The Top 9 Expert-Tested Adjustable Dumbbells

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As a personal trainer living in a small city apartment, I’ve learned to maximize my space for home workouts. That’s why the best adjustable dumbbells have become my must-have fitness find. Unlike regular dumbbells, these compact options let you switch weights easily, sometimes replacing up to 15 pairs in a single, space-saving set. And they’re ideal for progressive overload and strength training with significant weight, says Justice Peacock, NASM-CPT, a certified personal trainer and functional strength coach.

The best adjustable dumbbells offer versatility and value, which is why I recommend them to all my clients and friends as the smartest investment for any home gym. But with prices ranging from $50 to over $500 and options suited to different workouts, choosing the right set can be tough. So, I’m sharing the two sets I use weekly — one lighter, one heavier — plus seven more Shape-tested favorites to help you find your perfect fit, whether you’re strength training, sculpting, or just starting out.

Weight per Dumbbell: 2-6 lbs | Maximum Set Weight: 12 lbs | Replaces: 3 sets of weights

For workouts like barre, Pilates, and yoga sculpt, I pull out Stakt’s Adjustable Dumbbells. These 2- to 6-pound hand weights not only look way prettier than my usual black, clunky dumbbells, but they’re also comfortable to hold, thanks to the soft silicone and grippy grooves. The 2-pound “boosts” screw on quickly, and I’ve even traveled with these since the sleek shape and lighter weight make these super easy to transport.

True, these weights aren’t ideal for progressive overload training or lower-body movements meant for heavier lifting, but for low-weight, high-rep workouts, they’re absolutely perfect.

My Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!

Weight per Dumbbell: 4-20 lbs | Maximum Set Weight: 40 lbs | Replaces: 4 sets of weights

For strength-training intermediates or anyone on a budget, I always recommend Yes4All's Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Set. I’ve had these since July 2020 (yup, pandemic panic purchase), and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well they’ve held up — probably thanks to the tough-as-nails stainless steel and cast iron combo. The size is comparable to dumbbells you’d find at the gym, and the knurled handle keeps my grip from slipping, even when I’m extra sweaty.

My only gripe with these is that it takes up to a minute to manually load and unload the weight plates, which is way longer than it takes on the Stakt weights. I wouldn’t recommend these for HIIT workouts when you’re frequently switching between movements that require different weights (like from a chest press to a triceps extension), but they're great for slower strength training sessions.

My Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking

Kristen Geil, NASM-CPT, is a certified personal trainer who spent years teaching HIIT and strength classes at a boutique fitness studio in Chicago. Since 2020, she has primarily worked out at home, researching and testing resistance bands, exercise bikes, yoga mats, ankle weights, and dumbbells to determine what’s worth a precious spot in her 1,000-square-foot condo. Kristen was also previously the senior editor at Shape, where she helped lead the inaugural Shape Fitness Awards.

For this article, she interviewed Justice Peacock, NASM-CPT, a certified personal trainer, NASM-certified fitness nutrition specialist, certified functional strength coach, and owner of Train At The Space in Chicago.