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5 Best dumbbell sets of 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Dumbbells are a staple in home gyms, and for good reason. Dumbbells can help you get an effective workout, no matter your living conditions, athletic ability or age, making them a smart investment piece for people trying to get in shape or maintain their physique and overall health.
However, dumbbells come in different weights, sizes and prices, so finding a dumbbell set that best suits your needs can be challenging.
In this article, we share our top picks for the best dumbbell sets on the market in 2024 for every budget, need and athletic ability.
How we chose the best dumbbell sets
Whether you’re new to working out or are a seasoned athlete, having accessible and easy-to-use workout tools, like dumbbells, can help you reach your health and wellness goals and maintain your body composition. Dumbbells are one of the most effective pieces of workout equipment you can buy. Not only are they versatile, being easily incorporated into both strength and cardiovascular workouts, but they come in a variety of weights and sizes, making them a good choice for almost everyone looking for a simple way to stay active.
However, it’s often hard to pick the best dumbbell set for your needs, especially when shopping online. To make the search for quality dumbbells easier, we scoured the internet for dumbbell sets, taking into account customer reviews, price, size and weight range. We included dumbbells that could fit into a variety of workouts, from heavy weight lifting to pilates and barre. We also chose dumbbell sets suitable for different living conditions and spaces, from small apartments to large home gyms.
Additionally, we took into consideration ease of use, durability, comfort and adjustability, as we understand everyone has different needs when it comes to home gym equipment.
With that information in mind, we chose five of the best dumbbell sets on the market in 2024.
Top dumbbell sets
- Best for small spaces: CAP Barbell 150 LB Dumbbell Set with Rack
- Best adjustable: BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
- Best lightweight set: LIONSCOOL Set of 10 Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weights with Rack
- Best for heavy lifting: Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best budget: WF Athletic Supply 5-25 Lb Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Set with A Frame Storage Rack
Best for small spaces: CAP Barbell 150 LB Dumbbell Set with Rack
- Compact design appropriate for small spaces, like small apartments
- Steel rack holds five pairs of dumbbells, from five to 25 pounds
- Rubber-coated dumbbells are easy on the hands and help reduce noise
About CAP Barbell 150 LB Dumbbell Set with Rack
If you’re shopping for a dumbbell set but don’t have much space to work out in, you’ll want to be sure you choose a compact option that works for small spaces. Vertical storage racks are best for small spaces as they aren’t as wide as traditional dumbbell racks, which can be quite large.
CAP Barbell 150 LB Dumbbell Set with Rack is one of the best choices for small spaces because its vertical design means that it won’t take up much room. The CAP Barbell 150 LB Dumbbell Set with Rack holds five sets of dumbbells ranging in size from five to 25 pounds, which makes it suitable for various workout routines.
Not only is the CAP Barbell 150 LB Dumbbell Set with Rack suitable for small spaces, but customer reviews note that it’s easy to assemble and is high-quality. Plus, it’s reasonably priced at $249.99, making it much more affordable than many similar dumbbell sets. This set comes with a 30-day manufacturer warranty, so you can feel confident investing your money in these dumbbells.
Why we like it
- Holds five sets of dumbells
- Appropriate for small spaces
- Reasonably priced
What to consider
- Only hold weights up to 25 pounds
- Some customer reviews mention that the dumbbells have a strong rubber smell
Best adjustable: BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
About BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are dumbbells that allow you to change their weight. They’re typically the size of a larger dumbbell but are made with a number of smaller plates or blocks, which allows you to adjust their weight based on your workout preferences.
BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are sold as a pair, and each dumbbell has 15 weight settings and can be adjusted from five to 52.5 pounds using a dial. Just one pair of these dumbbells replaces 15 sets of weights, making it an excellent choice for people who want to save space in their home gym without sacrificing equipment quality.
BowFlex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells come with storage trays to keep your dumbbells off of the ground, and the parts are covered under a two-year warranty. This dumbbell set is on the pricier side, coming in at $429, but, when you think about how many dumbbells this one set replaces, the price seems more reasonable.
These dumbbells have over 7,000 reviews on the BowFlex website, with 84% of customers giving these dumbbells five stars.
Why we like it
- Over 7,000 customer reviews, most of which are five stars
- Adjustable weight from five to 52.5 pounds
- Replaces 15 sets of weights, making it a smart choice for small spaces
What to consider
- Pricey
- Some customers reported that their dumbbells got jammed after a few months of using
- Some customer reviews mention poor customer service
Best lightweight set: LIONSCOOL Set of 10 Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weights with Rack
- Five lighter-weight dumbbells sets with a space-saving rack
- Comfortable, neoprene-coated dumbbells
- Affordable
About LIONSCOOL Set of 10 Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weights with Rack
You don’t have to lift heavy weights to get an effective workout. Lighter weights are often used in workouts like Pilates and barre and can help you reach your body composition and strength goals. Plus, lighter weights are much easier to move and handle and can be taken on the go, such as when traveling.
LIONSCOOL Set of 10 Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weights with Rack comes with five sets of dumbbells, ranging from two to 10 pounds, making it a great choice for people who want to have access to a variety of lighter weights during their workout. Each cast iron dumbbell is coated with thick, anti-slip neoprene, which comes in handy during sweaty workouts. The dumbbell ends have a hexagon shape, so they’ll stay in place when you set them down between sets or workout moves.
This dumbbell set comes with a portable rack on wheels, making moving and storing the dumbbell set much more manageable. This set has over 13,000 reviews on Amazon, 85% of which are five stars. Customers love how easy these dumbbells are to use and rave about their versatility, storability and the fun colors available. Customers also like the affordable price of just $168.99 for the complete set. The company offers a limited one-year warranty on the neoprene dumbbells and a limited three-year warranty on the dumbbell rack.
Why we like it
- Easy to move and suitable for compact spaces
- Perfect for people who prefer lighter weights
- Affordable
What to consider
- Not appropriate for heavier lifting
- Some customers reviews reported that they received damaged dumbbells
Best for heavy lifting: Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells
- Adjustable from five to 40 pounds per weight and increases up to 100 pounds with additional kits
- Replaces up to 40 pairs of dumbbells
- Easy to adjust mid-workout
About Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells
If you’re looking for dumbbells that can stand up to intense workouts and are suitable for heavy lifting, look no further than Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells. Each of these dumbbells is adjustable from five to 40 pounds and can be increased up to a whopping 100 pounds by adding additional 20-pound kits. This means you can lift heavy weights without having to purchase additional dumbbells.
With the pull of a pin, you can switch from light weights to heavy weights, or vice-versa, mid-workout, which makes this set an economical choice for those who prefer to use different weights during their exercise routines. Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells is also an excellent option for households made up of people with varying workout abilities and preferences.
While these weights range in price from $499 to $1,096 for the heaviest set, the price doesn’t seem so bad when you take into consideration how many dumbbells this one set replaces. These dumbbells have seven reviews on the LifeFitness website, all of which are five stars. Customers seem to be happy with their purchase and report that this set is perfect for home gyms. Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells come with a five-year limited warranty and ship free.
Why we like it
- Replaces up to 40 pairs of dumbbells
- Easy to adjust mid-workout
- Suitable for varying strengths and workout needs
What to consider
- Expensive
- Stand sold separately
Best budget: WF Athletic Supply 5-25 Lb Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Set with A Frame Storage Rack
- Five sets of weights ranging from five to 25 pounds
- Affordable price of just $189.00
- Comes with a space-saving A-frame storage rack
About WF Athletic Supply 5-25 Lb Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Set with A Frame Storage Rack
Looking for a high-quality dumbbell set that won’t break the bank? WF Athletic Supply 5-25 Lb Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Set with A Frame Storage Rack is an affordable weight set that can suit the needs of both workout newbies and experienced gym-goers. This set comes with five sets of weights ranging from five to 25 pounds, so you can easily change your weights throughout your workout, making it more or less challenging.
The dumbbells are rubber-coated and hexagon-shaped, making them comfortable to use and easy to set down. The set comes with an A-frame dumbbell rack to maximize floor space, which makes it a smart choice for smaller home gyms or for people who want to save space for other equipment. At just $189.00, this dumbbell set can fit many budgets and makes a good choice for people who don’t want to spend tons of money on weights. This dumbbell set has over 600 reviews on Amazon, 83% of which are five stars.
Why we like it
- Affordable
- Weights range from five to 25 pounds
- Space-saving A-frame rack
What to consider
- The set ships in multiple boxes, and it might arrive separately on different days
- Some customers report being dissatisfied with the weight rack's packaging
- Not suitable for heavier weight needs
How to choose a dumbbell set
When you’re shopping for a dumbbell set, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are a few considerations for buying a dumbbell set.
- Budget: Dumbbell sets can be surprisingly expensive, so it’s important to shop around until you find a high-quality set that fits within your price range. Fortunately, there are plenty of inexpensive dumbbell sets to choose from that suit all preferences and budgets.
- Your workout needs: Consider your workout needs, including the types of workouts you like and fitness goals you wish to accomplish in the future. For example, a person who regularly does pilates or barre may want to choose a dumbbell set that includes a variety of lighter weights, like the LIONSCOOL Set of 10 Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weights with Rack, while a person who likes to lift a variety of weights, including very heavy weight, may want to choose an adjustable weight set, like Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells.
- Your space: It’s also critical to think about your space requirements and where you’ll be keeping your dumbbells. If you have limited space or want a dumbbell set that can be easily stored in a space like a closet, a space-saving weight rack or a set of dumbbells on wheels, like LIONSCOOL Set of 10 Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weights with Rack, is a smart choice.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features, and created a short list of the top dumbbells on the market. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews, and user ratings to find the best dumbbell set for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
What are the best dumbbell brands?
There are so many dumbbell brands to choose from, some of which are from well-known brands like BowFlex. Purchasing a dumbbell set from a well-known brand like BowFlex comes with some upsides, like a manufacturer's warranty. However, brand-name dumbbells are typically more expensive. You can find a variety of dumbbell sets on third-party sites like Amazon that suit a range of fitness abilities and budgets without sacrificing quality.
Should I get 20 or 25-pound dumbbells?
This completely depends on your preferences and workout goals. Both 20 and 25-pound weights make a great addition to your workout routine, but lighter and heavier weights can be effective, too. If you’d like a variety of weights, you may want to choose adjustable dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells can be adjusted to weigh anywhere from five all the way up to 100 pounds, making them a versatile option for home gyms.
Will my arms get bigger if I lift weights?
Not necessarily. Many factors contribute to muscle growth or hypertrophy, including calorie intake, workout consistency, hormones, genetics, and more. In order to significantly bulk up, you’ll need to follow a specific, higher-calorie, higher-protein diet and be consistent with your strength training workouts. Lifting weights isn’t just about putting on muscle mass. Strength training can help you lose body fat, improve your skeletal health and overall strength, lower chronic disease risk factors, and more, so you shouldn’t focus primarily on lifting weights for larger muscles.
References
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Momma, H., Kawakami, R., Honda, T., & Sawada, S. S. Muscle-strengthening activities are associated with lower risk and mortality in major non-communicable diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022 Jul; 56(13): 755–763. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105061. PMID: 35228201. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9209691/
Schiaffino, S., Reggiani, C., Akimoto, T., & Blaauw, B. Molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases. 2021; 8(2): 169–183. doi: 10.3233/JND-200568. PMID: 33216041. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8075408/
