To Find the Best Dumbbells, We Tested 39 Top Options–These 14 Are Our Favorites

What to Look for When Buying Dumbbells

Choosing the right dumbbells depends on several factors, including your fitness level, training goals, and home gym setup. Consider each of these factors when shopping.

• Fitness Level: The weight and style of your dumbbells will depend on your current fitness level. Beginners typically find weights between 5 and 15 pounds suitable for basic workouts. As you advance and build strength, gradually increasing the weight ensures ongoing muscle challenge and growth.
• Training Goals: Selecting dumbbells that align with your training goals is essential because it ensures you can perform exercises at the appropriate intensity and volume. For example, if your goal is muscle building, heavier weights might be more suitable, whereas lighter weights are often preferred for endurance or toning workouts with higher repetitions. 
• Home Gym Setup: Optimizing your space and storage capacity is key when selecting the right dumbbells for your home gym setup. Consider your workout routine and other equipment you already have when shopping. This will help you determine the variety and quantity of dumbbells to purchase, optimizing your home gym setup.

What We've Updated

• Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best dumbbells, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested 7 additional dumbbells from top brands, for a total of 39 dumbbells tested. Based on our testing, we’ve evaluated each option for ease of use, ease of setup, adjustability, grip, storage, durability, and value, and included these new insights in our article. 
• Based on our testing insights, we’ve reworked our pick for Best Adjustable Dumbbells, and added three new superlatives, including Best Heavy Adjustable Dumbbells, Best Space-Saving Dumbbells, and Best Investment Adjustable Dumbbells.
• We consulted an additional expert, a certified personal trainer and strength coach, to oversee our second round of testing and to ensure we used the dumbbells properly. 

How We Tested the Dumbbells

To find the best dumbbells, we tested 39 top options in our Lab and at home, performing bicep curls, forward lunges, bench presses, and more. When testing dumbbells, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: Before lifting a single weight, we evaluate the ease of unboxing and assembling each dumbbell set. We note whether the dumbbells are ready to use immediately or if they require setup, timing how long it takes to go from the box to the workout. If assembly is required, we assess the clarity of the instructions and determine whether additional tools are needed. We give higher marks to dumbbells and storage units that are quick and hassle-free to put together.
• Ease of Use: First, we assess how easy, comfortable, and convenient each dumbbell is to use. For adjustable dumbbells, we also check how simple it is to switch between weight increments. We consider if the dumbbells feel secure, evenly distributed, and comfortable in our hands. We also take note of any additional features that enhance ease of use, such as storage racks, carrying cases, and more. 
• Adjustability: For adjustable dumbbells, we test how easy and intuitive it is to change weight settings during a workout. We check whether adjustments can be made one-handed or if both hands are needed, and time how long it takes to switch between weights. We also assess how user-friendly the adjustment mechanism is, prioritizing dumbbells that allow for quick, smooth, and frustration-free transitions. Dumbbells that feel complicated to adjust score lower in this category.
• Grip: As we perform upper and lower body exercises, we pay attention to how secure the dumbbells feel in our hands. We complete each exercise with dry hands and spray our hands with water to see how the grip holds up with wet hands. We prioritize dumbbells that feel safe and stable, regardless of their weight. 
• Durability: To test for durability, we drop each dumbbell from waist height onto rubber gym and concrete flooring. We then look for any signs of damage, from minor scratches to extensive dents. We give the highest scores to dumbbells that show no damage after this drop test, while those with significant damage receive lower ratings. 
• Storage: After our workout is complete, we evaluate each dumbbell set's footprint by considering the amount of square footage it occupies. We also consider the weight and size for portability and ease of handling. For this category, we note if the product comes with a carrying case or storage rack for added convenience. This approach helps us identify compact and practical options suitable for various home gym setups.
• Value: To assess value, we rate the dumbbells in all other key categories before looking at their price. Then, we consider if, given its performance in these categories, the product is actually worth its cost. We only recommend products that we would personally purchase or suggest to a friend.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some helped us better understand what key features to look for and avoid when shopping for high-quality dumbbells. Other experts were on site during our test to ensure safety and proper use of equipment. While we choose products independently, our experts help inform our decisions. 

• Noelle McKenzie, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York
• Stacey Dejesus, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer at Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York
• Kyrie Furr, CF-L2, USAW-L1, Precision Nutrition PN-1, performance coach at Athletic Lab in Morrisville, North Carolina
• Jaime Follows, BS, ACSM-CPT, EIM I, certified personal trainer and owner of TruFit Personal Training in Virginia
• Jamie Song, NASM-CPT, FRCms, certified personal trainer and functional range conditioning mobility specialist
• Alexis Dreiss, NASM-CPT, CFSC, certified personal trainer and functional strength coach 
• Kevin Leon, CPT, certified personal trainer and strength coach at Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles can you work with dumbbells?

You can work almost all of your muscles with dumbbells, which are among the most versatile pieces of equipment for resistance training, building muscle, and increasing strength. The options for dumbbell exercises range from upper- to lower-body moves.

Can I build muscle with dumbbells only?

Yes, research shows that resistance training with free weights, such as dumbbells, effectively promotes muscle hypertrophy (muscle growth) and strength gains, as long as you are intentional with your workouts.  To build muscle using only dumbbells, be sure to progressively overload your muscles with heavier weights or more repetitions over time. 

How heavy should my dumbbells be? 

Your dumbbells should be heavy enough that you can complete your desired number of reps with good form while still feeling challenged during the last few repetitions. A general guideline is to choose a weight you can lift for 8 to 12 reps before reaching fatigue for strength and muscle-building goals.

Are metal or rubber dumbbells better?

Rubber dumbbells are often safer and more durable for home use because they protect floors and reduce noise, while metal dumbbells are typically more compact and durable in the long term. The best option depends on your workout space, preferences, and whether you prioritize safety or minimalist design.

How often should you use dumbbells? 

Ideally, you should incorporate resistance training into your workout routine at least two days a week. As long as you allow 24 to 48 hours of rest between training a specific muscle or muscle group and use proper form, you can incorporate resistance training with dumbbells daily if desired.

How do you prevent injury when using dumbbells?

When using dumbbells, you can prevent injuries by learning proper form first and making sure you warm up properly. Practice the bodyweight version of the exercise before moving on to light dumbbells. After you have the form down, you can add more weight. Getting form advice from a personal trainer can help keep you safe and prevent injuries.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Amanda Berkey, M.Ed., is a Verywell Fit writer and former personal trainer with experience training clients privately and teaching group fitness classes. Amanda loves sharing her favorite workout equipment and nutrition products with her readers. Her current favorite dumbbells are Ethos’ Rubber Hex Set—they’re easy to stow away and provide the no-slip grip she’s looking for during tough workouts.

Additional reporting contributed by Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, and Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP

Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, is a certified personal trainer and health, fitness, and lifestyle writer dedicated to recommending trustworthy products and evidence-based practices to help readers achieve sustainable wellness. A lifelong athlete, runner, and certified personal trainer, she incorporates lifting weights into her fitness routine, often using free weights like dumbbells as a valuable modality for maintaining her health and injury prevention.

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and Verywell Fit fitness writer. She has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years. She uses dumbbells every day in her home gym and knows what works best for home fitness.

For this article, the authors interviewed experts and reviewed our testing insights to select our top picks.