The 7 Best Dumbbell Sets in 2024, Picked by Experts

When it comes to at-home fitness the best dumbbells can be some of the most versatile tools in your arsenal. The approachability and wide range of available weights makes them suitable for athletes of all skill sets, and the individual profiles can be great for unilateral training. Of course, though, you’re likely to use an array of weight totals in training, which is where the best dumbbell sets can help take your setup from mediocre to top-notch in one fell swoop.

Like other pieces of fitness equipment, you’ll need to look at factors outside of just the weight total when searching for the best at-home dumbbell sets. Components like durability, handle design, materials, and (of course) weights included are just a few points to consider during your process. Thankfully, we’ve pooled our team of experts and personally tested dozens of top-performing dumbbell sets. Here are our favorite bundles available today, to give you a better view of the dumbbell landscape.

The 7 Best Dumbbell Sets in 2024

• Best Dumbbell Set Overall: REP Fitness Hex Dumbbell Sets
• Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set: SMRTFT NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set
• Best Dumbbell Set for Beginners: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
• Best Budget Dumbbell Set: Living.Fit Dumbbell Set
• Best Dumbbell Set for Serious Lifters: REP Fitness Urethane Dumbbell Set
• Best Loadable Dumbbell Set: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Set
• Best Dumbbell Rack: REP Fitness Dumbbell Rack

How We Tested and Chose the Best Dumbbell Sets

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best dumbbell sets available today, we got hands-on with 31 different profiles from the industry’s best brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks.

For the sake of this “dumbbell sets” round-up, we focused on bundled weight sets over traditional paired offerings. In our opinion, a set is more than two weights — although you can definitely outfit your training space for home dumbbell workouts by ordering pairs of dumbbells one by one. 

Outside of the “paired” versus “set” differentiation, we still analyzed these free weights as we would any dumbbell offering. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to come up with our findings.

Durability and Materials

Naturally, you want to purchase strength training equipment that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. As such, we favored dumbbell sets showcasing a sturdy steel handle that provided excellent grip and stability throughout our testing sessions.

Durability also relates to the head material, or the bulbous ends of a dumbbell that give it that iconic silhouette. Rubber, urethane, neoprene, steel, and cast iron are popular options for this component, but according to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer as well as a certified personal trainer, your material decision can influence how you use the dumbbells in the throes of training.

“Dropping any dumbbell comes with the risk of eventually (or, in some cases, immediately) breaking them, but rubber hex bells are most likely to survive such activities. They are, in my opinion, the best all-around type of dumbbell,” she states. While cast, steel, and other dumbbell types are solid options for general strength training needs, they can be more prone to breaking if regularly dropped.

Finally, we also included some adjustable dumbbells in this guide, as these can be ideal picks for athletes looking to take advantage of a full dumbbell set yet may not have the available space for a rack’s worth of weights. Given the abundance of moving parts, though, as well as the heavy presence of plastic across these units, Capritto recommends playing it safe with adjustable dumbbells by avoiding any errant drops in training. Dropping these weights can also potentially void any warranties.

[Related: Best Adjustable Dumbbells]

Head Shape

The head shape of most fixed dumbbells will either be hexagonal or round, and there’s no true right or wrong answer as to which is best for training. However, there are some perks between the two styles that can help you get the most out of each session.

For example, hexagonal dumbbells feature squared-off sides that can help eliminate any chances of your weights rolling away once they’re dropped, or as you’re setting up for a big press or pull. Additionally, the hexagonal shape can help improve your balance when positioning overtop these units for movements like elevated push-ups or planks. Hex dumbbells may be more of a hassle to store, though, since the heads will grow in size and thickness as the weight totals increase, which will require more shelving space across your setup.

Round dumbbells, on the other hand, can be more uniform and easier to store, which is why they’re commonly found in commercial gym settings. Plus, the round head shape can allow your weight maxes to reach heavier totals without sacrificing control during lifts.

Of course, though, you need to be mindful of how you train with these profiles — when dropped, the dumbbell heads essentially turn into tires with a steel axle, potentially leading to some rolling that could damage your other equipment (or, at least, send you on an unwanted scavenger hunt in-between sets).

To cater to all needs and workout wants, we’ve included both dumbbell styles in our guide. We love them both, but in different ways.

Knurling and Handle Design

Your dumbbell handle is the main connection point between you and the weight, so you want to ensure that this intersection is as strong as can be. We sought out dumbbell sets featuring steel handles that didn’t budge or bend while going through the motions of our normal workouts.

Additionally, we also included dumbbells with different handle styles. In this round-up, you’ll find free weights with a straight handle profile — a great pick for athletes wanting a smooth transition between dumbbell and barbell exercises — as well as silhouettes with an ergonomic curve for added comfort. Choosing between the two is up to your personal preference, though, so think through which style fits your hand best.

Lastly, a dumbbell’s handle is only worthwhile if you can actually grip it in a workout. To create this control, we looked for dumbbells featuring at least some form of knurled handle. This crosshatched pattern can dig into your skin with varied levels of aggression, ensuring that you’re in the driver’s seat throughout your lifts and sessions. Some dumbbells may also feature a rubberized knurling patch for in-training comfort, but we tended to prefer the metallic patterns, as rubber can become slick when introduced to sweat.

[Related: What Is Barbell Knurling? + Other Barbell Features to Know About]

Storage Requirements

While dumbbells on their own can take up less space than, say, the best treadmills, full sets do have a somewhat large footprint, especially if you don’t have a weight rack available for more convenient organization across the range of weights. As such, we examined dumbbells that were compatible with a storage rack of some sorts, either as an add-on to the weight bundle or via an additional purchase.

For those really tight on space, we also looked at adjustable dumbbells. These can be worthwhile solutions for athletes training in tight quarters, as the full weight range is compacted into two singular dumbbell profiles for added space-saving benefits. While adjustable dumbbells do come with convenient bases, we favored units that can be combined with a taller stand. Trust us — bending over time and time again to swap out weights can get old in a hurry.

[Related: 5 Steps to Building Your Dream Home Gym]

Price

The price range for dumbbell sets can vary a ton — both by brands as well as the amount of different weights in a bundle. So, we compared our chosen sets based on their lowest weight range available, with many starting prices coming in between $400 and $1,000. Naturally, you can expect to pay more as your weight range increases, but this can be a good starting point as you begin to plan out your home gym budget.

As far as adjustable dumbbells are concerned, we found that most profiles came in between $400 and $700, depending on the weight range available. Cheaper options do exist, but they may not come equipped with a worthwhile amount of weight to support your strength training regimen.

Regardless of the dumbbell design (fixed or adjustable), we recommend finding a happy medium between how much you can afford in your finances and how much weight you plan to utilize in a fitness journey. Remember, too, that you can always add to your dumbbell set with future paired purchases once your program calls for it or you’ve outlifted your current ensemble.

[Related: The 12 Best Budget Home Gym Equipment of 2024]

Best Dumbbell Set Overall: REP Fitness Hex Dumbbell Sets

These Hex Dumbbells from REP Fitness stand out amongst the crowd thanks to their friction-welded design built for improved durability, wide range of available weight bundles that cater to all athletes and strength levels, and a unique straight handle design that’s on-par with other premium dumbbell options, like those you’d find in a commercial training center.

We rated the construction at 4.75 out of 5 for these impressive units thanks to the durable ultra-low-odor rubber heads and friction-welded steel handle. In testing, these REP dumbbells stood up to multiple drop tests, and we also appreciated the hexagonal design, which eliminated any chances of the weights rolling away into far-off corners.

Jake Herod, BarBend’s main product tester and a certified nutrition coach, also praised the full knurling pattern across these rubber hex dumbbells. “Since the handles are fully knurled, I’ve found that you’re going to get a good grip no matter where you place your hands,” he adds. We did have to knock a few points off for the length of these handles, though, for a score of 4.5 out of 5. The interior room measures in at 5 inches, which can lead to some finagling in order to find that optimal balance before a heavy shoulder press or other movement.

In terms of the value exhibited across the REP Fitness Hex Dumbbell Sets, we also scored this pick highly at 4.5 out of 5. We liked how the brand offers these weights at different bundles, with many starting at the 5-pound weights and increasing to 50, 75, and 100 pounds, respectively, in 5-pound increments. This can be great for those looking to outfit a home gym based on their strength experience, with options for those bringing a little more muscle to the party.

Unfortunately, though, the heaviest available dumbbells (between 105 and 125 pounds) are not available in any of the listed kits. These weights will need to be purchased in pairs.

Finally, we enjoyed how well-packaged these dumbbells were for shipping, but be ready to wipe down your weights before their first use. Our tester noted some protective oil across the heads at unboxing, so you’ll need to wipe this clean to prevent any slippery workout conditions.

Read our full REP Fitness Hex Dumbbells Review.

Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set: SMRTFT NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set

No room for a full range of fixed dumbbells? No problem. The SMRTFT NÜOBELLs pack upwards of 16 dumbbells into a single paired silhouette, which can prove to be an exceptional benefit when trying to make the most of a smaller workout space. Additionally, we enjoy how easy it is to toggle across the adjustable weight ranges of 5 to 50 pounds and 5 to 80 pounds thanks to the simple turn-style mechanism operated through the fully-knurled handle.

I personally own these SMRTFT dumbbells and have used them within my at-home training regimen for over two years. In terms of adjustments, I rated these dumbbells at 4.75 out of 5. Finding your ideal weight is as simple as twisting the handle, and the clearly-marked readouts near the end of the handle help eliminate any guessing on your working totals.

I also appreciate how the weights adjust sequentially, meaning as you toggle up in weight, the dumbbell grows outward with each stacked-on plate. This not only keeps the aesthetic as close to a fixed dumbbell as possible, but it also gives little room for the plates to shake and rattle around during movements.

As far as the weight range is concerned, we rated these SMRTFT options at 4.25 out of 5. The larger 5- to 80-pound bundle is heavier than the typical 55-pound max you’d experience in other adjustable dumbbells (there is a cheaper 5- to 50-pound set, as well). However, athletes that lift heavier than 80 pounds may find this setup underwhelming, so be sure to think about how much you can lift before grabbing hold of these space-saving free weights.

Speaking of grabbing hold, our tester stated that the knurling is a nice mix of grip and comfort. This is a definite perk, too, because these dumbbells cannot sustain any drops given the plastic internal components across the adjustment system. For these reasons, we rated the construction at 4 out of 5.

Finally, you’ll need to pay attention when re-racking these weights in their included cradles. Especially when working with a mid-range weight, it can be difficult at times to hit the gap perfectly for a smooth return to rest.

Read our full SMRTFT NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells Review.

Best Dumbbell Set for Beginners: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

For beginners just getting their feet wet in dumbbell training, the SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells from Bowflex are a heavy favorite of ours. Not only are these iconic adjustable dumbbells compact and space-saving with plenty of versatility, but the adjustment mechanism across each profile is simple and intuitive, too. Additionally, the micro adjustment feature for weights between 5 and 20 pounds can be ideal for training at lower, more beginner-friendly weights at 2.5-pound increments as opposed to the typical 5-pound cadence.

Having worked out with these Bowflex adjustable dumbbells in the past, I do appreciate the ease of use across the profiles, rating it at 4.5 out of 5. The dial-style toggles operate smoothly across the range, and I also like how the brand stamps the weight totals into the dial rather than simply identifying each weight with a sticker. This can be excellent for extended use, eliminating the need for any guesswork once those stickers would eventually peel away.

In terms of the workout performance, we scored the SelectTech 552s at 4 out of 5. They work well enough for most exercises, but our tester did note that range of motion may be limited at times given the constant dumbbell length regardless of your chosen working weight. Additionally, the nylon knurling patch is comfortable enough for daily workouts, but be sure to have a towel at the ready — we noticed some slippage once this component was exposed to our sweaty palms.

The durability also played into our workout experience, as the heavy presence of plastic had us fearful of any drops or high-intensity movements. Other adjustable dumbbells often feature more metal across the design, which can help defend against any breaks or bruises throughout your fitness journey. We rated the durability at 3.75 out of 5, respectively.

The SelectTech 552s are also a beginner-friendly model given their compatibility with Bowflex’s optional dumbbell stand. This unit helps raise the included cradles to a comfortable hip height, eliminating the need to bend down for weight changes. Plus, this stand also features a media shelf, which can allow you to follow along with JRNY-led workouts or other best fitness apps.

Read our full Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Review.

Best Budget Dumbbell Set: Living.Fit Dumbbell Set

The best at-home dumbbell sets don’t need to drain your entire fitness budget in one fell swoop. While many worthwhile bundles feature starting prices near the four-digit mark, these Living.Fit Dumbbell Sets begin with costs closer to $410. Additionally, we like these wallet-friendly rubber dumbbell bundles because of the brand’s option to pair your weight set with a convenient storage rack directly from the dropdown menu.

Outside of the robust assortment of budget-friendly purchasing options, these Living.Fit dumbbells also earn our praise thanks to their well-built design. Jake Herod, BarBend’s main product tester and a certified nutrition coach, particularly enjoyed the ergonomically-shaped handle, as it provided a comfortable grip position suitable for presses, pulls, and (thanks to the hex-shaped heads) elevated push-ups.

We did rate the handle at 3.5 out of 5 overall, though, due to its partial knurling pattern — other dumbbells in the category feature a fully-knurled design that can help improve grip regardless of your hand placement.

Still, despite the less featured knurling, there are still plenty of training possibilities across these dumbbell sets. Living.Fit offers these free weights in six various bundle sizes with weights ranging from 5 pounds all the way up to 100 points. Additionally, the ability to pair these dumbbell sets with a convenient storage rack adds to the value, enough for a 4 out of 5 rating from our testers.

Speaking of the racks, we do recommend ordering an extra unit if you’re looking at the full 5- to 100-pound bundle. Because of the hex-shaped heads, these units will take up more space across a shelf than, say, a rounded dumbbell design. If you want to keep all of your weights stored neatly, you’ll need the extra shelving (an added $299.99 investment).

Lastly, I’ve personally ordered and trained with these Living.Fit options in my own home gym, and while I agree that these are prime picks for budget-conscious athletes, I would recommend getting the customer service contact information organized after order confirmation. These boxes arrived worse for wear during my shipping process, which led to some concerns over the dumbbell integrity. Of course, this can be the result of your courier’s handling, but thankfully, the brand’s customer service is top notch and easily reachable via email, phone, or live chat.

Read our full Living.Fit Dumbbells Review.

Best Dumbbell Set for Serious Lifters: REP Fitness Urethane Dumbbell Set

Advanced athletes, whether chasing heavy totals or just looking to supplement their years of training experience, often require the best of the best (and don’t mind paying a premium to receive it). While these urethane dumbbells from REP Fitness are some of the most expensive we’ve seen — other dumbbell sets typically start closer to $1,000 for base kits — the durability and weight ranges make up for the added costs in spades.

In trials, we were impressed by the durability and overall integrity of these dumbbells, rating the overall construction at 5 out of 5 across multiple workouts targeting various muscle groups. This was mostly due to the use of CPU urethane across the heads as opposed to a more basic rubber. “Urethane has a higher load-bearing capacity than other materials,” said our tester. “It’s also a harder compound and generally built to outlast and outperform, making it a premium pick for athletes demanding a dumbbell as performance-ready as themselves.”

We also scored the available weight range at a perfect 5 out of 5 given the wide assortment of available dumbbell pairs across the bundle options. You can choose between seven kits with max weights ranging from 50, to 75, 100, 125, and even 150 pounds. This can be excellent for stronger athletes that may be left underwhelmed by the common 100-pound max of other dumbbell sets.

Of course, you do need to pay attention to the rounded head design, as these dumbbells can roll easily across your home gym flooring once dropped. This could lead to potential damage if your dumbbells bounce into your other home gym essentials — or, at least, a minor goose chase as you wrangle your weights back into position. The dumbbells can withstand the bumps and bruises, but the fact they require a little more attention than hex-shaped weights forced us to rank the versatility at 4.5 out of 5.

Finally, our tester really enjoyed the full knurling pattern across each handle. This crosshatched pattern made finding that ideal grip for heavy lifts a breeze. Of course, though, the straight handle design isn’t ideal for every taste, as some athletes may prefer a more ergonomic silhouette with a contoured shape.

[Related: Rogue Dumbbells vs. REP Dumbbells]

Best Loadable Dumbbell Set: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Loadable dumbbells can be ideal picks for athletes with a slurry of change plates already at their disposal, but outfitting your home gym with these plates can begin to add up quickly. This loadable dumbbell weights set from Yes4All, on the other hand, already comes with the compatible plates, allowing you to adjust your exercises for multiple intensities without the extra purchases.

[Related: Best Weight Plates]

Admittedly, we have yet to log some workouts with this Amazon-available dumbbell set, but we’ve trained with similar setups in the past, so we can gauge the performance based on those experiences.

This particular bundle earns our praise thanks to its approachable price point with kits starting at less than $47 — a price tag well below the average $1,000 costs of other dumbbell sets. We also rated the value at 4.5 out of 5 due to the Amazon availability. Since these weights are available on the A-to-Z retailer, athletes can take advantage of free shipping and extra discounts when these Yes4All profiles are marked down.

As far as durability, we like how Yes4All constructs the adjustable weight plates from cast iron. This metal compound can be hearty enough to withstand regular wear and tear, leading to our 4 out of 5 scoring. We do knock this kit down slightly, though, because like other non-rubber dumbbells, you don’t want to drop these weights from an elevated height. This can leave too much potential for damaged gear, damaged flooring, or even damaged feet and toes.

The Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Sets are also available in weights ranging from 40 pounds up to 200 pounds. We do recommend paying close attention to the fine print though — these listed weights are the total for the whole kit, not each dumbbell. So, if you order a 200-pound kit, you’re really ordering two dumbbells that can be adjusted up to 100 pounds.

Speaking of adjustments, these dumbbells utilize a star-lock collar design to keep the weights in place. This can be excellent for added security across the weights, but unscrewing each side does take time. As such, we rated the adjustability at 3.5 out of 5.

[Related: Dumbbells Vs. Kettlebells — Choose the Right Tool for Your Goals]

Best Dumbbell Rack: REP Fitness Dumbbell Rack

As you can imagine, multiple pairs of dumbbells can quickly begin to eat away at your available space. As such, having a convenient storage rack to keep your gear off the floor (and more organized) can be a near must-have once your dumbbell collection begins to grow. We like this Dumbbell Rack from REP Fitness thanks to its durable makeup composed of zinc-coated hardware and 11-gauge steel, as well as its tilted shelving layout that makes getting the weights into and out of position a more approachable endeavor.

In terms of durability, we rated this storage unit at 4.5 out of 5. 11-gauge steel is plenty tough for normal wear and tear — there’s a reason many of the best power racks turn to this material for their sturdy construction. Additionally, the zinc-coated hardware can be great for defending against any rust or corrosion over time.

[Related: The Best Weight Racks for Dumbbells, Barbells, Weight Plates and More]

Our tester, a former Olympian, also appreciated the available space across this three-shelf setup, but did caution that not every dumbbell will fit neatly across the layout. “One rack will hold 5-pound to 50-pound dumbbells, or 10 pairs of weights. Plus, REP states this is compatible with both their hex and round urethane models, although there’s no guarantee that weights from other brands will fit as seamlessly.”

The REP Fitness Dumbbell Rack also boasts a lightweight design, weighing just 75 pounds when free of any stored free weights. This can be ideal when rearranging your setup, although we’d appreciate some added wheels across the base for boosted portability. For these reasons, we rated the portability at 3 out of 5.

Finally, the conveniences at hand are definitely worthwhile, in our opinion. We liked how REP designed the shelves with a bit of a tilt, which can make racking and unracking dumbbells less of a chore. There are also elevated lips to keep everything in place. Unlike other storage racks, though, there are no add-ons to better organize your other fitness equipment like barbells and weight plates, so we ended up scoring this otherwise impressive rack at 4 out of 5 for built-in conveniences.

Read our full REP Fitness Dumbbell Storage Rack Review.

Benefits of Dumbbell Sets

Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer as well as a certified personal trainer, states, “I could rattle off benefits of dumbbells until the end of time. There are so many reasons to add a pair of dumbbells (or a set) to your home gym.” Below are just a few of our favorite perks associated with adding a dumbbell set to your at-home fitness ensemble.

Workout Versatility

Dumbbell sets can unlock loads of potential across your training regimen, giving you a controllable form of resistance for a number of lifts and exercises. With a little modification, you can perform virtually any exercise with these free weights, essentially creating a full-body routine from one profile. 

Plus, the added variety of a dumbbell set can grant you even more room to change up intensities. Going for raw strength and pushing for a heavy PR? Grab the largest dumbbells in your kit and give them a go. Conditioning and endurance top of mind? Drop the weight down a peg and hammer out more reps. The possibilities are near endless (or, as endless as your available weight range).

[Related: Why You Should Love to Hate High-Intensity Interval Training]

Approachable Training Setups

Performing bicep curls, deadlifts, and other movements with a barbell may seem simple and intuitive, but getting into a routine with barbells can sometimes be intimidating. Capritto states that dumbbells can be more beneficial for novice lifters because of their more approachable aesthetic than, say, a squat rack loaded down with heavy weight plates and an aggressive barbell.

“In my years as a personal trainer, it’s become clear to me that someone who is new to weight training or feels intimidated by weight training is more willing to pick up a dumbbell than even approach a barbell or big machine,” she notes. “Dumbbells offer a great introduction to weight training, especially for the apprehensive, and it is often better for people to learn foundational movement patterns with dumbbells versus other tools.”

[Related: Different Types of Strength Training (+ How to Get Started)]

Comfortable Range of Motion

To go along with their beginner-friendly composition, dumbbell sets can also be beneficial given their better range of motion when compared to barbell-oriented movements. You can move a dumbbell more fluidly throughout an exercise than you would a longer, more rigid barbell. This can help you stay comfortable throughout your sessions without stressing your joints and hinges in awkward positions.

[Related: Partial Vs Full Range of Motion: Which Is Ideal for Muscle Development?]

Naturally, we recommend lifting as much as you can control, but dumbbells, in our opinion, give you a little more power when it comes to moving the weight in a range that’s as cozy and stress-free as it is effective for strength gains.

How Much Do Dumbbell Sets Cost?

One of the main factors that can influence your dumbbell set costs is the amount of weight options included in a given bundle. Logically, more weight equals more material, which in turn means a more expensive purchase. This is why paired dumbbells are inherently cheaper than bundled weight sets.

However, bundled dumbbell sets can be more effective buying options in the long run, as they help you get all your needed weights in one fell swoop as opposed to piecemealing your entire setup one order at a time. Generally, dumbbell sets feature starting prices between $400 and $1,000, with more premium kits composed of high-grade materials like urethane pushing the price tag near $1,500. Below are how the dumbbell sets included in this guide stack up against one another.

Best Dumbbell Set Overall	REP Fitness Hex Dumbbell Sets	Sets starting at $1,099.99
Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set	SMRTFT NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set	Starting at $615
Best Dumbbell Set for Beginners	Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells	$429
Best Budget Dumbbell Set	Living.Fit Dumbbell Set	Sets starting at $409.95
Best Dumbbell Set for Serious Lifters	REP Fitness Urethane Dumbbell Set	Sets starting at $1,599.99
Best Loadable Dumbbell Set	Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Set	Sets starting at $46.98
Best Dumbbell Rack	REP Fitness Dumbbell Rack	$209.99

You’ll also notice that adjustable dumbbell pairs are often less expensive (or at least comparable) to fixed dumbbell sets, which makes them a viable pick for athletes wanting a well-rounded kit to support their strength training endeavors. These adjustable options can also be helpful for athletes working out in smaller spaces.

However, you need to remember that the savings do come at a cost — adjustable dumbbells are often less durable than fixed rubber profiles, since there are multiple moving parts strewn across their designs to facilitate the adjustable weight ranges.

Regardless of your preference between adjustable and fixed dumbbell sets, remember that the best bundle is the one that fits your budget best. Also, your collection of free weights is only complete when you deem it so — there’s always room for additional purchases and add-ons down the road.

How to Choose the Best Dumbbell Set

If you’ve come to the conclusion that your home gym is not up to snuff without a full-fledged dumbbell set, Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer as well as a certified personal trainer, says there are a few items to consider when making your free weight purchase. Outside of just how much weight your set contains, there are a few extra factors worth pondering over before adding a bundle to your cart.

Weight Range

Okay, so we stated that weight range isn’t the only component worth considering … but it still plays a hefty role in your dumbbell set purchase. After all, you don’t want to purchase a set that’s too light for your training goals, yet also don’t want to overspend for dumbbells you’ll likely never touch in a given workout no matter how much progress you make.

When thinking throughout your dumbbell set’s weight range, consider your typical training loads and how you utilize the resistance in given movements. Additionally, your training discipline of choice can also influence how many high-quality dumbbells you need in your arsenal. “Bodybuilders, for instance, are likely going to want a wide range of weights in order to do drop sets and frequently isolate muscles,” says Capritto. “CrossFitters, on the other hand, might only want a pair of 35s or 55s — commonly prescribed weights in most WODs.”

[Related: These Are the 10 Best Dumbbell Exercises for Bodybuilding]

Dumbbell Type

You should also consider your dumbbell type when deciding between available sets. This decision can take multiple forms, with the initial inquiry surrounding fixed and adjustable dumbbells. Fixed dumbbells often feature a more rigid structure that can be better suited for drops and regular abuse, especially units composed of rubber or urethane. However, these dumbbell profiles will take up more space across a given set, since each available weight is showcased in a prescribed dumbbell pair.

A set of adjustable dumbbells can be ideal for those looking to save space in their training layout, but oftentimes rely on plastic components to support the interior adjustment mechanisms. As such, adjustable dumbbells can be less suitable for athletes that regularly drop their weights in a given workout.

“Dumbbell type” can also refer to your dumbbell’s head shape — typically round or hexagonal. Hex dumbbells can be ideal for athletes looking to keep rolling at a minimum in-between sets or after drops — the flat faces won’t scurry away into corners as easily. Additionally, this can be a worthwhile pick for those looking to perform elevated push-ups, as balancing across these profiles is more feasible.

[Related: 3 Total-Body Dumbbell Workouts Every Strength Athlete Should Do]

Rounded dumbbells can give your home gym that classic look, and the rounded nature also lends itself to easier storage given the more uniform construction across weight ranges. Plus, we’ve found that round-head dumbbells can oftentimes achieve heavier max weights without sacrificing control. In the end, though, there is no true right or wrong answer across the two design options, so be sure to opt for the style that suits your interests (and budget) best.

Durability

Like any piece of high-quality fitness equipment, you want to ensure that your dumbbell set can sustain regular use for a good amount of time. In order to do that, be sure to look for profiles featuring a sturdy handle design made from steel, as well as a suitable head material aligned with your training goals.

Rubber-coated and urethane dumbbell heads can be optimal solutions for athletes involved in high-intensity workouts that see you dropping weights more often than not. The hard yet resilient makeup of these materials can take the impact without much give, helping you save your gym flooring and other equipment in the process.

Capritto adds that cast iron, neoprene, and steel dumbbells can also be suitable options, but are best reserved for general strength training movements that don’t call for you to regularly drop the weights in-between sets.

Finally, adjustable dumbbells can be plenty durable for general fitness disciplines, but the abundance of moving parts limits their versatility when it comes to heightened use and abuse. Think of this analogy — what do you think would sustain a fall more efficiently? A baseball with its uniform design, or a Rubik’s cube?

[Related: 7 Ways Adjustable Dumbbells Can Boost Your Workouts]

Price

​​Lastly, you should always consider how much you’re willing to spend on a good set of dumbbells. Most sets (like those included in this round-up) will feature starting prices between $400 and $1,000, with price tags going up as the weight totals for a given set increase. Be sure to consider how much weight you need, and how comfortable this investment fits into your budget before pulling the trigger. There’s no sense in buying a premium set of dumbbells if you’re going to be uncomfortable for months financially.

Also, it goes without saying that future purchases are never out of the question when it comes to dumbbell sets. If you can’t afford all of the weights you desire right now, you can always purchase a lighter bundle and parcel out your remaining dumbbell pairs down the road.

[Related: 5 Useful Strength Training Lessons Everyone Can Benefit From]

Final Word

A heavy-duty dumbbell set can be a great addition to any home gym, especially for athletes looking to keep their strength training regimen as versatile as possible. When structured around the right weight increments for your fitness goals, these approachable free weights can unlock loads of potential. As such, finding the ideal set for your wants and needs is key.

When thinking through your perfect dumbbell set, you’ll want to look for a high-quality construction showcasing enough sets of paired dumbbells to support your strength progress. Remember, though, that more included weight will require additional storage space, so be sure your kit can fit within your floor plan (or opt for an adjustable dumbbell set if you don’t need to drop your weights often). Using this round-up as a blueprint, your at-home training center can be well on its way to becoming a true iron paradise fit to your style and preferences.

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