Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
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For twelve quid and change, can Amazon's own-brand dumbbells really deliver what proper home workouts need? I'll admit, I was sceptical about anything fitness-related carrying the Amazon Basics badge. The brand's known for competent but uninspiring tech accessories, not gym kit that needs to handle being dropped and gripped with sweaty hands. But with 2kg dumbbells selling elsewhere for £20-30, these caught my attention purely on price. After digging into the specifications and trawling through customer feedback, I've found these neoprene-coated weights punch well above their bargain basement price point. They're not going to replace a proper gym setup, but for basic strength training at home, they do exactly what they promise without any unnecessary frills.
The hexagonal design is the smartest feature here, and it's one that separates these from the round cheapies you'll find in supermarkets. Those roll about like escaped footballs the moment you set them down, which gets old fast when you're trying to focus on your workout rather than chasing weights across the living room. The flat sides on these Amazon Basics dumbbells mean they stay exactly where you put them.
The neoprene coating serves two purposes: grip and protection. From what I can gather from user reports, the texture does provide decent grip even when hands get sweaty, though it's not quite as secure as the knurled metal you'd find on expensive weights. More importantly for home use, the coating protects your floors and reduces noise when you set them down.
At £12.59 for the pair, these sit firmly in budget territory. The weight distribution feels even, and the neoprene coating appears well-bonded to the underlying weight - I haven't found reports of it peeling off with regular use. The colour-coding (these 2kg ones are purple) makes sense if you're planning to build a set, though Amazon's colour choices won't win any design awards.
The printed weight numbers on each end cap are clear enough, though some users note they can wear off over time with heavy use. Not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing if you're particularly hard on your equipment.
Customer feedback suggests these handle typical home workouts well. The 2kg weight makes them suitable for beginners, rehabilitation exercises, or higher-rep endurance work. They're light enough for proper form practice but provide enough resistance for muscle activation in smaller muscle groups.
The grip circumference works for most hand sizes, though those with particularly large hands might find them a bit narrow for extended sessions. The neoprene doesn't get slippery like some cheaper rubber coatings, but it's not as confidence-inspiring as proper gym equipment either.
The biggest limitation is obvious: you're locked into 2kg. Unlike adjustable dumbbells, there's no progression built in. If you outgrow this weight, you'll need to buy heavier pairs. For serious strength training, that becomes expensive quickly.
The neoprene coating, whilst practical, does attract dust and pet hair like nobody's business. It's also not as durable as bare metal - expect some scuffing if you're dropping them regularly or storing them roughly.
For beginners or anyone wanting basic weights for light strength training, these Amazon Basics dumbbells deliver solid value. The hexagonal design and protective coating make them genuinely practical for home use. Just don't expect them to grow with you if you get serious about lifting.
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