Why dumbbells are a great workout tool for just about anyone

Whether you’re a fitness pro or just getting started, investing in the right equipment is crucial. In addition to stationary bikes, treadmills and ellipticals, basic fitness equipment like dumbbells can help you build strength and muscle. Plus, dumbbells are extremely versatile since you can incorporate them into many types of workouts, experts say.

To help you choose the right dumbbells, I spoke to personal trainers and fitness experts to break down the different types of dumbbells and what to consider when shopping for them. I also compiled a list of expert-recommended options to shop, as well as dumbbells our NBC Select editors use and love.

SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best dumbbells | Best fixed dumbbells | Best adjustable dumbbells | How to shop for dumbbells | Why trust NBC Select?

When shopping for dumbbells, experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

• Fixed vs. adjustable: Fixed weights are sold either individually or in pairs and have one set weight, while adjustable dumbbells let you choose your weight using a rotating dial or a removable pin. Fixed weights are great for beginners and low-impact workouts or those who want to work out a specific part of the body. Adjustable weights, on the other hand, allow for variety without taking up a lot of space.
• Material: Dumbbells are usually made of rubber, neoprene or metal. Metal is more durable, while rubber and neoprene are softer and less likely to damage your floors.
• Shape: Fixed dumbbells typically come with either hexagon (which are preferred by fitness experts) and round ends. Those with hexagonal ends are less likely to roll away compared to round dumbbells and tend to run a little cheaper.

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Each of the following dumbbells is made from durable metal, rubber or neoprene material, which is in line with my experts’ guidance. I separated the below options into two categories: fixed and adjustable.

Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell

The Amazon Basics dumbbells earned an NBC Select Wellness Award due to their durable build and non-slip textured surface for a more secure grip. They’re also a favorite of Jordan Rowe, a certified personal trainer and founder of NOEX Fitness in Richmond, Virginia: “These dumbbells are a budget-friendly, rubber-coated option, and can be a great investment for a beginner,” she says. Keep in mind Amazon Basics does not offer these dumbbells in pairs, which means you’ll have to buy two if you’re hoping for a set.

Weight range: 10 lbs to 50 lbs | Material: rubber-encased ends; solid cast iron core | Shape: hexagonal

REP Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells

What we like

• Knurled edges for better grip
• Rubber, soft-landing ends
• Sold individually or pairs

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

REP Fitness also comes recommended by Rowe, who says she loves these fixed rubber hex dumbbells. “They have been continuously putting out quality home gym equipment at an affordable price in comparison to other companies,” she says. The dumbbells have rubber-encased ends that can limit wear and tear to both the dumbbells and the floor, according to the brand. The handles are also fully knurled, meaning they contain ridges that provide a more comfortable and sturdier grip when working out, according to the brand.

Weight range: 2.5 lbs to 125 lbs | Material: rubber-encased ends; chrome plated handle | Shape: hexagonal

CAP Barbell Coated Dumbbell

What we like

• Sturdy handle
• Comes in fixed and adjustable

“Any chrome-plated handle with a hex rubber grip is a perfect choice — lots of companies offer this style when it comes to a fixed dumbbell,” says Rowe. CAP Barbell, which makes both fixed and adjustable dumbbells, has a standard, quality dumbbell that is a great fit for anyone, says Rowe. The rubber-coated hex dumbbells from the brand come in singles. If you’re willing to splurge on a set, CAP Barbell’s Dumbbell Set comes with five pairs of weights ranging from five pounds to 25 pounds, as well as a rack to store them in your home.

Weight range: 3 lbs to 115 lbs | Material: rubber-coated ends; steel chromed handle | Shape: hexagonal

Portzon Weights Dumbbells

What we like

• Anti-slip
• For low-impact workouts

These dumbbells are a favorite of NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who uses them for low-impact workouts. “They’re easy to grip and soft, and I can hold them tightly even during sweaty hot yoga or weight lifting workouts,” she says. Weights range from one pound to 15 pounds, so they’re a great option if you prefer less weight. Made from neoprene, these dumbbells are also anti-slip and won’t roll away on the floor, according to the band.

Weight range: 1 lb to 15 lbs | Material: neoprene | Shape: hexagonal

Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights

What we like

• No odor
• Budget-friendly
• For low-impact workouts

Another NBC Select Wellness Awards winner from Amazon Basics, these hand weights are a smaller, budget-friendly option that’s great for low-impact workouts or those who don’t necessarily want heavy weights. They have a cushioned material that makes them easy to hold and maintain a good grip, plus the rubber material doesn’t hold any noticeable odor, according to our NBC Select editors. The weights come in pairs, or you can purchase a rack with three pairs.

Weight range: 1 lb to 20 lbs | Material: neoprene | Shape: hexagonal

Titan Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells

What we like

• Durable rubber coating
• Ergonomic handles
• Not too noisy

These rubber-coated dumbbells from Titan Fitness are a reasonable price for home gym users, says Rowe. They have a hexagon-shaped head that deadens the sound when they’re dropped to the ground, and ergonomic chrome handles for comfort. You can purchase them in pairs, which range from 10 pounds to 100 pounds, or as sets of 10 dumbbells with multiple weight options that go up in increments of five pounds, including a 5-pound to 55-pound set and a 55-pound to 100-pound set.

Weight range: 10 lbs to 100 lbs | Material: rubber-coated ends; steel chromed handle | Shape: hexagonal

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells

What we like

• Great for small spaces
• Comfortable handles

This option won an NBC Select Wellness Award for best overall adjustable weights. Though they’re on the pricey side, you’ll get several weights in one compact tool — because they’re adjustable, you don’t need multiple sets of free weights, which many of our NBC Select editors love for their small apartments. Our editors also love how durable these weights are and how comfortable the handles are to hold, even during sweaty workouts.

“I used to not be a big fan of adjustable dumbbells, but these Nordictrack ones won me over — they have replaced essentially all of the dumbbells I used to have (plus a barbell),” says NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz. “The big differentiator is size: these are a lot smaller than other adjustable dumbbells. That’s because the dumbbells have a unique locking system that means you don’t end up with a super long dumbbell with mostly empty slots as you lift — if I’m lifting 20 pounds, I just get two 10 pound plates, without any extra empty slots or length.”

Weight range: 10 lbs to 55 lbs | Material: steel | Shape: round

PowerBlock PRO EXP Adjustable Dumbbells

What we like

• Wide weight range
• Durable steel plates
• Auto-lock lever

These PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells are recommended by Mike Boyle, co-founder of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, and Craig Levergood, a personal trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist, both of whom use these in their respective gyms. “PowerBlocks are some of the best adjustable dumbbells you can get in the fitness industry,” says Levergood. These dumbbells have durable urethane-coated steel plates and the attachments allow them to go up to 90 pounds per dumbbell. You can adjust the weight by inserting a pin into the plate of your choice. These dumbbells also include an auto-lock lever on the handle that can help make micro-adjustments in 2.5-pound increments, according to PowerBlock.

Weight range: 5 lbs to 100 lbs | Material: urethane-coated steel plates | Shape: square

Nuobell 80-Pound Classic Adjustable Dumbbells

What we like

• Twist handle to adjust
• Wide weight range
• Portable cradle for storage

These Nuobell adjustable dumbbells are great for those looking for a wider weight range, says Rowe. They have an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism, which involves twisting the handle instead of using a dial, she says. These dumbbells come as a pair and include a portable cradle to store both dumbbells and avoid damaging your floors, according to the brand.

Weight range: 5 lbs to 80 lbs | Material: steel | Shape: round

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

What we like

• App-enabled
• Twist dial to adjust
• Compact size

Bowflex’s adjustable dumbbells, which come recommended by Rowe, are a great basic option. These SelectTech 552 dumbbells have circular weights that you can adjust by simply placing the dumbbells on the included resting tray and twisting the dial, plus they have a molding around the metal plates for a smooth lift-off and quieter workouts, according to the brand. The dumbbells also work with the Bowflex SelectTech app, which lets you manually keep track of your reps. If you’re looking for more heavy lifting during your workout, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 goes up to 90 pounds.

Weight range: 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs | Material: steel, nylon, rubber | Shape: round

Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set

What we like

• Includes sturdy stand
• Built-in knob to adjust

These NBC Select editor-favorite adjustable dumbbells go up to 50 pounds and let you manually adjust at increments of five pounds using the built-in knob. Each dumbbell sits in its own aluminum stand, so the set saves plenty of space in smaller homes and apartments, according to our editors.

Weight range: 5 lbs to 50 lbs | Material: steel, aluminum cradle | Shape: round

Not all dumbbells are created equally, and certain factors can affect the quality of your workout. As you’re shopping for dumbbells, experts recommend considering dumbbell type, material and shape.​

Dumbbells usually have either a fixed or adjustable weight, both of which can be beneficial for specific types of workouts and preferences.

Fixed weights are sold either individually or in pairs and offer one set weight — in other words, “a 15-pound dumbbell can only be and will always be a 15-pound dumbbell,” says Rowe. These are best for people who are just starting to lift weights or want to focus on one area of the body, experts say. If you’re buying multiple fixed weights, you’ll need to consider storage space and you’ll likely need to invest in a storage rack to keep your dumbbells together.

Adjustable weights offer multiple increments of weights that can be adjusted using a rotating dial or a removable pin. They can provide variety without taking up as much space as a rack of fixed dumbbells, plus they’re a good option for people who like to lift heavier and weight train since weight increments tend to go higher, says Levergood.

Adjustable dumbbells can ultimately be a more affordable option than investing in a whole set of weights, according to Rowe. “Not only do [sets of weights] take up space, but it’s going to cost you a lot of money in comparison to some of these [adjustable dumbbells],” she says. “In an ideal situation, fixed dumbbells will always be better when it comes to durability, convenience, functionality and simplicity, but the price difference between the two options can be substantial for many.”

Dumbbells are usually made of rubber, neoprene or metal. You’ll typically see dumbbells with cast iron or steel heads that are rubberized or coated in neoprene, but some are made entirely of cast iron or other types of metal, experts say. Keep in mind that the material doesn’t make much of a difference in terms of exercise — it simply comes down to personal preference, says Traci Thompson, an associate professor of Health and Kinesiology and director of PEAK Health and Fitness at the University of Utah. Metal is typically more durable, while rubber and neoprene are softer and less prone to damaging floors, she says.

Fixed dumbbells come in two shapes: hexagon and round. Dumbbells with hexagonal ends (which experts say they typically prefer) are much less likely to roll away when they’re on the floor compared to round dumbbells and typically run a little cheaper, says Rowe. Either shape can come in any material.

The shape of your dumbbell doesn’t typically affect the type of workout you’re doing, either, experts say. “The shape is really going to be dependent on what you find and how you use it, but in my experience, the dumbbell shape doesn’t really matter whatsoever,” says Levergood. In some instances, you can benefit from using one shape over the other — for example, if you’re using your dumbbells as platforms (for something like a renegade row), you’ll likely want a hexagon shape.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Traci Thompson is an associate professor of Health and Kinesiology and director of PEAK Health and Fitness at the University of Utah.
• Mike Boyle is the co-founder of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning.
• Jordan Rowe is a certified personal trainer and founder of NOEX Fitness in Richmond, Virginia.
• Craig Levergood is a personal trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist.

I’m an updates editor at NBC Select and I’ve written a variety of stories about fitness equipment over the past few years, including indoor exercise bikes, affordable ellipticals and weighted hula hoops. For this article, I spoke to four fitness experts about how to shop for dumbbells and researched dozens of options on the market to recommend the best ones to consider.