These Adjustable Weights Get Heavier As You Grow Stronger

It’s been almost three years since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, and home gym equipment has continued to be a hot commodity (unlike, you know, toilet paper). Even though gyms and studios are back open again, our appreciation for squeezing in a sweat session at home has only strengthened (pun intended). Techy fitness programs like Peloton have completely transformed the way we exercise, delivering trainer-led workouts right to our living rooms. But an equally innovative yet often under-appreciated home gym staple is the adjustable weight.

Compact and incredibly versatile, adjustable weights can help you get stronger at home without a full rack of clunky dumbbells. Scroll down to see our favorites for advanced or beginner dumbbell workouts, plus why we think they deserve a corner in your living room.

Best adjustable weights, at a glance:

• Overall best adjustable dumbbells: ProForm Adjustable Weight Dumbbells ($269)
• Best splurge adjustable dumbbells: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells ($429)
• Best budget adjustable dumbbells: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells ($75)
• Best adjustable kettlebell: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell ($149)
• Overall best multi-use set: Feierdun Adjustable Weight Set ($290)
• Best budget multi-use set: Lusper Adjustable Dumbbell Set ($100)
• Best foldable adjustable workout bench: Flybird Adjustable Workout Bench ($112)
• Sturdiest adjustable workout bench: Keppi 1200 LB Adjustable Weight Bench ($280)

Why buy adjustable weights?

Adjustable weights allow you to increase the amount of weight you’re lifting without needing multiple sets. Not only do they take up less space in your home, they cost less in the long run, too. A plain, standard pair of fixed weight dumbbells can cost an upwards of $50. Meanwhile, some adjustable pairs can combine up to 15 different dumbbell weights into one.

The key to getting stronger is increasing your level of resistance, personal trainer Bianca Vesco previously told Well+Good. “Over time, our muscles are gonna adapt to whatever stress we put them under, and we must once again increase the weight or the intensity,” Vesco says. Adjustable weight sets allow you to slowly increase your resistance without having to make room for an ever-growing collection of dumbbells.

Whether you have gymxiety or you just prefer working out at home, investing in adjustable weights can help you get a gym-quality workout without having to actually head to the gym.

What To Look For

A great set of adjustable weights should be compact, durable, versatile, and within your budget.

When shopping, think about your fitness goals and current strength level. All adjustable sets have a specific range of weight available. If you buy a set that’s too light for you, you’ll outgrow them quickly. But getting a set that’s too heavy could compromise your form, potentially leading to an injury.

Check out our favorite adjustable weight sets below, with options for different budgets and workout needs.

Overall best adjustable dumbbells:

ProForm Adjustable Weight Dumbells — $269.00

This adjustable dumbbell set from ProForm offers five different weights, ranging from 10 lb to 50 lb. To adjust the dumbbell weight, simply slide the blue tab at the top to the corresponding weight you’d like to use, and then lift the dumbbell up from its carrying tray. The weights are thin and sleek, saving valuable space in smaller rooms. According to 1,400 five-star reviews, this adjustable set gets you the most bang for your buck.

If you don’t think you’d need to use the full 50 pounds during your workout, ProForm also carries a 25-lb version that costs $59 per dumbbell.

Weight range: Up to 50 lb per dumbbell

Pros:

• Compact 
• Rapid weight change
• Easy storage

Cons:

• Starts at 10 lb, so could be too heavy for some
• No 5 lb weight increments

Best splurge adjustable dumbbells:

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells — $429.00

Yes, the price tag might be daunting, but this isn’t just a set of dumbbells—it’s a training tool.These dumbbells from Bowflex come with a 1-year JRNY training membership ($149 value) and, when used in front of a tablet, can be tracked via JRNY’s motion detection software. When you work out, JRNY will track your reps and your form, offering form suggestions when necessary. With this membership, you’ll also get access to on-demand classes taught by trainers from around the world.

This adjustable weight system is compact and easy to use: Simply turn the dial on the side of the dumbbell to the desired weight and lift it up. These dumbbells have one of the widest weight ranges on the market, starting at 5 lbs and ending at 52.5 lbs.

Weight range: Up to 52.5 lb per dumbbell

Pros:

• Motion-tracking technology
• Replaces 15 sets of weights
• 1-year JRNY Membership 
• Easy to use
• Easy to store

Cons:

• Pricey

Best budget adjustable dumbbells:

Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells — $75.00

These 20-pound adjustable dumbbells are no-nonsense, reliable, and incredibly durable. Their knurled grips mirror the dumbbells you’d find at your local gym, allowing for a no-slip grip. This minimalistic set comes with four 2.5 lb weights, four 5 lb weights, two dumbbell handles, and four fastening nuts. They also carry heavier weight options for a higher price tag, if you want to kick things up a notch.

Weight range: Up to 20 lb per dumbbell

Pros:

• Lower price
• Durable

Cons:

• Takes a while to set up
• No extra features

Best adjustable kettlebell:

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell — $149.00

There’s nothing quite as humbling as reaching for a deceivingly small kettlebell, only to realize it’s way too heavy for your current strength level. This innovative kettlebell from Bowflex replaces six full-sized kettlebells in one, ranging from 8 to 40 pounds of weight. Its weight is changed via a dial on top: simply twist the dial to the weight you want, and pick up the kettlebell. This purchase comes with a 2-year warranty and a 1-year on-demand workout membership featuring trainer-led workout videos. For the weight range and ease of use, this Bowflex kettlebell is well worth the cost—especially when its clunkier competitors, like the Time Wave adjustable kettlebell, only carry a slightly lighter price tag.

Weight range: 8-40 lb

Pros:

• Easy-to-use selection dial
• Modern, ergonomic shape
• 2-year warranty
• 1-year JRNY membership

Cons:

• A bit bulky

Overall best multi-use set:

Feierdun Adjustable Weight Set — $290.00

If you’re just now building a home gym for yourself and want a full range of gym equipment ASAP, the Feierdun adjustable weight set is a no-brainer. For $290, you get a pair of adjustable dumbbells, a customizable kettlebell, a full barbell extension option, two push-up stands, and 90 pounds of weight. This weight set, much like the Yes4All adjustable dumbbells, is adjusted via threaded safety nuts, so expect to spend a minute or two twisting and untwisting in order to switch up the weights.

Weight range: 90 lb total

Pros:

• Several different weight styles
• Soft, anti-slip grip
• 90 lbs of weight

Cons:

• Can take a while to set up

Best budget multi-use set:

Lusper Adjustable Dumbbell Set — $100.00

No, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a decent adjustable weight set. If you can’t see yourself needing 90 pounds of weight, but would like the same variety of equipment as the Feierdon, consider the Lusper adjustable weight set instead. It, too, comes with an adjustable kettlebell, dumbbell set, and full barbell extension option. You’ll also get hexagonal weight plates that won’t roll away from you on hardwood floors and a handy workout guide on how to target different muscle groups. For a beginner set, this price point is pretty hard to beat for everything you get.

Weight range: 44 lb total

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Several different equipment options
• Anti-roll hexagonal plates

Cons:

• Only goes up to 44 lbs
• Can take a while to set up

Best foldable adjustable workout bench:

Flybird Adjustable Workout Bench — $112.00

To make the most of your weights, you might also want to get a workout bench so you can do exercises like glute raises and bench presses. This Flybird workout bench will help you maximize space in your home gym. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and can fold in half, allowing for more discreet storage. It comes with six back positions and four seat positions, giving you a wide variety of bench setups for different types of workouts. While it’s made with durable steel and has a 1-year warranty, it does have a lower weight limit than other workout benches, so keep that in mind.

Weight limit: 600 lb

Pros:

• Folds into one piece
• Easy to store

Cons:

• 600 lb weight limit

Sturdiest adjustable workout bench:

Keppi 1200 LB Adjustable Weight Bench — $280.00

Think your favorite workout bench at the gym, the one you make a beeline for when you’re hitting the weights. This bench is better.

This heavy-duty weight bench comes equipped with 12 different back positions, three different seat positions, and can convert to a -20 degree decline for ab workouts. Its foot catch is leather-bound and adjustable, making post-workout cleanups a breeze. With a 2-year warranty, it can withstand up to 1200 pounds of weight. A potential drawback for some is space, however: This gym-grade bench doesn’t fold up.

Weight limit: 1200 lb

Pros:

• Sturdy
• Removable foot catch
• Decline option for ab workouts
• 1200 lb weight limit

Cons:

• Doesn’t fold up