What muscles can you work with dumbbells?

You can work almost all of your muscles with dumbbells, which are among the most versatile pieces of equipment for resistance training and building muscle and strength. The options for dumbbell exercises range from upper- to lower-body moves.

How often should you use dumbbells?

Ideally, you should incorporate resistance training into your workout routine at least two days per week. As long as you allow 24 to 48 hours of rest between training a specific muscle or muscle group, you can incorporate resistance training with dumbbells every day if you choose to.

How do you prevent injuries when using dumbbells?

When using dumbbells, you can prevent injuries by learning proper form first and making sure you warm up properly. Practice the bodyweight version of the exercise before moving on to light dumbbells. After you have the form down, you can add more weight. Getting form advice from a personal trainer can help keep you safe and prevent injuries.

The 8 Best Dumbbells, Tested by Experts in Our Lab

Verywell Fit Best Dumbbells Test — Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

Dumbbells are a simple, convenient, and versatile way to elevate your strength workouts, no matter where you exercise. When used during cardio routines, they can increase your heart rate and help lower body fat. Dumbbells are versatile enough for both beginners and advanced exercisers and can help you maximize the benefits of moves like squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, rows, and more.

“Consider your exercise space, flooring, budget, fitness goals, and material when you’re looking to add dumbbells to your home gym,” Jaime Follows, BS, ACSM-CPT, EIM I, owner of TruFit Personal Training in Virginia, says. There are adjustable options and pairs sold in fixed weight increments, so the amount and variety of weight you need will be a factor. You’ll also want to consider your storage options at home, as some dumbbell sets can take up a lot of space.

To find the best dumbbells, we tested 24 different pairs in The Verywell Testing Lab. Under the supervision of a certified personal trainer, Noelle McKenzie, ACE-CPT, nine testers completed five upper- and lower-body exercises with each dumbbell. Our testers evaluated each dumbbell on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for ease of use, grip, portability and storage, durability, and overall value.

According to our testers, here are the best dumbbells on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

CAP Barbell Coated Dumbbell Weights at Amazon

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Best Budget:

BalanceFrom Rubber Encase Hex Dumbbells at Amazon

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Best Adjustable:

Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells at Amazon

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Best for Beginners:

Amazon Basics Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weight Set at Amazon

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Best Grip:

Domyos by Decathlon Weight Training Hex Dumbbell at Amazon

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Best Single Dumbbell:

Day 1 Fitness Rubber Dumbbell at Amazon

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Best Classic:

Amazon Basics Rubber Hex Dumbbell at Amazon

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Best Advanced:

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.9

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Grip

5/5
Storage

4/5
Durability

5/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Durable
Hexagonal shape prevents rolling
Excellent grip

Cons

Not adjustable

These gym-style dumbbells are our top overall choice for their sturdiness and durability. We like that the rubber-coated ends won’t damage floors or other surfaces, and the hexagonal shape keeps them from rolling away when you set them down.

Our tester gave these dumbbells a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use, grip, durability, and overall value. She also noted how much she loved the chrome-plated grips, which are etched to provide a secure hold. She had no problem hanging on to them, even with sweaty hands.

Testing Notes: “I could tell from first glance that these are high-quality dumbbells, and they felt super-comfortable and easy to use.”

These dumbbells come in pairs from 5 to 50 pounds, so they are not the most space-efficient if you need more than one set. At a reasonable price point, we recommend them if you have the storage space.

Price at time of publication: $88 for 15 lb. pair

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 5 to 50 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: Two years at additional cost}

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

4.8

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Grip

4/5
Storage

5/5
Durability

5/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Durable
Rubber-coated
Hexagonal shape prevents rolling

Cons

Not adjustable
May have a rubbery odor

These basic dumbbells are durable and budget-friendly. Our tester gave them a score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use, storage, durability, and overall value. She was also shocked by the affordable price of such a high-quality product.

Testing Notes: “Price was a shock after reviewing the other options. These are affordable and well worth the small investment.”

These hexagonal, rubber-coated dumbbells won’t roll or damage surfaces. Our tester noted there were no scratches or damage when they were dropped on concrete, contributing to their perfect durability score. The ergonomic, textured handle makes them easy to hold, and they come in pairs or singles ranging from 10 to 50 pounds.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 10 to 50 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: 2-year at additional cost}

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

4.9

Amazon

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5
Adjustability

5/5
Ease of Use

4.8/5
Grip

4.8/5
Durability

3.5/5

Pros

Storage tray included
Selector dial for easy adjustment

Cons

Larger than typical dumbbells
Not as durable as other options

The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable dumbbells are easy to adjust with a simple dial. They come with their own storage tray and have a weight range of 5 to 52.5 pounds. We gave them a 5 out of 5 for adjustability and storage, and our tester noted how easy it was to adjust the weight between sets. The weight range is also large enough for both beginners and more advanced users, making these weights a truly versatile pick.

These dumbbells are easy to assemble in under five minutes and weren’t damaged after being dropped on gym flooring, but they did experience some scuffing after being dropped on concrete. Although the weights were still usable following our drop test, due to the scuffing, we were led to believe that they may be less durable than other options.

Testing Notes: “The price of these dumbbells is very reasonable, considering their quality, ease of use, weight range, and storability.”

These weights are larger than typical dumbbells, but we love the versatility of being able to easily change weights with one device during full-body workouts. In small spaces or home gyms where valuable real estate is already dedicated to fitness equipment, like elliptical machines, this space-saving dumbbell set is an ideal choice.

Price at time of publication: $549

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 pounds | Sold As: Pairs | Shape: Round | Storage: Rack included | Warranty: Two years at additional cost}

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

4.6

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Grip

5/5
Storage

4.5/5
Durability

3.5/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

Pros

Budget-friendly
Storage rack included
Non-slip grip

Cons

Rack may not be very sturdy

A great choice for beginners, the Amazon Basics Neoprene Workout dumbbell set includes three coated weights that earned a 5 out of 5 for ease of use and grip. We like that the included rack keeps the dumbbells organized and doesn’t take up a lot of space, although our tester did note that the rack felt a bit unstable at times. Luckily, the hexagonal shape of the dumbbells also means they’ll stay put on your floor or workout mat when not in use.

Testing Notes: “I like the bright colors of these weights compared to other basic black and metal dumbbells. They look nice and could be a good option for people in small spaces who don't have a place to tuck their weights away.”

The Neoprene coating covers the entire dumbbell and makes for a solid hold, whether your hands are dry or sweaty. These weights are sold both as a pair and as a set. Each set option includes three pairs of dumbbells. You can choose between a lighter set (with 2-, 3-, and 5-pound dumbbell pairs) and a slightly heavier set (with 3-, 5-, and 8-pound dumbbell pairs). Both sets offer a weight range that’s perfect for anyone who's just starting out and is a good addition to a beginner’s home gym.

Price at time of publication: $48

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 2 to 5 pounds or 3 to 8 pounds | Sold As: Pairs or Set | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Rack included | Warranty: None}

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

4.7

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Grip

5/5
Storage

4/5
Durability

5/5
Overall Value

4/5

Pros

Hexagonal shape prevents rolling
Durable
Ergonomic handle

Cons

Expensive
Sold as a single weight

This hexagonal dumbbell is specifically designed for movements that require some stability, like renegade rows or Burpees. The Domyos weight earned 5 out of 5 stars for ease of use, grip, and durability, and our tester noted that the grip was so good that it made the dumbbells feel like an extension of his hand. But even if you do drop these dumbbells (like we did intentionally during our drop test), we like that they are very sturdy, unlikely to break, and won’t roll away, thanks to their hexagonal shape.

Testing Notes: “These are some of the best dumbbells I've ever used. The grip is amazing. Even with sweaty hands, I felt like I could not drop these even if you paid me.”

These dumbbells are on the pricey side and are sold individually, so if you want several weight options, it will be an investment. Our tester noted that the excellent grip and durability of these dumbbells are well worth the price tag, especially for those who are looking to lift heavier loads.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 22 pounds | Sold As: Single | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: None}

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

4.3

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

4.5/5
Grip

3.8/5
Storage

3/5
Durability

5/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Hexagonal shape prevents rolling
Budget-friendly

Cons

Bulkier than other weights

This dumbbell is sold individually, in case you need to buy a replacement or have limited space for only one dumbbell and prefer to build your home gym slowly. Our tester gave this dumbbell a 5 out of 5 stars for durability and overall value and noted that the weights were not damaged when dropped on concrete during our drop test.

The hexagonal rubber ends are sturdy and prevent rolling. We also like that this dumbbell comes in eight different weights, ranging from 5 to 40 pounds. Our tester did notice that the Day 1 Fitness dumbbell is slightly bulkier than other hexagonal-shaped dumbbells that we tested, which is something to note if you prefer a more compact dumbbell.

Testing Notes: “These are a good value for a basic dumbbell. I think the price is fair, and it's on the lower end. However, note that these dumbbells are sold individually, so you'll need to buy two if you want a matching pair.”

A single dumbbell may not allow you to do every single exercise in the book, but it’s still a fairly versatile option and perfect for plenty of exercises like goblet squats, single-arm rows, weighted Russian twists, and more.

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 5 to 40 pounds | Sold As: Single | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: None}

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

4.5

Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Grip

3.5/5
Storage

5/5
Durability

5/5
Overall Value

3.8/5

Pros

Comfortable grip
Hexagonal shape prevents rolling

Cons

May have a chemical smell
Sold as a single weight

The familiar, classic style of this dumbbell makes it easy to use for all kinds of exercises. Our tester gave it a 5 out of 5 for ease of use, storage, and durability and noted that it would be easy to stash away, thanks to its compact size.

Like other pairs we tested, we love that the hexagonal shape prevents rolling, while the rubber coating makes it durable and protects it from scratches, which means that it’ll keep looking good as new over time. This dumbbell has a knurled, contoured handle that creates a comfortable, non-slip grip. It’s sold as a single dumbbell, so you will need to purchase at least two if you want a set.

Testing Notes: “Very similar to the dumbbells you see in your everyday gym. The familiarity helps with the ease of use.”

Some users noted a chemical or rubbery smell coming from the dumbbell, which did fade over time.

Price at time of publication: $28

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 10 to 50 pounds | Sold As: Single | Shape: Hexagonal | Storage: Not included | Warranty: Two years at additional cost}

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

4.7

Walmart

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

4.5/5
Grip

5/5
Storage

3.5/5
Durability

4.5/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Large weight range
Selector dial for easy adjustment
Storage tray included

Cons

Bulkier than other weights
Expensive
Sold as a single weight

The SelectTech 1090 Dumbbell by Bowflex is our top choice for more experienced exercisers. Our tester gave this dumbbell a 5 out of 5 for overall value because, even though it has a high price point, the weight range of up to 90 pounds with 17 different weight settings makes it very versatile—allowing you to get 17 dumbbells in one.

When you purchase this dumbbell, you’ll also get a one-year free membership to the JRNY app, which offers dozens of full-body, on-demand strength classes to help you better use your weights.

Testing Notes: “For experienced lifters, this is as good as you're going to get outside of the gym without having a barbell in your actual house or apartment.”

This dumbbell is durable but bulky, and our tester noted that it might make certain exercises (like bicep curls) awkward because it’s a little longer than your traditional dumbbell. We like that the easy-to-use dial selector makes changing weights between exercises simple and quick.

Price at time of publication: $399

^{Key Specs:
Weight Range: 10 to 90 pounds | Sold As: Single | Shape: Round | Storage: Rack included | Warranty: Two years at additional cost}

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

		Overall Rating	Ease of Use	Grip	Storage	Durability	Overall Value
Best Overall: CAP Barbell Coated Dumbbell Weights	Amazon	4.9	5	5	4	5	5
Best Budget: BalanceFrom Rubber Encase Hex Dumbbells	Amazon	4.8	5	4	5	5	5
Best Adjustable: Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells	Amazon	4.9	4.8	4.8		3.5	5
Best for Beginners: Amazon Basics Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weight Set	Amazon	4.6	5	5	4.5	3.5	4.5
Best Grip: Domyos by Decathlon Weight Training Hex Dumbbell	Amazon	4.7	5	5	4	5	4
Best Single Dumbbell: Day 1 Fitness Rubber Dumbbell	Amazon	4.3	4.5	3.8	3	5	5
Best Classic: Amazon Basics Rubber Hex Dumbbell	Amazon	4.5	5	3.5	5	5	3.8
Best Advanced: Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells	Amazon	4.7	4.5	5	3.5	4.5	5

Final Verdict

The CAP Barbell Hex Rubber Dumbbells are our top choice for their durability, excellent grip, and overall value. An upgraded version of classic weights, this pair is ideal for all kinds of workouts. We also recommend the BalanceFrom Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells for a versatile, budget-friendly option. An ergonomic, textured handle makes grabbing these for a quick set of reps a breeze.

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

How We Rated the Best Dumbbells for Home Workouts

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best dumbbells we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These dumbbells are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great dumbbells, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These dumbbells are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend dumbbells with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

How We Selected and Tested the Best Dumbbells for Home Workouts

To narrow down the best dumbbells on the market, we first consulted experts to understand which features they recommend looking for in a weight or set of weights. Jaime Follows, ACSM-CPT, EIM I, specializes in in-home and virtual personal training and offered his insight on what to look for when shopping for dumbbells.

Then, we tested 24 different dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab. Nine different testers, ranging in exercise experience level from beginner to advanced, tested each dumbbell under the supervision of a certified personal trainer, Noelle McKenzie, ACE-CPT, co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers, who also helped facilitate our test.

We tested each dumbbell by completing a set of eight to 12 repetitions of bent-over rows, bicep curls, forward lunges, front squats, bench presses, and more. A durability test for each dumbbell was also performed by dropping the dumbbells from waist height onto rubber gym flooring and concrete flooring.

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

Our testers scored each dumbbell on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for the categories of ease of use, grip (with both dry and sweaty hands), portability and storage, durability, and overall value. We also gave each dumbbell an overall star rating score that reflects whether or not we would recommend it to a friend or family member.

What to Look for in Dumbbells

Weight

When deciding which dumbbells to purchase, think about the amount of weight you want to lift. If you’re new to fitness and just want to add a little resistance to your typical bodyweight workout, stick to smaller weights. If you’re a more experienced exerciser who’s looking to go heavier on moves like deadlifts and squats, you’ll want a double-digit load.

Storage

No matter which dumbbells you decide to buy, you’ll need to keep them somewhere. If you want a few sets of weights to have more options, but don’t have lots of storage space, choose an adjustable dumbbell or a set that comes with a space-saving stand. If you travel often and want to take your workout with you, a collapsible, portable set of dumbbells is ideal.

Fitness Goals

Consider what you want from your exercise program and your current fitness level when looking for dumbbells. For those who want to increase muscular endurance, a lighter set of dumbbells may work, especially if you're using them to make other exercises, like stability training on balance boards, a little more challenging. Consider investing in a dumbbell pair or set that you can continue to use, even as your experience level increases.

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

Durability

Your dumbbells won’t do you any good if they don’t hold up to rigorous workouts. Look for dumbbells made of steel or iron that are coated with rubber or neoprene to prevent scratches. Non-slip grips will keep you from dropping the dumbbells, helping them to last longer (and protecting your floors). “Traditional iron dumbbells are probably your best bet in terms of longevity, but you’ll need some extra space when compared to adjustable or rubber ones, which may fall apart or fail over time,” Follows says.

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles can you work with dumbbells?

You can work almost all of your muscles with dumbbells, which are among the most versatile pieces of equipment for resistance training and building muscle and strength. The options for dumbbell exercises range from upper- to lower-body moves.

Learn More: Full Body Dumbbell Workout
How often should you use dumbbells?

Ideally, you should incorporate resistance training into your workout routine at least two days per week. As long as you allow 24 to 48 hours of rest between training a specific muscle or muscle group, you can incorporate resistance training with dumbbells every day if you choose to.
How do you prevent injuries when using dumbbells?

When using dumbbells, you can prevent injuries by learning proper form first and making sure you warm up properly. Practice the bodyweight version of the exercise before moving on to light dumbbells. After you have the form down, you can add more weight. Getting form advice from a personal trainer can help keep you safe and prevent injuries.

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and long-time fitness writer. Jen has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications. Jen uses dumbbells every day in her home gym and knows what works when it comes to home fitness.

Additional reporting by Mallory Creveling

Mallory Creveling, ACE-CPT, has been covering the fitness industry for more than a decade, often writing about workout equipment. She’s also a personal trainer who’s tried tons of at-home equipment. She knows what moves work best with added weight and what to look for to get the most out of your gear.