Best dumbbells: 7 best weights for working out in the comfort of your home

Thinking of investing in some of the best dumbbells? With this top-rated range of weights, you can really power up your fitness journey, and save money on a gym membership at the same time. However you like to work out, whether it’s a virtual HIIT class or a quick blitz with weights, these are the ultimate purchase to make it easy to do at home. 

A pair of the best dumbbells are always sought after and even more so during the pandemic as bedroom workouts became more popular (and necessary) than ever. With so much choice out there, we’ve narrowed down our favourite picks so it’s easy for you to choose the ones that suit you best. From adjustable weights that range from 1kg to 10kg to fixed weight dumbbells that range up to 40kg, no matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find an option here. Plus, we’ve also factored in the price and the materials they’re made out of to give you the most detailed insights. 

If you really want to kit out your home for workouts, then check out our guide to the best home gym equipment, where you’ll find everything you need to meet your goals in the comfort of your own space.  

The best dumbbells

With these adjustable dumbbells, you don't have to worry about growing out of your weight set too soon. As soon as you feel like you're ready to level up, you can simply add a weight bar onto the end of your dumbbells, and get started with a new workout that pushes you to reach your goals. Even better, these pink and grey dumbbells won't be too difficult to stash away or camouflage within your home and aren't an eyesore to contend with. 

They're also designed practically with a non-slip material, so you don't have to worry about injuries or accidents as you tone or get active with a barre class. We like them for their convenience and think that anyone beginning on their at-home fitness journey would benefit from a pair in their home gym. 

The DTX Fitness Soft Touch Turquoise Dumbbells are super comfortable and they come in your choice of weight from 1kg to 10kg – a perfect amount for use while doing a workout class or video. These dumbbells come in a pair and are made from cast iron, with a neoprene soft touch cover. This means that should you put them down on your floor, they will nor mark or scratch it. They are also easy to grip, small so easy to store and they fit very nicely in your hand. 

A great set of dumbbells for those who don't fancy splurging serious cash, this dumbbell set ranges from 1.1kg to 4.5kg, making them ideal for beginners or those more experienced alike.

They come on a dumbbell tree for easy storage; whether you want to display them, pop them under your bed or hide in your wardrobe. A great way to train your whole body by building strength and conditioning at your own pace, the vinyl design makes them soft and easy to hold, in turn equaling a comfy workout.

The Trenas Chrome Dumbbells come in singles or pairs, and weights range from one to 25kg. These professional dumbbells look the part and play the part. They are made from chrome and feature milled steel handles to provide maximum grip. That and their handles span 13cm wide – no matter how large your hands, you'll be comfortable while working up a sweat. Perfect for demanding athletes, these dumbbells can be used indoors or out, while they are easy to wipe clean, too. That and they are obviously aesthetically pleasing when on show. Perfect for home use!

Whether you’re doing sit-ups, crunches, lunges or the likes, using weights while carrying out your usual exercise routine will help to up the resistance and tone up quicker.

With a neoprene exterior, these dumbbells offer an advantage if you get warm while working out to your favourite exercise DVD –  they offer more grip than just plain metal. The set also comes with a tree for tidy storage and can be easily wiped clean ready for next use.

These Body Sculpture weights are not only eye-catching but will get the job done if you're looking for an affordable way to work out at home. Though not suited to anyone who has already surpassed the 5kg weight mark, these dumbbells are excellent if you're just starting to push yourself with home workouts, and made of a sturdy material alongside an ergonomic design. 

These dumbbells are a great way to kit out your home with weights that you can use for a number of different strength exercises. The range of colors that note the weight change will also look the part in your home, regardless of the room you choose to place them in. 

Adjustable dumbbells allow you to work out with a variety of weight levels but take up half the space that a regular set of dumbbells for the same weight range would require.

Compacted into two small cases, they won’t take much space up in your gym but should certainly make a stand results-wise. All you need to do is twist the dial to the desired amount of kgs and it’ll release the right number of weights for your workout. 

With a range of 2-24kg, you can choose between light or heavyweight exercises so you can get the most out of your fitness regime. Bowflex promises that these dumbbells are hard-wearing, with a durable moulding also providing a smooth lift-off for a seamless workout.  In our opinion, these are the very best dumbbells you can buy if you're a pro lifter. Plus, you can buy them singularly or in a pair. 

How to buy the best dumbbells

When it comes to buying the best dumbbells, there are a few factors we'd recommend considering during the shopping process. Here's everything you need to know

Rubber or metal?
Dumbbells come in all shapes and sizes, with fixed rubber dumbbells holding fort as the most popular choice. These often come in a variety of shapes, are resistant to chips and scratches, and are much kinder on floors if you have a habit of dropping them. 

Alternatively, you can purchase chrome or metal dumbbells, which are often much more cost-effective, but compromise on the usability experience. 

Adjustable or fixed?
Those looking for a really compact piece of equipment that they can just stow away tidily may want to consider adjustable dumbbells, although these can sometimes be awkward to hold. 

Cost vs result
If you’re unsure about the type of dumbbells you’re after, think about how serious you are about gaining muscle mass. Those looking to work out for a couple of hours every day may want to look at a hard-wearing rubber set, while those looking to do some gentle toning a couple of times a week may not want to spend as much. 

Weight range
The weight range is worth considering, too. Most gym-quality sets will feature a range between 2.5kg and 30kg, while those looking to enter the world of bodybuilding may need to look for a 50kg to 100kg set. 

Use our home workouts guide for beginner's exercises with dumbbells.