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Dumbbells offer a simple yet effective way to improve muscle mass, strength, and coordination, no matter where you exercise. When used in your workout regimen, they can help you maximize the benefits of squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and more. Plus, they’re versatile enough for beginner to advanced exercisers—just select a set that matches your fitness level and goals.
To find the best dumbbells on the market, we consulted fitness experts—including personal trainers and strength coaches—to learn more about what key factors to consider when shopping for a high-quality option. Using expert guidance, we then tested 35 dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab by completing a series of five upper- and lower-body exercises with each set. We evaluated each option for ease of use, grip, storage, durability, and value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy.
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Key Specs
Weight Range: 5-70 pounds | Sold As: Singles | Shape: Hexagon | Materials: Rubber-coated steel | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for anyone interested in strength training, from beginner to advanced lifters.
Why We Love It
Whether you’re an experienced at-home exerciser or you’re just getting started with creating a home gym, ETHOS’ Rubber Hex Dumbbell has it all: fantastic grip, durability, and a no-roll design that makes it easy for you to sail through your workout. We love how comfortable these feel in our hands, as the knurled surface of their handles makes it easy to get a solid grip no matter what area of the handle we want to hold.
We felt secure holding these as we performed bicep curls, bench presses, bent-over rows, and more, never worrying about any sliding or slipping. We also appreciate that their rubber coating worked well to keep our workout nice and quiet. Plus, we love that these don’t take up much space, are easy to store, and can be stacked against a wall or tucked beneath a bed.
Potential Flaws
- While we were comfortable performing our exercises, we can see how the grip’s texture may feel too rough for some after prolonged use. However, you can use weightlifting gloves if you have sensitive skin and/or if you plan on using these for longer periods of time.
Most Valuable Insight
“These dumbbells look and feel very sturdy and are made of high-quality materials. The rubberized hex-shaped weights on each end add to the quality and help to reduce noise when placing them on various surfaces. Their shape adds to their stability and prevents them from rolling around.” —Amy Kwan, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Range: 5-50 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Square/cage | Materials: Rubber handle, powder coated steel | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for intermediate to advanced lifters who want to save space with 16 sets of weights in one.
Why We Love Them
Adjustable dumbbells are a convenient, compact way to access an entire dumbbell rack with just one pair. Our favorite pair, PowerBlocks’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, is easy to use and replaces 16 sets of weights. We found that the quick-action adjustable pin makes it easy to adjust the weight and move on to the next exercise.
Crafted with textured rubber, the handles feel comfortable and secure to hold with dry and wet hands. We also found them exceptionally durable throughout testing. Plus, their rectangular case makes them easy to store, creating an efficient, space-saving option for your home gym.
Potential Flaws
- The square-shaped design of these dumbbells feels slightly bulky during some workouts, but this didn’t affect the quality of our lifts.
Most Valuable Insight
“It only took seconds to figure out how to change the weights and move on to the next exercises.” —Nikki Berryman, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Range: 5-25 pounds | Sold As: Five pairs | Shape: Hexagonal | Materials: Chrome steel handle, rubber head | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginners who need a simple and space-saving set for a range of functional strength training workouts.
Why We Love Them
CAP Barbell’s 150-Pound Dumbbell Set With Rack includes five pairs of weights, ranging from 5 to 25 pounds, along with a convenient rack for storage. The sturdy steel rack offers a space-saving solution that’s ideal for beginners looking to engage in versatile workouts. We prefer starting with the lighter weights for warm-ups and then transitioning to heavier ones for strength training.
Throughout testing, we noticed that the high-density rubber heads effectively endure knocks or dings during drops between sets. And the steel-plated handles offer a secure grip without causing any discomfort to our hands. Plus, the hexagonal shape prevents these weights from rolling away during much-needed breaks.
Potential Flaws
- These weights only go up to 25 pounds, which may not be heavy enough for intermediate to advanced lifters.
Most Valuable Insight
“It was easy to warm up with the lighter weights and then switch to heavier weights to up the intensity—which was great.” —Sophia Noulas, Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson
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Key Specs
Weight Range: 2-4 pounds | Sold As: Full set (pairs of 2-, 3-, and 4-pound weights) | Shape: Hexagon | Materials: Neoprene-coated steel | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for beginner exercisers interested in setting up an at-home workout space.
Why We Love It
While JFIT’s Dumbbell Set is compact enough to be tucked away when you’re not using it, you may want to keep it on display. The fun design of these dumbbells adds a pop of color to any room. And their low weight range is great for those who are just beginning to get into lifting or for those who enjoy workouts that require lighter weights, such as Pilates.
We love how sturdy and comfortable these padded dumbbells feel and are happy they fit our small hands well. Their coating also allows us to set them down quietly, and the hexagon shape keeps them in place as we move through our workout. Because of their compact size, we think these would work well for traveling and taking on-the-go.
Potential Flaws
- The included rack feels a bit flimsy and wobbly. However, it’s a breeze to disassemble and store, which we appreciate, and the dumbbells remained in place when we stored them on the rack without any issues.
Most Valuable Insight
“The dumbbells are very beginner-friendly, and they feel sturdy. They’re also easy to grip–I had no slipping or dropping while exercising. I feel confident that these are solid and trustworthy.” —Lexi Lane, Verywell Fit product tester
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High-quality
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Compact and space-saving
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Comfortable, secure grip
Key Specs
Weight Range: 2-20 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagon | Materials: Neoprene-coated cast iron | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginner to experienced lifters who want a budget-friendly, grippy set of dumbbells.
Why We Love Them
A solid option for beginners and budget-conscious experienced lifters, we loved the comfortable grip of Yes4All’s Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weights. Our hands tend to get sweaty during workouts; however, these dumbbells stay secure in our hands from one set to the next. Plus, their hexagon shape helps them stay put when we place them on the ground between exercises.
Our hands are on the small side, and we find these high-quality weights super easy to grip. We also appreciate that they’re durable and hold up well over time. Plus, they’re a solid choice for anyone tight on space—they can easily slip into a closet or under a bed when you’re not using them.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed a sticky residue on our hands after using these for the first time. But this feeling almost completely dissipated after a few minutes and didn’t bother us.
Most Valuable Insight
“I absolutely think these are worth their price! They’re great quality, and I think they will last a long time! I also enjoy how each weight is a different color, making it super easy when switching between weights.” —Keighley Nemickas, Verywell Fit product tester
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Comfortable, non-slip grip
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Hexagonal shape prevents rolling
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Space-saving
Key Specs
Weight Range: 10-45 pounds | Sold As: Singles | Shape: Hexagonal | Materials: Chrome-coated steel handle, rubber-coated cast iron head | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Best for those looking for a single, high-quality dumbbell.
Why We Love It
The familiar, classic style of Amazon Basics’ Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell makes it easy to use for all kinds of exercises. Like other options we tested, we love that the hexagonal shape prevents rolling, while the rubber coating adds durability and protects it from scratches. Plus, a knurled, contoured handle creates a comfortable, non-slip grip.
Since the dumbbells offered comfort and ease of use, we could perform exercises like bicep curls, squats, and more. Sold individually rather than in pairs, they’re space-saving and convenient for storage in your home gym. They’re available in many weight ranges, allowing you to select the perfect fit for your strength-training style.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed that this dumbbell has an initial chemical-like odor, but it lessens over time.
Most Valuable Insight
“These are very similar to the dumbbells you see in your gym. Their familiarity helps with the ease of use.” —Justin Javier, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Range: 5-100 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagon | Materials: Rubber-coated steel | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for lifters who want a comfortable, grippy, and high-quality set of dumbbells that will last.
Why We Love Them
Kevin Leon, CPT, certified personal trainer and strength coach, says Bells of Steel’s Rubber Hex Dumbbells are commonly used in training facilities, and he trusts this brand a lot—we can see why. The ergonomic shape of their grip area makes it easy to hold onto these weights throughout our workout without any slippage concerns.
We love that they’re comfortable to hold for longer periods, even though we’ve noticed discomfort with other textured-grip dumbbells. Durable, high-quality, and sturdy, these are built to stand the test of time. Not overly bulky, these dumbbells can easily be stored in a home gym. Their hexagon design also ensures they stay put when you set them down between sets.
Potential Flaws
- There was a noticeable rubber smell when we initially removed these dumbbells from their packaging.
Most Valuable Insight
“These dumbbells have a metal grip that is textured, and they feel comfortable in my hands. Plus, I don’t experience any slipping. I have very small hands and feel like I can grip these well. However, I imagine they would work well for any hand size.” —Keighley Nemickas, Verwell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Range: 2-15 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagon | Materials: Neoprene-coated iron | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for lifters with larger hands who find the grip space on a standard dumbbell uncomfortable.
Why We Love Them
If you find most dumbbells uncomfortable due to limited grip space, CAP Barbell’s Neoprene Dumbbells may be the right fit for you. These durable weights offer both extra horizontal space (with plenty of room between each end of the weight) and plenty of vertical space for a larger grip.
As daily weightlifters, we especially appreciate the cushioning of their large grip area, which makes these weights ideal for weighted squats and other exercises where the dumbbell comes into contact with parts of the body other than the hands. We also love that these weights are easy to store. Despite their larger size, they slip easily into a closet or under a couch when they aren’t being used.
Potential Flaws
- With a smooth handle, the grip area felt a bit slippery as we got sweatier. These worked best when we used them while lying down on the bench, performing slow, form-focused exercises instead of faster-paced ones that made us super sweaty.
Most Valuable Insight
“Its handle is comfortable, with light cushioning and a thick, grippy covering. There’s plenty of room between each end of the dumbbell, so I can comfortably grip them with my hands, as well as hold them on my shoulders for weighted squats.” —Charlotte Wells, Verywell Fit product tester
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Thick, lightly-textured grip
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Rubber coating reduces noise
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Durable, sturdy feel
Key Specs
Weight Range: 5-50 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagon | Materials: Rubber-coated steel | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for lifters with smaller hands who want a high-quality set of dumbbells with exceptionally comfortable grips.
Why We Love Them
REP Fitness’ Rubber Coated Dumbbells are ideal for lifters with smaller hands who want a durable, high-quality option that will last. During testing, we loved how sturdy they felt as we performed our workout circuit. We also love how comfortable they are to hold–we find their thick, lightly textured ergonomic grips more comfortable than any other dumbbell we’ve tried.
We love that they’re ready to use right out of the box without any assembly required. Thanks to their more compact design, they can easily be stored under a chair, couch, or bed. Plus, we appreciate that they’re fully rubber-coated, so they’re nice and quiet when we place them on the floor between sets.
Potential Flaws
- Upon opening these up, we noticed a strong rubber scent. However, this dissipated over time.
- We noticed we couldn’t grip these as well when our hands began to get sweaty. Keep in mind that you can use weightlifting gloves to help maintain your grip, even with sweaty hands.
Most Valuable Insight
“The handles of these dumbbells are rubber coated and also knurl-textured. They feel very comfortable in my hands. They look and feel durable and sturdy.” —Amy Kwan, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Weight Range: 5-100 pounds | Sold As: Singles, pairs | Shape: Hexagon | Materials: Rubber and chrome-plated steel | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Best for those committed to lifting heavy who want a high-quality option that stays cool to the touch.
Why We Love It
With a sleek look and solid grip, Nike’s Dumbbells are a fantastic addition to any home gym, and as daily weight lifters, we couldn’t agree more. We love that their textured metal grips prevent slipping and are cool to the touch, keeping us comfortable even when we start to sweat. We found these very easy to hold as we completed various exercises, including bicep curls, forward lunges, bench presses, and more.
We felt solid friction on the grips and control when we used these, giving us the confidence to move seamlessly from one exercise to another. We like that their highly textured surfaces help us focus on our form rather than our grip. Plus, their no-roll design means they stay put when we place them on the floor.
Potential Flaws
- While we appreciate their highly textured grips, we found these dumbbells uncomfortable when we placed them on our shoulders to perform weighted squats. To remedy this, you may want to wear a thicker shirt with more coverage when performing similar exercises.
- These dumbbells are pricier than other options on our list. However, we think their quality exceeds their value.
Most Valuable Insight
“These dumbbells have a more traditional metal grip. There was some rough texture on the grip, which allowed for a more secure hold throughout all of my various exercises. The metal was cool to the touch, which helped reduce sweaty palms and perspiration.” —Charlotte Wells, Verywell Fit product tester
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Comfortable, ergonomic grip
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Multi-functional, compact design
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Well-made
Key Specs
Weight Range: 31-44 pounds | Sold As: Singles | Shape: YBell | Materials: Neoprene-coated cast iron | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who are committed to functional training or looking for a multi-functional, quality piece of equipment for their home gym.
Why We Love It
We searched high and low for a weight that can do it all—TRX’s YBell 3-in-1 Kettlebell, Dumbbell, and Push Up Bar can carry you through a wide variety of workouts, thanks to its multi-functional design. Its comfortable, ergonomic grip makes it easy to change grips and move from one exercise to another. Plus, its weight felt evenly distributed as we performed bent-over rows, front squats, and more.
We love how versatile this compact weight is and how easily it can be stored. Because of its size, it’s a great option for travel or taking on the go since it can meet a variety of needs and can help you move through a workout, no matter where you are. This also makes it a great fit for anyone seeking well-made, space-saving gym equipment for their home workout space.
Potential Flaws
- This is one of the pricier options on our list, but we think its versatility and quality exceed its value.
Most Valuable Insight
“This dumbbell feels super secure and well made! It’s very sleek looking and has a seamless construction. Because of that, I have no worries that this product wouldn’t hold up over time. I feel super confident that this product is trustworthy.” —Keighley Nemickas, Verywell Fit product tester
How to Choose the Right Dumbbells
Choosing the right dumbbells depends on several factors, including your fitness level, training goals, and home gym setup. Consider each of these factors when shopping.
- Your Fitness Level: The weight and style of your dumbbells will depend on your current fitness level. Beginners typically find weights between 5 to 15 pounds suitable for basic workouts. As you advance and build strength, gradually increasing the weight ensures ongoing muscle challenge and growth.
- Training Goals: Selecting dumbbells that align with your training goals is essential because it ensures you can perform exercises at the appropriate intensity and volume. For example, if your goal is muscle building, heavier weights might be more suitable, whereas lighter weights are often preferred for endurance or toning workouts with higher repetitions.
- Home Gym Setup: Optimizing your space and storage capacity is key when selecting the right dumbbells for your home gym setup. Consider your workout routine and other equipment you already have when shopping. This will help you determine the variety and quantity of dumbbells to purchase, optimizing your home gym setup.
What We’ve Updated
- Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best dumbbells, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested 12 new dumbbells from top brands. Based on our testing, we’ve evaluated each option for ease of use, grip, storage, durability, and value and included these new insights in our article.
- Based on our testing insights, we’ve added five new superlatives, including Best Grip, Most Versatile, and more. We’ve also reworked some of our product picks for Best Overall, Best for Beginners, and Best Budget.
- We consulted an additional expert, a certified personal trainer and strength coach, to oversee our second round of testing and to ensure we used the dumbbells properly.
How We Tested the Dumbbells
To find the best dumbbells, we tested 35 options in our Lab, performing bicep curls, forward lunges, bench presses, and more. When testing dumbbells, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.
- Ease of Use: First, we assess how easy, comfortable, and convenient each dumbbell is to use. For adjustable dumbbells, we also check how simple it is to switch between weight increments. We consider if the dumbbells feel secure, evenly distributed, and comfortable in our hands. We also take note of any additional features that affect ease of use, like storage racks, carrying cases, and more.
- Grip: As we perform upper and lower body exercises, we pay attention to how secure the dumbbells feel in our hands. We complete each exercise with dry hands and spray our hands with water to see how the grip holds up with wet hands. We prioritize dumbbells that feel safe and stable, regardless of their weight.
- Durability: To test for durability, we drop each dumbbell from waist height onto rubber gym and concrete flooring. We then look for any signs of damage, from minor scratches to extensive dents. We give the highest scores to dumbbells that show no damage after this drop test, while those with significant damage receive lower ratings.
- Storage: After our workout is complete, we evaluate each dumbbell set’s footprint by considering the amount of square footage it occupies. We also consider the weight and size for portability and ease of handling. For this category, we note if the product comes with a carrying case or storage rack for added convenience. This approach helps us identify compact and practical options suitable for various home gym setups.
- Value: To assess value, we rate the dumbbells in all other key categories before looking at their price. Then, we consider if, given its performance in these categories, the product is actually worth its cost. We only recommend products that we would personally purchase or suggest to a friend.
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some helped us better understand what key features to look for and avoid when shopping for high-quality dumbbbells. Other experts were on site during our test to ensure safety and proper equipment usage. While we choose products independently, our experts help inform our decisions.
- Noelle McKenzie, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York
- Stacey Dejesus, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer at Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York
- Kyrie Furr, CF-L2, USAW-L1, Precision Nutrition PN-1, performance coach at Athletic Lab in Morrisville, North Carolina
- Jaime Follows, BS, ACSM-CPT, EIM I, certified personal trainer and owner of TruFit Personal Training in Virginia
- Jamie Song, NASM-CPT, FRCms, certified personal trainer and functional range conditioning mobility specialist
- Alexis Dreiss, NASM-CPT, CFSC, certified personal trainer and functional strength coach
- Kevin Leon, CPT, certified personal trainer and strength coach at Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles can you work with dumbbells?
You can work almost all of your muscles with dumbbells, which are among the most versatile pieces of equipment for resistance training and building muscle and strength. The options for dumbbell exercises range from upper- to lower-body moves.
How often should you use dumbbells?
Ideally, you should incorporate resistance training into your workout routine at least two days per week. As long as you allow 24 to 48 hours of rest between training a specific muscle or muscle group, you can incorporate resistance training with dumbbells every day if you choose to.
How do you prevent injury when using dumbbells?
When using dumbbells, you can prevent injuries by learning proper form first and making sure you warm up properly. Practice the bodyweight version of the exercise before moving on to light dumbbells. After you have the form down, you can add more weight. Getting form advice from a personal trainer can help keep you safe and prevent injuries.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Amanda Berkey, M.Ed., is a former personal trainer with experience training clients privately and teaching group fitness classes. With nine years of experience writing about health and wellness, Amanda loves sharing her favorite workout equipment and nutrition products with her readers. Her current favorite dumbbells are Ethos’ Rubber Hex Set—they’re easy to stow away and provide the no-slip grip she’s looking for during tough workouts.
Additional reporting by Jarrod Nobbe and Jen Zeltwanger
Jarrod Nobbe, CSCS, is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with years of fitness coaching experience. His extensive knowledge and experience allow him to recommend dependable products from trusted fitness brands. As an avid gym enthusiast, he utilizes dumbbell training during his workouts and when training his clients. He personally uses PowerBlock’s Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells for his home workout sessions.
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and long-time fitness writer. She has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications. She uses dumbbells every day in her home gym and knows what works best for home fitness.
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