The 9 Dumbbells That Can Help Turn Any Room Into a Home Gym
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As a longtime distance runner, strength training admittedly isn't my favorite area of fitness. But because I know having a solid amount of lean muscle mass is important for health and longevity , I've built up a large collection of dumbbells in my home gym in hopes I'll actually use them.
As I've discovered, the best dumbbells are compact home gym equipment , small enough to stash away when not in use and versatile for all kinds of workouts, including cardio. "Whether you're looking for a HIIT-type of workout with lighter weight combined with short bouts of intense cardio moves, a muscle strength power workout using a heavier weight with lower reps, or a workout focusing on muscle endurance with lighter weight and more repetitions, dumbbells work well," says Melissa Hendrix Wogahn, CSCS , an exercise physiologist.
Dumbbells can even improve balance by forcing your muscles to stabilize during movements and increase the burn during a workout. Plus, they can help boost circulation throughout the body.
Best Dumbbells
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Best Overall: Spri Hand Weights
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Most Comfortable: Amazon Basics Vinyl Coated Hexagon Dumbbell
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Best Beginner Dumbbell Set: BalanceFrom Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Set
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Best Adjustable: BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells
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Best Dumbbells for Yoga and Pilates: Bala Dumbbell Set
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Best Square: WeGym SafeGrip Square Dumbbells
Of course, dumbbells won't do anything if you don't actually use them. That's why traits like comfort and versatility matter. But with so many different types of dumbbells on the market, it can be tricky to know what to look for. We tapped personal trainers for advice on weight, materials, and type to consider before buying to make the shopping process easier, while also testing these ourselves.
Below, you'll find our guide to the nine best dumbbells for a wide range of skill levels, workout preferences, and budgets.
Spri Hand Weights
After testing dozens of dumbbells for months, The Spri Deluxe Rubber-Coated Hand Weights came out on top because of their reliable durability, weight range, and reasonable price. This set's contoured handles have a mix of smooth and textured surfaces to help you get a comfortable grip without hurting your hands.
The hexagon-shaped weights on each end make these versatile enough to use for nearly anything, from biceps curls to weighted planks. While they're inexpensive, these weights are well-made, with secure-feeling chrome handles. (Mine are a pandemic purchase, and they still look new.)
These also have a rubber coating on the ends to protect your home gym floor (a.k.a. your living room floor) from getting scratched. The only downside is that Spri weights top out at 20 pounds. If you want to lift heavier than that, you'll have to look elsewhere. But for an affordable no-frills pair of dumbbells that will last for years, these are absolutely the best option.
Read More: Best Home Gym Equipment
- Hex shape prevents rolling
- Easy grip for heavy lifting
- Sold in pairs up to 20 pounds
- Inexpensive
- Storage rack not included
- Not suitable for advanced users
Amazon Basics Neoprene Coated Hexagon Dumbbell
These Amazon Basics weights were one of the first sets I bought, and they continue to be my go-to for lighter lifting. They're covered in neoprene for a comfortable grip, no matter where you hold them. That means a secure, non-slip grip for pretty much anything in your strength training repertoire.
That neoprene coating makes these rust-resistant and naturally gentle on your floors. While some neoprene weights have a coating that dings or chips over time, I've never noticed an issue with mine.
The bright colors, which are different for each weight, are fun and perky, too. The weights range from 1 pound to 20 pounds, which means you'll have to keep picking up more as your strength grows. But with a price that ranges from $8 to $41 for a pair, it's easy to fit that into most budgets.
- Very comfortable grip
- Neoprene coating protects your hands and floors
- Fun colors
- Weights max out at 20 pounds
BalanceFrom Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Weight Set
The BalanceFrom Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Set is exactly what you need if you're just getting started with dumbbells and want a few different weight options. It's one of the most affordable dumbbell sets we've tested, with the option of even higher weight sets.
The weights range from 1 to 20 pounds depending on which set you opt for. The sets come with a compact vertical rack that takes up minimal floor space, which is ideal for small apartments.
The dumbbells have a textured grip that does a good job preventing slips, even when you're sweaty from an intense workout. Appleton also says the material is great for non-gym flooring since you "won't need to worry as much about scratching or dinging your floors."
Just be aware that the relatively lightweight options make these better for beginners or lightweight to low-impact moves. If you're more advanced, our best overall is the superior option.
- Low to medium weight range for newbies
- Rubber coated ends won't damage your floor
- Comes with a vertical rack
- Weight range is limited
BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells
BowFlex's SelectTech 552 dumbbells have been a fan-favorite for years. You may have heard that the company recalled the original SelectTech 552 in June 2025 after reports of the plates dislodging. But it came back with a new version called the Results Series, which is really similar to the original, but with a few tweaks to the materials and a lower price tag. (Those dislodged plates are now a thing of the past.)
This set is adjustable, with weight ranging from 5 to 52.5 pounds. The weight adjusts in 2.5-pound increments from 5 to 25 pounds, and then in 5-pound increments up to 50 pounds. (There's a final 2.5-pound increase for the full weight.)
Some adjustable dumbbells can be clunky and time-consuming to tweak, but BowFlex's method is simple. Just set the weight on the included tray, twist the dials on the ends to your desired weight, and pull up.
Once I got the hang of it, I was able to adjust the weight in just a few seconds. Just be aware that the plates may have to wiggle into place if they don't sync up perfectly.
The dumbbell isn't massive, but it is bulkier at smaller weights than you'd see with an individual standard weight. (Once you get to heavier weights, the size comparisons line up well.) The plates can also rattle sometimes, although that's common with adjustable weights. But with 15 weights jammed into one convenient set, you can get a lot of mileage out of this adjustable dumbbell.
Read More: Best Kettlebells
- Weight dials are clearly labeled
- Replaces a set of 15 weights
- Included storage tray
- Plates may rattle
Bala Dumbbell Set
If you want to incorporate weights into mat Pilates, barre, or yoga moves, Bala Bars are the perfect addition for adding a touch of resistance to donkey kicks or a sculpting arms series—three pounds to be precise. Besides reaching for them to add extra resistance to a mat workout, you can also add a little extra burn when power walking.
"These little bars are sleek, the smooth silicone is easy to clean, and the oblong shape feels great in my hands," says Appleton. "The cute little carrying case they come in also makes it so portable for on-the-go use, and easy to stash away in a drawer or cabinet when not in use."
Given these are only three pounds, these may not be heavy enough for some fitness levels and workout styles. For slightly more resistance, the BalanceFrom Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set is a great option.
Read More: Bala Bar Dumbbells Are the Perfect Accessory for More Intense Workouts
- Great for mat Pilates and barre workouts
- Comfortable to hold
- They don't disrupt range of motion
- Only available in three pounds
WeGym SafeGrip Square Dumbbells
These dumbbells won out in the Women's Health 2026 Fitness Awards, and it's easy to see why the unique, patented square design made it a winner. "These grippy weights set the standard for dumbbells," says WH fitness director Jaqueline Andriakos. She especially loves the stability and added control these dumbbells offer when doing moves like renegade rows.
These dumbbells are coated in anti-slip PVC material that's easy on the hands. The handles of these dumbbells are also a little wider than you'll find on more traditional sets, so if you're someone whose hands hurt when doing floor exercises with dumbbells, these are worth a close look.
It's also hard to deny how good these dumbbells look, with neutral, modern colors that would make them blend in to with palate of a living space where the living room doubles as a fitness space.
- Square shape is extra stable
- Anti-slip coating and wider handles for a comfortable grip
- Won't scuff floors
- Only goes up to 20 pounds
Rogue Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Rogue Fitness has a reputation for serving up high-quality gear with smart features to make your fitness journey easier. The brand's hex dumbbells have chrome-plated handles with rubber ends for a durable weight that won't ding your floors.
Those chrome handles are knurled for a comfortable, ergonomic grip, and the hex shape keeps the weights from rolling around. That can be especially helpful when you're doing things like weighted planks and pushups.
Rogue Fitness gives you a lot to work with, offering dumbbell sets ranging from 2.5 pounds to 125 pounds. No matter what size you choose, each dumbbell has high-quality construction and a solid feel—meaning, these are unlikely to break on you.
While you have plenty of weights to choose from, be aware that Rogue charges you for shipping—and, in some cases, shipping costs can rival those of the actual weights. Just keep that in mind when figuring out your budget.
- Very durable construction
- Rubber weights protect floors
- Large choice of weights
- Shipping costs extra
SMRTFT Nüobell Adjustable Dumbbells 80 Lbs
The steep price tag of the SMRTFT Nüobell 80-lb Dumbbells alone may weed this option out for a lot of people. But if you're willing to spend a little more, there are a few reasons to consider this stylish and highly functional set.
The Nüobell 80lb dumbbells couldn't be easier to adjust. Just put the dumbbell into the included holder, twist the handle toward the "+" or "- " symbol to tweak the weight, and lift. This adjusts both heads at once, allowing you to change the weight and move on quickly.
That makes this dumbbell great for fast-paced strength-training workouts like HIIT sets. The handle is also knurled with small ridges, allowing you to get a good grip without worrying about slipping.
These dumbbells are sleek and relatively compact, with smaller weights creating less bulk to give you a better range with lighter lifting. You can even choose from different colors like tactical green, ash, and all-black.
The discs are made from iron, so they're built to last. Again, that $795 price is no joke. But if you're planning to lift regularly, want a set that will hold up for ages, and prefer to save on space, it's worth a look.
- Very easy to adjust
- Large weight range
- Sleek design
- Very expensive
Nike Grind Dumbbell
These weights are made from recycled Nike Grind rubber for a unique terrazzo pattern you don't see in other weights. That superficial element makes these stand out from the pack and makes someone like me who isn't as excited to do strength training a little more pumped to actually use them.
This dumbbell set is more than good looks, though. Those pretty rubber ends are sculpted into a hex pattern, keeping these weights from damaging your floors and rolling around on you.
They also have an ergonomic design with a medium knurled knuckle that's slightly curved for a better grip. While these are protected by a warranty , it's not perfect. Nike won't always cover damage from extended outdoor use, and that warranty is voided if you drop the weights from higher than 24 inches. So, don't toss these on the ground between sets and bring them in after outdoor workouts—and you should be fine.
- Cool design you’ll want to use
- Knurled handle for comfort
- Sculpted ends won’t roll
- Dropping from more than 24 inches voids warranty
What to Consider
What type of dumbbells do I need?
Dumbbells can generally be broken into two types: standard and adjustable. Choosing standard or adjustable dumbbells usually comes down to your budget, space, and fitness goals. Adjustable dumbbells allow you to modify the weight for every exercise but are often more expensive than a full set of fixed-weight dumbbells.
If you're new to strength training, investing in adjustable dumbbells is probably not necessary. A couple of fixed-weight dumbbells can be more than enough, and are a budget-friendly choice for beginners. But if you're tight on space and have the money for it, adjustable dumbbells can be a convenient choice that will usually be something you won't train out of.
What the right weight to get?
If you're just getting your feet wet with dumbbells, it's best to choose a weight that you can lift for 8 to 12 reps, advises Wogahn. "Each exercise may require a different weight, so this is why investing in a set can be helpful," she explains. Focus on quality and don't be afraid to start with lighter weights, says strength coach Hayden Steele, CPT . When you get stronger, you can always add more load.
What's the right dumbbell material for me?
Your muscles may be burning, but your hands don't have to—take into consideration how the dumbbells feel when you grip them, says Wogahn.
Different materials offer various benefits: Neoprene dumbbells provide extra traction and are comfortable to hold, while rubber-coated dumbbells are durable and protect floors from damage. Metal dumbbells, particularly those with knurled (rigid textured) handles, can enhance grip, although the knurling may feel rough on your hands initially and can cause blisters. Knurled handles can be particularly beneficial for maintaining a secure grip during sweaty or intense workouts, even if they cause some discomfort at first (your hands will get used to it faster than you think—or you can use gloves).
It's also a good idea to pay attention to the size of the grip. Dumbbells should fit comfortably in your hands without feeling too large or small (the average diameter of a dumbbell handle typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 inches).
How We Chose
I tested some of the bestselling dumbbells for home workouts, along with Women's Health contributor Talene Appleton, NASM and director, special projects Amanda Lucci . WH fitness and reviews editor and NASM-certified personal trainer Natascha Grief weighed in as well. We tested each dumbbell across various categories, including design, durability, functionality, and effectiveness.
We put them through the paces with three types of exercises for a minimum of 10 sets and 10 reps: explosive moves like swings and cleans, multi-joint strength exercises like bench presses and Romanian deadlifts, and accessory motions like biceps curls and lateral raises. (The exception is the Bala Bars, which were tested for accessory exercises and mat Pilates only.) To test durability, we dropped each dumbbell from a standard bench and monitored for signs of rust over three months.
Meet the Experts
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Melissa Hendrix Wogahn, CSCS is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and exercise physiologist.
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Hayden Steele, CPT is a strength coach and creator of the Shock fitness app.
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