Home workouts are kind of the best: You can show up in your jammies, rock out to the Wicked soundtrack without shame, or simultaneously stream your Housewives city of choice to help get your heart rate up. But while the vibe of your home gym might be chill, your programming shouldn’t be—and research shows that any well-rounded workout routine should include weight training. Since choosing the best weights for your home gym can be more intimidating than a recently divorced Bravo star locked in a vacation home with five frenemies, we’ve enlisted experts to help you find the perfect equipment to meet your needs, preferences, and skill level.
Regular weight training is important for many reasons. It helps build muscle tone, promote bone health, reduce back pain, improve heart health, and more. And you don’t need to be a professional bodybuilder to reap these benefits, either: “Building muscle at home is totally possible, with the right weights and consistent effort,” Sal Nakhlawi, founder and strength coach at StrongHER Girls, an online fitness coaching platform, tells SELF.
So, what are the “right weights”? It depends on your fitness level, preferred workouts, goals, and more, says Zack Daley, NASM CPT, head coach at fitness studio Tone House. Below, experts weigh in (heh) on how to find the right weights for your home gym.
Our top picks
- Best Dumbbells: Bells of Steel Ergo Rubber Hex Dumbbells
- Best Adjustable Dumbbells: BowFlex SelectTech 552
- Best Budget Dumbbells: Spri Dumbbells
- Best Dumbbells for Beginners: Amazon Basics Barbell Lifting Dumbbells Weight Set
- Best Splurge Dumbbells: SMRTFT Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best Dumbbell Set: CAP Barbell Dumbbell Set
- Best Fixed Barbell: Titan Straight Rubber Fixed Barbell
- Best Barbell for Beginners: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Set
- Best Budget Barbell: Yes4All Standard Straight Barbell
- Best Bumper Plates: Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates
- Best Ankle Weights: Bala Bangles
How to find the best weights for your home gym
According to the experts we spoke with, there are a few criteria to keep in mind while shopping for a set of home gym weights.
Type of weights: dumbbell vs barbell
Daley says your two main options for outfitting your home gym are dumbbells or barbells. And for newbies, dumbbells are likely the better option. “They’re the most universal piece of equipment for any home gym due to the amount of exercises you can perform with them,” he says.
Daley prefers hex dumbbells, a type of dumbbell with a hexagonal-shaped weight plate. “The flat, six-sided shape prevents this type of dumbbell from rolling when placed on the floor,” he says. Daley also likes adjustable dumbbells, or versatile weights that allow users to change the amount of weight on a single dumbbell using a plate, dial, or pin system. “They’re great for people who have less space to work with; however, they are the more expensive option,” he says.
Barbells might be a better choice if you’re looking to lift heavier or increase the intensity of your movements, says Daley. “Barbell training is a great way to find muscle imbalances due to the stabilization of each exercise. Both sides of your body have to work in tandem to support and lift the weight with proper form,” he says.
If you opt for barbells, Daley recommends investing in the following equipment:
- A 35-pound or 45-pound barbell, depending on your needs
- A barbell plate set that includes multiple wait options (10s, 25s, 35s, and 45s is a good place to start). Daley specifically recommends bumper plates “because they’re rubber and less harmful if dropped,” he says.
- Barbell clamps to avoid weight shifting during your lifts
One very important note: Daley does not recommend barbell training at home if you don’t have access to the proper training or safety measures, like a squat rack or spotter. Poor form and misuse of your equipment can easily lead to injuries—potentially severe ones.
If you have more of a workout corner than a home gym, an adjustable weight set could make sense. “These are designed with a designated rack that has layers of weights within it, like a pancake stack,” Daley says.
If you have a lot of space to work with (lucky you!) Daley recommends purchasing a weight bench to increase the amount of exercises you can do with your dumbbells. And if you’re lifting with a barbell and have the room anyway, you might want to consider buying a squat rack as well.
Weights are typically made from metal, but many of the experts we spoke to prefer ones that are covered in rubber. “If you accidentally drop them, the padding will do less damage than a metal weight,” says Nakhlawi. Look for rubber or neoprene coatings that can take a beating.
Some people like traditional round weights, while others, like certified personal trainer and Le Sweat founder Charlee Atkins, prefer hexagonal dumbbells that won’t roll around when you set them down. She says they’re also safer for certain exercises, like renegade rows.
Your fitness level and goals
Beginner weightlifters might want to opt for dumbbells because they’re easier to control, says Daley. But if you want to lift pretty heavy weights, then barbells might be a better fit. Nakhlawi says a general rule is that you should be able to perform eight to 12 repetitions with good form with whatever weight you choose to use (this is the sweet spot for muscle growth).
Atkins adds that you should also be thinking about your go-to workouts as you shop. How do you like to move, and which equipment will you use the most?
How we chose these weights
To curate our list of the best weights, we asked personal trainers and fitness experts what they look for in at-home exercise equipment, as well as their personal recommendations for weights and weight sets. We also tested some of these weights ourselves as part of SELF’s Home Fitness Awards.
Shop the best weights for home
No need to navigate a crowded weight room when you have these dumbbells, barbells, and ankle weights.
Best Dumbbells: Bells of Steel Ergo Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Bells of Steel
Ergo Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Pros
- High-quality materials and design
- Wide range of weights
- Testers and experts agree they’re comfortable to use
Cons
- None—practically perfect
Daley notes that, unlike round dumbbells, hex (or hexagonal) weights have a shape that prevents them from rolling when they’re placed on the floor—a nice bonus if you’re working out around kids or pets. This 2024 Home Fitness Award-winning hex set from Bells of Steel is also coated in rubber, another feature experts recommend because “if you accidentally drop them, the padding will do less damage than, say, a metal weight,” Nakhlawi says.
Choose your ideal mix of weights in pairs ranging from 5 to 100 pounds, or pick up one of the brand’s pre-made sets (just note they can get pricey). All of the handles are chrome-plated, rust-resistant, and ergonomically designed for a secure, comfortable grip.
Weights available: 2.5 to 125 pounds | Material: Cast iron, rubber, chrome-plated steel
Best Adjustable Dumbbells: BowFlex SelectTech 552
Pros
- Space-saving
- Easy to use
- Wide range of weights
- Smaller-than-average weight increments
Cons
- Plastic adjustment dial isn’t the most durable
These dumbbells won a SELF Home Fitness Award three years in a row, have over 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and were recommended by all of the experts we spoke with. “I like that they allow you to change the weight without needing a rack of dumbbells,” Nakhlawi says.
The simple dial makes it easy to adjust between weights, although some reviewers have found that it wears out over time. (To avoid this issue, choose weights you can lift safely and confidently and take care when adjusting between weights.) We also love that these dumbbells offer small, 2.5-pound increments up to 25 pounds and 5-pound increments beyond that, for progressive training.
Weights available: 5 to 52.5 lbs per dumbbell | Material: Steel, nylon, plastic, thermoplastic Rubber
Best Budget Dumbbells: Spri
Pros
- Good value
- Hex-shaped and rubber-coated
Cons
- Some Amazon shoppers noticed an unpleasant odor while unboxing them
These basic dumbbells have almost 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and they check a lot of boxes for their price. They’re hexagon-shaped and rubber-coated, so they won’t roll around or scratch up your floors. Meanwhile, contoured chrome handles offer great grip.
SPRI dumbbells are sold in pairs and come in weights ranging from 3 to 40 pounds. Reviewers report that they’re well-made and pretty durable, although some say they have an unpleasant odor out of the box.
Weights available: 3 to 40 pounds | Material: Metal, rubber
Best Dumbbells for Beginners: Amazon Basics Barbell Dumbbells
Amazon Basics
Adjustable Barbell Lifting Dumbbells Weight Set
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good value
- Barbells are textured for better grip
Cons
- Switching between weights takes some time
- Plastic storage case isn’t very durable
If you’re just starting out on your weightlifting journey, this set of dumbbells from AmazonBasics has all you need (for now). It comes with 3-pound barbells, four 2.5-pound plates, four 5-pound plates, and four 0.5-pound collars—meaning the weights are adjustable between 7 and 24 pounds total. The plates have threaded collars, so you’ll have to screw them on and off to change the weight. Still, it’s a pretty simple process (even if it’s not the quickest).
“These weights are perfect for my needs,” one SELF tester says. “I just wanted something to be able to do a little more strength training at home, so these are perfect. It’s very easy to change the weight amount, which is key for me also.” Thousands of other Amazon reviewers agree; shoppers say this set is a great value, at around $50, and is great for beginners or occasional lifters. It comes with a plastic carrying case for easy storage and transport, which is a nice bonus feature, although some reviewers say it’s not the most durable.
Weights available: 7 to 24 pounds | Material: Steel, plastic
Best Splurge Dumbbells: SMRTFT Adjustable Dumbbells
SMRTFT
Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros
- Sleek design
- Mechanism makes switching between weight amounts easy
- Amazon shoppers say they feel grippy
Cons
- Very expensive
These adjustable dumbbells come recommended by the experts we spoke with for weight training pros who do some serious training at home. “If you have the budget and want a bigger selection of weights to choose from, these are a great option,” says Daley. “They’re great quality, with a sleek design.” Instead of a dial, they have an innovative twist-and-lock selection system that Amazon shoppers say is pretty easy to use.
The range in weight is impressive too—these weights range from 5 to 80 pounds. Reviewers say the knurled handlebars offer superb grip (no slippage here). However, we don’t recommend these for beginners—not only because they’re pretty pricey, but also because they’re heavier than most of our experts suggested for new weightlifters.
Weights available: 5 to 80 pounds | Material: Steel, plastic
Best Dumbbell Set: CAP Barbell Dumbbell Set
Pros
- Rubber-coated hex dumbbells
- Weights range up to 150 pounds
- Vertical storage rack takes up less space
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers noticed that the weights had an oily coating when they arrived
CAP Barbell included everything you need in this set, with ten pairs of dumbbells ranging from 5 to 25 pounds and a vertical weight rack for easy storage and organization. Made with that signature hex shape, the dumbbells are coated in rubber to protect your floors (a key pro, according to Daley) and have grippy, knurled handles for moves like planks.
While lots of Amazon reviewers agree that this set is priced correctly, some note that the weights arrived with an oily coating on them—but they say a quick wipe down with soap and water seems to fix the issue.
Weights available: 5 to 25 pounds | Material: Steel, rubber
Best Fixed Barbell: Titan Straight Rubber Fixed Barbell
Titan Fitness
Straight Rubber Fixed Barbell
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Lots of weights to choose from
Cons
- Not as versatile as others on this list
As SELF has previously reported, fixed or pre-loaded barbells are shorter than regular barbells and easy to move around, since there’s no chance the plates will slide off either end. This one from Titan Fitness is available in 20-pound to 110-pound options.
Amazon shoppers love that it arrives well-packaged (no in-transit damage here) and “looks expensive,” as one put it. While the downside of a fixed barbell is that it’s, well, fixed—meaning you can’t adjust how much weight you put on it—weights like this one are a great choice for biceps curls or overhead presses. FYI: They aren’t recommended for powerlifting, since they’re too short to fit in power racks with safety bars and the plates are on the smaller side.
Weights available: 20 to 110 pounds | Material: Steel, rubber
Best Barbell for Beginners: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Set
Nice C
Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Set
Pros
- A great value
- Design opens up more training options
- Lighter than most bars
Cons
- Bar is made from neoprene-coated plastic
If you’ve never used a barbell before, this set from Nice C is a good place to start. It comes with multiple bars and plates so you can switch between adjustable dumbbells and barbells (a game-changer if you’re low on funds, space, or both).
The bar itself is super light, at just 0.5 pounds, so you can start small and work your way up as you gain more experience. The coated plates allow you to lift up to 55 pounds total, whether you’re using the dumbbells or the barbell. One thing to note: While we like that the bars are all coated in slip-resistant neoprene, the bars themselves are plastic—not metal.
Weights available: 11 to 88 pounds | Material: Neoprene, plastic
Best Budget Barbell: Yes4all Standard Straight Barbell
Yes4All
Standard Straight Barbell
Pros
- Good value
- Can handle heavy weights (up to 400 pounds, according to one Amazon shopper)
- Bar is knurled for better grip
Cons
- Shorter and smaller than Olympic barbells
- Won’t fit in most squat racks
Simple, sturdy, and loved by shoppers—this barbell has it all, at a decent price. It’s 60 inches long, with a 1-inch diameter, and made of solid alloy steel with a knurled pattern for great grip. The ends are threaded too, so the included collars will stay put while you lift.
Yes4All claims this barbell has a 480-pound weight limit. While we haven’t tested it for ourselves, one Amazon shopper confirms that it can handle up to 400 pounds without bending or breaking. As a heads up, it’s shorter and smaller than most average barbells, so it won’t fit in most squat racks.
Weights available: Holds up to 400 pounds | Material: Steel
Best Bumper Plates: Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates
Titan Fitness
Urethane Bumper Plates
Pros
- Super durable
- Bright colors make it easy to tell weights apart
Cons
- Tough to grip
Daley recommends bumper plates coated in rubber as opposed to all-metal weight plates because they’re less of a safety risk if you drop them. While bumper plates tend to be more expensive, these from Titan Fitness aren’t too pricey. Each one (they’re sold individually) has a cast iron core and a bright, urethane coating that makes it easy to tell different weights apart.
Amazon reviewers describe them as solid and well-made. However, urethane can be a bit slippery, which may make these plates tricky to grip at times.
Weights available: 15 kg or 33 pounds | Material: Cast iron, urethane
Best Ankle Weights: Bala Bangles
Pros
- Can be worn on your wrists or ankles
- Come in cute colors
- Mesh carrying bag included
- 1- and 2-pound pairs available
Cons
- A little pricey
- Not very heavy
Whether you should invest in a pair of ankle weights depends on your training regimen and goals, says Daley. “Though they aren’t super heavy, they can be extremely challenging and beneficial when it comes to static or isolating movements that trigger small twitch muscle groups,” he explains.
We love this Home Fitness Award-winning pair from Bala because they’re easy to throw on during a walk, your favorite workout class, or marathon Sunday resets around the house. Our tester, who’s been using them for years, also likes that they’re cute—they’re “an easy way to feel like I’m making my everyday movement ‘count’ a little more,” she says.
Weights available: 1, 2, or 3 pounds | Material: Steel, silicone
Other great options
While these weights didn’t make it into our top picks, we still think they’re solid options considering. If you haven’t found your perfect match yet, one of these sets could be the winner.
Powerblock Sport 24
Pros
- Compact design
- Small, 3-pound weight increments
- Often $200 less than our best overall pick
Cons
- Amazon reviewers say the pin system isn’t the fastest adjustment process
Certified personal trainer and strength coach Amanda Katz recommends this Powerblock set, which is great for beginners or those who prefer to stick to lighter weights for high-rep workouts. These dumbbells range from 3 to 24 pounds, and you can use the included magnetic pin to adjust them in 3-pound increments for more precise training progressions.
Low on space? This set is super compact (it’s only 10 inches long). We also like that it comes in fun colors, like dusty lavender and sky blue. Another bonus: Powerblock sells a barbell attachment separately, so you can try new exercises without needing to buy tons of separate pieces.
Weights available: 3 to 24 pounds | Material: Steel
BalanceFrom Dumbbell Set
Pros
- Comes with three sets of weights and a plastic rack
- Weights have a grippy neoprene coating
- Over 13,000 five-star Amazon reviews
Cons
- Some shoppers say the rack is flimsy
This set comes with everything beginners need to get started. Your purchase includes three pairs of cast iron dumbbells (in Daley’s favorite hexagonal shape) coated in anti-slip neoprene, plus a foldable plastic rack with a handle. We appreciate the range of weights—with 5-, 8-, and 12-pound dumbbells, this set includes heavier weights than many other beginner options we’ve seen on the market.
Over 13,000 satisfied Amazon shoppers call out the weights’ durability, comfy grip, and great value. While the plastic stand may not be the sturdiest, we still think BalanceFrom is worth the investment for new weightlifters.
Weights available: 5, 8, and 12 pounds | Material: Cast iron, neoprene
Frequently asked questions about shopping for weights
Can you build muscle with weights at home?
Building muscle at home is absolutely possible if you have the right weights and use them frequently, Nakhlawi says. “Home workouts can help you be consistent because of their flexibility,” she adds. “You can fit in a workout no matter what your schedule looks like because you don’t have to commute to a gym or workout class.”
And while you may assume the more weight, the better, this isn’t strictly true, says Nakhlawi— the amount of weight you lift does play a role in building muscle, but it’s not the only factor. “If you’re lifting too light, you may not be providing enough stimulus to your muscles; conversely, if your weights are too heavy, you might struggle to maintain proper form, increasing your risk of injury.”
What weight dumbbells should I buy?
People tend to underestimate how much they can lift and opt for very light weights, according to Atkins. Daley says you really only need two to three pairs of weights to start lifting at home—Nakhlawi’s advice is to “aim for a light 5- to 15-pound, a medium 15- to 25-pound, and a heavy, 30-plus-pound set of dumbbells.”
“You can use the light and medium pair for upper and full body movements, and the heavier pair for lower body movements,” she says. “As you make progress, you can purchase an even heavier set of dumbbells or you get an adjustable pair.”
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