The Best Dumbbell Sets
Personal dumbbell sets are essential for at-home workouts. Getting the right grip and the perfect weight can be the key to getting the most from your workout. But while there are a lot of dumbbell sets available to buy, not all of them will be up to the same standard. That's why we've made this list of our favorite home weight sets for fitness lovers of all types.
What to Look For
We had a few things to ask before we could lift any of these dumbbell sets to the top of our list: does the set have a good variety of weight options, are the weights comfortable to hold and use, and is the set easy to store when not in use? A few dumbbell sets had us pushing the limits of what home fitness could accomplish. Our favorite set was the Portzon choice, thanks to their comfortable neoprene casing and eye-catching color options. We also love what Vivitory has to offer: an adjustable dumbbell with the options of an entire rack on just two weights. Read on to see which other weight sets will have you excited to start pumping iron.
Portzon Neoprene Dumbbell Set
The gold standard
Simple dumbbell sets are sometimes best, as these delightful neoprene hand weights from Portzon so clearly demonstrate. The cast-iron cores are covered in neoprene coating to ensure they have a nice heft without running the risk of slipping. Aside from making them easier to hold, the neoprene exterior also makes them easier to clean. This is one of the best dumbbell sets for any workout arrangement that needs a dose of dependability and comfort.
Pros
- They come in a range of fun colors and a good variety of different weight classes.
- They’re very compact, making them easy to store in small living spaces or home gyms that might already be overcrowded.
- The steady grip makes them ideal for older people who still want to stay in shape, but without having to worry about dropping heavy weights.
Cons
- Most of the weight options are fairly light, so they’re generally better for toning than for building muscle mass.
Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Set
Fitness at its finest
Amazon Basics offers one of the best bargains, with a simple set that’s pleasing to novices and old hands alike. Each set is crafted for convenience with a comfortable neoprene grip and hexagonal endpoints that keep the weights from rolling away. The large numerical print also lets you easily keep track of where they should be stored with your other weights. Anyone looking for quality dumbbell sets to jump right into will find a lot to love here.
Pros
- Variety is key, with many lovely colors and weight options to choose from.
- Each dumbbell comes packaged in its own box, making it easy to keep track of.
Cons
- The handles are fairly thick, so those with small hands might want something thinner.
Vivitory Adjustable Free Weight Dumbbell Set
Compact and convenient
We love adjustable dumbbell sets, and this example from Vivitory is one of the best. Easy assembly and disassembly make these weights as easy to store as they are to use. Since they’re composed of a unique mixture between neoprene and cement, they offer a good balance between heft and comfort. This is one of the most satisfying dumbbell sets to both customize and lift with.
Pros
- The weight capacity goes up respectably high, making these a good option even for seasoned lifters.
- The simple color options give these a unique, modern look that other dumbbell sets don’t have.
Cons
- The actual weight of each dumbbell isn’t precise to a high degree, so there may be some slight variation.
Epic Fitness Heavy Duty Dumbbell Set
The complete package
This is one of the best dumbbell sets for anyone who’s on the search for serious gains. These dumbbells go up to 25 pounds and feature handles with subtle metal lacing that improves your grip. They also come with a thick, heavy rack that helps save floor space. It’s one of the best dumbbell sets for your home gym setup and deserves a place in any workout plan that’s focused on building muscle.
Pros
- The rack is surprisingly easy to assemble and move around despite its size.
- Its range of available weight sizes makes it accessible to everyone from beginners to experience weightlifters.
Cons
- This premium set is more expensive than most options, especially since it comes with such a high number of individual barbells.
Powerblock Adjustable Sport Dumbbell Set
This is one of the most visually unique dumbbell sets we’ve come across. Its adjustable design allows the weights to be stacked easily as well as modified with an adjustor pin, just as you would at the gym. And with weights from 3 to 24 pounds, you’ll have plenty of selection for your workout plan. Dumbbell sets are rarely made as intuitively as this one is.
Pros
- The bright colors on each weight amount let you easily keep track of how much you’re lifting.
- The sturdy stand that holds these weights is of far higher quality than that of other dumbbell sets.
Cons
- Due to their unique shape, certain lifting exercises will take some adjusting to do properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need the gym if I have a good weight set?
While nothing can replace the range of workout machines at the gym, good dumbbell sets will let you augment your workout to your exact needs from home. The gym can still be a part of your full workout plan, but exercising at home is still a great way to stay fit.
What dumbbell sets should I look at if I’m just starting out?
It’s usually best to go lighter when looking at your first dumbbell sets rather than heavier. Lower weights will allow you to work up to your full potential, and also decrease the risk of you harming yourself.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.