The Best Dumbbells for Every Workout
Let's be frank: gyms are overrated. For those looking to beat the sweaty crowds and avoid those awkward locker-room encounters, we suggest investing in some quality weights that you can use at home. Indeed, dumbbells are the first step towards achieving those coveted living room gains, so you're going to want to make sure you get the right set. There are tons of options out there, so we've whittled down the list to the best of the best. Read on to discover our top five favorites in dumbbell sets, from the best on a budget to the premium pick.
J/Fit Dumbbell Set w/Durable Rack
Light doesn't mean easy.
J/Fit gets you fit. This affordable option is the perfect pick for those looking for something on the lighter end of the spectrum. Their set comes with 8-pound, 5-pound, and 3-pound pairs of dumbbells and also includes a sturdy rack for keeping everything tidy. And if this specific set is a little too light for your liking, J/Fit offers equally excellent heavy sets. The secret to their success is in the balanced steel construction and slip-free Neoprene coating. And not only do these weights feel good in the hand, but they’re also designed to be scratch-resistant and chip-resistant. With a J/Fit set, you get to lift with confidence.
Pros
- Considering the quality and durability of this set, the price is a bargain.
- Includes a nifty weight rack for easy storage.
- The Neoprene coating makes for an excellent grip and a nearly-indestructible construction.
Cons
- The rack is only stable with the heavy weights on the bottom, and you’ll have to assemble it yourself.
CAP Barbell 150-Pound Dumbbell Set with Rack, Multiple Options
Crank it up a notch.
For some serious gains, you’re going to need to lift some serious weights. This pick from CAP sports a set of five pairs of dumbbells with weights of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds. It’s the perfect weight range for isolation exercises and offers opportunities for bench presses, squats, skull crushers, curls, and more. Better yet, this set sports one of the strongest constructions that we’ve come across. The weight heads are coated in a thick black rubber that won’t scratch the floor and the handles are made out of a textured “cold-rolled” stainless steel. And just to sweeten the deal, CAP includes a premium weight rack that’s space-saving and super sturdy. If it’s bulking season, CAP’s got you covered.
Pros
- Wide range of weights allows you to perform lighter exercises and heavy-weight lifting.
- The storage rack has a small footprint, so it won’t take up too much space.
- The steel and rubber construction gives the set a cool, hardcore style as well as long-lasting durability.
Cons
- The weight heads smell like rubber right out of the package, but the smell goes away if you wipe them down with a towel and let them air out for a day.
- Kind of expensive, but worth it for those that need something heavy-duty.
CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set, 40 to 200 Pounds
CAP keeps you moving.
For those that like to fine-tune their workouts, we suggest getting an adjustable dumbbell set. Unlike the non-adjustable sets, this pick from CAP allows you to move up in weight by 2.5-pound increments. So as you swap between workouts (and get stronger in the long run), you can add or remove plates to achieve the perfect burn. Better yet, if you’ve gained so much strength that the max weights just don’t cut it anymore, you don’t have to ditch the set. Instead, you can just buy extra plates and add them to your collection. A fantastic option for the long-term gainer, CAP’s adjustable dumbbell grows with you.
Pros
- CAP is a trusted company with a reputation for durable, high-quality products.
- The ends are threaded with “spin-lock” collars, which ensure the plates won’t fall off when properly secured.
- This versatile set is available in a wide range of 40- to 200-pound options, so you can adjust the weight to match your workout and goals.
- CAP includes a nifty carrying case for storage.
Cons
- Not everyone prefers the metal handles, so you may want to buy a cheap pair of lifting gloves to go along with it.
Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell 71.5 Pounds Fitness Dial Dumbbell
Spin it to win it.
It can be kind of a pain to keep swapping weights and screwing on plates every time you’re ready to change workouts. With the Ativafit, however, making the switch is seamless. This wonder of modern tech has a simple dial on the base plate that smoothly adjusts the weight. And although there are quite a few options sporting this feature, Ativafit just nails it. Easy to use, compact in size, and boasting a whopping 71.5-pound max weight, this single dumbbell can handle your entire workout regimen. Even the handle is top-notch, with a textured, rubbery grip that’s easy on the palms. Of course, something this fancy comes at a price. But considering the quality and the grief saved by its convenience, Ativafit’s dumbbell is a steal of a deal.
Pros
- The dial spins easily and can switch between weights in mere seconds.
- Compact size is perfect for those with limited storage space.
- Quality construction boasts the best in comfort, style, and durability.
Cons
- It’s a premium dumbbell for a premium price.
Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
Spend less, lift more.
Even those strapped for cash can still get those gains. This option from Yes4All costs half the price that most other dumbbell sets do. However, don’t assume cheap means poor quality. These dumbbell sets are made out of cast iron and steel and feature a precise construction that won’t rattle around as you curl. And the chrome-plated handles feature the perfect texture for a comfy, non-slip grip. Although they might not look as sleek or fancy as our premium picks, the Yes4All adjustable dumbbell sets are a high-performance set of hardware for a shockingly low price.
Pros
- Several Yes4All options include a middle connector bar that can convert your dumbbells into a barbell.
- Budget-friendly price makes home workouts affordable.
- The star-lock collars feature rubber washers to ensure the plates don’t slip or rattle.
Cons
- The iron plates are kind of rough, and could potentially scratch a wood floor, so you’ll need a workout mat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plates will fit on my adjustable dumbbell set?
One of the benefits of getting an adjustable dumbbell set is the ability to add more weight as you gain strength. If you’ve maxed out the plates that came with your set, you can buy more plates rather than getting an entirely new set. If you go this route, double-check the diameter of the handle to make sure that the new plates are compatible. The standard size is 1″ in diameter. As long as the hole in the plate and the diameter of the handle have the same diameter, you can use the two together.
How much weight should I use during my workouts?
For aerobics and general fitness, lower-weight dumbbells are preferred. That’s because lighter weights allow a greater range of motion and help improve overall aerobic abilities. However, if muscle mass is your aim, you’re going to have to increase the weight. Make sure to choose a range of weights that you can use to perform low-rep sets (low-rep sets are sets of anywhere from 4 to 12 reps each). If you’re not feeling a burn by rep 7 or 8, you should probably increase the weight.
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