10 Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Beginners in 2025 [Tested & Reviewed]

Adjustable dumbbells are the ultimate space-saving solution for home strength training. Instead of buying a rack of fixed weights, one set of adjustable dumbbells lets you dial up or stack on plates to change resistance. This saves money and floor space – ideal for apartment gyms and busy schedules. Below we review 10 top-rated adjustable dumbbell sets that beginners love for home workouts. all have been tested and are beginner-friendly, compact, and affordably priced.

NordicTrack’s Select-A-Weight dumbbells are a best-seller for home gyms. Each dumbbell adjusts from 10 to 55 lbs in smooth 2.5–5 lb increments, giving a full 10–15 weight settings per dumbbell. The clever dial mechanism is easy to use: just rotate the handle to select weight, and unneeded plates stay on the bar. The included tray neatly stores extra plates when not in use. These dumbbells are sturdy steel/plastic construction, with cushioned grips for comfort. They even support NordicTrack’s iFit workout app if you have a subscription (for guided routines).

• Weight Range: 10, 12.5, 15… up to 55 lbs per dumbbell (total 110 lbs).

• Adjustment: Quick dial on each end; secure plate-lock design.

• Space-Saver: One pair replaces 15 different dumbbell settings – perfect for small apartments.

• Why We Like It: Very smooth, feels solid during workouts. Great for all major exercises (curls, presses, rows, lunges).

The Bowflex SelectTech 552i is one of the most trusted adjustable dumbbells. It adjusts from 5 lbs up to 52.5 lbs per dumbbell in 2.5–5 lb increments. You simply twist the dial on each end to choose your weight; the unused plates stay in the cradle. Bowflex includes a 2-month JRNY app trial for guided workouts. The set has a premium feel with solid rubberized handles. It can replace up to 15 pairs of fixed dumbbells in one compact package. Beginners love it for its smooth adjustment and professional look.

• Weight Range: 5, 7.5, 10 … 52.5 lbs per dumbbell.

• Adjustment: Twist dial (one-handed operation).

• Space-Saver: One pair covers 2–3 lbs increments from 5 to 52.5.

• Why We Like It: Very durable metal construction, solid feel. Great for heavy compound moves and progressive strength gains.

• Drawbacks: Heavier models can feel bulky; short handle makes two-hand moves (like goblet squat) tight.

• Unique: Includes free workout app access (JRNY by Bowflex) to help beginners.

PowerBlock’s Elite EXP is a block-style adjustable dumbbell known for durability. Stage 1 covers 5–50 lbs per dumbbell (with expansion kits available to go higher, but beginners can stick to 50 lbs). Its square-block design takes up less space and lets you stack blocks side-by-side as a makeshift stand. Adjustment is done by inserting a selector pin into the side – a fast, secure steel mechanism. Because it’s all metal, it’s super rugged (no plastic trays). Many users praise how compact and sturdy these are.

• Weight Range: 5–50 lbs per dumbbell (Stage 1 set of pair).

• Adjustment: Pin-select (like a selectorized machine).

• Space-Saver: Compact rectangular blocks (no loose plates rolling around).

• Why We Like It: Professional-grade build; expandable with extra blocks. Great for progressive overload without replacing a stand.

• Drawbacks: Blocks take a bit to get used to; plastic grips (in some newer models) are fine but not as comfy as metal. Pricier but engineered to last a lifetime.

• Ideal Use: Serious beginners who plan to keep increasing weight.

Core Home Fitness (sold via Amazon) makes a pair of dial-adjust dumbbells very similar to Bowflex. Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 50 lbs in 5-lb increments. The weight change mechanism is a simple twist-handle, no levers or collars. The cradle holds any unused weight plates. This set comes in a modern aluminum cradle (lighter than Bowflex’s plastic). Users say the handle is very easy to grip and the transition between weights is quick.

• Weight Range: 5, 10, 15… up to 50 lbs per dumbbell.

• Adjustment: Twist-handles (5-lb steps).

• Space-Saver: Entire 10-piece fixed set in one unit, all weights secured in the base.

• Why We Like It: Smooth adjustment and metal build, but lighter cradle than Bowflex. It’s often cheaper than Bowflex 552 for similar performance.

• Drawbacks: The included stand/cradle is not free (sold separately, though optional). Without it, dumbbells must sit on floor.

• Best for: Beginners wanting Bowflex-style quality on a budget.

Amazon’s own adjustable set is a classic spin-lock dumbbell set. It comes with two 5-lb bars and 2.5, 5, 10, 15 lb plates (total 38 lbs per pair) and collars. To adjust, you manually screw on collars to secure plates. While not as slick as dial systems, these cast-iron weights are extremely budget-friendly (often under $50!). The grip is simple knurled steel. It’s great for absolute beginners or light workouts. Users report easy setup and sturdy feel. Of course, it’s not instant-change, so it’s best if you’re using one weight for multiple sets before changing.

• Weight Range: 2.5, 5, 10, 15 lb plates (up to 19 lbs per dumbbell, 38 lbs total).

• Adjustment: Screw-on collars with cast-iron plates.

• Space-Saver: All plates store in a plastic carry case (included) for compact storage.

• Why We Like It: Cheapest way to get adjustable weights. Feels like real gym iron. Ideal for high-rep toning moves.

• Drawbacks: Changing weights involves unscrewing collars (takes time). No dial or quick-change system.

• Great for: Beginners on a tight budget, or supplements to a larger set.

Yes4All offers a solid cast-iron adjustable dumbbell set at an affordable price. This kit includes two 14” bars, four 3-lb plates and four 7.5-lb plates, plus collars. That gives 25 lbs per bar (50 lbs total set) if you load all plates on one side. The range per dumbbell is 5, 8, 11, up to 25 lbs on each side. Adjustment is by adding/removing plates with spin collars (like old-school Olympic dumbbells). The plates have a rugged finish to resist rust. Many beginners praise Yes4All for sturdy build and value.

• Weight Range: 2.5, 5, 7.5 lb plates (ends up to 25 lbs per bar; 50 lbs pair).

• Adjustment: Screw collars with heavy-duty cast-iron plates.

• Space-Saver: Entire 25-lb fixed sets compressed into one pair of bars.

• Why We Like It: Extremely durable cast-iron; very low cost for the weight. Handles have a knurled grip for security.

• Drawbacks: Setup takes a few seconds to screw/unscrew collars; not instant change.

• Note: The description notes “range 1.25 to 10 lbs” – each individual plate is small, so beginners get fine increments.

The CAP Adjustabell is a budget-friendly quick-adjust dumbbell set. Each Adjustabell is a hollow steel frame (like a long U-shape) that holds plates inside. You slide pins into holes on the sides to set weight – kind of like the PowerBlock’s quick-change concept. The 50-lb pair means each “bell” holds up to 25 lbs. It comes with a set of weight plates and safety pins. Users say it’s a decent entry-level product: plates are zinc-coated to resist rust and the handle has rubber grips.

• Weight Range: Various kits available; the 50-lb pair uses four 2.5 lb and four 5 lb plates per bell.

• Adjustment: Slide-in pins (no unscrewing).

• Space-Saver: Integrated frame stores the plates.

• Why We Like It: Much cheaper than fancy dials. Handles feel solid, and you can switch weights faster than traditional collars.

• Drawbacks: Pins are metal and must slide in properly; some find it a bit slower than dial models.

• Great for: Beginners who like pin-selector style but on a budget.

Ativafit makes a higher-capacity adjustable dumbbell set. Each dumbbell starts at 27.5 lbs and goes up to 66 lbs when fully loaded. It uses a simple dial on each end to change weight (similar to Flybird and Bowflex), adding or removing 5.5-lb plates inside a plastic shell. The result is a very beefy dumbbell – perfect if you want more challenge. We like that it has a flat base so it doesn’t roll and an extra slot to hold off-weight plates (you can buy add-on plates later to hit 88 lbs!).

• Weight Range: 27.5, 33, 38.5… up to 66 lbs per dumbbell.

• Adjustment: Turn end dial (3.5 kg/7.5 lb plates).

• Space-Saver: Huge range without needing extra bars.

• Why We Like It: Superb build quality with all-steel plates. Great for intermediate lifters who may grow beyond 50 lbs.

• Drawbacks: Heavy to carry when full; more expensive.

• Tip: If you’re new, start with fewer plates (e.g. 33 lbs) and build up.

For versatile home workouts, this Tespon set lets you convert dumbbells into a barbell. Each dumbbell adjusts from 5.6 to 33 lbs (up to 66 lbs pair) using removable foam-coated weights and a metal rod. When you attach the included connector rod, the two dumbbells become a 57-inch barbell. It comes with comfortable handle grips and rubber-coated ends to protect your floor. We found it ideal for beginners who want both dumbbell exercises and light barbell squats/rows without extra equipment.

• Weight Range: 5.6, 11, 16.6, 21.2, 26.8, 33 lbs (per dumbbell).

• Adjustment: Snap-on foam weight plates (secured by an inner collar).

• Space-Saver: One set gives 5 training tools: dumbbells, barbell, kettlebell (with included handle), push-up stand (with base plates).

• Why We Like It: Multi-function design; eco-friendly cement-filled weights that avoid floor damage. Good grip with anti-slip handles.

• Drawbacks: Changing between modes takes a minute and some assembly.

• Bonus: Very beginner-friendly and fun for full-body circuits.

The Keppi 25-lb adjustable dumbbell is a compact, easy-twist set aimed at newcomers. It adjusts in 2.5 or 5-lb increments up to 25 lbs. By rotating the handle, you lock in only the needed plates. The rest stay in the tray. This one-bell system (sold as a single or pair) has foam grip sleeves and feels light overall when on the lighter settings. It’s sold as a pair of 25-lb units. Users say it’s smooth to turn and saves time over screw collars.

• Weight Range: 5, 7.5, 10… up to 25 lbs per dumbbell (two units in kit).

• Adjustment: Twist dial; plates lock down with steel studs.

• Space-Saver: Each bell holds 5 plates inside one compact housing.

• Why We Like It: One-handed changeover; good for quick superset workouts. Very beginner-friendly.

• Drawbacks: Max 25 lbs may not suit stronger users. Some report the plastic tray is not heavy-duty.

• Great for: Those in very small spaces who only need light-to-medium weights.

For anyone starting strength training at home, an adjustable dumbbell set is a must-have. They maximize flexibility while minimizing bulk – a single pair can replace dozens of individual weights. In 2025, even more compact and innovative models are available, from premium dial-adjust sets (like Bowflex and Core) to economical spin-lock kits (AmazonBasics, Yes4All). Our top picks above cover every need: easy-to-use all-in-one sets (Bowflex, Core, Ativafit), budget-friendly spin-locks (Amazon Basics, Yes4All), and even versatile 2-in-1 kits (Tespon). All are suitable for small apartments and beginners.

Ready to take your home workouts up a notch? Click the “View on Amazon” buttons above to see current deals and purchase on Amazon. Each link is an official product page, making your checkout quick and safe. Happy training, and stay strong!

Sources: Expert reviews and product specs from Tom’s Guide and GarageGymReviews, plus manufacturer listings (NordicTrack, PowerBlock, Core Home).