When it comes to building your home gym or selecting the right equipment at your local gym, the type of dumbbell you choose might seem like a minor detail.
But, believe it or not, the shape of your dumbbell can actually influence your workout experience.
Whether you’re after better stability, easier storage, or a more comfortable grip, each dumbbell shape—hex, round, or square—has its own set of pros and cons.
(Remember to check out our 12 week dumbbell workout plan once you’ve decided which shape is best for your circumstances).
TL;DR
| Dumbbell Shape | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hex Dumbbells | – Stability: Flat sides prevent rolling, great for exercises on the floor. – Versatility: Ideal for home gyms and exercises requiring stability. – Durability: Rubber coating reduces floor damage, easier to stack and store. | – Bulkier Design: Can feel awkward in exercises needing close grip. – Less Streamlined: Flat edges can interfere with transitions. | Home gyms, exercises requiring stability (e.g., push-ups, burpees) |
| Round Dumbbells | – Compact Design: Smooth, continuous shape feels natural in hand. – Ease of Use: Great for traditional lifting exercises, easy to handle. | – Stability Issues: Prone to rolling away when placed on the floor. – Storage: Can be harder to store and stack securely. | Traditional lifting, gyms with racks and storage space |
| Square Dumbbells | – Stability: Like hex dumbbells, square shapes stay put on the floor. – Ergonomic: Square heads fit comfortably in palms for goblet exercises. – Peloton Design: Square heads provide stability during dumbbell push-ups. | – Awkward Size: May feel bulky during certain exercises. – Less Common: Limited availability compared to hex and round dumbbells. | Push-ups, goblet exercises, home gyms with a focus on stability |
Hex Dumbbells
Pros
Stability: One of the biggest advantages of hex dumbbells is their stability. Thanks to their flat sides, these dumbbells won’t roll away when you set them down, making them ideal for exercises where you need to quickly switch weights or for moves like renegade rows where the dumbbell itself acts as a stable base.
Versatility: Hex dumbbells are often preferred in home gyms for their versatility. They’re great for exercises that involve pushing or stabilizing the dumbbell on the floor, such as dumbbell push-ups or burpees.
Durability: The rubber coating on most hex dumbbells makes them durable and less likely to damage floors. They’re also generally easier to stack and store.
Cons
Bulkier Design: The hexagonal shape can make these dumbbells feel bulkier, especially during exercises where the dumbbells need to be held close together, like chest presses. The flat edges can sometimes get in the way, making the weight feel awkward in certain positions.
Less Streamlined: Hex dumbbells might not feel as streamlined in your hands compared to round ones, which can be a factor if you’re used to the smooth, continuous shape of traditional dumbbells. This can make transitions between certain exercises feel slightly less fluid.
Round Dumbbells
Pros
Comfortable Grip: Round dumbbells often have a smoother, more comfortable grip, which can be easier on the hands during longer sessions.
Variety: Round dumbbells are the most common type found in commercial gyms, offering a wide range of weights. They often come in a more comprehensive array of increments, making it easier to find the exact weight you need for progressive overload.
Balanced Design: The even distribution of weight in round dumbbells can make certain exercises feel more balanced, particularly in movements like bicep curls or shoulder presses.
Cons
Rolling: The biggest downside to round dumbbells is their tendency to roll away when placed on the ground, which can be frustrating during a fast-paced workout or in a crowded gym.
Storage Issues: They’re also harder to store neatly since they can’t be stacked as easily as hex or square dumbbells.
Square Dumbbells
Pros
Innovative Design: Square dumbbells are a relatively new option on the market, and they’re designed with practicality in mind. The flat sides prevent rolling, similar to hex dumbbells, and they offer even more stability for floor-based exercises.
Ergonomic Grip: Peloton recently launched square dumbbells, highlighting how their shape fits optimally into the palm of your hand for exercises like goblet squats. This design also provides additional stability during dumbbell pushups, reducing the risk of slipping and improving overall safety.
Space Efficiency: Like hex dumbbells, square dumbbells are easy to stack and store, making them a great option for home gyms where space is at a premium.
Cons
Limited Availability: Since square dumbbells are a newer innovation, they’re less common than hex or round dumbbells, meaning you might not find them in every gym.
Potential for Unfamiliarity: If you’re used to traditional round or hex dumbbells, the square shape might take some getting used to, especially in terms of how they feel during certain exercises.
Bottom Line – What’s the Best Dumbbell Shape for You?
When it comes to choosing the best dumbbell shape for your workouts, the answer largely depends on your specific needs and workout environment. For home gyms, hex dumbbells generally offer the most versatility, combining stability with ease of storage.
They’re particularly useful for those who perform a lot of floor-based exercises or need a dumbbell that won’t roll away between sets.
In commercial gyms, where there’s often a wider variety of equipment, the shape of your dumbbell might not be as critical. However, it’s worth noting that hex and square dumbbells are increasingly replacing rounded ones in many gyms due to their practical benefits, such as easier stacking and enhanced stability during exercises.
Ultimately, whether you go for hex, round, or square, the best dumbbell is the one that fits comfortably in your hand, suits your workout style, and helps you achieve your fitness goals.
If you’re looking to add a new set to your home gym, consider giving hex or square dumbbells a try—you might find that they take your training to the next level.