The Best Dumbbells Are a Smart Addition to Any Home Gym

They can take some getting used to, especially when it comes to their size. The silhouette stays the same regardless of the weight you choose, which we found made the range of motion feel a bit awkward during certain movements. (For example, during front raises, the longer dumbbell shape was really noticeable compared to a lighter fixed-weight dumbbell.) Although they’re great for a range of exercises, the 52.5-pound limit might start to feel restrictive for super-strong or already advanced lifters who may benefit more from a power rack.

More Dumbbells We Love:

Iron Bull Strength Rubber Hex Dumbbells

Our Tester’s Take

There’s a lot to like about the Iron Bull Strength Rubber Hex Dumbbells. The hex-shape heads keep them from rolling around in between sets, while the knurled handles give excellent grip during those last few reps. Plus, you can get them for as low as roughly $1.70 per pound (with free shipping on orders over $150). If you’re serious about your home gym setup, these are a smart, durable investment that’ll last for years.

ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells

Our Tester’s Take

The ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells are a sleek, space-saving solution for anyone looking to level up their home workouts without cluttering the living room. With just a twist, you can adjust the weight from 10 to 50 pounds. (Though the upkeep requires some TLC: While the plastic adjustment dial is smooth and intuitive, it doesn’t quite match the durability of iron plates.) Overall, if you’re after versatility and minimalism, these dumbbells deliver big in a small package.

Living.Fit Dumbbells

Our Tester’s Take

While they aren’t the absolute cheapest dumbbells on the market, the Living.Fit Dumbbells win our praise as one of the best budget-friendly values you’ll find shopping for gym equipment on Amazon. In terms of construction and performance, these are just as good as any high-quality rubber hex weight on our list. The handle is plenty comfortable at high weights, and won’t roll around on you in between sets. You can buy them in pairs from 5- to 100-pounds, but they also have an array of bundled sets that can help keep costs low. Not to mention, the brand offers a lifetime warranty for their dumbbells, so there’s some extra reassurance that your money won’t be wasted.

Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells

Our Tester’s Take

For efficiency and style in one chic package, the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells are hard to beat. Coming in at a slightly lower price point than many of the other adjustable dumbbells on our list, these deliver a solid value. The smooth, twist-lock mechanism lets you adjust from 5 to 50 pounds with a quick flick of the wrist, helping you keep up the pace during circuit workouts. They also have a more natural feel compared to some bulkier adjustable sets, so you won’t feel like you’re swinging around a couple of bricks.

PowerBlock Elite USA 90

Our Tester’s Take

Its blocky design may not win any beauty contests, but don’t let that fool you: The PowerBlock Elite USA 90 not only saves a ton of space, but is engineered for serious lifters, going up to 90 pounds per hand. The quick-adjust pin system is intuitive and surprisingly smooth, making transitions between sets a breeze. The downside? The rectangular shape can feel a bit awkward and tough to get used to. But if you’re after raw functionality and heavy lifting capacity in your home gym, the PowerBlock Elite doesn’t mess around.

Rogue Fitness Urethane Dumbbells

Our Tester’s Take

When it comes to the best round dumbbells, the Rogue Fitness Urethane Dumbbells are the definition of premium. The urethane coating is more durable than your typical rubber, meaning they won’t scuff or chip easily, even if you’re frequently swinging or dropping them between sets. The medium-grade-knurled handles are a nice touch, giving you a solid, slip-free grip without tearing up your palms. These are definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum, and because they’re fixed weights, you’ll need space for multiple pairs. If you want a set that feels as good as it looks and will stand up to heavy use, Rogue’s Urethane Dumbbells are an investment in both form and function.

Let’s Compare The Costs of These Dumbbells

Here’s a price breakdown for each set of dumbbells. For fixed-weight models that come in multiple sets of weight ranges, these are the prices for the lightest and heaviest sets so you can get a feel for the range.