10 Best Dumbbells for Beginners (2024 Review)

This is a review of the 10 best dumbbells for beginners.

Choosing the proper dumbbells for you may be challenging since plenty of them are on the market.

After conducting experiments, it took me over 15 hours to research and test the best dumbbells for beginners.

After trying all of them, I chose the 10 best dumbbells based on my detailed ranking criteria.

Keep reading below if you want to find out the best dumbbells for beginners and some other tips that should be considered before buying them.

Let’s begin!

Top 3 Dumbbells for Beginners

Editor’s Choice

Northdeer Steel Dumbbells

– Easy weight adjustment

– Ultra-compact size

– Big weight range

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#2nd Best Choice

Nice C Womens Weights

– All-in-one dumbbell

– Non-slip safe design

– Adjustable weight

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#3rd Best Choice

Tru Grit Fitness Dumbbells

– Big weight range

– Hex dumbbell shape

– Sold in pairs

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Best Dumbbells for Beginners 2024 Reviews

After more than 15 hours of research, I finally came up with a list of the best dumbbells for beginners in 2024.

Below are the 10 best dumbbells for beginners in 2024 according to my specific selection criteria.

1. Northdeer Steel Dumbbells (Editor’s Choice) 

Weights Dumbbells Set 10lb Pair (5lb/7lb/8lb/10lb) Set of 2 Ultracompact Adjustable Chrome Steel Dumbbell with Foam Handles Gym Workout Fitness (Mirror-Finish 10lb×2)

The Northdeer steel adjustable dumbbells are for you if you want a compact and adjustable set of weights.

Because of their chrome finish which makes them look slick and professional, they can easily fit into your home gym.

If you are a person that values comfort, then you will be pleased with the foam grip on the handle.

For a beginner that wants an adjustable dumbbell set, changing the weights on these is an extremely easy thing to do.

One of the standout features of these adjustable dumbbells is their compact size.

Because of their compact frame, they don’t need a lot of space.

This is why they could be great if you only have limited storage capacity in your home gym.

The Northdeer steel dumbbells are built to last because of the solid steel that they are made from.

2. Nice C Womens Weights

Womens Weights, Adjustable Dumbbells, womens dumbbells dumbbells weights dumbbells,small dumbbells,light weights, free weights,pink dumbbells

The Nice C adjustable dumbbells are a great investment for beginners that want to get a versatile set of dumbbells that they can use in their homes.

Based on our experience, their weight adjustments are extremely easy and customizable, making them a perfect adjustable dumbbell for each exercise and workout.

These are one of the best adjustable dumbbells for beginners who don’t have much room for weights and want to have one set that can do everything for them.

The Nice C all-in-one adjustable dumbbell set is perfect for building strength and toning muscles.

Besides that, it is an excellent set for people that want to improve their overall health and lose some pounds.

Each increment weighs around 0.55- pounds, making them incredibly easy to adjust and set to the preferred weight.

Also, the non-slip-safe design helps you safely and confidently do the workout without worrying about the dumbbells slipping from your hands.

One of the most remarkable details about them is their easy weight adjustment.

It is highly efficient and can be done quickly in a couple of simple steps.

3. Tru Grit Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells 

TRU GRIT Fitness Rubber HEX Free Hand Weights Dumbbell Pairs Sizes 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 LBS (10 LB Pair, Pair)

The Tru Grit dumbbell set is great for beginners that want professional equipment at a reasonable price. 

The hex head design will prevent them from rolling, and the hexagonal shape makes them easy to stack and store.

The handle has an ergonomic chrome plate design and features two different diameters based on weight. 

Drawn from our experience, the hex rubber heads minimize the floor’s wear and tear, making them perfect for home use.

These rubber dumbbells come in a wide range of weights, from 5 up to 15 pounds.

If you want to purchase them individually, you can do that with weights above 20 pounds. 

However, if you buy lighter fixed dumbbell weights, they come in a pair.

One feature worth mentioning is the welded handle on a head construction, ensuring that heads won’t become loose. 

This one thing adds an additional layer of protection when you perform activities with them.

4. Amazon Basics Neoprene Workout Dumbbell 

Amazon Basics Neoprene Coated Hexagon Workout Dumbbell Hand Weight, 24 Pounds, 12 Pound (Set of 2), Black

AmazonBasics neoprene fixed dumbbells are great for beginners that want to get used to lifting weights.

The weight range on these is 3-8 pounds, which makes them very accessible and easy if you are starting and want to build strength and tone your muscles.

They are covered in neoprene coating to have a secure grip during use.

The way these weights are designed makes them fun to use because of their vibrant colors.

Because of their neoprene coating, using them won’t tear your hands.

They have a hexagonal shape, which prevents them from rolling away when not in use.

Nonetheless, they come with a full rack that will help you tremendously keep all the weights in one place and help you keep your gym clean.

The set has 3 pairs of dumbbells between 3-8 pounds, giving you enough weight to be creative and do various exercises.

However, if you want to purchase them individually, they won’t come with the dumbbell rack.

At a very reasonable price, this dumbbell set gives you much more than what you paid for.

5. Runwe Adjustable Dumbbells Barbell Set 

RUNWE Adjustable Dumbbells Barbell Set 100 lb Dumbbells Pair

The Runwe adjustable dumbbells barbell set is a great product for beginners who want a piece of versatile gym equipment they can use at home.

The set features 16 different weight plates and an adjustable design which makes it easy to customize the weight to the ones you want.

A great feature of the set is a connecting bar that enables you to turn dumbbells into a barbell. 

This is why it is an ideal set if you want to do many exercises with just one set.

Our findings show that the quality of this dumbbell is worth mentioning.

The plates are coated, so they prevent damaging the floors. 

Also, the solid steel with rubber coating handles is made to help you control weights and avoid any injuries during training.

Nonetheless, their special spinlock is an innovation that makes sure plates don’t move and are tight during exercise. 

Runwe has a 100% money-back guarantee in the first 90 days of your purchase.

6. KISS GOLD Adjustable Dumbbell Set 

KISS GOLD Adjustable Dumbbells Set, 22LB Dumbbell Weights Set with Solid Steel, Workout Fitness Exercise Equipment with Connector for Home Gym Men Women

Kiss Gold adjustable dumbbell set allows you to customize your workout to meet your training fitness needs. 

Based on our experience, it is an excellent addition to any home gym.

The set comes with 2 dumbbells which you can adjust the weight from 8 to 22 pounds; if you need, they can be transformed into a barbell with a connecting rod.

The polygonal design prevents them from rolling away while also making them easy to store. 

The chrome connecting rod is knurled for a firm grip, while the dumbbell handles have a rubber coating to prevent them from slipping.

Their versatility gives you the ability to do all sorts of different exercises like push-ups, squats, and many others. 

The dumbbells are made from solid steel, making them more stable than the standard ones. 

This is the perfect set for beginners who want to improve, build muscles or burn fat, depending on their goals.

In a set, you can find four 1.7 pounds counterweights, four 2.8 pounds counterweight, 4 spinlock collars, 2 handles, and one knurled chrome connector.

7. Lifepro Adjustable Dumbbell 25LB 

Lifepro Adjustable Dumbbell 25lb (5lb, 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, 25lb). 5-in-1 Dumbbells Adjustable Weights for Men and Women. Dumbbell Adjustable Free Weights Plates and Rack.Dumbbells Set of 2.

The LifePro adjustable dumbbells are exceptional because of their design.

Unlike most adjustable dumbbells, they don’t have that much plastic, making them durable.

LifePro dumbbells still have some plastic but don’t have a plastic casing around the plates.

Through trial and error, I figured out that the plastic case is the first thing that cracks when the dumbbell is dropped.

It is uncommon to see a 25-pound dumbbell that feels as good as LifePro does. 

The fantastic thing about them is that there is no plate movement at all.

You would want your adjustable dumbbells to feel just like the fixed ones.

Increasing weight should be your goal if you are a beginner starting out.

Ideally, you would want 2.5 or 5-pound weight increments for adjustable dumbbells.

This makes this set unique since most other adjustable dumbbells on the market use 10-pound increments.

One of the best adjustable dumbbells is LifePro because of their durability and cheapness compared to others.

Like with any cheaper 25-pound dumbbell, they have a fixed-length handle.

Furthermore, that means the handle doesn’t change no matter which weights you lift. So, the same length is for 5 and 25 pounds.

8. Portzon Set of 2 Neoprene Dumbbell 

Portzon Set of 2 Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights, Anti-Slip, Anti-roll

The Portzon neoprene dumbbells have various useful features for all fitness enthusiasts, especially beginners. 

Firstly, the frame is designed with safe materials to prevent any damage to the dumbbells and the floors. 

This makes it a safe option for people who perform high-intensity workouts.

In addition, the handle has a comfortable grip because of its ergonomic design. 

Dumbbells are smooth when you grip them because of their coating. 

That is why they are comfortable even when your hands are sweaty, and it prevents calluses.

9. Feierdun Adjustable Dumbbells 

FEIERDUN Adjustable Dumbbells, 50lbs Free Weight Set with Connector, 4 in1 Dumbbells Set Used as Barbell, Kettlebells, Push up Stand, Fitness Exercises for Home Gym Suitable Men/Women

The Feierdun adjustable dumbbell set is convenient and diverse for people who want to work out at their home gym.

They come as a pair, with each dumbbell weight ranging from 5 to 25 pounds.

With that range of weights, they are a great piece for beginners but also for more experienced lifters.

Based on our experience, a significant benefit of these adjustable dumbbells is the way you can quickly adjust weight increments.

The mechanism when adjusting the weight is incredibly smooth and straightforward, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

Choosing the proper weight increment is easy because each is clearly marked so you can see which one you choose.

Weight plates are made from high-quality materials, making them last long and resistant to wear and tear.

If you are worried about where you would store them, they come with a storage tray that is convenient and sturdy.

You can use these adjustable dumbbells for all sorts of exercises.

They allow you to easily switch up the routine since they are adjustable dumbbells and are an excellent way to target different muscle groups with one piece of equipment.

Compared with the other dumbbells on the market, the Feierdun adjustable weights dumbbell sets are moderately priced.

10. Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell 

Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Exercise & Fitness Hex Dumbbell, Hand Weight for Strength Training, 20 Pounds, Black

AmazonBasics rubber-encased dumbbell set is an excellent choice for beginners that want a high-quality dumbbell set.

Our analysis of this product revealed that the best feature of these is their rubber coating.

The coating will provide you with a more secure and comfortable grip while protecting them from damage and protecting the floors.

If you are worried about them rolling away, they are hexagonal, so that is not a problem.

This shape allows you to store them, and they won’t take up a lot of space and won’t go anywhere.

They weigh 10 to 50 pounds, making them ideal for people that are just starting.

With this weight range, you can do all the exercises and workout programs you want.

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“I was skeptical about online fitness coaching, but Functional Body Savage completely changed my perspective. Vanja and Radomir’s personalized approach and attention to detail have helped me achieve goals I never thought possible. I’m stronger, more confident, and grateful for their guidance.”

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Buyer’s Guide

When it comes down to buying dumbbells as a beginner, there are a lot of factors you should consider. 

I will help you with choosing the right dumbbell for you. Below are things to consider before deciding to purchase a dumbbell.

How to Choose the Best Dumbbells?

To choose the best dumbbell, you should consider your fitness goals and budget. Besides that, weight is an incredibly important factor to consider before purchasing any dumbbell.

There are a whole bunch of other things that should be assessed before you opt-in to buy any weight. 

To help you choose the best one, I listed below some essentials that should be considered before purchasing.

Budget

Before you purchase anything new, you mainly consider your budget.

When you choose a dumbbell set, consider the cost of a whole set or per pair if sold separately. 

You can’t forget the price you need to pay for an entire rack where you can store them all.

If you prefer more adjustable dumbbells, you must consider the subscription of connecting them with their service.

Space

It doesn’t matter which dumbbell you buy; you must store them somewhere. 

If you want to have a few different weight sets but don’t have much room to store them, your best option is to choose the adjustable dumbbells or even a set with a stand that will save space.

Nonetheless, if you want your set to bring with you on trips, the portable set is something you should consider because it would be ideal for you.

Fixed dumbbells are for you if you have a lot of space to store them.

Preferred Shape and Grip

You should first consider your experience level and preferences when choosing the grip you want on your dumbbells.

Do you like a smoother grip, or do you prefer the textured one?

Do you like a handle that has a straight design or an ergonomically designed option? 

You should evaluate how much you sweat during a workout. 

Also, a hexagonal shape could be the best for you if you want to store dumbbells easily and prevent them from rolling away.

Check our article on different types of dumbbells to get a better feeling about various shapes, brands, and materials.

Weight 

Before you decide which dumbbell you want to buy, consider the preferred weight you would like to lift. 

Stick to the lighter dumbbells if you are just starting out and you want to add some resistance to your workout regime.

However, if you have weight lifting for a while now, you might want heavier dumbbells to perform exercises like squats and deadlifts.

Fitness Goals 

You must consider what you want your exercise program to look like to determine which dumbbells will suit your needs. 

Besides that, you should also consider your current fitness level. 

A lighter set is excellent for people that want to improve their muscle endurance. 

Examples of these workouts are balance boards or stability training. 

Think about investing in a dumbbell pair or set you can continue using even when you increase your fitness level.

Durability 

If you are a person that does high-intensive, rigorous workouts, you should choose sturdy dumbbells.

Look for dumbbells that are out of iron or steel and have a neoprene or a rubber coating, protecting them from marks and scratches.

A non-slip grip can prevent dumbbells from slipping away in your hands, ultimately resulting in dumbbells lasting longer while also protecting the floor.

You might want to check:

• Do Dumbbells Break?

Who Should Buy Beginner Dumbbells?

Beginners should buy beginner dumbbells. If you are just starting your fitness routine, you should invest in a quality set of dumbbells. 

Since you are a beginner, you want to find a weight that will suit you. 

Consider investing in 5-20 pounds of dumbbells to get started.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Beginner Dumbbells?

People who are experienced lifters shouldn’t buy beginner dumbbells. If you already lift heavy, there is no reason to buy beginner light weights.

You should avoid them because they won’t give you enough resistance for your muscles to grow.

The Benefits of Dumbbells

There are plenty of benefits to using dumbbells. 

If you still don’t know why you should get them for yourself, this list might help you.

Versatility

You can do almost every exercise and movement with dumbbells.

With just dumbbells, you can perform lower-body exercises like squats, lunges, goblet squats, and many others.

Not only that, but you can also do upper body exercises like bicep curls, dumbbell bench presses, front raises, dips, etc.

This means that dumbbells can work almost every muscle in your body, making them versatile equipment everyone should have.

Great for Muscle Imbalances

Some people have problems with muscle imbalance. 

Their right bicep may be bigger than the left one.

This can be fixed by implementing dumbbell exercises into your workouts.

Unlike when you use a barbell, you strain one side more than the other; that is not the case with dumbbells.

Dumbbells are independent, which means that the weaker side is forced to work the same as the stronger side and, therefore, correct the muscle imbalances.

In a prolonged time period, this helps with the symmetry of your body, which can help you look better and also prevent inquiries.

Not Too Expensive

When you look at other gym equipment prices on the market, dumbbells seem to be on the more reasonable side. 

A regular pair of dumbbells can cost from $ 15 to $70, while a barbell puts you out close to $300, without including the weight plates.

Consider reading the following article:

• How Much Do Dumbbells Cost?

Great for People of All Fitness Levels

Dumbbells are excellent fitness equipment for people that are beginners and want to start lifting.

Nonetheless, they are also a good addition to any home gym, even for people that lift heavier weights.

The most important thing before buying them is to choose the right weight for you.

Best Dumbbell Weight for Beginners

When you are starting with lifting, it is essential to choose the proper weight. 

You can lift some objects in your home to assess your strength and which weights you can lift.

However, if you want to know which weights are advised for male or female beginners, read our guide to pick the appropriate dumbbell weight.

What Do I Need to Get Started Lifting Weights?

To get started with lifting weights, you should get proper shoes. Consider getting the right activewear for weightlifting that won’t cause any unwanted problems and distractions and will allow you to perform.

Before you choose to lift weights, you need a strong foundation. 

Bodyweight training is an excellent way to start your fitness journey. 

Before you choose to use weights, you should feel confident in doing the same movement but with just your body weight. 

Once you feel you have the proper form, it is time to turn things up by increasing resistance with weights.

How Often Should I Lift Weights as a Beginner?

You should lift 3-4 times as a beginner. If you want to start with your fitness journey, training a couple of times per week is highly recommended.

When starting, you should consult a certified personal trainer about your routine. 

You don’t want to end up hurting yourself even before you begin. 

Days you have in between workouts should be used to recover your muscles. 

Should I Start With Heavier Weights or Lighter?

You should start with lighter weights. To avoid getting injured and to do proper training, test your strength with the lighter side of the spectrum.

If you are starting with training, it is in your interest to begin with, lighter weights and do more reps, and after that, work your way up to the heavier weight. 

Most important is to have a good foundation and a proper form before lifting heavier.

Related Articles:

• 10 Best Dumbbells for Small Hands
• 10 Best Dumbbells for Women
• 10 Best Dumbbells for Home Gym

FAQs

What Weight Dumbbells Are Best for Beginners?

The best-weight dumbbells for beginners are between 5 and 20 pounds. If you want to build muscles from home, then these weights are enough for a start.

Can You Gain Muscle With 3KG Dumbbells?

Yes, you can gain muscles with 3kg dumbbells. That is an excellent weight for beginners that want to improve their physique or even for recovery.

How Do I Choose My Dumbbell Weight?

To choose the right weight, pick a dumbbell you can lift 8-12 times. That should be your medium set, while a light set should be twice as light, and a heavy set should be 50% heavier than the medium one.

What Weight Dumbbells for Male Beginners?

For male beginners are 5 to 25-pound dumbbell weights. A beginner male should aim to lift weights 12 to 15 times, and with that, they can tone their body without looking like a bodybuilder.

What Weight Dumbbells for Female Beginners?

For female beginners are 4 to 11-pound dumbbell weights. That is a good starting weight, as it lets you get used to the movement and form without putting too much strain on yourself.

Which Dumbbells Are Best for Beginners?

The best dumbbells for beginners are Northdeer steel adjustable dumbbells.

Based on our first-hand experience, the Northdeer steel adjustable dumbbells are an excellent option for beginners that want a compact and versatile set.

There is a wide range of weights to choose from, making them great for adjusting the weights that fit your workout needs.

The handle has a comfortable foam grip, providing a secure grip during training.

Also, they are made from solid steel, which makes them durable and last several years.

Let me know which dumbbells you will get first.

Weights Dumbbells Set 10lb Pair (5lb/7lb/8lb/10lb) Set of 2 Ultracompact Adjustable Chrome Steel Dumbbell with Foam Handles Gym Workout Fitness (Mirror-Finish 10lb×2)

Start Building Your Dream Body Today

Ready to elevate your fitness game without falling into the trap of dull, repetitive routines that just don’t deliver? Imagine sculpting your ideal physique and boosting your health, all while still enjoying life’s pleasures, like those irresistible weekend getaways and your aunt’s legendary cheesecake. With our online fitness and nutrition coaching service, you don’t have to compromise. Dive into a personalized fitness journey that blends perfectly with your lifestyle, not against it. Book your completely free discovery consultation today, and take the first step towards a transformation that doesn’t require giving up the joys of life.

“I was skeptical about online fitness coaching, but Functional Body Savage completely changed my perspective. Vanja and Radomir’s personalized approach and attention to detail have helped me achieve goals I never thought possible. I’m stronger, more confident, and grateful for their guidance.”

Emily Thompson, San Francisco, CA

Learn More About Our Online Coaching Service