The Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells of 2024

Maximize your strength training workouts with adjustable dumbbells that won’t break the bank, but also don’t skimp on high-tech features or durability.

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Strength training is about so much more than just building muscle mass: It increases your resting metabolic rate, improves your bone density, boosts mental health and can even extend your life expectancy. One of the easiest tools for strength training? Dumbbells.

Adjustable dumbbells differ from cumbersome training equipment like barbells and weight machines in that, instead of cluttering up your (potentially limited) workout space, they provide you with variable weight options in one compact footprint (see also: adjustable kettlebells). Having a single piece of equipment that almost instantly adjusts from as low as five pounds to over 50 pounds also allows you to progress your strength training over time.

Adjustable dumbbells are still an investment—meaning even the cheapest will ring up at over $100—but they’re an absolute staple for even a bare-bones home gym. Use this guide, with our picks for the best budget adjustable dumbbells, to learn what types of adjustable dumbbells are available, what features to consider when shopping for a set and how to determine which ones are right for you in 2024.

Our Picks for the Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells of 2024:

• NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells
• REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set
• Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
• Titan Fitness 52.5-lb. Adjustable Chrome Dumbbells
• ProForm Rapid Strike 50-lb. Adjustable Dumbbell Set
• PowerBlock Elite EXP 5-50 Set
• Tempo Core
• Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set
• Merax Deluxe 55 Pounds Adjustable Dumbbell

NordicTrack 55 Lb Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells

Amazon

Key Features:

• # of weight settings: 15 per dumbbell
• Weight range: 10 to 55 pounds per dumbbell
• Weight increments: 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5 and 55 pounds
• Adjustment system: Rapid Weight Selector
• Warranty: 90 days
• Color options: Black
• Material: Steel and plastic
• Dumbbell dimensions: ‎11.4 inches long x 19.4 inches wide x 8.5 inches high (with storage tray)
• Price: $349

The NordicTrack 55 Lb Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells replace 30 dumbbells with a single pair. Starting at 10 pounds and capable of going all the way up to 55 pounds, these even increase in 2.5-pound increments—a more accessible add-on than five or 10 pounds. To swap the weight, you just lift the adjustable pin on the side of each dumbbell, slide it to the weight you want, then release it to lock it in place. If you’re not sure what to do with adjustable dumbbells, the 30-day iFIT trial gives you access to on-demand strength training sessions filmed in a studio and around the world, along with yoga, rowing, running, cycling and walking classes to round out your training.

Pros:

• Comes with a 30-day iFIT trial
• Includes storage tray to keep everything in one place
• Also available in a 25-pound version for lighter lifters

Cons:

• Short warranty period
• iFIT membership is an additional $180/year for individual plan and $396/year or $39/month for a family plan
• On the more expensive side for budget fitness equipment

REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set

REP Fitness

Key Features:

• Weight range: Four to 52.5 pounds
• Weight increments: 16 five-pound plates, four 2.5-pound plates and four 1.25-pound plates
• Adjustment system: Screw-on lock collars
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty
• Color options: Black
• Material: Cast iron
• Dumbbell dimensions: 17.5 inches long
• Price: $219.99

The REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set is a classic dumbbell set-up, giving you 24 weight plates to work with. They’re made from quality cast iron and have screw-on lock collars to keep them secure, and the round shape calls to mind a miniature barbell set-up. This set offers up to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell, but there’s also a 20-pound pair that might be more beginner-friendly (either way, the four-pound handle is a great starting point). Whether you go with the 20-pound or 52.5-pound version, you can also purchase an additional 40 pounds of weight for $79.99, bringing the max load per dumbbell to a whopping 85 pounds.

Pros:

• Available in a lighter option and with a heavier expansion set
• Cast iron is very durable
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Swapping weights is not as quick and efficient as with higher-tech models
• Storage tray is not included

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

Bowflex

Key Features:

• # of weight settings: 15 per dumbbell
• Weight range: Five to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell
• Weight increments: Five, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 52.5 pounds
• Adjustment system: Dial system
• Warranty: Two years
• Color options: Black
• Material: Steel, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and thermoplastic rubber
• Dumbbell dimensions: 16.9 inches long x 8.3 inches wide x nine inches high (with storage tray)
• Price: $429

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are at the top end of any budget range, but the higher price is justified: In addition to getting 15 sets of weights in one pair of dumbbells, you’ll receive a free year-long trial membership to JRNY with your purchase (a subscription that costs $149 per year on its own). This tablet app is packed with an on-demand workout library that includes strength, yoga, Pilates and other classes. Even better: It’s equipped with motion-tracking capabilities that allow the app to deliver corrective form prompts, count your reps and record the actual weights used, and then factor that information in when recommending future workouts.

Related: Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Review: Are These Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?

Pros:

• Includes storage tray to keep everything in one place
• Very easy to change weight increments using the dial system
• Rubber grip is more comfortable on your hands than traditional metal knurling

Cons:

• Expensive
• JRNY membership is expensive after free trial ($19.99 per month or $149 per year) 
• There’s a lot of plastic, which is not durable, for such an expensive set

Titan Fitness Adjustable Chrome Dumbbells

Titan Fitness

Key Features:

• Weight range: Five to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell
• Weight increments: 16 five-pound plates, four 2.5-pound plates and four 1.5-pound plates
• Adjustment system: Screw-on lock collars
• Warranty: One-year warranty included
• Color options: Silver
• Material: Chrome
• Dumbbell dimensions: 19.5 inches long, weight plate diameters range from four to six inches
• Price: $159.95

A more manual version of higher-tech adjustable dumbbells, the Titan Fitness Adjustable Chrome Dumbbells act almost like mini, hand-held barbells. These come with 16 five-pound plates, four 2.5-pound plates and four 1.5-pound plates. To swap the weights, you simply unscrew the lock collars at the ends of each dumbbell and add or remove extra weight. Those weights allow you to go up to 52.5 pounds in each hand, but the handle weight capacity is 150 pounds, so if you have additional plates that fit the handle, you may be able to get even more out of these.

Pros:

• 1.5- and 2.5-pound weights allow for incremental adjustments
• Chrome is very durable
• Low height makes these easy to store under a bed or other small areas

Cons:

• Swapping weights is not as quick and efficient as with higher-tech models
• Storage tray is not included

ProForm Rapid Strike 50 Lb. Adjustable Dumbbell Set

ProForm

Key Features:

• # of weight settings: Five per dumbbell
• Weight range: 10 to 50 pounds per dumbbell
• Weight increments: 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 pounds per dumbbell
• Adjustment system: Rapid Weight Selector
• Warranty: 90 days
• Color options: Black
• Material: Steel
• Dumbbell dimensions: 20.16 inches x 16.93 inches x 12.17 inches (with storage tray)
• Price: $299

ProForm’s Rapid Strike 50 Lb. Adjustable Dumbbells are a quality steel set that racks 10 to 50 pounds with a mere pull of a pin, similar to the NordicTrack 55 Lb. Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells. You get only five weight increments per dumbbell, but that’s plenty of load variation for basic strength training exercises like squats, presses and curls (although the 10-pound increment jumps might be a lot for less experienced lifters). The fact that the length changes as you add weight makes these feel more like a traditional dumbbell. Use them on your own or pair them with an iFIT membership for live and on-demand trainer-led fitness classes.

Pros:

• Includes storage tray to keep everything in one place
• Steel is very durable
• Easy to make quick weight changes

Cons:

• Short warranty period
• iFIT membership is $180/year for individual plan and $396/year or $39/month for a family plan
• Only increases in 10-pound increments for five different weight settings per dumbbell

PowerBlock Elite EXP 5-50 Set

Rogue Fitness

Key Features:

• # of weight settings: 16
• Weight range: Five to 50 pounds per dumbbell
• Weight increments: 2.5 (adder weight), five, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5 and 50 pounds per dumbbell
• Adjustment system: Magnetic selector pin
• Warranty: Five years
• Color options: Black and silver
• Material: Welded steel
• Dumbbell dimensions: 12 inches long x six inches wide x six inches high
• Price: $419

If you do the math, this PowerBlock adjustable dumbbell set replaces 825 pounds of free weights. Think of how much space that would take up in your house. Not only can you quickly swap weights using the magnetic polypropylene selector pin, you can also fine-tune your load by adding or removing the 2.5-pound adder weights in each handle (which, by the way, is padded for a comfortable grip). And if a 50-pound max isn’t enough for you, you can opt for the five- to 70-pound or the five- to 90-pound expansion sets (for an additional $169 or $338, respectively).

Pros:

• Stackable weight design changes length of dumbbell for more natural feel
• Long warranty
• Compatible with Stage 2 and Stage 3 expansion kits

Cons:

• Storage tray is not included
• Expanding the set increases the cost significantly

Tempo Core

Tempo

Key Features:

• Weight range: 7.5 to 25 pounds per dumbbell
• Weight increments: Comes with two 7.5-pound dumbbells, four five-pound weight plates, four 2.5-pound weight plates and four 1.25-pound weight plates
• Adjustment system: Manual weight collars
• Warranty: One year
• Color options: White with multicolored weights
• Material: Not listed
• Dumbbell dimensions: 14.5 inches long, weight plate diameters range from 5.5 inches to 7.75 inches
• Price: $245

Tempo Core is a streamlined, connected strength training system for home that comes with adjustable dumbbells. The Core itself is a two-inch by three-inch by two-inch circular stand you plug your iPhone into; from there, you’ll be able to connect to any TV or display with an HDMI input to stream classes and see rep counts and form feedback (gathered via your iPhone’s camera). The dumbbells are each 7.5 pounds, and the Core’s Starter pack comes with an additional 35 pounds of weight plates you can add on (the Plus and Pro come with an additional 75 pounds of weight, but cost $175 and $495 more, respectively).

If you're interested in Tempo Core, check out our in-depth Tempo Move review for more information about the advanced Core system. 

Pros:

• Tempo’s technology tracks reps and provides real-time form correction while lifting
• Core membership offers access to live and on-demand workout classes
• The Core itself takes up very little space

Cons:

• No weight storage to keep things organized
• Membership subscription cost is an additional $59/month
• Does not work with Android phones

Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Core Home Fitness

Key Features:

• # of weight settings: 10 per dumbbell
• Weight range: Five to 50 pounds per dumbbell
• Weight increments: Five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 pounds
• Adjustment system: TwistLock Technology
• Warranty: Two years
• Color options: Black
• Material: Composite, aluminum
• Dumbbell dimensions: Starting length is 9.3 inches long; dumbbell length increases as additional weight is added
• Price: $349.99

The Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set is a great option for beginner lifters who are looking to develop their strength over time. At just five pounds, the dumbbell handles are a great starting point, and with the adjustable technology, you get 10 sets of weights in one, with accessible five-pound weight increments. The best thing about this particular set is the TwistLock Technology, which lets you quickly re-rack the weights with just one hand (the dial is only on one side of each dumbbell instead of both, which is common with adjustable dumbbells). The locking mechanism is super secure, but you’ll also have a solid grip on the handles—even when hoisting the max weight— thanks to the contoured, rubberized grip.

Pros:

• Includes storage tray to keep everything in one place
• TwistLock Technology allows you to swap weights with just one hand
• More streamlined plate design

Cons:

• Can stick in the storage tray when re-racking
• On the more expensive side for budget fitness equipment
• No 2.5-pound (or smaller) weight increments

Merax Deluxe 55 Pounds Adjustable Dumbbell

Amazon

Key Features:

• # of weight settings: Five per dumbbell
• Weight range: 15 to 55 pounds per dumbbell
• Weight increments: 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55 pounds
• Adjustment system: Dial system
• Warranty: Two years
• Color options: Black
• Material: Steel, ‎acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and rubber
• Dumbbell dimensions: 16.5 inches long x eight inches wide x nine inches high (in storage tray)
• Price: $299.99

An adjustable dumbbell set that you can find on Amazon and get delivered for free? Yes, please! The Merax Deluxe 55 Pounds Adjustable Dumbbell checks all the main boxes: It has five different weight increments (jumping 10 pounds each time), uses a super easy dial system for adjustments, is made from high-quality steel and costs just under $300. Lift comfortably, even with the handles fully loaded, courtesy of the textured grip handle. And the hexagonal shape ensures these won’t roll away from you even when you don’t re-rack them in the storage tray mid-workout.

Pros:

• Includes storage tray to keep everything in one place
• Textured rubber grip handle is comfortable on your hands
• Dial system allows for fast adjustments

Cons:

• 15 pounds is a high starting weight
• Only increases in 10-pound increments for five different weight settings per dumbbell

Why Buy Adjustable Dumbbells?

Adjustable dumbbells can be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in your home gym—it’s like getting up to 15 weights in one. They also take up minimal space, and are easy to stash out of sight. And considering how important resistance training is to staying fit and healthy, the ability of adjustable dumbbells to let you progress your fitness over time is pretty invaluable.

How to Choose the Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells for You

When shopping for the best budget adjustable dumbbells, your personal budget will likely be the deciding factor. When setting that budget, though, consider your fitness level and how often you’re going to use adjustable dumbbells—that can help you decide whether you need to invest in a set that offers more or less weight increments or any high-tech features.

How We Chose the Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells

In compiling this list of the best budget adjustable dumbbells, we looked at the following factors:

• Number of weight settings offered per dumbbell
• Weight range of each dumbbell
• How many weight increments the dumbbells offered
• What type of adjustment system each set uses
• What materials they were made of
• Feedback from reviewers
• Overall cost (of course)

We excluded higher cost brands like the Nuobell and Ironmaster dumbbells, since these aren't budget, but if you decide to splurge, they're also worth a look.

The Benefits of Adjustable Weights for Your Home Gym

Resistance training follows the principle of progressive overload, which requires gradually increasing the time, intensity or weight used in your workouts. If you’ve only got a single set of traditional dumbbells for use during your home workouts (and especially if you’re a beginner), eventually you’re going to have to upgrade…and then upgrade again…and again after that.

Adjustable dumbbells allow you to get way more out of a single set, with weight increments that can weigh as low as five pounds (Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set) and up to 55 pounds (NordicTrack 55 Lb Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells). Not only does that save space, but it opens the door to a lot more versatility in your strength training workouts because you can quickly and efficiently swap our weights with a mere twist of a dial or press of a button.

How to Use Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells are very easy to use, even though there are several different ways to adjust the weights. One of the most common is via a dial system on one or both sides of the dumbbells: When the dumbbells are racked properly in their storage tray, you simply spin the dials to the weight you want to lift, then take the dumbbell out of the tray. (If the dumbbell is sticking, make sure both sides are turned to the same amount of weight.) Less expensive adjustable dumbbells may require manual re-racking, meaning you have to unscrew or unlock the weight collars on the ends of the dumbbells and remove or add weight plates.

What to Look for in Adjustable Dumbbells

Weight

Figuring out what kind of weight you need in a pair of adjustable dumbbells starts with knowing how strong you currently are, along with your health and fitness goals. Most budget adjustable dumbbells range from five to 52.5 pounds.

Beginners will want to stick to sets that start at the lower end of that spectrum, like the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells or the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set, while more experienced lifters can go with dumbbells that starts at 10 pounds or more. Less experienced lifters should also look for sets that increase the weight in smaller increments—like the REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set, which comes with four 1.5-pound plates—versus ones like the ProForm Rapid Strike 50 Lb. Adjustable Dumbbell Set, which only adjusts in 10-pound increments. Those who lift heavier may also prefer a set you can add additional weight to (purchased separately), like the REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set.

Dumbbell shape

Adjustable dumbbells generally come in two shapes: rounded or square. The shape is really a matter of personal preference; rounded weight plates (as you’ll find on the Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set) will feel more natural, like traditional free weights you’ve used in the gym. Square-shaped weight plates (like what’s used on the Rogue Fitness PowerBlock Pro) may feel a little more unwieldy or wide, and the boxy design might take some getting used to. Keep in mind, if a set of rounded adjustable dumbbells doesn’t come with a storage tray, they’re likely to roll away mid-workout.

Length is another important design feature to pay attention to. Some adjustable dumbbells, like the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, have a fixed-length handle, which means they stay the same length whether you’re using a single weight plate or all five at once—a set-up that can feel awkward to train with. Others, like the ProForm Rapid Strike 50 Lb. Adjustable Dumbbell Set, get longer as you add weight plates to the end of each dumbbell. This usually feels more natural while working out.

Portability

Adjustable dumbbell sets are inherently more portable that an entire rack of free weights, in that you only need enough floor space for a single set versus up to 15. They’re easy enough to slide in and out of a closet or under your bed, but they’re not likely something you want to be regularly moving from room to room; when the adjustable dumbbells are in their storage trays or fully racked, they can weigh 55 pounds or more (depending on the additional weight of the storage tray). If you're moving them, make sure to lift them carefully to prevent injury and avoid dropping—and potentially damaging—them.

Cost

The more expensive a set of adjustable dumbbells, the more likely they are to offer a wider range of weight increments and be made of higher quality materials. You can still get a great set of adjustable dumbbells for under $200 (see: the Titan Fitness 52.5 lb Adjustable Chrome Dumbbells), you just may have to sacrifice some of the higher-tech features, like an easy adjustment system. Remember: Even the most expensive adjustable dumbbell sets are still cheaper than investing in a bunch of individual free weights.

Adjustable Dumbbells FAQs

How much should I pay for a pair of adjustable dumbbells?

The answer to this question is entirely dependent on your budget, since you can get budget adjustable dumbbells for as low as $159 (the Titan Fitness 52.5 lb Adjustable Chrome Dumbbells) or as expensive as $429 (the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells). Even the more expensive options are cheaper than buying a whole rack’s worth of free weights, but consider how often you’ll be using these dumbbells. If you’re someone who lifts at home a lot, it may be worth investing in a costlier, longer-lasting set, but if you still go to the gym regularly, a more affordable set at home is enough to round out your training.

Do budget adjustable dumbbells offer less weight options than expensive adjustable dumbbells?

Sometimes. Most adjustable dumbbells, budget or otherwise, offer anywhere from five to 52.5 pounds. Where they differ is in the amount of weight options you can adjust them to; for example, the $159 Titan Fitness 52.5 lb Adjustable Chrome Dumbbells have six settings, and the $299 Merax Deluxe 55 Pounds Adjustable Dumbbell and ProForm Rapid Strike 50 Lb. Adjustable Dumbbell Set each have five per dumbbell, while the $429 Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells boast 15 weight increments per dumbbell.

How heavy do I need my adjustable dumbbells to go?

The total amount of weight you need from an adjustable dumbbell set will depend on how strong you are right now and what kind of gains you’re trying to make. If you’re just looking to maintain your strength, or you’re new to resistance training and have a lot of strength-building potential, a set of adjustable dumbbells that maxes out at 25 pounds per dumbbell, like the Tempo Core, will be fine. But if you’re already accustomed to strength training and like to lift heavy, 52.5 pounds may not be enough; you should consider a set that offers expansion options, like the REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set.

Are there any downsides to adjustable dumbbells?

The main downside to adjustable dumbbells—especially budget ones—is that they can break. Adjustable dumbbells use a fair amount of plastic and features like pins, which can snap on impact. While dropping a traditional dumbbell will most likely only result in damage to your floor (or foot), an adjustable dumbbell is a little more delicate and can break if dropped. Adjustable dumbbells can also be very heavy when left at the higher weights, so always make sure to check what weight they’re set at before picking them up.

Final Thoughts

While the prices of these adjustable dumbbell sets might not scream “budget” right off the bat, they’re actually saving you a pretty penny compared to investing in a full set of free weights (or a fancy lifting machine like Tonal). By combining multiple sets of weights into one compact package, these can be a lifesaver for those working out at home with limited space. Beginners and experienced lifters alike can both benefit from the variable resistance these adjustable dumbbells deliver—just pick the one that works best for your budget.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.