The 8 Best Adjustable Dumbbells Sets On The Market (2024)

Adjustable dumbbells are practical, budget-friendly, and compact pieces of equipment that fit perfectly in any home gym.

They are arguably one of the first pieces of equipment to get because you can do dozens of fun, challenging, and effective exercises to train your entire body, build strength, and gain muscle.

The only problem is picking the right pair because there are numerous options on the market.

Luckily, this guide breaks it all down for you. Read on to find the best adjustable dumbbells set, what to look for, and more. 

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8 Best Adjustable Dumbbells Sets For Your Home Gym (2024)

1. Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set: NÜOBELL 580 Adjustable Dumbbell Set
2. Best Runner-up Adjustable Dumbbells Set: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
3. Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells Set: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
4. Best Loadable Dumbbells Set: Rogue DB-15 Loadable Dumbbell
5. Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set for Beginners: LifePro Adjustable Dumbbell Set
6. Best Premium Adjustable Dumbbells Set: Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System
7. Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set on Amazon: PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
8. Best Heavy Weight Adjustable Dumbbells Set: Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells

1. Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set: NÜOBELL 580 Adjustable Dumbbell Set

NÜOBELL is our top pick for the best adjustable dumbbells set because they look like regular dumbbells, have a compact design, and feel like regular weights during training.

These dumbbells have a flat bottom, which allows you to easily rest them on your thighs before a set of incline or seated overhead presses. Their overall size is relatively compact, preventing them from getting in the way.

In addition, the dumbbells come with individual trays, where you can rest your weights and adjust the load with the turn of the handles. You can go from 5 to 80 lbs in a matter of seconds and adjust the weight in the middle of a superset without losing valuable time.

What’s unique about these dumbbells is their handles. Unlike most adjustable dumbbells with plastic or rubber-coated handles, the ones on the NÜOBELL 580 Adjustable Dumbbell Set are similar to those of a barbell and feature decent knurling that supports your grip.

In addition, thanks to the option for adjusting the weight in 5-lb increments, that single pair replaces 16 pairs of regular dumbbells.

The only true drawback of these dumbbells is the price, which is $745 for a pair at the time of writing. Still, these are much cheaper than a dumbbell set and provide excellent functionality.

2. Best Runner-up Adjustable Dumbbells Set: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 are some of the most popular adjustable dumbbells on the market and have been used by thousands worldwide.

Despite having a weight limit of 52.5 lbs, these are the second-best pair of adjustable dumbbells on our list for a few reasons.

First, these are incredibly affordable at only $429 for a pair at the time of writing. But despite the price tag, these dumbbells don’t feel cheap or flimsy. They are made of high-quality materials, and the mechanism for adjusting the load works great even after years of regular use.

Second, these dumbbells allow you to adjust the load in 2.5-lb increments, offering excellent training flexibility. A single pair of Bowflex 552s replaces 15 pairs of regular dumbbells.

In addition, adjusting the weight happens seamlessly and doesn’t take any time. Simply put the handle in the tray, turn the dial to the weight you want, lift it, and get to work.

Plus, the social proof is impressive. While online reviews are not everything, few products manage to get nearly 7,000, mostly positive reviews. That must count for something.

The only drawback is the 52.5-lb maximum weight, but the Bowflex 1090s, which we’ll review below, are a fantastic alternative for stronger lifters.

Read my full review of the Bowflex 552s here.

3. Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells Set: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells

We’ve chosen the Flybird adjustable dumbbells as the best budget option because they offer unique benefits, especially in this price range.

First, there is the design. The Flybird are compact dumbbells that come in all-black and feature a flat bottom that allows you to easily rest them on top of your thighs before a working set.

Unlike some dumbbells, these are compact and don’t feel intrusive during your training, especially when doing exercises like the goblet squat.

Second, these dumbbells have an effective dial system that allows you to adjust the load in seconds. Put the dumbbell in the tray, turn the handle as you would on much more expensive products, and get to work.

These dumbbells are perfect for people who don’t need more than 55 lbs and don’t want to spend much money.

One drawback of these dumbbells is that you only get five weight options (11, 22, 33, 44, and 55 lbs). Weight changes occur in 11-lb increments, which might make it awkward for some exercises. For example, the 11-lb dumbbells might feel too light for lateral raises or bicep curls, but the 22s might be too much to handle.

4. Best Loadable Dumbbells Set: Rogue DB-15 Loadable Dumbbell

The Rogue DB-15s are unlike the other dumbbells on our list. These don’t compete with trays and a mechanism for adjusting the load. Instead, you have to add and remove weights to get the desired load.

A notable benefit is that you can load these with standard iron plates you would use for your barbell and EZ bar. You can add as much weight as you want to challenge yourself on various exercises.

The collars secure the weights tightly, even if you’ve added several plates. Their locking mechanism is simple and allows you to lock them in place and loosen them to adjust the load in seconds.

As far as price goes, these are a bit expensive ($300 for a pair at the time of writing), excluding collars and change plates.

The only nitpick I have about these dumbbells is the lack of a flat bottom, making it challenging to set the weights vertically or rest them on your thighs before a working set.

5. Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set for Beginners: LifePro Adjustable Dumbbell Set

The LifePro adjustable dumbbells set is the perfect budget-friendly option for beginners. These weigh up to 25 lbs, which is enough to challenge new trainees and the 5-lb increments allow you to adjust the load to your liking.

Thanks to the five available weight options, these dumbbells replace five pairs of regular dumbbells.

Another notable advantage of these dumbbells is the adjustment mechanism. Like more expensive dumbbells, these come with a pair of trays for storing your weights and adjusting the load.

Simply place the handle in the tray, pull the pin, set it to the desired load, let it settle in place, and you can start working out. The ability to adjust the weight quickly is great for fast-paced training, including drop sets, super sets, and circuit workouts.

As far as design goes, these aren’t that special, but they come in black with a touch of blue at the top and feel like regular dumbbells while training. Plus, the knurling on the handles supports your grip even if your hands get sweaty.

The only drawback is these dumbbells only weigh up to 25 lbs, which will eventually be too light to challenge you on compound exercises. Still, you can use them for isolation exercises like bicep curls and lateral raises for many years.

6. Best Premium Adjustable Dumbbells Set: Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System

If you’re looking for a versatile pair of adjustable dumbbells that will likely last you a lifetime, look no further than the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable set.

These are some of the most popular dumbbells on the market, praised for their excellent design and unique locking system that makes it effortless to adjust the load.

The dumbbells look great and have a flat bottom that allows you to support them on top of your thighs before sets. Despite weighing up to 75 lbs, these dumbbells come with thin iron plates, allowing for a compact size.

In addition, the plates are square, which allows you to use the dumbbells as a foundation for exercises like Renegade rows, push-ups, and more.

The quick-locking system is patented and unique. To use it, place the dumbbell vertically, loosen the knurled cap on top, pull it off, add or remove plates, put the cap on, and lock it quickly. Do the same on the opposite side, and you’re good to go.

These dumbbells also come with knurling on the handles, which supports your grip without digging into your skin.

The only downside of these is the price of $698 for a pair, hence their title as the best premium option.

7. Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set on Amazon: PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells

The PowerBlocks dumbbells have a unique design that takes time to get used to. But, despite the mixed opinions, these are some of the best adjustable dumbbells you can get.

First, the square shape means these dumbbells don’t roll around, and you can use them as the foundation for various exercises.

Second, their unique design allows you to adjust the weight in seconds. You can see how much weight you have on the dumbbell based on the color without counting plates or doing math.

Add the plastic piece to the desired color, and it will secure the necessary weight for your training. The weight adjustment is so quick that you can use them for supersets, drop sets, and circuit training.

The only downside is the size, which can be too much due to the urethane-coated plates.

8. Best Heavy Weight Adjustable Dumbbells Set: Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells

The Bowflex 1090s are identical to the 552s we reviewed above. Their designs are similar, the storage trays work the same, and you use the same dial system to adjust the load in seconds.

A notable difference is that these weigh up to 90 lbs, which is beneficial for stronger and more advanced trainees. You can also change the weight in 5-lb increments for 17 adjustments.

The design of these dumbbells is good, but they tend to be large, even when you’re not using much weight.

Another potential issue is that the bottom isn’t flat like with other dumbbells, which makes it more difficult to support these on top of your thighs before, say, a set of incline dumbbell presses.

The Benefits of Using An Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Here are the benefits you can expect from any dumbbells:

• Excellent for training one side at a time and preventing muscle imbalances
• Require greater stability, leading to a stronger core
• Allow for a slightly longer range of motion on certain exercises
• Great for many compound and isolation exercises for your upper and lower body

In addition to these, here are four more benefits of adjustable dumbbells:

1. Cost-Effective

Gym weights are costly, and purchasing a set of dumbbells will set you back hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the increments, weight quality, and more.

Adjustable dumbbells are a cost-effective alternative because they replace the entire set. Even premium dumbbells won’t cost as much as a whole weight set.

2. Save Space

Multiple pairs of dumbbells can be convenient and allow multiple people to train together, but they also require storage, which you might not have. In contrast, adjustable dumbbells take up less space, and you can find room for them even in your bedroom or living room.

3. Durable

Despite consisting of many parts and coming apart multiple times per week, adjustable dumbbells are durable and will likely last you for at least five years of regular use.

4. Simple to Use

Adjustable dumbbells, especially fancier models, might seem intimidating. Fortunately, they are designed in a way that makes it simple to adjust to the desired load. No matter what pair you get, it won’t take long to figure them out.

The Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?

Adjustable dumbbells can sometimes be a pain in the butt, but they are the perfect solution for most people training at home.

These dumbbells feel like regular weights, offer decent flexibility, and, thanks to their design, some models allow you to adjust the load in seconds.

2. What should I focus on most when looking to buy adjustable dumbbells?

There are three primary things to consider when purchasing adjustable dumbbells:

• The price - can you afford them?
• The weight range - will they be heavy enough for your training?
• The adjustment - are you okay with the mechanism for load adjustment?

Other factors include the warranty and durability, but you wouldn’t go wrong with any of the above recommendations.

3. Who offers the best adjustable dumbbells?

It’s hard to say. Bowflex has been around for a while, and theirs are some of the most popular adjustable dumbbells on the market. Still, NÜO (NÜOBELL), Ironmaster, and PowerBlock also make excellent weights.

4. Aren’t adjustable dumbbells too expensive?

Adjustable dumbbells can be expensive, especially high-end options like the NÜOBELL 580s and Ironmaster Quick-Lock dumbbells. But you must remember that these weights replace multiple regular pairs of dumbbells, which would cost a lot more.

Plus, you can always choose more affordable options like Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells and Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells.

5. Are adjustable dumbbells safe?

Yes, adjustable dumbbells are safe. There is no risk of one falling apart and breaking your face, so long as you use them correctly and always ensure the weight is secure before doing a set. 

Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set: Final Words

The above are eight of the best adjustable dumbbells sets on the market today.

As you can see, there are plenty of details to consider, including the design, weight change mechanism, and maximum loading capacity.

Each of the above recommendations offers unique benefits, and you should consider the one that makes the most sense for your training goals, budget, and preferences.