The Best Adjustable Dumbbells Ranked

by Claire Huffman
Last Updated: 01/05/2020
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Dumbbells are some of the versatile fitness tools for both home users and gym enthusiasts. You can make use of them for different exercises allowing you to structure workouts to meet your fitness needs. Over time, adjustable dumbbells have gained popularity. They take up less space and provide the versatility of several pairs.

Here is an adjustable dumbbells review featuring some of the best options on the market.

The Best Adjustable Dumbbells

1.      TMY Octagon Adjustable Dumbbell

TMY Octagon
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These adjustable dumbbells come in a 10kg set, 15kg set, and 20kg set. These are ideal for whole-body exercises at home, school, or gym [1].

Key Features

  • Dual-purpose barbell
  • Safety non-slip curved rod
  • Free weights adjustment
  • PVC surface
  • Comes with storage box

You can make use of this pair of adjustable dumbells for abdominal exercises, arm exercises, chest muscle exercises, etc. They are suitable to use at home and come with a high-quality storage box. The box is easy to carry and provides a safe, secure place to keep your dumbbells.

The set features a safety non-slip curved rod that is ergonomic and comfortable to hold. The free weight adjustment feature makes these weights ideal for multiple training methods. They are flexible to exercise different body muscles with just a simple switch.

The surface comes in high-quality PVC material for durability. More to this, it is textured and does not rust, giving you the best value for your money.

2.      Fitplus Dumbbell weights

Fitplus
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A set of adjustable dumbbells allow you to customize workouts based on your ultimate fitness goals. These from Fitplus are super easy to use for both beginners and advanced trainers.

Key Features

  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Changing dial
  • Innovative locking mechanism
  • Ergonomic design
  • 24 kg of adjustable weights
  • Easy to use

If you are thinking of including weights to your fitness regime, this set of quick-change dumbbells is an ideal choice. It features a wide variety of weights allowing you to start lighter and upgrade as you go. On this note, you can easily change from a specific weight to another with a simple dial.

The best thing is that these allow you to build resistance without having to use separate sets of dumbbells. You can gradually build muscles and tone your body in the comfort of your home. The fact that these have different weights makes them ideal for people with small spaces but looking to achieve the results of using varying weights.

You will love the ergonomic design of these dumbbells for regular workouts. Also, these come in heavy-duty materials so you can make use of them for years to come.

3.      25kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set

The convenience of working out from home allows you to spend the extra time for other essential tasks. If you are thinking of putting up a home gym, consider this set of adjustable dumbbells. They are easy to use, and you can enjoy a variety of exercises from just one set.

Key Features

  • Portable style
  • High-quality PVC
  • Safe to use
  • 25 kg of weights
  • Water bag

The design of this dumbbell set stands out. It requires you to inject water into the bag on each side and adjust the weight to 20 to 25 kg. The design offers the flexibility of adjustable models at an affordable price. Since adjustable dumbbells can be quite an investment, this set is a viable option for those on a budget.

These come in high-quality PVC material that does not leak when in use. The best feature of these dumbbells is the portability. You just need to empty the water, pack them up, and carry them conveniently. You can keep up with your weight-lifting exercises even when away from home.

4.      XUANLAN Removable Men’s Dumbbells

XUANLAN
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Adjustable weights help you customize exercises to match your fitness goals. This dumbbell set for men is useful in every stage of your fitness journey.

Key Features

  • PVC plastic and cement construction
  • Barbell-dumbbell design
  • Non-slip grip
  • Curved design
  • Special embossing
  • Ergonomic design

These dumbbells are environmentally friendly, thanks to the materials they come in. They feature high-quality PVC and cement mixture. The connector fits the two ends of the dumbbell to make a barbell. This is dual-use and is a combination of barbells and dumbells. The non-slip curved design ensures these are more secure at different weights.

The special embossing prevents the dumbbells from rolling. Also, it increases resistance to high temperatures contributing to durability. The dumbbell set comes in an ergonomic design than is comfortable on the hands. The grip is firm, so you do not have to worry about sweaty palms and loss of control when using the set.

5.      Gym Direct Dumbbells

One of the places where you can get high-quality functional dumbbells is Gym Direct. They have a wide selection of adjustable models to suit individual needs. The good thing is that they have small weights for beginners as well as heavy ones for advanced trainers.

The designs also vary when it comes to the price so, you can find a suitable one at your budget. Most of the dumbbells on their site come in rubber or cast iron. The rubber ones come in different colours for various weights for easy identification. The cast-iron ones are in a silver coat for the handle and black for the plates.

What to Look for When Buying Adjustable Dumbbells

If you are looking for quality dumbbell sets, here are essential features to look for.

Weight levels

One of the benefits of adjustable dumbbell sets is the weight. One pair of handles gives you the functionality of a few sets of dumbbells. Not only do these save you gym space, but they also come in handy for multiple users.

Adjustable dumbells come with different weight levels. This means that not all the weight levels will be perfect for you or simply not in line with your fitness levels. Most adjustable dumbbell designs come with a weight range of 20 to 70 lbs. These are ideal for advanced and intermediate users with just a pair. 

For beginners, however, these might be too much to handle with the king of exercises they do. On this note, a beginner, therefore, needs to find pairs with lower weight levels, say supplemental weight plates. The good thing is that you can always upgrade to a heavier set with advanced exercises.

Type

As much as the design of adjustable dumbbells is similar for most models, they are available in different types. The mini dumbbells are ideal for casual weight lifting or resistance training. The round adjustable dumbbells are perfect for typically any workout. There are also block-shaped dumbbells that are common for weight loss. Understanding the type helps you select the most suitable one to suit your fitness needs.

Quality

Generally, adjustable dumbbells come in high-quality, robust materials. But, if you are looking into a set to use for a long time, then considering the material is essential. You want to stay away from cheap plastic or flimsy metal, especially if you intend to lift them overhead. Check for the material of the grip, the thickness of the handles, and the coating before you make up your mind.

Dumbbells come in materials such as rubber, solid metal, and vinyl coats. Rubber and vinyl-coated designs come in colours to identify the different weights. These models are common in regular gyms, and the rubber protects the weight when you drop the dumbbells. They look less industrial and are easy to grip. However, if you tend to sweat a lot, these can be challenging to use.

Solid metal designs come in a silver handle and black plates. With this design, the weight is usually stamped on the handle or the end of the dumbbell. These are easy to hold even when the hands get sweaty. However, the metal can strain your palms, especially if they are textured. With these, it is advisable to use gloves to protect your palms from chafing.

Weight Plates

With adjustable dumbbells, you have to keep switching plates to make the most use of them. For this reason, you need to ensure the weight plates are easy to remove and change. The changing process should be seamless, so you stay in line with your exercise performance. You do not want to slow down your pace or heart rate, trying to switch plates.

Security Mechanism

With any fitness tools, it is essential to ensure safety at all times. When it comes to adjustable dumbbells, you want to ensure the plate lock securely in place. They should not be loose on either side. On this note, you should check for the bumper and fastener in between the plates to ascertain safety.

Ease of Use

The last thing you want to deal with is figuring out how to use the dumbbells. The best design should be easy to adjust, switch, and use generally. Some designs come with a dial that you use to select the ideal weight plates. Each model comes with its unique mechanism, so consider the one you feel works best for you.

Grip

The grip of your adjustable dumbbells is undoubtedly one of the most important features. The grip can be a deal-breaker and ultimately affects how well you use the dumbbells. It is, therefore, to ensure the handle feels comfortable on your hands. Some grips get slippery once your palms get sweaty, and these can impact their efficiency.

Choose grips that are steady, firm, and comfortable even with sweaty hands. Also, consider short grips as they are easy to control the weights in your hands. Full grips can be wobbly, especially for heavyweights, and these can cause injury or discomfort.

FAQ

Are Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?

If you are starting on a health and fitness journey, an adjustable dumbbell set should be top of your list of essentials. They are compact, space-saving, and versatile for a variety of workouts. The fact that you can switch up the weight levels makes them useful for any stage in your fitness journey. Also, they come in handy for multiple users allowing you to customize weights to individual needs. 

Why Are Adjustable Dumbbells Expensive?

As much as the cost of adjustable dumbbells is relative, they are more expensive than the regular weights dumbbell. This is because they offer the versatility of several pairs of regular designs. For example, a regular 20-pound dumbbell could cost $40 but only provides you with the 20-pound weight.

Those with varying weights between 20 to 70 pounds per side allow you to select weights in between. On this note, you only need one set compared to buying several regular dumbbells in different weights.

What Are the Heaviest Adjustable Dumbbells?

Most designs of adjustable dumbbells go up to 50 pounds. But, you can find models up to 100 pounds, each totalling to 200 pounds. These are ideal for advanced weightlifters looking to achieve their desired reps in one set.

Where to Purchase Dumbbells?

Like other fitness tools, dumbbells are available for purchase in-store or online. Some of the credible sites to buy adjustable models are Amazon and Gym Direct. You can find a suitable choice from the wide varieties on the sites.

The Bottom Line

The best adjustable dumbbells can help you advance your fitness levels to reap even more benefits from your routine. These work well for both beginners and experienced trainers, thanks to the versatility and functionality.

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About the author

Claire is a fitness enthusiast with a flair for writing. She is dedicated to promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle underpinned by long-term solutions. After being physically competitive, Claire put on significant weight during her university years. She made a decision to get fit again and is now helping thousands of individuals achieve their fitness goals. View All Posts

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