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The 5 Best Adjustable Dumbbell Sets in 2024, Tested by Certified Trainers
Gone are the days of clunky basement weight racks.
IF THERE'S ONE piece of home gym equipment anyone can make room for at home, it's a pair of adjustable dumbbells. “There’s a reason dumbbells are in every single big-box gym,” says MH fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., who created an arm-focused muscle-building program, All Out Arms, based heavily around dumbbells. “If you want targeted muscle—and that’s what all guys want—then you want dumbbells.”
Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2024
Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products
The great thing about the best adjustable dumbbells is that they require minimal space, shifting from light to heavy with a quick turn of a knob or tweak of a setting. Adjustable dumbbells offer a range of weights from one compact footprint, eliminating the need for multiple sets of weights and even minimizing the amount of other weight equipment you might need. They simplify things by tackling the two main common challenges posed by working out at home: Space and equipment. Think about it; just one set of the best adjustable dumbbells typically replaces around 15 standard dumbbells.
If you prefer working out at home (or do it out of necessity on days when you can't make it to the gym), a pair of adjustable dumbbells is a solution that will allow you to be consistent with your training without leaving your abode. Check out our top 5 picks of the best adjustable dumbbells to shop in 2024 below.
What to Consider When Shopping for Adjustable Dumbbells
With all the options on the market, it's hard to know how one pair of adjustable dumbbells differs from the next. This isn't a cheap piece of equipment either, so consider these factors while you shop:
Weight Range
Look for a weight range that meets your fitness goals. Most adjustable dumbbells can be adjusted in 2.5-pound or 5-pound increments, so it's important to consider a weight minimum and maximum that fits your needs.
Size and Shape
Adjustable dumbbells come in different shapes and sizes. Consider the size and shape of the dumbbells and make sure they feel comfortable in your hands. Basically, does the dumbbell feel “good” or natural to you? Again, this comes down to personal preference and might involve some trial and error.
Adjustment Mechanism
Some adjustable dumbbells have a dial or pin system that allows you to change the weight quickly and easily. Others may require more time and effort to adjust the weight. Consider which type of adjustment system works best for you. Dial systems tend to be the most user-friendly for beginners. More on this in the FAQs at the end of this story!
Weight Distribution
Some adjustable dumbbells don't distribute the load only on the outside of the handle, changing how the dumbbell responds to certain movements (particularly accessory movements). A good rule of thumb is if you're looking to perform heavier exercises (farmer's carries, RDLs, rows) you can consider an adjustable dumbbell that doesn't distribute its weight like a traditional dumbbell, such as the PowerBlock option featured below. If you're planning to do more accessory movements (like biceps curls or skull crushers), opt for something more dumbbell-like, such as the SMRTFT or Living.Fit picks on this list.
Price
Price is important for just about every home gym builder. For many people, this might be the deciding factor. Because a single pair of adjustable dumbbells replace as many as 17 dumbbells, it's important to put this investment in perspective. You want to opt for something that can grow with you in terms of durability and weight range, which the cheapest models often can't.
Warranty
Warranties reflect a manufacturers confidence in their product. And with some of the best adjustable dumbbells priced north of $500, you want to be sure your investment is protected. So, it’s important to purchase from a manufacturer that offers a clear, comprehensive warranty. They vary widely across the industry, with the most budget-forward brands offering just 90 days on some parts, and others boasting generous 5-year warranties on everything. Again, the more you spend upfront, the better the warranty is likely to be. And, if there’s anything that isn’t clear to you about the stated warranty, be sure to ask. It’s your money, after all.
How We Selected the Best Adjustable Dumbbells
To find the best adjustable dumbbells, we tested more than 30 different adjustable dumbbells over the last four years, relying on in-house certified trainers including Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, and Fitness and Commerce Editor Talene Appleton, NASM. Samuel utilized the top performing adjustable dumbbells featured on this list in fitness programs with several of his advanced clients.
We enlisted the help of Maillard Howell of Dean CrossFit in Brooklyn, NY, to test and assess how well these dumbbells performed in the real world (read: a high-volume, high-traffic training facility). In addition, we sought insights from trainers from both our MH Advisory Board and our Strength in Diversity class of 2023 for further anecdotal and experiential perspectives on the top adjustable dumbbells.
Each dumbbell was rigorously tested in a variety of categories, including durability, weight distribution, and ability to shift between weights efficiently, as well as aesthetics. All dumbbells were tested with three types of exercises: Explosive exercises (like swings and cleans), multi-joint strength exercises (like bench presses and Romanian deadlifts), and accessory motions (like biceps curls and lateral raises). A minimum of 10 sets and 100 reps were performed at both comfortable and near-max weights for each motion. All dumbbells were also dropped from a basic bench to test baseline durability (no adjustable dumbbell should ever be dropped from shoulder height), and all dumbbells were monitored for signs of rust over a three-month period.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, PES, a senior editor at Men's Health, is a certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.
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