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Limited space is a major deterrent to at-home weight training. It’s hard to store all the potential free weight options you might need for training different body parts unless you have an entire room dedicated to fitness equipment (in which case, lucky you). Enter: adjustable kettlebells, which provide similar benefits to adjustable dumbbells.
Adjustable kettlebells provide a one-two punch of calorie-burning and strength building, plus multiple weight options in one bell. Not only does that save space, it means you can easily progress your strength training and vary your workouts without having to invest in additional weights. These are our favorite adjustable kettlebells to buy in 2024, whether you’re looking to burn calories, build muscle or improve performance.
Our Picks for the Best Adjustable Kettlebells of 2024:
- Best Adjustable Kettlebells Overall: REP Fitness 16KG Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Compact Adjustable Kettlebells: PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Connected Adjustable Kettlebells: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Adjustable Kettlebells for Heavy Lifters: Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Kettlebell
- Best Adjustable Kettlebells for Travel: Rogue Fitness Kettle Gryp
Best Adjustable Kettlebells for Beginners: REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell ($149.99)
There are a couple of features that make the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell ideal for beginners: The competition-style design means the rectangular-shaped handle is roomy enough for two hands and has a small diameter that reduces grip fatigue (which is especially important as you’re getting used to the bell). This kettlebell also has a matte, powder-coated surface to ensure a solid grip. And, a starting weight range of eight to 16 kilograms (or 17 to 35 pounds) allows you to increase your load as you get stronger. Adding or removing weights is as easy as pushing down and twisting the dial at the top.
Check out our REP Fitness Kettlebell review for more information!
Pros:
Rubber bottom protects your floors
Also available in 16 to 24 kilograms and 20 to 40 pounds
Free shipping
Cons:
Plastic locking mechanism is not very durable
Lower end of weight range may be heavy for some beginners
Key features and specs
- Weight Range: Eight to 16 kilograms (17 to 35 pounds)
- Weight Increments: Eight, 10, 12, 14, 16 kilograms
- Handle Diameter: Not available
- Coating: Matte powder
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
- Best For: Beginner kettlebell users
Best Compact Adjustable Kettlebells: PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell ($169)
Get four kettlebells in one sleek, contoured shell—which, FYI, looks more like a cowbell than a traditional kettlebell. The PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell takes up minimal space, with a 5.75-inch long by 4.25-inch wide by 10-inch high footprint. Switch between weight increments by moving the steel selection pin—with a magnetic lock for security—into your preferred weight slot and start swinging, snatching and pressing. If a 35-pound max weight isn’t enough for you, you can opt for the same bell with a weight range of 35 to 62 pounds for an additional $90.
Pros:
- Comes in normal (up to 35 pounds) and heavy (up to 62 pounds) options
- Comes with six months complimentary personal training from Fitbod
- Very easy to adjust weights
Cons:
- Only four weight increments
- Expensive for limited weight options
- Stickers indicating weight increments peel off easily
Key features and specs
- Weight Range: 18 to 35 pounds
- Weight Increments: 18, 22, 26, 35 pounds
- Handle Diameter: 32.77 millimeters
- Coating: Matte powder
- Warranty: Five years
- Best For: Small spaces
Best Connected Adjustable Kettlebells: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell ($149)
Bowflex’s SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell replaces six weights, and it’s super simple to adjust; all you have to do is spin the dial under the handle to your preferred weight and—boom—you’re ready to go. Experienced users will appreciate the range of eight to 40 pounds, while beginners will love getting access to trainer-led exercises and on-demand, full-body strength classes in the JRNY app (which renews at $19.99 per month or $149 per year). FYI: Bowflex also offers adjustable dumbbells: The SelectTech 552 dumbbells go up to 52.5 pounds, the SelectTech 560s max out at 60 pounds and the SelectTech 1090s hit a whopping 90 pounds.
Pros:
- Includes a one-year complimentary membership to the JRNY fitness app for on-demand, full-body strength classes
- Feels similar to a standard kettlebell
- Free shipping
Cons:
- Plastic shell is less durable
- Handle can feel slippery
- Handle may be too narrow for two-handed grip
Key features and specs
- Weight Range: Eight to 40 pounds
- Weight Increments: Eight, 12, 20, 25, 35, 40 pounds
- Handle Diameter: 31.75 millimeters
- Coating: Powder-coated handle and thermoplastic rubber shell
- Warranty: Two years
- Best For: Those who want kettlebell coaching
Best Adjustable Kettlebells for Heavy Lifters: Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Kettlebell ($49.99)
This doesn’t look much like a kettlebell, right? Instead of getting a traditional kettlebell (or an adjustable version), this tool allows you to turn the weight plates you already have—for your barbell or squat rack set-up—into “kettlebells.” This one-size-fits-all tool has a kettlebell-shaped handle and works with most Olympic weightlifting plates; you just remove the handle, load a plate and lock in the pin mechanism (there are nine adjustable positions in one-inch increments). The nontraditional shape definitely takes some getting used to, but anyone who wants to lift really heavy would consider this an easy investment.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Maxes out at 500 pounds
- Works with most Olympic weightlifting plates
Cons:
- Doesn’t feel like a traditional kettlebell
- Much taller (19.3 inches) than traditional kettlebells
- Weight plates sold separately
Key features and specs
- Weight Range: Eight to 500 pounds
- Weight Increments: N/A
- Handle Diameter: 33 millimeters
- Coating: Powder-coated black
- Warranty: One year
- Best For: Lifters who already have barbell weight plates
Best Adjustable Kettlebells for Travel: Kettle Gryp ($39.99)
Want to turn almost any dumbbell into a kettlebell? The Kettle Gryp clips on to dumbbells with a 4.5-inch long handle that’s less than 1.5-inches thick. It’s not going to feel exactly like a kettlebell, due to the different weight distribution, but it allows you to maximize the equipment you already have access to, whether that’s a dumbbell set at home or in a hotel gym. Weighing in at less than a pound (it’s made from impact-resistant plastic with molded urethane foam inserts and stainless steel hardware), it’s the kind of thing you can easily toss in a gym bag or carry on.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Super portable
- Works with dumbbells up to 55 pounds
Cons:
- Doesn’t not feel like a traditional kettlebell
- Plastic is less durable
- Requires dumbbells
Key features and specs
- Weight Range: Up to 55 pounds
- Weight Increments: N/A
- Handle Diameter: 29 millimeters
- Coating: Plastic
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Best For: Anyone who works out while traveling
How Adjustable Kettlebells Work
Adjustable kettlebells combine multiple weight options within one weight. These devices use different adjustment systems to add or remove weight, whether that’s with a dial, clamp or pin. For example, when the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell is fully loaded, it weighs 16 kilograms, or 35 pounds. But if you place it on the ground and spin the dial to eight kilograms (or 17 pounds), when you lift it up, you’ll see four weight plates left on the floor and a hollow core.
Benefits of Using Adjustable Kettlebells
Saves space
Instead of stashing multiple free weight options in a corner or closet, adjustable dumbbells provide as little as five all the way up to 90 pounds of weight into a single piece of equipment.
Strength training and cardio benefits
A kettlebell’s grip gives you more range of motion, which allows you to do more high-intensity exercises (like swings and snatches) that spike your heart rate, in addition to muscle-building moves (like deadlifts and squats).
Improve your balance
Ballet dancers improved their balance after doing 10 minutes of kettlebell training three times a week, according to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics. Also, older research in The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research found that doing kettlebell swings three times a week improved postural coordination.
Increase your grip strength
A 2022 study published in the journal BMC Geriatrics found that kettlebell training improved grip strength in older adults. Stronger grip strength can lead to a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, according to 2018 research in the journal BMJ.
Improve your mood
Twelve weeks of kettlebell training reduced and prevented depression and anxiety symptoms in women in a 2020 study published in The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
What to Look for in Adjustable Kettlebells
Coating
Iron and metal kettlebells are typically coated in different materials for appearance, durability and functional reasons. Vinyl- or plastic-coated kettlebells may be cheaper, but they slip easily if your hands are sweaty. Many kettlebells are made from cast iron and painted with a powder coating to prevent chipping and improve grip texture. E-coated (AKA electrocoated) kettlebells are made from ductile iron (which is stronger than cast iron) and painted using an electrical current for a thinner, glossier finish.
Weight range
Adjustable kettlebells offer weight options starting as low as five pounds and going up to 70 pounds. Before buying, make sure to check how many increments an adjustable kettlebell offers, as some have only a few options (with big jumps between weight settings) and others have as many as 19 (with one- or two-pound weight adjustments).
Adjustment system
There are few different types of adjustment systems within adjustable kettlebells, all of which are very simple to use. You can adjust the weight via a dial, like in the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell, or a quick-locking clamp, like in the Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell, or a pin, like in the PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell.
Handle
Because so much of kettlebell training revolves around having a solid grip, making sure the handle works for your hand is essential. If you’re shopping online, a good rule of thumb to follow is that handles around 28 millimeters in diameter are best for people with smaller hands, while 33 or 35 millimeter handles will be better for people with larger hands.
Warranty
Because adjustable kettlebells are less durable than their standard counterparts, make sure you buy one with at least a one-year warranty in case of any incidents.
Cost
A good adjustable kettlebell isn’t cheap, but it is significantly cheaper than buying multiple standard kettlebells. In order to set your budget, think about how often you’ll be using an adjustable kettlebell, your desired weight range and the number of weight increments you’ll need.
Adjustable Kettlebell FAQs
Do adjustable kettlebells break?
Adjustable kettlebells are made from sturdy materials like steel and iron, but all the internal mechanisms that allow you to switch between weights can make them less durable than a solid, single-weight bell. And the more working parts there are in any piece of equipment, the more room there is for malfunction, especially with repetitive use. Treat adjustable kettlebells gently (i.e. don’t drop or toss them) if you want to extend their lifespan.
What size of adjustable kettlebells is right for me?
This is totally dependent on your fitness level. While many adjustable kettlebells offer a wide range of weight increments, you don’t need one with a max weight way beyond your capabilities. Think about the heaviest weight you’d need for a squat, and use that to determine how heavy of a bell you need. If you lift on the lighter side, pay more attention to how low that range goes; for example, you may want a kettlebell that starts at five pound instead of eight. (Many kettlebells are sold in kilograms instead of pounds. A kilogram is 2.2-pounds, if you need to do the math.)
Are adjustable kettlebells worth it?
Absolutely, if you have a limited amount of space to work with and want a versatile at-home training tool. They may not be as durable as standard bells, but adjustable kettlebells provide multiple weight options in one, allowing you to change up your workouts and progress your fitness.
Are adjustable kettlebells or dumbbells better?
Adjustable dumbbells are the better option if your focus is only strength training. If you want to pair strength training with cardio or HIIT workouts, adjustable kettlebells are the way to go. In general, kettlebells allow for more dynamic exercise than dumbbells because their center of mass is below the handle instead of evenly dispersed on each side. In fact, you can burn as many calories during a 20-minute kettlebell workout as you would running a 6-minute mile pace for the same amount of time, a study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) found.
Final Thoughts
In an at-home gym, space is at a premium. There’s no point in wasting precious square footage with a pile of single-purpose weights when one weight can do the work of many. Once you’ve determined your fitness goals and budget, an adjustable kettlebell is an easy way to max out your workout area and make gains over time.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.