8 Best Cheap Adjustable Dumbbells: Reviewed & Compared

Cheap Adjustable Dumbbells Compared

Why Buy Adjustable Dumbbells?

Adjustable dumbbells are exactly what they sound like – handheld weights that come with an adjustable dial so that the amount of weight can be quickly adjusted. They allow you to change the weight that you’re lifting with one single twist.

There are several great things about these types of weights:

They Allow You to Make Minor Adjustments

Unlike regular dumbbells that come in standard even numbers, these adjust a little at a time. Traditional dumbbells come in round numbers. If you go to a gym, you’ll see dumbbells in weights like one pound, five pounds, ten pounds, and so on.

With even the cheapest adjustable dumbbells, you can change the weight in quarter-pound increments. This allows you to slowly increase the weight as you build muscle, all from the comfort of your home gym.

If you want to know more about how adjustable dumbbells work, review our full guide!

They Take Up Very Little Space

Not everyone has enough room for an entire home gym setup complete with a power rack and full set of dumbbells. If space is at a premium, then you need workout gear that takes advantage of modern space-saving technology.

In other words, you need a set of adjustable dumbbells that takes up a fraction of the space traditional dumbbells require. Because they are adjustable, they do the work of an entire rack’s worth of dumbbells while taking up very little floor space. 

They're a More Affordable Alternative

While a full set of dumbbells can cost as much as $1000 - or even more! - adjustable dumbbells are notorious for not breaking the bank. Sure, it's possible to spend several hundred on brands like Bowflex or NordicTrack, but it's also easy to find a great pair for $100-$200.

Related Article - Comparing Fixed Vs Adjustable Dumbbells

How to Find the Right Cheap Adjustable Dumbbells (Buying Guide)

Adjustable Dumbbell Type

There are 3 types of adjustable dumbbells available: Dial a Weight, Spin Lock, and Selector Pins.

Dial a Weight adjustability allow you to select the weight you want to lift directly on the dumbbell itself. You can make speedy adjustments simply by turning a dial, but because of the convenience, these are generally more expensive. 

Spin Lock (also called Twist Lock) dumbbells also have a fast adjustability system. To change the weight, you just place the dumbbell in its cradle and twist to the desired weight. When you remove the dumbbell, the unselected weights will remain in the cradle and the selected weights will remain securely on the dumbbell handle. 

Adjustable dumbbells using Selector Pins use a magnetic pin system to change the weight. This type is very compact and has a natural feel similar to using standard dumbbells. 

Weight Range

Adjustable dumbbells offer a range of resistance to meet the individual needs or user. The best dumbbells will give you a wide range to choose from, so you can lift as heavy as you want to.

Some premium adjustable dumbbells will offer up to 90 pounds of resistance, but cheap adjustable dumbbells may have a more limited range. Light adjustable dumbbells will go up to about 40 pounds, whereas heavier ones will go up to around 90.  

Adjustable dumbbells will usually be in 1, 2.5, or 5-pound increments. The more weight you need, the more you will pay, so it's not worth getting weight you can’t handle. Beginners will typically need 30-60 pounds, intermediate users 50-80 pounds, and advanced users 60-90 pounds.  

Speed Of Weight Change

Adjustable dumbbells usually have a mechanism to load and unload weight. For the cheapest adjustable dumbbells, this can mean manually loading plates on, but some adjustable dumbbells have a dial or twist system where you can rotate the handle to change the load.

These systems are more expensive but allow you to change weight pretty much instantly. This is useful for drop sets and supersets where you need to change the resistance without stopping mid-set.  

Weight Indicator Readout

Most adjustable dumbbells are easy enough to read, but it's worth choosing one with the best readout for you. This will help you during intense workouts and avoid you having to stop mid-set.  

Materials Used

Good quality dumbbells will be made from iron, steel, or aluminum alloy, but the material used for the outside coating will vary. Naked, painted, or chrome-plated dumbbells tend to be the cheapest, but they are also the most prone to scratching and damage. Rubber, neoprene, and urethane-coated dumbbells are more expensive, but they're rust-resistant and less likely to damage your floor.  

Rubber-coated adjustable dumbbells tend to give you the best value, and most adjustable dumbbells have this coating. However, if you have a tight budget, there are some cheaper iron options.

Also, read our dumbbell material guide where we compare PVC vs rubber vs urethane dumbbells!

Durability

Almost all modern dumbbells contain a small amount of plastic in addition to the metal components. Try not to be alarmed by this; as long as they have been constructed properly, these dumbbells are still perfectly durable. 

However, because of the plastic components, it's important that you don't drop your dumbbells, especially from a height over 12 inches. 

Dumbbell Handle Length

Handle length is something that many people don't even consider when buying dumbbells, but they should. 

If the handles are too long, they tend to hit your hips when doing exercises like curling, or even come in contact with your head when pressing. A handle length of 14-inches is the standard, so consider this when buying. 

Storage Features

Even though adjustable dumbbells don't take up nearly as much space, storage is still something to consider. Some models use shelving to keep the weights out of the way, while others don't. It's up to you to decide whether or not additional storage features are a necessary addition.

Compactness

Adjustable dumbbells are designed to save you space and remove the need for multiple dumbbells or plates. The smallest options are dumbbells with a selectorized mechanism, but some are a lot bigger than others.

If your adjustable dumbbell is too large, it can be difficult to use and take up valuable floor space. Make sure you check the dimensions of the dumbbell before you buy.  

Price & Manufacturer Warranty

You'll notice that sometimes even the cheapest dumbbells aren't that cheap. The more expensive models are generally the ones with the most convenient adjustability system, plus, they require no additional equipment to get in a good weight lifting workout. 

In addition to price, make sure to check if the manufacturer offers a warranty or guarantee of any type. Many warranties cover every aspect - parts, labor, and everything else - of a malfunctioning dumbbell. 

8 Best Cheap Adjustable Dumbbells Reviewed

I've looked all over the internet and made a list of the best - and cheapest - adjustable dumbbells out there. Here are the top models that I recommend for your home gym.

Read our detailed reviews below or watch our YouTube video to find the best option for your home gym workout requirements. 

1. Bowflex SelectTech 552

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 are on our list of the cheapest adjustable dumbbells because you get the equivalent of 15 different sets of weights in a single set. Another obvious perk is that these dumbbells are made by Bowflex, one of the most well-known home gym brands in the world.

In terms of rapidly switching from one set to the next, I personally feel that these are the best. Their weight starts at 5 pounds and then goes all of the way up to 52.5 pounds and they adjust at a rate of 2.5 pounds at a time up to 25 pounds, then increments of 5 from 25 to 50. The Dial a Weight adjustability makes it super easy to switch between weights, simply by turning the dial.

The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells come in a black and red color combination that looks snappy in any home gym. These metal weights are surrounded by a durable molding that protects you from sharp edges. You can do over 30 different exercises with them, even if you don’t have a power rack.

Some people don't like that the 25 to 50 pound weight settings are adjusted in 5-pound increments. Jumping from 25 to 30, 30 to 35, and so on might be too much of a jump for you, but compared to other models, this feature is fairly standard. 

2. Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells

This set of weights from Core Fitness is on our list of the cheapest adjustable dumbbells because they are a simple, no-frills option that is sold at a very fair price.

The weights look like any set of dumbbells that you’ll see in a gym, only smaller and more compact. They don’t have any of the multiple color combinations or other features that shout “adjustable dumbbells” like the other ones on this list.

With their simple black and silver color combination and included stand, the Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set makes it clear that you’re ready for business. The weights are coated in a high-impact plastic, while the cradle (or stand, if you prefer to call it) is made of aluminum.

Although some of the other sets on this list of the cheapest adjustable dumbbells are constructed of higher-quality materials, these are still highly durable. The set starts off at five pounds and is expandable up to 50 pounds, moving at increments of five. It uses twist lock adjustment for quick and easy weight changes. 

The handle alone weighs five pounds, making it clear that these are not for beginners. Another not-so-beginner-friendly feature is the 5-pound weight increase for each adjustment. But all in all, these are a great choice if you're looking for a convenient, compact, affordable dumbbell set. 

3. ATIVAFIT Adjustable

I don’t think that ATIVAFIT brand needs any special introduction; this is one of the leaders in the home gym fitness industry. Besides exercise bikes and gym bags, they also pride themselves with one of the most popular adjustable dumbbell sets on the market.

ATIVAFIT adjustable dumbbells come with a convenient, modern-looking and stylish design. The weight can be changed very quickly thanks to the push-n-pull system. Basically 1 dumbbell is equal to four different weights, thus saving space and providing a lot of versatility.

You have 2 options for weight limits. The first is a dumbbells with a max weight of 27.5 pounds, and the second is 44 pounds at its max. The higher-capacity dumbbell is slightly more expensive, but it's a much better choice if you're looking for a challenge.  

The grip handle is contoured and textured while also being soft on palms. I don't love that this product is sold as a set of 1 since you'll need to purchase 2 if you want to work out both arms simultaneously.

4. PowerBlock GF-SPDBLK24

The Power Block GF-SPDBLK 24 Adjustable Speedblock Dumbbells are on our list of the cheapest adjustable dumbbells for your home gym because they are, well, cheap.

Even considering the low price, these are a good addition to any home gym - as long as you don’t mind increasing your weight in 3-pound increments only. These weights use a selector pin lever system that’s similar to the one used in standard gym equipment. Just move the bar and insert it into the slot for your desired weight.

These weights start out at 3 pounds and work their way up to 24, making your options simple: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 pounds. Compared to others, 24 pounds isn't the highest weight limit, so if you need more weight, you'll have to go with another option. 

They have a padded handle for additional comfort and are very well balanced. Even though the weight limit is fairly low, you really get more for your money with these.

Unlike many other products on this list, I love that these are quite colorful. Each additional weight option on this model is a different color, making it very easy to see exactly which level you’re on - plus, it's nice to look at!

5. Cap Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell

The Cap Barbell adjustable dumbbell removes the need for several different weights and offers up to 50 pounds of resistance. It combines 10 different sets of weights in one, so you can customize the weight and lift as heavy or as light as you want without the need for a huge stack of dumbbells.  

The Cap dumbbells use a twisting mechanism to increase and decrease the load. The mechanism can stick a little, but generally works well and allows you to change the weight in seconds. The load increases by 2.5 pounds at a time, which will enable you to adjust the weight in very small increments and make steady progress.      

These dumbbells are compact and much smaller than others on the market. The hexagonal plates make them easier to stack and store, and they have a rubber coating which makes them comfortable to hold and less likely to damage the floor if you drop them. All of this makes them perfect for home gyms and an excellent replacement for all your old dumbbells.  

It looks and feels like a serious dumbbell, and we love the aesthetics, but Cap quality isn’t as good as some other brands. They work well and are versatile enough, but you shouldn’t expect them to last as long. Make sure you factor this in when you’re making your decision. 

If you want a cheap adjustable dumbbell that can be used for a range of exercises, this is a good option. It doesn't have enough weight for some experienced lifters, but it should be enough for most users.  

Also Check Out - CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Full Review

6. NordicTrack 55lb Pair Speed Weights

NordicTrack, maker of renowned home gym equipment, created this set of black and blue adjustable weights with serious weight lifters and body builders in mind. 

The NordicTrack 55lb Pair Speed Weights start out at 10 pounds and adjust all of the way up to 55 in 2.5, 5, or 10-pound increments. If you're a beginner, you'll want to find something that starts lower than 10 pounds. Like I said, these are for serious weight lifting!

The system uses a simple pulley mechanism for weight adjustments. All you need to do is move the pulley to the weight that you want and insert it into place. Although the handle isn’t cushioned, it is comfort-molded for an easy grip. 

Each dumbbell comes with its own storage tray, and despite the NordicTrack name, the set is very reasonably priced for what you get. You might consider it expensive, but keep in mind that this set is designed to replace 26 standard dumbbells.

7. Weider Select-A-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells

The Weider Select-A-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells are a great addition to my list of the cheapest adjustable dumbbells for a few reasons.

My main compliment has to do with the easy adjustment system. The name "Select-A-Weight" is highly accurate; all you have to do is select your desired weight while the dumbbells are in their docking trays, then lift the handle with your selected weight securely attached.  

However, these aren't suitable for beginners, mainly because they start at 10 pounds and increase in increments of 10 pounds. But if you're serious about weight lifting, you can probably handle the 10-pound increases. The total weight for each set in the pair goes up to 50 pounds. 

The molded docking trays deserve as special shout out. Not only are they nice to look at, but they're also designed for quieter workouts. The metal plates of the dumbbells fit nicely within the durable molding of the trays, so you'll never have to worry about clanging metal plates as you dock your weights. 

8. Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells

The Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Set is well made, sleek, and easy to use. It has 8 plates on each dumbbell, offering up to 50 pounds of resistance, and while this might not be enough for advanced lifters, it’s plenty for beginners and intermediates. The design and quality of these dumbbells are apparent as soon as they arrive, and you can see why Flybird has been in business for over 20 years.  

These adjustable dumbbells use a dial mechanism that is smooth and efficient. It's simple to change weights mid-set and particularly useful for drop-sets. The dial moves in 11-pound increments, which is quite high, but it replaces the need for 5 different sets of dumbbells to free up a lot of space.  

The best aspect of these dumbbells is the balanced weight. Some adjustable dumbbells can be bulky and difficult to manage, but the Flybird design counteracts this. They’re some of the easiest dumbbells to use around and great for beginners who don't have the core strength and coordination.  

The overall quality and value for money are good, but one criticism of these adjustable dumbbells is that the plates can wobble a bit if you’re using the full load. This can be a bit annoying, but there aren’t any real build issues to be worried about.  

If you want an easy to use, high quality, affordable adjustable dumbbell in your home gym, then this is one of the best value options on the market.  

Conclusion - Are Cheap Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?

That completes our list of cheapest adjustable dumbbells – hopefully, you have found the winner to add to your home gym setup!

If not, I highly recommend the Bowflex SelectTech 552 set. It's definitely not the cheapest on the list, but when you compare it to the traditional dumbbell set, you'll be saving A LOT of money.