13 Best Weights for Your Home Gym to Get a Full-Body Workout in 2025

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

1. Best Dumbbells: Bells of Steel Ergo Rubber Hex Dumbbells
2. Best Adjustable Dumbbells: BowFlex SelectTech 552
3. Best Budget Dumbbells: Spri Dumbbells
4. Best Dumbbells for Beginners: Amazon Basics Barbell Lifting Dumbbells Weight Set
5. Best Splurge Dumbbells: SMRTFT Adjustable Dumbbells
6. Best Dumbbell Set: CAP Barbell Dumbbell Set
7. Best Fixed Barbell: Titan Straight Rubber Fixed Barbell
8. Best Barbell for Beginners: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Set
9. Best Budget Barbell: Yes4All Standard Straight Barbell
10. Best Bumper Plates: Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates
11. 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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.

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.

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.

Best Dumbbells for Beginners: Amazon Basics Barbell Dumbbells

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.

Best Splurge Dumbbells: SMRTFT Adjustable Dumbbells

Pros

• Sleek design
• Mechanism makes switching between weight amounts easy
• Amazon shoppers say they feel grippy

Cons

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.

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.

Best Fixed Barbell: Titan 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.

Best Barbell for Beginners: 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.

Best Budget 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.

Best Bumper Plates: Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates

Pros

• Super durable
• Bright colors make it easy to tell weights apart

Cons

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.

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.

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.

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