The 12 Best Dumbbells in 2025 for Any Budget and Fitness Goal

Why We Like It

When it comes to the best dumbbell sets on the market, there are perks to having a full-length range akin to your favorite commercial gym. For home fitness, though, we recommend the REP x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells given their space-saving qualities, impeccable construction, and wide assortment of working weights up to 125 pounds, depending on your chosen pair.

Our tester scores the construction at a perfect 5 out of 5, stating, “I really like the metal design of these dumbbells, especially when working with heavier totals. The metal can be more resistant to drops when de-loading post-set, and while I wouldn’t recommend dropping these from overhead, they should be able to withstand a quick fall from bench height.”

We also enjoy the volcano-style knurling featured across the handle. Like the barbell knurling of your favorite powerlifting bar, this grip pattern can be helpful in controlling the weights through a lift without fear of the weights slipping through your fingers. “Admittedly, this pattern is pretty aggressive,” adds our tester, who scores the knurling at 4.5 out of 5. “While I prefer this knurling profile, I can see where other athletes may prefer a softer, more comfortable aesthetic.” If you’re looking for a less aggressive handle design, we recommend the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells that utilize a textured rubber overlay across the handle.

As you can expect, these REP x Pepin adjustable dumbbells are, well, adjustable, meaning a single paired silhouette can replace a wide range of dumbbell weights that would otherwise consume your training space. We do rate the adjustability at 4 out of 5, though, since the locking mechanism can be finicky and does take more time than other styles we’ve tested. “The slide pin style can be effective, but some may prefer the convenience of turnstile knobs,” notes our tester.

Good for: Athletes looking for durable adjustable dumbbells capable of high weight totals up to 125 pounds.

Why We Like It

Does your home gym already contain some of the best weight plates? Looking to make the most of your weight options without sacrificing floor space? Loadable dumbbells use your owned free weights to create quasi-dumbbell setups that essentially look like a miniature Olympic barbell. Of this dumbbell subcategory, we’re big fans of the Titan Fitness Loadable Dumbbell Pair.

Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, has owned these Titan loadable dumbbells for years and routinely uses them in her training. “I like the optionality at play, and the knurling is aggressive yet not too toothy that it destroys my hands,” she notes in reference to her 4-out-of-5 workout experience score. Of course, though, we understand that knurling patterns can be subjective — what we feel is comfortable may not be aligned with your personal preferences.

A benefit to loadable dumbbells is that they’re able to achieve weights rarely seen in standalone dumbbell profiles. The Titan Fitness Loadable Dumbbell Pair, for example can support weights up to 400 pounds, provided you’re okay with some compromised range of motion. We score the adjustability at 4.5 out of 5, too, since tacking on or removing weight is as simple as adding a plate to your bench press setup — slide the plate onto the sleeve and clamp down with a barbell collar.

We do note, though, that you’ll need separate barbell collars to properly lock the plates into position, which may call for additional purchases. If you’d prefer a more all-in-one design, check out the Kensui AdaptaBELL profile that uses an exterior spin lock that also eliminates excess sleeving that may alter your range of motion during presses.

Lastly, Meier rates the aesthetics at 4 out of 5, stating the sleeves and knurling have held up well over time and do stand out in her home gym space. “These are, per the brand, supposed to be rust-resistant, but I’ve noticed some build-up over the years. That said, I am impressed with the integrity, and they’ve weathered better than some rubber hex dumbbells I’ve had in my garage gym.”

Good for: Lifters with available weight plates and collars that want to perform dumbbell movements.

Why We Like It

The best adjustable dumbbells can be space-saving heroes for your home workouts, fitting multiple weight totals into a single silhouette rather than taking up an entire wall’s worth of space for different weights. For our money the NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells are the best of the bunch thanks to their quick-adjusting turnstile handle and impressive weight range that should be suitable for a range of athletes.

Having owned these adjustable dumbbells for multiple years, I do enjoy the metal design that’s kept its integrity, even after some small drops and multiple moves. We score the construction at 4 out of 5, though, since there are some plastic components in-between the plates and within the locking mechanism that could be susceptible to damage if dropped excessively. If you’d rather have a more durable profile, it may be worthwhile to consider a pair of REP x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells.

Our tester also likes the fully-knurled handle design of the NÜOBELLs, rating the design at 4.5 out of 5. “Not only does this grip pattern make for excellent control during lifts, but it also makes adjustments that much easier,” they note.

Speaking of the adjustments, the NÜOBELLs employ a turnstile locking mechanism that toggles the weights between 5 and 50 or 5 and 80 pounds, depending on your chosen dumbbell pair. “It’s very intuitive,” notes our tester, and we rate the adjustability at 4.75 out of 5 since it can allow for quick changes and easier interval workouts or drop sets when compared to a lock-and-pinion system employed by other adjustable silhouettes.

That said, though, all adjustments do need to be made while the dumbbell is resting in its included cradle. These bases are constructed of plastic and a thin metal and can be finicky at times. I recommend taking your time when returning your dumbbell to its resting position in order to efficiently get the plates aligned without issues or potential damage.

Good for: Individuals needing adjustable weights to fit their smaller training space.

Why We Like It

If you’re looking to give your home dumbbell workouts that commercial gym feel, the REP Fitness Hex Dumbbells can provide an excellent setup for presses, pulls, and everything in between. You can find these weights in pairs or complete sets, too, for a more convenient shopping experience if you’d rather build out your home gym in one fell swoop.

We like the ergonomic design of the handle that can be more comfortable than a straight profile. Jake Herod, BarBend expert reviewer and certified nutrition coach, rates the construction at 4.75 out of 5, too, stating, “I think the ergonomic handle design is great for beginner and veteran athletes. Plus, the hexagonal head shape does eliminate the potential for your dumbbells to roll away post-set.” If you are interested in a straight-handled profile, though, REP Fitness does offer standard hex dumbbells at the same price.

You can purchase these Ergo Hex Dumbbells in pairs weighing between 2.5 and 125 pounds, so we rate the available weights at a modest 4 out of 5. Additionally, though, REP does offer bundled weight sets that can be a convenient way to load up your home gym in one simple purchase. These sets can begin to rise in costs, though, so we recommend using a REP Fitness discount code to try and save you some coin.

It’s also worth noting that fixed-weight dumbbells are going to take up more space in your training gym than adjustable dumbbells. We score the footprint at 3.5 out of 5 and do recommend taking some measurements prior to selecting multiple pairs. Unlike round head dumbbells hex dumbbells can take up more of a footprint. “I’d also recommend checking your dumbbell rack and measuring the available space,” adds Herod. “Some racks are designed specifically for round heads, and the geometry of the hex dumbbells can be mismatched to your current storage setup.”

Good for: Athletes wanting an ergonomically-handled dumbbell set that mimics the aesthetics and feel of commercial gym weights.

Why We Like It

OK, so the shape of your dumbbell head doesn’t necessarily dictate your potential when tackling the best arm exercises (apart, maybe, from your range of motion in certain movements) but it can influence your overall workout experience. Given their flat sides, hex dumbbells are less prone to rolling along the floor when dropped, and can even serve as elevated handles for exercises like push-ups or planks. If you’re interested in this dumbbell silhouette, we recommend the Bells of Steel Rubber Hex Dumbbells.

I’ve used these dumbbells in previous workouts and do believe the construction can be appealing to home gym enthusiasts. “The rubber head is sturdy enough to withstand drops, and I definitely appreciate the lack of rolling that these weights perform in-between sets — no diving under weight benches or racks to retrieve my workout equipment before a set,” adds our tester. I also score the durability at 4 out of 5 since they’re pretty resilient to wear and tear.

I do note, though, that the rubberized heads are made with 50% recycled rubber, which can give off this “old tire” smell similar to some of the best bumper plates. If you’d rather avoid this stench, I suggest opting for a metal pair of adjustable dumbbells like the NÜOBELLs or a urethane dumbbell set like REP Fitness Urethane Dumbbells.

In terms of available weight, you can purchase these hex dumbbells in pairs between 5 and 100 pounds, or bundled weight sets for more convenient shopping. I score the weight range at 4 out of 5, though, since some dumbbell offerings do contain weights above 100 pounds. “I’m not working with 100-plus-pound weights for every exercise, but they can be nice to have for heavy rows every once in a while,” notes our tester.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that the knurling is only contained at the center of the ergonomic handle. I rate the grip at 4 out of 5, but do caution that this compact knurling patch is less tacky than a fully-knurled profile. If grip is a concern, opt for a dumbbell featuring full knurling along the handle.

Good for: People wanting a dumbbell that won’t roll away when placed on the floor.

Why We Like It

Having a dumbbell set for your home gym is one thing, but unless you’re opting for an adjustable pair of weights, you’ll also need to think about how you’ll store your new strength-training equipment. The Rogue Universal Storage System is one of our favorites thanks to a modular design that can be customized to fit not just dumbbells, but kettlebells and medicine balls, too.

The frame of this storage rack is composed of sturdy, 11-gauge steel, and the 70-inch shelves are laser cut to match the common dimensions of your intended gear. Additionally, we rated the customizations at 4 out of 5 thanks to Rogue’s offering of a two-tier or three-tier setup. This can be great for athletes that have a bevy of dumbbells that need a new home, or those that want to house all of their gear in one complete area.

This Universal Storage System is also compatible with Rogue’s bolt-on storage accessories, so you can even house your barbells across this unit with just a few turns of a wrench.

While we admired the durability of each component across this storage rack, we do want to note that the two-post style can lead to some lateral movement and swaying, which we attribute to the lack of a center support beam. 

We rated the stability at 3.5 out of 5 for such reasons, and other customers have also commented on this potential issue. “The three-tier system does have some lateral movement to it,” says one customer. “I suspect the three tiers when coupled with the wheels raises the center of gravity enough to introduce a slight wobble.”

Additionally, we appreciated how Rogue included wheels along the base, giving this best weight rack a unique sense of portability. This can be a great perk for athletes training in smaller home gyms, but we score the portability at 3.5 out of 5 and recommend unloading some weights before getting this unit into motion. “The weights can quickly weigh down the entire silhouette, making it tough to push around,” adds our tester. So, unless you want to integrate a sled push into your training routine, we suggest removing some weight before transport.

Good for: Athletes needing a storage area for equipment such as dumbbells, kettlebells, and medicine balls.

Why We Like It

Ever struggle to stabilize your wrist through a heavy dumbbell bench press? Block-style dumbbells can offer some assistance by placing the handle at the center of the silhouette and caging your wrist slightly around the weight. There’s no dumbbell more synonymous with this profile than the PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP Adjustable Dumbbells.

While some may look at these PowerBlock dumbbells and classify them as awkward, our tester rates their ease of use at 4.75 out of 5. “They’re balanced well and feel like any normal dumbbell with the added benefit of a cage around your wrist,” they add. 

These adjustable dumbbells are offered in a 40-pound base model with additional expansion packs available to take your totals to 60, 80, or 100 pounds. We also like the variety at play across the handle design, which we score at 4.5 out of 5. You have the options of a TPU rubberized handle or knurled handle similar to your standard dumbbell design. In my experience, though, I’ve found that the rubberized TPU can become slippery when exposed to excessive sweat. “The only issues you may find is with range of motion when using these weights at their max capacity — the adjustable plates can stick out too far for certain movements,” our tester adds.

In terms of adjustability, the PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP Adjustable Dumbbells score a 4.75 out of 5 thanks to their sliding pin locking system. You slide the selector pin into the full length of the dumbbell, and the weights are color-coded on the side for easier identification. However, the two-pronged pin setup can spread to two different weight selections if you haphazardly shove the slider into position, resulting in an improper setup. If you’re looking for a more seamless adjustment mechanism, I recommend the NÜOBELL’s turnstile design.

Good for: Individuals wanting some extra wrist support for dumbbell pulls and presses.

Why We Like It

Warming up in cold weather isn’t just for your body and automobile — your garage weight set could use some heat, as well. When temperatures drop, the metal can be uncomfortable to the touch, limiting your motivation to train. REP Fitness’ Rubber Coated Dumbbells eliminate this problem, though, with a low-odor rubber coating across the entire dumbbell silhouette, including the handle.

Despite the unique overlay, these dumbbells are virtually the same construction to REP’s standard Hex Dumbbells. Accordingly, we rate the construction at 4.5 out of 5. “These are plenty durable to withstand drops, and the hex head can help limit any unwanted rolls,” adds our tester.

These rubber-coated dumbbells do still feature a knurling pattern across the handle design, but it’s less abrasive than that of a regular metal barbell or dumbbell. While this may appeal to some athletes, we cannot deny that grip can be more easily compromised with this design element.

Additionally, we score the handle at 3.5 out of 5 given its larger diameter — the rubber coating pushes the diameter to 30 millimeters for 5-pound to 20-pound weights, and 35 millimeters for 25-pound weights and higher. For reference, most dumbbells feature a 28- or 29-millimeter handle, which may feel more comfortable in your hand. “It is definitely noticeable when switching back to regular dumbbells,” adds our tester, “Almost like mixing in an axle session amidst your normal routine, only not as drastic.”

Speaking of the weight range, REP offers this dumbbell in bundled weight sets or paired sets between 5- and 100-pounds. While this weight range is accommodating enough for most athletes, we score the variety at 4 out of 5 for the category since some dumbbells are offered in higher totals. If you’re in need of heavier dumbbells, it may be best to opt for REP’s standard Hex Dumbbell profile.

Good for: People needing rubber-coated dumbbells for the sake of comfortable training in colder conditions.

Why We Like It

If you’re looking to grow within your strength training regimen, you’ll need a proper dumbbell set to practice progressive overload, a training tactic that can promote gains in strength and muscle hypertrophy. (1) While some of the dumbbells listed in this guide are offered in full sets, we recommend the Bowlfex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells since your entire weight range is contained in just two dumbbells. This adjustable design helps pack 15 working totals into two handled weights, saving you loads of space that would otherwise be consumed by an array of standard dumbbells.

Adjusting across the available weight range (5 to 52.5 pounds) is a breeze thanks to the turnstile knobs at the cap ends of the dumbbell heads. Our tester scores the ease of use at 4.5 out of 5, stating, “Setting the dials to your desired total takes only a few seconds. Remember, though, that you’ll need to adjust the dials on each end of the weight in order to achieve a balanced feel.”

We also rate the value of these adjustable dumbbells at 4.5 out of 5. You can pick up a pair for less than $430, and Bowflex distributes its SelectTech 552s through multiple third-party retailers. As such, it’s pretty rare to not find these dumbbells available online. That said, though, the weight range is limited to 52.5 pounds, and there aren’t expansion packs available for higher totals. If you need higher dumbbell weights, we recommend the NÜOBELLs or REP x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells.

Despite the lower weight total, the Bowflex SelectTech 552s can be excellent dumbbells for beginners just getting used to resistance training. Our tester also states that the nylon handle may be more appealing to strength training newbies. “It’s less abrasive than your standard knurling, but it is comfortable across the hand,” they note. “I’d recommend persistently wiping your hands of any sweat or debris, though. The abundance of plastic isn’t intended for errant drops.” For those reasons, we rated construction a 4 out of 5.

Good for: People looking to facilitate progressive overload with a compact, efficient dumbbell set.

Why We Like It

Assembling a full dumbbell set for your fitness needs can be expensive, and adjustable dumbbells are often pricey given their intricate locking mechanisms and available weights. Thankfully, there are some dumbbells amongst the best budget home gym equipment, including these Hex Dumbbells from Living.Fit. With pairs available from 5 pounds to 100 pounds and costs starting at roughly $24.99, they’re one of the most affordable dumbbells we’ve had in testing.

“These are the sole fixed dumbbells in my personal home gym, so I feel like I have a good foundation to speak on the value of these weights,” says our tester. “I rate the units at 4 out of 5 for value because of the variety of weight pairs as well as the Amazon availability that could potentially save you on shipping costs.”

The Living.Fit Hex Dumbbells are constructed using a sturdy metal for the handle and premium rubber for the weighted heads. For some added aesthetics, Living.Fit adds a chrome finish to the profile for a clean, shiny vibe. “The chrome finish does require some extra upkeep to preserve the coating,” according to Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, who rates the construction at 4 out of 5. “You’ll need to regularly clean this component to alleviate any dust or rust build-up.”

We also appreciate the ergonomic handle geometry that comfortably fits within your grip. This — along with the lower price point — could be appealing to beginner athletes wanting an effective weight set that doesn’t feel too intense during training. If you prefer a straight handle, though, we recommend the NÜOBELLs or REP standard Hex Dumbbells.

As a final note, be prepared to perform a little maintenance once you’ve unboxed your new weights. We rate the shipping process at 3.5 out of 5 since these dumbbells are shipped with a slight film across the rubber heads. This is leftover residue from manufacturing, and it may potentially stain items like your apparel or even your best home gym flooring. To avoid any headaches, simply take a cloth and some cleaning solution to your new fitness gear before setting them up for a session.

Good for: Budget-minded athletes looking for dumbbells that won’t break the bank.

Why We Like It

In today’s day and age, it’s pretty apparent that Amazon is one of the go-to retailers, even for fitness gear — we have entire round-ups dedicated to the best treadmills on Amazon. If you’re shopping on the A-to-Z retailer for dumbbells, consider Amazon Basics Rubber Hex Dumbbells. These beginner-friendly weights are offered in 10-pound to 50-pound totals, and the benefit of Prime shipping can have them to your doorstep in an instant.

Like many others, I’ve ordered Amazon Basics dumbbells in the past and do appreciate the speedy parcel services, rating these weights at 4.5 out of 5 for the category. It is worth noting, though, that these dumbbells are sold individually rather than in pairs, so you’ll need to remember to add two to your cart before checkout.

In terms of performance, the hexagonal heads are resilient against drops and can be used as elevated platforms for push-ups. Plus, I like the ergonomic handle design that’s more suitable for my grip. However, I score the knurling at 3 out of 5 since it is more passive than other dumbbells in my rotation like the REP Fitness Hex Dumbbells and Titan Loadable Dumbbells.

I wouldn’t expect athletes to fill their entire gym with Amazon Basics Rubber Hex Dumbbells. After all, I rate the weight range at 3.5 out of 5 since you’re capped at a 50-pound max silhouette. However, if you’re just looking for some free weights to boost your workout potential, these can be suitable solutions.

Good for: Frequent Amazon shoppers looking to cash in on efficient Prime delivery services.

Why We Like It

Round dumbbells can be great for athletes wanting a commercial gym aesthetic for their own setup. This style can also be more efficient in storage since the heads are more uniform in size than hex-shaped alternatives. However, if you don’t like that round dumbbells roll when placed on the ground, we recommend you take a look at REP’s Hex Dumbbells or the Bells of Steel Rubber Hex Dumbbells.

While round dumbbells are aplenty, we think the REP Urethane Coated Round Dumbbells are the best of the bunch due to their ultra-durable makeup, fully-knurled steel handle, and impressive warranty package. “Personally, I like rounded dumbbells,” our tester says. “If you’re exercising on an even floor, you won’t need to worry about them getting away.”

In testing, we rated these dumbbells at 5 out of 5 for durability. The CPU urethane coating used across the head pairs exceptionally well to the steel handle, creating a profile that’s sturdy and ready for loads of wear and tear. Like when choosing between bumper plates versus metal plates, urethane has a higher load-bearing capacity than virgin or recycled rubber — two common materials used in dumbbells — meaning it’s harder than other compounds yet still retains minimal bounce.

When it comes to the value of these dumbbells, we scored them a 4 out of 5. Yes, the starting price for a paired set of 5-pound plates is $49.99, which is higher than other dumbbells. That said, REP offers these weights in an impressive range of up to 150 pounds, as well as seven available bundled sets. Of course, though, if you’re in need of cheaper dumbbells, we recommend something like the Living.Fit Rubber Hex Dumbbells.

Lastly, rounded dumbbells have a tendency to roll, so before you rush to add these to your cart, you may want to check that your home gym floors are level. “Otherwise, you’ll spend as much time chasing these dumbbells down in-between sets as you do using them in a workout,” adds our tester. You also can’t balance these weights as easily for elevated push-ups like you would with hex dumbbells, so we had to drop the versatility score down (slightly) to 4.5 out of 5.

Good for: Those wanting that classic, rounded dumbbell aesthetic with the added benefit of urethane’s durability.