One final note worth mentioning, straight from the pros: no matter what type of workout you’re doing, you should always Make sure the weight is balanced with an equal number of plates on each side (and if you’re using two dumbbells, that they’re locked at the same weights, too). Otherwise, you risk injury.
How we test dumbbells
It’s hard to know whether a product’s promises in its marketing materials are legitimate, so our experienced testers use the equipment before recommending it. Check out our full aptitude test methodology to take a look at all the factors we considered, but in the meantime, here are some qualities our testers keep in mind when they’re pumping adjustable irons:
Durability
When you invest in gym equipment, you want it to last, so durability is essential. While adjustable dumbbells are generally less durable than fixed weights, the ones we recommend are made from durable materials like iron, which will ensure they last over time.
The ACE Factor
In other words, “adjustability, customization, and ergonomics.” All of these factors come into play to make a product easier (and more enjoyable) to use, and any piece of gym equipment we recommend should check all of these boxes. For adjustable dumbbells, testers scored based on how easy it was to swap out the weighted plates (and how customizable the weights were; the more increment options, the better) and how easy and comfortable the dumbbells were to hold during a workout.
Footprint
No one wants a huge piece of workout equipment in the middle of their living room, so we pay close attention to the overall size of whatever we’re testing. One of the biggest selling points for adjustable dumbbells is that they take up minimal space, so the smaller they’re stored, the higher our testers rate them.
Frequently Asked Questions
To summarize some of the most important information about choosing the best adjustable weights, we share some of the most frequently asked questions:
How much do adjustable dumbbells cost?
You can find a great set of adjustable dumbbells in any price range — our list ranges from $80 to nearly $800. Generally speaking, the heavier a dumbbell is, the more expensive it will be, because it requires more plates. The quality of the materials will also influence how much something costs — more durable weights made of steel tend to be more expensive than those made of plastic.
This list has some excellent budget-friendly options, but remember that investing a little more can give you a set with a longer lifespan and the ability to do more varied workouts.
Is it possible to build muscle with dumbbells?
“You can build muscle with adjustable dumbbells just as well, if not better, than standard dumbbells,” Suddell confirms. After all, “weight is weight,” she says.
How much do adjustable dumbbells usually weigh?
Most adjustable dumbbells come with a barbell that weighs 2.5 to 5 pounds and plates with weights in 2.5, 5, and 10-pound increments (you can also find options with heavier and lighter bars and plates, but the best options usually fall within this range).
You can mix and match these plates as you please. The lightest weight option will always be the barbell alone, and the heaviest will be when all the plates are used together. Our list of the best adjustable dumbbells includes a range of maximum weights, from 30 to 90 pounds.
How do adjustable dumbbells work?
Adjustable dumbbells come with a single “bell” and multiple weight plates that can be added or subtracted depending on your workout. Some weights require you to manually swap plates, while others make the process as easy as turning a knob or flipping a switch.
What is the difference between adjustable dumbbells and fixed dumbbells?
A fixed dumbbell is just that: fixed. It has a bar with one weight. On the other hand, adjustable dumbbells use plates to allow you to switch between multiple weights on a single bar.
With reporting by Sarah Madaus.
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