We Tested Adjustable Kettlebells Through Heavy Swings and High-Rep Circuits. These Are Indispensable
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Kettlebells have a way of making workouts feel both simpler and harder at the same time. They look straightforward, but kettlebells quickly reveal themselves as demanding tools that force your core and grip to work through every swing, press, squat, or carry. They slide easily between heavy strength work and conditioning sessions, which is why they've become a fixture in both home gyms and commercial training spaces.
The catch is that kettlebell training rarely works with a single weight. As your strength improves, you often need something lighter for presses and higher-rep work and something heavier for swings and deadlifts. Buying multiple kettlebells adds up quickly, both in cost and in the amount of space they take up.
Adjustable kettlebells solve that problem on paper, but not all of them hold up in practice. Some feel balanced and secure under load, while others shift, rattle, or slow down transitions between movements.
We invested the time and sweat equity into testing out a range of adjustable kettlebells across strength sessions and conditioning workouts to see which ones actually deliver. The picks below stood out for their build quality, usability, and ability to support real training, not just look good in a product description.
Want the inside scoop on the best fitness gear of the year? Check out the rest of Men’s Journal 2026 Fitness Awards, where we’ve tested everything from adjustable dumbbells and protein powders to cross-training shoes and wearable fitness trackers.
Best Adjustable Kettlebells of 2026 at a Glance
- Best Adjustable KettlebellOverall: REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Adjustable Kettlebellfor Beginners: Bowflex Selectech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Adjustable Kettlebell for Heavy Lifting: Titan Fitness Competition Style Kettlebell
- Most Durable Adjustable Kettlebell: Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
- Best Value Adjustable Kettlebell: Titan Fitness 40 LB Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Budget Adjustable Kettlebell: Fitness Gear Adjustable Kettlebell
Best Adjustable Kettlebells of 2026
Best Adjustable Kettlebell Overall: REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
REP Fitness's Adjustable Kettlebell tops our list for several reasons. It's available in both kilograms and pounds, the top weight reaches 24 kilograms (52.8 pounds), and it looks and feels like a traditional kettlebell. The handle is especially impressive. The powder-coated finish offers a reliable grip, and there's plenty of space to hold it by the horns, making it a solid option for swings, goblet squats, or overhead presses.
There may be concerns about the plastic construction and weight adjustment mechanism, but as long as it's not dropped or slammed, it's built to last for many workouts to come. We tested it through circuits, strength sets, and high-rep conditioning, and it remained stable and intuitive to use.
For home gyms where space is limited, this kettlebell delivers multiple weight options without requiring a full rack of separate pieces. Its durability, grip, and versatility make it a dependable choice for lifters looking for one adjustable kettlebell that can handle both heavy lifts and dynamic high-intensity sessions.
Key Product Features
- Weights: 8 to 16kg, 16 to 24kg, 20 to 40lb
- Weight Options: 5
- Cost: $150 to $220
- Handle Diameter: 34.6 to 35mm
- Material: Cast iron with plastic, matte black finish
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Rubber bottom protects floor | Plastic could be subject to damage |
Simple to change weight | Extra care may be needed for wear and tear |
Best Adjustable Kettlebell for Beginners: Bowflex Selectech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
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Bowflex's Selectech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell spans from eight to 40 pounds and effectively replaces six traditional kettlebells, making it a strong space-saving option for home gyms. Weight changes are handled through a simple selection dial on top, which allows you to move quickly between loads without interrupting a workout. Both pounds and kilograms are clearly labeled, and Bowflex also offers optional on-demand workouts through its JRNY app for users who want guided programming.
Beginners and newer kettlebell users will appreciate the lighter starting weights and the comfortable, easy-to-grip handle. The quick-adjust dial makes this kettlebell especially convenient for circuit training, where switching weights efficiently matters. More experienced lifters can still put it to good use, though the handle does not fully replicate the feel of a traditional kettlebell, and the plastic housing means it's not designed to be dropped. With a bit of care, however, it remains a reliable and practical choice for anyone training in a small space with limited equipment.
Key Product Features
- Weights: 3.5 to 18kg
- Weight Options: 6
- Price: $149
- Handle Diameter: 25.4mm
- Material: Plastic
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Lightweight frame and lower weights settings | Plastic requires extra care |
Easy-to-use dial |
Best Adjustable Kettlebell for Heavy Lifting: Titan Fitness Competition Style Kettlebell
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If building strength is your top priority, Titan’s Competition-Style Adjustable Kettlebell is the one to consider. It offers multiple plate combinations, allowing you to train anywhere from 25 to 70 pounds. Its competition shape gives it a more natural feel in-hand, especially during swings, cleans, and presses. Durability is another strong point. We intentionally dropped it several times, and it held up without issue. That said, if it does slip from your hands, you’ll want to be mindful of the floor or training surface beneath it.
There are a few trade-offs to consider. Adjusting the weight takes a few minutes and requires an Allen wrench and hex key, both of which are included. You’re also limited to using Titan’s proprietary plates, as standard weight plates won’t fit. Over time, cosmetic wear is likely, but if performance matters more than aesthetics, this kettlebell is a dependable workhorse built for serious training.
Key Product Features
- Weights: 12 to 32kg
- Weight Options: 6
- Price: $215
- Handle Diameter: 35mm
- Material: Cast iron
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Weight plates provide multiple weight options for users | Tools required to change weights |
3-year parts warranty available | Takes more time to adjust weights |
Most Durable Adjustable Kettlebell: Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
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Bells of Steel jokingly asks that you don’t drop the Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell off your roof, but in real-world training, it’s built to handle serious abuse. The construction feels solid and dependable, even under heavy use, and it quickly earns trust once you start moving real weight. Its biggest advantage is how precisely you can dial things in. You can adjust the load in increments as small as half a kilogram or a single pound, which makes it especially appealing for lifters who care about gradual progression rather than big jumps between weights. The catch is that the plates are labeled only in kilograms, so if you train in pounds, you’ll need to do a bit of mental math before getting started.
Like the Titan Fitness Competition Style Kettlebell, changing weights isn’t something you’ll want to rush. It requires tools and a few extra minutes, which can interrupt the flow of circuit-style workouts. Still, for traditional strength sessions or structured training days, that trade-off feels reasonable. Bells of Steel also offers a 10 percent discount if you purchase two kettlebells, which makes it a smart option for anyone planning to train with doubles. For lifters who prioritize durability and precise load adjustments over quick changes, this kettlebell delivers where it counts.
Key Product Features
- Weights: 12 to 20.5kg, expansion kit available to reach 32kg
- Weight Options: 18
- Price: $210
- Handle Diameter: 35mm
- Material: Steel
| Prod | Cons |
|---|---|
The 0.5kg increments allow you to work on strength gradually | Powder coat paint may chip |
Comes in multiple colors (black, blue, purple, yellow) | Lowest weight may be too much for beginners |
Best Value Adjustable Kettlebell: Titan Fitness 40 LB Adjustable Kettlebell
One of the biggest advantages of Titan's Fitness 40 LB Adjustable Kettlebell is its compact footprint. At just 11 inches tall, it easily slides under an average bed or tucks neatly into a small training space without becoming an obstacle. The weight-selection dial also adds to its appeal, making adjustments quick and intuitive. Priced under $200, it stands out as one of the more budget-friendly adjustable kettlebells available, especially compared to higher-end competition-style options.
The main drawback we noticed during testing was the handle. While it’s wide and comfortable, the smooth finish can become slippery during dynamic movements like cleans and swings. With sweaty hands, it came close to slipping, so chalk or training gloves are a smart addition if grip tends to be an issue for you. That said, for beginners looking for a durable, space-saving kettlebell that’s easy to adjust and simple to live with day to day, this Titan model remains a solid and practical choice.
Key Product Features
- Weights: 10 to 40 lbs
- Weight Options: 6
- Price: $150
- Handle Diameter: 28mm
- Material: Cast Iron
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Dial adjustment is simple to use | Handle is very smooth |
Not very large, easy to store | May not provide enough weight for stronger users |
Best Budget Adjustable Kettlebell: Fitness Gear Adjustable Kettlebell
If you already own weight plates, Fitness Gear's Adjustable Kettlebell offers a lot of flexibility. It supports 2.5-, 5-, and 10-pound plates, giving you up to 11 different weight combinations with a max load of 50 pounds. Even without additional plates, the included 20-pound setup is useful for many lifters, especially beginners or those focused on lighter conditioning work. Spacer disks help preserve a more natural kettlebell shape, so it doesn’t feel awkward or unbalanced during swings or goblet movements.
Durability is where some compromises appear. Although the kettlebell is made from cast iron, the paint chips easily, and it isn’t designed to be dropped or slammed. A long screw with a triangular end holds everything together and can be loosened by hand to adjust the weight, which is convenient but not ideal for fast-paced circuits. Still, its accessibility is a major plus. It’s available online and at select Dick’s Sporting Goods locations, making it a practical option for anyone who wants an adjustable kettlebell they can pick up and start using right away.
Key Product Features
- Weights: 20 to 50 lbs
- Weight Options: 11
- Price: $75
- Material: Cast iron with plastic spacer disks
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Can support up to 50 pounds | Weight plates required but not included |
No tools required to change weights | Powder finish chips easily |
Related: 10 Best Kettlebell Workouts to Forge Mass, Strength, and Endurance
How We Chose the Best Adjustable Kettlebells
The kettlebells on this list were selected based on several core factors: the range and variety of weights offered, price and overall value, handle shape and feel, how closely each model resembles a traditional kettlebell, and the materials used for durability. We also considered customer reviews to get a clearer picture of long-term performance beyond our own testing.
As with any piece of fitness equipment, adjustable kettlebells come with trade-offs. No single option is perfect for everyone. Our goal was to identify the strongest options across different training styles, experience levels, and space constraints, so you can choose the kettlebell that best fits your needs.
Weights and Ranges
Weight range was one of our top priorities. The entire point of an adjustable kettlebell is flexibility, so the best options offer multiple weight settings without large jumps between increments. Smaller, more gradual increases scored higher than kettlebells that forced lifters to make big leaps from one weight to the next.
Heavier top-end options also mattered. While lighter ranges are more accessible for beginners, adjustable kettlebells that scale up serve stronger lifters and provide room to grow. In many cases, that added range can save money long-term by eliminating the need to buy additional kettlebells as strength improves.
Price and Value
Price alone doesn’t tell the full story. A high-quality adjustable kettlebell will often cost more upfront, but durability, ease of use, and longevity all factor into real value. When comparing products with similar weight ranges, higher prices were often justified by better materials or construction designed to hold up over time.
That said, we recognize not everyone is shopping with an unlimited budget. Some kettlebells made the list specifically because they deliver solid performance at a lower price point. Even the more affordable options here meet our standards for safety and structural integrity.
Shape of Handle and Body
Adjustable kettlebells inevitably involve some design compromises, but the best ones still feel familiar in hand. Handle shape, width, and finish all play a role in grip comfort, especially during swings, cleans, and goblet work. Some handles are smoother, while others offer more texture for grip support.
Body shape matters too. A kettlebell that’s too bulky or oddly balanced can feel awkward in motion. We prioritized options that maintain the look and feel of a traditional kettlebell for lifters who want training to translate as closely as possible to standard equipment.
Materials and Durability
Adjustable kettlebells aren’t typically built to be abused in the same way as solid cast iron models. Most aren’t designed for slamming, tossing, or high-impact drops, and some training environments don’t allow that kind of use anyway.
The good news is that durability varies widely within this category. While none of the kettlebells here should be intentionally slammed, some are tough enough to handle the occasional drop without issue. We highlighted options that match different training styles, whether you’re lifting carefully in a home gym or pushing the pace in more demanding workouts.
What to Consider When Choosing an Adjustable Kettlebell
Fitness Level
If you’re a beginner and just starting to work with either kettlebells or adjustable weights, consider one that's simple to use. An adjustable weight with a dial or rotary adjustment will be much easier to work with than a weight that requires tools and plates to keep up with. If you’re a stronger and more advanced lifter who can handle more than 40 pounds, then you may want to go with a heavier option.
Training Space
Trainees working with limited space, like an apartment or small home gym, will likely feel most comfortable with a compact, straightforward adjustable kettlebell. Smaller designs are easier to maneuver in tight quarters and simple to stash in a closet or slide under a bed when you’re done training, keeping your space clutter-free.
If you plan to train outdoors or in a traditional gym setting, durability becomes a bigger priority. In that case, you’ll want a kettlebell that can handle regular wear and the occasional drop. Iron or steel models tend to hold up far better than plastic-heavy designs, especially if there’s a chance it could slip out of your hands during swings or cleans.
Workout Style
If you prefer circuit-style workouts or speed-focused training, how the kettlebell adjusts becomes especially important. Quick-change systems like dials or rotating selectors let you move efficiently between sets without breaking your rhythm, making them far more practical than models that need to be disassembled to change weight. On the other hand, if your focus is strength training or consistently heavier loads, a larger adjustable kettlebell with a shape closer to a traditional kettlebell will likely be a better fit for your training style.
Budget
Price is another important factor. You want an adjustable kettlebell that offers solid value without stretching your budget. Most options should be affordable for fitness enthusiasts seeking a durable, reliable kettlebell for years of workouts. If you’re deciding between two options and need to save a little, there’s nothing wrong with choosing the less expensive model.