Adjustable dumbbells can vary between the weight selection, ease of use, design, material and quality. So, it’s best to take these things into consideration when deciding which are the best budget adjustable dumbbells that meet your needs.
photo by byzoomfitnesseu
Top 6 Best Cheap Adjustable Dumbbells Reviewed
1. Top Pick: The NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells
Number of Settings: 30 different weight options
Weight Range: 10lbs to 55lbs
Weight Increments: 2.5lbs or 5lbs
Dimensions: 20.5 x 19.8 x 11.5 inches
Adjustment System: Dial adjusting technology
Materials: Mix of neoprene and steel
Additional Features: Comes with a 30-day free trial of their iFit app
Warranty: 30-day return policy
Weight: 50 pounds
Color: Black
NordicTrack is a health and fitness brand, which specializes in treadmills, strength training equipment, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and accessories. NordicTrack adjustable dumbbells are typically considered the best affordable adjustable dumbbells as NordicTrack produces high-quality products.
Weight Selection. The NordicTrack dumbbells come in three different weight selections, which can cover your beginner and intermediate needs. 25 lb select-a-weight dumbbell pair. 25 lb select-a-weight dumbbell single. 55 lb. Select-a-Weight Dumbbell Pair. Perhaps the most popular of the NordicTrack options. The weight increments increase from 10 to 55 Lb in 2.5 or 5 pound increments.
Ease of Use. All you have to do in order to change the weight of the dumbbell is to place the dumbbell back in its tray, and simply move the dial on the inside of the dumbbell, either forward or backward, to your desired weight. Once you pick the weight you’d like, simply pick the dumbbell up from its tray and it will leave the unwanted plates on the tray, so as not to create a mess.
Design. NordicTrack’s come in an octagonal shape with flat edges. The benefit of this unique shape is that it prevents the dumbbells from rolling, so you can additionally use them as equipment for stability exercises as well. The metal handle comes with good knurling, and each dumbbell fits inside its own tray, which takes up minimal space, and can be tucked away in the corner of your home gym or room.
Materials & Quality. The dumbbells are made out of neoprene material. This will allow you to keep a firm grip on the dumbbell even while you’re sweating. Neoprene is softer than steel, and with an additional plastic layer on the top of the neoprene, the dumbbells are unlikely to damage or scratch your floors if you drop them.
Positives:
Easy to change the weight
30 day iFit membership
Easy to store
Covers a variety of weight options
High quality material
Could be better:
Octagonal shape can be awkward
2. Runner Up: Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
Number of Settings: 10 different settings
Weight Range: 5 to 50 pounds
Weight Increments: 5 pounds
Dimensions: 14.5" L x 7.9” W x 7.2" H
Adjustment System: Twist lock technology
Materials: Composite and Aluminum
Warranty: 2 year parts warranty
Weight: 50 pounds
Color: Black
Core fitness is a company that specializes in home fitness products. They believe you can get a great workout within 5 minutes or 60 minutes and they have the products to prove it. Along with dumbbells, they provide glute drive machines and cardio-kickboxing equipment. The Core Fitness product comes at number two because they are inexpensive adjustable dumbbells. So, you can get a variety of exercises, while staying true to your budget.
Weight Selection. Core Fitness adjustable dumbbells come with 10 different weight options, which vary from 5 pounds to 50 pounds. The weight increases in increments of 5 pounds. The dumbbells are made to be functional, so there aren’t any extra parts to it, so you can get your workout in effectively. With 10 weight options from 5lb to 50lb, the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells go toe to toe with most adjustable dumbbells we tested for functionality.
Ease of Use. The adjustment system is old school, as it employs a twisting handle system. Simply twist the handle of the weight that you want to add or subtract, and your dumbbell will be set to a new weight number. The plates are left upright on the storage tray, so it is easy to put them back on.
Design. The design of the product mimics a natural dumbbell, where the plates are spherical. The dumbbell kit comes with a storage tray, which takes up minimal area. So, you can get a good workout without making too much of a mess.
Materials & Quality. The adjustable dumbbells are made out of a combination of aluminum and composite. This makes the dumbbell slightly lighter, while allowing you to have a strong firm grip on the handle. Also, the weight is distributed evenly through the dumbbells, so you don’t have to worry about lopsided pressing.
Positives:
Easy to change weight
Lots of weight settings
Takes up little space
Could be better:
Large jumps between weights
3. Cheapest Pick: Cap Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell
Number of Settings: 30 options
Weight Range: 5 to 52.5 pounds
Weight Increments: 5 pounds
Dimensions: 16 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches
Adjustment System: Collars
Materials: Metal and Steel
Warranty: 30 day
Weight: 25 pounds
Color: Black
Going strong for 25 years, Cap Barbell provides different fitness equipment from benches, machines, barbells, and free weights. They take pride in making their equipment affordable, which is why they are the best cheap adjustable dumbbells to get. However, just because they are cheap, doesn’t mean they lack quality, as Cap Barbell has created a high-quality product that they can sell at a lower price than their competitors.
Weight Selection. The Cap Barbell adjustable dumbbell comes in a weight range of 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds. The weight increment jump is 5 pounds, which allows you to load your dumbbell heavy and get a good full-body workout. Plus, the variation in weights gives you a lot more options, so you can get all your lifting needs fulfilled.
Ease of Use. The dumbbells are very easy to use, as they mimic a traditional barbell. All you have to do is load on a plate, like you normally would, and then use a star-lock collar with rubber O-rings to clamp the weight on either side. This will prevent the weight from moving or sliding. You don’t have to worry about the weight falling either, as the collars are locked safely. So, if you’re used to lifting with a barbell, you’ll find these dumbbells to be a seamless transition.
Design. The dumbbells come with their own storage trays, so you don’t have to worry about a mess of plates laying around. The plates are spherical, so they don’t get in the way of any exercise as you use the dumbbells. As some adjustable dumbbells can come in awkward shapes, which can interfere with the lift.
Materials & Quality. The plates are made of cast iron, making them sturdy. The plates are also covered with black epoxy finish to prevent rust or corrosion. While the handle has a good knurling on it, allowing you to have a secure grip. However, considering the weights are made of cast iron, make sure not to drop them from a considerable height. The collars are made of rubber, so they are practical and versatile. You can also use them for your barbell workouts, too.
Positives:
Can adjust weights quickly
High-quality material
Easy to grip
Could be better:
High incremental jumps
Dropping them could damage your floor
Number of Settings: 20 different weight options
Weight Range: 10 to 50 pounds
Weight Increments: 10 pound
Dimensions: 20"L x 17"W
Adjustment System: Rapid strike weight selector
Materials: Alloy Steel
Additional Features: iFit app
Warranty: 30 day
Weight: 50 pounds
Color: Black
Three pillars of ProForm are time, strength and relationships. So, they try to provide time efficient exercise equipment that helps you get strong, while their iFit app helps you create positive relationships with their instructors. The time efficient aspect of the company had led them to create innovative adjustment systems, which can switch between several weight ranges.
Weight Selection. The ProForm Weight Dumbbells come in two options. Either a 25lb pair or 50lb pair. Although these are cheap adjustable dumbbell set, the downside is that the weight moves up in increments of 10 pounds, which can be an issue while making progress. It's difficult to make that jump with certain exercises. But, you can perform the exercises with a trainer through the iFit app, so that’s a bonus. That way, you’ll be able to keep the right technique and make good progress.
Ease of Use. The rapid strike selector and slider makes it easier to switch the weight. All you have to do is slide the selector to your desired weight, and the dumbbell will change. The quick and easy design allows you to perform exercise techniques like drop sets.
Design. ProForm dumbbells are known for their space saving criteria. The dumbbells come with a storage space, which limits mess. The design of the dumbbell itself won’t interfere with any of your lifts, as the spherical shape of the product aligns with your body’s mechanics, avoiding any needless bulkiness that some other dumbbells can have.
Materials & Quality. The plates are incased with plastic, so they will prevent any damage or scratches to your floor. But, plastic breaks faster than other material, so that’s one thing to keep in mind. The dumbbells only come with a 30 day warranty, so you want to be careful about dropping them. Most adjustable dumbbells don’t cover drop damage, anyway.
Positives:
Easy and quick to adjust
Space saving
Easy to use
Could be better:
Limited weight options
Plastic casing can be damaged
Number of Settings: 5 settings
Weight Range: 10 to 50 pounds
Weight Increments: 10 pound
Dimensions: 23.6 x 19.3 x 0.04 inches
Adjustment System: Selector switch
Materials: Metal
Additional Features: iFit app
Warranty: No Warranty
Weight: 111.2 pounds
Color: Black
The Weider strength company aims to provide the entire home fitness experience as they sell everything from treadmills to machines that target the entire body and free weights like their dumbbell sets. They also come equipped with the iFit app in case you prefer trainer-led exercises. So, you can pick from several workout programs and get fit in the comfort of your home.
Weight Selection. The Weider Select-A-Weight 50-lb. adjustable dumbbell set ranges from 10 pounds to 50 and it jumps up in weight with 10 pound increments. So, it’s able to replace five pairs of dumbbells, however the weight jumps can be difficult to bridge with certain exercises. This is another adjustable dumbbell set that comes with iFit technology, so you can follow trainer-led programs and exercises.
Ease of Use. These dumbbells use a simple selector switch, which allows you to toggle between different weight options, before settling on the one you need. All you have to do is decide what weight you’d like and slide the selector pin over. It is both fast and efficient, which is great for many lifting techniques. So, you can make progress with your muscle building and strength training routines.
Design. The Weider adjustable dumbbells come with their own storage rack, which makes it easy to save space. While, the design of the dumbbell allows you to perform most exercises with no interference. The design of the plates also allows the dumbbells to be used for stability exercises such as pushups, planks, and renegade rows.
Materials & Quality. The Weider set is made of a combination of metal and plastic, where the plastic is coated around the metal plates. This protects your floors, while also providing strength to the dumbbells, making them long lasting. So, you wouldn’t have to worry about warranties as much.
Positives:
Easy to adjust weight
Space saving
Multifaceted to perform different exercises
Could be better:
Large weight jumps
Number of Settings: 15 different settings
Weight Range: 5 to 50 pounds
Weight Increments: 2.5 pounds
Dimensions: 12"L x 6.5"W
Adjustment System: Secure magnetic polypropylene pin
Materials: Steel
Warranty: Limited 5 year
Weight: 5 pounds
Color: Black and Red
PowerBlock specializes mainly in dumbbells as their aim is to provide their customers with an efficient, mess free product that allows the user to exercise effectively. The dumbbells are meant to have their own special adjustment system, which allows for easy workouts. Along with providing a variety of lifting options through their weight range.
Weight Selection. The PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells come in 15 different weight settings as their weight range varies from 5 pounds to 50 pounds. The weight increment jump is 2.5 pounds, which allows for several different options when lifting. Also, they can replace several dumbbells, so the one time purchase can be seen as cost efficient.
Ease of Use. PowerBlock uses a magnet pin technology, which is simple to work as all you have to do is remove the pin, add or subtract your desired weight, and reinsert the pin in the proper place. It’s unlikely that the pin will fall out while performing any exercise. The quick adjustment can allow you to perform different workout techniques, such as drop sets.
Design. The design of the PowerBlocks is good for saving space as it’s only a foot long and six inches high and wide. However, the box shape of the weights can be awkward to use at first and might take some time to get used to it. Not to mention that it may interfere with some lifts. So, that’s a major drawback.
Materials & Quality. PowerBlock are typically made of steel, so you don’t have to worry too much about damaging the dumbbell’s themselves. However, there is a concern that the dumbbell could damage your floors if dropped from considerable height. You do have a 5 year warranty, but drop coverage is most of the time not covered.
Positives:
Easy to change weight
Space saving
Many weight options
Could be better:
Awkward to use
Subscribe!
Get more reviews about training equipment, special offers and discounts from different stores.
What Are Adjustable Dumbbells
photo by lifeprousa
A typical dumbbell comes in a fixed weight. So, a non-adjustable dumbbell will either be 10 pounds or 20 or 30. While, an adjustable dumbbell can switch between weights through different weight adjustable technologies. An example of one being a dial slider, where you place the dumbbell in the storage tray and then use the dial on the dumbbell to change the amount of weight you like.
Also, unlike a typical dumbbell where the weight is fixed, an adjustable dumbbell can vary between 10 to 30 to 50 pounds and even beyond that. So, a singular dumbbell can make up for multiple fixed weight dumbbells.
Adjustable dumbbells also only require you to buy two pieces of equipment. The dumbbell itself and the storage tray it comes with. Compare that to a fixed dumbbell, which requires many dumbbell purchases and then racks to place them on. Otherwise you’d have a mess of dumbbells laying around.
3 Key Differences within Adjustable Dumbbells
1. You choose the best Olympic weightlifting shoes based on their benefits-per-dollar, which comes from the cost, the strength of the heel, the stability they provide, the materials and build quality, and then how well they suit your intended style of training (powerlifting, bodybuilding, fitness, or Olympic weightlifting).
2. The best lifting shoes offer more benefits for the cost and suit your needs. Keep your own style of training, experience levels, and budget in mind. All of the items on our list today have a place, but the one that suits you depends on these personal factors.
3. You should always choose quality if possible, as the best Olympic lifters are going to see significant use. You may own the same pair for years, and buying for quality prevents you buying twice – which is why our top 3 options are all premium lifting shoes.
Adjustable Dumbbell Benefits
photo by rezlek.fitness
Adjustable Dumbbells Are Cost-Effective
Perhaps the best advantage of an adjustable dumbbell is that it’s cost efficient. Traditionally, if you were to buy a set of fixed dumbbell pairs from, let's say, 10 pounds to 50 pounds, you’re likely to see a bill well over a thousand dollars.
But, compare that to different adjustable dumbbells that are far under that $1,000 dollar mark, and give you the same number of dumbbell sets.
Also, it’s likely that adjustable dumbbells give you more options for your money and often an adjustable dumbbell moves up in increments of 2.5lbs so you have more intermediate weights too to choose from.
Adjustable Dumbbells Are More Convenient
Adjustable dumbbells are easier to transport and carry around as well. If you have to travel for work, you might find it difficult to workout. But, with the help of an adjustable dumbbell, you have your own mini-gym where you go.
You can even do outdoor workouts with the weight. Compared to fixed dumbbells, there is no way to transport them readily and if you wish to work outdoors, you can only take a couple with you.
Adjustable Dumbbells Allow for More Variety
As mentioned earlier, many adjustable dumbbells increase in smaller weight increments of 2.5lbs or 5lbs. This is a big advantage as it gives you more options with your workout.
Small increases in weight increments are also considered to be a great way to optimize long-term muscle building and strength gain. This principle is referred to as progressive overload and an adjustable dumbbell makes it easier to follow this principle.
Adjustable Dumbbells Are Space-Saving
One of the best benefits of purchasing adjustable dumbbells is the space saving attribute of the product. Typically, an adjustable dumbbell will come with its own storage tray, which can be put away in the corner of a room, or can slide it underneath a cabinet or bed to save space and keep a clean environment around you.
While fixed weight dumbbells require a much larger area to stow away and can cause a mess if you leave them laying around.
Adjustable Dumbbell Benefits
photo by fitnesstrading_bodysolid
Weight Range
Not all adjustable dumbbells come with the same weight range. So, determine what kind of workouts you’d like to do and what weight range you find challenging. The weight range should cover weights that are easy for you to handle but also weights that are moderate to difficult, and a couple that are just beyond your current strength. So, you have something to work towards. Once that is determined, pick the adjustable dumbbells that meet your requirements.
Budget
There are many materials, plate sizes, and adjustable technology that go into making an adjustable dumbbell. This is the reason the price range varies from one product to the next. So, it will be to your benefit to have a budget in mind before looking for what adjustable dumbbell you wish to get. But the good thing is that no matter what your budget is, there will be an adjustable dumbbell to meet your needs.
For the cheapest adjustable dumbbells, we recommend the Cap Barbell Adjustable Dumbbells.
Storage Space
As mentioned above, each adjustable dumbbell does come in a different shape and size. So, even though storing them is easy, you want to make sure you have the space that meets the dumbbell’s dimensions and size.
FAQ
Why Do Adjustable Dumbbells Cost So Much?
It’s true you’re unlikely to find adjustable dumbbells under $100 and there are many factors that play a role in this. From the plates themselves and the shape and design of them, to the weight adjustability technology, to the different materials used to make the product, and finally, the storage tray itself.
For the most affordable adjustable dumbbells, we recommend the NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells.
Are Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
Yes, adjustable dumbbells are worth the price, especially when you take into consideration the amount of money you’d have to spend to get an equivalent number of fixed dumbbells. A one time payment for adjustable dumbbells can get you up to 30 pairs of dumbbells. These will satisfy most of your muscle building and strength needs.
What Weight Adjustable Dumbbells Should I Buy?
Figure out the weight that is easy, moderate, and challenging for you. Pick a weight variation that covers all these categories, and has a weight option beyond it you can work towards as a goal.
Conclusion
photo by primafitindonesia
The variation in adjustable dumbbells is quite a lot, so you want to make sure you have a budget in mind, along with the type of exercises you wish to perform, so you can purchase a dumbbell set that fits your needs the best.
Also read:
References:
- 5 Best Dumbbell Exercises for Muscle Gain // Colossus Fitness:
https://youtu.be/aD9-YEmDmQY - 25 Best Dumbbell Exercises for Building Muscle // MEN'S HEALTH:
https://www.menshealth.com/uk/building-muscle/a755117/the-10-best-dumbbell-exercises/
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
Grace
As a seasoned powerlifter, I must say that the Cap Barbell adjustable dumbbells are perfect. These babies allow me to load up heavy and perform a full-body workout easily. The weight increments of 5 pounds give me the flexibility to make gradual progress, and the star-lock collar with rubber O-rings keeps the plates in place without any annoying rattling. The only thing to remember is not to drop them from a considerable height due to their cast iron construction. All in all, I recommend the Cap adjustable dumbbells to anyone serious about their lifting.
Torokhtiy Team
Hi @Alessan!
Whether to buy one adjustable dumbbell or a pair depends on your fitness goals and preferences. If you want to target both arms equally and perform exercises like bicep curls, you’ll need a pair. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget or have limited space, one adjustable dumbbell can be a good choice. Keep in mind that a pair allows for more versatility in your workouts, while a single one can be more convenient to store and transport.
Alessan
Should I buy one adjustable dumbbell, or a pair?