Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. As a longtime distance runner, strength training admittedly isn’t my favorite area of fitness. But because I know having a solid amount of lean muscle mass is important for health and longevity, I’ve built up a large collection of dumbbells in my home gym in hopes I’ll actually use them.
As I’ve discovered, the best dumbbells are compact home gym equipment, small enough to stash away when not in use and versatile for all kinds of workouts, including cardio. Dumbbells can even improve balance by forcing your muscles to stabilize during movements and increase the burn during a workout. Plus, they can help boost circulation throughout the body.
Of course, dumbbells won’t do anything if you don’t actually use them. That’s why traits like comfort and versatility matter. But with so many different types of dumbbells on the market, it can be tricky to know what to look for.
We tapped personal trainers for advice on weight, materials, and type to consider before buying to make the shopping process easier, while also testing these ourselves. Below, you’ll find our guide to the nine best dumbbells for a wide range of skill levels, workout preferences, and budgets. After testing dozens of dumbbells for months, The Spri Deluxe Rubber-Coated Hand Weights came out on top because of their reliable durability, weight range, and reasonable price.
This set’s contoured handles have a mix of smooth and textured surfaces to help you get a comfortable grip without hurting your hands. The hexagon-shaped weights on each end make these versatile enough to use for nearly anything, from biceps curls to weighted planks. While they’re inexpensive, these weights are well-made, with secure-feeling chrome handles. (Mine are a pandemic purchase, and they still look new.) These also have a rubber coating on the ends to protect your home gym floor (a.k.a. your living room floor) from getting scratched.
The only downside is that Spri weights top out at 20 pounds. If you want to lift heavier than that, you’ll have to look elsewhere. But for an affordable no-frills pair of dumbbells that will last for years, these are absolutely the best option.
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