Best Adjustable Dumbbells UK (2026)
A set of adjustable dumbbells replaces a whole rack of fixed weights in a fraction of the floor space, but the adjustment mechanism and weight range vary enormously between models. This guide compares dumbbells tested by Men's Fitness across exercises like presses, deadlifts, curls and farmer's carries.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Nuobell 232 Adjustable Dumbbells
Best overall
Men's Fitness's top pick, with a seamless twist mechanism that cycles between weights instantly and no rattling of plates during lifts. Available in four colours with an optional hip-high stand, though the handle grip could be slightly better for high-intensity exercises.
- Wide weight range
- Slick, stylish aesthetic in four colours
- Smooth, rattle-free adjustments
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuobell 232 Adjustable Dumbbells | Best overall | 2-32kg range, 16 increments, twist-adjust mechanism | Check price |
| Primal Strength Personal Series Adjustable Dumbbell Pair | Best weight range | 5-34kg range, 21 increments, slider selection | Check price |
| NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells | Highly rated | 4.5-25kg range, 15 increments, compact design | Check price |
| MuscleSquad 5kg-32.5kg Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell | Best for small home gyms | 5-32.5kg range, 12 increments, 42cm compact footprint | Check price |
| Bowflex SelectTech 552i Dumbbells | Best for fast-paced workouts | 2-24kg range, 15 increments, rubber and steel grip | Check price |
| Braingain 24kg Adjustable Dumbbells | Best value | 2.5-24kg range, 15 increments, knurled handles | Check price |
| Snode AD80 80lb Adjustable Dumbbells | Most robust | 4.5-36.3kg range, 8 increments, dovetail changing mechanism, 1,000x drop guarantee | Check price |
| Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell | Best for beginners | 2.3-11.3kg range, 5 increments, sold individually | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best overall
Nuobell 232 Adjustable Dumbbells
Men's Fitness's top pick, with a seamless twist mechanism that cycles between weights instantly and no rattling of plates during lifts. Available in four colours with an optional hip-high stand, though the handle grip could be slightly better for high-intensity exercises.
- Weight range
- 2-32kg
- Increments
- 16
- Dimensions
- 48.5 x 18 x 18.5cm
- Sold as
- Pair
Pros
- Wide weight range
- Slick, stylish aesthetic in four colours
- Smooth, rattle-free adjustments
- Optional stand for waist-height storage
Cons
- Handles could be grippier for high-intensity exercises
Best weight range
Primal Strength Personal Series Adjustable Dumbbell Pair
The best-in-test weight range at up to 34kg per dumbbell, with 21 different weight settings across the range. Men's Fitness found the slider selection system a breeze to use and the handles stayed comfortable throughout long workouts, though they're longer than most adjustable dumbbells and take up more space.
- Weight range
- 5-34kg
- Increments
- 21
- Dimensions
- 50.4 x 18.2 x 17.8cm
- Sold as
- Pair
Pros
- Best weight range on test
- Wide, comfortable grip
- Easy slider adjustment
- 21 increments for fine control
Cons
- Take up a fair amount of space
Highly rated
NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells
Men's Fitness found these a breeze to use and pleasantly compact at 49.2cm long, the second smallest unit tested, calling them very good value. The iFit companion app has limited dedicated content and the 25kg max weight may not be enough for experienced lifters.
- Weight range
- 4.5-25kg
- Increments
- 15
- Dimensions
- 49.2 x 28.9 x 21.5cm
- Sold as
- Pair
Pros
- Excellent value
- Easy operation
- Neat, compact design
Cons
- 25kg max weight won't suit experienced lifters
- Limited iFit app content
Best for small home gyms
MuscleSquad 5kg-32.5kg Quick Select Adjustable Dumbbell
The most space-efficient adjustable dumbbell Men's Fitness tested at just 42cm long, while still offering the second-heaviest max weight on test. The soft, textured handle grips securely, and the dock-and-dial adjustment system works smoothly, though it's relatively expensive.
- Weight range
- 5-32.5kg
- Increments
- 12
- Dimensions
- 42 x 20 x 21cm
- Sold as
- Individually or pair
Pros
- Most compact dumbbell on test
- Wide resistance range for its size
- Comfortable, textured grip
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Best for fast-paced workouts
Bowflex SelectTech 552i Dumbbells
A rubber and steel grip well suited to explosive exercises, moving from 2kg to 24kg with a simple twist of the dial. Men's Fitness liked the JRNY app's on-demand strength classes, but noted the heavy use of plastic means they don't feel the most durable if dropped.
- Weight range
- 2-24kg
- Increments
- 15
- Dimensions
- 43 x 21.2 x 22.8cm
- Sold as
- Individually or pair
Pros
- Easy, quick adjustments
- Relatively affordable
- JRNY app offers on-demand strength classes
Cons
- Quite bulky
- Heavy plastic use feels less durable if dropped
Best value
Braingain 24kg Adjustable Dumbbells
Sub-£200 dumbbells that Men's Fitness said surpassed expectations for value and functionality, with a smooth single-handed twist mechanism and a handy two-year warranty. Compact at 39 x 20 x 23cm, though there's a little rattle and the 24kg top end may be too light for stronger lifters.
- Weight range
- 2.5-24kg
- Increments
- 15
- Dimensions
- 39 x 20 x 23cm
- Sold as
- Pair
Pros
- Extremely good value
- Quick, single-handed weight selection
- Comfortable knurled handles
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- A little rattly
- 24kg top end may be too light for some
Most robust
Snode AD80 80lb Adjustable Dumbbells
A dovetail design creates a snug, rattle-free fit between plates and forms one of the most robust changing mechanisms Men's Fitness has used, backed by a 1,000x multi-angle drop-proof promise. Optional magnetic plates allow micro-adjustment, though it's one of the pricier options and extending the warranty costs extra.
- Weight range
- 4.5-36.3kg
- Increments
- 8
- Dimensions
- 45.9 x 17 x 17cm
- Sold as
- Pair
Pros
- Rugged, confidence-inspiring build
- Useful range, fine-tunable with magnetic plates
- Comfortable knurled chrome handle
- Quick, intuitive weight changes
Cons
- One of the pricier options
- Longer warranty costs extra
Best for beginners
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell
Men's Fitness found these undercut every other option on test by more than half, with a foolproof, robust adjusting mechanism and a slick, compact tray design. The weight range is aimed squarely at beginners, and you'll need to buy two separately to make a pair.
- Weight range
- 2.3-11.3kg
- Increments
- 5
- Dimensions
- 15.4 x 18 x 39.6cm
- Sold as
- Individually
Pros
- Excellent value
- Easy operation
- Neat, compact design
Cons
- Weight range aimed at beginners only
- Must buy two individually for a pair
Buying guide
What weight range do I actually need?
Beginners are usually well served by a range up to around 20-25kg per dumbbell. Intermediate and experienced lifters doing heavier compound moves like squats or deadlifts benefit from a set that goes to 30kg or more, like the Primal Strength or Snode here.
Dial, twist or slider adjustment: does it matter?
All three can work well, but the number of increments and how quickly you can change weight both matter for keeping workout momentum, especially during supersets or drop sets. Dial and twist mechanisms, like the Nuobell and Braingain here, tend to be the fastest to operate one-handed.
How much space do adjustable dumbbells actually save?
A single pair of adjustable dumbbells can replace what would otherwise be 5-8 pairs of fixed dumbbells, which is a significant floor-space saving in a home gym. Compact models like the MuscleSquad here are worth prioritising if space is especially tight.
Are cheaper adjustable dumbbells worth it?
For beginners or anyone unsure how committed they'll be to home training, a budget option like the Amazon Basics or Braingain here is a sensible way to start without a large outlay. As strength and consistency build, many lifters upgrade to a set with a higher maximum weight and smoother mechanism.
Sources
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