The best dumbbells 2020: buy these top weights for your home gym

In the market for the best dumbbells to spend your hard-earned ££s on? If you fancy kicking gym fees into touch and starting your own weight training exercises at home, dumbbells are a smart place to start. They take up minimal space but offer a versatile muscle-bulking, fat-shredding workout that can help you build both strength and fitness. Not to mention they're not as expensive as other gym equipment, too.

So, whether you’re looking for a dumbbell set to take up the last corner in the attic or a space-conscious apparatus for the small back bedroom, we've done all the legwork (get it?) to find the very best dumbbells on the market. And, don't forget: alongside dumbbells, you can also choose to invest in an exercise mat or a weights bench to compliment your work out – and we can help you find those, too. 

Starting your home gym from scratch? Find the rest of the best home gym equipment picks in our buyer's guide, and check out our guide to how to create a home gym. 

• How to buy the best dumbbells

What is the best brand of dumbbells?

When it comes to dumbbell brands, we rate Bowflex among the best you can buy. They sell a large range of dumbbells in various weights, all of which are durable, affordable and suitable for the majority of people no matter your fitness level. Those looking for a slightly more purse-friendly option should check out Viavito's range at Amazon.

See our round up of the top dumbbell sets below and keep scrolling for full reviews.

• Best dumbbells you can buy: Bowflex 2-24 KG SelectTech Dumbbells (Pair)
• Best dumbbells set for beginners: Viavito Dumbell Set
• Best dumbbells for home: Body Power 12.5Kg Rubber Hex Dumbbells
• Best dumbbells for one weight workouts: Bodymax Deluxe 40kg Hammertone Dumbbell Kit
• Best adjustable dumbbells: PowerBlock Sport Adjustable Dumbbells
• Best dumbbells for ease of use: BodyPower Ergo Chrome Dumbbells
• Best budget dumbbells: Opti Dumbbell Tree Set

The best dumbbells you can buy for 2020

Adjustable dumbbells allow you to workout 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, the Bowflex 2-24 KG SelectTech Dumbbells 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 heavy weight exercises so you can get the most out of your fitness regime. Bowflex promise 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.

Shop more dumbbell sets at Fitness Superstore.

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, the Viavito Dumbell Set is 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.

Shop more ViaVito products at Amazon

Dropping metal weights on the floor can be noisy – a potential problem for home gyms – however, the substantial rubber casing on these dumbbells makes for a much quieter landing. While they don’t come with a rubber handle, these Body Power 12.5Kg Rubber Hex Dumbbells feature contoured chrome handles for a superior grip. With their hexagonal design, they’re unique from the regular circular dumbbells, making them a more interesting feature for your home gym. With a fixed weight, you may have to purchase a couple to vary your workout routine. 

Shop more Bodypower products at Amazon

Metal dumbbells handles can take it out on your hands, so the Bodymax Deluxe 40kg Hammertone Dumbbell Kit features a rubber handle which makes them more comfortable to use over extensive workout periods. With maximum weights ranging from 25kg to 40kg, there’s a variety of sets to choose from, depending on your lifting ability. You can also adjust the weight of each dumbbell simply by unscrewing the bolt for a more varied workout.  Bodymax promise that these dumbbells are extremely durable, although there are reports that the handle can start to show wear over time. While they don’t come in a case, they can be easily stowed away when not in use. 

Find more Bodymax products at Amazon

These adjustable dumbbells, as with our first pick, give you a variety of weights in one block, rather than you going out and purchasing eight separate dumbbells, which would inevitably take up more room. With a maximum weight of 11kg per dumbbell, the PowerBlock Sport Adjustable Dumbbells are made for lighter regimes and can be used in conjunction with a Zumba routine for an even better workout. For easy selection, simply press the coloured button to release your required weight and place back together once your workout is complete for easy stowing away. Our pick of the best dumbbells if you like doing varied workouts and are after something super adjustable.

Browse more Power Block gym accessories at Amazon

If you’re looking to purchase just one or two pairs of dumbbells, sometimes it’s not worth splashing out on more expensive makes and models. Chrome is often a cheaper option when it comes to purchasing dumbbells, but that doesn’t you benefit any less from quality. Ergonomically designed, these BodyPower Ergo Chrome Dumbbells will ensure you benefit from a great workout, thanks to the contoured handle to prevent slip and a shiny, sleek appearance to add a touch of class to your home gym. 

Find more dumbbells at Amazon

A great set of dumbbells for those who don't fancy splurging serious cash, the Opti Dumbbell Tree 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.

Browse more dumbbells at Argos

How to buy the best dumbbells

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 results
If you’re unsure on 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 everyday 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. 

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 guide to home exercise: 30 exercises to get fit fast to find good beginner's exercises with dumbbells.

Kitting out the rest of your home gym? Check out more of our buying guides...

• The best exercise bikes for home gyms
• The best home gym accessories
• The best cross trainers for your home gym