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Looking for the best holder to spend your hard-earned euros on? If you like to bypass the gym fees or just want to do some drafting at home and start your own strength training workout at home, dumbbells are a smart place to start.
They take up minimal space but offer a versatile muscle-building, fat burning workout that can help you build both strength and fitness.
Being our favorite these Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells for their adaptability, versatility and because they appeal to a range of fitness levels – so you can buy them as a beginner and still have fun using them when you almost look like The Rock.
So, whether you're looking for a dumbbell set to take up that last corner in the attic or a space-conscious piece of equipment for the small back room, we've already done all the hard work for you.
Here are the top picks in a quick overview:
| Dumbbell | Images |
|---|---|
| Best Adjustable Dumbbell: Bowflex Select Tech | 
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| Best dumbbell for weight training: Bodymax Deluxe 30 kg Hammertone Dumbbell Set | 
|
| Most Innovative Dumbbells: PowerBlock Sport Adjustable Dumbbells | 
|
| Best Rubber Dumbbells: Core Power Hex | 
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| Best Design Dumbbells: Marcy Chrome Dumbbells | 
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| Best dumbbell set for beginners: proiron | 
|
| Best cheap dumbbell set: ScSPORTS Curl bar & dumbbells 2x20kg | 
|
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 The best dumbbells reviewed
- 1.1 Best Adjustable Dumbbell: Bowflex SelectTech
- 1.2 Best dumbbell for weight training: Bodymax Deluxe 30 kg Hammertone Dumbbell Set
- 1.3 Most Innovative Dumbbells: PowerBlock Sport Adjustable Dumbbells
- 1.4 Best Rubber Dumbbell: Core Power Hex
- 1.5 Best Design Dumbbell: Marcy Chrome Dumbbells
- 1.6 Best dumbbell set for beginners: Proiron
- 1.7 Best Cheap Dumbbell Set: ScSPORTS Curl Bar & Dumbbells 2x20kg
- 2 What should you pay attention to when buying a dumbbell?
The best dumbbells reviewed
Best Adjustable Dumbbell: Bowflex SelectTech
Best Dumbbells You Can Buy: Get the equivalent of 17 sets of dumbbells in one pair.
Ideal for: Pro lifters
Weight: 4-41 kg
Material: Metal
Type: Adjustable
REASONS TO BUY
+ Automatically switches the resistance on with the rotary knob
+ Store in a compact case
+ Store in a compact case
REASONS TO AVOID
– Price can only attract pro-lifters
Adjustable dumbbells allow you to train with different weight levels, but only take up half the space that a normal set of dumbbells for the same weight range would require.
They come together into a stand and all you need to do is turn the dial to the desired amount of kg and it will release the correct number of weights for your workout.
With a range of 4-41 kg, you can choose between light or heavy exercises, so you can get the most out of your fitness regime.
Bowflex promises that these dumbbells are hardwearing, with a durable shape also suitable for a smooth grip for a seamless workout. In our opinion, these are the very best dumbbells you can buy if you are a pro lifter.
Best dumbbell for weight training: Bodymax Deluxe 30 kg Hammertone Dumbbell Set
Best Dumbbells For Single Weight Workouts: These comfortable dumbbells have a rubber handle.
Ideal for: comfortable grip
Weight: up to 30 kg
Material: metal and rubber
Type: adjustable
REASONS TO BUY
+ Comfortable grip
+ Smart black iron finish
+ Comfortable grip
+ Smart black iron finish
REASONS TO AVOID
– The advertised weight is the total weight of the pair
– The advertised weight is the total weight of the pair
Metal barbell handles can take the skin off your hands, so these barbells have a rubber grip that makes them more comfortable to use during extended periods of training.
With maximum weights from 25 to 30 kg, there is a choice of different sets, depending on your lifting capacity. You can also adjust the weight of each barbell by simply loosening the bolt for a more varied workout.
Bodymax promises that these barbells are extremely durable, although there are reports that the handle can wear over time, which is to be expected.
Although they don't come in a case, they can be easily stored away when not in use.
Most Innovative Dumbbells: PowerBlock Sport Adjustable Dumbbells
Best dumbbells for a varied workout: compact and colorful.
Ideal for: a varied training
Weight: 1,5-11 kg
Material: metal and rubber
Type: adjustable
REASONS TO BUY
+ The weight of 8 dumbbells in one compact block
+ Simply select the correct weight with the colored buttons
+ The weight of 8 dumbbells in one compact block
+ Simply select the correct weight with the colored buttons
REASONS TO AVOID
– Handle recess can be a little awkward with larger hands
– Handle recess can be a little awkward with larger hands
These adjustable dumbbells, like our top picks, give you a variety of weights in one block, rather than spending money on eight separate dumbbells, which inevitably take up more space.
With a maximum weight of 11 kg per barbell, these are made for lighter regimes and can be used in conjunction with a zumba routine for an even better workout.
For easy selection, simply press the colored button to release the desired weight and reassemble once your workout is complete for easy storage.
Our pick of the best dumbbells if you like varied workouts and often switch weights.
Best Rubber Dumbbell: Core Power Hex
Best dumbbells for resistance training: A hexagonal design with great grip and rubber housing.
Ideal for: Rubber weights
Weight: different classes up to 12,5 kg
Material: Metal and rubber
Type: Fixed
REASONS TO BUY
+ Rubber housing
+ Shaped handles
+ Rubber housing
+ Shaped handles
REASONS TO AVOID
– Only one weight per sale so many weights can get expensive
– Only one weight per sale so many weights can get expensive
Dropping metal weights on the floor can be noisy – a potential problem for home gyms – however, the substantial rubber casing on these dumbbells makes for a much quieter landing.
While they don't come with a rubber grip, Core Power have molded chrome handles for a superior grip.
With their hexagonal design, they are unique from the regular barbells, making them a more interesting feature for your home gym. With a fixed weight, you may need to buy a few to vary your workout routine.
Best Design Dumbbell: Marcy Chrome Dumbbells
Best Dumbbells for Ease of Use: Slim Yet Practical
Ideal for: a chrome option
Weight: 12,5 kg
Material: Chrome
Type: fixed
REASONS TO BUY
+ Sleek and polished
+ Ergonomic design
+ Sleek and polished
+ Ergonomic design
REASONS TO AVOID
– Can scratch and mark
– Can scratch and mark
If you only want to buy one or two pairs of dumbbells, sometimes it's not worth it to use more expensive brands and models. Chrome is often a cheaper option when it comes to purchasing dumbbells, but that is certainly no less in quality.
Ergonomically designed, these Marcy dumbbells ensure you get a great workout, thanks to the contoured handle to prevent slipping and a shiny, sleek look to add a touch of class to your home gym.
Best dumbbell set for beginners: Proiron
Best Dumbbell Set for Beginners: These colorful dumbbells are affordable and ideal for beginners
Ideal for: Beginners
Weight: 1-3 kg
Material: Metal and neoprene
Type: Fixed
REASONS TO BUY
+ Great for adding resistance to workouts
+ Stylish colors
+ Great for adding resistance to workouts
+ Stylish colors
REASONS TO AVOID
– More for beginners
– More for beginners
Whether you're doing sit-ups, crunches, lunges, or the like, using weights while performing your usual workout routine will help increase resistance and build up faster.
With a neoprene exterior, these weights are an advantage if you arm want to give some extra resistance during training, because they offer more grip than regular metal.
The set comes with a tree for neat storage and can be easily wiped clean for next time use.
Best Cheap Dumbbell Set: ScSPORTS Curl Bar & Dumbbells 2x20kg
Best dumbbells for those on a budget: These are the best dumbbells for those on a budget
Ideal for: Budget
Material: Plastic and steel
Type: Adjustable
REASONS TO BUY
+ Complete set with quite a bit of weight
+ Affordable
+ Complete set with quite a bit of weight
+ Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
– Not the best quality
– Not the best quality
A great set of dumbbells and curl bar for those who don't feel like spending serious money, but are still looking for quite a bit of weight. Ideal for beginners or more experienced athletes.
They can be easily unscrewed and screwed back on so you can play with weight and make one heavier dumbbell or distribute the weight.
A great way to train your whole body by building strength and conditioning at your own pace.
What should you pay attention to when buying a dumbbell?
Rubber or metal?
Dumbbells come in all shapes and sizes, with rigid rubber barbells with reinforcement being the most popular choice. These often come in a variety of shapes, are resistant to damage and scratches, and are much kinder on floors if you're in the habit of dropping them.
Alternatively, you can buy chrome or metal dumbbells, which are often much cheaper but compromise usability.
Adjustable or fixed?
Those looking for a really compact piece of equipment that they can neatly store may want to consider adjustable barbells, although these can sometimes be a pain to hold.
Cost vs Results
If you're not sure what kind of dumbbells you want, think about how serious you are about gaining muscle mass.
Those who want to train for a few hours every day may want to look into a hardwearing rubber set, while those who want to do a soft set a few times a week may not want to spend that much.
The weight range is also worth considering. Most gym-quality sets range between 2,5kg and 30kg, while those looking to get into the world of bodybuilding may need to look for a 50-100kg set.
Also read: the best fitness gloves for a better grip
Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.
