With a digital docking station and performance tracking app, these JaxJox adjustable dumbbells are an impressive bit of kit, writes David Thomas.

Looking to add some of the best adjustable dumbbells to your home gym? Here’s how the smart and simple-to-use JaxJox DumbbellConnect performed on test.

Men’s Fitness verdict

JaxJox hasn’t overcomplicated things despite its tech-heavy dumbbells. Set-up is quick and easy, thanks to clear instructions. Simply choose your weight digitally and start lifting.
Pros
  • Quick and easy to change weight
  • Smart features with app connectivity
Cons
  • Dumbbells have to be charged before use
  • Dock’s screen can be difficult to see clearly

How we tested the best adjustable dumbbells

Our tester David Thomas is an experienced product reviewer of all manner of fitness kit. He tested this adjustable dumbbell at various weights and through a range of exercises at high rep ranges to see how it handles, assessing it in terms of grip, comfort, and weight range. He then provided an overall score, taking build quality, performance and price into consideration.

JaxJox adjustable dumbbell and digital docking station
An LED screen on the docking station lets you select and release your weights

JaxJox 22.6kg DumbbellConnect Dumbbells features

These represent a new breed of digital dumbbells: using USB-powered digital weight selection and a companion app to suggest exercises and track progress. If you’re sceptical about the ‘digital dumbbell’ concept, you’re not alone. After all, they’re dumbbells. But JaxJox’s creation is worth a try.

On the base of the sleek docking station, you’ll find a small LED screen, which displays the weight. In eight 2.7kg increments, you can adjust from 3.6kg up to 22.6kg – so no more manual loading of the plates between sets. Simply choose your weight digitally and you can start lifting – whether you’re opting for a full-body dumbbell workout or targeting a specific area.

JaxJox 22.6kg DumbbellConnect Dumbbells performance

Syncing the subscription-based companion app gives you real-time data such as reps, weight, sets, time, average power and total volume. Although the dumbbell’s main selling point is the digital features, I found its ability to do the basics reassuring. I like the slick and robust design, and they felt secure in my hands while working through a range of dumbbell exercises. The plates lock smoothly and securely into the dock, and the handle is grooved for a comfortable, stable grip.

JaxJox hasn’t overcomplicated things despite its tech-heavy dumbbells. Set-up is quick and easy, thanks to clear instructions. After charging the docking station, you just have to load on the plates and handles, choose your weight and you’re ready to tackle a dumbbell-only upper-body workout or dumbbell abs workout.

The fact that you can’t change the weight once the dock has run out of charge is its main drawback. However, a full charge lasted us a good week (that will of course vary based on how often you use them), so it’s easy to keep it topped up.