles because they were on sale during Titan’s Black Friday deals a few years ago.

“I recommend the 20-inch handles, especially if you have thicker plates and thick barbell collars,” Kate says. “I have the Rogue change plates, and you can only get two 5-kilo plates on with a standard collar.”

Titan says the steel on these dumbbells is “rust-resistant.” After about two years, Kate’s dumbbells have very minimal rust, and they are kept in a non-climate-controlled garage in the South. You can see more in our Titan Olympic Loadable Dumbbell Handles review.

Most Durable Adjustable Dumbbells: REP Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbell

Good for: Those who want an adjustable dumbbell that won’t shatter if dropped

Most Durable

REP Fitness QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbell

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Adjustable dumbbells ranging from 5 to 60 lbs
• Patented Lock-N-Load steel switches for quick weight changes
• Can be bought as 30-lb, 40-lb, 50-lb, or 60-lb pairs
• Fully knurled handle
• Durability tested for drops
• Lifetime warranty

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very durable and tested for drops
• Lifetime warranty
• Can be expanded from 30 lbs up to 60 lbs
• Quick weight changes

Cons

• Adder weights can be a bit slower to add or remove
• Longer dumbbell at max weight
• Max weight is only 60 lbs

Bottom Line

The REP Fitness QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbell is the latest piece of innovative equipment for the company, with patented Lock-N-Load switches for quick weight changes. The dumbbells can go up to a maximum weight of 60 pounds, although they can be purchased at lighter weights and expanded from there. These dumbbells are extremely durable as well, tested for drops at various heights and angles; plus, they’re backed by a lifetime warranty.

No matter how hard you’re struggling with a rep you need to make sure to never drop an adjustable dumbbell—unless you’re using the ultra-durable REP Quickdraw adjustable dumbbells. These have been dropped more than 100,000 times by REP Fitness from multiple heights (including from a roof) and angles to ensure they don’t shatter if let go of during a heavy shoulder press or biceps curl.

My team decided to conduct our own tests, and after several drops at the lightest and heaviest weights I was comfortable rating it a 5 out of 5 for durability. Check out our REP QuickDraw adjustable dumbbell video review below to see for yourself.

REP Fitness was able to accomplish this with a mostly-metal construction—the only plastic is in places to precent metal from rubbing against other metal—and steel support rods on one side of the handle. The rods prevent these dumbbells from feeling like traditional hex dumbbells, though I should note it didn’t bother me or the other testers much and there’s no caged handle like you see with PowerBlocks.

The starting weight is 5 pounds and REP has options going up to 30, 40, 50, and 60 pounds. If those are too light for you, REP is partnering with Pépin — a Canadian company that produces a great set of adjustable dumbbells — to create a pair of adjustable dumbbells that reach up to 125 pounds some time in late 2024 (see more in our REP X PÉPIN Fast Series Adjustable Dumbbell review).

They have lock and load switches that give a satisfying click to let you know the weights are in place. Myself and other testers loved the medium knurling and the dumbbells felt great for rows, curls, presses, and more.

Our REP QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbell review has our full thoughts on these revolutionary pieces of equipment.

Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set

Good for: The budget-conscious crowd who still want a usable adjustable dumbbell

Best Budget

NordicTrack 55-Pound Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• 15 weight options in 2.5-lb or 5-lb increments
• 10-pound knurled handlebar 
• Included storage tray
• Includes a 30-day trial to iFIT
• Compact piece of equipment with a smooth weight selection design

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Space-saving
• 15 weights in one piece of equipment
• Includes storage tray
• Moderate knurling

Cons

• Great value, but an investment
• May feel awkward when fully loaded

Bottom Line

NordicTrack’s 55-pound Select-a-Weight adjustable dumbbells are versatile and space-saving, offering users 15 different weight options in one.

The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set took the title of best budget adjustable dumbbell away from our prior pick, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, not only because they’re $100 less, but they’re also built more like a traditional dumbbell, offer slightly more weight at a lower price, and have a better grip. For that, I gave these a perfect 5 out of 5 for value, a score few other adjustable dumbbells have ever received from GGR.

RELATED: Best Back Exercises

You’re usually not getting any type of knurled handle on an adjustable dumbbell set that’s around $350, but you do with these NordicTrack dumbbells. The knurling is passive enough to not bother anyone, but also is a good feel for any home fitness enthusiasts that enjoy a good knurled grip. In my testing of these, they felt very much like traditional dumbbells. They rested easily on my legs between sets and they felt great in hand.

The adjustment mechanism isn’t as smooth as Bowflex’s, which had you turn the handle. Instead, you’ll have to slide weight pin selectors to choose your desired resistance. It’s still pretty quick, though if you’re someone who prefers HIIT-style workouts you might struggle with quick adjustments on these.

RELATED: Best Budget Home Equipment

It’s impossible to overstate just how high-value these adjustable dumbbell sets are. One of the biggest benefits is that they’re shaped and feel like actual dumbbells, unlike the Bowflexs which had some slight variations that made them a bit cumbersome.

Although there’s more metal in this set than other budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells, it’s still not a set that you want to drop.

RELATED: Best Kettlebells / Best Adjustable Kettlebells

You can choose between a maximum weight of 25 or 55 pounds, but since both cost the same amount we recommend getting the 55-pounders since it will give you more value.

Learn more in our in-depth NordicTrack dumbbells review.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Beginners: FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells

Good for: People who need moderate weight from easy-to-use dumbbells

Best for Beginners

FLYBIRD 55-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells

GGR Score: 3.3

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Product Highlights

• Clear and easy-to-use dial that allows you to change weights with just one hand
• Weight ranges from 11 to 55 lbs per dumbbell
• 11-pound change increments
• Textured handle and cast iron weight plates

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Intuitive and easy-to-use
• High-quality
• Enhanced safety features
• Feel comfortable in your hand
• Safe spacing
• Quickly adjust with a dial

Cons

• 11-pound increments for weight change is a big jump in weight

Bottom Line

The FLYBIRD 55-pound Adjustable Dumbbells have a decent weight range of 11 to 55 pounds. They are easy to use and affordable but, with an 11-pound incremental weight jump, they are not a great choice for beginners or those who train with lighter weights.

I spent a decent amount of time testing the FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells and found them to be great for those just starting out with lifting weights, or those who lift moderate weights. They caught my attention because I think out of every adjustable dumbbell I’ve reviewed, this one probably has more reviews online than any other, with a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

With a traditional dumbbell shape, the FLYBIRDs are ideal for those not ready to take on the boxy design of something like PowerBlock. Also, the adjustment process is simple: The dumbbells come with a tray where you place the weight, line up the plates, twist the handle to the weight you want, listen for the “click,” and pick up the dumbbell.

The weight ranges include a 5-to-25-pound option, or an 11-to-55-pound option. The lighter weighted dumbbell can be changed in 5-pound increments, which is ideal for beginners.

I like that you can buy just one dumbbell at a time if you’d like. While there are many advantages to getting two, and I’d recommend getting two weights for more versatility in your workout, I know some people new to lifting may feel more comfortable easing into the process.

I did rate these lower on the durability side, at 3.5 out of 5. Why? For starters, the handles are made of plastic, not knurled steel. For the experienced lifter, this may be jarring initially. However, for the beginner, this could be a welcome design for those unaccustomed to the feel of knurling. I’m also confident that these wouldn’t pass the drop test.

It’s key to point out that on the 55-pound dumbbell, the weight changes in 11-pound increments. That’s a tad unusual, and could be a big jump for a beginner.

For more, check out my in-depth FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbell Review.

Best Ultra-Budget Adjustable Dumbbell: Kensui AdaptaBELLs PRO

Good for: People on a budget who still wants to lift moderately heavy weight

Best Ultra-Budget

Kensui AdjustaBELL

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Loadable dumbbell 
• Compatible with 1" and 2" plates 
• Slip-resistant rubber guard 
• No overhang

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Money-back guarantee
• No overhang when you add weights
• Can use both 1” and 2” plates together
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Made of nylon
• Customers complained using 2” plates could be tricky without adapter
• Only available via company website

Bottom Line

The AdjustaBELL is a compact, affordable loadable dumbbell with a unique design that doesn’t have any overhang.

Previously known as the Kensui AdjustaBELLs, the AdaptaBELLs PRO are loadable dumbbells made of hard nylon to make them super-affordable, lightweight, and more portable. At under $100 (and frequently on sale for under $50), these loadable dumbbell handles offer some of the best value of any piece of home gym equipment, earning a 5 out of 5 for value.

In use, the AdaptaBELLs feel great. Each handle has an end cap that allows the adjustable dumbbell to sit flat on your legs while setting up for moves like the shoulder press. The end caps are secured with a thread, which means that adjusting the weights does take some time compared to something like the NÜOBELLs. The end caps work surprisingly well at eliminating any wiggle room between the weight plate and the handle.

RELATED: Shoulder Workout with Dumbbells

The AdaptaBELL PRO’s handles have a cross-etched pattern that they call “knurling,” but in my opinion, it’s just too passive to be called that. You will get some grip from it, though not nearly as much as on a metal handle.

I usually advise against equipment that’s made with lots of plastic, never mind entirely made of it, but the AdaptaBELLs are durable and as long as they’re not dropped should hold up for many years. They’re also surprisingly heavy-duty, holding up to 70 pounds per handle. While that’s not the heaviest weight out there, it’s enough for most home gym athletes and the fact that it works with 1- and 2-inch plates is a huge bonus.

I could’ve also called this the best portable adjustable dumbbell since they’re light enough to fit in a bag and used at a hotel gym that has weight plates. If you’re looking for more weight, the AdaptaBELLs also come in a MAX version, constructed of aluminum alloy capable of holding 150 pounds on each handle.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Versatility: Rogue Loadable Dumbbells

Good for: Home gym users needing dumbbells for a variety of exercises and weight ranges

Best for Versatility

Rogue Loadable Dumbbells

GGR Score: 4.1

Community Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Additional Olympic change plates necessary
• Long loadable sleeve length
• Solid construction

Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Use your existing weight plates
• Long, 6.75-in loadable sleeve
• Same quality as Rogue Ohio Bar

Cons

• $270 for a pair
• Weights not included in price
• Can buy in a package with weighted collars

Bottom Line

These handles are a great option for people who have change plates already.

These are quite possibly the best loadable handles I’ve ever used. Available in 10- or 15-pound options, you can load whatever weight plates you have available in your gym. The DB-15 model—named so because it weighs 15 pounds—has 6.75 inches of loadable sleeve length, so the sky’s the limit with getting these dumbbells heavy. 

With a 28.5-millimeter knurled handle, they’re basically a miniature Ohio Bar, earning them a 4.5 out of 5 for both durability and construction. They’re great for rows, bench press, and goblet squats, but the handles rotate with bronze bushings, making them excellent for dynamic movements, too—dumbbell snatches, clean and jerks, and more.

RELATED: Rogue Ohio Bar 2.0S Review

The Rogue Loadable Dumbbells are very versatile, especially since you can add or remove weights simply based on the change plates you already have available in your home gym. Weight changes may be slower than other adjustable dumbbells, since you’re loading weight plates and securing it with a barbell collar. It gets a 3 out of 5 for its adjustment speed; but these will still work fine for most exercises and workouts.

The only real issue I have with them is the price. Sold individually, one 15-pound loadable dumbbell costs $150, which is already more than a pair of the Titan loadable dumbbells. There are great options on the market for far less money than these. If you want to splurge, though, the knurling on these is fantastic. For more, read our in-depth Rogue DB-15 Loadable Dumbbell review.

Other Adjustable Dumbbells I’ve Tested

Trulap 8592 Adjustable Dumbbells: These dumbbells have the greatest number of weight increments of any adjustable dumbbell we’ve ever used, but we left them off the list due to their high price and the fact they’re not as durable as some of our top picks. If they sound enticing, you can learn more in our full TruLap Adjustable Dumbbells review.

Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells: These are great. The problem is that they can’t be dropped and take a long time to change in comparison to Ironmasters. That said, we do recommend them, especially to those that want a spin-lock style dumbbell with a great handle. Be sure to also check out our DIY concrete dumbbells guide.

Bowflex SelectTech 552: We recommended the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Set over these because they’re cheaper, built more like a traditional dumbbell, and have a slightly heavier maximum weight. The Bowflex dumbbells are still a good set, though just not as high-value as NordicTrack’s.

HAVAK Adjustable Triad: These are somewhat underground adjustable dumbbells featuring three different handles at different diameters to increase grip strength. I’m a big fan of these, but they’re a very different weight option from what else is out there and are honestly in a somewhat separate category.

MX55 Rapid Change Dumbbell System: These are great and compact; however, they don’t have add-on extension kits available. We do like how quickly they change and how balanced they are. Still curious? Read our full MX Select Adjustable Dumbbells review.

Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells: I have yet to get my hands on these. At first glance, there are a lot of options: Singles pairs up to 105 pounds and even sets that come with a connector that changes the dumbbell into a barbell. The loadable plates are cast iron, and the handle is chrome. They are priced incredibly low–a 60-pound pair sells for just over $60. That signals to me that there may be quality issues, but I’ll report back after testing them.

NiceC Adjustable Dumbbell: The NiceC Adjustable Dumbbell is a two-in-one where the loadable dumbbells can turn into a barbell. The weight options range from a 22- to 88-pound barbell with corresponding dumbbells of 11- to 44-pound pairs. However, the “barbell” doesn’t really resemble a barbell because it just connects the two already-loaded dumbbells, so there are plates essentially in the middle of the bar. The price point is a little more expensive than the Yes4Alls, but I need to get my hands on these before I assess the quality. This could potentially be a good option for people who want to do light resistance training at home without a huge investment. 

BaadAss Adjustable Dumbbells: BaadAss Adjustable Dumbbells and Pepin Dumbbells are very similar in style. The big difference is that BaadAss is practically indestructible, however, they have a worse fit and finish in their current iteration and cost more. I hope BaadAss improves some of the parts of their dumbbells and if done, I think they could end up better than Pepins.

Eisenlink Adjustable Dumbbells: As I explain in my Eisenlink Adjustable dumbbell video review, these appear to be a more budget-friendly version of the Ironmaster dumbbells. Read more in our Eisenlink Adjustable Dumbbell review.

How We Tested and Picked the Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Each model is tested based on its versatility and how well it performed during training. This means that among many other movements, we performed lunges, alternating curls, hammer curls, overhead triceps extensions, lateral raises, single leg RDLs, and bench presses on a weight bench. To help you choose the best adjustable dumbbells for your home training needs, our testers spent time lifting each model.

Everyone trains differently and has different fitness levels, so it’s important to note how each dumbbell feels during each movement and how it differs from others, and what they’re trying to mimic: fixed dumbbells. Personally, when I was testing the equipment, I asked myself if the shape of the dumbbell limited range of motion, if they felt unbalanced or uncomfortable, or if we closed our eyes, would we know we were using a dumbbell substitute?

Our rating system assigns a score to each dumbbell on a scale of 1 to 5 in categories that include the following:

• Weight change speed: How long does it take to adjust the weight?
• Durability: Can this be dropped and not break?
• Value: Is the product worth the cost?
• Customer reviews: We take into account reviews on the brand’s and third party sites
• Weight range and change increments: How many dumbbells does this replace?

Together, our team then comes up with an overall score for each dumbbell and determines what makes this list.

How Do Adjustable Dumbbells Work?

Adjustable dumbbells allow you to select from multiple weights or weight ranges on a dumbbell, essentially replacing many sets of fixed dumbbells in one pair. Most adjustable dumbbells use an adjustment mechanism to add or subtract weight plates from the dumbbell handle.

The weight limits can vary on the design of the dumbbells; more budget-friendly designs max out at around 50 pounds, while heavier pairs can go up to 90 or 100 pounds, or even heavier. Loadable dumbbell handles, on the other hand, use Olympic weight plates or bumper plates to load possibly hundreds of pounds on each dumbbell.

The adjustment mechanism can vary from dumbbell to dumbbell, but here are some of the more common mechanisms:

• Dial: One of the more common types of adjustment mechanisms are a dial, in which the user rotates a knob (or the dumbbell handle itself) to select the desired weight. The rotating shifts a bar forward or back, securing the desired weights for your selected weight.
• Pin selectors: Another common method of weight selection is through pin selectors. How the pins operate can vary; some will have built-in pins that can be pulled out and slid to the desired weights. Others, like PowerBlock dumbbells, allow the pin to be completely removed and inserted to a different weight.
• Lock switches: Switches like those on the REP QuickDraws can be flipped up or down, locking each weight plate into place along the dumbbell.
• Plate-loaded: Plate-loaded dumbbells are basically handles with a loadable sleeve, allowing you to use your own weight plates, or in some cases, specially designed plates for the dumbbells. Weights are then secured with a collar or a spin-lock mechanism.

Benefits of Adjustable Dumbbells

The initial sticker price of adjustable dumbbells might shock you. However, if you pick the right pair, you might find that adjustable dumbbells are some of the most worthwhile workout equipment you can own.

Dumbbell Training Benefits

Dumbbell training, in general, is extremely effective, whether you’re looking to build muscle mass, do a HIIT cardio workout or burn fat. People use dumbbells for a number of reasons, including:

• Unilateral work identifies and eliminates bilateral deficits and imbalances¹
• Increased muscle stabilization
• Improved trunk strengthening² with free weights and unilateral training
• Countless exercises for the upper body, lower body, and core muscle groups
• Greater range of movement and variability in the exercise

RELATED: Try This Back Workout With Dumbbells

Unique Benefits to Adjustable Dumbbells

Here’s a few unique benefits that adjustable dumbbells can bring to the table.

• Space-Savers: The most obvious plus to an adjustable dumbbell is that it saves an enormous amount of space. A traditional dumbbell set easily takes up substantial floor or shelving space. With adjustable dumbbells, you can get between six and 30 dumbbells in the footprint of just one pair.
• Cost-Effective: Depending on which adjustable dumbbell set you pick, you can save a significant amount of money by essentially buying 12 pairs at once.
• Durability: For the most part, adjustable dumbbells are built to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The quality ones use iron and steel to form a solid, nearly indestructible piece of equipment. Typical rubber hex dumbbells, alternatively, are prone to more damage.

Traditional Dumbbells Vs Adjustable Dumbbells

Although adjustable dumbbells can save money and space, there are pros and cons to each type of dumbbell. Whether you’re leaning toward a pair of adjustable dumbbells or a set of fixed dumbbells, here’s a quick breakdown of the good and the bad of each kind.

Traditional Dumbbells

Anyone who has spent time in a commercial gym is probably familiar with traditional dumbbells. Also called fixed dumbbells, these dumbbells are simply two weighted ends, or “heads,” connected by a dumbbell handle. The heads on a traditional dumbbell are typically hex- or round-shaped, although there’s no real right or wrong shape to them.

Because traditional dumbbells don’t have the internal workings of many adjustable dumbbells, they’re much more durable—although I’d never recommend dropping your dumbbells, both for your floor and dumbbells’ sakes. Because they’re built at fixed weights, you’ll need some serious space in your garage gym to have multiple pairs of dumbbells.

Adjustable Dumbbells

Unlike traditional dumbbells, an adjustable dumbbell can incrementally adjust the weight in the pair of dumbbells. Instead of needing a full set of dumbbells, a single pair of adjustable dumbbells will replace multiple pairs of dumbbells. Since they replace several weights, adjustable dumbbells can save space in your home gym—plus they’re often the less expensive alternative, too.

Dumbbell Safety and Precautions

I love lifting heavy, but you still have to be safe about it. Here are some tips and precautions you can take during your dumbbell workout to minimize your risk of injury or damage to your home gym equipment.

• Have a proper warm-up: The best warm-up exercises help lower your chance of a pulled muscle or a similar injury. Warming up properly also helps improve your performance³.
• Use correct technique: If your form is wrong, you might be increasing your chance of injury. Make sure to prioritize good and proper form to avoid unnecessary stress on the wrong muscles and joints. Also, keep your form in check picking up your dumbbells for your next set; lift with the legs!
• Find the right weight: Don’t start off by maxing out. Slowly add weight as you get more comfortable with the exercise you’re performing.
• Store your dumbbells: Don’t just leave your equipment lying around. Having a proper storage rack or shelving for your dumbbells can help avoid accidents, like a trip or fall.
• Don’t drop dumbbells: Even if you have durable dumbbells, avoid dropping them. Because dumbbells are oddly shaped, the weight can bounce just about anywhere, which will cause damage to you, the dumbbells, or your gym flooring.

What to Consider in an Adjustable Dumbbell

Since 2013, GGR has researched, tested, and reviewed nearly every adjustable dumbbell with some semblance of quality that’s available. This includes the most budget-friendly, low weight capacity, imported models all the way to the stainless steel, made-in-the-USA dumbbells with a 175-pound weight capacity.

In addition to my own training and testing, I’ve leaned on the collective opinions of the most die-hard home gym equipment owners in the known universe, our Facebook Home Gym Community.

In all this lifting of metal and plastic, I’ve found the things that are important and those which are not. There are certain features marketed by companies to sell their products that, in all honesty, provide little, if any benefit to the user. In all this testing, I’ve found the following criteria to be the most important to look for in adjustable dumbbells:

Weight

Fixed dumbbells range in weight from 2.5 pounds all the way to 300 pounds or more. Few trainees need above 100 pounds for dumbbell movements and if they do use more, they’re often using them for only a couple of movements. For this reason, an adjustable dumbbell’s ability to get as close to 100 pounds without being grossly oversized is important.

Dumbbells that can have a higher amount of weight added are even better, although not useful for most. Our favorite adjustable dumbbells allow you to grow the size and weight of your dumbbell over time.

RELATED: Barbells vs Dumbbells

Material

More durable materials like metal and nylon are superior to cheap and thin plastics for the longevity and safety of the trainee. Although it’s usually not wise to drop dumbbells, if you do, you better hope it’s made with a lot of heavy-duty metal as opposed to plastic. Metal weight sets are superior in durability.

Warranty

Gym equipment breaks. Barbells end up bending, bumper plates fold, kettlebell handles separate from the bell, and adjustable dumbbells can, and do break. The longer the warranty period and the more generous the use cases of a warranty, the better.

However, a warranty is only as good as the company servicing it. If a company isn’t going to be around for long, then a lifetime warranty will do you no good, so we factor in the lifecycle of the company making the dumbbells.

RELATED: Kettlebells vs Dumbbells

Price

Home gym exercise equipment is not an income-producing asset like the equipment bought by a commercial gym. For this reason and others, the price and, more importantly, the value of the adjustable dumbbells are extremely important.

The holy grail for adjustable dumbbells lies in the $500 to $700 range for expandable adjustable dumbbells with a high weight capacity, less and more cost-effective for lower weight increments. Cheaper adjustable weight dumbbells will prove to be more likely to get damaged because they likely sacrifice the kind of materials used.

Weight Indicator Readout

Is it easy to tell what weight you’re using? Does it require you to do mental math that can slow down your workout? Check out the labeling on the product. Some dials are simply in “sizes” of 1-10, and you have to do the math to figure out how much is on the bell. Other weight changes are clearly marked

Balance in Hand

Trainees who come from a commercial gym with access to a full fixed dumbbell set up often remark on how awkward certain dumbbells that adjust can feel. This is true, but only for certain dumbbells, and this often goes away after a few workouts. Balance in the hand is important so the user can focus on the lift instead of their safety.

Unit Size

Typically, the more compact a dumbbell is, the more it costs. Take Watson Dumbbells, for instance, the gold standard in the fixed dumbbell world. They’re as compact as humanly possible while relying on stainless steel instead of cast iron. The reason this is so nice is that it prevents the dumbbell from interfering with the movements.

Also, when it comes to home fitness, minimizing the space your equipment uses is often a priority. You can still find adjustable dumbbells with a maximum weight capacity that save you space because they literally put multiple pairs of weights into just one set.

RELATED: Compact Exercise Equipment

Durability

By and large, adjustable dumbbells shouldn’t be dropped. However, when hitting the end of your rep range or maxing out, it can be hard to set the dumbbell set down carefully. The ability to be dropped without breaking is something we consider when testing and something you should be aware of before purchasing.

Efficiency

If you plan on doing any sort of isolation or bodybuilding movements that involve supersets, being able to change the dumbbells quickly is an important feature. We timed how long it takes to go from the minimum weight to the maximum for all of the dumbbells and recorded the times.

Single Adjustable Dumbbells vs. Pairs

Beware, some adjustable dumbbells are sold as individual dumbbells and not in a pair. Some manufacturers hide this fact in fine print, while others make it well known. Some people may like just having one adjustable dumbbell because it works for their training purposes, but most people should look for an adjustable dumbbell set.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells: FAQs

References

1. Škarabot J, Cronin N, Strojnik V, Avela J. Bilateral deficit in maximal force production. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2016 Dec;116(11-12):2057-2084. doi: 10.1007/s00421-016-3458-z. Epub 2016 Aug 31. PMID: 27582260.
2. Behm DG, Leonard AM, Young WB, Bonsey WA, MacKinnon SN. Trunk muscle electromyographic activity with unstable and unilateral exercises. J Strength Cond Res. 2005 Feb;19(1):193-201. doi: 10.1519/1533-4287(2005)19<193:TMEAWU>2.0.CO;2. PMID: 15705034.
3. Fradkin, A. J., Zazryn, T. R., & Smoliga, J. M. (2010). Effects of warming-up on physical performance: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 24(1), 140–148. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c643a0

Coop Mitchell

Cooper Mitchell ("Coop') is the creator of Garage Gym Reviews. He's produced more content on home gyms and training equipment than likely anyone else in the world and is recognized as the foremost expert in the space. When not writing about barbells, squat racks, and other pieces of equipment, he can be found eating tacos and reading biographies on dead people. Coop has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Art of Manliness, Starting Strength, Men's Health, Business Insider and many others.

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