There are plenty of ways to build out your home gym for hard-nosed strength training. You can add a barbell and weight plates for benches and deadlifts. You can house a power rack for squatting and more secure reps. Yet, it’s difficult to imagine a well-rounded at-home training center without a handful of dumbbells racked neatly in a corner.
Dumbbells can be an excellent addition to any training regimen thanks to their wide range of available weights, compact construction in comparison to barbells and overall versatility. These popular training tools aren’t just ironclad masses used in a plethora of movements, however. There’s plenty of variety out there, and understanding their differences can mean more enjoyable sessions under tension, and better results in your performance.
Products in the Guide
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Living.Fit Dumbbell
BEST OVERALL DUMBBELL
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Rep Fitness Urethane Coated Dumbbell
BEST UPGRADE DUMBBELL
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Fitness Gear Cast Hex Dumbbell
BEST BUDGET DUMBBELL
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CAP Barbell Cast Iron Hex Dumbbell
BEST CAST IRON DUMBBELL
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Eleiko Evo Dumbbell
BEST ROTATING DUMBBELL
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Rogue Fitness Urethane Dumbbells
BEST URETHANE DUMBBELL
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Amazon Basics Neoprene Hexagon Workout Dumbbell
BEST DUMBBELL FOR CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING
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Smrtft Nüobell
BEST ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELL
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Titan Fitness 15-Inch Olympic Dumbbell Handle
BEST LOADABLE DUMBBELL
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Rogue Fitness Thompson Fatbells
BEST FATBELL
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The Different Types of Dumbbells
Dumbbells have come a long way from the cast weights of yesteryear. There are plenty of styles and silhouettes to choose from these days, and which profile you select can have a huge impact on your training and setup.
Standard
This is your iconic setup and what most individuals think of when picturing a dumbbell. These tools feature a set weight at a given poundage and are connected at the middle via a handle that’s either smooth or knurled. Knurled handles are widely used for added grip security, but there are still some dumbbell sets that opt for a smooth texture.
Adjustable
Adjustable dumbbells are a great option for those tight on space that can’t sacrifice a wall or corner for a rack of varying weights. These compact structures can pack over 15 weight ranges in one structure, which eliminates the need for multiple purchases or an expansive rack.
Loadable
Like adjustable dumbbells, loadable dumbbells can also offer a variety of weight ranges in a smaller frame, but in a different nature. Resembling a shrunken barbell, these pieces feature plate sleeves that can house various change plates for a wide variety of totals. If you already have a set of plates to match these structures, fantastic, but if not, expect to add some 10s, 5s, and 2.5s to your cart as well.
Fatbells
Fatbells are a bit of a cross between a standard dumbbell and a kettlebell. Resembling a sphere with a handle at the center, these weights create a more balanced feel that can be easier on your wrists while also creating a new lifting sensation, since the weight surrounds your grip rather than resting at the ends. Because of this, you may find your fatbell PR is not the same as your dumbbell PR. Still, owning a few fatbells can be great for mixing up training, especially those prone to wrist issues.
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How to Choose the Right Dumbbell Set
Material
Not every dumbbell is cast from the same mold, and as such, there are a few popular materials to be mindful of.
Cast iron dumbbells are your traditional metal structures that can give your training that clang and bang vibe Dwayne Johnson’s always going on about. These are a durable option that can be cheaper than other materials, but you need to be mindful of where you drop these structures. Because of the metal construction, ditching these weights after a heavy bench press can spell trouble for your floors.
If you want to save your space from errant drops, I suggest going with either rubber or urethane dumbbells. These dumbbells are incredibly durable and can withstand plenty of punishment without wreaking havoc on your floors when dropped. Rubber dumbbells can sometimes come with a strong odor, however, so if this is an issue, look at the odorless (and more expensive) urethane options.
Lastly, if you’re not looking to strength train but still want to add a little resistance to, say, a run or cardio session, plastic dumbbells can be a lightweight pick that’s perfect for these less intense needs. Plastic dumbbells shouldn’t be dropped or thrown around, however, as the material is less durable than the aforementioned picks.
Grip
When you grab hold of a dumbbell you want to ensure you’re capable of stabilizing the weight and controlling it throughout your lift. To help with this process, many of the dumbbells featured in this roundup boast a knurled handle. This crosshatched pattern across the bar is designed to increase tackiness and dig into your skin, and some knurlings can be more aggressive than others, especially with heavier dumbbells. If you’re looking to avoid any skin abrasions, or just want to enhance your grip comfort, look to pair your dumbbell workouts with a pair of weightlifting gloves.
Budget
Like any piece of strength equipment, dumbbells are not the cheapest item to purchase for your home gym setup. Dumbbells are often sold individually, in pairs or in complete sets totaling over $1,000, and your training goals heavily influence just how many dumbbells you’ll need for a well-rounded regimen. If you’re just starting out, I’d suggest opting for three dumbbell pairs at weights you’re comfortable lifting, and then build your setup from there as you grow stronger. If you want a wider range out of the gate, opt for a full set or an adjustable dumbbell pair. Adjustable dumbbells can also be great for those wanting a wider weight range without the required space, but might not be as durable as other standard sets.
How We Tested
Over the years, I’ve grabbed hold of plenty of dumbbells in various gyms, basements and training rooms, and have even added a few of these picks to my current home setup. I’ve taken note of how each structure felt mid-lift, highlighting features such as balance, knurling and overall aesthetics.
