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

These REP x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells are our best overall pick because of their easy-to-use adjustable design, durable materials, and superior grip. Not only do these save you the space of an entire dumbbell set, you can choose from different max weights to find one that’s suitable for your fitness level. These are available up to 85 pounds, 105 pounds, and 125 pounds.

Not all adjustable free weights (like adjustable kettlebells) are super durable. Often, they tend to have plastic pieces that are easily broken when dropped. Thanks to their full metal design, these are among the best adjustable dumbbells on the market, earning a 5 out of 5 for durability.

The hexagonal shape is especially convenient when you want to put your weights down. The angles prevent the weight from rolling away from your workout area, helping prevent floor damage in your home.

We like the knurling here, giving it a 4 out of 5 rating. It’s a volcano-style knurling, that’s easy to grip and won’t be overly aggressive. Unlike some other dumbbells, these probably won’t cause any unwanted tears on your skin.

For athletes who want a more aggressive, noticeable knurling, we recommend the Titan Fitness Loadable Dumbbell Pair, which feels a lot more like training with a barbell, rather than a dumbbell.

We did have to give the cost a 3 out of 5 rating. These dumbbells start at $999, which is pretty pricey, even for an adjustable dumbbell. We also did want to point out that these are only available for preorder right now.

Is your home gym strapped for space with your squat rack, barbells, weight bench, and weight racks already consuming your floor plan? Make the most of what you already have with a set of loadable dumbbells, like these units from Titan Fitness. Rather than having the weights fixed to the silhouette — or a preset stack of adjustable plates on each end — these “mini barbells” utilize change plates and other Olympic weight plates to give you a wide array of working totals up to 400 pounds.

I have a pair of these Titan Fitness Loadable Dumbbells in my personal home gym, and I rate their ease of use at 4 out of 5. You’re at the mercy of your plate size in some exercises, so I wouldn’t recommend loading up large weights for shoulder presses. However, for rows and snatches, these can be a great option — just load up the sleeves and go.

I found the handle to be perfect for my grip, and I appreciated how the 28-millimeter diameter is similar to what I’d feel when training with a barbell. However, if you prefer a less aggressive knurling, opt for the REP Fitness Hex Dumbbells. “The knurling on the REP Fitness Hex Dumbbells is mild,” our tester said. “It definitely won’t cut your hands up or leave many callouses.”

I scored these loadable dumbbells a 4 out of 5 for the handle design, though, mostly due to the fact that the knurling can feel aggressive in certain movements. While I’m okay with a toothier grip, I know that other athletes may prefer a more subtle sense of traction.

Additionally, we rated the value at 5 out of 5. If you think about it, the weight range is impeccable for a dumbbell pair that’s less than $100. Plus, these loadable dumbbells weigh 12 pounds each, which makes them far more portable than other fixed or adjustable weights (assuming you’re traveling to a location with available change plates). 

However, there is a major caveat with the value — you need to have the weight plates available to make the most of these dumbbells. If you need to buy weight plates, you’ll quickly squander whatever savings you hoped to achieve with this profile. For shoppers who want a budget option, go with NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells. These have a high cost but they save you money in the long run, as they can replace multiple pairs of dumbbells.

While Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells earn our praise for the best dumbbell set in this guide, we’ll admit that the profile is a little dated when it comes to the best adjustable dumbbells of today’s day and age. For the king of that particular mountain, NÜOBELLs reign supreme (here’s exactly how the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells and the NÜOBELL adjustable dumbells compare to each other, in case you’re curious).

I’ve had these adjustable dumbbells for multiple years now, and continuously train with them thanks to their simple turn-style mechanism, impressive aesthetics, and a weight range that includes options from 5 pounds all the way up to 80 pounds.

In testing, we held these dumbbells in high regard thanks to their sturdy, durable construction. The steel, fully-knurled handle fits conveniently in your grip, and we also appreciate that the weight plates are steel as well. There are some plastic elements, so we wouldn’t recommend dropping them, but we still think these are some of the toughest adjustable dumbbells available today, rating them 4 out of 5 for durability and construction.

“These dumbbells are great for performing both upper- and lower-body workouts,” another of our testers said, rating their experience a 5 out of 5. “Unlike others, these actually feel like a fixed dumbbell, making them feel more natural while training.”

As far as the weight range, I gave these NÜOBELLs a 4.25 out of 5 for the versatility at play. Each dumbbell can max out at 80 pounds, which is great for heavier exercises like rows or presses.

Additionally, NÜOBELL offers these adjustable dumbbells in a 5- to 50-pound profile, which can be great for athletes that don’t necessarily need that added density. The smaller 5- to 50-pound adjustable dumbbell pair is also cheaper than the 5- to 80-pound set.

Coming in at $745 for the 5- to 80-pound set ($615 for the 5- to 50-pound set), these profiles are by no means budget-friendly. Adjustable dumbbell sets typically cost between $400 and $500, with plenty of other options below this watermark. If you’re looking to save some coin (and space) it may be best to opt for an alternative, like Living.Fit Hex Dumbbells, which are our favorite budget pick.

Finally, we rated the aesthetics of these adjustable dumbbells at 4.5 out of 5. “I tried out their signature matte black series and thought it looked sleek,” our tester said. “Our team suspects the finish is black zinc.”

Read our full NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells Review

These REP Fitness Hex Dumbbells favorite ergonomic dumbbell, thanks to their ergonomically-designed handles, easy-to-grip knurling, and hexagonal shape.

The first thing you’re likely to notice about these dumbbells is the head shape. We enjoyed this hexagonal design, as it proved to be a blessing when trying to train in a confined space. Jake Herod, expert tester and certified nutrition coach, said, “Thanks to the hexagonal shape, you’ll find that if you drop them, they’re not going to roll away from you. I also really like the hexagonal design for push-up variations — stabilizing on the flat face is much easier than trying to balance your body over a round dumbbell.”

We rated the construction at 4.75 out of 5 thanks to the friction welding used to connect the heads to the handle. This connection made for a sturdy, trustworthy makeup that, when combined with the ultra-low-odor head, showcased impeccable durability when dropped and tossed post-set.

The REP Hex Dumbbells also feature a straight handle with a full knurling across the profile. This provided ample grip and control during workouts, resulting in a 4.5 out of 5 rating. “I really like the ergonomic grip in my hand,” our tester said. “This volcano knurling isn’t too aggressive, which is good for everyday lifting.” 

For athletes who want a more aggressive, noticeable knurling, we recommend the Titan Fitness Loadable Dumbbell Pair, which feels a lot more like training with a barbell, rather than a dumbbell.

Additionally, the 34-millimeter thickness of the handle did make switching to barbell workouts — which often showcase a diameter of 28 or 29 millimeters — more of a noticeable transition.

Finally, we rated the value of these REP dumbbells at 4.5 out of 5 thanks to the availability of both paired and bundled weight sets. The pricing is average when compared to other dumbbells — a 25-pound pair will cost $129.99 — but being able to purchase pairs between 2.5 and 125 pounds definitely gives you some options. 

Plus, REP offers five bundles — 5-50 pounds, 5-75 pounds, 5-100 pounds, 55-75 pounds, and 80-100 pounds — so there’s a buying option for practically any budget.

Hex-style dumbbells can be a great pick for home gym enthusiasts. The blocked shape can help these profiles stay in place after a drop, which is useful for keeping your setup compact between sets (or avoiding the need to dodge flying equipment post-set). For our money, the Rubber Hex Dumbbells from Bells of Steel are the cream of the crop in this particular category.

Not only are these weights affordable with pairs starting at roughly $35 — $5 to $10 less than the average starting price — but the ergonomic handle also creates a comfortable setup for arm workouts with movements like presses, carries, and flyes. We rated the knurling at 4 out of 5, though, because the textured pattern is not featured across the entire handle. While not a huge difference, it’s not the same amount of grip potential as we’ve experienced in other, fully-knurled dumbbells, like the REP Fitness Hex Dumbbells.

I’ve previously used these Bells of Steel hex dumbbells and also appreciate the sense of durability across the design. The rubber is strong enough to withstand regular use, and I have experienced no issues with bent handles or cracked heads.

Additionally, I appreciate how the brand offers a one-year warranty, although after reading the fine print, I gave these weights a 4 out of 5 for durability. The coverage is voided if these dumbbells are dropped, so you still need to be careful when in the throes (get it?) of a hard-nosed session.

As far as ordering options, we rated the Rubber Hex Dumbbells at 4.5 out of 5 for the value. The dumbbells are available in paired sets starting at 5 pounds, and increase in 5-pound increments up to 100 pounds. Additionally, you can purchase bundled packages in 5- to 50-pound, 55- to 80-pound, and 5- to 80-pound sets. This can be an ideal option for those wanting multiple weights at their disposal from the start, rather than ordering in a new set over and over.

Speaking of orders, our final note stems from the use of recycled rubber within the head. While this does help keep costs low, it can produce an “old tire” smell when they’re initially unboxed. As such, it may be best to air these out before adding them to your garage gym or training space.

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 storage weight rack a unique sense of portability. This can be a great perk for athletes training in smaller home gyms, but we do recommend unloading some weights before getting this unit into motion. The wheels are somewhat small and can become weighed down easily, so unless you want to integrate a sled push into your training routine, we suggest removing some weight before transport.

The caged design of block-style dumbbells has a few benefits, including an added sense of structure and stability around your wrist. The PowerBlock lineup of adjustable dumbbells has been synonymous with this dumbbell style for years, with the Pro 100 EXP variety serving as our favorites.

We admire how these dumbbells can replace an entire wall’s worth of fixed dumbbells in a single silhouette, made possible through the three available expansion packs. While the base kit offers weights ranging from 5 to 40 pounds (still an impressive range), you can push your limits even further with add-on “stages” that take the upper limit to 60, 80, and even 100 pounds, respectively.

“These have a really clean look to them, they definitely look nice” our tester said, rating the aesthetics a 4.5 out of 5. Having personally used these weights in previous training sessions, I appreciate how the weight adjustments are sequential — meaning as weight goes up, the dumbbell grows outward. This is more in line with other dumbbells that grow with weight, creating a nice sense of consistency with the category.

That said, those heavier 80-, 90-, and 100-pound dumbbell setups can make for some awkward positioning, especially in presses. There is a lot of material and mass across the silhouette, which may compromise your range of motion and control.

Still, though, these can be a great option for home gym enthusiasts because of the baked-in durability, which we rated at 5 out of 5. Our tester liked how each plate was constructed of a steel center and urethane exterior coating, providing a resilient makeup that’s sure to last. 

“I also liked how the selector pin was constructed from polypropylene, which is a harder, more sturdy plastic,” they added. “I’ve had multiple PowerBlock dumbbells over the years and have yet to have a pin snap on me.” It’s worth noting, though, that the sliding pin adjustment system is more time-consuming than dial-style or rotating handle systems. For those want a simpler mechanism, the REP Fitness x Pepin Adjustable dumbbells may be a better fit.

The one area we’d love to see improved across this silhouette is the handle. We scored this component at 3 out of 5 due to its rubber composition. This can make the handle somewhat slippery once sweat begins to run, so be sure to towel off before grabbing hold for another heavy set.

Read our full PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells Review.

Sure, it’s not uncommon to find rubber dumbbells when searching for these foundational pieces of fitness equipment. However, these rubber-coated options from REP Fitness earn their spot in this guide because the entire dumbbell is coated with the black, durable compound instead of just the heads. This helps create a unique look while also serving a blessing for cold-weather athletes. The rubber handle doesn’t chill like you’d experience with steel handles, so there’s no need to “warm up” the weights before training.

Like other fixed REP dumbbells, these rubber-coated profiles utilize friction welding in the interior to connect the head to the handle. We’ve seen how durable and trustworthy this connection can be with other, less-rubbery silhouettes from the brand, and had no issues with ranking these weights at 4.5 out of 5 for construction.

Now, with an all-rubber dumbbell, you’d expect some stench when unboxing them. Thankfully, our tester experienced no such odor thanks to the ultra-low-odor rubber used across the build. Other dumbbells using recycled rubber can easily fog out a cramped training area with smells resembling the stink you’d find at your local tire shop.

As far as the handle, this is one area where these dumbbells start to fall off (or out). For one, the diameter is thicker than other dumbbells at 30 millimeters for 5- to 20-pound weights and 35 millimeters for weights over 25 pounds. While not a huge difference from your typical 28- or 29-millimeter barbell, it is enough to potentially compromise your control.

Additionally, we rated the handle at 3.75 out of 5 because of the rubber coating and its influence on the knurling. REP does etch a partial knurl patch at the center, but it doesn’t grab your skin as aggressively as other steel options. This could lead to less traction during pulls (and more dropped reps). For those who want some more aggressive knurling, the REP Fitness Hex Dumbbells may be a better fit.

Lastly, we knocked the value down slightly to 3.5 because there simply aren’t as many available weights as other dumbbell sets from the brand. You can still get plenty of work done within the 5- to 100-pound range, but when the Hex Dumbbells and Urethane Coated Round Dumbbells top out at 125 and 150 pounds, respectively, it’s hard to view them as equals.

If you want to add dumbbell training to your regular at-home regimen, you’ll likely want a set of dumbbells as opposed to just one or two pairs. Unfortunately, most dumbbell sets can eat up a good chunk of your floor plan … unless you opt for a set of adjustable dumbbells like the Bowflex SelectTech 552s. These impressive profiles can replace 15 sets of dumbbells in one singular profile, making them a no-brainer for athletes wanting a wider range of available weights without the needed space to house such a setup.

We like these adjustable dumbbells from Bowflex because, unlike adjustable profiles from other brands, the toggling mechanism is seamless and intuitive. The two dials at each end of the dumbbell operate quickly and smoothly when searching for your ideal working weight.

Additionally, we appreciated how these dumbbells allow for 2.5-pound micro adjustments at lower weights (5-pound weight increments begin for totals heavier than 25 pounds). For these reasons, we rated the SelectTech 552s at 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use.

“The ergonomic handle is wrapped in rubber, which provides a good grip,” our tester said, rating the grip a 4 out of 5. “Personally, I prefer a straight handle, though, but these are easy to hold.” If you, like our tester, prefer a straight handle, opt for the REP x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells instead.

Having used these adjustable dumbbells myself for a few years, I can attest to their value. While the upfront cost is higher than other dumbbells, you need to think of it as more of a bundle than a singular dumbbell. Plus, the space-saving features are useful, essentially shrinking your entire dumbbell rack into two silhouettes (with convenient stands). For these reasons, we rated the value at 4.5 out of 5.

As far as in-workout performance, I wouldn’t recommend using these dumbbells for CrossFit or other high-intensity sessions. Due to the abundance of internal moving parts, these aren’t the most receptive profiles to drops or slams. 

Additionally, our tester noticed that the nylon knurling patch at the center of the handle has a tendency to spin, which can lead to compromised grips during heavy, sweat-riddled sessions. As such, we gave the SelectTech 552s a 3.75 out of 5 for durability and construction.

“These do feel a little awkward during certain movements, which is worth noting,” our tester said. “This may be because the silhouette stays the same no matter what weight you choose.”

Read our full Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Review.

Having a full set of dumbbells can get costly in a hurry. Thankfully, budget-friendly dumbbells exist, such as these Living.Fit Hex Dumbbells. While not the absolute cheapest weights on the market (or in this round-up, for that matter) we still feel they’re the best budget pick for the wide range of purchasing options you have at your disposal. Not only does Living.Fit offer these dumbbells in pairs across the 5- to 100-pound range in 5-pound increments, but the array of bundled weight sets can also help keep costs low.

“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,” our tester said. “I rated the units at 4 out of 5 for value because of the bundles offering a pick for every athlete.” 

The dumbbell sets offer kits with weight ranges covering 5 to 50 pounds, 5 to 75 pounds, 5 to 100 pounds, 55 to 75 pounds, and 80 to 100 pounds. Plus, Living.Fit offers lifetime warranty coverage for their dumbbells, so there’s some reassurance if anything goes awry.

This service package is also nice since shipping could lead to some wear and tear before your first set. I scored this category at 3.75 out of 5 because the boxes can routinely arrive at your doorstep with some scuffs and scars, indicating some rough handling during transport. Plus, there’s a present oil coating across the weights at unboxing that will need cleaning before your first workout.

Thankfully, Living.Fit’s customer service is top-notch, so resolving any issues takes minimal time. “I had a major issue with shipping and delivery of the product. I had someone with customer service help me and keep me informed every step of the way while the issue was being resolved,” adds one positive customer review.

In terms of performance, these dumbbells work as any other high-quality rubber hex weight. There’s no rolling after a drop, and the handle is comfortable enough for extended use. 

“The chrome finish does require some extra upkeep to preserve the coating,” according to Jake Herod, NASM-CNC. You’ll need to regularly clean this component to alleviate any dust or rust build-up. For these reasons, we scored the handle at 3.5 out of 5. For those who don’t want to deal with this, go with the REP Fitness Rubber Coated Dumbbells.

Read our full Living.Fit Dumbbells Review.

Let’s face it — ordering dumbbells, especially at heavier weights, can be a drag. Like ordering the best bumper plates, you need to pay close attention to your shipping costs, which can sometimes end up as costly as the dumbbells themselves. These Amazon Basics Rubber Dumbbells, however, eliminate that potential headache thanks to the site’s convenient Prime shipping service. You can order weights ranging from 10 to 50 pounds without fearing those sky-high transport fees.

Additionally, we rated the shipping process at 4.5 out of 5, because, like your typical Amazon delivery, these dumbbells can arrive quickly to your doorstep. This can be great for budding athletes that have that initial spark of motivation for training and want to get started with workouts as soon as possible.

Now, we do recommend paying close attention to the orders, as the dumbbells are sold individually rather than in paired sets. Plus, the weight range is somewhat small when compared to the typical 5- to 100-pound ranges found with other dumbbells. 

Don’t get us wrong, you can still create a worthwhile setup with this range, especially if you’re just starting out in strength training, but we scored the weight range at 3.5 out of 5 because it is capped lower than others, making it less ideal for stronger or more advanced athletes.

Performance-wise, these Amazon Basics dumbbells feature a rubber hex head that can be great for keeping setups compact during training. You don’t need to worry about your weights rolling away in-between sets. The ergonomic handle also features a partial knurling strewn across the profile, which can help create a comfortable setup for your presses, pulls, and other movements.

While we appreciated the inclusion of a knurling pattern, some customers have stated that the passive texture can be somewhat underwhelming. “Even after just a little bit of sweat, I had trouble gripping these dumbbells,” says one customer. For these reasons, we rated the handle design at 4 out of 5.

Should these be your final dumbbells to round out your perfect home gym? Probably not — there are other options on the market with better handles and wider weight ranges. However, if you’re in need of a quick solution to your limited fitness equipment roster, you know that these are just a few clicks away (without any added shipping costs through Prime).

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 said. “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. 

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. Additionally, our tester stated that urethane is more capable of resisting dirt and grime than other rubber materials.

[Related: Rogue Dumbbells vs. REP Dumbbells]

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 the average $40 or $45 asking price. That said, REP offers these weights in an impressive range of up to 150 pounds, as well as seven available bundled sets.

Also, it’s hard to ignore the impressive warranty package that comes with these dumbbells. REP offers a lifetime warranty from defects in material, functionality, and workmanship for these weights.

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,” added 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.

[Related: Best Home Gym Flooring]