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Best Weight Sets

Updated October 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Bowflex
SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell Set
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

If you're looking for adjustable dumbbells that will keep up with a full-body workout, our fitness expert uses and loves this high-end choice.

Pros

Innovative selection process eliminates the need to unscrew collars and remove plates, reducing down time. Allows for precision adjustment in increments that work well for both smaller and larger muscle groups. Space-saving design.

Cons

No option to add additional pounds, but the existing 52.5 pounds is more than enough for beginners to intermediates.

Best Bang for the Buck
Nice C Adjustable Dumbell and Barbell Weight Pair
Nice C
Adjustable Dumbell and Barbell Weight Pair
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Small Space Friendly
Bottom Line

This two-in-one dumbbell and barbell combo is perfect for those looking for a comprehensive workout with little space, according to our fitness expert.

Pros

Comes with two dumbbells that transform into barbells. Each dumbbell comes with eight adjustable plates. Rubber plates help prevent floor dents and yellow trimming provides a sleek look. Ergonomic rubber grips provide comfort and prevents slipping.

Cons

Some consumers questioned the durability.

Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells, 105 to 200 lbs with Connector Options
Yes4All
Adjustable Dumbbells, 105 to 200 lbs with Connector Options
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This pair of dumbbells is great for someone looking to tone muscles quickly and efficiently.

Pros

Constructed from durable cast iron with a black paint finish for a sleek look. Can purchase pairs from 40 pounds to 190 pounds. Size makes them easy to store. Simple design is ideal for beginners.

Cons

Not for those looking for serious muscle building.

Topeakmart Olympic Bar/Barbell Set
Topeakmart
Olympic Bar/Barbell Set
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Full Body Workout
Bottom Line

This olympic bar is perfect for those looking for something that can accomplish a full-body workout.

Pros

Comes with a 'W'-shaped bar, which is easy to hold, and six corresponding plates, great for those looking to tone all parts of their body. Easy to store and move around. Star lock collars help ensure plates don't shift or fall off. Ideal for those who want to do barbell exercises.

Cons

Some consumers reported missing pieces in their order.

Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
Core Fitness
Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
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Most Compact
Bottom Line

This easily adjustable model is perfect for those looking for a worry-free work-from-home option.

Pros

These easy-to-use dumbbells can be adjusted from 5 to 50 pounds. Grip is ergonomically designed with texture for a secure grip. Small and easy to store for those with limited home gym space.

Cons

Not a ton of additional parts.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
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95
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best weight sets

Strength training improves fitness and helps to rev up your body’s metabolism. Getting stronger doesn’t just burn more calories, however. A stronger body helps you more easily get through the day without constant aches and pains.

Working those muscles makes lifting, squatting, and carrying bulky items, like grocery bags filled to the brim, easier. You can equip a home gym with a set of weights so you can start a strength training routine and maximize your workout time.

With so many weight sets available, knowing which will work best for you can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we're here to help with this comprehensive guide and a few of our favorite models.

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If you train consistently, you will improve. Having a varied set of weights means you won’t get caught unprepared once your ten-pound weights don’t feel challenging enough.

Strength training benefits

Using a weight set in a strength training routine has many benefits. Repeated movements using machines at the gym can help you build muscle, but free weights are much more versatile. You can perform a much wider range of exercises with weights like dumbbells. Incorporating strengthening exercises into your fitness schedule has the following advantages:

  • Builds functional strength

  • Builds muscle

  • Boosts metabolism (burn more calories)

  • Works multiple muscle groups at once

  • Strengthens bones

  • Improves balance

Types of weight sets

There are a number of different weight sets available. The set you choose depends on the amount of space you have available and the strength routine you intend to follow.

Barbell set

Barbells are straight bars that can be used alone or with added weights. You slide on the weighted plates and fix them in place with collars or clips. Some barbells with permanent plates are sold as fixed weights. Barbells can handle a substantial load, but lifting very heavy will require that you also get a rack or bench.

There are a few different types of plates available for use with barbell sets.

  • Metal: With this type of plate, the bigger the diameter, the heavier the weight. These are not the best choice for a home gym unless your floor is well protected.

  • Rubberized: These plates are easier on floors. Regardless of weight, each plate has the same diameter but varies in thickness. The rubber coating makes these plates less noisy to use than metal plates, but the rubber has a strong odor.

  • Urethane coated: These plates are incredibly durable, and unlike rubberized plates, don’t have a very strong odor.

Expert tip
Adjustable dumbbells are an awesome training tool. They allow you to perform a full-body workout in a short amount of time because weight settings can be adjusted quickly. Plus, they require minimum workout space.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Dumbbells

These easy-to-use free weights are suitable for a variety of workouts and exercises. Dumbbells are an excellent option for beginners. There are many dumbbell models available to outfit your home gym. You can find a wide range of weights, from one pound to over 100 pounds. There are two main types of dumbbells.

Adjustable: These space savers are typically cheaper than buying a complete set of fixed dumbbells. Users add or remove weight on each bar using a dial, clamp, or pin and lock the load in place with clips or collars. Some adjustable models entail a bit of a learning curve. The compact design is convenient, but some adjustable sets are cumbersome to handle. Switching between different weights isn’t as effortless as with fixed dumbbells.

Fixed: A set of these dumbbells will take up more room than an adjustable set, but these can be selected one pair at a time as you get stronger. Unless you’re lifting very heavy, fixed dumbbells tend to be more maneuverable than adjustable models. There are a few different fixed dumbbell designs:

  • Metal: This is the cheapest type of dumbbell. It’s very durable, but the surface scratches and dents easily. Dumbbells made of metal also aren’t very forgiving on hardwood or tile floors.

  • Rubber: You've likely spotted these dumbbells at the gym or in a fitness studio. The rubber dampens noise and protects the dumbbell and your floor from damage (although some rubberized dumbbells may create marks on hardwood). Some dumbbells of this type feature a full-rubber coating for total protection. These are available in an array of attractive colors, too.

  • Urethane: This coating is tougher than rubber, it won’t mark the floor, and it doesn’t give off an odor. Dumbbells made of this material are more expensive than rubber models.

  • Hex: The hexagonal shape prevents the dumbbells from rolling, making them useful for circuit routines requiring frequent weight changes. The stable form also works well as a base for specific exercises, such as plank rows.

Kettlebells

Sometimes sold in sets, these cannonball-shaped weights have a handle for gripping. Kettlebells can be a bit more challenging to use than dumbbells.

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Safety Tip
Never use a barbell with plates unless you've secured the plates on the bar with clips or collars.
STAFF
BestReviews

Weight set features to consider

If you’re looking to accessorize your basement gym with a new set of weights, here are a few things to think about as you shop.

Your workout

What kinds of exercises do you perform regularly? Some weight sets are better suited to certain activities. Dumbbells are great for performing circuit-type workouts. Looking to bulk up? You’ll need a set with heavier weights. A barbell set is an excellent choice for those who want the flexibility of adding more weight as they improve and get stronger.

Your space

Do you already have a rack that can hold a set of dumbbells? Is your workout space big enough to accommodate a full set of barbell plates, or should you opt for something more compact like adjustable dumbbells?

If you don’t already have a storage solution for your weights, you’ll need to invest in a stand or rack. Most weight sets do not come with one. Available storage options include weight trees and horizontal and vertical racks. Having a place to keep your weights off the floor and out of the way helps keep your gym space tidy. Storing the weights properly also keeps them from getting damaged.

Expert tip
A quick 20-minute workout using adjustable dumbbells can cover all the major muscle groups. Perform a four-exercise circuit that includes reverse lunges, single-arm bent-over rows, Romanian deadlifts, and dumbbell chest presses.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Number of weights

The number of different weights you need depends on your current ability level and your goals. If you want to add muscle, opt for a barbell set that can grow with you. If you want to add strengthening exercises to your workout regimen, choose a set with a minimum weight that tires you out after ten repetitions. If lifting the heaviest weight in the set feels too easy, look for something else. Consider that you might need a lighter weight for things like arm and shoulder exercises. The same weight that feels challenging for the upper body might feel featherlight when performing goblet squats and lunges.

Weight increment

If you’re just starting out, look for sets that go up in increments of five pounds or less. More advanced users can likely handle larger jumps in weight, but some exercises, such as shoulder flys, may require smaller increases.

Ease of grip

Make sure the weight set you choose has comfortable grips. Some users may prefer a fully rubberized dumbbell over a metal one to help with grip. If you don’t like the feel of a metal barbell, or you want to protect your hands from blisters and calluses, buy a pair of weightlifting gloves.

Weight set prices

In general, beginner weight sets are less expensive than sets that include heavier weights. Depending on the type, you can expect to pay from less than $100 to over $250 for a weight set.

Inexpensive

You can find a variety of good-quality dumbbell sets for less than $100.

Mid-range

For between $100 and $250, you’ll find barbell sets with plates, though the cost will vary depending on the total weight of the set. Also available at this price point are adjustable dumbbell sets.

expert tip
If you have more time, start with a four-exercise circuit of reverse lunges, single-arm bent-over rows, Romanian deadlifts, and dumbbell chest presses. Follow that with a two-exercise superset of dumbbell bicep curls and dumbbell tricep kickbacks. This will recruit all of the major muscle groups for a very effective workout.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Expensive

If you’re serious about lifting, you’ll need to invest in a power rack or an adjustable weight bench. Some premium models of adjustable dumbbells and heavy barbell sets cost $250 and up.

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Dumbbells don't necessarily come in pairs. Watch out for deceptively good deals. You could end up receiving only a single weight.

FAQ

Q. I’m a beginner, so which type of weight set is best for me?

A. A dumbbell set is ideal for beginners. You can start with light weights and easily find heavier individual dumbbells as you get stronger and need to add on. There are also plenty of sets that include lighter weights in small increments, which are perfect for those entirely new to strength training.

Q. What is an Olympic bar?

A. An Olympic bar is a type of barbell with a standardized width of 7.2 feet and a weight of about 45 pounds.

Q. Do I need a spotter when lifting weights in my home gym?

A. If you want to lift heavy, you’ll need a good-quality power rack or weight bench with safety features like pins that catch the weight if you let go suddenly. But these safety mechanisms aren’t foolproof. You need to decide what level of risk you’re willing to take, and it’s up to you to be cautious and careful when using this type of equipment. Having a spotter can help make sure you don’t accidentally push yourself to failure and end up with a barbell on your chest. If you’re worried, it's better to be safe than sorry. Ask a friend to join you for your workouts. Working out in pairs is an excellent way to stay motivated, too. Your buddy can keep an eye out for you, and you can hold each other accountable.

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