These Trainer-Approved Dumbbells Are Actually Worth Investing In

If you’re building the mother of all home gyms and money is no object, this comprehensive premium set of dumbbells from SMRTFT is our top recommendation. The Nüobell dumbbell set is crafted from near-bulletproof machined steel that’s built to outlast you. The included portable cradles make storage easy, and the compact design means the entire set takes up far less space than a set of typical fixed-weight dumbbells.

The adjustable design means you can use the same set of weights for every muscle group for a complete full body workout. Drop down to a little weight for bent-over flys, for example, or pile on the plates for more intense squats. It all adjusts seamlessly and easily with the built-in selector. Knurled handles make for safer lifting at any weight. “If you enjoy dropsets,” says Samuel, “SMRTFT’s bells shine, because no adjustable lets you swap weights as quickly.”

Although there are thousands of fitness apps available, we also like the free app included with the SMRTFT dumbbells. It offers access to on-demand workouts with pro trainers, plus the ability to plan your own fitness journey, find nutrition tips, and get daily motivation. An all-around solid product that delivers on value in the long run.

Read More: SMRTFT Nuobell Review

Bowflex’s flagship dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds, has a simple adjustment mechanism, and feels enough like a fixed set of dumbbells that most anyone will be pleased with them. And at under $500 for the pair, they’re a great deal, which is why they earned our “best value dumbbells” superlative in our guide to the best adjustable dumbbells.

My favorite aspect of these dumbbells is that they adjust in 2.5-pound increments up to 25 pounds (and then in 5-pound jumps from 25 to 50). It may not seem like a big deal, but five-pound jumps are pretty intense for single-joint exercises like dumbbell lateral raises.

The dial system is clear and easy to use, but it requires you to adjust a dial on either side of each dumbbell. It’s a pretty rudimentary adjustment system compared to the modern dumbbell market, and one that can lead to lop-sided dumbbells if you’re not paying close attention. Is it ideal? No. But is it a dealbreaker? Not a chance. It’s also worth noting that the 552s are mostly made of plastic, which gives them a cheap look and feel. That said, we consider these a budget buy, and plastic is significantly cheaper to build with than steel, so the plastic in this instance is more of a feature than a bug.

Due to their mostly plastic construction, we don’t recommend getting too rough with these dumbbells. I’ve been training with them for over six months and have had zero durability issues, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable dropping them after a set. Additionally, we find the design a bit wide and cumbersome for certain exercises, such as tricep extensions. “In my experience, these work best for chest-supported rows and overhead presses,” says Samuel.

You’re not going to find many—if any—quality dumbbells with more weight than the 552s for a similar price. But, if you’re interested in buying heavier dumbbells, BowFlex offers the Results Series SelecTech 1090s, which boast a maximum load of 90 pounds per dumbbell.

Read More: Our Review of the Bowflex Results Series SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

It comes with the heftiest of price tags, but Hammer Strength’s line of 12-sided dumbbells is of the highest quality—a lifetime investment that’ll sting your pocket short-term but pay off for the long haul. These dumbbells are coated in durable urethane, feature a steel handle, and are trusted by pro athletes from commercial gyms to celebrities like Kane Brown.

You’ll need two things to make these dumbbells a reality in your home gym: money and space. The dumbbells are sold in sets (5-50, 55-75, 80-100, 105-125) or singles; both options will cost you thousands of dollars. And if you go with a set, you need the wall space (and racks, which cost even more) to house these dumbbells. Those are, as far as we’re concerned, the two most significant considerations for folks eyeing these dumbbells.

What I appreciate the most about these dumbbells is how familiar they feel in my hands—and that’s because they’re the same or close to the types of dumbbells commercial facilities use. The welded steel handle—which, I should add, is knurled to perfection—makes these the sturdiest dumbbells on our list. If you’re a serious strength athlete pushing over 80-pound dumbbells consistently, these are a solid investment. The 12-sided design prevents them from rolling, so you can use them for pushups and L-sits or, at the very least, you won’t have to chase them down after a hard set.

If the word “budget” isn’t in your vocabulary and you’re a fitness nut looking to build an S-tier home gym, Hammer Strength’s dumbbells sets are worth a serious look. Otherwise, most guys can reap the same benefits with a far more affordable set.

Sometimes simpler is better, especially for beginners and novices just starting out with lifting at home. This pair of straightforward dumbbells from CAP Barbell is about as barebones as it gets, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The heads are crafted from rock-solid grey iron coated with odor-free rubber, and joined together with a cold-rolled steel chromed handle. They may not be adjustable, but it’s a tried-and-true design that’ll last for a really long time. We also like the medium depth knurling on the handles which allows for a surer grip while lifting.

The downside, says Samuel: Over time and very heavy usage, the rubber on these dumbbells may crack. And the standard (non-adjustable) design does mean that a full set takes up more floor space. But, if your home gym is starting to look a little cramped, consider going with a few pairs of dumbbells in varying weights to complement your existing setup without sacrificing too much room. They’re available in 5, 8, 10, 12, and 15-50-lb weights (in 5-lb increments).

Read More: Best Dumbbell Workouts

REP Fitness is known for producing quality gym gear, and although they were late to the adjustable dumbbell party, the Quickdraw dumbbells are an innovative and hyper-affordable breath of fresh air in an increasingly crowded market space. The materials are durable, the adjustment system is whip-fast, and they offer plenty of options to scale up (albeit at a higher cost, of course).

First, let’s address the obvious elephant in the room. These dumbbells cost under $350, but that’s for a 30-pound pair, which is honestly going to be too light for most guys, especially for compound movements like rows and presses. You can change weights in 2.5- to 5-pound increments with the separate but included microplates or in 10-pound jumps using the built-in switches. REP also offers 40-, 50-, and 60-pound pairs at what we believe is still fair pricing, or you can purchase the add-on plates as your strength increases.

REP’s patented Lock-N-Load adjustment system is straightforward, allowing you to change weights simply by flipping a switch on each side of the dumbbell. We found the system incredibly fast and intuitive to use. Yes, you’ll need to place them back in their cradles, but it’s still a no-fuss adjustment that barely stalls our workouts.

Where these dumbbells excel—and where REP usually always excels—is with the build quality. REP says these are made with almost all-steel construction and supported by two powder-coated rods. My favorite feature is the steel handle that is fully covered in knurling; that’s the cross-hatch pattern you find in barbells that helps you grip the bar better. Knurled handles on adjustable dumbbells are exceedingly rare, especially at this price point.

These dumbbells arrive in two boxes and require minimal assembly upon arrival, which makes them an ultra-accessible choice for delivery and use at home.

PowerBlock’s EXP line might be the most clever design we’ve seen. Using the built-in polypropylene pin, you simply dial in the weight you want between 2.5-50 pounds per dumbbell (in varying increments). The unique design takes the place of a bulky and insanely heavy full set of standard dumbbells with a minimal footprint (just 12-in. x 6.5-in. per dumbbell). Plus, the pair stows easily with no storage tray or cradle required.

It’s great for apartment dwellers and anyone without the room for a lavish, 1,000-square-foot home gym setup. The powder-coated welded steel construction is also extremely durable and designed to protect against rust and corrosion.

We especially love that PowerBlock offers expansion kits for lifters who outgrow the 100-pound limit of this “entry-level” kit. Successive kits allow for up to 70- and 90-pound limits per dumbbell, respectively. This is a great option for newbie and mid-weight lifters who want to start out small and grow their strength over time.

The only other thing that might take getting used to is the square form factor. It doesn’t feel as natural to lift as traditional free weights, so it may not be for everyone.

Titan’s loadable handles are more akin to a barbell—where you slide on and secure weight plates to each side of the implement—than a traditional selectorized adjustable dumbbell. Titan’s loadable handles are made entirely of metal, feature knurling in the middle for superior grip, and rotate on bronze bushings. And for less than $150, they’re the most affordable “adjustable” dumbbells in our guide.

We put “adjustable” in quotes because, while these handles are an excellent value, there’s a catch: You need standard weight plates to load onto them. Now, if you’re rocking a complete home gym with a full set of plates and clamps to hold them in place, Titan’s handles are a great way to add dumbbell capability for a fraction of the cost of a full set of fixed dumbbells or a premium adjustable pair. Each handle can hold 400 pounds, so you’re never going to outgrow them strength-wise.

Loadable handles can feel clunky depending on the types of plates you load on them. For the best feel, stick with 2.5-, 5-, and 10-pound metal plates. If you go with bumper and/or heavier metal plates, the larger diameter will drastically throw off your range of motion on practically every exercise you try to perform.

Other Dumbbells We’re Testing Now

• Nike Adjustable Dumbbells: We recently got these into one of the gyms in the Men’s Health building, and have been using them for a few weeks. Look forward to trying them out more. – Charles Thorp.

Why Invest in the Best Dumbbells?

So, why should you invest in a set of dumbbells? In short, they’re arguably the most versatile, best bang-for-your-buck addition to any home gym setup—all of which is why our own Ebenezer Samuel is a big fan of dumbbells. He’s previously shared at least 15 ways to smoke your back using dumbbells, including Dumbbell Pullovers, Elevated Plank Row Holds, and, most importantly, a wide variety of rows.

Our fitness team here at Men’s Health created a program that delivers six epic dumbbell workouts.

The program, “The Only Six Dumbbell Workouts You’ll Ever Need,” provides more than just the half-dozen routines promised in the title. You’ll learn the principles behind this type of training, including guidance on picking the right weight, form instructions, and even advice on nutrition to make sure you’re fueling the right way while you take on the workouts.

For fitness, a little goes a long way, especially in your workouts. Short and fast doses can be the most optimal for your lifestyle, and that’s where the best dumbbells come in handy. Life’s too short for fussing with a ton of equipment during your workout window. Dumbbells get the job done.

The Best Dumbbell Materials

As we’re fond of saying, there’s no “best dumbbell material,” but rather what’s best for you. Dumbbells come in a handful of major construction types—each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Steel

Traditional steel dumbbells usually lack a protective coating. That means that, while they’re incredibly strong, they’re also susceptible to rust and corrosion over time.

Cast Iron

These are the classic dumbbells you’re probably used to seeing on TV and in old-school gyms around the world.

Rubber

This is the material we recommend for just about everyone. Rubber is extremely strong, built to last for many years to come. Some models do keep that familiar rubber smell, however, which can be off-putting and hard to completely get rid of.

Urethane

Urethane is a special type of rubber that’s even more durable than traditional rubber. The downside? That means it usually costs more.

Plastic

We can’t think of any fitness type that would benefit from plastic dumbbells over any other material. They feel cheap (usually because they are) and just don’t hold up as well as rubber or metal alternatives.