The best adjustable dumbbells
A rack of weights in the space of a shoebox: the adjustable dumbbells for home gyms.
Adjustable dumbbells change weight with a dial, a twist or a pin, so one pair does the work of a whole rack. They're the best-value way to build strength at home, and they take up next to no room.
Check two things before buying: the top weight (12kg suits most toning; 24kg lets strong lifters progress) and whether the listing is for one dumbbell or a pair. Prices vary more than you'd expect because of that.
What matters
- Weight range to suit the lifter.
- One dumbbell or a pair.
- How quickly it changes weight.
- Floor space for the stand or tray.
#1 of 5
Best overall
Bowflex SelectTech 552i Adjustable Dumbbell (2–24kg, single)
£279.99 RRP
Turn the dial at each end and it picks up anything from 2 to 24kg in 15 steps, so one dumbbell replaces a whole rack. The moulded plates keep the clanging down for early-morning sessions in a flat.
What owners say: Owners find them well made, quick to adjust and ideal for small spaces, and say they still work as smoothly as day one, though they're pricey.
Heads up: This listing is for one dumbbell, not a pair: most people will want two.
A closer look: Always set it back in its cradle to change weight, never while holding it. The cradle keeps the unused plates tidy, so it can live in a corner of the living room.
- 2–24kg in 15 settings
- Dial at each end to change weight
- Moulded plates, quieter
- 40 × 23cm footprint
- 2-year guarantee
Best for: A whole rack in one
- Weight range
- 2–24kg
- Settings
- 15
- Sold as a pair
- No
- Adjusts by
- Dial at each end
- Plates
- Steel, moulded coating
#2 of 5
Best pair
BRAINGAIN Adjustable Dumbbells, Pair (2.5–24kg)
£150–£200 Price range
A matched pair that twists from 2.5 to 24kg in about a second, with cast-iron plates and a knurled grip: the price of one premium dumbbell for two.
What owners say: Owners rate them highly for build quality and quick changes, and like that they replace a rack of fixed weights.
A closer look: Twist until you hear it click into place before lifting. Pairs make presses, rows and lunges far easier to balance than one heavy dumbbell.
- Pair, 2.5–24kg each
- 15 settings, twist handle
- Cast-iron plates
- Knurled non-slip grip
- Locking system
Best for: Serious home training
- Weight range
- 2.5–24kg
- Settings
- 15
- Sold as a pair
- Yes
- Adjusts by
- Twist handle
- Plates
- Cast iron
#3 of 5
EnterSports Adjustable Dumbbells, Pair (2–12kg)
£100–£150 Price range
Five weights per dumbbell (2, 4.5, 7, 9.5 and 12kg) chosen by turning the handle in its tray, as a pair: the right range for toning and general fitness rather than heavy lifting.
What owners say: Owners find them solid, quick to change and space-saving, and good for home workouts.
A closer look: Listen for the click before lifting, as the maker advises, so no plate is left loose. A 12kg top weight suits most people's arm and shoulder work for years.
- Pair, 2–12kg each
- 5 weights: 2 / 4.5 / 7 / 9.5 / 12kg
- Turn the handle to select
- Silicon-steel plates
- Non-slip handles
Best for: General fitness
- Weight range
- 2–12kg
- Settings
- 5
- Sold as a pair
- Yes
- Adjusts by
- Turn handle in tray
- Plates
- Silicon steel
#4 of 5
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell (2–12kg, single)
£75–£100 Price range
Five settings from 2 to 12kg by turning the handle, with a locking system so the plates stay put: a simple single dumbbell for lighter home workouts.
What owners say: Owners find it good quality and value, robust, and quick to change with a one-handed twist.
Heads up: It's sold singly, so buy two for exercises that need a pair.
A closer look: Good for single-arm work like rows and goblet squats. Keep it in its base between sets to save hunting for plates.
- 2–12kg
- 5 weight settings
- Rotating handle selector
- Built-in lock
- Single dumbbell
Best for: Light home workouts
- Weight range
- 2–12kg
- Settings
- 5
- Sold as a pair
- No
- Adjusts by
- Rotating handle
- Plates
- –
#5 of 5
Best budget
Yaheetech 30kg Spinlock Dumbbell Set (pair)
£20–£30 Price range
The old-school way, for the price of a takeaway: two bars, 16 plates and spin-lock collars, so you slide on the weight you want, up to about 15kg a side.
What owners say: Owners find them versatile and good value with easy spin-locks, though some find the collars loosen and the plates not quite the stated weight.
Heads up: Cement-filled plastic plates are bulky, so the ends get fat at higher weights, and changing weight takes a minute rather than a second.
A closer look: Tighten the collars fully before every set and check them between sets. A good first set for a teenager starting out at home.
- 30kg set: 2 bars and 16 plates
- Plates of 2.5, 2, 1.5 and 1.25kg
- Spin-lock star collars
- Knurled plastic grips
- Cement plates in hard plastic
Best for: Starting out
- Weight range
- Up to about 15kg each
- Settings
- Plates on and off
- Sold as a pair
- Yes
- Adjusts by
- Spin-lock collars
- Plates
- Cement in plastic
How they compare
| Feature | #1Bowflex 552i | #2BRAINGAIN pair | #3EnterSports pair | #4Amazon Basics | #5Yaheetech spinlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Best pair | Best budget | |||
| Picked Rating | 9.3 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Price | £279.99 RRP | £150–£200 Price range | £100–£150 Price range | £75–£100 Price range | £20–£30 Price range |
| Weight range | 2–24kg | 2.5–24kg | 2–12kg | 2–12kg | Up to about 15kg each |
| Settings | 15 | 15 | 5 | 5 | Plates on and off |
| Sold as a pair | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Adjusts by | Dial at each end | Twist handle | Turn handle in tray | Rotating handle | Spin-lock collars |
| Plates | Steel, moulded coating | Cast iron | Silicon steel | – | Cement in plastic |
| Best for | A whole rack in one | Serious home training | General fitness | Light home workouts | Starting out |
| Check price | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Swipe sideways to see all 5.
Photos are illustrative. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. How we pick · How this works.