8 Best Dumbbells for Home Workouts, Tested by Experts in Our Lab

Best Overall

CAP Barbell Coated Dumbbell Weights

View On Amazon $75 View On Walmart $50

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Grip
  5/5
• Storage
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

These gym-style dumbbells are our top overall choice for their sturdiness and durability. We like that the rubber-coated ends won’t damage floors or other surfaces, and the hexagonal shape keeps them from rolling away when you set them down.

Our tester gave these dumbbells a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use, grip, durability, and overall value. She also noted how much she loved the chrome-plated grips, which are etched to provide a secure hold. She had no problem hanging on to them, even with sweaty hands. 

Testing Notes: “I could tell from first glance that these are high-quality dumbbells, and they felt super-comfortable and easy to use.”

These dumbbells come in pairs from 5 to 50 pounds, so they are not the most space-efficient if you need more than one set. At a reasonable price point, we recommend them if you have the storage space.

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 5 to 50 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: Two years at additional cost}

Best Budget

BalanceFrom Rubber Encase Hex Dumbbells

View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $45

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Grip
  4/5
• Storage
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

These basic dumbbells are durable and budget-friendly. Our tester gave them a score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use, storage, durability, and overall value. She was also shocked by the affordable price of such a high-quality product. 

Testing Notes: “Price was a shock after reviewing the other options. These are affordable and well worth the small investment.”

These hexagonal, rubber-coated dumbbells won’t roll or damage surfaces. Our tester noted there were no scratches or damage when they were dropped on concrete, contributing to their perfect durability score. The ergonomic, textured handle makes them easy to hold, and they come in pairs or singles ranging from 10 to 50 pounds.

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 10 to 50 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: 2-year at additional cost}

Best Adjustable

Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells

View On Amazon $429 View On Walmart View On Dick's $430

Our Ratings

• Setup
  5/5
• Adjustability
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Grip
  4.8/5
• Durability
  3.9/5

The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable dumbbells make working out with adjustable dumbbells easy with a simple turn of the dial. They come with their own storage tray and have a weight range of 5 to 52.5 pounds. We gave them a 5 out of 5 for adjustability and storage, and our tester noted how easy it was to adjust the weight between sets. The weight range is also large enough for both beginners and more advanced users, making these weights a truly versatile pick.

These dumbbells are easy to assemble in under five minutes and weren’t damaged after being dropped on gym flooring, but they did experience some scuffing after being dropped on concrete. Although the weights were still usable following our drop test, due to the scuffing, we were led to believe that they may be less durable than other options. 

Testing Notes: “The price of these dumbbells is very reasonable, considering their quality, ease of use, weight range, and storability.”

These weights are larger than typical dumbbells, but we love the versatility of being able to easily change weights with one device during full-body workouts. In small spaces or home gyms where valuable real estate is already dedicated to fitness equipment, like elliptical machines, this space-saving dumbbell set is an ideal choice.

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Round | Storage: Rack included | Warranty: Two years at additional cost}

Best for Beginners

Amazon Basics Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weight Set

View On Amazon $44

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Grip
  5/5
• Storage
  4.5/5
• Durability
  3.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

A great choice for beginners, the Amazon Basics Neoprene Workout dumbbell set includes three coated weights that earned a 5 out of 5 for ease of use and grip. We like that the included rack keeps the dumbbells organized and doesn’t take up a lot of space, although our tester did note that the rack felt a bit unstable at times. Luckily, the hexagonal shape of the dumbbells also means they’ll stay put on your floor or workout mat when not in use. 

Testing Notes: “I like the bright colors of these weights compared to other basic black and metal dumbbells. They look nice and could be a good option for people in small spaces who don't have a place to tuck their weights away.”

The Neoprene coating covers the entire dumbbell and makes for a solid hold, whether your hands are dry or sweaty. These weights are sold both as a pair and as a set. Each set option includes three pairs of dumbbells. You can choose between a lighter set (with 2-, 3-, and 5-pound dumbbell pairs) and a slightly heavier set (with 3-, 5-, and 8-pound dumbbell pairs). Both sets offer a weight range that’s perfect for anyone who's just starting out and is a good addition to a beginner’s home gym.

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 2 to 5 pounds or 3 to 8 pounds | Sold As: Pairs or Set | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Rack included | Warranty: None}

Best Grip

Domyos by Decathlon Weight Training Hex Dumbbell

View On Amazon View On Walmart $70 View On Decathlon.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Grip
  5/5
• Storage
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

This hexagonal dumbbell is specifically designed for movements that require some stability, like renegade rows or Burpees. The Domyos weight earned 5 out of 5 stars for ease of use, grip, and durability, and our tester noted that the grip was so good that it made the dumbbells feel like an extension of his hand. But even if you do drop these dumbbells (like we did intentionally during our drop test), we like that they are very sturdy, unlikely to break, and won’t roll away, thanks to their hexagonal shape.

Testing Notes: “These are some of the best dumbbells I've ever used. The grip is amazing. Even with sweaty hands, I felt like I could not drop these even if you paid me.”

These dumbbells are on the pricey side and are sold individually, so if you want several weight options, it will be an investment. Our tester noted that the excellent grip and durability of these dumbbells are well worth the price tag, especially for those who are looking to weight train with heavier loads.

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 22 pounds | Sold As: Single | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: None}

Best Single Dumbbell

Day 1 Fitness Rubber Dumbbell

View On Amazon $23

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Grip
  3.8/5
• Storage
  3/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

This dumbbell is sold individually, in case you need to buy a replacement or have limited space for only one dumbbell and prefer to build your home gym slowly. Our tester gave this dumbbell a 5 out of 5 stars for durability and overall value and noted that the weights were not damaged when dropped on concrete during our drop test. 

The hexagonal rubber ends are sturdy and prevent rolling. We also like that this dumbbell comes in eight different weights, ranging from 5 to 40 pounds. Our tester did notice that the Day 1 Fitness dumbbell is slightly bulkier than other hexagonal-shaped dumbbells that we tested, which is something to note if you prefer a more compact dumbbell. 

Testing Notes: “These are a good value for a basic dumbbell. I think the price is fair, and it's on the lower end. However, note that these dumbbells are sold individually, so you'll need to buy two if you want a matching pair.”

A single dumbbell may not allow you to do every single exercise in the book, but it’s still a fairly versatile option and perfect for plenty of exercises like goblet squats, single-arm rows, weighted Russian twists, and more.

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 5 to 40 pounds | Sold As: Single | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: None}

Best Classic

Amazon Basics Rubber Hex Dumbbell

View On Amazon $27

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Grip
  3.5/5
• Storage
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  3.8/5

The familiar, classic style of this dumbbell makes it easy to use for all kinds of exercises. Our tester gave it a 5 out of 5 for ease of use, storage, and durability and noted that it would be easy to stash away, thanks to its compact size.

Like other pairs we tested, we love that the hexagonal shape prevents rolling, while the rubber coating makes it durable and protects it from scratches, which means that it’ll keep looking good as new over time. This dumbbell has a knurled, contoured handle that creates a comfortable, non-slip grip. It’s sold as a single dumbbell, so you will need to purchase at least two if you want a set. 

Testing Notes: “Very similar to the dumbbells you see in your everyday gym. The familiarity helps with the ease of use.”

Some users noted a chemical or rubbery smell coming from the dumbbell, which did fade over time.

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 10 to 50 pounds | Sold As: Single | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: Two years at additional cost}