Nothing says versatility in a home gym like adjustable free weights. There are adjustable dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells to add variety without taking up too much space.
Where a rack of dumbbells can take up valuable space along a wall, an all-in-one system gives you more room to live where you workout.
The challenge with an adjustable system is similar to regular free weights in that… they’re expensive!
Take a look at a standard 5 – 50 lb. (5-pound increments) dumbbell free weight set. We’re averaging about $800 for a rack of dumbbells. And that does not include the rack to store them… or the space along your wall.
- Rogue: $1,010
- Amazon Basics: $988.38
- Tru Grit: $645 (Several are out of stock though)
And this is only looking at weight up to 50 lb. For most people, that may be enough. For others, you would either need to look at either:
- Larger adjustable set
- Second adjustable set
- Choosing an adjustable set that can be upgraded
We picked through the many available options and used the following criteria:
- Amount of weight
- Safety – will it fall apart while using?
- Comfort level – is it awkward to use?
- How quick/easy is it to change the weight?
These are our recommendations for the Best Adjustable Free Weights:
- Adjustable Dumbbells
- PowerBlock (Pro Series)
- SMRTFT NÜOBELL 80LB CLASSIC
- Adjustable Barbells
- Adjustable Kettlebells
And don’t forget to check out our Benches page to assist with your adjustable free weight workout.
Adjustable Dumbbells
There are very high rating reviews on products like Bowflex & NordicTrack, but the entire length of the dumbbell remains, regardless of the number of plates needed for the exercise. This makes some movements awkward. Hence, we focused on adjustable dumbbells that are as compact as possible to the weight being utilized. We also paid attention to higher weights in order for you to get the best bang for the buck. Another area of concern is the time it takes to change the weight, as well as line up the dumbbell to put it back in place.
PowerBlock ($409 – $797)
Adjustable Dumbbells
PowerBlocks are a square peg in a round hole, but the mechanical safety factor puts it on the top of our list. There are a few things that set the PowerBlocks adjustable dumbbells apart from the rest:
- The lower the weight, the smaller the dumbbell. Most of the competitors keep the exoskeleton of the entire weight system, making some exercises tedious.
- A solid metal bar locks the weights in place. These dumbbells will not fall apart while using.
The awkward part of this adjustable dumbbell system is the square profile, as well as having those edges rubbing against your wrists as you use them. But with a firm grip and a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it!
There are three series consisting of Sport, Pro, and Elite. All prices are for pairs of adjustable dumbbells. The Sport Series would be your basic series with adjustable weights. The Pro Series adds a newer, more agronomical design, polyurethane coating, and expandable to a barbell system. The Elite Series is a step up from the Sport Series, providing a streamlined version that is robust and capable.
Due to the versatility to increase the weight to 90 lb., as well as utilizing the adjustable dumbbells in an adjustable barbell configuration, our #1 spot goes to the PowerBlock Pro Series.
- Sport Series Stage 1 ($409) – 50 lb. with expansions up to 90 lb. ($588)
- Stage 2: Expandable to 70 ($179)
- Stage 3: Expandable to 90 ($179) – must purchase 70 lb. expansion first
- Increment lb. per hand: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10,15, 17.5, 20 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50
- Pro Series Stage 1 ($509)
- Stage 2: Expandable to 70 ($179)
- Stage 3: Expandable to 90 ($179) – must purchase 70 lb. expansion first
- Increment lb. per hand: 2.5 (adder weight), 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50, 55, 57.5, 60, 65, 67.5, 70, 75, 77.5, 80, 85, 87.5 and 90
- Elite Series Stage 1 ($419)
- Stage 2: Expandable to 70 ($189)
- Stage 3: Expandable to 90 ($189) – must purchase 70 lb. expansion first
- Increment lb. per hand: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10,15, 17.5, 20 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50
Adjustable Barbell (Pro Series Only)
The Pro Series Straight Bar is a 41″ long 28mm knurled bar that attaches a pair of Pro Series Adjustable Dumbbells turning your dumbbells into an adjustable barbell.
Warranty: 5 years
SMRTFT NÜOBELL 80LB CLASSIC ($745)
The Nuobell adjustable dumbbells are a sleek set designed in Sweden . Like the PowerBlocks, the dumbbell is only as wide as the weight you’re lifting. Without a metal bar moving through the weight plates like the PowerBlocks, the Nuobell has an ingenious handle twist mechanism that makes weight switches as simple as a twist of the wrist.
Being the quickest adjustable dumbbells available, we wanted to be sure it was safe. Looking at the locking mechanism, as you twist the handle, bars extend to the next increment of weight and locks onto it from the center (axially extending).
Failure points: Plastic. According to their website, they state that they take durability and quality seriously. With that, they put these adjustable dumbbells through extensive Flexural Strength Testing and confirm that the type of plastic used is stronger than cast iron. here, you can read the Patent.
Flexural Strength Testing is sometimes referred to as Transverse Beam Testing, which involves placing a sample between two points or supports and initiating a load using a third point to force a bend in the sample. Think of standing in the middle of a 2 x 4 and watching it bend and possibly snap. Flexural Strength Testing is testing when different materials will fail.
Overall, a great adjustable dumbbell that goes up to 80 lb. Expansion kits do not seem to be readily available in the United States, but the US model is the largest available of the four found on their Swedish website.
Warranty: 2 years. Extended warranty available for 1 & 3 years, $29, and $69, respectively.
NOTE: Be cautious with knock-off brands. Safety should be your #1 concern! If a weight plate falls and hits you on your head, you’ll wish you sprung for the name-brand.
Adjustable Barbells
The available adjustable dumbbells are innovative, but for the price, you can purchase a standard Olympic barbell and Olympic weight plates and have a lot more flexibility. The only adjustable barbell system we see as a worthy investment would be if you planned on purchasing adjustable dumbbells. In which chase, above, we talk about the PowerBlock Pro Series Barbell which attaches a pair of PowerBlock Pro Series adjustable dummbells.
Some of the models that we considered, but ultimately did not find the value:
- Runner up: Bowflex SelectTech 2080 (20 lb. – 80 lb.) ($499)
- MX Select 80 & 100 lb. adjustable Barbell system. ($699 – $899)
- Be sure to check out our Barbell page!
Adjustable Kettlebells
Kettlebells are great for exercises like goblet squats, lunges, Romanian deadlifts, bent over rows, overhead presses, as well as the Kettlebell Swing. For most, you get used to a weight and then need to move up. You then buy a larger Kettlebell and then your collection begins. Like Dumbbells, Kettlebells each run from $20 to over $100 each. Investing in an Adjustable Kettlebell will give you more space. And we have identified some great options for you!
The Bowflex costs a little more than the Tru Grit, but gives you a weight selection dials, so you know how much weight you’re using. The PowerBlock Heavy Kettlebell would be a great addition to the Bowflex, Tru Grit, or PowerBlock Regular Kettlebells, once you need a heavier Adjustable Kettlebell.
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell ($119)
6 kettlebells in one: 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lb.
Though this one only goes up to 40 lb., it gets the job done with a twist of a knob.
Warranty: 2 years
Tru Grit Adjustable Kettlebell – 40 lb. ($89.99)
7 kettlebells in one: 7.7, 12.3, 17.8, 23.7, 29.7, 35.2, and 40 lb.
There is also a 20 lb. adjustable kettlebell available.
Unfortunately, the weight adjustments are not marked, so you would move up or down simply by feel; or you can mark them yourself. The handle is a bit thin, as well.
Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell ($169 – $259)
Two versions available
- Regular Kettlebell
- 4 kettlebells in one: 18, 22, 26, and 35 lb.
- Heavy Kettlebell
- 4 kettlebells in one: 35, 44, 53, and 62 lb.
Overall, the price and weight ranges put this one on the bottom. These adjustable kettlebells are solid and are quick & easy to adjust the weight. It’s great that where the Regular Kettlebell maxes out, the Heavy Kettlebell picks up. But to purchase both would not really save you much money from buying individual Kettlebells.
It may be best to choose one of the other Adjustable Kettlebells and then consider the PowerBlock Heavy Kettlebell when you’re ready for more than 40 lb.
Warranty: 5 years
