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By Michael Sawh , Esat Dedezade and Jessie Atkinson
GQ presents the best dumbbells you can get to bulk up those biceps and step up your cardio to boot
The different kinds of bodies you can fashion from the best dumbbells are numerous. Whether it's a warrior physique à la Ross Edgley that you're after, long and lean limbs like Harry Styles' or something in the middle as seen on Pedro Pascal, the right series of weight exercises can get you there. Sorry cardio freaks, but no matter how you want to look or feel, strength training is paramount to your health regime, and what is central to every strength regime? Dumbbells.
If you've already got kettlebells, resistance bands and a rowing machine sorted for the home gym you've been cultivating since the first lockdown, it's certainly time for the dumbbell section of your set up to come into play. Even those who also have gym memberships should still listen in: there are only so many times you can try and fail to find a matching pair of 12kgs before you decide to buy your own.
A little housekeeping before you embark on your dumbbell-buying journey. The first thing is that heavier does not always equal better. If you're wanting to target biceps, triceps, shoulders, legs or even abs, the key is to make sure you can complete at least eight slow and controlled repetitions with your chosen weights. It might be tempting to go higher if you can reel off a couple of quick reps with them, but you're much more likely to injure yourself that way, plus you're not going to be optimising the gains.
What else to consider? On our part, composition, grip, durability, looks and adjustability all come into play when we consider which dumbbells come the most highly recommended. These things should all factor into your deliberations, too, and make sure you measure up the space your new irons are going to go before you add to basket. Ready? Let us run you through some of the best.
Proiron 20kg Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Set
A truly superb set for noobs, Proiron uses cast iron in its plates in order to guarantee longevity, while also allowing you to slowly build your weights without having to buy an entire suite of dumbbells. This set allows you to split a total of 20kg in weight across each dumbbell, or else lift more with a single arm.
Smart dumbbells? Oh, it's a thing. Jaxjox's model may be expensive, but they're well worth the extra. Not only do these weights keep things compact with a series of plates that can be added to a single bar, but these bad boys will also track the weight you're lifting as well as reps, volume and more through a dedicated, connected app. Cool, right?
Famed for its treadmills, Bowflex also makes intuitive adjustable weights such as in this SelectTech bundle. Style and spec meet here, allowing you to incrementally increase the weight you're lifting — up to 24kg — without taking up bags of room.
SKIP TO: Should you go with fixed or adjustable dumbbells? | What should your dumbbell be made of? | Does the shape of a dumbbell matter? | What should you look for in terms of grip?
Fixed dumbbells are the kind you see lining the walls of commercial gyms. You know the ones: in public spaces, they're always in a huge jumble. A top option for anyone wanting to fill out a substantial home gym, they often range from 5kg to 30kg and frequently come in a neat rack. Adjustable dumbbells, on the other hand, allow for incremental weight additions, often through the use of plates. They're the perfect option for beginners who don't want to lift as much weight as body builder types. Crucially, they also take up far less room.
There's no “should” about it, only preference. You'll find that most weights are made of either stainless steel and cast iron or rubber and urethane. The former are handsome and long-wearing but they do bear the risk of causing damage to floorboards and feet should you drop them. The latter are more advisable for home use since they have more of a tendency to bounce: it'll still hurt like hell if you drop one on your toe, but at least you can avoid taking craters out of your new parquet flooring.
Most revolve around a circular or hexagonal shape, though technically the shape doesn't matter at all. Edgier models are available, and those wanting a unique home set-up that differs from the gym they abandoned might want to consider those.
Getting a good hold on your dumbbells might well be the most important part of their functioning, since maintaining excellent form is the cornerstone of maximising benefits and reducing risk of injury. Look for knurling (the textured pattern you see on weight handles) as a sign that your new dumbbells are ergonomically designed, and always favour a metal finish where possible. Add neoprene or mesh gloves for extra grip if preferred.
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Pros: Easily adjustable | Stand included Cons: Expensive
The Bowflex SelectTech is one of the more recognisable sets of adjustable dumbbells around, thanks to the reputation of the company's other fitness equipment. This set lets users dial in different weight increments from 2-24kg per hand, which should be enough for most weight training enthusiasts. Download the JRNY app, and you can workout to pre-selected routines too. £200. At amazon.co.uk
Pros: Cast iron | Comfortable grip Cons: Might need extra plates after a while
This pair of dumbbells comes from a company that has been making weights for more than 80 years, so you know you’re in good hands. They’re made from cast iron and partnered up with plastic spinlocks to make sure the rattling of weight plates are kept to a minimum. The knurled grip is designed to cater for all dumbbell-based moves, while an accompanying workout guide will help you know how to work on your upper and lower body the right way. £54.94 for 20kg set. At amazon.co.uk
Pros: Premium build | Rapid-release collars Cons: Very expensive
This impressive set features 40kg of total weight per dumbbell, making it one of the heavier options on our list. It's big and bulky, but if you've got the space you'll be rewarded with high-end rubber-coated metal plates, complete with comfortable carry handles for easy adjustments (and other exercises, if you're so inclined). Rapid-release collars make for quick changes, while knurled hand grip means you should be safe from accidental drops. £429 for 40kg pair. At hygym.co.uk
Pros: Sturdy build | Barbell option Cons: 20kg might not be enough after a while
This 20kg cast iron weight set offers incredible value for beginners looking to start off with both dumbbell and barbell exercises, thanks to their ability to extend the bars. While it might not be long before 10kg per arm strength training exercises become too easy, you can always buy more weight plates to add to it in future, making this a solid high-quality starter set that should serve home fitness newcomers looking to build muscle and nail their fitness goals. £79.99. At amazon.co.uk
Pros: Solid build | Generous weight Cons: Pricey
This is a single dumbbell pack with various weight plates that add up to 32.5kg at max load. Easily adjustable with a handy dial, you can set your desired weight in increments from 5kg all the way up to the max weight. As with other adjustable dumbbells, the benefits are massive, saving you from messing around with torturously tedious spin-lock bars and swapping plates back and forth. A chunky, comfortable grip makes it easy to hold, while the flexibility offered by the adjustment system makes this a solid choice for beginners and pros alike. £250. At amazon.co.uk
Pros: Flat bottom design to prevent rolling | Can convert to barbell Cons: Vinyl | Max weight only suitable for beginners
While a max weight of 15kg won't do much to challenge seasoned lifters, this is a superb set for beginners looking to learn the ropes. Not only is it affordable, but you can convert the dumbbells into a barbell for more flexibility. The flat-bottom plates are a nice touch too, as they'll stop things from rolling around haphazardly. £49.99 £45.99. At amazon.co.uk
Pros: Heavy max weight | Adjustable Cons: Expensive | Overkill for some users
One of the heavier adjustable all-in-one dumbbell sets around, a single one of these has a max weight of 40kg, which should be more than enough for even body-building veterans. Users can easily dial in their perfect weight with clearly marked numbers, and the included stand and plate shape both prevent any renegade roll-aways. Considering how much money you'd need to spend on an entire rack or gym membership, this is a great value option in the long run if you're serious about long-term goals. £439. At amazon.co.uk
Pros: Can be converted to barbell | Decent max weight Cons: Might outgrow it fairly quickly
A great set for beginners, this Amonax collection has a generous overall max weight of 30kg, which should last most people quite a while. Thanks to a connecting accessory, you can convert both dumbells into a single barbell for extra exercises too, letting you try out all manner of routines before eventually upgrading to heavier weights or a more robust kit. £99. At amazon.co.uk
Pros: Unique design | Easily adjustable Cons: Bang-for-buck isn't great
It might not quite have the flexibility of other all-in-one adjustable dumbbells — it has noticeably fewer incremental adjustments — but Northdeer's entry makes up for this with a stunning mirror-finish design that looks far sleeker than most of the competition. Plates are precision-machined to easily screw on and off without the need for a collar, and the set is available in different weight options, depending on how heavy you want to go. From £49.90 for 2.5kg pair, up to £159.90 for 10kg pair. At amazon.co.uk
Pros: Premium design | Smartphone-connected functionality Cons: Expensive
Quite possibly the most futuristic dumbbell ever made, this multi-weight adjustable set has a maximum weight of 45kg, along with built-in tech that's clever enough to automatically track and record your progress with a connected app. From measuring how much weight you're lifting to how many reps you're nailing, it'll help you ditch the notepad and spreadsheets for good, giving you one less thing to think about as you're straining away. £300. At argos.co.uk
Pros: Premium build Cons: Pricey for the weight
Jordan’s dumbbells can be found inside boutique gyms and are also fit to live comfortably inside your own humble domain. The rubber coating makes them a durable addition to any set-up and means less concern over whether they’ll scuff floors or do even worse damage. They come in 50kg at their heaviest if you want to go big for ‘Operation Bulk-Up’. From £11.04 for 1kg pair to £747.60 for 70kg pair. At bestgymequipment.cox.uk
Pros: Sturdy build | Hexagonal design Cons: Non-adjustable
These hexagon-shaped dumbbells are made from cast iron and come with a rubber coating. They’re well suited to floor-based exercises, with a chrome steel handle equipped with a knurled grip to help you get a good hold of them. Grab them in singles or pairs all the way up to a weighty max of 40kg. £64.99. At amazon.co.uk
Pros: Premium build | Comfortable grip Cons: Very expensive for the weight offered
You know you’re getting premium-quality when you opt for gym equipment by Technogym, the Italian label at the vanguard of fitness. And the brand’s authority is not exclusive to high-tech treadmills and rowing machines, either. With their hexagonal shape, these dumbbells boast utmost durability and stability and are especially well-suited to fast-paced cross-training. From £50 for single 5kg to £120 for single 22.5kg. At technogym.com
Pros: Premium design | Solid build Cons: Expensive | Can roll away
Made to match your shiny household appliances, Jordan’s chrome dumbbells come in weights from 1kg to 20kg, as well as comprehensive sets of ten pairs in various increments. The finish is chip-proof and pristine, with weight identification engraved for easy selection, should you be opting for several – these will see you through home workouts for years to come. From £11.52 for 1kg to £1,110.00 for 2-20kg pair set. At bestgymequipment.co.uk
Pros: Incredible statement design | Multiple weight options Cons: Huge cost for design alone | Very low weights
Here we have the Mercedes-Benz of dumbbell sets. Made in Germany from a mix of non-reactive stainless steel and oiled walnut, they're as much functional workout tools as a beautifully crafted home ornament, stowed in a storage tower made from the same sustainably sourced wood as the handles. Comprised of weights from 2kg to 6kg, fittingly, they're more about muscle refinement than any extreme gains. £5,995 for set of 10. At hockdesign.com
Pros: Unique design | Can be used for other exercises like push-ups Cons: Pricey for the weight
BoxBell’s unique approach combines the versatility of a dumbbell, kettlebell and parallette in one compact product. Adjustable weight plates let you lift up to 20kg per arm, with movable handles enabling a variety of both dumbbell and kettlebell exercises. If you have a pair, their square, stable design lets you use them as parallel floor bars for callisthenic exercises too. From £150 for 20kg to £300 for 40kg pair. At boxbell.co.uk
Pros: Very heavy max weight | Easily adjustable Cons: Expensive | Overkill for some
Featuring a whopping 80kg of weight split across two dumbbells, BrainGain's set should be more than enough for even the most experienced iron-pumpers, while perfectly catering to beginners too. With 17 increments per dumbbell letting you dial in anything from 5-40kg, you'll be set for the foreseeable future, while the included stands offer a solid stable base for when they're not in use. £479.99 £399.99 for 40kg pair. At braingain.fit
Pros: Unique design | Easily adjustable Cons: Pricier than rivals | Not much weight for the money
This adjustable set is a cheaper set than most, as its total 32kg weight is split across both dumbbells, with a max of 14.5kg available per hand. Adjustable in increments from 1.8kg to 14.5kg, they'll save a bunch of space, with urethane-coated plates avoiding annoying clanking sounds when in use. They might not provide enough weight for seasoned bodybuilders, but this is still a decent piece of equipment for greenhorns looking to save some precious space compared to a pile of traditional fixed weight dumbbells. £399 £379.99. At sweatband.com
Pros: Value for money | Decent max weight Cons: Can sometimes find cheaper options
This handy set contains a pair of dumbbells and a single barbell, letting you carry out a wide variety of single- and double-armed exercises to add variety to your routine. The total combined weight of all weight and bars is 48.8kg, which should be more than enough to challenge beginners and intermediate lifters alike. £135 for 48.8kg set. At argos.co.uk
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