Having been a regular in my local gym since 2006, I know how important dumbbells are for a proper workout. And as a beginner, you can actually do a complete workout with just a pair of adjustable dumbbells.
Adjustable dumbbells are fantastic, because you’re able to do all your exercises easily and quickly, without taking up a lot of floor space. Whatever it’s lateral raises or deadlift, these dumbbells are there for you.
When it comes to choosing the right adjustable dumbbells, there are a few good options to choose from. In this guide we’ve taken a closer look at our top picks, and you’ll get some useful insights that will help you make the right choice.
The top picks
Editor’s choice: Merax Deluxe 71.5 Pounds Adjustable Dial Dumbbells
These adjustable dumbbells are a bit pricy, but with the ability to adjust from just 11 lbs and up to a whopping 71.5 lbs each, they’ll be super useful for any exercise you can think of, and even when you get stronger they’ll still help you get a good workout.
Best value: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
We love these for being super simple, but also affordable. And what’s perhaps their biggest advantage, is that they can be upgraded with extra plates and bars to suit any need you might have in the future. Definitely worth considering, if you’re looking for a good budget option and don’t mind spending a little extra time adjusting them between exercises.
Questions? Ask our experts:
The breakdown
How did we find the best dumbbells?
At Garage Gym Hero we independently select the products we consider the best in each category. Besides reviewing the products ourselves, here’s a breakdown of the entire process:
5
Products reviewed
This is the total amount of products we’ve reviewed for this buying guide at the time of writing.
3
Factors considered
In order to find the best adjustable dumbbells for beginners, we’ve evaluated their ease of use, build quality, and adjustability.
24
Expert reviews analyzed
As part of our extensive research process, we go through reviews from reputable experts such as Wirecutter, JaysHomeGym, and more.
11680
User ratings analyzed
This is another important element to take into consideration. The user ratings help us get an understand of other people’s level of short term satisfaction of a product, and we believe it shows proof whether a product works well for most users or not.
Related: A curated list of overall exercise equipment great for any home gym.
In-Depth Reviews of Our Top Picks
Below we’re taking a closer look at the adjustable dumbbells we believe are the best picks on the market right now.
Merax Deluxe 71.5 Pounds Adjustable Dial Dumbbells
- Dial system for quick and easy adjustments
- Adjusts from just 11 lbs to 71.5 lbs with 5.5 lbs increments
- Perfect for any exercise
What we like: As a beginner you need as few obstacles as possible to get you started and keep your motivation up. With the Merax Deluxe dumbbells you can get started super easily, and because they have a dial button there’s no difficult adjustments needed between your exercises.
Simply turn the dial and choose which if the 12 weight options you want to go for, and get started with your workout. Once you’re done with one exercise and want to move on to the next one, simply place the dumbbells back in their slots and turn the button once again. The correct plates are then getting locked to the handles, and once you pick them up you can simply get going with your exercise. No screwing, no fiddling, just quick and super easy to use and adjust.
With weight options ranging from just 11 lbs and up to 71.5 lbs, these adjustable dumbbells suit beginners on all levels and will last you for a long time regardless of your initial level of strength.
Specifications:
- 143 lbs (71.5 lbs x 2)
- Adjusts by turning the dial button
- From 11 lbs to 71.5 lbs
- 5.5 lb increments
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
- Very affordable
- Durable design
- Available in many variations
What we like: The Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells can be ordered in a choice of several different variants, each made from high quality cast iron. This superior build quality ensures unmatched toughness, stability and long service life, and prevents bending even after long periods of repeated use. Each piece in this set of best adjustable dumbbells for beginners is pampered with a non-slip neoprene coating, which reduces noise as well as provides a comfortable grip, so you can say goodbye to your workout gloves.
The Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells are color coded, and printed with the weight number for easy identification. Furthermore, they are equipped with hexagonal shaped heads, which prevent them from rolling away when set on the floor or from the storage rack. This set of adjustable dumbbells from Yes4All are easy to assemble, and dismantle when not in use. They are a great choice for performing several different workouts including core fitness, body workouts, heavy leg lifts and strength exercises.
Specifications:
- From 40 lbs (20 lbs x 2)
- High quality cast iron construction
What we like: The PowerBlock Sport comes in at the #3 position on this list of best adjustable dumbbells for beginners, mostly for its adjustability level between 3 lbs and 24 lbs in 3 lbs increments. This cost effective training solution comes with a selector pin, which allows you to switch weights easily, similar to the weight stack at the gym. Adding to this, it boasts a compact yet balanced design, which sets it apart from other beginner dumbbell sets, and makes it easy to store them without taking up a whole lot of room.
The PowerBlock Sport dumbbells offer a 24 lbs maximum weight capacity per hand, which is perfect for those just getting their feet wet with fitness. With this set of dumbbells, you will also save some serios cash, given that 1 pair is the equivalent to 216 lbs of free weights or a whopping 8 pairs of dumbbells. To top things off, the PowerBlock Sport adjustable dumbbells are backed by a 15-year manufacturer warranty, so can rest assured they will last you for several years to come.
Specifications:
- 3 to 24 lbs in 3 lb increments
- Change weights easily with selector pin
- 15-year manufacturer warranty
What we like: Bowflex is a brand that’s synonymous with superior quality fitness equipment, and the SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells is yet another hit another to the company’s product lineup. It is regarded as the best adjustable dumbbells for beginners owing to several reasons, most notably because each dumbbell can be adjusted between 5 – 52.5 lbs, and in 2.5 lbs increments up to the first 25 lbs. This makes it suitable for both novice and seasoned fitness enthusiasts.
The SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells features a unique dial system, which allows you to easily switch between weights to change the level of resistance. By combining weights into one, you also save precious floor real estate since you won’t have to buy more dumbbells. Some of the notable exercises you can perform with these dumbbells include curls, raises, and heavy exercises such as lunges and shrugs.
The metal plates of the SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells by Bowflex are encompassed within durable molding, which provides you with smooth lift-off. To access a wide range of expert recommended workouts, users can download the free Bowflex SelectTech App, and follow a virtual trainer, create custom workouts and even keep track of your workouts.
Specifications:
- 5 – 52.5 lbs adjustable
- Unique dial system
Buying Guide to Adjustable Dumbbells for Beginners
Total weight –one of the biggest benefits of buying adjustable dumbbells is that they replace several small size dumbbells of different weights. This saves you both time and money, so look for sets that offer more weight, which means that the more dumbbells they will replace.
Weight increments – adjustable dumbbells feature one of two systems – dial or plate, both of which designed to allow you to control the resistance you get from them. Most of the best adjustable dumbbells offer a minimum 2.5 lbs increments, and others for advanced users can go as high as 100 lbs for each hand.
Durable construction – the best beginner adjustable dumbbells are made from solid cast iron, and poor quality ones from plastic. If you don’t want to buy new adjustable dumbbells every few months, it’s worth spending a few bucks more for durable steel or cast iron dumbbells.
Smooth handling – some leading dumbbells come with non-slip grips, which not only eradicate the need to buy or wear workout gloves, but also allows you to use them without the fear of slipping and dropping.
Dumbbell handle length – this is one of the areas that’s often overlooked by people shopping for the best beginner adjustable dumbbells, but it is best to avoid longer handles they may press against your hips while curling. However, since users do have varied preferences, some may prefer longer handles, so but a set that you will work best for you.