What Adjustable Dumbbells Are Best? Top Picks for Home Workouts
If you’re building a home gym, adjustable dumbbells are one of the smartest investments you can make. They save space, save money, and give you the flexibility to train hard without cluttering your living room with 15 pairs of weights. But which ones are worth it?
Whether you’re a beginner looking for something affordable or an experienced lifter wanting 90-pound monsters, I’ve rounded up the best adjustable dumbbells for 2025.
As a sports acupuncturist with 20 years of strength training experience, I help people recover faster and train smarter using proven methods and the right gear.
🏆 Best Overall: BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
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WHY IT’S GREAT:
The BowFlex 552s replace 15 sets of dumbbells with one compact pair. They adjust in 2.5 lb increments from 5 to 52.5 lbs, making them great for everything from curls to heavy rows. You can switch weights with the turn of a dial—perfect for supersets and drop sets.
BEST FOR:
- Full-body home workouts
- Beginner to intermediate lifters
- People short on space
DUMBBELLS WITH STAND:
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🔥 Best for Heavy Lifters: BowFlex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell
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WHY IT’S GREAT:
Need something heavier? The 1090s go from 10 to 90 lbs in 5 lb increments. They’re sturdy, smooth to adjust, and perfect for experienced lifters looking to push strength boundaries without a full rack.
BEST FOR:
- Advanced lifters
- Progressive overload training
- Upper-body compound lifts (presses, rows, shrugs)
STAND (DUMBBELLS NOT INCLUDED):
- COMPATIBLE STAND: Compatible with Bowflex SelectTech 552, 560, and 1090 dumbbells. For use with your…
- MEDIA RACK: Fits most tablets and smartphones, so you can access programs, training videos and more…
- COMPACT CONSTRUCTION: The ultra small footprint allows for placement even in small rooms.
💪 Best Compact & Expandable Set: PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
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WHY IT’S GREAT:
These PowerBlocks start at 5–50 lbs and expand to 70 or 90 lbs with add-ons. The selector pin is secure and fast. Plus, they’re ultra-compact and made from steel—these things are tanks.
BEST FOR:
- People who want to grow into heavier weights
- Compact home setups
- Lifters who value durability
ADD-ON EXPANSIONS:
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STAND FOR POWERBLOCKS:
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🧲 Fastest Weight Changes: Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells
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WHY IT’S GREAT:
The twist-lock mechanism lets you adjust weight with one hand—just set it in the cradle and twist the handle. These go from 5 to 50 lbs and feel like traditional dumbbells in your hands.
BEST FOR:
- Circuit training
- Quick transitions during workouts
- People who hate fumbling with dials or pins
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💰 Best Budget Set: Keppi 25lb Adjustable Dumbbells
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WHY IT’S GREAT:
If you’re just getting started, these are a solid, wallet-friendly pick. You get five dumbbells in one (5–25 lbs), with a simple one-hand adjustment dial and secure locking mechanism. Compact and quiet.
BEST FOR:
- Beginners
- Small apartments
- Budget-conscious lifters
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Adjustable Dumbbell Comparison Table
Table could not be displayed.Are Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re training at home, adjustable dumbbells let you progress without buying 10 sets of weights or eating up your floor space. They’re ideal for:
- Strength and hypertrophy training
- Functional fitness
- Home workouts without the bulk
Free Weights vs. Machines: What the Research Says
A 2023 systematic review comparing free weights and machines found both led to similar muscle growth—but strength gains were specific to the equipment used. That means training with dumbbells helps you get better at dumbbell movements, which tend to activate more stabilizer muscles and improve functional performance [1].
Want to Train Smarter with Just Dumbbells?
Check out my free Dumbbells + Bodyweight-Only Training Programs—designed for effective home workouts using minimal equipment.
Key Benefits of Dumbbell Training:
- Targets stabilizers for balanced strength
- Improves joint mobility and control
- More natural movement patterns than machines
The Best Dumbbells for Your Home Gym
Adjustable dumbbells are one of the most useful tools in any home gym. Whether you want something light and fast like the Keppi 25s or you’re ready to go heavy with the BowFlex 1090s or PowerBlock EXP, there’s an option here that fits your space, goals, and budget.
Ready to Train Smarter at the Gym?
If you’re looking for a science-backed training plan to build muscle and get stronger at the gym, check out my 4-Day Hypertrophy & Strength Program.
References
[1] Haugen, M.E., et al. (2023). Effect of free-weight vs. machine-based strength training on maximal strength, hypertrophy and jump performance – a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed
