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Including top dumbbell picks for toning, sculpting and bodybuilding. Hex Weights Kg/Lb
We updated this article in March 2023 to ensure all products vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute were in stock, available and reflected accurate pricing. We also added a new dumbbell set based on extensive testing.
No matter where you choose to work out, getting motivated to exercise starts with having the right resources and equipment. Dumbbells are an extremely versatile exercise tool that can help strengthen and tone practically every muscle in the body. A good quality set of dumbbells can help elevate your workout, improve your stamina and build muscle.
But a quality set of dumbbells doesn't come cheap, and you'll want something that can keep up with your workouts and not show wear and tear too quickly. That's why our fitness and engineering experts within the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab analyzed and tested dozens of dumbbells. With backgrounds in engineering, personal training and weight-lifting, our experts look at criteria that ensure top picks have ergonomic designs, durable materials and ideal weight distribution.
Our top picks for the best dumbbells keep function at top of mind, focusing on hexagonal bases for stability and comfortable dumbbell grip. We also took into account how these items may look stored in your home and their practicality. These are the best dumbbells to buy in 2023, according to fitness experts.
You can learn more about how we test dumbbells — including tips for selecting the best dumbbells for you — at the end of this guide. Looking for more equipment picks for your home gym? Check out our top-tested exercise bikes and treadmills, and try our beginner's guide to lifting weights for a stronger you.
A top performer in our tests, this well-designed dumbbell has a solid build and comes in sizes ranging from 10 to 70 lbs. Though they're sold as single dumbbells and not as a set, they still come at a budget-friendly price and are top quality. The heads are made from iron and are joined together by a steel chromed handle. The rubber coating on the heads can help reduce damage to flooring during your workouts and won't tear up any exercise mats. The hexagon-shaped head is ideal for workouts ranging from traditional strength training to bodybuilding. It's great for circuit training too and provides a stable foundation for exercises like dumbbell plank rows and pushups.
Our fitness pros found the handle to be ergonomic and say that the molded grip still feels comfortable even after a long lifting session. At a decent price point, this option from CAP checks all the boxes and since it comes in a variety of sizes it makes for a great addition to any home gym. Whether you're looking for beginner, intermediate or advanced strength training exercises to do at home, these dumbbells will keep up.
Available in weights from 5 to 40 pounds, these affordable dumbbells from Tru Grit are sold individually or can be purchased in pairs for additional savings. At a great price point, they still have all of the key features that we look for in a quality dumbbell, including a solid build, hexagonal heads that are coated in rubber and a molded ergonomic handle.
Our experts point out that the lighter dumbbells up to 10 lbs have a handle diameter of 25 mm, whereas the heavier dumbbells over 12.5 lbs have a larger 35 mm diameter which is a small difference but may help to strengthen forearms and grip. Amazon reviewers gave the dumbbells an overall 4.6 out of 5 stars, with many saying that they were very good value for the price.
Our fitness pros were pleasantly surprised by this affordable fixed dumbbell that kept up in intense lifting sessions. The dumbbell is available in both a cast iron or rubber-encased version. We greatly prefer the rubber-encased option, especially if you are working out at home. The rubber helps prevent damage to flooring or exercise mats and the hexagonal shape is ideal for stability during your workout — and of course, so they don't roll away between sets.
When we put them to the test, we found them to be durable, comfortable to hold through different functional movements and not overly cumbersome like some other dumbbells we tested. Amazon reviewers agree, giving the dumbbells an overall 4.7 out of 5 rating with over 43,000 reviews. They are sold as a single dumbbell and come in sizes ranging from 20 to 50 lbs making them ideal for intermediate athletes.
Although our experts prefer rubber-encased dumbbell heads for home workouts, you may prefer a fully cast iron design. Cast iron dumbbells tend to chip easily and can also damage flooring so this is something to keep in mind if you're purchasing them for your home gym. That being said, it can be hard to find dumbbells at higher weights that are rubber encased so this choice may be just what you need if you're planning to lift some serious weight. The hexagonal head shape is great for stability too.
CAP delivers again on this choice that is available from 5 lbs all the way up to 120 lbs, accommodating a wide variety of exercise levels and fitness goals. You can buy the dumbbells in singles or pairs which is another added perk.
These neoprene-coated dumbbells from Amazon are sold in sets of two and come in a variety of weight sizes from 1 lb to 20 lbs, making them an excellent option for beginners. In our testing, the overall design and weight distribution worked well in different types of workouts, but we found them best for toning and sculpting sessions like barre workouts and Pilates for beginners. We found them to have a secure grip that was comfortable during a variety of exercises, and the neoprene material helped them stay in place when doing complex movements like weighted donkey kicks.
Testers appreciated the vibrant colors that look nice in your home even when they aren't in use. Another key feature that our fitness pros point out is the hexagonal shape which prevents them from rolling away. With an overall 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon from over 77,000 reviewers, this pick is a perfect addition to any home gym.
Available as a single or pair of dumbbells, the SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells by Bowflex have 4.8 out of 5 stars on Walmart and are a favorite among the fitness pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute. In general, adjustable dumbbells aren't as solid as regular dumbbells and can move or shift a bit during workouts, but their space-saving benefits make them appealing for many home gyms.
We especially appreciate how easy it is to transition between weights with the dial. Some of the components aren't super stable given the nature of an adjustable dumbbell, but the weight distribution is decent, the grip is pretty comfortable and the dumbbells feel relatively solid during traditional strength training exercises and even more intense cross-training movements such as snatches. They have 15 weight increments ranging from 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs to accommodate any workout. You have to line them up in the base to change the weight, but that is relatively standard for most adjustable dumbbells.
You can also download the JRNY app to connect your dumbbells with the motion tracking app. After you download the app, you can select which dumbbells you have and even indicate your workout preferences. You'll get real-time voice-assistant coaching, plus the app counts reps and can tell you how much weight you need for the next movement.
This high-quality adjustable dumbbell set comes at a more affordable price than others on the market, and we still found them easy to use and quickly adjust in our tests. The handle is well-cushioned and this space-saving option is perfect for any home gym since you essentially get five different dumbbells in one. The nature of this being an adjustable dumbbell does make it less stable than a fixed option, and re-racking the plates can sometimes take a second to properly line up.
This option adjusts up to 27.5 lbs which is a great option for beginners and intermediate athletes, but Ativafit also makes options that go up to 44 lbs and 55 lbs if you're looking to lift heavier. The look is sleek and features a base to rack and protect the floor. You can purchase the dumbbells individually or as a pair.
These adjustable dumbbells had a quicker and smoother transition when changing the weights compared to all other adjustable models we tested, making them great if you enjoy fast-paced HITT workouts that require speedy weight changes. What's more, the grip is secure and comfortable to hold, there are a variety of weights to choose from and our tester found the weights weren't too bulky. In fact, these dumbbells have a rather sleek design that's equally efficient.
One 5-five star Amazon review writes, "I’m trying to exercise more and build muscle and these weights are perfect. They’re easy to grip and don’t hurt my palms like other dumbbells do. Don’t roll and are easy to store too!" Other happy online reviews agree that the dumbbells don't take up too much space and are a great alternative to buying multiple sets of free weights.
As with all adjustable dumbbells on this list, you will have to align the plates properly in the base to successfully adjust the weight. While this can take time and precision, these dumbbells make the transition a whole lot faster.
Since CAP dumbbells were a top performer in our tests, it's no wonder we also like the brand's set that comes with a vertical rack. At a decent price point, you'll get five pairs of dumbbells ranging from 5 to 25 lbs and a rack for storing the weights. Just keep in mind that the set ships in multiple boxes.
Not only are you getting premium quality dumbbells that are well-constructed and durable, but the included rack also has a few special features. We like the A-frame design since it saves space in your home gym, and the rubber inserts on the rack itself can help prevent scratches on the dumbbells.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab, we conduct our own assessments to evaluate the safety, durability and other performance metrics of dumbbells. Lead by Good Housekeeping's Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman, our engineers review and repeat select tests to assess stability and safety. We also weigh the dumbbells to make sure there are no major inaccuracies and perform drop testing on them to make sure that they stay intact, which can be a likely scenario if you accidentally drop a dumbbell during your workout.
Our fitness pros assess how ergonomic the handles are and how easily the dumbbells move with the body. We look at the overall shape and weight distribution, assess wear and tear over time and also assess the stability of the dumbbells in certain positions.
In addition to expert evaluation, we have a panel of consumer testers test the dumbbells and provide feedback on ease of use and functionality. Key things testers are surveyed on include grip, shape, size and overall quality.
When determining which dumbbells are right for you, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:
The type of dumbbells you ultimately purchase will be determined by the types of workouts you typically engage in. Other factors to consider are where you plan to do the workouts and the types of exercises you'll typically be performing. Stability is also key, and a hexagonal dumbbell is typically ideal as it won't roll.
Another important factor to consider is whether you want a fixed dumbbell or an adjustable dumbbell set. Adjustable dumbbells are space-saving, making them perfect for apartments and smaller home gyms. But they tend to not be as stable or compact as regular fixed dumbbells. If you have the space, a fixed dumbbell set is ideal and you can consider purchasing a dumbbell rack to store them in if you have the space in your home gym.
The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, but we typically prefer rubber-encased dumbbells from a safety and function perspective. If you plan to work out at home, you'll want to make sure that your dumbbells are safe on floors and other surfaces. Rubber materials are often ideal as they won't scratch floors. Rubber is also typically much quieter if you're lifting a dumbbell on and off the ground. Another plus is that a rubber dumbbell head won't get slippery and provides a good grip, which can be a major safety factor to consider during your workouts.
Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Stefani uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She regularly uses dumbbells of all sizes, ranging from heavier ones during high-intensity CrossFit workouts to smaller weights for barre classes. She's seen firsthand just how much strength training has transformed her fitness and says that it's never too late to start a weightlifting routine.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
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