The 5 Best Dumbbell Sets for Women
Dumbbells are a cornerstone of many workout routines—especially at-home workout routines. We’ve curated a list of 5 dumbbell sets that are great options for women.
What makes these “the best”? They all have the right build quality, convenience, and value for money – dumbells that will serve you well in the years to come!
A Foreword From Tosca
Strength is a feminine trait
I think, too often, strength-building fitness products are targeted toward men. We’ve been told that muscular women are too masculine to be pretty and all sorts of other lies. But I believe strength is a key tenet of femininity—be it mental, emotional, or physical.
I hope this list helps you feel strong, powerful, and feminine, whatever femininity means to you. Bring on your strong!
Amazon Basics Neoprene Workout Dumbbells
$38
Pros
- Easy to grip
- Neoprene coating softens corners to prevent environmental damage
- Fit well in smaller hands
Cons
- Rack could be higher quality
The Amazon Basics dumbbells are a great option if you’re just looking for some simple hand weights. The set includes 2 3-pound weights, 2 5-pound weights, 2 8-pound weights, and a small rack. Thanks to the neoprene coating, they’re easy to grip, even when sweaty.
NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells
$429
Pros
- Replaces several weights with 2 dumbbells
- Automatic weight adjustments
- Access to exclusive workouts
Cons
- Expensive
- Digital components may require maintenance
The future is here! This pair of dumbbells works with Alexa, adjusting weight in 5-pound increments according to voice commands. The iSelect dumbbells come with a 30-day family subscription to iFit, so you can stream workouts on various devices.
FIAR Adjustable Weight Dumbbells
$70
Pros
- Handles made for smaller hands
- Rubber coating prevents damage to floors
- Safely & quickly add or remove weight
Cons
- Contain latex
- Limited to 5 pounds each
The FIAR Adjustable Weight Dumbbells are a stylish and space-saving option for anyone who wants a range of weights without the clutter of multiple dumbbells. Each dumbbell can easily be adjusted to weigh 2, 3, 4, or 5 pounds. The handle is coated in rubber, which contains latex.
Above Genius Hand Weight Set
$40
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- Set of 6 includes 3 different weights
- Hand straps make them easier to hold during cardio
Cons
- Maximum weight is 3 pounds
This set of soft weights is designed for running, jogging, or any other cardio activity that could benefit from additional resistance. The sand-filled weights are soft and come with hand straps, so you don’t risk dropping them and injuring yourself.
Feierdun 4-in-1 Dumbbells
$160
Pros
- Extremely versatile set
- Wide range of weights
- Non-slip bar
Cons
- Adjusting weight takes time
- Several pieces to store
This is another adjustable set, but it goes beyond dumbbells. This set’s various attachments and weights allow you to use it as kettlebells, dumbbells, a barbell, and a pushup stand. The multiple configurations can weigh as little as 6 pounds and as much as 50.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For When Buying Dumbbell Sets
Footprint
How much space do you have for weights in your workout area? If space is limited, you may want to choose adjustable weights or at least invest in a rack for your dumbbells.
Size
Optimism is great, but it’s important to be realistic. How much weight can you safely lift? Start by investing in the weights you know you’ll use. You can always invest in heavier weights later.
Materials
Think about your grip. If your palms sweat a lot, avoiding plain metal is best. Neoprene or rubber coating may improve your grip and soften the weight’s fall if you drop it. Also, remember natural rubber contains latex, which can cause allergic reactions with continued exposure.