Best Adjustable Dumbbells For Bodybuilding (Updated 2021)

adjustable dumbbells

These adjustable dumbbells for home training are perfect for lifters and strength athletes as cost effective options to see gains.

Dumbbells are incredibly important weightlifting tools but adjustable dumbbells may be even better. Instead of spending a fortune and buying an entire set of dumbbells, looking to one pair of adjustable dumbbells can allow for a variety of workouts while saving you time and money. Building muscle and increasing performance does require the right mindset but you also need the right equipment and these dumbbells are exactly what you need to see that growth take place as lifters and strength athletes.

We’ve put together a list of the Best Adjustable Dumbbells for 2021 so lifters and strength athletes can have a cost effective way to boost their home training. As simple and convenient options to train, all of your bodybuilding needs can be taken care of immediately.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells For 2021


Best Adjustable Dumbbells Overall

The best adjustable dumbbells for bodybuilding overall will ensure quality, comfort, and ease. You want your grip to feel as comfortable as possible and the dumbbell should offer many weight options for you to have an effective workout.

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells offer adjustments from 5-52.5 lbs. with 2.5 increments so you can progress efficiently and have a quality workout. The ability to rapidly switch from one exercise to the next saves you time and space by combining 15 sets of weight into one. The unique dial system works great and totally eliminates the need for many dumbbell sets for better convenience and overall space.

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells adjust from 5 to 52.5 lbs. and allow for quick switching. With 15 sets of weight in one, the unique dial system works perfectly for convenience.

Pros

  • Unique dial system with weight ranging from 5-52.5 lbs.
  • Combines 15 weight sets into one for lifters and strength athletes
  • Saves you time and space with a convenient set that is cost effective
  • From a reputable company in Bowflex

Cons

  • Slightly bulky so have to modify some exercises
  • Grip material on the handle could be longer for a better overall grip

Price:  $399.00


Best Adjustable Dumbbell For Durability

A durable dumbbell will ensure longevity, as well as repeated abuse. Using these every day, you want to be sure your dumbbell of choice can handle it.

Gorilla Gadgets Adjustable Dumbbells

Gorilla Gadgets Adjustable Dumbbells are made from durable material with strong molding around all the metal plates for continued longevity. With weights ranging from 5-90 lbs., a great non-slip handle and plenty of weight options allow for any workout to be done efficiently. The lightweight frame is a nice modern design but sturdy enough if dropped, giving these dumbbells a serious boost when it comes to durability.

Gorilla Gadgets Adjustable Dumbbells allow you to adjust from 5 to 90 lbs. switching every 5 lbs. The handles are non-slip and the lightweight frame is great for any workout.

Pros

  • Sturdy set with weights ranging from 5-90 lbs.
  • Lightweight and modern design allow for efficiency
  • Well-balanced for a nice grip and quality workouts for lifters and strength athletes

Cons

  • Assembly may be more tough than advertised

Price: $639.99


Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Heavy Lifting

It is possible to lift heavy with adjustable dumbbells and if the option for higher weight is available, you can see huge gains. Looking at the increments and the overall weight will ensure a good pair for heavy lifting.

VEICAR Single Adjustable Dumbbell

VEICAR Single Adjustable Dumbbell allows for weight to be conveniently changed from 10-88 lbs. accompanied by a non-slip handle design that is safer and more comfortable to aid in any heavy lifting. The unique dial system combines 17 sets of weights into one and the latest design locks the dumbbell into a groove, ensuring a tight and stable fit. A compact design able to save space, matched by a serious amount of weight, this set is great for those heavy lifting and muscle building needs.

VEICAR Single Adjustable Dumbbell can be changed from 10-88 lbs. combining 17 sets of weights into one. With a great grip and compact design, these are perfect for heavy lifting.

Pros

  • Easy adjustments of 10-88 lbs. with a safe and comfortable design
  • Unique dial system combines 17 sets of weight into one for a cost effective option
  • Weight shifts effortlessly to allow for great heavy lifting exercises for lifters and strength athletes

Cons

  • The weights tend to get locked often which can cause frustration

Price: $329.99


Best Adjustable Dumbbell-Barbell Combo

A dumbbell-barbell combo will prove most effective for you can tackle even more exercises. These can attach to each other and provide for the best in terms of quality and durability.

Wesfital Dumbbells & Barbell Adjustable Set

Wesfital Dumbbells & Barbell Adjustable Set offers a great way to workout with adjustable dumbbells and a barbell attachment. Total amount of weight equals 88 lbs. and the dumbbells can be connected to a rod to assist with any of those exercises required with a barbell. The 15.74 inch foam connecting rod is a great design with better and more comfortable grip to achieve higher stability. With easier assembly than most, this set will store well and handle all your dumbbell and barbell needs.

Wesfital Adjustable Dumbbells-Barbell Set allows you to connect the dumbbells to the barbell to tackle upper and lower body workouts. Easy to connect and store, this is great for any exercise.

Pros

  • Clean design with easy to put on weights for lifters and strength athletes
  • Nice to have a dumbbell-barbell combo to attach for even more workouts
  • Great quality and everything connects simply and conveniently for a cost effective set

Cons

  • Grips tend to loosen on their own at times
  • Doesn’t feel as durable as it could be

Price: $139.99


Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Beginners

For those just starting out, the right pair can get you started the right way. With a good amount of weight and easy to use design, this will benefit your workouts greatly.

ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells

ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells replace 10 dumbbells with one set and adjusts based on 5 lbs. increments. By adjusting the weight to whatever you want using the rapid strike weight selection system, you can customize your training and give yourself the best chance at seeing serious gains. Durable construction includes a combination of steel and hardened plastic for durability and an easy design great for beginners.

ProForm 50 lbs. Select-A-Weight Dumbbell Pair allows you to replace 10 dumbbells with 5 lbs. increments. A combination of steel and hard plastic, these are durable and high-quality.

Pros

  • Durable construction of steel and hardened plastic
  • Replaces 10 dumbbells in one set with increments of 5 lbs.
  • Rapid strike weight selection system is great for changing the weight efficiently

Cons

  • Hard to switch the weight sometimes and a dial system may be easier
  • Knurl may too intense for some lifters and strength athletes

Price: $254.26


Best Adjustable Dumbbells For Small spaces and Compactness

These are perfect for saving space and you want a set that won’t cause clutter. Easy storage and compactness will keep these out of your way while still being versatile.

POWERBLOCK Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbell

POWERBLOCK Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbell offers an adjustable range of 5-50 lbs. and replaces 16 pairs of dumbbells with just one. The auto-lock handle feature includes two chrome adder weights so you can even adjust your increments by 2.5 lbs. for just that much more weight. Perfect for saving time, money, and energy, these are a great set of block dumbbells.

POWERBLOCK Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbell ranges from 5-50 lbs. for all your lifting needs. This replaces 16 dumbbells with just one to save space and time.

Pros

  • Adjustable from 5-50 lbs.
  • Replaces 16 pairs with just one dumbbell
  • Nice feature to add increments of 2.5 lbs. for a little more weight

Cons

  • Stability between the plates may not be the best
  • Bit expensive for the overall quality but is still cost effective

Price: $343.61


Best Adjustable Dumbbells Set

A full set of adjustable equipment centered around your dumbbell is perfect. Made of quality material with many options, you can have a very effective workout.

Gintonique Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Gintonique Adjustable Dumbbell Set is a complete set of adjustable weights including dumbbells, a kettlebell, and a barbell. The dumbbell ranges from 6-33 lbs. and are easy to adjust when it comes to adding and taking off weight. The kettlebell can be adjusted from 5-33 lbs. and the barbell can be adjusted from 10-33 lbs. Assembly is fairly simple with 4 PVC screws and 4 circlips to make switching as simple as possible. A complete set of adjustable weights perfect for all your workouts, this can really boost your gains and offer variety.

Gintonique Adjustable Dumbbells Set is an awesome set with adjustable dumbbells, kettlebells, and a barbell. Easy to assemble and use, this provides for an amazing home workout with all the equipment you need.

Pros

  • Great complete set of dumbbells, a kettlebell, and a barbell
  • Good quality and withstand minor abuse from exercise
  • Convenient for home workouts with great variety and is cost effective

Cons

  • Wish there was more weight added to the equipment
  • Weights don’t lock as well as they could

Price: $169.99

adjustable dumbbells lifters strength athletes cost effective

Benefits Of Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells have many benefits and can work wonders for your gains as lifters and strength athletes. As great additions to any home gym, it is important to really focus on what a good set can do for you before you spend the money. Once you do commit, however, you will not be disappointed by the results at all as these will really round a great complete home gym for all your workout needs.

Benefits of adjustable dumbbells include:

  • Increase strength and size: As effective lifting tools, these will work to provide for great workouts so you build muscle and increase strength and size for that desired physique (1,2).
  • Provide for convenient workouts: By working with one set of dumbbells with many weight options, you can have an effective workout that will save you time and boost your gains by offering the potential for a variety of workouts.
  • Save space and money: These don’t take up much space and can save you money as opposed to buying multiple dumbbell pairs.
  • Offer the ability to progress: With smaller increments of weight, you can watch your progress grow as you seek only the best for your weightlifting goals.
  • Fix muscle imbalances: By working to adjust weight and have quality dumbbells, you can better fix those muscle imbalances for the best bodybuilding physique.

lifters strength athletes cost effective

What To Look For

When looking for the best adjustable dumbbells for bodybuilding there are a few things to look out for. You want to look at the increments of weight that these adjust to. Some are usually 2.5-5 lbs. offering you a great variety of weight and working up to higher weight. Quality is important because you want these to last a long time and be worthy of the price you pay for them. It is also important to look at the style of dumbbell because these come in many shapes and sizes so ensuring a comfortable grip is very important with these products.

How We Choose

When looking to the best adjustable dumbbells for bodybuilding, we focus on a number of factors because you deserve only the best for workout equipment. With so many options out there, finding a quality adjustable dumbbell set can be difficult but it is absolutely worth looking into. We look at the brand and the reputation because many fitness companies produce quality workout equipment. If it is brand not known by many, we look at the quality, as with all these products, to ensure they are worth your time and money. A durable set of adjustable dumbbells will work for your benefit and your benefit only. We then look at price. We know fitness and exercise equipment can be expensive but looking to those options that are affordable can prove to be very worthwhile and not break the bank as you seek quality with affordability.

lifters strength athletes cost effective

FAQ Section

What are the best adjustable dumbbells for bodybuilding?

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells. These offer adjustments from 5-52.5 lbs. with 2.5 increments so you can progress efficiently and have a quality workout. The ability to rapidly switch from one exercise to the next saves you time and space by combining 15 sets of weight into one.

Are dumbbells or adjustable dumbbells better to use for my gains?

Dumbbells on the whole are awesome lifting tools. It is really about preference. The right adjustable dumbbell will feel like a fixed dumbbell so you really won’t tell the difference. What you get is the ability to save time, space, and money with adjustable dumbbells.

Can I still get an effective workout with adjustable dumbbells?

Absolutely. These will work great for a number of workouts, be them upper or lower body. The ability to change weight quickly will give you the best chance at tackling different workouts with ease and comfort.

Wrap Up

The best adjustable dumbbells for bodybuilding are exactly what you need to succeed and round out a complete home gym. With one set of dumbbells able to tackle the needs of an entire dumbbell set, you save time and money while never sacrificing any gains. The right set will be high-quality and allow for only the best when it comes to building muscle and seeing that desired growth take place. Check out these adjustable dumbbells and see just what these can do for you goals today.


Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.

Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

References

  1. Saeterbakken, A.; Tillaar, R.; Fimland, M. (2011). “A comparison of muscle activity and 1-RM strength of three chest-press exercises with different stability requirements”. (source)
  2. Solstad, T.; Andersen, V.; Shaw, M.; Hoel, E.; et al. (2020). “:A Comparison of Muscle Activation between Barbell Bench Press and Dumbbell Flyes in Resistance-Trained Males”. (source)
Austin Letorney
Austin Letorney is a writer, actor, and fitness enthusiast. As a former rower, he has shifted his focus to sharing his knowledge of the fitness world and strength sports with others.