Key takeaways
- Best overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells ($349 – $449).
- Best value: CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set 40 lb ($59 – $89).
- Weight range and step size decide how far you can progress.
In this article
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Choosing adjustable dumbbells in the US is easier when someone has already sorted the good from the overpriced. Below are the adjustable dumbbells we would buy right now, the ones worth a second look and the ones we would skip, each with a typical price and the reason behind the call.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells ($349 – $449)
- Best value: CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set 40 lb ($59 – $89)
- Premium pick: NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells 80 lb ($599 – $799)
Adjustable dumbbells compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells | Buy | 8.9/10 | $349 – $449 |
| Bowflex SelectTech 552 | Buy | 8.8/10 | $350 – $430 |
| NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells 80 lb | Buy | 8.5/10 | $599 – $799 |
| CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set 40 lb | Buy | 7.8/10 | $59 – $89 |
| Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells | Consider | 7.7/10 | $549 – $699 |
Our picks in detail
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
Most home gyms · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.9/10 · Typical price: $349 – $449
Why we like it: Fifteen weights in one pair.
Pros: Quick dial adjustment · Replaces 15 pairs · Compact
Cons: Bulky shape for some moves · Plastic parts need care
Buy it if you want a space-saving pair that replaces 15 sets of dumbbells from 5 to 52.5 lb.
Skip it if you need weights above 52.5 lb.
Bowflex SelectTech 552
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $350 – $430
Bowflex SelectTech 552 is one of the adjustable dumbbells we would buy in the US. It scores 8.8/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $350 – $430.
NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbells 80 lb
Heavy lifters · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $599 – $799
Why we like it: Compact dumbbells that go to 80 lb.
Pros: Up to 80 lb · Compact like a fixed dumbbell · Twist adjustment
Cons: Expensive · Heavier base
Buy it if you lift heavy and want compact dumbbells that go up to 80 lb.
Skip it if you only need light weights.
CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set 40 lb
Budget · Verdict: Buy · Score: 7.8/10 · Typical price: $59 – $89
Why we like it: Classic spin-lock dumbbells.
Pros: Very affordable · Durable plates · Simple
Cons: Slow to change · Plates can loosen
Buy it if you want inexpensive adjustable dumbbells and do not mind changing plates by hand.
Skip it if you want fast weight changes.
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells
Heavier Bowflex · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.7/10 · Typical price: $549 – $699
Why we like it: Up to 90 lb each.
Pros: Up to 90 lb · Dial adjustment
Cons: Long and bulky · Expensive
Buy it if you want the Bowflex dial system with weights up to 90 lb.
Skip it if you want compact dumbbells; these are long.
What to check before you buy
- Weight range and step size decide how far you can progress.
- Quick-change mechanisms save time between sets.
- Check the footprint and stand options.
What to skip
Common mistake: Buying a range that is too light to grow into.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. Adjustable sets replace many fixed dumbbells and save space.
Compare more options
Search adjustable dumbbells on Amazon See top-rated adjustable dumbbells on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best adjustable dumbbells in the US?
Our top pick is Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (typically $349 – $449). For the best value, choose CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set 40 lb (typically $59 – $89).
What should I check before buying adjustable dumbbells?
Weight range and step size decide how far you can progress. Quick-change mechanisms save time between sets.
When is the best time to buy adjustable dumbbells in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying adjustable dumbbells?
Buying a range that is too light to grow into.