Want to Amplify Your Lifting Game? This List of the 10 Best Hand Weights Can Help You Meet Your Goals

Bala’s The Power Ring is a 10-pound (lb), ring-shaped hand weight that the brand cheekily describes as if “the kettlebell and the dumbbell had a baby.” The ring is designed for workouts like strength training, aerobics (cardio), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), but you can use it for even more. Whether you’re doing squats, lunges, dancing, or barre, you can find a way to utilize this hand weight to amp up your routine.

“In a class like aerobics where there’s a lot of movement, this ring will be easy to hold,” says Sheehan. The ring’s soft silicone exterior, which comes in several cute colors like baby blue and pink, has a comfortable grip, and it’s safe on floors should you accidentally drop it.

“It’s so versatile! I can use it for strength training, Pilates, ab workouts, etc.,” says writer Brittany Vargas. She loves that she can use the ring anywhere on the body, including the upper thighs, during leg raises, or for her arm workouts. “I can hold it in one hand like I would with dumbbells or with both hands like a kettlebell. The even weight distribution makes strength training easier and more comfortable. It’s soft, easy to hold, and doesn’t make my hands sweat,” she adds.

Vargas says it’s even more comfortable to work out with than a kettlebell or dumbbells and loves how easy it is to store without taking up too much space. The only potential con is that it only comes in one weight, which may be too heavy for beginners and too light for serious strength training. However, since it’s so versatile, you’ll likely get a lot of mileage out of it. 

Wearing weights on your wrists can give you a hands-free approach to resistance training, and the Bala Bangles are our top pick. You can wear these weights on either your wrists or ankles to add 1 to 3 lb and enhance your walk, home workout, yoga or Pilates routine, boxing session, or even pack a punch while you run errands around town. “It saves me time because I can get a little bit of extra resistance training in while doing regular activities, so I can get away with slightly less dedicated training time,” says Vargas.

The bangles come in a variety of soft colors, like pale green, blue, pink, and gray, and they look more like chunky jewelry than a workout item. “A cult classic for a reason. I’ve used these and like them to add weight while walking. Plus, bonus points for the ability to wear them on your ankles or wrists. And, double bonus — they’re cute,” Sheehan says. The weights are made of steel bars wrapped in silicone. The elastic strap with a hook-and-loop fastener will fit most wrists and ankles without slipping. They’re also unisex.

Unlike some sand-filled wrist weights, the steel bars distribute weight evenly for added comfort. Plus, they’re easily portable and come with a matching travel pouch, so you can take them with you on vacation and still squeeze in a workout. The only potential con is that these weights are light, so they’re not made for serious strength training. Still, we feel they’re a fashionable, comfortable multitasking tool that helps you stay fit. 

Our pick for the best ergonomic dumbbells is the BetterMe Sculpt Dumbbells because of how easy they are to hold, thanks to their slim, curved shape and comfortable material. “Sculpt dumbbells are interesting because they are really easy to hold. It might not sound like much, but if you’re moving around a lot while holding on to a weight for a long period of time, the friction between the weight and your hand can actually affect the skin on your hand. It can become a bit sore or even lead to the formation, or breaking down, of calluses,” says Angelino. “This equipment is a bit more protective of that than other options out there.”

In addition to being shaped to fit comfortably in your hands, the dumbbells are made of steel and have a smooth, sweat-resistant silicone exterior.

“They’re cute and easy to grip,” says writer Julia Childs Heyl. Because the dumbbells are so comfortable and lightweight, you can use them easily for a variety of workouts, such as Pilates, walking, or light strength training. They’re also small enough to pop in your bag if you’d like to take them with you when you travel. The only con is that these dumbbells only come in one weight, 2.2 lb. They’re also too light for serious strength training.

Working out with a kettlebell shouldn’t destroy your home’s floors or your feet, which is why we love this option from WeGym. WeGym Soft Kettlebells are made of nonslip PVC on the base and cushy steel sand and air on the inside to give you the benefits of a kettlebell without the damage risk that the typical cast-iron kettlebells pose. The sand helps even out the kettlebell’s weight distribution for a more comfortable feel, and it comes with a small pump so you can fill it with air.

“I love the idea of soft kettlebells, and these fit the bill — they have a coated nonslip grip and soft shell base filled with steel sand. I’ve avoided using kettlebells at home because I have a wood floor and I usually work out barefoot or wearing soft shoes,” says editor and writer Lili Ladaga. Ladaga says she plans to keep using this kettlebell as a part of her workout routine.

These kettlebells come in four weights: 10, 15, 20, and 25 lb. You can use them for more intensive functional strength training by doing squats, deadlifts, bent-over rows, swings, and snatches. Angelino is a fan of these kettlebells, too. “High-power movements performed quickly often lead to a lot more error when handling a weight, meaning collision with the floor is more likely. These are very soft, so you won’t have to worry about that,” he says.

The only potential cons are that a PVC kettlebell may be less durable than an iron one, according to Sheehan. Some user reviews also mention that the balance of this kettlebell feels different because it’s filled with steel sand, which slightly alters it. Still, this soft, home-safe, pet- and kid-safe kettlebell (due to its lower risk of injury) has too many pros not to consider it.

Not all dumbbell-style weights need to be firm to be effective. The Sportneer Hand Weight Set is a soft, sand-filled alternative that can make working out safer for both you and your floors. We also love that these ergonomically designed weights have a strap you attach to your hand and a breathable, washable cover.

“These are different than any other hand weights I’ve ever used. They’re neoprene filled with sand, so they’re sort of squishy to the touch. This adds a sensory experience that I think makes exercising a bit more interesting,” says writer Nicole Bonaccorso. The weights come in a six-piece set that includes pairs of 1-, 2-, and 3-lb weights. Because they’re so soft, these make great weights to use when jogging, walking, or doing any kind of aerobic activity where you may be more likely to drop them.

Bonaccorso likes the weights but wishes the hand strap were more adjustable, as she would have preferred it tighter. Note that these weights are light and not meant for serious strength training.

We have several types of hand weights on our list, but this one encompasses four types of them. The TRX YBell Neo Series is a dumbbell, kettlebell, dual-grip medicine ball, and push-up stand, making it our choice for the most versatile hand weight. It comes in 2.4, 5.5, 10, 14, 18, 22, and 26 lb and can be used for hundreds of exercises. The 2.4-lb weight is made of aluminum with a neoprene coating. The heavier weights are cast iron with a neoprene coating for a comfortable, floor-safe, nonslip grip.

The weight is ergonomically designed for easy holding and comes with a 30-day On-Demand trial of the TRX App featuring more than 1,000 workouts you can stream 24/7. (The All Access plan has more than 2,000 workouts.) You can use this versatile weight for strength training, HIIT, and more. “I really love how sturdy they are when you put them down (traditional kettlebells can topple over), and the rubber covering helps me grip them,” says editor Ally Hirschlag.

If you have a home gym with limited space, purchasing this weight is a creative and functional solution. The only potential con is that this weight may not be as effective as a pure dumbbell or kettlebell, warns Angelino. But we think it’s worth the trade-off for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. 

With the Sportneer Adjustable Round Dumbbells, you get four weight options in one pair of hand weights thanks to removable dumbbell plates. These adjustable dumbbells save you space and time, as you can choose from 2, 3, 4, or 5 lb by simply twisting and removing or adding a 0.5-lb plate from each side.

These dumbbells have a nonslip ABS plastic outer shell for durability and comfort with metal plates inside. They also come in super-cute colors, like Mint Ice and Pastel Lilac. “They’re very easy to use. I haven’t had adjustable dumbbells before, and I’m excited to be able to replace a couple of other sets sitting at the bottom of my closet with just one set. They also have a really nice feel in my hands when I use them,” says editor Sabrina Rojas Weiss.

Sheehan likes how the dumbbells help users achieve more desirable results. “Adjustable dumbbells can help you get results faster through progressive overload, which is achieved through adding more stimulus each time you do the exercise,” he explains.

These are coated in plastic, not rubber, so while they’re more floor-safe than metal dumbbells, they may still damage your floor more than rubber or soft dumbbells would. 

The Nike Grind Dumbbell set features a chrome-plated steel medium knurled (textured) handle with ridges that improve grip and prevent slipping. Since these weights start at 2.5 lb and increase in 2.5-lb increments up to 25 lb, then 5-lb increments up to 75 lb, a knurled (or textured) handle is a major plus. “A knurled handle is the best option for heavier weights, as your grip will be much better. The knurling on this one is not too aggressive either, so you shouldn’t have to worry about tearing up your hands during your workout,” says Sheehan.

Vargas tested the 7.5-lb set of dumbbells and appreciates the super-solid grip. “I like the grips in the center — I don’t feel like these will slip out of my hands,” she says. “The brand says that the hexagon shape keeps the weight from rolling. These do feel pretty solid in my hands. They’re made from 20 percent recycled material as well, which I can get behind,” she adds. Vargas is referring to the rubber coating on the hexagonal ends made from recycled Nike rubber. Rubber is easy on floors, and the shape of these keeps them from slipping around.

The dumbbells are not adjustable, so if you want pairs in several different weights, they will take up more space and cost more than an adjustable set. Still, you can always buy a weight rack.

The BalanceFrom Rubber Encased Hex Weights 150lb Dumbbell Set With Rack is a traditional set of five dumbbells on a rack, bringing the gym right into your home. The 150-lb set includes dumbbell pairs of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 lb. You can also buy sets that are 60, 100, or 200 lb total. The dumbbells have a chrome-plated steel handle with a knurled grip and a solid cast-iron core with rubber-encased hexagonal heads to protect the floor and prevent slipping. The rack can help you store your dumbbells in an organized fashion for easy use.

“Rubber-coated hex dumbbells are some of the most durable hand weights you could invest in; the construction is solid, and they’ll easily withstand repeated use. And although this set only goes up to 25 pounds, you can find hex dumbbells over 100 pounds,” says Sheehan. Since these weights go up in 5-lb increments, they’re great for beginner and intermediate weightlifters alike.

These are likely to last you for a while, especially if you’re just starting out. The max weight is 25 lb, which may not be enough if you’re a seasoned weightlifter, though. 

The Net World Sports Forza Neoprene Hex Dumbbells are the perfect hand weights for beginners like me. The pairs start at 1 lb, making them ideal for newbies. I appreciate that they come in very low weights, so I could start at my comfort level and gradually increase the weight should I outgrow them.

I tested the 4.4- and 8.8-lb weights and love the texture of the nonslip neoprene rubber material. These are ergonomically designed for comfort, and I didn’t drop any of these weights once. However, if I had dropped them, the rubber would be easy on the floors. The dumbbells also have six-sided hexagonal ends that keep the weights from sliding on the floor. After using both these weights for a week, my arms feel stronger. I also like having weights at home so I don’t have to use the less-grippy weights at my local gym (not to mention I don’t need to show how much of a novice I am in public).

You can purchase these dumbbells as single pairs, as a “studio set” of one pair of each weight from 1 to 22 lb (11 pairs), or as a full set of 17 pairs, with one pair each from 1 to 35 lb. Apart from the 1-lb difference between the 1- and 2.2-lb weights, these go up by approximately 2 lb per pair.

These weights come in fun bright colors, like blue, neon green, hot pink, turquoise, purple, and more, and will add a pop of color to your home. If you have the space, buying a set of multiple pairs would be a great investment in your health. You could also opt to order a few pairs at a time as you increase your weight in your workouts. Since these weights aren’t adjustable, they may not last you forever, though they are great for beginners.