15-05-2025
The best adjustable dumbbells for upgrading your home workouts, reviewed by a PT
If you prefer working out at home than at the gym, a set of the best adjustable dumbbells are a great way to improve your strength. They're space-saving, as they remove the need to invest in a full set of iron blocks, while still providing multiple weight options.
As a fitness journalist, PT and class instructor at London's Psycle studio, I've tested some of the best home gym equipment on the market, from fitness trampolines to smart mirrors. Resistance training is key to any workout routine. And with adjustable dumbbells' broad weight range, you can gradually increase your weight over time on various exercises, from heavy squats to light sets of shoulder raises.
Powerblock, Technogym and NordicTrack all make their own dumbbells with varying functionalities, from simple control dials to a tablet-like screen. Expectedly, a high-end set of adjustable dumbbells can set you back hundreds or even thousands of pounds, although it may pleasantly surprise you to hear that some are less than £100.
The best dumbbells: At a glance
How to choose the best adjustable dumbbells
Firstly, consider the weight range. Are you a serious lifter who needs more weight, or are you a beginner who will only need lighter weights? Weight increments are important too. Smaller increments of two kilograms allow you to progress more comfortably.
The grip of the adjustable dumbbells needs to be comfortable and secure. A textured handle will be easier to grasp, but do consider wearing a pair of weightlifting gloves to avoid developing calluses.
The adjustment mechanism is also a factor to consider. Pin-based selectors can be slow and fiddly, whereas a dial is a little quicker. A dial selector isn't quite as durable, though.
Finally, consider the cost. Will you be using these every day? If so and if budget allows, it's probably best to spend a little more on a good quality, durable pair of adjustable dumbbells.
How we test adjustable dumbbells
I took my pre-workout, threw on my gym leggings and sports bra and put my body through a number of workouts. First up, I wanted to see how easy it was to change the weight. I was looking for a smooth and speedy weight adjustment that made my workout seamless.
The weight range itself was also important, in particular the weight increments – with smaller being preferred for progressive training. I also wanted to make sure these adjustable dumbbells were safe, with secure locking mechanisms and plates that didn't wobble.
Design was also a key testing metric for each set of adjustable dumbbells. I was looking for durable, adjustable dumbbells that could be stowed away neatly.
My final testing point was the ergonomics. No one wants to be working out with an uncomfortable set of weights so I noted the feel of each dumbbell, the grip diameter and also the handle design.
I explain more on the jargon in the FAQ section below.
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The best adjustable dumbbells of 2025
1. Best Buy Adjustable Dumbbells: Half Human 10kg
There isn't much to dislike about the Half Human adjustable dumbbell. It's aesthetically pleasing with its silver handle, all-black plates and a black base, and it's exceptionally functional.
The single handle twist seamlessly adjusts the weight with zero clunking or wobbly plates and the inner dial, boldly displaying the weight, moves simultaneously with each twist, so you know exactly what weight you're about to lift from the base.
Much like other adjustable dumbbells, you can only change the weight when the dumbbell is placed securely into its base. But with these, if you're resting between sets, you can pop them down on the floor and thanks to their hexagonal shape, they won't roll away.
I like the fact that these go up in two-kilogram increments too, catering for different abilities, but the maximum weight is 10 kilograms, which is fairly light.
The contoured metal handle on this adjustable dumbbell offers good grip, although as it's metal it does start to feel rough on bare hands ‒ but that is part and parcel of weightlifting.
Another minor downside is that these are sold individually, which means you're paying double for just 20 kilograms of weight. You may find the set of two 25-kilogram adjustable dumbbells from Half Human better value, depending on your weight requirements.
Key specifications
Weight range: 2kg to 10kg
Increment size: 2kg
Type of mechanism: Dial
2. Best Value Adjustable Dumbbells: Dripex 11kg
The Dripex adjustable dumbbell is so well designed and user-friendly that anyone could quickly work out how to use it.
The simple one-handed adjustment means minimal disruption to your workout. Just twist the handle left or right to select a weight between two and 11 kilograms.
The mechanism only allows weight changes when the dumbbell is placed in its base, which ensures safety. When I lifted the dumbbell from the base, the safety lock clicked in, so there were no loose or wobbly plates at any point during my workout.
The weight increments are a little odd, switching between two kilograms and 2.5 kilograms, but I didn't feel this was much of an issue to follow. I do think the 11 kilogram dumbbell may not suit experienced lifters who need more weight, however Dripex also sells dumbbells (set of two) that go up to 24 kilograms.
The build quality of this adjustable dumbbell is excellent, with the handle covered in a soft rubber, which is comfortable and prevents blisters. Sweaty hands may feel a little slippery, though. The base is compact too, keeping storage tidy.
Annoyingly, the price is per dumbbell, but as two single purchases come in at just above £120, these are still a great value option.
Key specifications
3. Best Luxury Adjustable Dumbbells: Technogym Connected Dumbbells+
These smart adjustable dumbbells come with their own stand and a set of extra workout accessories, including a foam roller, mat and three resistance bands.
The dumbbells themselves are easy to use. Simply twist the dumbbell handle to select your weight (clearly displayed on the dumbbell), listen for the click and then lift. The process is seamless and the non-slip, textured handle offers a solid, comfortable grip with zero slippage. The plates stay locked in too.
Each dumbbell adjusts from two kilograms to 24 kilograms in two-kilogram increments, making them versatile enough for most strength workouts. However, advanced lifters may not find these challenging enough, especially considering the price tag.
That said, I do think the tech features help justify the cost. The dumbbells require batteries (included), which enable you to sync them with the Technogym app. The app is great – it offers guided workouts and tracks performance data such as reps and sets. For those who are data driven, this can provide a lot of motivation.
The included stand does take up a fair bit of room, so this isn't the best choice if you're lacking space in your home.
Ultimately, you get what you pay for with these: an easy-to-use, comfortable, smart pair of adjustable dumbbells.
Key specifications
Weight range: 2kg to 24kg
Increment size: 2kg
Type of mechanism: Dial
4. Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Weight Range: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells
NordicTrack is one of the world leaders in home fitness equipment, so I was excited to try out this set. Each dumbbell comes in its own tray for easy storage and the plates are slim and compact.
The weight range spans from five to 25 kilograms with a pin selector mechanism, which allows you to change the weight by sliding a pin into the desired slot on the weight stack. When you lift the handle, the plates connected to the pin come up and the rest stay in the base. The pin can be a little clunky at times.
The best bit about these adjustable dumbbells is how customisable they are as the weight increments are either one, two or five kilograms. This is thanks to a smaller plate with a separate pin that allows you to select a smaller weight increment.
There is a downside, however. After lifting your desired weight, the remaining plates in the base regularly fall forward or back, which makes placing the dumbbell back into the base a little more difficult compared to others featured.
A few times, I found myself having to hold plates in their place or I was realigning plates to fit into the base. If the plates aren't flush, then the pin system won't work smoothly. This can slow down quicker-paced workouts.
In saying that, the quality of the plates, made from steel, is great and the textured handle is easy to grip. I didn't once feel the dumbbells slipping from my hands.
Key specifications
5. Best Adjustable Dumbbells with Pin Selector: PowerBlock Elite Exp Stage 1
Score: 8/10
We like: Comfortable grip, great range of weight increments, colour-coded rails to indicate weight
Who said dumbbells had to be round or hexagonal? PowerBlock breaks the mould with these square adjustable dumbbells. It's an unusual design, but one that works well.
The weights themselves are essentially stacked metal rails and the handle sits inside these. A magnetic pin selector comfortably slots into gaps between the rails, allowing you to choose the weight you want. I did feel a bit sceptical trusting a plastic pin to hold the weights together but there seemed to be no budging of the rails.
The weight range is good, spanning from a light 2.3 kilograms to a heavier 22.7 kilograms per dumbbell in increments of 1.13 kilograms. Yes, an odd increment amount but that's because these adjustable dumbbells work in pounds rather than kilograms, so the 1.13 kilogram increment is a more 'normal' 2.5 pounds.
I will admit that I did struggle to work out what weight I was dealing with when using these, as every label displayed the weight in pounds rather than kilograms, which is something I'm not used to. The colour band indicators on the metal rails correspond to the weight chart on the handle, but as this was all in pounds, I had to keep doing mental arithmetic in my head to work out what weight I was lifting. Once you've figured this out though, it would be a much smoother process.
The padded rubber handle was comfortable to grip and didn't feel rough on my hands, and despite the odd look of these, they still worked well overall.
Key specifications
Weight range: 2.3kg to 22.7kg
Increment size: 1.13 kg (2.5lbs)
Type of mechanism: Pin
Adjustable Dumbbells FAQs
How do adjustable dumbbells work?
Adjustable dumbbells allow you to change weight settings using a built-in mechanism such as a dial or pin. Instead of switching between multiple dumbbells, you simply adjust the load on a single unit, which typically ranges from two kilograms up to 40 kilograms, or even more.
The weight plates remain on a central handle and unused plates stay in the base. This makes them a great space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they come without the clutter of traditional weight racks.
What are the disadvantages of adjustable dumbbells?
There are some trade-offs to adjustable dumbbells. Many models can be bulkier than fixed dumbbells, which can affect grip and movement.
It can also be difficult to quickly change the weight on adjustable dumbbells and they can be slower to adjust mid-workout. If you enjoy doing supersets or circuits, this might hold you back slightly.
Some mechanisms can also wear out or stop working if used repeatedly. This is unlike conventional dumbbells, which are straightforward lumps of iron.
How heavy should adjustable dumbbells be?
This completely depends on your fitness level as well as your goals. If you're a beginner or you're focusing on lighter resistance training, a set of adjustable dumbbells with a weight range of two to 25 kilograms (per dumbbell) will likely be enough.
On the other hand, if you're an experienced lifter, a set of adjustable dumbbells that reach 40 kilograms or more will be better suited. Bigger, compound movements that require more muscle activation, such as squats and lunges, will need heavier weight than single-muscle isolation exercises, such as bicep curls.
What is the best mechanism for adjustable dumbbells?
This depends on personal preference as well as what type of training you do and how often you need to change the weight. A slide or pin-based mechanism can be a little slow or clunky, whereas a dial-based mechanism tends to allow you to work at speed.
What matters most is that the set of adjustable dumbbells you choose comes with a reliable locking mechanism. This helps avoid any potential injuries.
Are adjustable dumbbells worth the price in comparison to a full set of fixed dumbbells?
Yes, for most people, adjustable dumbbells offer much better value than a full set of fixed dumbbells. A good quality pair of adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they don't require much room to store but they still offer a decent weight range.
A full set of fixed dumbbells usually requires a rack and plenty of floor space, whereas adjustable dumbbells do not. Plus, if you ever need to move or transport a full set of fixed dumbbells, this can be a chore in itself, whereas moving a set of adjustable dumbbells, although still a challenge, is much less of a hassle.
