The Best Dumbbell Weights for Women: 7 Options That Can Increase Your Strength in 2024
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Gone are the days when women shy away from weights. Nowadays, the research is pretty clear that lifting weights not only changes your body composition, but it can also make you stronger and improve your self-esteem. If you’re looking to add strength training to your home fitness routine, you’ve come to the right place.
Dumbbells are one of the most basic pieces of fitness equipment, but one of the most versatile, too. They’re a foundation of gyms everywhere, but they can be intimidating if you’re never used them before. To combat this, the best dumbbells for women are easy to use (and grip) and come in a range of weights that can help you meet your individual fitness goals.
For example, if you’re looking to add some weights to your cardio routine, you may want a lower-weight pair that’s easy to hold while you’re on the move. If you want a full set, but don’t have the space, an adjustable dumbbell may be the answer for you.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best dumbbells for women for all situations. There are fully rubber-coated options, as well as neoprene-free weights that are easy to slide under your bed when you’re not using them. We’ve also included buying advice, so if you’re not sure how to pick the best weights for you, you can use our tips to help you narrow down your options.
Our Picks for the Best Dumbbells for Women in 2024:
- Best Full Dumbbell Set for Women: Living.Fit Dumbbell Set
- Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Women: REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best Rubber Coated Dumbbells for Women: REP Fitness Rubber Coated Dumbbells
- Best Free Weight Dumbbells for Women: Living.Fit Hex Dumbbells
- Best Neoprene Dumbbells for Women: ProForm Neoprene Dumbbell Set
- Best High-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells for Women: NordicTrack 55 Lb. Select-A-Weight Dumbbells
- Best Beginner Dumbbells for Women: REP Fitness Ergo Hex Dumbbells
Best Full Dumbbell Set for Women: Living.Fit Dumbbell Set
Living.Fit
Key Features:
- 5-100 pound weight range
- Handles have an ergonomic design and knurling for grip
- Lifetime warranty for home gym use
If you’re looking for a full set of dumbbells for resistance training, the Living.Fit Dumbbell Set is an excellent choice. Each dumbbell has a knurled, ergonomically designed handle that makes it easier to grip, and an anti-roll hex shape that ensures it stays exactly where you set it down. There are several weight set options to choose from which are great for beginners or advanced athletes. The dumbbell set options include the following:
- 5-25 pounds
- 5-50 pounds
- 5-75 pounds
- 5-100 pounds
- 55-75 pounds
- 80 to 100 pounds
If you’re looking for specific weight, pairs and singles can be purchased as well. Each dumbbell head is coated in rubber for a softer landing, and each one is marked with a specific weight increment, so you can easily identify them during your workout. These don’t come with a weight rack, so you’ll have to purchase one separately if you want a more streamlined storage solution.
Pros:
- Wide range of weights
- Anti-roll design
- Knurled handle for easier grip
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a weight rack
Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Women: REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells
REP Fitness
Key Features:
- Pairs come with weights, handles and collars
- Weight ranges from 4-85 pounds
- Smaller weight increments are available
Adjustable dumbbells give you a full range of different weights without taking up a ton of space, and this adjustable dumbbell set from REP Fitness is our top pick. The 20-pound pair includes the handle, collars, four five-pound plates and four 2.5-pound weights. These dumbbells adjust to increase and decrease the weight in 2.5 and five-pound increments.
The 52.5-pound pair also includes handles and collars and comes with 16 five-pound plates, four 2.5-pound plates and four 1.25-pound plates. This set gives you even more weight increments to work with and you can make adjustments as small as 1.25 pounds.
There is a 40-pound add-on set that comes with four 10-pound weights but does not include the handles and collars. The slim weight plates are connected to an ergonomic handle that’s designed for a firm-yet-comfortable grip.
Pros:
- Knurled bar for better grip
- Spinlock keeps weights securely in place
- Takes the multiple dumbbell sets
Cons:
- Plates are not rubber coated
Best Rubber Coated Dumbbells for Women: REP Fitness Rubber Coated Dumbbells
REP Fitness
Key Features:
- Completely encased in rubber
- Textured handle
- Compact design
If you’re looking for hex-style dumbbells, but don’t like a knurled grip, the REP Fitness Rubber Coated Dumbbells are a good choice. The dumbbells are entirely encased in rubber, so they’re easier on your hands. They still have a firm grip, though, and the brand says they hold chalk just as well as other types of dumbbells. The rubber coating also protects them, and makes them less prone to chipping and rusting.
The design is more compact than the standard rubber hex dumbbells from the brand, so they take up less space in your home gym. You can purchase the dumbbells in pairs from five pounds to 50 pounds, or in sets from five to 100 pounds.
Pros:
- Easier on the hands than non-coated dumbbells
- Take up less space than other dumbbells
- Can purchase individually or in sets
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Free Weight Dumbbells for Women: Living.Fit Hex Dumbbells
Living.Fit
Key Features:
- 5-100 pound weight range
- Rubber head and knurled handles
- Free shipping
The Living.Fit Hex Dumbbells give you a lot of freedom over your hand weights. They come in pairs or singles, ranging from five pounds to 100 pounds, so you can put together your own set or buy a pair or two to round out the rest of your home gym equipment. The design isn’t anything extraordinary—these have standard hexagonal-shaped weights attached to a non-slip knurled steel bar—but they are high quality and built to withstand the toughest home workouts. The rubber weights also make for a softer landing, so you won’t damage your floors like you can with cast iron dumbbells.
Pros:
- High-quality and durable rubber
- Come in single pairs
- Non-slip, no-roll design
Cons:
- No 2.5-pound weight increments
Best Neoprene Dumbbells for Women: ProForm Neoprene Dumbbell Set
ProForm
Key Features:
- Set of three (three, five and eight pounds)
- Neoprene-coated
- Basic hex design
Sometimes a basic neoprene set is all you need to reach your fitness goals. Neoprene gives dumbbells a softer feel, so they’re easier on your hands. It also adds some durability, so you can use them repeatedly without worrying about premature breakdown.
This budget-friendly set comes with three pairs of dumbbells—three pounds, five pounds and eight pounds—that have a hex design that prevents them from rolling when you’re in between sets. They’re an excellent choice for versatility, and can be easily stored away under your bed or in a closet when not in use.
Related Post: The Best Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Three dumbbell sets for versatility
- Design helps prevent rolling
Cons:
- No higher weight options
Best High-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells for Women: NordicTrack 55 Lb. Select-A-Weight Dumbbells
NordicTrack
Key Features:
- Quick selector pin
- Five weight increments, from 10-55 pounds
- iFIT compatible
If your goal is to build muscle and increase strength, you’ll need to lift heavier weights. Adjustable weights give you the freedom to start out small and work your way up, or adjust the weight incrementally depending on which type of exercise you’re doing. The NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells earned the spot of best high-weight adjustable dumbbells because they go all the way up to 55 pounds, but also give you the option to dial back to 10, 15 and 20 pounds, as needed. The biggest difference between the 55- and 25-pound sets is that the 55-pound set starts at 10 pounds and adjusts in 2.5 to five-pound increments all the way up to 55 pounds.
Pros:
- Knurled bar for better grip
- Easy to change weights in between sets
- Takes the place of five dumbbell sets
Cons:
- No expansion packs available for higher weights
Best Beginner Dumbbells for Women: REP Fitness Ergo Hex Dumbbells
REP Fitness
Key Features:
- 5-100 pound weight range
- Pairs and sets available
- Premium rubber coating is low-odor
If you’re just starting out, you may want to consider an easier-entry option like the REP Fitness Ergo Hex Dumbbells. These dumbbells come in a variety of weight options from five to 100 pounds and weights under 30 pounds come in 2.5-pound increments. The pairs that are 35 to 100 pounds come in five-pound increments. A wide range of weight choices is great for beginners who want to start with one or two pairs and add more as their strength increases. These weights can be used during HIIT workouts and strength training.
Pros:
- Weights under 30 pounds come in 2.5-pound increments
- Friction welding creates a secure connection between the head and handles
- Hexagonal design prevents rolling and makes storage easy
Cons:
- Costs of the pairs can add up quickly
What to Look for When Choosing Weights for Women
Experience level
Your experience level should come into play when choosing the right weights for you. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want a set that’s easy to grip and easy on the hands. That may mean opting for dumbbells that are rubber-coated and don’t have any texture or knurling. If you’re an experienced lifter, you may be used to the textured grip and find it useful for heavier weight training.
Weight options
Dumbbells come in a range of weight options. You can buy single pairs, or sets that include several pairs. When choosing the best dumbbells for women, you’ll want to consider how many weight options you want and what you want the weight range to be. If you’re a beginner, you may want to stick to the lower end and choose weights in the three- to 12-pound ranges. If you’re an experienced lifter, you’ll probably want 15- to 25-pound weights. It’s also a good idea to get different weight options for varying exercises. For example, you may want a lower weight for a bicep curl but a higher weight for a dumbbell squat.
Type of grip
When considering the type of grip, you’ll want to think about your experience level (more on that above), but also your preferences. Do you prefer a soft grip or a textured one? Do you like a straight handle or an ergonomically designed one? It’s also a good idea to think about how much you sweat. If your hands get sweaty during a workout, a rubber grip may be more prone to slippage, while a textured grip allows you to maintain more control.
Ease of use
All dumbbells are pretty user-friendly, but if you’re opting for more advanced sets, like adjustable dumbbells, you’ll want to consider how easy they are to use. Some adjustable dumbbells, like the NordicTrack option on our list, have quick-change selector pins, while others require you to swap out weight plates like you would with a barbell. Some of this comes down to personal preferences, but the quick-adjust dumbbells are a lot easier to use and store since all the plates stay stacked together on the dumbbell.
Quality
Dumbbells can take a beating, especially if weightlifting is a regular part of your home fitness routine. Because of that, you want to focus on quality equipment that will last through many years of workouts. Opt for steel, urethane, cast iron and rubber over foam and chrome.
Space
A single pair of dumbbells is easy to store under your bed or in your closet, but if you’re opting for a whole set, you’ll want to consider your space constraints. A full rack of individual dumbbells can take up a lot of room, while adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving way to have multiple weights at your fingertips. If you have a dedicated space for your at-home workouts, individual dumbbells can work, but if not, you’ll probably want to opt for something more compact.
Cost
Cost is always top of mind when making any purchase. When choosing a dumbbell set, consider the overall cost of the set, or each pair if they’re sold separately, as well as the cost of any racks or storage equipment you may have to buy. If you’re opting for NordicTrack’s adjustable dumbbells, you’ll also want to think about the cost of an iFIT subscription if you’re planning to hook them up to the service.
How We Chose the Best Dumbbell Weights for Women
All women are different, so we wanted to make sure to include a variety of options that could suit every fitness goal and experience level. We looked at all the dumbbells for women available and narrowed down our list based on ease of use, durability and quality. We also considered the available weights and ranges in a set, and made sure to recommend options that could work for beginners to heavier lifters. When making our decision, we were also cognizant of space and budget constraints.
How to Use Dumbbell Weights
Dumbbell weights are extremely versatile, so there are numerous exercises you can do with them. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter, dumbbells can help you get to your next goal.
Which exercises you’ll want to do depends on you what muscles you’re trying to work and what you’re trying to achieve, but here are some basic moves to get you started:
Bicep curls
The aptly named bicep curls target the biceps and the muscles in the front of your arm. They can also improve joint function and strength. To do a bicep curl, hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing forward. Bend your elbows, keeping them close to your body, to bring the weight up to your chest. Lower the weights to the starting position and repeat for 12 to 15 reps.
Renegade rows
Renegade rows work muscles in your upper body, like your triceps, as well as your core and back muscles. With a dumbbell in each hand, get into a push-up position, resting your weight on the dumbbells. Engage your core, then raise one of the weights up and next to your chest by bending your elbow. Support your weight with your other hand that’s still braced on the ground. Lower your arm back to the starting position and repeat for 12 to 15 reps. Do the same on the other side. (You can also do this workout with kettlebells).
Dumbbell squats
Squats can be a bodyweight exercise or you can use dumbbells to take the resistance up a notch. Dumbbell squats target the lower body, engaging major muscle groups like the quads, glutes and hamstrings. To do a dumbbell squat, put your feet hip-width apart and hold a dumbbell at your side in each hand. Lower yourself into a squatting position and then return to a standing position. Repeat for 12 to 15 reps.
Best Dumbbells for Women FAQs
How many days a week should women lift weights?
If you have specific fitness goals, it’s best to work with a personal trainer to develop a lifting schedule. That being said, it’s generally recommended to strength train all your major muscle groups at least two times a week.
What size weights should women use for toning?
If you’re trying to tone or reduce the appearance of body fat, you can use lower weights than if you’re trying to build muscle mass or strength. The exact weight is very individualized, but many women can “tone” with two- to 10-pound dumbbell pairs. It’s worth noting, however, that higher weights won’t necessarily bulk you up.
Which dumbbell weight is best for women?
This depends on your current fitness level and your goals. If your goal is to reduce body fat while increasing lean muscle mass, you can use lower weights. If you want to build muscle mass and strength, higher weights may be better. Again, what’s “low” and “high” for you is relative—heavy weight for a beginner is not the same as it is for an advanced lifter.
What dumbbell weight will tone your arms?
There’s no single answer to this question. It depends on your fitness level and how consistent you are with your fitness. If you’re just starting out, you may want to start with two- to three-pound dumbbells, then work your way to up to five to 10 pounds or higher.
Final Thoughts
The best dumbbells for women depend on multiple factors, like your current fitness level, wellness goals and preferences. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options to suit most women. When choosing dumbbells, consider the weight options, quality and price. Also, decide where you want to store them and if you have room for a full set or just a couple pairs. These factors will make a huge difference in determining the best weights for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
