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These weights will work up a serious sweat.
Photo:Shape
They’re streamlined, easy to adjust, and often come with their own storage solution.
At the same time, they’re not a tool you want to skimp on, either.
So, how do you know which adjustable dumbbells are worth spending your hard-earned cash on?
PHOTO: SHAPE
There isn’t another paid out there that looks or feels as good.
That’s why these dumbbells earned a coveted spot inShape’s 2025 Fitness Awards.
Despite the low price, these felt very sturdy and durable.
When you purchase the Centr Smart Stack 50 Adjustable Dumbbells you get a free 3-month membership.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
|Configurations:3
Stakt weights are designed to add a little something extra to your Pilates or yoga routine.
base comes with additional weights that screw on with ease.
“I felt like they were pretty durable, and made well,” explained one Shape tester.
“The actual weight part was super durable and the mechanism didn’t move at all during the workout.
There was no shifting of the weights while working out either.
We also felt like the storage rack was rickety.
Thats worrisome from a safety perspective.
It’s not complicated, but it might be annoying in the middle of a tough workout.
Adjusting the weight is super easy and adding the weights on the barbell is also straightforward.
These dumbbells offer a fair amount of adjustability for beginners, and the weight goes up in 5-lb increments.
We also liked that the knurled handles offered good grip.
The soft padding ensures you won’t get any calluses, yet these still provide good grip.
There was barely any clanging and loose plates, so it felt perfectly secure and safe to use.
The adjustment mechanism is extremely smooth and always felt reliable.
“I really liked the textured grip,” said one Shape tester.
It was not hard to grip the product with wet or dry hands.”
Best Adjustable Weights for Women
POWERBLOCK Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbell
Includes 3 lb.
option to use for Pilates, sculpt, yoga
Stellar rubber grip handle
Only goes up to 24 lbs.
Weight Range:3 - 24 lbs.
|Configurations:8
ICYMI, women like to lift!!
Other highlights: the comfortable, padded grip, intuitive structure, and sturdy design.
It’s also worth noting that each dumbbell is sold individually.
We liked that these weights are made of alloy steel, which makes them nice and sturdy.
Summer Cartwrightis a marathon runner, certified cycling instructor, and the senior commerce editor at Shape.
She has expertise in running shoes, performance gear, and recovery equipment.
Jamie Song, CPTis an NYC-based personal trainer.
PHOTO: Amazon
The POWERBLOCK Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbell has textured rubber padding for great grip.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Amazon
The Leadnovo Adjustable Dumbbell has 44 pounds of adjustable weight and feels sturdy when held.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
PHOTO: MXSelect
The MX55 Rapid Change Adjustable Dumbbells have 19 weight configurations.PHOTO: Shape / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: SMRTFT
The Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells have storage racks and are incredibly easy to adjust.PHOTO: Shape / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Amazon
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are helpful for couples or families who share equipment.PHOTO: Shape / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Dick’s Sporting Goods
The ETHOS 50 lb. Selectable Dumbbells offer a sturdy grip and a variety of weight adjustments.PHOTO: Shape / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Amazon
The BCBIG Adjustable Dumbbells Set can transition between dumbbells and a barbell for variety.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Walmart
The FitRx SmartBells Set Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbells offer weights between 5 and 52 pounds.PHOTO: Shape / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Lifepro Fitness
The Lifepro PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbell Set has knurled handles that offer good grip.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Amazon
The Northdeer Steel Dumbbells Ultracompact & Adjustable Chrome Dumbbells have an aesthetic design.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Amazon
The knurled handles of the Rep Fitness Quickdraw Adjustable Dumbbells provide fairly good grip.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
The Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set has five weight configurations and switches between weights seamlessly.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
The Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set has five weight configurations and switches between weights seamlessly.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Keppi
The KeppiFitness Adjustable 30 lb Dumbbell feels sturdy with a solid grip for dry or wet hands.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
PHOTO: Amazon
The POWERBLOCK Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells take the place of eight dumbbells.PHOTO: Shape / Joy Kim
