Chances are you have a pair of dumbbells and a barbell at home if you are a fitness enthusiast.
We also bet that you wish you had a different weight range when you perform specific exercises with them.
Meet adjustable dumbbells. Purchasing a set of adjustable dumbbells might be just the thing you need for your home gym.
Many of us are still working out at home, and having various dumbbells at our disposal is a must. Here we’ll take you through some of our favorites on the market and what to look for when purchasing adjustable dumbbells.
Like always, here at The Fitness Tribe, we have all of the details to make your home gym top-notch. Once you’re finished with this article, hop over to our dumbbell-only workouts and get started.
What are Adjustable Dumbbells?
You might be wondering what exactly is an adjustable dumbbell and is it worth buying?
Sets of adjustable dumbbells are dumbbells that allow you to take weight plates off to change the dumbbell’s weight range.
While many people prefer to use regular dumbbells at the gym, an adjustable dumbbell set at home is more cost-efficient than buying several sets of traditional dumbbells at different weight ranges. For one thing, most people don’t have the space to hold many various dumbbells.
If you’re like most of us, you exercise in your living room and then have to move everything to the side.
Adjustable dumbbells don’t take up much space, and you get a variety of weight options. It’s like a win-win!
We’re rating it high as some of the best calisthenics equipment you can buy for at-home fitness.
Adjustable Dumbbell Guidelines
When shopping on the internet for some adjustable dumbbells, there are some things you want to keep in mind before making your purchase.
We’ll go through them for you. We’re so nice.
Price
Price always comes first, but it’s because the price matters quite a bit. Sometimes a high price might not mean it’s a better product either, so we want to make sure you aren’t overspending.
When it comes to adjustable dumbbells, the price range is vast, and some can be pretty expensive.
Keep in mind that they allow you only to require one set of dumbbells rather than buying several pairs separately. In the end, an adjustable dumbbell set is more cost-effective for that reason.
Take a look at some of the other qualities we value and make sure the price matches those qualities. If so, we say purchase!
Design
This is also a crucial element to your adjustable dumbbell.
Comfort and ergonomics are essential so that you aren’t hurting yourself while exercising.
Also, the weight plates need to be secure to avoid injury as well. When you adjust the weight range, that should be quick and easy to do. Make sure they are compact to avoid awkwardness in movement.
Finally, some are versatile as far as providing weight stands and expansion packs. While that might not be essential for everyone, if it’s your jam, look at what extras the adjustable dumbbells provide.
Durability
If you’re paying a lot of money for adjustable dumbbells, they need to be durable. You don’t want to purchase new ones every year at such a high price.
We’re not worried about the weight plates getting scratched or dented as that is something that occurs often, and it won’t affect your workout.
In terms of durability, you want the locking mechanism and pin to be high quality.
That will prevent injury from the weights moving around on the barbell while exercising or, worse, falling off the side.
A weight handing on your toe is not good. Trust us on that.
Weight
There are many weight ranges available when it comes to adjustable dumbbells. Consider your strength and fitness level before deciding on a pair.
As we said, some dumbbells are versatile and offer more weight ranges in your purchase.
If that is crucial for you, check that out. Also, take note of the level of increments that the weight progress.
They might go up in 5lb or 10lb increments. If that seems like too much, go by 2.5lb increments or something a little lower.
Best Adjustable Dumbbells
Drum roll, please! It’s time to give you a glimpse at some of the best adjustable dumbbells that are available on the market.
We’ll give you the details, the price, and the pros and cons. By the end, you will be ready to hit “Buy.”
Let’s go!
1. Gold’s Gym Switch Plate 100
Where are my Gold’s Gym people?
The Gold’s Gym Switch Plate 100 set of adjustable dumbbells is available on Amazon.
We already love them because of that. They come with a comfortable grip making them easy to use for any exercise.
Yellow locking pins change the weight increments quickly, although the pins are made of plastic and not metal. However, the raised height of the slider protects the pins from damage. Each plate weighs 2.5lbs. Adjust the weight up to 50lbs for excellent progression in your workouts.
The price range varies between $300 to $350 depending on the time of year they are bought. This is more affordable than many of its competitors.
The adjustable weights come with a stand to hold the extra weights when not in use. The reviews on Amazon have a lower rating due to shipping issues, not the quality of adjustable weights.
Pros
- Priced competitively
- Comfortable
- Easy to adjust weights
- Small weight increments allow for anyone to benefit from these adjustable weights
- Heavy weight is available for more advanced people
Cons
- Cannot drop the dumbbells or they might break
- Plastic pin, not metal
User Reviews:
Gold's Gym | Switch Plate 100
The Gold's Gym Switch Plate 100-lb Dumbbells & Stand allow you to decide the nature of your workout. A knob lets you choose between 10 to 50-lb of weight on each dumbbell for a maximum weight of 100-lb. Comfortable hand grips make the weights easy to hold onto. A convenient stand keeps the dumbbells within reach and holds unused weights in order.
- Two 50 LB Adjustable Weights
- Weight Stand with Storage Tray
2. Bowflex Selecttech 552
Bowflex does more than machines. Get some adjustable dumbbells that replace up to 15 sets of individual weights.
Adjust the weight range up to 52.5 lbs in 2.5 lb increments up to the first 25 lbs. After that, the weight increases in five-pound increments.
The more comprehensive weight range means you can do a lot more with your exercises.
The Bowflex Selecttech 552 allows you to change the weight using a dial system rather than a pin.
Durable molding around the weight plates makes it easier to lift off the plates and makes your workout quieter. The weight bar is comfortable and easy to hold. It is 16” extended bar no matter what weight is on it.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to adjust weight plates
- Well-built and easy to use
- Excellent for saving space rather than having multiple dumbbell sets
Cons
- More durable options are available through other competitors
- The bar remains the same length
User Reviews:
At $399 for a pair of Bowflex Selecttech 552 adjustable dumbbells, there is a lot of value for your money here.
Gold's Gym | Switch Plate 100
The Gold's Gym Switch Plate 100-lb Dumbbells & Stand allow you to decide the nature of your workout. A knob lets you choose between 10 to 50-lb of weight on each dumbbell for a maximum weight of 100-lb. Comfortable hand grips make the weights easy to hold onto. A convenient stand keeps the dumbbells within reach and holds unused weights in order.
- Two 50 LB Adjustable Weights
- Weight Stand with Storage Tray
2. Powerblock Elite
If anything, the name gives you tingles down your fitness spine, right?
The Powerblock Elite is known for its unique design and durability.
While the Bowflex Selecttech 552 replaces 15 sets of dumbbells, the Powerflex Elite replaces up to 16 pairs of regular dumbbells. Think of the space that you are saving.
The expandable option gives you 70 lbs to 90 lbs of weight per dumbbell. The weight increments range from 2.5 lb to 5 lb increments.
With a steel construction and magnetic polypropylene pin, durability is the word of the day with Powerblock Elite. Don’t stress about dropping them as they are damage-resistant. Just watch out for your toes. Get all of that for $329.
Now that’s a steal for some excellent home gym equipment.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Easy to change the weight plates
- Heavy weight expansion
- Compact design
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- It takes slightly longer to select weight
- The square design is different from the norm and can take time to acclimate
User Reviews:
POWERBLOCK Elite | EXP Adjustable Dumbbell (2020 Model)
Image having a whole rack of dumbbells at home like the gym but without the cost or space required, that is the efficient design of the Elite EXP adjustable dumbbell set. And EXP stands for expandable, so you can even expand your 50 lb set later to 70 lbs and again to 90 lbs per hand all in one compact set. Enough weight to work your whole body in the convenience of your home.
- The Elite EXP has a weight range of 5-50 lbs per hand
- Elite EXP replaces 16 pairs of dumbbells in the space of 1
3. Ativafit Glidetech
If you are a beginner, this pair of adjustable dumbbells are perfect for you.
The iron plates reach 27.5 lbs per dumbbell, and the weight increments are 2.5 lbs. The GlideTech adjuster is made with a push and pull design for easy weight adjustment.
It comes with a one-year warranty and sells in single dumbbell options as well. Depending on the model, the weight options are different for those more advanced. They are $109.99 per dumbbell.
The length of the bar stays stable no matter how much weight you put on it, and it has a cushioned handle for a comfortable grip.
Pros
- Quick and easy to use
- Design is sleek and appealing
- Light weight options for beginners
- Handle is comfortable
- Excellent for lighter lifting options
Cons
- Weights make noise as they move while exercising
- Must buy separate weight ranges rather than an expansion set
User Reviews:
ATIVAFIT | Adjustable Dumbbell
The iron plates reach 27.5 lbs per dumbbell, and the weight increments are 2.5 lbs. The GlideTech adjuster is made with a push and pull design for easy weight adjustment.
It comes with a one-year warranty and sells in single dumbbell options as well. Depending on the model, the weight options are different for those more advanced.
- Multiple weight range suitable for performing basic body workouts, core fitness, strength exercises and heavy leg lifts
- A great gift for your family or friends who is fitness enthusiasts
4. Nordic Track Select-A-Weight 55lbs
When it comes to adjustable dumbbells, Nordic knows what’s up.
This dumbbell set might be more expensive, but you receive well-built adjustable dumbbells that adjust quickly with your purchase.
The Nordic Track Select-A-Weight adjustable dumbbells come with a one-year subscription to iFit, an interactive personal trainer, so you can learn how to use them properly.
Replace 15 pairs of dumbbells with these adjustable weights. Adjust your weight in 2.5lb, 5lb, or 10lb increments depending on your goals and get 55lbs on each side at max. Plus, the comfortable handles weigh 10lbs and are adjustable depending on how much weight is on them.
These adjustable weights come with a fitted storage tray for weight plates when not in use. Never worry about noise rattling with this pair of adjustable dumbbells and its compact design.
Pros
- Quick adjustments
- Great range of weight for most exercises
- Compact and sturdy design
- No noise while exercising
- Well worth the money
- Fitness app membership included
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be damaged during shipping
User Reviews:
The Nordic Track Select-A-Weight 55lb adjustable weights are priced at $599, including the one-year subscription to iFit, a $396 value.
NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbell Pair, Black
Engineered to deliver a powerful strength-training workout in the comfort of your own home gym, the NordicTrack 55-pound Select-A-Weight adjustable dumbbell set provides top-notch performance in a space-savvy package.
- 5-pound or 2.5-pound increments for totally customizable training
- Each tray is clearly marked with easy-to-read weight identification
It’s Time to Grab Your Adjustable Weights
We’ve given you the details, and now it’s time to purchase some of the best adjustable dumbbells on the market.
You can’t go wrong with any of the options that we listed.
Whether you want a mid-range option or the highest quality with a fitness app included, these adjustable dumbbells will have you well on your way to some bulging biceps, increased range of motion, and overall better health and well-being.
Your home gym is about to get an upgrade. You are welcome!
Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.