We could not fault this set based on the price, weight load, build quality, and ease of use during testing. If only it were so simple. There are a huge variety of options on the market today, and the argument over which is the best dumbbell is still very much up for debate. Why should I buy an adjustable dumbbell over a trusty fixed weight pair?' you say. We’re glad you asked. Versatile This comes down to three things: Space, personal preference, and how you plan to use your dumbbells. The plastic casing doesn’t make these the best choice for those who are prone to dropping weights during workouts, but all-in-all, we’ve found these extremely reliable for most movements.

The Nüobell is the best blend of reliability and authentic dumbbell feel I’ve used," says Samuel, who has been using these for over three years. "The shape and design of these bells makes them ideal for accessory motions, like skullcrushers and biceps curls, and they’re easy to hold for goblet squats too." Aside, from a few scratches, they've held up great to heavy use. It’s worth mentioning that in over two years of consistent use, we haven't encountered any durability issues with them. That said, it's essential to handle them with care and consider your exercise preferences when incorporating them into your home gym setup. For example, is the plastic casing sturdy enough to support exercises like renegade rows? “I’m not sure I’d want to put the weights on the ground and my weight on top of them,” says Williams. The center dial couldn't be easier to use—just turn it until your desired weight appears and stops blinking, and you're good to go. Unlike other dumbbells on this list, the iSelects utilize a single adjustment mechanism for both dumbbells, which saves you the time of adjusting each one separately. The 552 isn’t the only adjustable weight from Bowflex. The 1090i adjustable dumbbell, for instance, ranges between 4kg and 41kg, while the brand’s adjustable kettlebell ranges between 3.5kg and 18kg.Using and adjusting the weight mid-workout is simple, with a clear display on the front of the weight cradle showing the current weight, and plus or minus buttons to allow for 3kg incremental changes in either direction. You might notice that some of the adjustable dumbbells below have an Esquire Approves logo emblazoned upon them. That’s because each of these products has been put through the wringer by our dedicated fitness testing team. So, when we say Esquire Approves, we really do.

Weakness: These dumbbells have to be plugged into the wall to change the load, and the maximum weight of the pair we tested (the Jaxjox’s 22.7kg) might not be enough for those well-versed in strength training. How we test Unlike a barbell, dumbbells are infinitely flexible. You can hammer every muscle group, from legs to shoulders, and even give yourself a cardio workout by being smart with your sets and rests. They take up less space than a static bike, too, especially if you opt for adjustable dumbbells, which offer all the weight options you need but with the footprint of a wastepaper basket. What's better, dumbbell sets or adjustable dumbbells? To find the best adjustable dumbbells, we tested more than 30 different adjustable dumbbells over the course of the last four years, relying on in-house certified trainers Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., and Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM. (Samuel also utilized the top performing adjustable dumbbells with several of his advanced clients.) This out-of-the-box design provided the sturdiest experience of any adjustable dumbbell we tried, making these great for functional movements like snatches and devil’s press (add these into a full-body workout at your peril). The removable rubber rings that fit around the attached plates are also a clever feature for protecting your floors. The combination of high weight load, price, space-saving ability, excellent build quality, and happy customers means this set gets a Savvy Score of 9.7 out of 10.

Our roundup of the best all-in-one adjustable dumbbells to help you save space and money

Key features – Main material: Chrome and plastic; Weight range: 2.3-22.7kg; Number of weight options: 16 Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s about deciding which best fits your needs. Let’s help you choose. Digital

Each dumbbell was rigorously tested in a variety of categories, including durability, weight distribution, and ability to shift between weights efficiently, as well as aesthetics. All dumbbells were tested with three types of exercises: Explosive exercises (like swings and cleans), multi-joint strength exercises (like bench presses and Romanian deadlifts), and accessory motions (like biceps curls and lateral raises). A minimum of 10 sets and 100 reps were performed at both comfortable and near-max weights for each motion. All dumbbells were also dropped from a basic bench to test baseline durability (no adjustable dumbbell should ever be dropped from shoulder height), and all dumbbells were monitored for signs of rust over a three-month period .For beginners and folks looking to engage in moderate strength training at home, a set that maxes out at 50 pounds per dumbbell should suffice. They offer a range of weight that can be used for a wide range of exercises and is a great starting point. Beginners can work on everything from bicep curls to overhead presses to squats with these. That said, even light weights offer enough of a challenge to hit most of your fitness goals, if you think creatively. Varying the tempo of your workouts, selecting more mechanically challenging movements (like subbing goblet squats for Bulgarian split squats) or bundling different exercises into circuits and complexes, can make a pair of lightweight dumbbells feel very heavy indeed. For 2023, using our unique scoring system, the MuscleSquad 5kg – 40kg takes the crown for the best adjustable dumbbells in the UK.

This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users. As you scroll, know that each and every adjustable dumbbell you see before you has been put to the test by our Runner’s World Lab experts. There aren’t too many weight options to choose from (12kg, 17kg, 20kg and 25kg) and the lightest setting is still quite heavy. But, if you’re after something a little bit different, this stylish dumbbell is worth looking into. On the other hand, if functional training is more your bag, fixed weight dumbbells will be the one for you.We understand that building a dedicated fitness room in your home is probably a bridge too far (unless your house happens to have an empty wing). And, when you've already turned the spare room into a home office and the kids have to sleep somewhere (apparently), finding any spare workout space can be a mission. Well, with a premium dumbbell, you don't need a gym from MTV Cribs. Our health experts put each one through an 11-move bodybuilding workout, working all major muscle groups using a combination of unilateral and bilateral movements, to see which ‘bells felt as sturdy and secure as a fixed weight dumbbell. They also tested how smoothly they could switch weights, before settling on their seven favourites. READ NEXT: The best home gym equipment The best adjustable dumbbells you can buy in 2023 1. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell: Best overall adjustable dumbbell