The Best Dumbbells of 2025 – CNET
A standard dumbbell is an important part of any home gym, but an often overlooked option is the kettlebell. Like dumbbells, they come in different weights, but thanks to the design of the handle, they open up a whole new range of movements, kettlebell exercises as we call them.
Just a traditional dumbbell can be a versatile training tool for the home gym and is often used in fitness and conditioning programs such as CrossFit. The prettier adjustable dumbbells are useful as space and, to some extent, time savers.
But dumbbells can add variety and challenge to your workouts routine workoutwhether you are looking for building strength in your core muscles and glutes, get into some form of cardio or a combination of cardio and strength training.
“The dumbbell is probably the most underrated piece of fitness equipment,” Lauren Kansky, certified personal trainer and founding trainer at fitness app Ladder. previously told CNET. “The way the bell is shaped allows you to train power, endurance and strength in one small piece of iron.”
Dumbbells aren’t the same as your average set of dumbbells, so before you buy, consider what weight you need for your dumbbell exercise and check out the list below for our picks for the best dumbbell options for 2025.
What is the best dumbbell overall?
The best kettlebell is the Ziva Premium Virgin Rubber Solid Cast Steel Kettlebell. Its weight and style ranges make it versatile for advanced and beginners alike.
The Best Dumbbells of 2025
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Ziva Premium Dumbbells come in a wide variety of weight increments (from 5 to 50 pounds), making them great quality dumbbells for beginners or more advanced exercisers. Working out at home and worried about damaging your floors? This dumbbell has a rubber coating so you don’t have to worry about hitting it too hard between sets during your dumbbell workout.
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This set of dumbbells is great for beginners because it comes with three lighter dumbbells (weighing 5, 10, and 15 pounds). If you’re new to training, you’re probably still unsure of exactly how much weight you can handle, so you need size options. With this set of dumbbells, you’ll have a variety of weights to experiment with when working out. You also get a weight rack to store them on.
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This adjustable cast iron dumbbell is a great choice for advanced exercisers or those who are already lifting weights and want to progress quickly with their dumbbell weights. The dumbbell handle itself is 15 pounds and comes with a variety of weight options that allow you to adjust it up to 50 pounds. It doesn’t look like your classic round dumbbell, and this cast iron dumbbell isn’t covered in vinyl or rubber, but it will satisfy the needs of someone looking for an advanced, no-frills dumbbell when doing dumbbell squats, deadlifts, dumbbell deadlifts, or more dumbbell training movements.
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Most standard dumbbell styles are cast iron dumbbell models, so if you don’t like the idea of iron dumbbells or the feel of metal in your hands and want more grip, try coated dumbbells for your dumbbell workout. This Powert dumbbell has a coated handle and the base is vinyl coated, making it less prone to rust or corrosion in addition to a different grip feel.
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If you’re willing to shell out significant cash for kettlebells, consider the JaxJox Smart Kettlebell. Weight can be adjusted from 12 to 42 pounds for a heavier dumbbell in seconds; you place it on the digital console and enter the weight you want and it automatically adjusts for you. There’s also a compatible app that can give you workout tips and advice and can track your workouts and reps.
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Dumbbell workouts involve many different movements besides just lifting them. Just because you can lift 15 to 20 pounds doesn’t necessarily mean you will easily rotate it in your training space. In general, when you weight train, you will use a lighter weight to lift the bell overhead and a heavier weight for other exercises. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying dumbbells:
Beginners
If you’ve never worked with dumbbells before, you’ll want to ease your way into them until you’ve mastered the technique of the movements. Below are the recommended weights of dumbbells if you are not familiar with this equipment.
- 8 to 10 kilograms (about 17 to 22 pounds) for workouts that involve any overhead movements.
- 10 to 14 kilograms (22 to 30 pounds) if you want to learn how to do a kettlebell swing.
Intermediate and advanced
If you’ve done kettlebell training before and feel comfortable with it, then you’re considered more advanced. Below are the dumbbell weights to consider if you are intermediate or advanced.
- 12 to 24 kilograms (26 to 52 pounds) for each workout that involves lifting overhead.
- 24 to 32 kilograms (52 to 70 pounds) for kettlebell swings.
Other things to consider include the material the dumbbell is made of. Dumbbells can be made of cast iron or steel. Some come with a rubber or vinyl finish.
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