At first glance, kettlebells and dumbbells look very different. With a dumbbell, you'll see a handle with space for one hand and the weight equally concentrated on both sides of it, whereas a kettlebell will have the weight at the bottom of the handle, which can be grasped by one or two hands depending on your preference. Personal trainer and coach Marvin Nixon tells Ladder that where the weight is located and how your hands move while holding the handle has a bearing on the intensity and movement of your workout. 

Grip strength and stability become factors too. A dumbbell typically offers more stability because of how the weight is distributed, making them easier to use, whereas a kettlebell is an ideal fitness tool for those looking for more fluid movements that improve grip strength. Dumbbells allow for more a concentrated workout targeting specific muscle groups. With kettlebells, since you're going to be focusing on gripping the handle with the weight pulling downward, you may end up working the secondary muscles more.

When it comes to versatility and range of motion, kettlebells have a lot more to offer than dumbbells, per Kettlebell Emma. You have to activate your core and engage your entire body in order to get the best of the dynamic movements. In contrast, dumbells can be used while stationary.