Best Weight Set for Home Gym of 2024: Top 10 Picks

By Nancy LangLast update: 2024-02-21

Whether your goal is to build muscles or to improve your muscle strength and endurance, a weight set will be helpful.

Here are my top picks for the best weight set for home gym

Dumbbell Weight Sets

Dumbbells are used for isolation exercises to build a specific muscle. Dumbbells are pretty flexible, you can use one or two dumbbells at once, and choose any angle at which you want to train. You may need to learn several postures and techniques to make the best use of the dumbbell set. With the right posture and techniques, you can practice any targeted muscle.

Moreover, a dumbbell weight set does not take so much space. It also does not require any additional rack. A dumbbell weight set is a suitable choice for home gym.

Here are the best weight sets for home gym you can buy in 2024:

  • Best Overall (Dumbbells With Rack): CAP Barbell 150-Pound
  • Budget Choice (Adjustable Dumbbells): Yes4All 40-Pound
  • For Floor Workouts (Adjustable Dumbbells): MOVTOTOP 66-Pound
  • Quick Adjustment Mechanism (Dumbbells): Bowflex 552 52.5-Pound
  • Best For Sweaty Hands (Dumbbells): LEADNOVO 3 in 1 60-Pound
  • Protects Your Wrists (Dumbbells): PowerBlock Personal Trainer 50-Pound
  • Best For Home Gym (Barbell Set): YAHEETECH Olympic 44-Pound
  • Best For Advanced Lifters (Barbell Set): CAP Barbell Olympic 300-Pound
  • Best For Medium Lifters (Barbell Set): Step Fitness Deluxe 60-Pound
  • Most Durable (Barbell Set): CAP Barbell Standard 100-Pound
10 Best Weight Sets For Home Gym
Best Overall
CAP Barbell 150-Pound
  • Dumbbells With Rack
Budget Choice
Yes4All 40-Pound
  • Adjustable Dumbbells
For Floor Workouts
MOVTOTOP 66-Pound
  • Adjustable Dumbbells
Quick Adjustment Mechanism
Bowflex 552 52.5-Pound
  • Dumbbells
Best For Sweaty Hands
LEADNOVO 3 in 1 60-Pound
  • Dumbbells
Protects Your Wrists
PowerBlock Personal Trainer 50-Pound
  • Dumbbells
Best For Home Gym
YAHEETECH Olympic 44-Pound
  • Barbell Set
Best For Advanced Lifters
CAP Barbell Olympic 300-Pound
  • Barbell Set
Best For Medium Lifters
Step Fitness Deluxe 60-Pound
  • Barbell Set
Most Durable
CAP Barbell Standard 100-Pound
  • Barbell Set

Best Overall (Dumbbells With Rack): CAP Barbell 150-Pound

CAP Barbell 150-Pound
CAP Barbell 150-Pound
Pros
  • Comes with a space-saving rack
  • Handy and anti-slip handle
  • Hex shaped heads prevent rolling
  • Durable and Reliable
  • Easy to use and good looking
Cons
  • The stand is quite thin

CAP Barbell 150-Pound is my pick of the best overall dumbbell set. You’ll have 10 dumbbells, consisting of pairs of 5 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb dumbbells. They are all fixed dumbbells, so are not adjustable; however, I like the design as the dumbbells are pretty handy, not bulky like stackable dumbbells. Moreover, the handles have anti-slip textures, providing a secure grip.

CAP Barbell 150-Pound’s dumbbells are durable and reliable, which are made of high-class grey iron with high-quality powder coat. They look great and pretty easy to use. The heads are hex-shaped to prevent rolling.

Besides, CAP Barbell 150-Pound comes with a space-saving rack, so you can store these dumbbells neatly on the rack. However, the rack is quite thin and small, which seems flimsy. There may be a strong rubber smell when the set arrives; you can easily solve this by washing them with soap or let the smell dissolve in the air for several days.

CAP Barbell 150-Pound Specifications

Dumbbells

10

Weight options

5, 10, 15, 20, 25 lbs

Adjustable

No

Material

Grey iron

Highlight Features

A-frame rack; Hex shaped heads; Anti-slip handle

Verdict

CAP Barbell 150-Pound's dumbbells are pretty handy, durable, and reliable.

Budget Choice (Adjustable Dumbbells): Yes4All 40-Pound

Yes4All 40-Pound
Yes4All 40-Pound
Pros
  • Pretty affordable
  • Adjustable with 8 plates & 2 handles
  • 14-inch diamond knurled chrome handle
  • Rust and corrosion resistance for lifetime use
  • Dumbbell Connector options
Cons
  • The clasp ring are coming lose during workouts

Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells are pretty affordable. You’ll have 2 handles and 8 plates - four of them are of 5 lbs, the other four are of 3 lbs, giving the total weight of 32 lbs. You can also choose a higher weight option. Moreover, there are options with a dumbbell connector to join two dumbbells into a barbell, pretty convenient.

The weight plates are made of iron with black paint finish, which is durable and reliable for lifetime use. The handles are made of chrome with knurled diamond textures, offering you a secure grip.

A significant drawback of Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells is that the star-lock collars are claimed to be loose-resistant; however, they are actually coming loose during workouts. However, you get what you paid for. This dumbbell set is the cheapest one yet with a decent quality that you can get. They are of outstanding quality at the given price.

Yes4All 40-Pound Specifications

Dumbbells

2

Weight options

4x 5-lbs Plates, 4x 3-lbs Plates

Adjustable

Yes

Material

Iron

Highlight Features

Dumbbell Connector options; Anti-slip handle

Verdict

Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells is the cheapest set yet with a decent quality that you can get.

For Floor Workouts (Adjustable Dumbbells): MOVTOTOP 66-Pound

MOVTOTOP 66-Pound
MOVTOTOP 66-Pound
Pros
  • Comes with 16 different dumbbell plates
  • Plates with embossed PE cover
  • Silicone antiskid side pad
  • Non-slip & sweat-wicking handle
  • Easy to assemble and store
Cons
  • Gets dirty easily

MOVTOTOP Adjustable Dumbbells set includes 16 different dumbbell plates and 2 handles, allowing you to install a 66lb dumbbell. It’s pretty easy to assemble these dumbbells, stacking up and removing the plates pretty fast. The handles have a bump design to increase friction, making it anti-slip and sweat-wicking.

The plates are made of cement mixture with embossed PE cover. Overall, cement plates are less preferable than iron plates as iron is smaller in size and more durable. However, good cement plates can save you a lot of money without sacrificing much of the quality. The embossed PE cover helps reduce damage to the floor. Moreover, each plate has a silicone antiskid side pad, which effectively prevents scrolling during floor workout routine.

MOVTOTOP Adjustable Dumbbells are large and round, moreover, being rubberized and having antiskid side pad, so I would recommend this dumbbell set to those who like floor workouts with weight plates. The only drawback of this set is that the plates are pretty easy to get dirty. You may have to wash them after a while of use.

MOVTOTOP 66-Pound Specifications

Dumbbells

2

Weight options

4x 5.5-lbs Plates, 4x 4.4-lbs Plates, 4x 3.3-lbs Plates, 4x 2.8lbs Plates

Adjustable

Yes

Material

Cement mixture

Highlight Features

Embossed PE cover; Silicone antiskid side pad; Non-slip & sweat-wicking handle

Verdict

MOVTOTOP Dumbbells with rubberized cover & antiskid pad are for floor workout routine.

Quick Adjustment Mechanism (Dumbbells): Bowflex 552 52.5-Pound

Bowflex 552 52.5-Pound
Bowflex 552 52.5-Pound
Pros
  • Unique dial system for quick adjustment
  • From 5 to 52.5 lbs in 2.5 lb increments
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Space-saving & easy storage
  • 2 year parts warranty
Cons
  • Pretty long

Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the best in terms of smart design. It features a quick adjustment mechanism. Just put the dumbbell into the base, use the dials to choose the weight of each head, pull the dumbbell out, and you are ready to go. You’ll have weight options from 5 to 52.5 lbs in 2.5 lb increments.

Besides the smart adjustment mechanism, the ergonomic handle is also a remarkable feature of Bowflex SelectTech 552. The handles are fatter in the middle, which perfectly fits your palm. This design, along with non-slip textures, provides you with a secure and supportive grip.

Besides, with the bases, it is very easy and space-saving to store the dumbbells. The set is backed up with a 2-year warranty. However, a small drawback is that the dumbbells are pretty long even on the lightest setting. This may make it unsuitable for some exercises.

Bowflex 552 52.5-Pound Specifications

Dumbbells

2

Weight options

from 5 to 52.5 lbs (2.5 lb increments)

Adjustable

Yes

Material

Rugged steel

Highlight Features

Ergonomic handle; Quick adjustment mechanism

Verdict

Bowflex SelectTech 552 features a quick adjustment mechanism and ergonomic handles.

Best For Sweaty Hands (Dumbbells): LEADNOVO 3 in 1 60-Pound

LEADNOVO 3 in 1 60-Pound
LEADNOVO 3 in 1 60-Pound
Pros
  • Plates with octagonal design & PE cover
  • Ergonomic, rubber-coated handles
  • Double fixing nuts
  • Comes with a connecting rod
Cons
  • It takes time to change the weight

LEADNOVO Dumbbells are quite unique with octagonal plates. This plate design prevents the dumbbells from rolling on uneven floor. Moreover, the plates have a PE cover that won’t scratch the floor, perfect for floor workouts like push-ups.

The handles are rubber-coated with diamond-shaped cross textures for a firm and soft grip. LEADNOVO dumbbells set comes with a connecting rod, so you can easily turn the two dumbbells into a barbell for weight lifting exercises. The rod is also padded in the middle for a better grip. Thanks to the pad on the handles and the rod, sweaty hands would find no trouble using these dumbbells.

A significant advantage of LEADNOVO Dumbbells is the upgraded nuts with double fixing and safer installation. This design keeps the plates secure and fixed during the workouts - you can be confident that the plates won’t come loose like other dumbbells. However, a drawback of LEADNOVO Dumbbells is that it takes time to change the weight.

LEADNOVO 3 in 1 60-Pound Specifications

Dumbbells

2

Weight options

8x 6.1-lbs Plates, 4x 4.4-lbs Plates

Adjustable

Yes

Material

Cement+Iron Sand

Highlight Features

Connecting rod; Double fixing nuts; Octagonal Plates

Verdict

LEADNOVO Dumbbells set features upgraded nuts with double fixing and safer installation

Protects Your Wrists (Dumbbells): PowerBlock Personal Trainer 50-Pound

PowerBlock Personal Trainer 50-Pound
PowerBlock Personal Trainer 50-Pound
Pros
  • Shorter and more balanced than other dumbbells
  • Protects your wrists
  • Quick weight adjustment mechanism
  • From 5 to 50 pounds in 2.5-pound increments
  • Limited 10-year warranty
Cons
  • Bulkier in the middle

A problem with traditional stackable dumbbells is their length and weight distribution. Traditional dumbbells are pretty long, so it makes the weight heavily distributed on two head. That design not only makes it uncomfortable for some exercise but also can hurt your wrists as the uneven weight distribution.

PowerBlock Personal Trainer Set is designed to eliminate that problem. With a block design, it is much more balanced and shorter than other dumbbells. Moreover, it comes with a quick weight adjustment mechanism that goes from 5 to 50 pounds in 2.5-pound increments - just like the Bowflex SelectTech 552.

You just need to use the selector pin to choose the color. Each color represents an amount of weight you're going to lift, for example - white for 20lbs, yellow for 35 lbs, all the colors are defined and written on the dumbbells. Featuring a quick adjustment mechanism like Bowflex SelectTech 552, however, with this design, PowerBlock Personal Trainer is so much shorter. In return, PowerBlock Personal Trainer is so much thicker in the middle, making it quite inconvenient for those with big biceps.

In addition to the unique design, you can buy this dumbbell set with 100% confidence thanks to the limited 10-year warranty.

PowerBlock Personal Trainer 50-Pound Specifications

Dumbbells

2

Weight options

from 5 to 50 pounds in 2.5-pound increments

Adjustable

Yes

Material


Highlight Features

Quick weight adjustment mechanism; Selector pin

Verdict

PowerBlock Personal Trainer Set is shorter and more balanced than other dumbbells

Barbell Weight Sets

Barbells are used for heavy lifts. There are several techniques for heavy liftings, such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, bicep curls, bent-over underhand barbell rows, back squats. However, barbells are overall easier to use than dumbbells due to a higher level of stability.

However, barbells do not allow isolate exercise, so you may end up with imbalances. In addition to barbells, you may need to practice with dumbbells to work your weak side.

Barbells take space. You may need a room or use your garage for a power rack and a barbell set.

Best For Home Gym (Barbell Set): YAHEETECH Olympic 44-Pound

YAHEETECH Olympic 44-Pound
YAHEETECH Olympic 44-Pound
Pros
  • Small & compact barbell set for home gym
  • W-shaped bar for a comfortable hold
  • Detachable bar for easier storage
  • Easy to assemble
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Not for advanced lifters

YAHEETECH Barbell Weight Set has a total weight of 44 lbs, which is pretty low for weight lifting; However, it should be ideal for home gym as lifting too much weight alone may be risky. For that reason, the bar is pretty short, just about 50 inches. However, it has a W-shaped design, which provides lifers with a comfortable and supportive hold.

Besides, the bar is detachable, which is pretty easy to assemble and disassemble, making storage easier. You’ll have 4pcs of 5.5 lbs plates and 2pcs of 11 lbs plates, which are all made of iron.

Overall, YAHEETECH Barbell Weight Set is an affordable barbell set for home gym, which is not for advanced lifters.

YAHEETECH Olympic 44-Pound Specifications

Bar length

47.2 inches

Materials

Iron & Plastic

Plates

4pcs x 5.5 lbs & 2pcs x 11 lbs

Max Load

88 lbs

Highlight Features

W-shaped & Detachable bar

Verdict

YAHEETECH Barbell Weight Set is an affordable barbell set for home gym, for casual lifters.

Best For Advanced Lifters (Barbell Set): CAP Barbell Olympic 300-Pound

CAP Barbell Olympic 300-Pound
CAP Barbell Olympic 300-Pound
Pros
  • Total weight of 300 lbs
  • Supports up to 500 lbs
  • 7-feet olympic bar
  • Grip design for easier hold
  • All are made of solid cast iron
Cons
  • Gets rust over time

CAP Barbell 300-Pound Olympic Set is the choice of pro lifters. The plates included in the package have a total weight of 300 lbs! Probably no one goes for this weight alone at home. Even more than that, the bar supports up to a max load of 500 lbs.

The plates and the bar are all made of solid cast iron. The material makes them very sturdy and durable, however, gets rusty over time. The bar is pretty long - 7ft, but not detachable for easier storage. On the bar, there are two areas of textures for easier hold.

CAP Barbell 300-Pound Olympic Set is the choice for advanced lifters with a professional home gym.

CAP Barbell Olympic 300-Pound Specifications

Bar length

84 inches

Materials

Solid cast iron

Plates

2pcs x 45 lbs, 2pcs x 35 lbs, 2pcs x 25 lbs, 2pcs x 10 lbs, 4pcs x 5 lbs, 2pcs x 2.5 lbs

Max Load

500 pounds

Highlight Features

Grip design

Verdict

CAP Barbell 300-Pound Olympic Set is for advanced lifters with a professional home gym.

Best For Medium Lifters (Barbell Set): Step Fitness Deluxe 60-Pound

Step Fitness Deluxe 60-Pound
Step Fitness Deluxe 60-Pound
Pros
  • 3-piece threaded bar
  • Made of safe, clean recycled material
  • Strong HDPE shell to protect your floor
  • The plates have multiple grips
  • Easy to assemble
Cons
  • Not made of iron

If you find that the YAHEETECH Barbell Weight Set is too easy while the CAP Barbell 300-Pound Olympic Set is too serious, Step Fitness Deluxe Barbell Set is the perfect choice in the middle. The total weight of plates is 60 lbs and the bar can support up to 120 lbs. This is, for me, a reasonable weight for medium lifters, which is also not too risky when you practice lifting alone.

The bar can be disassembled into three pieces for easier storage. The weight plates are made of safe, clean recycled material, which I highly appreciate. The plates have a strong HDPE outer shell, so you don’t have to worry about making your floor damaged. Moreover, the plates have multiple grips, ideal for those who like to do exercises with weight plates.

Overall, it is pretty easy to assemble the bar, as well as change the weight plates. The only drawback of this Step Fitness Deluxe Barbell Set is that the plates are not made of iron. Some lifters still favor iron plates over any other type.

Step Fitness Deluxe 60-Pound Specifications

Bar length

54 inches

Materials

Clean recycled material

Plates

2pcs x 2.75 lbs, 2pcs x 5.5 lbs, 2pcs x 8.25 lbs, 2pcs x 11 lbs

Max Load

120 lbs

Highlight Features

3-piece bar; Strong HDPE shell; Multiple grips

Verdict

Step Fitness Deluxe is the choice for medium lifters, which is made of recycled material.

Most Durable (Barbell Set): CAP Barbell Standard 100-Pound

CAP Barbell Standard 100-Pound
CAP Barbell Standard 100-Pound
Pros
  • 3-piece chrome standard bar
  • Cast iron plates
  • Total weight of 100 lbs
  • Max load up to 250 lbs
Cons
  • No rubber shell

CAP Barbell set has a bar made of chrome and plates made of cast iron. You’ll have 6pcs of 10-lb plates and 6pcs of 5-lb plates - the total is 90 lbs. The bar is 10 lbs. So the total weight that you get is 100 lbs. They are all made of high-quality steel, so the set is highly durable.

However, a drawback of the plates is that they don’t have a cover made of rubber or softer materials, so they may scratch your floor. Besides, when it comes to this level of weight, you may expect to have a 1-piece bar. This 3-piece bar seems to be quite small and uncomfortable for weight lifting at this level.

CAP Barbell Standard 100-Pound Specifications

Bar length

57 inches

Materials

Cast iron

Plates

6pcs x 10 lbs & 6pcs x 5 lbs

Max Load

250 lbs

Highlight Features

3-piece chrome bar

Verdict

CAP Barbell set has a bar made of chrome and plates made of cast iron.

How To Choose The Best Weight Set For Home Gym?

Whether it is a commercial gym or a home gym, dumbbells are indispensable as they are pretty cheap and versatile. It allows you to do isolation exercises for a target muscle group. For effective workouts, you may need to spend a little time to learn about specific exercises, postures, and techniques with dumbbells. Moreover, a dumbbell weight set does not take so much space. So, feature your home gym with a set of dumbbells first.

You can consider featuring a barbell set if your home gym has enough space. Barbells are used for heavy lifts, building your strength and muscles. However, barbells do not allow isolate exercise, so you may end up with imbalances. So in addition to barbells, you need dumbbells to work your weak side.

Here are some notes for choosing a weight set:

  • Materials of the plates: Iron is the popular choice as cast iron is not only durable but also compact. The weight of iron plates tends to be more accurate than ceramic plates. In return, cement plates are cheaper.
  • Plate’s cover: Rubberized plates are preferred as they won’t scratch your floor, as well as you can do floor exercise with these rubberized plates.
  • Handle/bar: The handle of the dumbbells or the bar of the barbell should provide a firm and comfortable grip. If better, it should feature a pad to absorb moisture from your hands, which may be risky in some cases.

Which Brands Make The Best Weight Set For Home Gym?

CAP Barbell

CAP Barbell is pretty well-known among gym owners and those who own a home gym. This is a leading distributor and provider of fitness products. For more than 25 years of operation, it has gained a worldwide reputation for high-quality and various gym equipment. Besides dumbbells and barbells, CAP Barbell also provides strength benches, treadmills, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, rowers, exercise mats, etc. This is the to-go brand when you need a fitness product.

Yes4All

Yes4All is another leader for fitness, yoga, pet & home appliances. This is a pretty young brand that was founded in 2010. Since then, the company has continuously doubled its revenue every year. They provide from dumbbells, kettlebells to medicine balls, and balance trainers. The biggest advantage of Yes4All's products is that they are of great quality yet very affordable in price. Moreover, their e-commerce services work greatly. If you are in need of high-quality equipment for your home gym at a reasonable price, Yes4All is a brand that worths considering.

PowerBlock

Powerblock is the to-go brand when you are about to build a premium home gym with your own signature tools. Powerblock's dumbbells are designed to distribute the weight evenly so that won't hurt your wrists. The design also makes the dumbbells shorter and more compact than other dumbbells in the market. A pretty unique and interesting idea; however, it is not that weird since the brand has been successful for about 20 years. This is a brand that worths considering.

FAQs

How much does a good barbell cost?

It can be as affordable as $100 or all the way up to $1,500. For a home gym, I think a barbell from $250 to $500 would do the job.

How do I choose a barbell size?

The length and diameter of the bar depend on your preference. Olympic bars are about 28-29mm in diameter, which is also my recommendation. For women, maybe a little smaller, about 25mm (1 inch). The average length of bars is 7ft for men and 6.5ft for women.

Should I get a 6ft or 7ft barbell?

It depends on your preference. Maybe a shorter lifter may choose a 6ft barbell, while a taller lifter may choose a 7ft barbell.

Do you really need a barbell?

For me, dumbells or kettlebells are more necessary than barbells. They are more versatile.

How much weight can a 6ft barbell hold?

Most barbells have a max load from 100lbs to 200lbs. However, you should read the description of the barbell to know the exact number.

Should I buy Olympic or standard weight sets?

Definitely, an Olympic weight set is better. However, if you don't want to spend that much and also don't intend to lift too much weight in the future, a standard weight set could be a choice.

Can barbells snap?

No. Even budget barbells don't snap. Instead, they will bend to the point you cannot use it anymore.

Why are weight sets expensive?

Cast iron is not a cheap material, so weight sets are expensive due to that reason. Besides, in the current pandemic, everybody stays home, so the demands for weight plates are at peak. This is another reason why weight plates are getting more and more expensive.

What can I use instead of dumbbells?

You can use any heavy thing that fits your grip. You can use water bottles filled with sand.

Can you build muscle with 15 pound weights?

Sure, you can start with 15lb weights. However, when you feel comfortable with 15 lbs, you need to increase the weights. Muscles are built under tension.

Do heavier weights make bigger muscles?

Yes. It tends to be so. Heavier weights with slower reps help increase muscle mass.

Is 20 reps too much?

Yes, 20 reps per set are way too much. For fast reps, do 10 to 15 reps per set. For slow reps, do 4 to 6 reps per set.

Conclusion

Above is my full review of dumbbell and barbell sets that suitable for home gyms. In general, I recommend getting a dumbbell set first, then considering a barbell set. I hope you found this article helpful.


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