8 Best Dumbbell Sets of 2024, Tested by Experts
One of the most versatile pieces of workout equipment, a good quality set of dumbbells can help elevate your workout, improve your stamina and build muscle. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned athlete, dumbbells make a great tool for unilateral work, stabilization and increased range of motion. The best quality dumbbells will not only keep up with your workouts but also won’t show wear and tear too quickly.
Our fitness and engineering experts within the Good Housekeeping Institute have analyzed and tested dozens of dumbbells over the years. Our recommendations keep function top of mind and prioritize ergonomic designs, durable materials and ideal weight distribution.
“When it comes to a quality set of dumbbells, you want to be sure the weights are made out of materials that will hold up over time and [withstand] stress put on them,” says Good Housekeeping Institute Fitness Editor Amy Schlinger, NASM-CPT. “There’s a reason that dumbbells aren’t made out of foam — it could be damaged if you drop the weights or knock them into each other.” While most dumbbells may look the same, the best quality ones make for a smart investment to last you years to come.
You can learn more about how we test dumbbells — including tips for selecting the best dumbbells for your home gym setup — at the end of this guide. Looking for more equipment picks? Check out our top-tested exercise bikes and treadmills.
Our top picks include options for toning, sculpting and bodybuilding.
Having a reliable set of dumbbells at home can be a great way to stay active and get moving. If you mostly exercise at home, then investing in a high-quality pair or even a full set with a rack may be worth it.
“If you frequently strength train, have the space and the means to own your own dumbbells, there’s no downside to having them,” Schlinger said. “While you may belong to a gym or take classes at a studio that provides dumbbells, having your own pair at home allows you access to them whenever you want or need. It’s convenient, and makes it possible to get in even a short, weight training session on a day where you otherwise may have had to skip it because you couldn’t make it to the gym.”
✔️ Fixed or adjustable: Another important factor to consider is whether you want a fixed dumbbell or an adjustable dumbbell set. Adjustable dumbbells are space-saving, making them perfect for apartments and smaller home gyms. But they tend to not be as stable or compact as regular fixed dumbbells. If you have the space, a fixed dumbbell set is ideal and you can consider purchasing a dumbbell rack to store them in if you have the space in your home gym. “When it comes to adjustable dumbbells, you also want to look at the weight changing and locking system,” Schlinger advises. “Durable materials versus more flimsy ones like plastic are less likely to break even after years of lifting.”
✔️ Weight: This will ultimately be determined by your fitness goals and regimen. You may prefer a light set of neoprene dumbbells for toning purposes, or a few sets of heavier dumbbells for bodybuilding movements.
✔️ Material: “Most dumbbells are made out of materials like cast iron, stainless steel, rubber, vinyl — all materials that are strong and can take a beating,” Schlinger says. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, but we typically prefer rubber-encased dumbbells from a safety and function perspective. If you plan to work out at home, you’ll want to make sure that your dumbbells are safe on floors and other surfaces. Rubber materials are often ideal as they won’t scratch floors. Rubber is also typically much quieter if you’re lifting a dumbbell on and off the ground. Another plus is that a rubber dumbbell head won’t get slippery and provides a good grip, which can be a major safety factor to consider during your workouts.
✔️ Shape: Stability is key during any workout, and a hexagonal dumbbell is typically ideal as it won’t roll. If you’re doing a bench press, you’ll want a dumbbell with a flat head to rest on your thighs as you get into position. Consider the types of exercises you’ll be performing, which will inform what shape of dumbbell is best for your needs.
Our fitness pros assess how ergonomic the handles are and how easily the dumbbells move with the body. We look at the overall shape and weight distribution, assess wear and tear over time and also evaluate the stability of the dumbbells in certain positions.
In addition to expert evaluation, we have a panel of consumer testers test the dumbbells and provide feedback on ease of use and functionality. Key things testers are surveyed on include grip, shape, size and overall quality.
Stefani Sassos has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Stefani uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She regularly uses dumbbells of all sizes, ranging from heavier ones during high-intensity CrossFit workouts to smaller weights for barre classes. She’s seen firsthand just how much strength training has transformed her fitness and says that it’s never too late to start a weightlifting routine.
Amy Schlinger is a health and fitness writer and editor based in New York City whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, The New York Post, Self, Shape, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and more. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Amy is extremely passionate about healthy living and can often be found strength training at the gym when she isn’t interviewing trainers, doctors, medical professionals, nutritionists or pro athletes for stories.