Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Best overall adjustable dumbbells
NordicTrack iSelect Dumbbells
Best smart adjustable dumbbells
Working out from home can be difficult. And if you buy a lot of gear for weight training and other routines, it can be expensive and cumbersome as well. Adjustable dumbbells are a perfect complement to a home gym because they can save on space and even money if you get them at a good deal.
Adjustable dumbbells take up little more space than one pair of traditional ones would, while allowing for weights up to 55 pounds — and the Ativafit adjustable dumbbells even go up to 72 pounds. That means you don’t have to waste space on a large traditional dumbbell stand with multiple weight options and instead have room for other gym equipment.
The best thing about these adjustable dumbbell sets is that they’re versatile and can be used for many different exercises. Whether you’re looking to tone your muscles or build muscle mass, adjustable dumbbell sets can target a number of muscle groups, including your legs and glutes if you use them to squat or lunge.
During the height of the pandemic, many people found it difficult to get dumbbell shipments in a reasonable amount of time. However, it seems this issue has been resolved. I received these products relatively quickly and was able to test them out.
Since there are various types of adjustable dumbbells on the market, we carefully reviewed different styles and brands to help guide your shopping. Before you click that buy button, take a look at our top picks for the best adjustable dumbbells for strength training at home.
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The Bowflex Select Tech 552 are our pick for best overall adjustable dumbbells.
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The Bowflex Select Tech 552 are our pick for best overall adjustable dumbbells.
","imageCredit":"Giselle Castro-Sloboda/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"activafit-best-adjustable-dumbbells-2022-002.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2022/04/01","imageWidth":4000,"imageHeight":2250,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
The Bowflex Select Tech 552 are our pick for best overall adjustable dumbbells.
” overridecredit=”Giselle Castro-Sloboda/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__e7739482-3e50-4755-b0b5-915dbccaca5d” position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left” readability=”6.2342105263158″>
Weight Range 5 to 52.5 lbsSize 16.9″ L x 8.3″ W x 9″ H (43 x 21.2 x 22.8 cm)Warranty 2 yearsStorage Base Included Yes
<div data-id data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="2" edition="us" superlative="Best smart adjustable dumbbells" imagegroup="{"alt":"SMRTFT Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbell","caption":"
NordicTrack’s iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells are our pick for best smart adjustable dumbbells.
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NordicTrack’s iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells are our pick for best smart adjustable dumbbells.
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NordicTrack’s iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells are our pick for best smart adjustable dumbbells.
” overridecredit=”Giselle Castro-Sloboda/CNET” offer=”{"id":"ecb37509-2d88-4e76-9539-4a8bd3af30f7","slug":"nordictrack-50-lb-iselect-adjustable-dumbbells-works-with-alexa-sold-as-pair","label":"NordicTrack 50 Lb iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells, Works with Alexa, Sold as Pair","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"","imgWidth":null,"imgHeight":null,"objectType":"content_product","typeLabel":"Tech Product","imgUrl":null,"icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"ecb37509-2d88-4e76-9539-4a8bd3af30f7","name":"NordicTrack 50 Lb iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells, Works with Alexa, Sold as Pair","slug":"nordictrack-50-lb-iselect-adjustable-dumbbells-works-with-alexa-sold-as-pair","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1669754519670,"displayDate":"Tue Nov 29 2022 16:41:59 GMT-0400 (Atlantic Standard Time)"}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__3045c070-df51-4a0d-914f-a36867377ac2″ position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left” readability=”5.6041439476554″>
Weight Range 5 to 50 lbsSize 185 mm x 185 mmWarranty 1-Year Parts WarrantyStorage Base Included Yes
<div data-id data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="3" edition="us" superlative="Best design" imagegroup="{"alt":"Core Adjustable Dumbbells","caption":"
Core Adjustable Dumbbells had the best design from all the dumbbells tested.
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Core Adjustable Dumbbells had the best design from all the dumbbells tested.
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Core Adjustable Dumbbells had the best design from all the dumbbells tested.
” overridecredit=”Giselle Castro-Sloboda/CNET” offer=”{"id":"48b86cc4-71a5-4df0-8433-3c027a6fe0d7","slug":"core-adjustable-dumbbells","label":"Core Adjustable Dumbbells","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"","imgWidth":null,"imgHeight":null,"objectType":"content_product","typeLabel":"Tech Product","imgUrl":null,"icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"48b86cc4-71a5-4df0-8433-3c027a6fe0d7","name":"Core Adjustable Dumbbells","slug":"core-adjustable-dumbbells","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1669754582821,"displayDate":"Tue Nov 29 2022 16:43:02 GMT-0400 (Atlantic Standard Time)"}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__db6bf956-16c6-400f-afda-ff7fae955927″ position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left” readability=”5.8379746835443″>
Weight Range 5 to 50 lbsSize 14.5in L x 7.9in W x 7.5in HWarranty 2 YearsStorage Base Included Yes
<div data-id data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="4" edition="us" superlative="Most versatile adjustable dumbbells" imagegroup="{"alt":"Bowflex Best Adjustable Dumbells","caption":"
MX55 Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells are a great option if you do offset exercises among others.
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MX55 Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells are a great option if you do offset exercises among others.
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MX55 Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells are a great option if you do offset exercises among others.
” overridecredit=”Giselle Castro-Sloboda/CNET” offer=”{"id":"b19771e4-c771-4cf3-a35f-a781f5d2ec0d","slug":"mx55-rapid-change-adjustable-dumbbells","label":"MX55 Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"","imgWidth":null,"imgHeight":null,"objectType":"content_product","typeLabel":"Tech Product","imgUrl":null,"icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"b19771e4-c771-4cf3-a35f-a781f5d2ec0d","name":"MX55 Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells","slug":"mx55-rapid-change-adjustable-dumbbells","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1669754663763,"displayDate":"Tue Nov 29 2022 16:44:23 GMT-0400 (Atlantic Standard Time)"}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__fb2035fc-78cc-4fa2-9bfd-6586d28503bc” position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left” readability=”6.1597796143251″>
Weight Range 10 to 55 lbsSize 18.74″ L x 22″ Wx 30.675″ HWarranty 2 yearsStorage Base Included Yes
<div data-id data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="5" edition="us" superlative="Best adjustable dumbbells for experienced lifters" imagegroup="{"alt":"Activafit Adjustable Dumbbells","caption":"
The Flybird 55 LB Adjustable Dumbbells are ideal for experienced lifters.
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The Flybird 55 LB Adjustable Dumbbells are ideal for experienced lifters.
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The Flybird 55 LB Adjustable Dumbbells are ideal for experienced lifters.
” overridecredit=”Giselle Castro-Sloboda/CNET” offer=”{"id":"a005df36-e1de-41c4-a0bc-2fe7c9f9095f","slug":"flybird-55-lb-adjustable-dumbbells","label":"Flybird 55 LB Adjustable Dumbbells","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"","imgWidth":null,"imgHeight":null,"objectType":"content_product","typeLabel":"Tech Product","imgUrl":null,"icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"a005df36-e1de-41c4-a0bc-2fe7c9f9095f","name":"Flybird 55 LB Adjustable Dumbbells","slug":"flybird-55-lb-adjustable-dumbbells","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1669754997669,"displayDate":"Tue Nov 29 2022 16:49:57 GMT-0400 (Atlantic Standard Time)"}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__9caf06be-3fff-4c6f-a5ae-9ad7250a9441″ position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left” readability=”5.624335499114″>
Weight Range 11 to 55 lbsSize 14.6”Lx7.9’W’x6.7”HWarranty 1 YearStorage Base Included Yes
<div data-id data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="6" edition="us" superlative="Easiest adjustable dumbbells to use" imagegroup="{"alt":"Activafit Adjustable Dumbbells","caption":"
The Ativafit 71.5 Adjustable Dumbbells had the easiest dial to use when changing weight.
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The Ativafit 71.5 Adjustable Dumbbells had the easiest dial to use when changing weight.
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The Ativafit 71.5 Adjustable Dumbbells had the easiest dial to use when changing weight.
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Weight Range 5 to 71.5 lbsSize 13.9″L x 5.1″WWarranty 1 yearStorage Base Included Yes
Other adjustable dumbbells we tested
- Smrtft Nuobell 80: In a previous adjustable dumbbell roundup, CNET writer Lindsey Boyers named the Smrtft Nuobell 80 the adjustable dumbbell with the best design. I couldn’t get my hands on these dumbbells, but based on the review, they could’ve potentially tied with the Core Adjustable Dumbbells given their sleek look and favorable design.
- Powerblock Pro 32: Even though I didn’t get to try these Powerblock sets, I’m familiar with Powerblock and consider them a classic. In CNET’s previous best list, the Pro 32 was named the best adjustable dumbbell for beginners and I would’ve probably chosen it as well, if I’d gotten to formally test it. These are easy to hold thanks to the rubberized ergonomic grip handle and the pin-lock system may be easier for newbies to manage compared to dials on other adjustable dumbbells.
How we picked
- Ease of use: We looked at how easy it was to unbox and set up the adjustable dumbbells, as well as how easy it was to put them to use for a workout session. This includes factors like design, grip and mode of adjustment (dial, button, etc.).
- Materials: We looked at the quality of the materials and if they made the adjustable dumbbells worth the price tag. We also looked at the design and style of the dumbbells.
- Comfort: We observed how comfortable it was to hold the dumbbells and how well the handles were designed, especially during a sweaty workout. This makes a difference in the user’s experience and how comfortable it would be to lift heavier weight.
- Weight range: One of the main reasons to buy adjustable dumbbells is because they replace multiple sets of dumbbells. We looked at whether or not the adjustable dumbbells offered enough of a weight range to make up for these sets of dumbbells.
Factors to consider
- Consider what shape feels comfortable for you. Some can feel awkward or imbalanced if they’re too square or round.
- Think about what material you want your dumbbells to be made up of. Many are made with iron, steel, aluminum alloy or plastic.
- Decide if you want your handles to have a protective covering. Choose one that feels sturdy and fits comfortably in your hand.
- Check company warranty and what they cover in case your dumbbell becomes defective.
Adjustable dumbbell FAQS
How much do adjustable dumbbells cost?
Adjustable dumbbells can range anywhere from about $200 to $500 or more depending on the weight range and brand.
How do you use adjustable dumbbells?
Adjustable dumbbells have a manual dial that turns and latches on to the selected weight. Some companies experimenting with more advanced technology may use digital dials or voice control, such as Nordictrack.
Can you drop adjustable dumbbells?
As with any dumbbells, we don’t recommend dropping adjustable dumbbells. They may pose an injury risk and it may affect their functionality.
