The maximum weight — 10kg on each dumbbell when fully loaded — is on the lighter side, so the Opti’s aren’t suitable for anyone wanting to lift heavy. But if you’re just looking to do a bit of loaded strength training to supplement your regular running schedule, these reliable weights are more than up to the task. Still, if you’re seeking an adjustable dumbbell with a wide range of weights for a more affordable price, you can call off the search. Using and adjusting the weight mid-workout is simple, with a clear display on the front of the weight cradle showing the current weight, and plus or minus buttons to allow for 3kg incremental changes in either direction.

Each dumbbell was rigorously tested in a variety of categories, including durability, weight distribution, and ability to shift between weights efficiently, as well as aesthetics. All dumbbells were tested with three types of exercises: Explosive exercises (like swings and cleans), multi-joint strength exercises (like bench presses and Romanian deadlifts), and accessory motions (like biceps curls and lateral raises). A minimum of 10 sets and 100 reps were performed at both comfortable and near-max weights for each motion. All dumbbells were also dropped from a basic bench to test baseline durability (no adjustable dumbbell should ever be dropped from shoulder height), and all dumbbells were monitored for signs of rust over a three-month period .We also consulted with both our MH Advisory Board, and our Strength in Diversity trainers for deeper anecdotal and experiential thoughts on the best dumbbells. We believe the greatest fault with these weights is the weight adjustment increments. They do not increase by a standard amount – for example, 5kg, 7.5kg, 10kg. Instead, you’ll notice 3kg to 3.5kg stages: 5kg, 8kg, 11kg, 14.5kg, 18kg, 21kg, 24kg, 27.5kg, 30.5kg, 33.5kg, 37kg, 40kg.

Our roundup of the best all-in-one adjustable dumbbells to help you save space and money

Selectorised dumbbells typically sit in a tray. On each side of each dumbbell, you’ll find a dial that shows the load in kilograms or pounds (some models will show both metrics).

Key features – Main material: Latex-free plastic; Weight range: 3.6-22.7kg; Number of weight options: 8 They list both the metric and imperial weight totals, making it easier to work out how much you’re lifting without converting in your head or with a calculator. You might notice that some of the adjustable dumbbells below have an Esquire Approves logo emblazoned upon them. That’s because each of these products has been put through the wringer by our dedicated fitness testing team. So, when we say Esquire Approves, we really do. If only it were so simple. There are a huge variety of options on the market today, and the argument over which is the best dumbbell is still very much up for debate. If purchasing in the UK or Europe, the weight is in kilograms, whereas the originals are designed in lbs. This means that the weight moves up in odd increments (4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18 etc.)

The best adjustable dumbbells you can buy in 2023

This JAXJOX pair proved sturdy and secure, with none of the metallic clanging you’d expect from less robust free weights when pressing them overhead. They have 16 different weight options from 3.6kg to 22.7kg — great for isolation exercises — and the compact shape meant they never felt clunky or cumbersome. We understand that building a dedicated fitness room in your home is probably a bridge too far (unless your house happens to have an empty wing). And, when you've already turned the spare room into a home office and the kids have to sleep somewhere (apparently), finding any spare workout space can be a mission. Well, with a premium dumbbell, you don't need a gym from MTV Cribs. Just like standard dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells are safe when used correctly and with proper form. But, as with any type of fitness equipment, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. Each dumbbell was rigorously tested in a variety of categories, including durability, weight distribution, and ability to shift between weights efficiently, as well as aesthetics. All dumbbells were tested with three types of exercises: Explosive exercises (like swings and cleans), multi-joint strength exercises (like bench presses and Romanian deadlifts), and accessory motions (like biceps curls and lateral raises). A minimum of 10 sets and 100 reps were performed at both comfortable and near-max weights for each motion. All dumbbells were also dropped from a basic bench to test baseline durability (no adjustable dumbbell should ever be dropped from shoulder height), and all dumbbells were monitored for signs of rust over a three-month period .

The BRAINGAIN 40kg Adjustable Dumbbells is the equivalent to 17 individual fixed weight dumbbells. Increments: 5kg, 7kg, 9kg, 11kg, 13kg, 15kg, 18kg, 20kg, 22kg, 25kg, 27kg, 29kg, 32kg, 34kg, 36kg, 38kg, 40kg.Strengths: Changing the weight of these dumbbells couldn’t be less labour intensive. The digital weights we tested were also sturdy, compact and came as a pair, meaning we weren’t limited to unilateral (single-sided) movements. Though the humble dumbbell is the ultimate home workout tool, adjustable incarnations offer more versatility, thanks to their wide variety of weight options. A lone adjustable weight will let you add progressively heavier loads to your squats, deadlifts, presses, rows and more, all of which (when paired with the right nutrition) build functional muscle. Price It’s worth mentioning that in over two years of consistent use, we haven't encountered any durability issues with them. That said, it's essential to handle them with care and consider your exercise preferences when incorporating them into your home gym setup. For example, is the plastic casing sturdy enough to support exercises like renegade rows? “I’m not sure I’d want to put the weights on the ground and my weight on top of them,” says Williams. If you’re new to strength training, there are few brands better placed to introduce you to this method of exercise than York, who has been pioneering weightlifting equipment since 1932. As you’d expect from a company with almost a decade of experience to draw upon, this dumbbell set has a quality feel and polished finish that impressed our expert. The instructions also include a detailed description of some of the exercises you can do — ideal for those just getting started.

Many customers report having a very poor experience with customer service. Once problems occur, Bowflex is reluctant to take responsibility. For 2023, using our unique scoring system, the MuscleSquad 5kg – 40kg takes the crown for the best adjustable dumbbells in the UK. At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Although water-filled dumbbells also technically fall into the adjustable dumbbell category, it is primarily these two types outlined above that we’ll be covering in this roundup. Up to 80 pounds of weight per dumbbell means can use the same set of weights for every muscle group for a complete full-body workout, and our Men's Health trainers were able to incorporate them into all of their full body exercise programs in their experience using them. Drop down to a little weight for bent-over flies, for example, or pile on the plates for more intense squats.Gumtree.com Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of CarMoney Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 674094. Gumtree.com Limited is a credit broker, not a lender. Introductions are limited to motor finance, CarMoney Limited will pay us a fixed commission per paid out deal. While fitness fads may come and go, few health innovations have stood the test of time as steadfastly as the humble dumbbell. With a strong claim to being the most versatile piece of gym kit around, variations of these free weights have been contributing to users’ bulging bis and bulky tris since Ancient Greek times. The phrase “weight training” may conjure up images of sweaty gyms and clanging metal plates, but the practice has a plethora of health benefits that go far beyond maintaining muscle and managing weight (so long as you’re eating well, too).