The Best Adjustable Dumbbells For Every Goal

While the NordicTrack brand is known for its exceptional home cardio equipment, these dumbbells deserve their own praise.

This Select-A-Weight adjustable dumbbell set comes with a staggering 15 weight options at the low price of $399. This makes it the most affordable adjustable dumbbell in its class.

The weight range of the best adjustable dumbbells goes from 10 to 55 lbs, which is a reasonable increment for those new to strength training or who enjoy circuits or muscular endurance.

These dumbbells are crafted from steel and plastic and are designed like traditional dumbbells, so they feel and move like what you're used to using at a commercial gym.

The dumbbell itself is about 17 inches long. The grip is a knurled metal bar, just like a barbell, and the weight change mechanism relies on a pull tab system.

You must move four pull tabs on each dumbbell to change the weight, which could feel cumbersome.

Another feature I love about these is the flat ends. This allows you to naturally rest the dumbbells on your thighs, as you would before a shoulder press, dumbbell bench press, etc.

NordicTrack offers a limited 90-day warranty, but you must pay a $250 shipping fee to return them.

The knurled handle provides excellent grip, and for the price point, these dumbbells are a good choice for most home gym enthusiasts.

The Bowflex brand has been one of the most popular brands for adjustable dumbbell options for years, and it's easy to see why.

The SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbell is stylish, easy to use, and moderately priced. The set replaces 15 different traditional dumbbell sets and costs $429.

What I like most about these is how easy they've made the weight change with their dial system. This breezy weight adjustment, coupled with their smaller weight increments (2.5 lb vs. 5 lb) and the fact that weights start at 5 lb and go to 50 lb, make this the perfect choice for beginners.

The SelectTech design is similar to a traditional dumbbell, is 17 inches long, and comprises steel, plastic, and rubber.

The downside of their design is an opening on one side of the dumbbell, and the weights are held in by little plastic nubs. Over time, that plastic can break off, and the weights can drop out. This is a huge safety concern for moves like the bench press, as the weights could hit you in the face.

The SelectTech 552 dumbbells have flat end caps and a rubber handle with some cushioning, which is very comfortable. They also come with weight cradles for easy storage.

My main concern with these is their durability. Plastic tends to be far less durable than steel, so I would not recommend dropping these on the floor. Thankfully, they come with a standard 2-year warranty, and you can purchase an additional two-year protection plan through Amazon.

My favorite feature of the SelectTech 552 dumbbells is a purchase includes two months of free access to the Bowflex JRNY app.

The app enables you to use the JRNY motion tracking technology, which counts your reps and tracks your form in real-time simply by using your phone or tablet's camera.

This is a standout feature, particularly for beginners who may struggle to learn exercise form at home.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are an excellent option for beginners. Their ease of use, free app subscription, and compact design make them a solid investment.

One common complaint from serious strength enthusiasts is that adjustable dumbbells typically only weigh around 50 lb max. So, they're usually not the best option for advanced lifters and those who want maximum muscle gain. However, Powerblock has solved that problem with its Powerblock Elite USA 90 EXP adjustable dumbbells.

These dumbbells are highly compact at only 12 inches long, and the standard option ranges from 5 to 50 lb, with 2.5 or 5 lb increment changes.

You can purchase extension kits to keep up with your strength gains for $189 a piece. The stage 2 kit includes 5 to 70 lb, and the stage 3 extension kit includes 5 to 90 lb.

Its design makes Powerblock utterly different from the other dumbbells on the market. Unlike anything I've ever used, the rectangular shape does take some getting used to.

You must reach into the box to grab the hand grip, and your arm rests on one of the forearm rest bars. Some people find these comfortable, while others find it an odd sensation.

The dumbbells are made up of steel plates and utilize a pull-pin method for changing the weights. This method isn't intuitive, so these are a better option for experienced lifters.

Each dumbbell has a color-code weight adjustment guide to help you with your plate math, which is nice, and a rubberized grip on the handle. They are incredibly well-made and durable, and people seem to love them. Even better, they come with a 5-year home-use warranty, so you know Powerblock believes in their product.

At $419, they are less expensive than other options on this list and feel higher quality.

These are an excellent option for strength athletes looking for a versatile piece to add to their home gym.

The SMRTFT NUOBELL adjustable dumbbell system is as compact as it is stylish.

At just 15.5 inches long, this 10-in-1 dumbbell set is highly space-efficient and durable due to its machined steel weight plates.

Priced at $595 and up, you can purchase these dumbbells in black, matte black, silver, and olive green, and a portable cradle for storage is included.

Weights begin at 5 lb and change in 5 lb increments up to 50 lb, and you change the weight with a smooth dial system.

The NUOBELL is designed to look and feel like a traditional dumbbell you'd find at a commercial gym. They feature a classic knurled bar, and the end caps are flat, so they work naturally with all your lifts and are easy to store upright if needed. You can also purchase a one or three-year extended warranty for an additional cost.

I love these because they look cool, are super easy to use, and don't take up tons of space. I recommend the SMRTFT NUOBELL if you can swing the price point and want your home gym equipment to be compact and stylish.