Best Dumbbells UK 2025: Mirafit & Marcy
27th Nov 25
Dumbbells are one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment. They’re reliable, space-saving, and the variety of weight options makes them perfect for any fitness level. When it comes to strength training, you can do specific dumbbell exercises to build muscle or add them to bodyweight exercises to tone up and progress your training. They can be used in both full-body and targeted workouts and are perfect for strengthening the arms, legs, chest, back, and core – all without spending a fortune or buying bulky equipment.
But which dumbbells should you buy? Like most fitness equipment, research is required to find what best suits you. We’re going to explore the difference between Mirafit’s adjustable dumbbells and Marcy’s fixed dumbbells so you can decide which best suits you.
Want to move fast? Jump to the right section below.
Why Dumbbells Matter
Every home gym needs dumbbells – their versatility makes them a vital piece of equipment. But why do they matter so much? Well, they matter because they tick so many boxes. If you’re a beginner to fitness and testing the waters, lighter dumbbells are affordable and easy to store, so you can get a pair and try a couple of workouts to see if strength training and dumbbell workouts are for you. At the same time, if you’re at a more advanced level, heavier dumbbells are perfect for more targeted or full-body workouts, either at the gym or at home.
Unlike kettlebells, dumbbells allow you to isolate specific muscle groups to strengthen at a time, so your workout can consist of a couple of exercises targeted at specific areas you want to build up, or you could target sessions to one muscle group a day. The range of weights available also makes them the perfect progress piece. You can physically see your improvement as you work your way up and build your strength, before settling into a level you can maintain. And they’re not all about bulking up and getting strong – you might want to tone up, whether that’s your arms, legs or core.
Dumbbells allow flexibility in your workouts, so no workout is the same, keeping it exciting and fresh. With them being small and compact (unless you’ve reached the heaviest sizes!), you can work out from home whenever you want, and pop them away when you’re done. And if you really want to add to your routine, you can expand your home gym to include items like weight benches, racks or even multigyms. Blending dumbbells with other pieces of equipment can open up more exercise options for you to try.
An alternative to dumbbells is resistance bands, but they are more focused on recovery and rehabilitation and can be harder to get the hang of. The popularity of dumbbells means most people know where to start with them.
Mirafit’s Adjustable Dumbbells
Dumbbells come in two different types: adjustable and fixed. Mirafit offers a range of adjustable dumbbells. Prices range from £6.95 to £349.95, and weights up to 90kgs are available. Adjustable dumbbells come with a number of small weight plates that you can add to a dumbbell bar. For example, the Mirafit Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbells can be purchased in a range of different weights, with additional plates available as you progress. The 90kg set (2 x 45kg) comes with a range of 1.5kg, 2.5kg, and 5kg plates that add up to 90kg, and you can build your dumbbell bar however you want for your chosen workout.
Adjustable dumbbells are a good choice if you’re looking for the most cost-effective, space-saving option, especially if you plan to use them every day for a variety of workouts. Essentially, you’re paying for one set of dumbbells instead of having multiple pairs taking up space in your home, saving you money and space and giving you the flexibility to build strength at your own pace and in your own way.
However, because this type of dumbbell has individual weight plates, unlike fixed dumbbells, it can make them challenging to work with. You can’t just pick them up and go in the same way; the plates are loose, making them clunky and tough to handle, and it can be time-consuming to adjust the weights.
Marcy’s Fixed Dumbbells
The second type of dumbbell is fixed-weight dumbbells. With Marcy, you can get your hands on the Marcy 68kg Dumbbell Set with Storage Rack for just £249. This is a set of fixed-weight dumbbells ranging from 2.25kg to 11.3kg – all with a tidy storage rack to help save space, keep things neat, and keep your dumbbells safely away (plus the storage rack comes with a lovely little water bottle holder on top!). With a cast iron core, durable rubber coating, non-rust chrome finish and hex design (to stop them rolling away), these dumbbells are perfect for beginners and heavy-lifting enthusiasts alike and will last you a long time.
Fixed dumbbells often come in pairs, ranging from 0.5kg to 100kg. They are the most common type of dumbbell, and there is a reason for that. With a fixed-weight dumbbell, there’s no adjusting or setting up; you grab the weight you want and get started. The range of weights lets you progress as much as you want, at your own pace, and most are made from solid materials such as cast iron, making them pretty much unbreakable. With the Marcy Dumbbell Set, the hex style of these dumbbells means you can do even more exercises like press-ups or rows, as they’ll sit firmly on the ground without rolling.
However, unlike adjustable dumbbells, fixed-weight dumbbells are set at the weight they are. This does mean that as you progress and get stronger, you will need to purchase more dumbbells, which can make them more expensive if bought in pairs.
Buying Guide & What to Consider
So you’re setting up your home gym or looking to start working out from home, and you want some dumbbells, but what things do you need to consider?
Firstly, space and storage. What kind of space do you have available? Maybe you’re converting your garage and have space for multiple pairs of dumbbells, in which case fixed dumbbells might suit you. Or will you be exercising in your living room and need to tidy them away after? Then maybe adjustable dumbbells are the better choice. Once you’ve figured that out, you’ll be able to start looking at pricing, brands, and the kinds of workouts you’ll need them for.
Workout variety is something you must consider. What kind of exercises will you be doing? How much can you lift right now without causing an injury? How often and how heavy will you need your dumbbells to be? Once you have a clearer workout plan, you’ll be able to see which dumbbell type will be helpful to you.
If you’re looking for some dumbbell workout plans to get you started, check out our Ultimate Beginners Dumbbell Workouts or the 6 Week Beginners Dumbbell Workout Plan.
Budget and long-term value are next up. Adjustable dumbbells are often more expensive, as you’re essentially paying for multiple pairs of dumbbells in one. But it’s a one-off payment for long-term progress, and if you’re committed to building strength regularly, this may be the most cost-effective option: make a bigger payment now instead of multiple payments as you progress.
However, if you’re a beginner dipping your toe into see if dumbbells are for you – or even strength training in general – or just looking to tone up with lighter weights, then fixed dumbbells might make more sense. There’s no point spending tonnes of money on super heavy dumbbells if you’re going to settle at 10kg, for example, or if dumbbell training ends up not suiting your needs.
Material and durability are essential with high-priced items like dumbbells. The last thing you need is the cover coming off after a couple of workouts, or it starts rusting a few months down the line. Cast iron, rubber or steel are good options as these materials are strong and long-lasting.
Finally, comfort and grip. You’re going to use these dumbbells regularly, so they need to be comfy and safe – no one wants sore hands or to risk dropping a dumbbell when working out. Many dumbbells made of metal have knurled, textured grips to help you keep a secure hold and prevent them from slipping, especially when you’re sweating. The metal and textured grip may be uncomfortable for some, however. Lighter dumbbells often come wrapped in neoprene, which also provides a comfier non-slip grip.
Other Brands
There are other brands and dumbbell options out there. Urban Fitness, for example, offers both lighter neoprene and heavier rubber hex dumbbells that don’t break the bank, with prices coming in at just over £100 for the heaviest weight. The neoprene dumbbells come in a range of colours to help differentiate the sizes, and the weight options make them perfect for beginners and intermediates. They also offer a lightweight adjustable option; however, the max weight is 2.5kg, so it may not be the most cost-effective adjustable option available.
Pro Fitness also offers a range of fixed neoprene dumbbells ranging from 1kg to 20kg, all under £100. They also have an adjustable dumbbell set weighing up to 36kgs available with a quick twist-and-lock mechanism for adding and removing plates, making adjustments between exercises quicker and easier.
Finally…
There’s a lot to consider when shopping for dumbbells, but hopefully this guide has made it easier to choose what is best for you in every way. If you’ve found that adjustable dumbbells are for you, Mirafit is perfect for flexible, compact workouts and saving you space at home. However, if you’re looking for fixed dumbbells that are affordable and great for beginners and heavy lifters alike, then Marcy is the one for you.
Shop dumbbells now at exercise.co.uk!
Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, consult your physician, doctor or other professional. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. Exercise.co.uk assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property damage sustained using our advice.
If you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pain, or any other abnormal symptoms, stop the workout at once and consult a physician or doctor immediately.
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