4 Best Adjustable Kettlebells (That Are Also Affordable)

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Adjustable kettlebells are an excellent way to add another dimension into your training when you’re short on space in a home gym. They’re small, easy to store, functional and incredibly versatile.

While your standard kettlebell can cost a small fortune and take up substantially more space than you’d like them to, the adjustable kettlebell easily solves both of these problems.

But which adjustable kettlebell should you choose?

That’s where I come in and why you came to the right spot. As a personal trainer and gym owner with over 20 years experience, I LOVE kettlebells and use them both for myself and my clients.

To save yourself a lot of money and time, I’ve put together this guide for the 4 best adjustable kettlebells money can buy. I’ve sifted through over 50 options (most of which are a total waste of money) to the top 4 that I would recommend any of my clients to use in their home gym.

And then towards the bottom, I created a helpful guide and answered the most common questions I get asked regarding adjustable kettlebells.

So let’s dive in.

For those who want a quick overview, below is our comparison table:

 
  
 
Our Rating
Why We Love It
Best For
Weight Range (in lbs)
Ratings
Titan 12-32kg Competition Style Kettlebell
Our Rating :
Why We Love It : 1
Best For : Best weight range, well made, versatile and fantastic value
Weight Range (in lbs) : Best Overall Option (& Value)
Ratings: 26.4-70 lbs
5.0
Rep Adjustable Kettlebell 12-24kg
Our Rating :
Why We Love It : 2
Best For : Solid build, good weight range, easy adjustment mechanism
Weight Range (in lbs) : Best Functional Design
Ratings: 26.4-52.8 lbs
4.9
Titan 10-40lbs Adjustable Kettlebell
Our Rating :
Why We Love It : 3
Best For : Versatile design, quick weight change, good range
Weight Range (in lbs) : Best Budget Option
Ratings: 10-40 lbs
4.8
Bowflex 840 SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell
Our Rating :
Why We Love It : 4
Best For : Good quality, wide weight range, good beginner support
Weight Range (in lbs) : Best For Beginners
Ratings: 8-40 lbs
4.7

How I Ranked The Options Below

The range of high-quality adjustable kettlebells isn’t massive.

Rather than waste your time showing you tons of options that aren’t worth your money, I’ve streamlined this review into the best 4 adjustable kettlebells on the market.

I’ve considered a number of points such as:

  • Weight 
  • Price
  • Ease of use
  • Versatility
  • Build Quality

The review will outline my thinking on each item and as always I’ll weigh up the pros and cons about each one. Finally, they’ll be ranked in order of what I consider to be the highest quality.

#1 Pick for Best Adjustable Kettlebells Titan 12 KG – 32 KG ADJUSTABLE COMPETITION STYLE KETTLEBELL (Best Overall Option)

Adjustable Kettlebells
Features
Our rating
12 KG – 32 KG ADJUSTABLE COMPETITION STYLE KETTLEBELL
product-image
12 KG – 32 KG ADJUSTABLE COMPETITION STYLE KETTLEBELL
Features
  • Huge weight variety – 19 different options!
  • Competition style, so suitable for Kettlebell Sport participants
  • Heavy, so you’ve got plenty of progression and versatility 
Our Rating
Our #1 Rated
5 out of 5

The biggest benefit to an adjustable kettlebell is weight versatility and in the Titan Competition Kettlebell, you’ve got a great range – you can go from 12kg to 32kg in various increments, meaning you have a 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 32kg kettlebell in one! That’s a huge 19 kettlebells for the price and space of one!

Kettlebells

The weight is adjustable via a screw thread located within the central bell. To access it you twist the kettlebell apart and adjust the weights by adding/removing plates. This keeps the weight secure inside and whilst it may take a little longer to adjust, it aids stability.

The Titan Adjustable Kettlebell is well-made and will last you years. It’s a competition style, so it’s suitable for competitive kettlebell lifters. At 32kg it’s usable for the Simple and Sinister Programme training. If you’re in the market for an adjustable kettlebell, this is the one I’d recommend.

And with over 25 reviews and a 4.5 average rating, we’re not the only ones who love this one…

Kettlebells
Kettlebells

Pros

  • Huge weight variety – 19 different options!
  • Competition style, so suitable for Kettlebell Sport participants
  • Heavy, so you’ve got plenty of progression and versatility 

Cons

  • Competition shape, so not great for double-armed exercise
  • Slightly longer to adjust weights because of the adjustment design

The Verdict

The Titan adjustable kettlebell is the market leader by a stretch. It wins in terms of value (19 kettlebells in one), in style (it’s a competition-shaped bell), in maximum weight (32kg) and at under 200 bucks is solid on the value front too. If you’re looking for a great adjustable kettlebell, this is the one you want.


#2 Pick for Best Adjustable Kettlebells Rep Adjustable Kettlebells 16-24kg (Best Design)

Adjustable Kettlebells
Features
Our rating
REP ADJUSTABLE KBS
product-image
REP ADJUSTABLE KBS
Features
  • Interesting style – competition shape, but a two-handed handle
  • Best weight change system on the market
  • Quiet internal mechanism
Our Rating
Our #2 Rated
4.9 out of 5
Kettlebells

Whilst Titan makes the best adjustable kettlebell, you shouldn’t overlook the Rep Adjustable Kettlebell. It comes in a variety of weights, but I think the 16-24kg one is the best offering of the bunch.

It’s a unique design in that it’s a competition shape, but it allows most users to fit two hands on the handle, giving more in exercise variety.

In terms of adjustment, the Rep Adjustable Kettlebell is probably the best on the market. It’s a very simple ‘push and twist’ mechanism which allows you to change weights quickly and without much hassle.

The internal mechanisms are made from nylon which means there’s no rattling, making it a very quiet bell to use. I’d have my concerns over the longevity of the plastic if it was getting SUPER heavy use, but for most users it should be fine.

The reason I’ve scored this one number two is because the weight variety isn’t especially high. I think the two-handed handle, the competition shape and the easy weight change mechanism are all excellent features, but it doesn’t come close to the Titan adjustable kettlebell for weight variety.

Pros

  • Interesting style – competition shape, but a two-handed handle
  • Best weight change system on the market
  • Quiet internal mechanism

Cons

  • Less weight variety – only 5 settings and up to 24kg
  • Plastic internal mechanism may not be the strongest

The Verdict

The REP adjustable kettlebell is a good offering. It has lower weight limits and fewer adjustments than the Titan, but it’s $30 cheaper as well. If you don’t mind the lower weight and want to save a few bucks, this one from Rep is solid.

#3 Pick for Best Adjustable Kettlebells Titan Fitness 10-40 LB ADJUSTABLE KETTLEBELL (Best Budget Option)

Adjustable Kettlebells
Features
Our rating
10 – 40 LB ADJUSTABLE KETTLEBELL
product-image
10 – 40 LB ADJUSTABLE KETTLEBELL
Features
  • Good weight variety for beginner/intermediate lifters
  • Very simple adjustment
  • Standard cast iron design, giving lots of exercise options
Our Rating
Our #3 Rated
4.7 out of 5
Kettlebells

If you’re looking for a mid-range adjustable kettlebell that won’t break the bank, I’ve got to point you towards Titan Fitness again. Whilst the 10-40lb adjustable kettlebell lacks the weight variety of the competition style kettlebell, it offers enough for most users–40lbs is still a considerable weight.

The 10-40lb kettlebell is a standard cast iron shape which will allow users to perform swings and other exercises with double hands. It’s a 1.5 inch diameter, powder-coated handle so is built to last.

With six adjustable weights that are held in place by a heavy duty plastic clamp, it’s very quick and easy to adjust. Within a few seconds you can have the weight changed and the kettlebell ready for the next exercise or set.

If there was more weight available, this would have been a challenger for the top spot, but because it lacks the sheer weight versatility of our top 2 kettlebells, I’ve had to score it third.

Pros

  • Good weight variety for beginner/intermediate lifters
  • Very simple adjustment
  • Standard cast iron design, giving lots of exercise options

Cons

  • Only 40lbs, which limits some advanced users
  • Fewer weight adjustment options than the competition kettlebells

The Verdict

Another offering from Titan, this is ideal for anyone who doesn’t have a huge budget but wants to add a high quality, adjustable kettlebell to their home gym. It’s not the heaviest, so it’s more suited to beginners or perhaps some female lifters, but it’s a great adjustable kettlebell for the price.

#4 Pick for Best Adjustable Kettlebells Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell (Best For Beginners)

Adjustable Kettlebells
Features
Our rating
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weight
product-image
Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weight
Features
  • Easy weight adjustment
  • 6 weights in one
  • Beginner friendly thanks to online support
Our Rating
Our #4 Rated
4.6 out of 5
Kettlebells

Bowflex are one of the pioneers of adjustable weight technology and whilst they have their critics, they do offer some decent kit for the home gym user. Their adjustable kettlebell perhaps isn’t the best-looking design on the market, it’s a functional item that serves a good purpose.

It’s well-made and comes with good app support, so is beginner-friendly in ways that others perhaps aren’t. If you’re new to kettlebell training and are unsure of the technique or exercises to try, the app can be invaluable. It shows you how to get the most from the kettlebell so it doesn’t become an expensive ornament!

It’s not a traditional design, but the Bowflex adjustable kettlebell offers 6 different weights up to 40lbs, which is a solid beginner/intermediate kettlebell. It’s not going to be suitable for competition style lifting, but if you’re after a decent adjustable kettlebell then this could be it.

It’s the second highest priced in this review, but I’ve included it because I think it’s helpful for beginners. The online support can provide a good platform from which you can develop exercise technique knowledge and take your kettlebell use from sporadic to a mainstay of your training.

With years in the industry, Bowflex kit is well-made and good quality, as seen by a 4.5* rating across over 2000 reviews!

Pros

  • Easy weight adjustment
  • 6 weights in one
  • Beginner friendly thanks to online support

Cons

  • Not a classic design – doesn’t look like a traditional kettlebell
  • There are cheaper alternatives

The Verdict

Whilst I wouldn’t recommend the Bowflex for the hardcore user, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly adjustable kettlebell that won’t break the bank, you could do worse than this. Bowflex offer good online support and have earned a reputation over the years, so they’re worth a look.

Types of Kettlebells

There are three main types of kettlebell, with nuances in the designs of each. They can be used for a range of lifting styles, so it’s worth researching which one you’re going to need before you buy.

Competition Kettlebells

These are specifically designed for kettlebell competitions. They have a squared handle with a set diameter (33mm women, 35mm men) and the handle has to align with the width of the kettlebell. This ensures standardised design for the sport. Competition kettlebells are made with steel rather than iron.

They’re not particularly versatile in a commercial or home gym setting, because the handle accommodates only one hand (unless you’ve got particularly small hands) and they can be very dense when you get to the heavier kettlebells.

For single-armed movements and competition techniques, the competition kettlebell is a great design. If you’re training for kettlebell sport competitions, it’s an absolute must.

The squared-handles are more in-keeping with competition bells.

Kettlebells

Advantages

  • Standard size, regardless of weight. You don’t need to factor in extra storage as they get heavier
  • Very well made
  • Colour coded, so you can see the weight you want quickly
  • Excellent design for competitive kettlebell lifters

Disadvantages

  • Small handles, so don’t suit exercises such as swings
  • Can be expensive
  • Design lacks versatility across exercises

Standard/Cast Iron Kettlebells

The generic kettlebells you’ll see on the market are standard or cast iron kettlebells. These don’t have to follow a particular design and are made from all kinds of different materials. The handle can be a wide variety of shapes and thicknesses, so there’s no set shape–you’ll see them round, square and even novelty with gorilla faces on!

Kettlebells

Commercial gyms tend to use cast iron kettlebells because they’re more versatile and usually cheaper. There are differences in quality depending on the construction methods and the materials used, because they can be made from iron, rubber, plastic or a combination of the three.

With a range of designs, the standard kettlebells are generally the best for anyone not competing in kettlebell sport.

Advantages

  • Usually cheaper than competition kettlebells
  • More versatile than competition kettlebells
  • Different designs allow for comfort in different users

Disadvantages

  • Can be big, especially when you get heavier kettlebells
  • Quality varies depending on design and manufacture

Adjustable Kettlebells

The final main type of kettlebells are the adjustable kettlebells. They don’t come in a specific design and are adjustable to a variety of weights depending on the makeup of the kettlebell.

There are products on the market that act as a handle, onto which you attach either dumbbells or plates. Whilst these aren’t strictly a kettlebell, they are a way via which you can swing a variety of weights.

Adjustable kettlebells are fantastic for anyone who has a home gym, is short of space and/or budget. It saves you a lot of money as you don’t need to buy a range of different kettlebells for your gym, or the storage racks needed.

Advantages

  • Excellent value for money–lots of kettlebells in one!
  • Easy to store, you’ve only got one kettlebell!
  • Wide range of adjustments available

Disadvantages

  • Build quality varies across ranges
  • Can be time consuming, adjusting weights
  • Usually limited on weight up to around 32kg

How Do Adjustable Kettlebells Work?

The design of adjustable kettlebells varies and as such there’s no single approach. Most contain a central core with detachable plates that allows you to manipulate the weight up or down. The amount of adjustment depends on the number of plates the kettlebell has.

Adjustment of weight can vary between a screw mechanism, a clip mechanism or a twist and push. They all work just fine, so there’s not one ‘best’ method.

Some of the designs are quick to adjust. In the more complex designs, you have to open up the main kettlebell which is more time consuming.

Are Adjustable Kettlebells Bigger than Normal Kettlebells?

The short answer is no, they’re not. The longer answer is that they can be bigger than competition kettlebells, but they’re not necessarily bigger than the standard kettlebells, which come in all different shapes and sizes.

The guys at Rep Fitness actually make a Competition Style Adjustable Kettlebell, which although wouldn’t be competition legal, it’s a way for someone interested in Kettlebell sports to buy an adjustable kettlebell that is the same shape and size as what they’d be using in a contest.

Generally speaking though, adjustable kettlebells aren’t any bigger than the standard kettlebells you’d find elsewhere.

Can I Use an Adjustable Kettlebell For the StrongFirst Simple & Sinister program?

You can, as long as you don’t run out of weight!

For the Simple and Sinister Program, if you’re starting light and have plenty of weight in which to progress, you’ll be fine.

If you’re already pretty strong you may run out of additional weight quite quickly. Most adjustable kettlebells max out at around 32kg, which is heavy enough for most people, but if you’re a real strong guy/gal then you may need an alternative option!

To progress into the more advanced, ‘Sinister’ element of the programme then you’ll need to add extra weight because the standard is set with a 48kg kettlebell and I’m not aware of any adjustable kettlebells that go so heavy.

What to Consider When Buying an Adjustable Kettlebell

You can go down the rabbit hole, but here’s what you really need to focus on…

Weight: Buy the heaviest you can afford. 

Materials: I only buy steel or iron. I don’t mind a rubber coating, but I never buy a plastic bell.

Shape: If you’re competing, buy a competition kettlebell. If you’re not, you can buy either a competition shaped kettlebell or a standard one.

Weight Range: The more weights, the more versatile the kettlebell is. 

Weight Change Mechanism: The easier the weight change mech is, the better the user experience is!

Final Thoughts on Adjustable Kettlebells

If you’re short on space or budget, an adjustable kettlebell is the perfect solution. With the quality of the kettlebells on the market now, you can buy a great kettlebell without blowing all of your cash.

If I was after an adjustable kettlebell, personally I’d be picking up the Titan 12-32kg Competition Style Kettlebell because it offers the best value and versatility around.

Still Unsure Which Option Is Best For You? Here’s The Recap, Based On Our Testing & Research

Steve Hoyles

Steve is a Personal Trainer, Weightlifting Coach, and Gym Owner. He has written about fitness for over a decade. He lives with his girlfriend Rachel and their two sons.

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