What to Look for When Shopping for Dumbbell Sets

• Weight Range: Dumbbell sets usually come in weights ranging from 5 to 50 pounds in increments of 5 pounds, with some adjusting in 2.5-pound increments. If you're a beginner lifter, Tamir suggests choosing a dumbbell set that goes up to 50 pounds, and if you're more advanced, opt for a set that goes up to 80 pounds. 
• Materials: Traditional dumbbells are made of various durable materials, such as cast iron, rubber, steel, and neoprene (a type of rubber). Adjustable dumbbells are often made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both and are usually less durable than traditional dumbbells. Olympic athlete Colleen Quigley likes dumbbells with rubber around the weighted part because they're safer for hardwood floors.
• Grip: A good grip is key because it ensures the dumbbell stays in your hand securely, reducing the risk of injury and helping you maintain control of the weight throughout your workout. Handles that have a knurled texture are better than smooth ones because they provide more friction between your hand and the dumbbell, resulting in better grip—especially as your hands begin to sweat during a circuit or heavy set. Using weightlifting gloves with your dumbbells can also help with grip. 
• Durability: Cast iron, rubber-coated, and neoprene dumbbells are usually the most durable and can withstand daily wear and tear and drops. Adjustable or loadable dumbbells often contain plastic parts that may get damaged if you drop them. So if you train to failure or just tend to drop your weights on the floor after a heavy set, you'll want to opt for cast iron or rubber-coated dumbbells over adjustable ones (as long as your flooring can withstand the impact). 
• Cost: A set of dumbbells doesn’t come cheap, so be prepared to shell out a few hundred bucks for a complete set. And the heavier the weight, the costlier the dumbbell will be. For example, a beginner set of two 2-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound dumbbells will run you about $44—meanwhile, a full set of 5- to 50-pound dumbbells costs between $600 and $1,300. Adjustable dumbbells might seem pricey up front, but they can save you a lot of money (and space) as they replace multiple sets of dumbbells.

How We Selected and Tested the Best Dumbbell Sets

To find the best dumbbell sets, we first asked fitness experts for their insights on what to look for in a quality set. With their expert input in mind, we researched dozens of options from top, trusted equipment brands. Then, to narrow down our list, we also tested six options. When testing, we evaluate each set for the following key criteria:

• Ease of Use: We first complete at least one set each of bent-over rows, bicep curls, lunges, squats, and bench presses. During each exercise, we evaluate how comfortable the dumbbells feel in our hands: Are they balanced? Do they feel awkward? If the dumbbells are adjustable, we also assess how simple it is to change the weight, and if it's easy to remove and re-rack them in their cradles. We prioritize options that we feel help us get in a solid workout.
• Grip: Moving on to assess grip, we note how the handles feel: Are they too rough, or do they offer a comfortable hold? Do they feel overly large or too small? To further simulate real-world conditions, we spray our hands with water to mimic sweat and observe any differences it may make to the grip of each dumbbell.
• Storage: For storage, we first check if the dumbbell sets include storage racks or cradles. If they do, we evaluate the space the rack occupies and how easy it is to remove and return the weights. If the dumbbells don't include a rack, we note how much floor space they take up and whether they are difficult to move around.
  
• Durability: We drop each weight from waist height onto foam gym flooring and concrete flooring to test durability. We note any scratches, damage, or broken pieces. We also note any long-term wear and tear as we continue to use the dumbbells at home.
• Value: Finally, to give each dumbbell set a value score, we look at its cost after we have evaluated it for all the above attributes. We consider whether the price is fair based on the dumbbells' overall performance. We also consider whether we would pay full price or wait to purchase them on sale. We only include dumbbell sets that we would confidently recommend to a friend.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some taught us what key features to look for in dumbbell sets, and others helped us create and refine our testing process. Although we choose products independently, advice from experts influences our decisions.

• Noam Tamir, CSCS, certified strength and conditioning specialist and CEO of TS Fitness in New York City
• Colleen Quigley, USA Track & Field star and Olympic athlete
• Jamie Song, CPT, NASM-certified personal trainer in New York City
• Alexis Dreiss, CPT, NASM-certified personal trainer in New York City
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What dumbbell set is best for beginners?

If you're new to weight training, you'll want to start with light weights to prevent injuries and perfect your form before moving on to heavier weights. Choose an option that comes with 2-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound dumbbells, which is a great starter pack for folks new to lifting weights.

Can you build muscle with just dumbbells?

Simply put, yes. Dumbbells are an excellent way to build muscle through progressive overload, which creates more strength and muscle, Tamir says. Strength training with dumbbells is good for every type of athlete since they help with both injury prevention and increasing power, Quigley adds. Even if you're not an athlete, you can use dumbbells to perform functional strength training to help you improve your balance, stability, and range of motion. 

Is it worth buying a set of dumbbells?

If you prefer working out at home and your goal is to build muscle, it's definitely worth investing in a set of dumbbells. They're versatile, targeting multiple muscle groups like upper body, lower body, and abs without needing extensive space or additional equipment like power racks, Quigley says.

How long do dumbbells last?

With proper care, dumbbells can last a lifetime—especially ones made of durable materials like cast iron or rubber coating. To maximize longevity, wipe them down with a damp cloth after each workout and avoid dropping them, as doing so can ding them up over time.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

April Benshosan is a health writer for Verywell Fit and an experienced weight lifter (in fact, her favorite pastime is hitting PRs). For this article, she reviewed testing insights from the Verywell Fit team and our experts to evaluate the dumbbells based on criteria like ease of use, grip, storage, durability, and overall value. She uses and loves Smrtfit's Nuobell adjustable dumbbells for home workouts when she's short on time or when the weather's too frightful to hit the gym. Her work highlights her passion for arming people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.