The Top 10 Best Adjustable Dumbbells in the UK 2023
Best Adjustable Dumbbell Set for Home Gyms
Dumbbells have been a staple in the fitness world since its beginning, and they still enjoy the same status. No gym and no exercise routine would be complete without at least a few dumbbells.
They are versatile, easy to use for various exercises, and provide much-needed flexibility to your home workouts. Adjustable dumbbells also save loads of space as well, which as we all know is essential in a home gym.
Rather than having multiple sets for each weight, having an adjustable dumbbell set is a perfect solution for those with limited space. With just a single purchase, you can gradually increase the weight you can lift, and, ultimately, your strength.
With more people than ever now working out at home, we thought it was the perfect time to check out the best adjustable dumbbells of 2023 and help you decide which one would suit your home gym best.
What are the best adjustable dumbbells to buy?
We have done our research to bring our readers the best deal on adjustable dumbbells that UK customers can get their hands on. If you are in a hurry to do dumbbell exercises check the list below before going through our reviews and guide for each dumbbell.
Best quality adjustable dumbbells
Best-rated adjustable dumbbells
Best compact adjustable dumbbells
Best adjustable dumbbells under £200
Best adjustable dumbbells under £100
- Sunny Health Vinyl Dumbbells
- JLL 20kg Cast Iron Dumbbells
- York Fitness 20kg Cast Iron Spinlock Dumbbells
- PROIRON 20kg Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbells
We’ll also go over some exercises you can do to improve your fitness with the best dumbbells for home use. But first, let’s see what the key things to consider are when buying your first dumbbell set.
| Image | Model and Description | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Non-Slip All-Purpose | Multi 8 plate weight setting with the slip resistant Neoprene design. Multi-purpose Barbell 22lb or Dumbbell 11lb set. | Check Amazon Best Price |
 | Soges Adjustable Dumbbells Octagonal HSYL001-30 | Octagonal anti rolling designed. Iron sand mixture plate 2.5kg x 8, 2kg x 4 | Check Amazon Best Price |
 | Sunny Health & Fitness Unisex's 18 KG, Vinyl Dumbbell Set | 12 interchangeable plates (4)0.7kg, (4)1kg, (4)2kg 43cm solid steel polypropylene coated bars. | Check Amazon Best Price |
 | ATIVAFIT Adjustable Dumbbells Pair Ultracompact | Heavy duty chrome plated steel. One dumbbell adjust from 2.5kg to 25kg in 2.5kg increments. | Check Amazon Best Price |
 | FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells Anti-Slip | Adjustment weights from 5lb to 25lb. One-handed operation design with 8 locks structure design | Check Amazon Best Price |
 | JLL 20kg Cast Iron Dumbbell & Barbell Set 2020 | 4x 0.5kg, 4x 1.25kg and 4x 2.5kg weight plates, 4x spin-lock collars, steel connecting bar | Check Amazon Best Price |
 | York Fitness 20 kg Cast Iron Spinlock Dumbbell - Adjustable Hand Weights Set | 2 x York 14” Chrome Spinlock Dumbbell bars; York Cast Iron weight plates = 4 x 0.5 kg, 4 x 1.25 kg, 4 x 2.5 kg | Check Amazon Best Price |
 | PROIRON 20kg Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Set | Hand Weight with Solid Dumbbell Handles Changed into Barbell Handily Perfect for Bodybuilding Fitness Weight Lifting Training Home Gym | Check Amazon Best Price |
 | Power Block Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbell | Adjusts from 3 to 24 pounds in 3-pound increments (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 pounds) | Check Amazon Best Price |
 | CCLIFE 2 in 1 Dumbbell & Barbell Set with Handle Adjustable Dumbbells Weights for Home Gym Exercise | Including: 4x 1kg, 4x 1.25kg and 4x 2.5kg Weight Plates; 2x Plastic coated hollow Dumbbell Bars; 1 x connecting bar; 4 x Spinlock collars | Check Amazon Best Price |
Things to Look for When Buying a Dumbbell Set
Weight Range
The most important thing with any dumbbell set is its weight. The more weight you can lift and perform exercises with, the more your muscles can grow and support your body.
That’s why it’s essential to look for both the minimum and the maximum weight of the dumbbell set. Ideally, you’ll want to purchase a set that has a minimum weight of exactly what you’re used to lifting right now. That way, you can give yourself some room to either maintain your current fitness levels or start improving your strength by moving toward the heavier weights.
For example, the best dumbbells for beginners usually range from somewhere between 4kg to 10kg in weight, allowing you plenty of scope to grow your muscles from the beginning.
Cost
The next major consideration, besides weight, is the cost of the dumbbells. If you’re looking for the absolute best dumbbell set for home use, you’ll likely be looking at a higher price range.
However, there are also plenty of cheaper dumbbell sets that will suit you just fine if you only use them at home occasionally, for instance during those times of day when your gym is closed or when you cannot visit it for some reason. You can find many discounts on Amazon UK dumbbells with just a little research and some coupon codes.
We have also considered cost when compiling our list of the top-rated adjustable dumbbells, so whichever one you pick, it won’t put a big dent in your wallet.
Material
Considering you’ll only be using one set for every exercise you will want your dumbbells to last.
Cheap adjustable dumbbells are usually made of plastic and don’t last very long, whereas steel and cast-iron dumbbells have been designed specifically for durability.
But those dumbbells are also more likely to cause injury in the case of an accident than ones with softer materials. The best dumbbell set for home use should combine the best of both worlds. Neoprene dumbbells are also made of cast iron or steel, but they are covered with neoprene, a smooth and soft coating with a matte finish. It also resists degradation, damage, and abrasion, and is naturally water-resistant.
Plate-Adjustable Dumbbells Or Station Adjustable Dumbbells
The adjustment mechanism can vary from one dumbbell set to another. Some sit in a case and use a dial to load and unload the weights, while other, more traditional, ones come with plates that need to be manually added and removed.
We’ve included both options in our list of the best adjustable dumbbells of 2022, so you’ll have a chance to find out more about them.
But at the moment the main difference you need to know about is that plate-adjustable dumbbells require you to load and unload the plates to the bar, while station adjustable dumbbells have a dial that can adjust how many plates stay on the set and how many you lift.
The main benefit of a station adjustable dumbbell set is that you don’t have to do any work, just turn a dial and start exercising. They also take less room since they don’t require a full rack of weight plates.
Okay, now that we have covered all the main criteria you need to consider, it’s time to get to the best part – reviewing the best Amazon UK dumbbells on the market. Let’s get to it!
Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2023
1. Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Non-Slip All-Purpose
This 2-in-1 dumbbell and barbell set from Nice C comes with a connecting bar that can be attached to both dumbbells and transform them into a barbell. This allows you to perform different variations of some exercises, and as a result, build more stability and increase your strength
Each dumbbell can fit up to four plates in total, for a maximum weight of 5kg (11lb). That makes the total max weight for the set of 10kg (22lb), including the barbell, which is ideal for beginners who want to start building their muscles.
The plates come in two different weights – four plates of 1kg (2.2lb), and four plates of 1.27kg (2.8lb), so you can easily adjust the total weight based on the exercise you wish to perform. You’ll need heavier weights for squats and lower body exercises, whereas for isolation exercises, you can decrease the weight a bit.
Another good thing is that these are neoprene dumbbells, which means they are non-slip and waterproof for increased comfort during exercising.
Customer Review:
❞ Since COVID-19 has shut down all of the gyms, I needed some way to work out at home. After shopping around on Amazon, I decided to have this for my home gym, and this dumbbell set didn’t let me down. This weight set is solid, the barbell and dumbbell were super sturdy and everything converts very easily. Very good quality and the price is very good. I absolutely love it, exactly what I’m looking for. Highly recommend it!❞
Pros:
- 2-in-1 set
- Neoprene coating
- Multi-weight settings
Cons:
- The plastic coating on the bar can smell weird!
2. FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells Anti-Slip
Next up on our list of the best dumbbell sets for home workouts is the FLYBIRD station adjustable dumbbell set.
As we mentioned earlier, station adjustable dumbbells are extremely easy to use – they don’t have any plates that need changing, just turn a dial and select your desired weight.
That makes them the perfect choice for home use since they don’t take up much space and save precious time during your workouts. Stopping every few sets to remove or add plates can kill the groove of your workout, but you won’t have that problem with the FLYBIRD dumbbell set.
The weight plates are made out of metal and can be adjusted from 2.27kg (5lb) up to 11.34kg (25lb), all with a turn of the dial. The tray that the dumbbells sit on is high strength and doesn’t take up much space in your room.
This set also comes with a one-year warranty, so you can rest assured about the quality.
Customer Review:
❞ We like these adjustable dumbbells a lot. This smart idea makes one pair of dumbbells good for everyone in my house. The quality is as good as advertised, and the finish looks fine. It can be only adjusted at the dumbbell seat, and the plates are very stiff when the dumbbell is off the seat. ❞
Pros:
- Quick adjustment of the station
- Metal weight plates
- Easy to use
- Non-slip handle
Cons:
- Can sometimes get stuck on a station
3. Soges Adjustable Dumbbells Octagonal HSYL001-30
The Soges adjustable dumbbell set is another 2-in-1 option on our list, featuring a barbell that can connect all the weights and allow you to perform different variations of your exercises.
These can be classified as men’s dumbbell sets since their max weight per dumbbell is 15kg (33lb), but they can be used by anyone with stronger muscles, no matter the gender. The minimum weight per dumbbell is a little more than 4.1kg (9lb).
The set comes with four 2kg (4.4lb) plates and eight 2.5kg (5.5lb) plates, all iron and filled with sand, and coated with PE. Connecting the plates is a hollow steel rod and an additional barbell made from the same material.
What’s unique about this set is that the plates are octagonal, which means they won’t roll around or scratch your floor.
Customer Review:
❞ I thought these were going to be kind of weak sauce, but I needed something that gave me versatility without having to pay and take up room that I didn’t have. These were better than I expected and get the job done. ❞
Pros:
- 2-in-1 set
- Octagonal shape
- Up to 15kg (33lb) per dumbbell
Cons:
- Some users have reported problems with shipping
4. Sunny Health Fitness Vinyl Dumbbell
Coming up next is the most common type of Amazon UK dumbbells you can find, a plain old set with three different weight plates and a steel bar.
The dumbbell set from Sunny Health Fitness comes with 12 plates – four 0.68kg (1.5lb), four 1.13kg (2.5lb), and four 2.27kg (5lb). All of these can be combined to create two dumbbells weighing from 2kg (4.4lb) to almost 9.1kg (20lb).
All the weight plates are covered with vinyl coating, which provides a soft and smooth feeling, but they can be slippery when wet.
Customer Review:
❞ A great starter weight set for the money in today’s economy. The weight scaling is a little unusual which could throw off apps you’re using to train with but I’ve adjusted. It still is a pain to switch weights between workouts but that was expected and I think the plastic coating makes this easier and quieter. It also allows the nut to get lose but you can hear it and feel it so you know to tighten it again when it happens. Overall I’m very happy it. ❞
Pros:
- Affordable
- Polypropylene-coated steel bar
- 12 different plates
Cons:
- Bulky for the weight
5. ATIVAFIT Adjustable-Dumbbell Bodybuilding
This dumbbell set has probably the best dumbbell weight for men, at 25kg (55lb) max per dumbbell, which is more than enough to build your major muscle groups.
The ATIVAFIT set is also station-adjustable, which means you won’t have to add or remove plates manually – just turn a dial and you’re good to go.
The plates are made out of steel, which is very durable, and they’re coated with heavy-duty chrome. There are a total of 10 plates on each dumbbell, allowing you to adjust the weight from 2.5kg (5.5lb) to 25kg (55lb).
To prevent tipping over, the station is made out of high-density plastic to keep the dumbbell securely in place.
Customer Review:
❞ This is a really great way to save space and time when using weights. The little red button just needs holding down when you adjust the weight you want in 2.5kg increments. Lift the dumbbell out of its holder and the unused weight just stays on the floor but upright. Max weight of 25kg is sufficient for most home fitness. I guess the only downside is the cost but all this style, you’re paying for the convenience and engineering. ❞
Pros:
- Up to 25kg (55lb) per dumbbell
- Very easy to use
- Takes up very little space
- Durable material
Cons:
- Expensive
6. JLL® 20kg Cast Iron Dumbbell Set
JLL is a brand with a good reputation for making all different kinds of fitness and home gym equipment at a very affordable price. These are cast iron adjustable dumbbells that come with four and a half stars on Amazon and are the perfect starter kit for beginners.
There is an overall weight of 20kg with these dumbbells and the set includes 4 x 0.5kg, 4 x 1.25kg, and 4 x 2.5kg plates. Those good at basic maths might have realised this comes to 17.5 kg in total, however with the added weight of the dumbbell bars and spinlocks the overall weight is 20kg. As these are cast iron adjustable dumbbells, they are very durable and will last a lifetime. To sum up, this is a good beginner set of adjustable dumbbells at a very affordable price.
7. York Fitness Cast Iron Dumbbell Spinlock Set
York Fitness is a powerhouse of a brand in home gym equipment. For over 80 years now they have been making high-quality fitness-related products. These adjustable dumbbells are one of the bestsellers on Amazon and with over one thousand positive reviews and a very respectable four and a half stars, it’s not hard to see why. Positive customer feedback is always a good indicator of quality.
Essentially, this adjustable weight set is the same as the previous model featured in our dumbbell reviews. The set includes the same plate weights of 4 x 0.5kg, 4 x 1.25kg, and 4 x 2.5kg plates. These dumbbells do, however, feature a spinlock bar which is missing from the JLL set.
Overall, a good quality set of dumbbells made by a trusted brand. The only thing to decide before choosing these or the JLL dumbbells is: are they worth the extra money for the spinlock feature and carry case? Because, aside from that, they are the same.
8. PROIRON 20kg Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Another set of cast iron adjustable dumbbells, this time by the PROIRON brand. These dumbbells are pretty much the same as the previous two in terms of weight and plate size. However, there is the added bonus of being able to convert these into a barbell. Due to these dumbbells coming with a connecting steel tube and adding the barbell option, these are very good for a more varied workout routine. Furthermore, there is also the option to add more weights to the barbell.
To sum up, these dumbbells are basically ordinary cast iron dumbbells with a twist. With a four and a half star rating, they are well worth taking a look at if you want to add variety to a workout.
9. PowerBlock Sport 2.4 Adjustable Dumbbells
These dumbbells by PowerBlock are the first station-adjustable dumbbells in our review list and they come highly recommended. With five out of five stars on Amazon and excellent customer feedback, the outlook is very positive. So, let’s take a look at what makes them so good.
First of all, the convenience of station-adjustable dumbbells is one of their biggest selling points. These PowerBlock dumbbells replace eight pairs of ordinary dumbbells and give the user the option to train with weights ranging from 1.5kg up to 11kg. The full list of different weights is as follows: 1.5kg, 2.5kg, 4kg, 5.5kg, 7kg, 8kg, 9.5kg, and 11kg.
There is no denying that if it’s the best all-in-one dumbbell set that you are after then the PowerBlock Sport 2.4 weight set could be for you. The only downside is that they have a maximum weight per hand of only 11kg. For some, this may be enough, but if you intend on making some serious gains then you may one day outgrow these dumbbells.
10. Bowflex 2-24 KG SelectTech Dumbbells (Pair)
If you’re looking for a pair of adjustable dumbbells, the Bowflex SelectTech dumbell set is, without doubt, the very best choice there is!
Owning a pair of these is like having a free weights work station in your home gym, with the added bonus of taking up far less space. In total, there are 15 settings to choose from, ranging from 2kg up to 24kg. Choosing the weight you want is a simple process – all the user has to do is turn a dial to the desired weight.
Especially relevant is the Bowflex SelectTech App. This is a training tool compatible with both Android and iOS users. Basically, the App gives a workout based on the dumbbell weight you are using. This is a nice touch to an already great pair of dumbbells. In addition, they also throw in a free workout DVD which features over 30 exercises and 80 variations to maximise your workout.
To sum up, these are the best of the best when it comes to adjustable dumbbells. Highly versatile and receiving excellent customer feedback on Amazon, they come highly recommended. The only bad thing to say about the BowFlex SelectTech dumbbell set is that it is quite costly. However, with that high price comes high quality.
Dumbbell Exercises
Having the best dumbbell set doesn’t mean anything yet – not unless you perform the right exercises to strengthen your body.
Here’s a list of the core movements you can do with dumbbells to grow all the major muscle groups and improve your fitness, as well as your physique.
Dumbbell arm exercises
1. Lateral raises
Perfect for: deltoids
Lateral raises target your shoulders and give them a broader and stronger appearance. They also help improve shoulder stability and strength.
To perform lateral raises, take one dumbbell in each hand, and raise your arms to the side with your thumbs pointing to the floor.
2. Bicep curl
Perfect for: biceps
Hold a pair of dumbbells in front of your thighs with your palms facing out, and slowly curl them up to your chest. Make sure to keep your elbows to your side to properly target the bicep.
3. Tricep kickback
Perfect for: triceps
The final muscle group in the arm, the triceps, is best exercised with the kick-back. It is an isolation move and it only targets the triceps.
Place one knee along with the shin and foot on a bench or a small chair, and bend over until your torso is parallel with the floor. If your left leg is on the bench, place your left hand on it for support as well, and hold the dumbbell in your right hand. Place the right hand on the side of your body at a 90-degree angle and start pushing the dumbbell backward until your forearm is parallel to the ground. You should feel the pressure in the back of your hand, above the elbow.
<< Best Weight Bench For A Home Gym >>
Dumbbell upper body exercises
1. Bench press
Perfect for: chest
The bench press is one of the most commonly known weight exercises. It targets the pectoralis muscle very efficiently, and it’s pretty simple to perform.
Lie on a flat bench with your feet on the floor and hold the dumbbells above your chest. With your palms facing towards your feet and the arms fully extended, start bending the elbows to lower the dumbbells slowly until they reach your chest. Pause for a second, and repeat.
2. Overhead press
Perfect for: back and shoulders
This exercise targets both the shoulders and the back.
Hold the dumbbells at shoulder height with your palms facing outwards. Press the dumbbells up above your head until your arms are fully extended, and then return to the start position.
3. Bent-over rows
Perfect for: back
Developing your upper back can improve your posture and increase your stability. The bent-over rows are a great way to ensure that the back is developed evenly.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and lean forward. Make sure your neck is aligned and your back is straight. With your dumbbells hanging in your hands, slowly start bringing them up to your chest by squeezing your shoulders together.
You should feel the tension right below the neck and between your shoulder blades.
4. Upright rows
Perfect for: upper back
Upright rows are one of the best movements you can do for your upper back and shoulders.
Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and one dumbbell in front of your body. Grip the dumbbell with your palm facing you. Raise your elbow to the side until it is level with your chin using your shoulder muscles. Pause and squeeze your upper back muscles, then lower the dumbbell back down.
Dumbell lower body exercises
1. Lunges
Perfect for: calves, leg strength, hip flexibility
Lunges are one of those classic movements and for a good reason. It strengthens your lower back, improves hip flexibility, and grows your leg muscles.
Stand with dumbbells at your side in each hand, with palms facing your body. Lunge forward as far as you can with one leg, while bending the other leg until it almost touches the floor. Then, use the heel of your front foot to push your body back to its starting position. Repeat with the other leg.
2. Deadlifts
Perfect for: hamstrings and glutes
The ideal exercise for targeting your lower-body muscles, especially the ones on the back of your legs. Having strong hamstrings and glutes can prevent hip and lower back injuries.
Start with a dumbbell in each hand in front of your body, with palms facing towards you. Lower the dumbbells to your feet as far as you can, without arching your back. Then, slowly return to your starting position and repeat.
3. Squats
Perfect for: quads, glutes, core
Performing weighted squats is much easier with dumbbells rather than a barbell. It ensures your core gets activated for stabilization and places more emphasis on the quads as well.
Performing squats is simple – just hold a pair of dumbbells up by your shoulders, and lower into a squat until your thighs are parallel with the ground. Make sure not to arch your back and keep your feet on the ground.
Conclusion
Dumbbells are probably the most essential home workout equipment you need. They are extremely versatile and allow you to train almost your entire body from the comfort of your own home.
There are also plenty of good options to choose from, whatever your needs. Just follow the guidelines we mentioned earlier, choose your perfect dumbbell set, and start working on your body!
Happy exercising!
Resources and further readings:
- Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 34(7):p 1851-1859, July 2020 – Effects of Training With Free Weights Versus Machines
- ScienceDirect – Dumbbells and ankle-wrist weight training lead to changes in body composition
- Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov – Using Machines or Free Weights for Resistance Training in Novice Males?
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