Best Budget-Friendly Adjustable Dumbbells: Get Fit on a Budget

From bulky weight racks to endless dumbbell sets, home gyms can quickly become costly and space-consuming. Investing in the best adjustable dumbbell models allows you to maintain a consistent strength training regime without taking up much room in your home.

On the hunt for the best adjustable dumbbells that won't break the bank? Explore our top picks for affordable options below.

Best Budget-Friendly Adjustable Dumbbells

• Best Overall: NordicTrack 55 Lb. Select-A-Weight Dumbbells
• Best for Beginners: BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
• Most Durable: REP Adjustable Dumbbells
• Most Affordable: Amazon Basics Adjustable Barbell Lifting Dumbbells Weight Set
• Best for Guided Workouts: Tempo Core Starter Gym

How I Use Adjustable Dumbbells to Help Me Reach My Fitness Goals

I spent the majority of my twenties running and teaching yoga classes. Occasionally, you'd find me in the weight room, but those occurrences were few and far between. As I approached thirty, I realized there was a huge gap in my fitness regime, and I wasn't strength training nearly as much as I should.

According to the University of Maryland Medical System, you stop building bone mass and start losing muscle in your late twenties. This can lead to more serious health issues down the line, like sarcopenia. If I wanted to optimize my health and maintain strength as I got older, I knew I needed to start lifting weights.

In the past, I had struggled to stay consistent with a lifting routine because I hated the hassle of packing a gym bag and driving 15 minutes to the gym. My husband and I had also recently bought a small starter home that wasn't conducive to an extensive collection of weights.

After some research, I invested in a set of adjustable dumbbells that allowed me to exercise at home without taking up half of my garage. I found that I could easily perform any exercise I would typically perform with traditional dumbbells and quickly fell into a strength training routine.

Today, my adjustable dumbbells are a staple in my small home gym and one of my go-to pieces of strength training equipment.

What Experts Say About Adjustable Dumbbells

Mike Silverman, CPT and Master Trainer at Living.Fit is a major advocate for training with adjustable dumbbells.

"Adjustable dumbbells are a game-changer for at-home workouts. The key benefit is versatility," says Mike Silverman. "With a single set, you can easily adjust the weight to match various exercises and fitness levels. This makes them ideal for at-home exercisers who may not have the space (or budget) for a full rack of traditional dumbbells. Plus, the convenience of adjusting weights on the fly keeps the workout flow seamless and time-efficient."

How to Choose the Best Adjustable Dumbbell for Your Workout

Even the most budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells cost a few hundred dollars– which is a deal when you think about them replacing several pieces of equipment. So, you want to choose a quality set that can withstand years of exercise while helping you work toward your fitness goals. But, with so many options on the market, how do you know which dumbbells are best for you? Use the following considerations to help guide your dumbbell search.

Weight Range

When shopping for weightlifting equipment, it's important to consider your current fitness level. This can help you choose an appropriate dumbbell for your current strength while allowing for progressive overload.

Progressive overload involves gradually increasing weight or movement repetitions over time. Research shows that including progressive overload in your training can help increase strength and muscle growth in both men and women.

Most adjustable dumbbells range from five to 50 lbs, making them a versatile option for your average lifter. If you're looking for something on the heavier side, some options go all the way up to 90lbs.

Weight Increments

Once you've determined your ideal weight range, check for weight increment jumps. Most fitness experts agree you shouldn't increase weight or intensity by more than 10% each week. Opting for a more gradual strength progression helps reduce your risk of injury.

Some adjustable dumbbells increase weight in increments of 10 lbs. Depending on your fitness level, this may be too intense of a leap between weights. If you're a beginner lifter, look for dumbbells that increase by two to five pounds per increment.

Handle Grip

When you're in the middle of a sweaty workout, the last thing you want are your dumbbells slipping out of your hands. Not only does this take you out of the zone, but it also presents a safety hazard. To help prevent slippage, choose dumbbells with a knurling or textured grip. This gives your hands some traction, making you less likely to lose your grip and ensuring a more secure and effective workout.

Adjustability Mechanism

When choosing adjustable dumbbells, prioritize those with a user-friendly adjustment mechanism for easy weight changes during exercises. Some models have a dial system, allowing simple weight selection by turning a dial or a pin/lever mechanism. Also, make sure the adjustment system securely locks the dumbbell in place after choosing the weight to avoid wobbling and ensure a safe workout.

Durability

Just because you're opting for budget-friendly dumbbells doesn't mean you have to settle for low quality. When choosing adjustable dumbbells, look for ones crafted from durable materials like steel or iron. This helps ensure your new exercise equipment can withstand the demands of your workouts and last for years to come.

Expert Guidance

Removing the guesswork from exercise helps eliminate a common hurdle some face when working out. Research shows that many people don't know which exercises are best for their body, making it challenging to exercise effectively. Trainer-led workouts offer structured routines and expert guidance, taking the guesswork out of exercise and helping to ensure proper form for maximum results and avoiding injuries.

If you're interested in guided workouts, choose adjustable dumbbells that offer fitness memberships like iFit or JRNY. These subscriptions have classes for a variety of preferences and fitness levels.

Price

While adjustable dumbbells offer a space-saving alternative to multiple sets, their convenience comes at a cost, with some options reaching up to $800. However, budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts can still snag the best adjustable dumbbell options for under $500.

Individual Reviews

There's no need to spend $800 or more on dumbbells with so many quality options at an affordable price. To keep you from blowing your budget, all the dumbbell options below are under $500.