The Best Dumbell Sets
For home workouts, dumbbells can be an integral part of any lifting routine. Despite being accessible and straightforward, these are a favorite of bodybuilders and newbies alike. They’re relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and a great starting point for a home gym. If you’re looking to stock up on workout equipment and aren’t sure where to start, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of the best dumbbells on the market so you can spend less time shopping and more time getting your pump on.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best dumbbells on the market, we considered design, price, max weight, and add-ons. For example, if you want a full dumbbell set with an added storage rack, you should check out the 150-pound dumbbell set from Cap. And if you prefer something with a modern adjustable design, the Yes4All adjustable dumbbell set may be more your speed. Keep reading to find the dumbbell set that’s right for you.
Portzon Neoprene Dumbbell Set
Fire up your fitness
If you’re new to the world of working out and you want to ease into things, picking up a set of these dumbbells is a great way to start. These dumbbells come in several different colors and are available in weights up to 15 pounds. They’re sold in pairs, so each purchase only includes two dumbbells, but they have a low initial cost so it’s perfect for first-time buyers. If you’re a beginner, these affordable, low-weight dumbbells are a great entry point to a lifetime of fitness.
Pros:
- The neoprene coating helps prevent the dumbbell from slipping in your hand or rolling on the ground, so they’re safer than a lot of traditional designs.
- Despite the colorful exterior, these dumbbells are made with cast iron so they’re extremely durable.
Cons:
- For experienced lifters, the maximum weights available might not cut it.
Cap 150-Pound Dumbbell Set with Rack
Organization for motivation
If you’re looking to take the plunge and get a whole dumbbell setup for your home gym, you should consider getting one with a storage rack for easy access. Leaving unattended dumbbells on the ground can be unsightly and it’s also an easy way to stub your toe, so having a rack is a great way to organize your weights. This set comes with pairs of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25-pound rubber hex dumbbells, so it’s great for beginners who want to do a lot of reps with a lower weight. Best of all, these dumbbells are made with solid iron and steel, so they’re just about as tough as they come.
Pros:
- The hex design lets dumbbells sit freely without rolling away, and the rubber exterior is softer than the traditional iron so it’s easier to set down without making a loud noise.
- The rubber inserts on the rack prevent scratching on the dumbbells, so you can keep your weights in pristine condition.
Cons:
- Out of the box, the rubbery material may emit a smell for a couple of days before the odor dissipates.
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Twist to lift
If you’re looking for an adjustable dumbbell set that’s made for the modern age, look no further. This versatile design allows you to switch your weight level with just the twist of a handle, no more swapping out plates and twisting on a collar. Plus, this comes with options for both 25- and 55-pound maximum weights. Whether you’re a beginner or you want some serious curling power, this adjustable dumbbell set has something for everyone.
Pros:
- This design allows you to select your ideal weight in increments of five pounds, so it’s convenient for working your way up and getting stronger.
- This set has a built-in safety mechanism to prevent plates from sliding off, so you can trust its strength even at higher weights.
Cons:
- This set is fairly expensive, though the quality and efficiency are worth it for those that require heavier weights.
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
More bang for your buck
If you want an adjustable dumbbell set that won’t break the bank, this set from Amazon Basics is a great affordable option. This stripped-down weight set is about as simple as it gets. It comes with two dumbbells, four plates at 2.5 pounds each, four plates at 5 pounds each, and four collars to secure the weights. Altogether, the equipment is 38 pounds. Even though the weights aren’t that heavy, the adjustable design makes it worth it since you can mix and match plates for different weights. With such a great price tag, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bargain than this.
Pros:
- This set comes with a durable carrying case that makes it easy to store or transport the weights.
- With the adjustable plates, you essentially get an entire dumbbell set of weights for the price of one.
Cons:
- The threads are a bit rough, so those with sensitive hands may want to use weightlifting gloves.
Nice C Dumbbell Set
Hold on tight
Getting a good grip can be the hardest part of training with dumbbells. The typical steel rod design is great for strength but usually requires lifting gloves to get a good grip. If you’re looking for an adjustable dumbbell set that has a built-in handle grip, this may be the purchase for you. This set features a handle grip that’s soft, anti-slip, and waterproof. It even has an attachable barbell arm to connect the dumbbells for barbell workouts. It may not look like it, but this is one of the most versatile dumbbell sets out there, period.
Pros:
- The weights are covered in rubber to protect your floor and prevent any scratches or dents to other weights.
- The weight bar has a deep groove threaded design to make sure you can twist the collar bolt on nice and tight every time.
Cons:
- Some of the pieces are plastic, so they’re not quite as durable as all-metal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between dumbbells and barbells?
The main difference is that dumbbells have shorter bars and barbells have longer bars. Typically lifters curl dumbbells in pairs, one in each hand, with smaller weights on each end of both dumbbells. Barbells are made with one long bar that carries weight on both ends and is meant to be lifted with both hands.
Are dumbbells just for doing curls?
No. In fact, there are tons of exercises that use dumbbells. You can do squats, deadlifts, farmer’s walks, benchpresses, and more. Curls are a very popular option, but they’re hardly the only choice.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.