The 8 Best Dumbbells For Home Workouts, Tested By Fitness Newbies and Experts
Dumbbells are the most important piece of home gym equipment—period.
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If you don't have a gym membership or just want the convenience of strength training at home whenever motivation strikes, investing in a new set of dumbbells is a smart move. The best dumbbells come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and some even feature advanced technology to enhance your resistance training (more on that later). But here’s the thing: all the best dumbbells share a few key traits—they’re super durable, easy to grip, and versatile enough for all kinds of workouts.
The best dumbbell sets will allow you to strength-train toward your goals. Period. “Dumbbells can be used for a variety of workouts," says Melissa Hendrix Wogahn, CSCS, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and exercise physiologist. "Whether you’re looking for a HIIT-type of workout with lighter weight combined with short bouts of intense cardio moves, a muscle strength power workout using heavier weight with lower reps, or a workout focusing on muscle endurance with lighter weight and more repetitions, dumbbells work well."
To kickstart your search for the perfect dumbbells, focus on quality and don't be afraid to start with lighter weights, advises Hayden Steele, CPT, a strength coach and creator of the Shock fitness app. When you get stronger (because you will, trust!) you can always add more, he says.
Best dumbbells
What to consider
Type
Standard or adjustable? It all comes down to your space, budget, and fitness goals. For most, adjustable dumbbells are the way to go. They save space, offer scalability by allowing you to adjust the weight for every exercise, and are often more affordable than a full set of fixed-weight dumbbells. However, if you're new to strength training and usually stick to the same weights at the gym, investing in adjustable dumbbells might not be necessary. For beginners, a couple of fixed-weight dumbbells that match what you use at the gym can be more than enough and a budget-friendly choice.
Weight
If this is your first foray into dumbbells, it’s best to choose a weight that you can lift for 8 to 12 reps, advises Wogahn. “Keep in mind, though, that each exercise may require a different weight, so this is why investing in a set can be helpful,” she explains. When you can perform two to three sets of eight to 12 reps, it’s time to level-up. “Try five pounds and see how that feels," she adds. When you do, be sure to decrease the reps and sets, then build back up to two to three sets of eight to twelve reps.
Material
Your muscles may be burning, but your hands don't have to. Take into consideration how the dumbbells feel in your hand, adds Hendrix Wogahn. Different materials offer various benefits: neoprene dumbbells provide extra traction and are comfortable to hold, while rubber-coated dumbbells are durable and protect floors from damage. Metal dumbbells, particularly those with knurled handles, can enhance grip, although the knurling may feel rough on your hands initially. Knurled handles can be particularly beneficial for maintaining a secure grip during sweaty or intense workouts, even if they cause some discomfort at first (your hands will get used to it faster than you think). It's also a good idea to pay attention to the size of the grip—dumbbells should fit comfortably in your hands without feeling too large or too small. (The average diameter of a dumbbell handle typically ranges from 1 inch to 1.5 inches.)
Storage
Quality dumbbells don't have to take up your entire home gym. When considering storage, focus on the dimensions and storage features of the dumbbells. Many sets come with their own racks, making organization easy. If your space is limited, adjustable dumbbells are a great option due to their compact design. Wherever you choose to stash them, the key is to ensure your weights are stored safely and out of the way of foot traffic, advises Wogahn.
Price
If you're new to strength training, we recommend starting out small with a single pair of standard dumbbells in a weight you're comfortable with. "Dumbbells are priced according to the pounds or kilograms per dumbbell, so a set of five-pound weights will be cheaper than 10-pound weights, so only purchase the dumbbells that fit within your strength profile or align with your fitness goals," says Steele.
Adjustable dumbbells are our top recommendation for most people because they offer versatility and more affordability if you plan to strength train long-term, making them perfect for a wide range of users. However, if you have the extra space and money to invest, a dedicated set of rubber or iron hex dumbbells could be a fantastic addition to your home gym, providing a more traditional and durable option for your workouts in the long run.
How we tested and selected
Women’s Health editors, including our fitness editor Talene Appleton, NASM, executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos, NASM, deputy editor Amanda Lucci, and more, have tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated dumbbells at home, gyms, and fitness studios. Our team also consulted multiple certified personal trainers for their expert insights and experiences.
Each dumbbell was rigorously tested across various categories, including design, durability, functionality, and effectiveness. We put them through their paces with three types of exercises a minimum of 10 sets and 100 reps: explosive moves like swings and cleans, multi-joint strength exercises like bench presses and Romanian deadlifts, and accessory motions like biceps curls and lateral raises. (Minus the Bala Bars, which we tested for accessory exercises and mat Pilates only.) To test durability, we dropped each dumbbell from a standard bench and monitored for signs of rust over three months.
Below, you’ll find our 2024 list of the eight best dumbbells for a wide range of skill levels, workout preferences, and budgets.
Talene Appleton is the fitness editor at Women’s Health, where she covers all things fitness, nutrition, and healthy living. She studied nutrition and exercise science at George Washington University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant. Passionate about the intersections between fitness, food, and community, she strives to foster inclusive and holistic wellness narratives for underrepresented populations. When not writing, she can be found hosting dinner parties and exploring new wellness and culinary experiences around New York and Los Angeles. Prior to her role at Women’s Health, she was the fitness and commerce editor at Men’s Health and contributed to General Surgery News, The Food Institute, and The Nessie.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
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