The Best Dumbbell Sets
If you're looking to build muscle mass and increase your strength at home, a good set of dumbbells is key. With so many possible training applications, a varied set can help you find the right balance between challenge and safety, whatever your workout goals. We've rounded up some of the best dumbbell sets on the market, so all you have to do next is break a sweat.
What to Look For
Not all dumbbells are built the same, so it pays to be on the lookout for three key features as you make your choice: coating, weight range, and rack dimensions. By considering these qualities, you should be able to narrow down choices that fit your needs. With all that in mind, our favorite set overall is the trio from Amazon Basics. This barebones set offers an affordable way for anyone to get started with weight training at home, and their neoprene coating is easy to grip and will protect your floors from harm. But if you’re looking for a heavier challenge, check out the five-pair set from CAP Barbell, which comes complete with a sturdy two-tier stand. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Amazon Basics Neoprene Workout Dumbbells
This compact dumbbell set from Amazon basics will find a welcome home in any home gym. With a cast-iron-core construction coated in textured neoprene, they offer a comfortable grip even in the sweatiest conditions. With three varied weights ranging from 5 to 15 pounds, they’re suitable for a range of exercises. And when you’re done lifting for the day, each dumbbell can be packed away neatly on the folding steel stand.
Pros:
- The neoprene coating is hygienic and easy to clean
- Individual purchases are also available if you want to expand your collection
- The hexagonal shape prevents rolling
Cons:
- Experienced lifters might not be satisfied with the range of weights on offer here
CAP Barbell Solid Hex Dumbbell Set With Rack
Feel the resistance
Push yourself to new limits with this medium-weight set from CAP Barbell. This selection of dumbbells ranges from 5 to 25 pounds, offering plenty of scope for a range of exercises, whether you’re looking to pile on muscle mass or get those limbs moving with a little resistance. And you’ll have no problem reaching for the appropriate weight in a flash thanks to the two-tiered rack that keeps each dumbbell readily on display.
Pros:
- The two-tiered design takes up minimal storage space
- Industrial enamel coating is durable enough to provide years of use indoors or outdoors
- The rack has a 500-pound weight capacity, so you can add heavier weights to your collection in the future
Cons:
- The enamel grip is tougher on the hands than neoprene alternatives
Signature Fitness Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights
Easy does it
Toning your arms, shoulders, and back doesn’t have to be a competition to see who can lift the most. If you’re new to dumbbell workouts, you could enjoy impressive results by committing to consistent workouts with a lower weight class. This set of hand weights from Signature Fitness is an ideal choice for beginners looking to test their strength without pushing too fast. Plus, there are heavier pairs also available for separate purchase, so you can upgrade your collection when the time is right.
Pros:
- Tools for assembling the rack are included
- These dumbbells are quiet when dropped thanks to the soft neoprene coating
- Weights are color-coded for quick reference
Cons:
- The rack is less sturdy than most, and it isn’t suitable for holding heavier dumbbells
PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
Ultimate versatility
Home gym setups can quickly become cluttered as you expand your collection, leaving less room for you to move freely as you train. These adjustable dumbbells from PowerBlock offer a space-efficient solution for the variable weight trainer, with an adjustable design that packs away efficiently when not in use. Despite their compact form, these hefty dumbbells can be adjusted between 5 and 50 pounds, offering you a greater range than most sets on the market.
Pros:
- Secure magnetic polypropylene pin ensures that these dumbbells will hold together as you train
- Expansion kits are available if you need to add more weight
- The secure base can also be used for bodyweight exercises without toppling
Cons:
- The enclosed handle might not be appropriate for some lifts
WF Athletic Supply Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Set
With this gargantuan set from WF Athletic Supply at the ready, you’ll be equipped to start your own home gym enterprise in no time. This complete set includes dumbbell pairs ranging from 5 to 50 pounds in 5-pound increments, so you can edge towards your goals at a steady pace. Each pair sits handsomely atop the heavy-duty two-tier rack when not in use, crafted from 12-gauge stainless steel for unparalleled durability.
Pros:
- A protective PVC mat comes included
- Steel-chromed, anti-slip handles
- Rubber casting reduces noise and protects flooring
Cons:
- Heavy overall weight means this package may require multiple deliveries to ship
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of incorporating dumbbells into my workout?
Dumbbells offer a huge variety of advantages for any exercise regime. They’re great for resistance training to build strength and muscle mass and can be used to target specific areas in your body that require extra attention. Because they’re small, they’re easy to store away and take up much less space than larger exercise machines.
How many different types of exercises can I do with dumbbells?
The possibilities offered by dumbbells are truly endless. From squats to deadlifts, bicep curls to triceps extensions, standing presses to bent-over rows, all work when it comes to building muscle and strength. With a set of varied weights, you can gently increase the challenge as you build muscle mass.
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