The Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms

The textured rubber handles on the Bowflex SelectTech 552i dumbbells are more comfortable than their metal counterparts, and with 15 weight options that range between two and 24kg (selected using dials on both ends of the dumbbell), it unlocks plenty of scope for your training.

We found the classic rounded shape of the weight plates easy to manoeuvre, snd, as they're plastic, there was none of the usual metallic clanging when we pressed them overhead — neighbours, you’re welcome.

The only downside? These are sold individually as opposed to as a pair. But they are also available in a higher weight range; 4–41kg.

Read our full Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells Review

We trialled these dumbbells as part of our Magic Mirror review and loved them so much we had to include them here. With a wide weight range of 2kg all the way to 32kg, via 2kg increments, they're among the most versatile adjustable dumbbells out there, and as they're sold in a pair (winning), you've a whopping 64kg to play with.

The twist handle mechanism gives off a satisfying click when you lock in your desired weight and couldn't be easier to use, with the weight displayed via a dial on each side of the handle. This system also means that the weight plates on both sides of the handle adjust in tandem, rather than having to select your weight on each side of your dumbbell independently, as with some models.

Sold in pairs, these are excellent value when you take quality and weight range into account — plus they don't take up much room either. Because of their compact nature we did find you have to slot the dumbbell back into the cradle with precision, but this is a minor quibble. An excellent home gym staple.

We’d like to extend a hearty congratulations to anyone who can max this dumbbell out on bench. It has 24 weight options stretching all the way up to 40kg, which should be enough to satisfy most lifters.

You can change the weight in no time by twisting a single dial on each dumbbell, making these a top drop set companion. The metal plates wobble and rattle slightly during some movements, but that’s our only gripe.

Happy with a lower weight range? The 32.5kg version are also excellent.

Changing the resistance of these futuristic free weights couldn’t be easier; just rerack them and select the load using buttons on the holding dock to attach the necessary plates digitally in a matter of seconds.

We were impressed by their sturdy performance and changing the weight was seamless. The plates stayed secure throughout all movements, and the fact they’re sold as a pair gives them an immediate advantage over lone dumbbells.

If it's flat-bottomed dumbbells you're after, look no further. The flat, stable base of these makes them ideal for exercises like renegade rows, while also allowing them to moonlight as push-up stands if you fancy giving some bodyweight exercises a go. They have nine stacked weight options (between 4.5kg and 22.5kg) which you can switch between using a resistance machine-esque pin.

The PowerBlocks’ solid base, along with the fact the weights slot neatly into one another, makes them compact and easy to store. They feel robust too, and we like the option to buy additional blocks to increase their max weight. The shape, with the handle placed within the weights blocks, took a bit of getting used to and made them less manoeuvrable for some movements, but that was our only complaint.

Ten weight options for under 150 quid is pretty good going, if you ask us. Our most affordable dial dumbbell is easy to use, has a nifty safety lock to keep the weights in place and comes complete with a holding dock. So, we think it's a great value option if you’re looking for your first adjustable dumbbell.

The rubber knurling (the grooves on the handle of a weight that give you more grip) feels a bit cheap compared to its metal competitors, and the long shape can be a bit clumsy when curling. But most movements were unaffected, making this a handy (and affordable) training tool.

These Northdeer dumbbells were different to anything else we tested, with the weight plates themselves having built-in screws and screw holes. These are used to attach them together, with the weight maxing out at 25kg.

There are only four different weight settings, starting at 12kg (a bit heavy for isolation moves like lateral raises). But the weights fix soundly into place, making these dumbbells suitable for more dynamic movements such as snatches.

There’s something nostalgic about spinlock dumbbells, whether they remind you of your first free weight set or a spit and sawdust gym you used to frequent. This 20kg kit was no different, with 12 cast iron plates combining to provide a range of weight options.

Now, with 90 years in the weightlifting game, we expected big things from York, and the brand didn’t disappoint. These well-built dumbbells oozed quality, with the spinlock collars moving smoothly to secure the weight’s plates. They aren’t particularly heavy, even when maxed out, but work well if you want to supplement your weekly gym routine with some at-home sessions.

If you're focussing more on lean muscle than bulking up, this sleek set of adjustable dumbbells might be the pick for you. Ranging from 2-12kg in 2.5kg increments, they still offer a wide range of training options but for a cut price and more compact footprint. Plus they're sold in a pair — score.

Twist handles make for seamless weight changes, while the sturdy base stops your dumbbells rolling off in-between sets. For the price, the build quality is excellent too.

With weight settings ranging from 2kg up to 20kg, Stairmaster's adjustable dumbbells are hard to beat. When you twist the handle, the adjustment mechanism helps you switch between weights with ease – and the handy cradles keep everything locked into place. An investment for life.

Featuring iron plates and threaded steel bars for safety, Domyos' adjustable dumbbells come with a two-year warranty. Grab these and you'll receive two 2kg threaded weight bars, four chrome-plated collars, eight 1kg plates and four 2kg plates. Ideal for less than £50.