We wield the best adjustable dumbbells in 2026

Transform your home workouts with the best adjustable dumbbells on the market right now.

A pair of the best adjustable dumbbells can help you in more ways than one. If you’re looking to set up a home gym, you’ll need a selection of weights that cover a useful range and enable you to do a large number of exercises.

However, trying to cover this range with individual dumbbells will not only take up a significant amount of floorspace, but it’ll burn a significant hole in your wallet too.

So investing in a set of adjustable dumbbells makes a lot of sense if you want a relatively small and inexpensive set-up. The initial outlay may seem expensive, but as long as you choose the right set, it should cover your lifting needs for a long tie to come.

Best adjustable dumbbells at a glance

Best adjustable dumbbells overall	The Nuobell 232 Adjustable Dumbbells are the best we tested. A seamless adjustment mechanism, slick aesthetic and rattle-free design makes Nuobell the standout adjustable dumbbell set. You have the option to buy a stand on which to store the weights, too, which – if you have the room – means you can pick them up and set them down from waist height. Plus they are the only dumbbells on test available in a range of colors!
Best adjustable dumbbell for ease of use	The slider selection system on the Primal Strength Personal Series 34kg dumbbell (buy now) is a breeze to use and the handles stay comfortable throughout long workouts. Not bad, given it has a 21-weight range to train with. It also has the largest weight range on test, topping out at 34kg/75lb.
Best adjustable dumbbells for beginners	The Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell (buy now) has well and truly knocked the NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells (buy now) off its perch here. At almost a third of the price you get five basic bells that will get you started on your fitness journey.
Best adjustable dumbbells for quick adjustments	With a robust build, wide weight range and quick-change dial system, the Bowflex SelectTech 552i (buy now) is pretty hard to beat. We’re not sure it’s the most robust design, however.
Best adjustable dumbbells for small spaces	At 42cm long per dumbbell, the MuscleSquad 5kg – 32.5kg Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell (buy now) offers the most compact unit we tested. The max weight of 32.5kg is the second heaviest on test, too, so this is a very good option if space is at a premium but you still want to lift heavy.
Best adjustable dumbbell workout app	Far and away the best companion workout app belongs to the JAXJOX DumbbellConnect (buy now). The weights carry a maximum of 22.6kg, which will likely leave more experienced gym-goers wanting more, but the JAXJOX app offers a wealth of follow-along workout options, as well as some useful metrics based on your training.
Most robust adjusting mechanism	The dovetail design and internal adjustment ring on the Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbell is so solid, the company offers a 1,000x multi-angle drop guarantee.
Best-value adjustable dumbbell	This sub-£200 pair of Braingain adjustable dumbbells might be from a relatively little known fitness company but they surpassed my expectations, with a faultless adjusting mechanism and a useful 24kg top end.

These are the best adjustable dumbbells in 2026

1. Nuobell 232 Adjustable Dumbbells

There’s no other way to say it: the Nuobell is simply the best adjustable dumbbell system we’ve had the pleasure of testing.

A seamless twist of the handles allow you to cycle between the different weights in an instant, and there’s no rattling around of weight plates when you’re lifting. The handles have a decent amount of grip (though if there’s one small gripe it’s that it could be slightly better during high-intensity exercises).

All in all, this is a stylish and minimalist set of weights that marries good looks with unparalleled practicality.

• Read more: Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells review

2. Primal Strength Personal Series Adjustable Dumbbell Pair

A high-quality, versatile set of dumbbells for any home gym user – with a best-in-test 34kg max weight per dumbbell. Over a nearly 30kg/65lb range, you get a substantial 21 different weights to work with. That should satisfy even the most experienced weight trainer.

They’re longer than most adjustable dumbbells, but the slider selection system is a breeze to use and the handles stay comfortable throughout long workouts.

• Read more: Primal Strength Personal Series 34kg review

3. NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells

For a brand better known for its cardio equipment, NordicTrack has made an impressive step into the world of weights with its Select-A-Weight Dumbbells. We found them to be a breeze to use and pleasantly compact – 49.2cm long is the second smallest unit in this list.

The content available on the partner iFit app could be better, and the 25kg/55lb max weight won’t be enough for some, but ultimately $399 for a pair of high-quality adjustable dumbbells is very good value.

• Read more: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells review

4. MuscleSquad 5kg – 32.5kg Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell

With 12 adjustment settings over a 60.6lb / 27.5kg range, this MuscleSquad adjustable dumbbell set gives you plenty of options to fine-tune your workouts. To adjust, simply place the dumbbell on the included dock, turn the dial to your desired weight and start lifting.

Its handle is soft and textured for a comfortable grip, and the gripping mechanism works smoothly and securely. At 42cm long per adjustable dumbbell, these are the most compact weights we tested, so if space is at a premium these will be your best option.

• Read more: MuscleSquad 5kg – 32.5kg Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell review

5. BowFlex SelectTech 552i Dumbbells

BowFlex’s rubber and steel grip is well designed for more explosive exercises and fast-paced HIIT-style workouts. You can move from 2kg/4.4lb to 24kg/52.5lb with the simple twist of a dial, and there’s a tray to store the weights and drop them back when you need to add or lose some plates.

BowFlex also offers on-demand strength classes via its JRNY app, so you can put the dumbbells to work with prescribed workouts.

The construction is heavy on the plastic, though, so if you like to chuck your weights around (though generally not advisable for any adjustable dumbbell), you’ll want something a bit more robust.

• Read more: BowFlex SelectTech 552i review

6. JAXJOX DumbbellConnect

With a digital docking station, the JAXJOX DumbbellConnect is an impressive bit of kit, using a USB-powered digital dock for weight selection and a companion app to suggest exercises and track progress. Just sync the app for real-time data such as reps, weight, sets, time, average power and total volume.

These dumbbells do the basics well, too – including a robust design, comfortable grooved handles and secure locking plates.

Just remember to keep the dock charged, or you won’t be able to change weights.

• Read more: JAXJOX DumbbellConnect review

7. Braingain 24kg Adjustable Dumbbells

These sub-£200 dumbbells surpassed my (admitted low) expectations. With a light twist of the wrist, the selecting mechanisms turned single-handedly – their smooth operation makes them a pleasure to use. With a flick of the wrist you can go from the lightest weight – 2.5kg (just the bell with no plates) – to the full 24kg in 14 clockwise rotations. Overall quality is pretty good and there’s a handy two-year warranty, lots of workout inspiration on the FIIT app and at 39 x 20 x 23cm they are one of the most compact adjustable dumbbell options around.

8. Snode AD80 80lb Adjustable Dumbbells

I’m a big fan of the dovetail design of these plates on the AD80 from Snode. Not only does it form part of one of the most robust changing mechanisms I’ve used, it also creates a snug fit between plates so there’s no rattling as you use them. The 10lb to 80lb range covers most of my needs, and additional magnetic weight plates let me micro-adjust my chosen weight. (You’ll need to buy these extra plates separately, or in a package that costs around $60 more.)

That internal changing ring is well protected, and Snode’s 1,000x drop protection promise should inspire confidence that these bells will last. The 1.4in knurled chrome handle felts comfortable throughout my workouts and changing weights in the cradle is quick and intuitive. Build quality overall is good, which is reflected in that fairly high price. If you can find these on offer, I’d say snap them up!

9. Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell

If, like me, you’re not so fussed about wielding the best brands of free weights in your hands, the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell is well worth a go. As long as you have a foolproof and robust adjusting mechanism (check), is there really much else you need? These bells (you’ll need to buy two individually) feature a compact tray and footprint and a simple – and quite slick – design. Granted, it might not be long before you out grow them, with a 25lb max weight, but if you’re starting out, I really don’t think you’ll find five better weights for $75.

Best adjustable dumbbells compared

Frequently asked questions about adjustable dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells vs fixed dumbbells

It goes without saying that adjustable dumbbells offer more flexibility and versatility than fixed dumbbells. There are various types of adjustable dumbbells available, including the classic plate dumbbells that use a removable collar to add and take off weights.

These can be time consuming to adjust, though, which can interrupt your workout. So we’ve concentrated on the best proper adjustable dumbbells – ones that allow you to change weights on the fly.

This lets you get on with the serious business of nailing your reps and getting the right amount of rest between sets and exercises. It also allows you to decrease or increase the resistance in manageable increments to finesse your workout.

How to use adjustable dumbbells

Once you’ve chosen your adjustable dumbbells, just select your weight and you’re good to go. To begin with, you can use adjustable dumbbells as you would a standard set of dumbbells. But by using their entire range you can quickly tap into a wealth of exercises in one workout.

Adjustable dumbbells are also a good choice for drop sets. Drop sets are when you work your way down to a lighter weight after using a higher weight in order to increase intensity/fatigue. Adjustable dumbbells mean less interruption between switching weights than fixed dumbbells – ideal for when you’re doing a fast-paced dumbbell HIIT workout.

By incorporating smart training techniques such as changes in tempo or time under tension, you can use your adjustable dumbbells in an almost infinite variety of ways. So you can build just as much muscle as you can with more substantial fitness kit – often more efficiently, and definitely more cost-effectively.

What makes a good adjustable dumbbell?

Before choosing adjustable dumbbells, consider the kind of best dumbbell exercises you intend to use them for. Are you going for heavy-weight strength gains, or looking to get leaner with some high-rep conditioning?

If you’re just starting out with full-body dumbbell workouts, you’ll probably be tempted to go lighter. Bear in mind that you will get stronger and be able to lift heavier weights as you progress, though. So before long a maximum weight of 20kg, say, may not be enough to continue seeing improvements.

Look for adjustable dumbbells with a simple, intuitive selection mechanism, and a wide weight range to give room for progression. Ideally you want a large number of adjustments between the highest and lowest weights, giving you a wide range of options and smaller jumps between weights.

Handle design plays a big part in comfort so look for adjustable dumbbells with wide handles with soft, knurled or patterned grips. The dumbbell’s footprint is worth considering if storage is an issue, and waist-level stands can make changing weights more comfortable too.

Dumbbells vs barbells

Both dumbbells and barbells are versatile tools for full-body workouts. But dumbbells offer the additional advantage of being more practical to use regardless of space compared to barbells.

Once you’ve chosen the dumbbells you’ll be using, you can complete an excellent full-body dumbbell workout in a relatively small area. A barbell requires a much larger area owing to the length of the barbell, as well as the rack required to use it correctly and safely.

How we tested the best adjustable dumbbells

Our testers – ex-MF editor Isaac Williams, David Thomas, Chris Smith, Laurence McJannet and Lee Bell – are experienced product reviewers of all manner of fitness kit. They tested these adjustable dumbbells at various weights and through a range of exercises at high rep ranges to see how they handle. They marked each one for grip, comfort and weight range, and gave an overall score that takes build quality, performance and price into consideration.

Our testers were on the lookout for decent ergonomics and comfortable contact points. Handle design is important so our reviewers paid particular attention to detail here too.

The best way to test the effectiveness of each adjustable dumbbell is to use them for the most popular dumbbell exercises – and that’s exactly what our reviewers did. They used them for overhead presses, deadlifts, floor presses, snatches, clean and presses, goblet squats, farmer’s carries, rows and curls – to name a few.

• November 2025: DMoose 2-in-1 adjustable dumbbell and barbell removed as no longer available.
• December 2025: Snode AD80 Adjustable Dumbbell added to main guide and to summary box. Main image replaced.
• February 2026: Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell added to main guide, and has replaced the NordicTrack in the summary box
• April 2026: Braingain 24kg dumbbells added to buyers guide; new format implemented, with schema specs and comparison tables, FAQs and at-a-glance box.
• May 2026: Prices checked, FAQs added as H2 with jump points.

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