Get stronger at home - 6 of the best dumbbells for women, tested by a fitness instructor
A set of the best dumbbells can suit any workout preference, whether you prefer weighted cardio or classic strength training
Dumbbells are versatile weights that can help build strength, endurance, and mobility by challenging all the muscles in the body with movement. Much like kettlebells and resistance bands, they come in a range of resistances, but are the favourite among those who enjoy strength training for good reason.
I'm woman&home's digital health editor and a certified fitness instructor, but I've also been strength training every week for over six years. I've spent thousands of hours with dumbbells at home and in the gym, and during this time, I've learnt all about the features you need in a good weight.
The best dumbbells, tried and tested by a fitness instructor
Weight range: 4kg to 10kg
If I had to rebuild my home gym set-up from scratch, these would be the first dumbbells I'd add to my basket. The HOMCOM dumbbells feel premium and durable, come in a variety of weights, and their design means they don't roll away from you when you put them down, making them my favourite of the bunch. If you do upper-body exercises like push-ups on your dumbbells or renegade rows, you'll also find hex dumbbells more stable than round ones.
These dumbbells ticked all the boxes when it came to looking at materials, too. They are made from rubber-coated cast iron, which is great for durability but also for keeping your floors free from scratches. If you use them in the garden, you can also exercise safely in the knowledge that no harm will come to the weights themselves.
I used these dumbbells for various exercises, including walking lunges, chest presses, and shoulder presses in my home workouts. I've got five sets currently, and they take up a fair amount of space, but the KG etched on the head of the weight makes it very easy to spot which weight I'm using. The iron handle has a textured grip, so they feel very secure while using (even with sweaty palms). My only complaint is that they mark fairly easily, being black in colour, but this rubs away easily after a quick buff with a cloth.
Pros
- Durable casing
- Good grip
- Great value for money
- Sold as a pair
- Labelled resistance
Cons
- Rubber marks easily
Weight variation: 1.5 to 18kg (in 18kg) option, up to 40kg in others
If space were an issue and I were to rebuild my home gym set-up, then it would have to be the Yaheetech Adjustable Dumbbells. I love this design - it's easily one of the cleverest inventions in fitness. You can switch out the plates on either side for heavier or lighter ones without having to use an entirely separate weight, saving space and money as you only buy once.
While they are more expensive than other dumbbells on my list, you can easily switch resistances between 1.5 and 18kg, making them a great choice for a full-body workout. I found the adjustable handle, which you turn to switch between resistances, very easy to use, and the dial on the side shows you which weight is currently 'locked in', so you can cycle through them as you need.
Made from iron wrapped in PP plastic, they don't feel as premium as others on the list, and the grip room on the bar doesn't leave much around your hand, but they feel almost unbreakably sturdy, and you can't go wrong with these for the price.
We also tested the Mirafit Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbells, which Editor Kerrie Hughes would recommend for anyone interested in a premium-feeling, metal-plated alternative. They are also slightly cheaper than the Yaheetech Adjustable Dumbbells by about £20 for 2kg more. However, they missed out on the 'best' title as it's much fiddlier to change the weight plates on these and the extra length left on the bar when using smaller plates caught her clothing during use.
Pros
- 12 resistances to choose from
- Good value for money
- Very easy to use
- Sturdy
- Sold as a pair
Cons
- Not so premium appearance
Weight range: 1 to 10kg on a single plate
Recently, I spent some time out of the gym and on my yoga mat with some of the best workout apps. While I've been using all the dumbbells in this guide in that process, I've gone back to the Les Mills Weight Plates so many times. They are certainly the most versatile on the list.
The shape means you can hold them in at least five different ways, making them suitable for all kinds of single and double-hand movements that a regular dumbbell wouldn't allow for, as well as the basics like curls and presses. They feel premium and are the perfect size to flow in line with the body. I found I could use them as much for Pilates and cardio workouts as for regular resistance training. The flat shape also makes them easier to store than regular dumbbells, which I find I have to put under my sofa to keep them out of sight.
The Les Mills Weight Plates are made to attach to the brand's SmartBar as well, so you can turn your dumbbells into a barbell with ease, which is a great choice if you're looking to train at home in the long term and make serious progress.
The only downside is the price. These dumbbells are costly to buy individually, so I'd recommend bundling them up with the Barbell Set, for instance. It costs more, but I feel it's better value for money overall.
Pros
- Uniquely shaped
- Suitable for all workouts
- Variety of sizes available
- Premium materials
Cons
- Very expensive to buy individually
Weight range: 1kg to 8kg
If Pilates is in your workout routine, you'll need a small pair of dumbbells, ranging from 1kg to about 5kg maximum. For this, having done at least 10 minutes of Pilates every day for the last couple of weeks, I can recommend Physical Company's Neo Hex Dumbbells. Unlike many options, these go as low as 1kg and up in smaller increments of 0.5kg up to 3kg, giving you plenty of room to progress.
I love the design - being hex dumbbells, they don't roll away from you when you put them down off your yoga mat, and the neoprene coating around the cast iron feels premium, comfortable to hold, and even the lighter colours don't mark very easily.
At £10 for a 1kg pair, the Physical Company Neo-Hex Dumbbells are only £2 more expensive than the Amazon Basics Pair, which are also a good choice. But these won out on my list of the best kettlebells as they feel much higher quality, and for Pilates, being able to choose weights in smaller increments is essential - especially if you're doing somatic Pilates or a Pilates abs workout.
Pros
- 0.5kg weight options
- Premium quality
- Easy to clean
- Come as a pair
- Hexagonal shape
Cons
- A little more expensive than similar options
Weight range: 1.1 to 9kg on each
You don't need to spend a fortune on weights to work out from home. While some are undoubtedly better than others, I'm a strong believer that you can buy great quality dumbbells on a budget. However, to get the most for your money, I'd recommend going for adjustable ones.
This adjustable dumbbell set from York Fitness is very simple. It has 12 plates (4 x 0.5kg, 4 x 1.25kg, and 4 x 2.5kg) that spin on and off the bar. You can get up to 20kg on one bar, which is more than I'd ever need to do a dumbbell core workout, but it's great for lower-body movements like goblet squats.
At just shy of £50 (at the time of writing), these are budget-friendly for good-quality dumbbells. As they're adjustable, you won't need to spend more to get stronger over time, either, making them a worthwhile purchase for long-term workouts.
The faff of taking them on and off the bar, which admittedly takes about a minute to do both, sets them apart from our top pick of adjustable dumbbells - the Yaheetech Adjustable Dumbbells. These you simply click in and out of place, so if you have the extra budget to spend, it is worth going for these.
Pros
- Budget friendly by comparison to others
- Durable
- Ideal for progressive overload
Cons
- Takes a while to get the weights on / off the bar
A dumbbell rack can be just as useful as a set of adjustable dumbbells if you're new to working out at home. The lighter weights mean you can do upper-body and dumbbell core workouts, while the heavier 6kg makes for a good springboard for lower-body exercises.
On first impressions, I thought the stand would be a bit flimsy, but over the three months I've had these weights, I haven't had a problem with it. It stands up to almost constant use and doesn't take up any unnecessary space around the weights, making the rack easy to store in a corner.
The hard plastic-coated dumbbells feel high-quality for the price, and they have textured handles for an extra supportive grip.
The only downside is that the weight only goes up to 6kg, which won't be enough for many people after a couple of months of training. If the budget can stretch, I'd recommend using the Yaheetech Adjustable Dumbbells for a long-term solution. However, if you're completely new to weight training, just looking to do upper-body workouts, or are returning to training after a break, these are perfect.
Pros
- Range of weights
- Rack doesn't take up much space
- Easy to store
- Premium materials
Cons
- Limited weights
How we tested the best dumbbells
I tested all the dumbbells in this round-up while performing a range of strength training workouts and exercises such as squats, weighted arm rows, deadlifts, and walking lunges. We assessed our top picks on weight, type, and performance - three important factors to keep in mind when you're shopping for dumbbells, which you can read more about below.
- Weight: If you're a beginner, opting for dumbbells between 3 and 5kg is a good place to start. "5kg for the lower body as this is normally stronger and 3kg for the upper body," suggests Kate Rowe-Ham, a Level 3 Personal Trainer and the founder of Owning Your Menopause. "You’ll be surprised how quickly you make progress with good form, consistency and patience."
- Type: From hex dumbbells to smart tech dumbbells, there are lots of types out there. Hex dumbbells are most similar to those you'll find at a gym. They're affordable, don't roll away as easily, and limit wear and tear on wooden floors. With adjustable dumbbells, you'll get more for your money, but they tend to be more expensive. Consider what type suits your fitness goals and budget before buying.
- Performance: It's important to consider the type and weight, but also how well dumbbells perform. A good grip and easy-to-hold handles are a must-have to ensure you can securely lift the dumbbells and perform upper body exercises safely.
How to find the best dumbbells for you
If you're still not sure what dumbbells to invest in, don't worry. Mollie Millington, a personal trainer, UK Athletics Coach and holistic health coach, shared with us her key considerations when it comes to shopping for weights.
- Order a range of weights: If you're ordering fixed dumbbells, order them in larger weight increments. For example, instead of ordering 2kg, 3kg and 4kg dumbbells, order 2kg, 4kg and 6kg so that as you build strength, you can start lifting heavier. If you've invested in smaller dumbbells, you might be able to hold two in one hand to increase the weight.
- Shipping time and cost: Not so much of an issue in 2026, but it's still worth considering the shipping time and cost of shipping in your purchase. Many smaller retailers have longer shipping times than sporting giants like Decathlon, and because of the weight of the product, shipping costs can be high. If you can, order via click & collect to avoid the extra charge.
- Consider material and shape: Rubber-coated weights are less slippery, offer good grip and are less likely to damage your floors. Metal dumbbells are often more accurate for the weight, but can catch on jewellery and leave marks on the floor. Weights with round ends will roll around, while flat-sided weights are easier to store, and thanks to their stability, they can be used safely in exercises such as press-ups.
Fixed vs adjustable dumbbells: Which is better?
Fixed dumbbells are affordable, while adjustable dumbbells are typically more expensive, costing over £200. Depending on where you're at in your fitness journey, there are pros and cons to both.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|---|
Fixed dumbbells | They are great for beginners as they are affordable and easy to use - just pick up and get lifting. | if you invest in only one set, you'll grow out of them quickly and need to purchase a heavier set if progressive overloading is part of your fitness goals. |
| Row 1 - Cell 0 | They are small and can easily be stored under your bed or couch between workouts | The heavier the weight, the more expensive the dumbbell. |
Adjustable dumbbells | Smart-tech adjustable options making it easier than ever to move between weights as you build strength | More expensive than fixed dumbbells |
| Row 3 - Cell 0 | Take up much less space than a collection of fixed dumbbells | Switching the plates of adjustable dumbbells can be time-consuming |
What are the benefits of dumbbell workouts for women 45+?
Using weights has a bad reputation in many circles outside of the world of fitness. Contrary to popular belief, strength training (also known as resistance training or weight lifting sometimes) with a pair of the best dumbbells isn't just for bodybuilders or those who want to build lots of muscle.
Incorporating a strength training element into your workouts can be beneficial for overall health and fitness. Lifting dumbbells - whether that's in a classic gym workout or a chair workout at home - not only builds strength, but it will also combat the natural loss of bone density that comes with menopause, improve posture and balance, reduce risk of injury and overall improve mental wellbeing by releasing the feel-good endorphins that leave you feeling strong and fit. A good dumbbell workout for beginners also builds endurance as you move through the reps and will boost your confidence as you work your way to heavier dumbbells.
By putting stress on the body through workouts with dumbbells, you'll develop stronger bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, too, personal trainer Aimee Victoria Long previously told woman&home.
Dumbbells are also a great introduction to strength training for women who haven't lifted weights before and are looking to do some resistance-led yoga mat workouts. They're relatively easy to use, once you master the correct posture with the help of a PT or one of the best strength training apps, and they can be less intimidating than squat racks and barbells at gyms.
