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Sometimes, all you need for an effective workout is a dumbbell. After tens of thousands of reps, these are our favourites

Bicep curls or burpees over dumbbells? Tricep extensions or heavy dumbbell snatches? Whatever your fitness poison, we've recruited the Men's Health hive mind to bring you the definitive guide to the best dumbbells to shop in 2023.

Just like adjustable dumbbells, barbells, weight benches, squat racks and battle ropes, the best dumbbells are the cornerstone of any home gym set-up. In fact, they should be at the top of the list — because when it comes to getting the most from your home workouts, few do it better than the humble dumbbell.

The best dumbbells are small, affordable and work with any type of workout — from muscle-tearing leg days to lung-busting CrossFit WODs — and, if you're short on space, nestle away tidily in a cupboard or under the sofa. With that in mind, read on for our guide to the best dumbbells.

Here's a quick snapshot of the best dumbbells to buy for your home gym workouts. For a more detialed breakdown of each, keep scrolling.

Dumbells are one of (if not the) most popular pieces of gym equipment for building muscle and developing strength – and for good reason. Not only do dumbbell exercises accelerate fat loss, help develop strength, build muscle mass and improve your cardio, they’re also super convenient. Ready-to-use and easily-scalable, you don’t need to worry about setting up a machine or loading up a barbell before getting your pump on.

With that in mind, here’s a few basic exercises you can perform using the dumbbells we recommend below. For a full list of our favourite exercises, see our 27 Best Dumbbell Exercises for Building Muscle.

Holding a dumbbell in each hand and with your arms hanging by your sides, curl the weights up to shoulder level while squeezing your biceps at the top of the movement. Slowly lower back down and repeat.

With your feet just wider than shoulder-width apart and your toes turned outwards slightly, hold a dumbbell at chest-height with your elbows high. Sit back into a squat, then drive back up and repeat.

Holding a dumbbell in each hand as though you’ve just finished a bicep curl, and with your palms facing your shoulders, push the dumbbells up over your head while rotating your arms until your palms face away from you. Straighten your arms, pause, then reverse the movement and repeat.

The great thing about dumbbells is that they’re easy to store at home. Whether you opt to fill up a whole dumbbell rack for the ultimate home gym experience or choose a small set you store under your bed, they’re not going to take up too much room.

If you’re particularly short on space, an adjustable dumbbell is the way to go. Housing multiple weights in one compact design, they’re both a more economic and space-saving alternative to buying separate dumbbells. The only downside is that they need loading.

As you’ll see below, there’s different materials and coatings to consider when shopping for dumbbells. If you’re worried about scratching your floors at home, then opt for a rubber dumbbell or another soft material. Also consider the types of exercises you’ll be doing. If you plan to perform ballistic movements, or you’re new to lifting weights and plan to try out movements for the first time, you might want to consider opting for a handle with a soft coating that will be kinder on your body than metal alternatives.

What you may not initially think of when shopping for dumbbells is their shape. While circular weights are the classic dumbbell design, dumbbells with flat edges – such as triangular and hex options – are worth considering if you plan to do dumbbell press ups, for example. Unlike round weights, flat dumbbells are also safer as they won’t roll around.

Read more: Best adjustable dumbbells | Best kettlebells | Best weighted vests | Best resistance bands | Best treadmills | Best rowing machines | Best exercise bikes | Best weight benches | Best gym bags

If you're looking for the very best dumbbell for your home workouts, it's hard to beat Bulldog Gear's Hex Dumbell 2.0. Made with knurled rubber handles and coated with a shock-absorbent rubber, the 'hex' design also allows the dumbbell to lay flat and, as such, help you to perform dumbbell exercises such as press-ups, renegade rows and devil's press without trouble. Weights range from 2.5kg to 50kg.

With settings ranging from 2 to 24kg, this pick from Bowflex was named 'Best dial adjustable dumbbell' in our round-up of the best adjustable dumbbells. By combining 15 different weights into one unique system, it eliminates the need for multiple weights or a dumbbell rack. If you want to go heavier, though, you may want to keep scrolling.

Want to keep things more affordable? No problem. For bang-for-your-buck, these are the best dumbbells we've found if you're looking to save cash. Opti's Cast Iron Dumbbells are adjustable — using a spinlock system — to help build bigger arms, stronger shoulders and thicker legs. Made with steel you can rack up each individual dumbbell to 20kg total weight. Ideal if you want to blast your arms at home every now and then.

If, for whatever reason, you opt for chrome-handled dumbbells over rubber alternatives, Bulldog Gear's Hex Dumbbells are the best choice for you. From 5kg up to 50kg, you won't be stuck for choice. The dumbbell handles are knurled for additional grip and the dumbbell heads are coated with virgin rubber to protect your surfaces. Ideal for high-intensity workouts and bodybuilding.

Designed specifically for varied training styles, Domyos' dumbbell is designed to protect against impact with a hexagonal silhouette — making it ideal for press-ups and another bodybuilding staples. The knurled grip keeps you in control when you get sweaty, and the dumbbell stacks away nicely.

Fancy something a little more high-tech? JAXJOX's DumbbellConnect is the world's first electronic adjustable dumbbell. The JAXJOX app can track reps, volume, sets, average power output and workout duration in real-time. Using the central button, you can also toggle an increase or decrease in weights across increments of 3kg up to 22.7kg, making mid-workout weight changes a breeze.

After something a little more luxe? Technogym's Chrome Dumbbells are just the ticket. Using the same high-quality finish as motorcycles, Technogym's sleek chrome dumbbells are sweat proof and have higher resistance against damage.

A strength and bodybuilding staple brand, Hammer Strength are tough, durable and come with anti-roll heads for high-intensity workouts. Weights go from 2.5kg to 50kg and come as a pair. Use the code DRCT10 for 10% off.

After a more Globo Gym feel? Try Jordan's classic rubber dumbbells on for size. Used for bodybuilding, functional training and classic dumbbell exercises, the dumbbells feature a contoured chrome handle and a new design for added safety.

Want to go big? This dumbbell rack from Phoenix Fitness is ideal if you're looking to deck out your home gym. The dumbbells range from 2.5kg to 25kg, each with a chrome handle for a more comfortable grip. The rubberised coating will help prevent damage too.