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The Best Dumbbell Weight Sets

Last updated on April 28, 2023

We looked at the top 13 Dumbbell Weight Sets and dug through the reviews from 38 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Dumbbell Weight Sets.

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The past few decades have seen the look of the home-workout room evolve by leaps and bounds. A space that used to be dominated by a single workout bench now might have a Wi-Fi-enabled stationary bike, treadmill or any number of other high-tech toys. But through all that, there’s been no replacement for the good old-fashioned dumbbell set — though there have been some improvements on the design. You’ve now got your pick of materials and configurations, and which one you pick depends on how you exercise and the space where you do it.

Some dumbbells you find in the gym today might bear little resemblance to the old iron weights your grandparents may have lifted, but they break down into two basic types: adjustable and fixed. Fixed dumbbells usually come in a set, and each pair in that set has a fixed weight. These are easy to identify and easy to use. Meanwhile, adjustable dumbbells come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the main appeal is that they save space. With adjustable dumbbells, you can turn a 10-pound weight into 30-pound weight simply by removing a locking mechanism or screwing on a plate.

Fixed dumbbells are more popular in home gyms, especially those in which the exerciser is doing cardio, yoga or some toning. You want weights that you can grab quickly and switch up at will, and you usually don’t need anything too heavy. If you’re really short on space, you can still try some adjustable weights but, for the most part, it’s easy to find room for a rack that has four or five pairs of dumbbells.

Outside of a professional gym, dumbbells don’t need to be imposing hunks of exposed iron. For safety’s sake, you might look for fixed weights coated with urethane or neoprene. This coating might be rubbery or have a matte texture, made to help your grip stay secure even when you’re sweating. Colored coatings can also help you identify your weights quickly, and they won’t make as much of a racket if you drop them.

Adjustable weights can have their advantages too, and they’ve come a long way in the last few decades. Companies like Powerblock now make systems where plates sit alongside a central bar, and you can simply slide a tab or remove a key to change the weight. These are convenient, but a little pricier. For a bit less, you can still get a set of old-school plates that screw on to a bar. Either way, these weights are best suited for strength training where you need to multiple sets of heavy lifting.

Finally, a word about shape: While dumbbell plates used to almost always be round, you should try to find hexagonal ones if you can these days. This way, if they slip off the rack or you drop them, they’ll stay put instead of rolling across the floor — or over your foot. These also won’t roll when they’re resting on the floor.

Our Picks For The Top Dumbbell Weight Sets

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Amazon Basics Neoprene Cast Iron Dumbbell Weight Set, 3-Pairs

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Amazon Basics

Neoprene Cast Iron Dumbbell Weight Set, 3-Pairs

This set of six dumbbells range from 2-5 pounds per weight, which makes them perfect to use in conjunction with a stationary bike or toning workout. They're clearly labeled so that you can grab the right one easily, and the neoprene coating helps you keep your grip. The set also includes a convenient holder.

Overall Take

Great for ToningThis dumbbell weight set doesn't go light on the quality.

Pros
" Includes 2-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound weights, and a stand. Hexagonal shape prevents rolling and the neoprene coating makes them comfortable to hold."
 Runner Up

JFIT Non-Slip Hex-Shaped Dumbbell Weight Set, 3-Pairs

JFIT

Non-Slip Hex-Shaped Dumbbell Weight Set, 3-Pairs

These weights are coated with a slip-resistant neoprene. Underneath, the core is all cast iron and built to last. You get a pair of 3-, 5- and 8-pound weights that can be used with cardio, yoga or any other kind of workout.

Overall Take

Safe and SturdyNo matter what your routine, this set can go the distance.

Pros
" Built from high-quality cast iron, they are perfect for both beginner and advanced users."
Cons
"Smaller pairs uncomfortable for larger hands"
 Runner Up

BalanceFrom GoFit All-Purpose Dumbbell Set

BalanceFrom

GoFit All-Purpose Dumbbell Set

Since this cast iron dumbbell weight set is coated with neoprene, it can be used for both indoor and outdoor workouts. The neoprene coating also provides a firm grip to reduce the chances of the weights slipping out of your hands. The weights come with a stand that is easy to assemble.

Overall Take

Great for Resistance and Training ExercisesIncluded with this dumbbell weight set are pairs of 3-pound, 5-pound, and 8-pound weights.

Pros
" Handles are contoured for an easy, comfortable grip."
Cons
"The stand is flimsy."
 We Also Like

KG Physio Anti-Roll Sweat Resistant Dumbbell Weight Sets, 2-Pairs

KG Physio

Anti-Roll Sweat Resistant Dumbbell Weight Sets, 2-Pairs

if you're looking to add a quality set of dumbbell weights to your home gym, this set is an excellent choice. It includes two 11-pound weights that are perfect for increasing muscle tone and enhancing a workout routine. The dumbbells are made from a durable cast iron and coated with neoprene to provide a more solid grip.

Overall Take

Choice of ColorsYou'll find this dumbbell weight set comes in a choice of blue or pink.

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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the dumbbell weight sets available to purchase.
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We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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Our experts reviewed the top 13 Dumbbell Weight Sets and also dug through the reviews from 38 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Dumbbell Weight Sets.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

So now you know what shape and materials to look for in a dumbbell. But what about the obvious question: How heavy should they be? Your ideal workout weight is going to be up to you alone, and it might require a few sessions before you find the right fit. There are a few general guidelines you can use, though.

If you’re working out to lose weight, you’re generally going to be doing longer workouts with less intensity in each rep. That means lighter weights. If this is your goal, you can probably get away with a smaller home set in a range between 2 1/2 to 30 pounds.

Trying to build muscle? You’ll probably doing exercises that test your limits in a shorter time period. With these kind of workouts, you’ll need a little more weight and a lot more range: From 15 to 50 pounds is a good start for beginners. For high-intensity workouts or intensive strength training, you’ll want to increase the upper range of your dumbbell weight to 70 pounds or more.

Again, these ranges will vary a lot depending on your experience level, sex and other health factors. Start small to be safe.

Dumbbell Weight Set Rankings

2. JFIT Non-Slip Hex-Shaped Dumbbell Weight Set, 3-Pairs

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 5

3. BalanceFrom GoFit All-Purpose Dumbbell Set

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 7

5. CAP Anti-Roll Dumbbell Weight Set, 5-Pairs

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 5

6. BalanceFrom Neoprene-Coated Dumbbell Weight Set, 3-Pairs

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 5

7. papababe Rubber-Encased Hex Dumbbell Weight Set, 5-Pairs

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 5

8. HolaHatha Non-Slip Neoprene Dumbbell Weight Set, 3-Pairs

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 4

9. CAP Barbell Hex Rubber Dumbbell Set

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 4

13. XMark Premium 550 Pound Hex Dumbbell Weight Set

Overall Score: 8.0
Reviews Included: 6

More to Explore

How did dumbbells get their name? The exact origins are unclear, but the most credible stories reference a curious fitness craze in the early 17th century.

Before there were gymnasiums, the earliest gym rats would take the giant clappers out of church bells and lift them to build muscle. These prototypical weights were part of a bell but made no noise, and were, therefore, “dumb.” Even after blacksmiths started making the weights specifically for lifting, the name stuck.

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