Dumbbells & Weights

Free weights are the simplest, most flexible tool in a home gym — dumbbells, barbells, and plates that don't need a motor, cables, or a rack to use. This collection spans four brands and covers dumbbells, Olympic barbells, bumper plates, and dumbbell storage, from $199.95 up to $4,289 for our heaviest commercial dumbbell set.

For dumbbells specifically: the XMARK 12-Sided Commercial Urethane Dumbbells come in 5-50 lb or 5-75 lb graduated sets, sold bare or bundled with a storage rack; the AVF Rubber Hex Dumbbells ($1,497) cover a 5-50 lb range in a rubber-coated hex head; and the Major Fitness Urethane Octagonal-Shield Dumbbells ($2,449.99) use an octagonal head instead of the more common hex or 12-sided shape. If you already own dumbbells and just need somewhere to put them, the Synergee Dumbbell & Kettlebell Rack ($199.95) holds either dumbbells or kettlebells depending on the configuration you order.

For barbell training, the Major Fitness 7ft Olympic Barbell ($759.99, a 20kg/44 lb bar) and the stiffer Major Fitness Heritage Series Power Bar ($899.99) cover general use and heavier powerlifting-style loading respectively. Pair either with Major Fitness's Color Grip Low-Bounce Bumper Plates, sold in pair sizes from 35 lb up to full 320 lb sets — color-coded by weight and built to be dropped without denting your plates or your floor.

How to choose a weight range: for dumbbells, most lifters get the most use out of a set that tops out around their heaviest working set for presses or rows (usually 50-75 lb covers that for most home users); go higher only if you're training for strength specifically. For plates, buy enough total weight that you won't need a second order once you're stronger in six months — it's cheaper to buy the range you'll grow into once than to keep adding small plate purchases.

Good fit if you're building or expanding a free-weight setup and want dumbbells, a barbell, or plates from brands we can vouch for. One honest gap: none of our current lineup is adjustable dumbbells that replace a full rack in one unit — everything here is fixed-weight, so budget shelf or rack space accordingly.