For most homes, start with adjustable dumbbells and a set of resistance bands. Add an exercise bike if you want cardio.
That covers strength and fitness in the corner of a bedroom or garage. Our picks are below, with what to check on size, weight range, build and noise. Our guide to building a smart home gym covers planning the space.
Best adjustable dumbbellsPowerBlock Elite EXP (5–50 lb)Check price
Best budget weightsAmazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Set (38 lb)Check price
Best exercise bikeYOSUDA Exercise BikeCheck price
Best bandsWHATAFIT Resistance Bands with HandlesCheck price
PowerBlock Elite EXP (5–50 lb)
For: strength training in a small space
- Range5–50 lb per hand
- Steps16 settings, 2.5 lb micro-weights
- Warranty5 years (home use)
A magnetic pin picks the weight, from 5 to 50 pounds per hand. One compact pair stands in for 16 pairs of fixed dumbbells. Small 2.5-pound steps let you add weight gradually.
Add-on kits take it to 70 or 90 pounds per hand later (sold separately).
What we like
- Replaces 16 pairs
- Quick to change weight
- Can grow to 90 lb per hand
Watch out for
- Square blocks, not round dumbbells
- Expansion kits cost extra
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Set (38 lb)
For: beginners starting strength training at home
- Total38 lb, up to 19 lb per hand
- AdjustSlide plates on, screw collars tight
- CaseStorage case included
A plate-loaded set: you slide weight plates onto two handles and lock them with screw-on collars. Changing weight takes longer than with a PowerBlock, but it covers most beginner routines. It comes in a carry case.
What we like
- Covers beginner routines
- Storage case
Watch out for
- Slow to change weight
- Tops out at 19 lb per hand
YOSUDA Exercise Bike
For: indoor cycling without a pricey subscription bike
- Flywheel25 lb (the heavy wheel that smooths pedaling)
- FitsRiders 4 ft 8 in. to 6 ft; up to 300 lb
- DisplaySmall LCD for ride data
A sturdy bike with a belt drive, which YOSUDA says is quieter than a chain. Press the resistance bar to stop the flywheel fast. A small screen shows ride data, and a tablet holder lets you follow any video class.
It connects by Bluetooth to a phone app with riding scenes and races. The listing doesn't say whether the app is free. Its resistance uses a friction pad, per the listing, which wears over time.
What we like
- Belt drive, quieter than a chain
- Emergency stop
- Fits many riders
Watch out for
- Friction pad wears over time
- Small data display only
WHATAFIT Resistance Bands with Handles
For: a full-body workout that packs small
- Bands5, from 10 to 50 lb
- CombinedUp to 150 lb
- IncludesHandles, ankle straps, door anchor
Five tubes you can use alone or stack, with handles, ankle straps and a door anchor. Use them for rows, presses, curls and leg work. They pack into a carry bag for travel.
They're natural latex, so skip them if you have a latex allergy.
What we like
- Stackable resistance
- Door anchor included
- Packs small
Watch out for
- Made of latex
- Check bands for wear before each use
Adjustable dumbbells
You turn a dial, move a pin or slide on plates to change the weight. Check the heaviest weight per hand and the size of each step, since smaller steps make it easier to progress. Store them on a stand or bench at waist height if you can, so you don’t lift from the floor. Stands are often sold separately.
Cardio: a bike or a rower
An exercise bike takes little floor space and is easy on the knees. A rowing machine works legs, back and arms at once. It needs a long strip of floor, so check the maker’s measurements. “Smart” machines add screens, classes and tracking. Some charge a monthly fee for them, so check what works without a membership on the maker’s site. For the big connected machines, see Peloton vs. NordicTrack.
Resistance bands
Bands with handles and a door anchor cover rows, presses and stretches. Anchor them on the hinge side of a closed door that opens away from you. Replace any band that shows cracks or sticky spots.
How we rate
We score every pick out of 10 on four things, weighted for how a gadget earns its place in daily life: how well it does its core job (40%), meaning a watch's tracking and battery life, a camera's video and alerts, a vacuum's suction and navigation, measured against the maker's specifications rather than the marketing; reliability and support (25%), including app quality, firmware updates, ecosystem compatibility (Apple, Android, Alexa, Google Home, Matter) and what owners report after months of use; ease of setup and everyday use (20%); and value, counting any subscription (15%). For gear with no app, like dumbbells or bands, build quality and safety take the place of app and update support.
We have not tested these products ourselves. We read the manufacturer's specifications, compatibility lists and support pages and look for the patterns in verified owners' reviews, both the praise and the recurring complaints. No brand pays for placement, and a commission cannot buy a higher rating. When a pick changes, we will say so on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What weight should a beginner start with?
Pick a weight you can lift 8 to 12 times with good form, and go up when that feels easy. A trainer or your doctor can help if you’re unsure.
Do I need a bench?
Not to start. Many dumbbell exercises work standing or on the floor. A sturdy flat bench adds presses and rows when you’re ready.
How much exercise should I aim for?
U.S. guidelines suggest at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening on two days. Start smaller and build up.
