The Best Dumbbell Sets For Your Home Workouts

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Let's face it: Working out can be difficult, and sometimes, it just seems like an impossible task, especially after a long workday. That being said, few can deny the powers of a good exercise routine. As health psychologist Dr. Kelly McGonigal explained to CNET, "when you exercise, it increases endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline, and endocannabinoid," all chemicals associated with happiness. Even more, as Dr. McGonigal said to the outlet, it can lead to "feeling confident, feeling capable, feeling less anxiety and stress and even less physical pain." The New York Times echoes this, citing research that shows that just a bit of exercise a day can boost feelings of positivity. Okay, we're in!

Once you've decided to invest time in working out, it's time to decide the details like how and where. Maybe you've always loved to dance and are into the idea of a belly dancing, flamenco, or Zumba class. Or, you might want to go all "Million Dollar Baby" and bring out your boxing gloves, à la Hilary Swank. But if you don't want to get too inventive with your workout, simply trying an effective functional training routine at home might do the trick. 

If a traditional exercise routine is your jam, you're going to need high-quality dumbbells that will last a lifetime. True workout must-haves, dumbbells are great for squats, bicep curls, and more, upping your training every day from the comfort of your living room. Here are the top 20 dumbbell sets to buy right now.

If you have a job that requires lots of travel, or you just have a serious case of wanderlust, you might be on the market for dumbbell sets that are tailor-made for trips. Whether complete with a zippered case or finding mega-innovative solutions for extra weight in your baggage, these are the perfect dumbbells to take with you on your next vacation. 

Bala has made a splash as of late in the fitness world, coming out with aesthetically pleasing, portable exercise equipment. While the brand's Bala Bangles ($55) are its most famous product, combining chunky jewelry with weight training, we're just as obsessed with the Bala Bars ($55). Take it from Women's Health: they named these the best dumbbells for travel, with a "great weight distribution." Smooth like butter in high-quality silicone wrapped around stainless steel, these dumbbells have a unique design that makes them perfect for everyone, from beginners to expert-level fitness fanatics. These are three pounds and come in tons of pastel hues (or black for zero stress about stains). Keep them in their mesh case when you pack them up in your luggage and prepare for tons of compliments!

You can also try these Mworld2 2Pcs/Set Portable Adjustable Water-Filled Dumbbells ($38.99), which have us downright mind-blown. As recommended by VeryWellFit, these dumbbells are meant to be filled with water and can be emptied out to weigh just two pounds. Fill these up to a maximum of 44 pounds, and revel in their utmost versatility.

Adjustable dumbbells are fun and practical, but you might be sweating (pun intended) at the thought of switching plates and dealing with any kind of technicalities. Maybe you want to go the traditional route and opt for an array of weights — with an included stand, of course. If you want to go all-out with your workout corner or home gym, these dumbbell and stand sets will take you where you need to go.

You can say we're obsessed with this DHT Adjustable Dumbbells Barbell Set with Rack ($359), which dare-we-say just made exercise equipment more adorable than we ever imagined. Weight plates in pastel hues like pink, aqua, and butter yellow range from four to 22.8 pounds, easily attached to textured metal handles. Totally '80s in the best way possible, these dumbbells are "Miami Vice" meets "Sixteen Candles" and we love it. Women's Health says these have the "best design" of any dumbbell set, and the rubber-coated square plates mean no issues with your weights rolling around.

If you want to go the more classic route, or just a little less cotton candy-inspired, try this CAP Barbell 150-Pound Dumbbell Set with Rack ($349.99). This option features pairs of five, 10, 15, 20, and 25-pound weights, made out of steel and a sound-proof, long-lasting coating. We love the blue metallic rack — and the 3,000-plus 4.7-star reviews. According to VeryWellFit, this set is the best "all-in-one training system" and perfect for quick after-workout storage.

Sometimes, you want to go all-out, whether it's taking your partner out for an alfresco date night at your favorite restaurant or splurging on that leather jacket you know you'll wear forever. If you've already gone through your fair share of inexpensive dumbbells and want the best weights money can buy, look no further than these two picks. 

Nordic Track's ​​Select-A-Weight 55 Lb. Dumbbell Set ($599) is pricey, but the design is meant to last a lifetime, including a whopping 15 weights in one product. Even better? These weights are the Peloton of dumbbells, designed to complement Nordic Track's iFit experience, a round-up of different fitness classes filmed by the world's top trainers. NBC News recommends these for anyone on the market for adjustable dumbbells that is also interested in following a structured, "on-demand" training routine and for anyone who likes space-saving storage and a beautiful design.

You can also try Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell ($499), which is pricier than Nordic Track's version because it only includes one weight (you need to purchase two for a full pair). Still, the steep price is worthwhile, with T3 rounding these out as their absolute favorite dumbbells, ever. Deemed simply "the best" weights available to purchase, the outlet commends the brand for its versatility, with each dumbbell easily ranging from 10 to 90 pounds. The best part? You don't have to deal with switching plates — just choose your desired weight by moving the dial around. Easy as (protein-packed) pie!

Whether you're designing the perfect living room exercise corner or you're designing a full weight-training room in your house, you might want a complete dumbbell set in every weight imaginable. If you have the space for it, why not? Here are our absolute favorite dumbbell sets.

This BalanceFrom Colored Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Set with Stand ($91.18) is small but mighty and has you covered when it comes to all your fitness needs. At just under $100, this weight set is a great deal, including three pairs of dumbbells weighing out at five, eight, and 12 pounds and a durable metal A-line stand. According to Women's Health, this is the absolute best set to buy if "just getting started on your home gym." Almost 18,000 reviewers agree: "Don't think twice, buy it."

Let's say you want to bring out the big guns: in that case, Rep Fitness Rep Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set ($999.99) is your best bet. As per Bar Bend, this is a traditional set of weights with rubber heads and textured metal handles and is wallet-friendly when you think about the cost-per-dumbbell. You get 10 pairs of dumbbells in five-pound increments, ranging from a lightweight five pounds all the way to 50. The rubber is "ultra-low odor," the handles are made for a super-secure grip, and the set comes with a lifetime warranty. It's important to note that the rack is not included, so make sure to purchase that separately!

If you've ever considered yourself to have "butterfingers" and let things fall much more often than you'd like to admit (guilty!), you want a set of dumbbells that will never slip from your hands. While neoprene and textured handles usually do the trick, your safest bet is almost-sticky vinyl. These vinyl dumbbells offer the best possible grip and yeah, we need that.

POPSUGAR raves about these Reebok Training Dumbbells, loving the gray color that complements any decor under the sun. We love this four-pound pair for its no-slip grip, heavy-duty vinyl coating, and a cast-iron interior that means they will last forever. As per the product page, these are great for all kinds of workouts: whether focusing on biceps or using these to up your squat game. The four-pound weight is versatile, and they're wallet-friendly, too.

If you prefer something that's just like kissing the rainbow, this SPRI Dumbbells Hand Weights Set of 2 ($10.99) is downright unbeatable. Dipped in the highest-quality vinyl, these weights come in neon hues like bubblegum-pink, purple, lime-green, cherry-red, and sun-kissed orange. "Easy on floors," don't be scared if they do end up slipping from your hands — no one will hear a thing. We love these for any kind of sweaty workout, especially as an accompaniment to your cardio routine. More than 11,000 reviews say these dumbbells are "perfect for strength training." Meanwhile, NBC News says these are the best for beginners who don't need "bells and whistles."