We all know by now that strength training offers a host of benefits, from increased bone density and improved mobility to better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of chronic disease.
For women over 50, there are further gains to be made. Lifting weights can help counteract muscle loss caused by aging and hormonal changes due to the menopause. One US study even found that three hour-long sessions a week could shave up to eight years off your biological clock.
If you want to reap the rewards of resistance training, but don’t have the time or inclination to hit the gym, then it’s worth investing in a set of dumbbells to enhance your home workouts. Our Good Housekeeping Institute fitness pros put a range of options to the test to find the best for all levels and budgets.
The best dumbbell and hand weight sets for 2026
These are the ones that are worth their weight at a glance, but scroll on for our full reviews.
How we test dumbbell and hand weight sets
Our fitness pros test hand weights and dumbbells in the state-of-the-art gym at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
First, we weigh the dumbbells to ensure they live up to their claims and there are no major inaccuracies. We also drop each fixed dumbbell on the gym floor no less than 50 times (!) to check for scuffing and damage to help us judge their durability.
Next, we put them through a series of exercise moves, considering how ergonomic they are and whether they’re easy to manoeuvre during sweaty workouts.
With adjustable dumbbells, we check how long it takes to load the dumbbells and change the weights during workouts.
Finally, we look at any instructions and workout guidance to see how useful they are, as well as care and cleaning information. Once all testing is complete, each product is awarded an overall score, with only the ones meeting our exacting standards making our final round-up.
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Best fixed dumbells
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Bala Bangles
Score: 89/100
It’s very rare that fitness equipment goes viral, but we can see why these wrist-worn weights, which are attached via Velcro around the wrists or ankles to upgrade your workouts and everyday movement, are so popular. We love the pastel colourways and the smooth silicone design.
In testing, our expert found that the weights stayed secure throughout their workouts, although they would have liked the fit to be more adjustable. They’re very intuitive to use overall and a great way to add more resistance to your exercise, without impacting your form.
They’re also compact enough for popping into your case when you travel. Note, you can choose between 1, 2 and 3lb options, depending on your level.
Head to our wellness editor’s full Bala Bangles review for more details.
Peloton Light Weights
Score: 87/100
You don’t need to own a Peloton to buy these accessories – sold as a pair, they do fit seamlessly into the bike’s on-demand workouts, but you can also use them in any at-home strength workout.
Our expert found the dumbbells, which are non-slip, offered good grip during sweaty workouts. While they sit perfectly on the back of your Peloton bike, they also have square ends – so if you’re using them for workouts off the bike, they’re not going to roll away.
They come in three sizes (1, 2 and 3lbs) and are durable and easy to use – the different weight options also mean you can increase as you get stronger.
Mirafit Soft Touch Mini Hex Dumbbells (Set of two)
Score: 82/100
These great-value dumbbells are sold in sets of two and come in a variety of weights, from 0.5kg up to 10kg, making them a great option for those new to lifting. Our expert confirmed they were pleasure to use for a variety of moves, proving comfy to grip and easy to manoeuvre.
The hexagonal head prevents them from rolling when placed on the floor and provides a stable base for performing exercises like push-ups and renegade rows. Plus, you can easily stack the dumbbells on top of each other if you buy a few pairs.
The thick rubber coating means they’ll remain in tip-top condition, no matter how many times you drop them on the floor. Sure enough, they held up well during testing, with no noticeable scuffing or damage.
Les Mills SmartBar Weight Plate (Single)
Score: 82/100
These ergonomic plates from the fitness experts at Les Mills are seriously versatile. Unlike standard dumbbells, you can grip them in a variety of different ways and use them for all types of workouts including strength training, HIIT, ab circuits and Pilates.
They’re made to attach to the brand’s Smartbar, so you can turn your hand weights into a barbell without any fuss. The bar doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth investing if you want to prioritise heavy lifting.
Our expert rated the high-quality design, noting that the plates felt well-made and robust. There are a range of weights to choose from, depending on your goal, and the slim design means you can store them away discretely, too.
York Fitness Neoprene Dumbbell (Single)
Score: 82/100
This design from York Fitness was a big hit with our fitness pro. Thanks to the hexagonal head, it won’t roll away when you put it down mid-workout and you can use it as a base for upper body exercises.
Our expert praised the neoprene coating, saying it provided stellar grip during a wide range of exercises and noted the material was easy to keep clean after a sweaty session – just give it a wipe down with a damp cloth. There were no signs of damage after dropping the dumbbell several times, either.
Note, it’s best suited to those just getting into training, as the weights range from 0.5kg up to 8kg. They’ll also do the job for cardio and Pilates.
Bala Bars (Set of two)
Score: 81/100
These pretty pink weights aren’t designed for heavy lifting, but they can add some resistance to Pilates workouts and cardio circuits.
The soft silicone feels wonderfully soft against the skin and provides sufficient grip. The smooth material is a doddle to clean, and our expert rated the design highly for durability, saying the bars looked as good as new after using them and dropping them several times. They also come in a mesh bag for easy storage and travel.
The only downside? They don’t come cheap and the weight selection is pretty limited. Overall, though, a quality piece of kit that will elevate your home gym set-up.
Domyos Fitness Dumbbells (Set of two)
Score: 80/100
Domyos is known for its great value exercise equipment, and these dumbbells, which are handily sold as a pair, are no different. The cast-iron core is finished with a smooth PVC coating, helping to protect floors and reduce noise if you drop them mid-workout. Sure enough, our expert said they performed well in their drop tests, leaving the floor unmarked and showing minimal wear.
Despite the rounded shape, they were stable enough for exercises including renegade rows and weighted push-ups, plus the smooth finish means they’re easy to wipe clean after sweaty workouts. They didn’t roll away between sets and, as a bonus, they’re easy to stack and store without taking up too much space.
Best adjustable dumbbells
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Northdeer Steel Adjustable Dumbbells (Set of two)
Score: 87/100
Unlike any dumbbell we’ve ever seen, this stylish yet sturdy set impressed our testers. The plates themselves have built-in screws, and can be added to the bar by twisting them into place.
This leaves them with a sleek, compact design that feels a lot like a fixed-weight dumbbell, making them a good option for functional movements such as snatches or renegade rows. There are a range of option weight options to choose from depending on your level, starting from 1kg all the way up to 25kg.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
Our wellness team tests hundreds of products each year, from the best treadmills and the best Pilates reformers to the best gym leggings and the best walking boots.
When it comes to dumbbells, our senior sleep and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, designs rigorous testing protocols to ensure we’re reviewing each product fairly and consistently. As a level 4 qualified personal trainer and with more than 20 years’ experience working in health clubs across the UK, she knows exactly what to look for in the best exercise equipment.
Our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, is an avid gym-goer and is currently completing her level 2 personal training qualification. She regularly uses dumbbells of all sizes for her workouts, so knows exactly what to look for in a good set. She analyses all the feedback from our testing team to create these clear, easy-to-understand reviews.
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More Tried and Tested fitness buys
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Is it worth investing in dumbbells for home use?
That’s a resounding yes, according to Samantha Cubbins, strength and conditioning coach and Lifting Club manager at Gymshark.
“Dumbbells are such a versatile and accessible tool for exercise,” she notes. “They work stabiliser muscles, improve coordination and allow a full range of motion, helping to make home workouts powerful and effective.”
“They can be small but mighty, allowing you to train your whole body including strengthening your back, building lower body power and sculpting your arms and shoulders,” she adds.
Plus, the best dumbbells are easy to use and an effective way to see results, without any bulky equipment taking over your living room – especially handy if you’re tight on space.
What to look for when buying dumbbells
Cubbins says it’s important to choose a set of dumbbells with a comfortable grip and a durable coating to protect your hands and floors.
Fixed dumbbells are easy to grab and less fuss, but if you’re looking to build some serious strength, it’s also worth considering adjustable dumbbells, which offer numerous weights in one compact package.
“The best dumbbells are the ones that fit your lifestyle and encourage you to stick to training consistently,” she says.
What’s the difference between cheap and expensive dumbbells?
Cheap and expensive dumbbells mainly differ in materials, durability and finish, but a higher price tag doesn’t always mean better quality. Many affordable dumbbells are well made and work effectively for beginners, home workouts and light training.
Cheaper options are more likely to use basic materials and feature coatings that wear faster over time. Pricier options, on the other hand, tend to have more durable finishes, better balance and more precise weight calibration.
Rest assured, all the options included in this round-up offer excellent quality and value, so whichever dumbbells you choose, you’re making a solid investment.
What weight dumbbells should I choose?
“The right weight depends on the exercise, your experience and your goals,” says Cubbins.
Lighter dumbbells are perfect for smaller upper body movements, Pilates and HIIT workouts, while heavy dumbbells are more effective for compound moves like squats and rows.
“Choose a weight that challenges you in the final reps but still allows for good form,” she suggests. “Having a few weight options, or an adjustable set, gives you the flexibility to push harder, scale back when needed and keep improving over time.”
Can I build muscle only with dumbbells?
Yes, you can build muscle using dumbbells only, as long as you have a consistent training routine that’s progressively challenging.
What matters most is gradually increasing the difficulty over time, by upping the weight, increasing reps or increasing time under tension, all while maintaining good form.
Using a range of dumbbells, or an adjustable set, will allow you to adapt the resistance to different exercises and keep making muscle gains.
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The verdict on dumbbell sets
If you want to add some extra burn to your workout, the Bala Bangles attach to your wrists and ankles for low-impact exercise. They’re not only attractive, but also stay secure throughout a workout and won’t impact your form.
Peloton’s light weights can be used both on the bike and for at-home strength workouts. With a good grip and clever design, they have three different weight options for varying abilities.
If you’re looking to progress and lift heavy weights, it’s worth opting for a set of adjustable dumbbells. The cast iron York Fitness Cast Spinlock Adjustable Dumbbell is perfect for all types of workouts, and the plates are easy to change as you go.
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