The best adjustable dumbbells for upgrading your home workouts, reviewed by a PT

The weight range is good, spanning from a light 2.3 kilograms to a heavier 22.7 kilograms per dumbbell in increments of 1.13 kilograms. It’s an odd increment amount but that’s because these adjustable dumbbells work in pounds rather than kilograms, so the 1.13 kilogram increment is 2.5 pounds.

I will admit that I did struggle to work out what weight I was dealing with when using these, as every label displayed the weight in pounds rather than kilograms. The colour band indicators on the metal rails correspond to the weight chart on the handle, but as this was all in pounds, I had to keep doing mental arithmetic in my head to work out what that meant in kilograms. Once you’ve figured this out it’s a much smoother process.

The padded rubber handle was comfortable to grip and didn’t feel rough on my hands, and despite the odd look of these, they still worked well overall.

Key specifications

• Weight range: 2.3kg to 22.7kg
• Increment size: 1.13 kg (2.5lbs)
• Type of mechanism: Pin

How do adjustable dumbbells work?

Adjustable dumbbells allow you to change weight settings using a built-in mechanism such as a dial or pin. Instead of switching between multiple dumbbells, you simply adjust the load on a single unit, which typically ranges from two kilograms up to 40 kilograms, or even more.

The weight plates remain on a central handle and unused plates stay in the base. This makes them a great space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they come without the clutter of traditional weight racks.

What are the disadvantages of adjustable dumbbells?

There are some trade-offs to adjustable dumbbells. Many models can be bulkier than fixed dumbbells, which can affect grip and movement.

It can also be difficult to quickly change the weight on adjustable dumbbells and they can be slower to adjust mid-workout. If you enjoy doing supersets or circuits, this might hold you back slightly.

Some mechanisms can also wear out or stop working if used repeatedly. This is unlike conventional dumbbells, which are straightforward lumps of iron.

How heavy should adjustable dumbbells be?

This completely depends on your fitness level as well as your goals. If you’re a beginner or you’re focusing on lighter resistance training, a set of adjustable dumbbells with a weight range of two to 25 kilograms (per dumbbell) will likely be enough.

On the other hand, if you’re an experienced lifter, a set of adjustable dumbbells that reach 40 kilograms or more will be better suited. Bigger, compound movements that require more muscle activation, such as squats and lunges, will need heavier weight than single-muscle isolation exercises, such as bicep curls.

What is the best mechanism for adjustable dumbbells?

This depends on personal preference as well as what type of training you do and how often you need to change the weight. A slide or pin-based mechanism can be a little slow or clunky, whereas a dial-based mechanism tends to allow you to work at speed.

What matters most is that the set of adjustable dumbbells you choose comes with a reliable locking mechanism. This helps avoid any potential injuries.

Are adjustable dumbbells worth the price in comparison to a full set of fixed dumbbells?

Yes, for most people, adjustable dumbbells offer much better value than a full set of fixed dumbbells. A good quality pair of adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they don’t require much room to store but they still offer a decent weight range.

A full set of fixed dumbbells usually requires a rack and plenty of floor space, whereas adjustable dumbbells do not. Plus, if you ever need to move or transport a full set of fixed dumbbells, this can be a chore in itself, whereas moving a set of adjustable dumbbells, although still a challenge, is much less of a hassle.