5 Reasons Why Adjustable Dumbbells Are Worth the $$$

Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?

Adjustable dumbbells are worth it for most people due to their convenience, space-saving design, and ability to easily change weights for progressive overload, which is crucial for strength training and muscle growth. They also offer long-term value compared to buying multiple sets of fixed dumbbells. However, they aren’t ideal for lifters who handle extremely heavy weights or tend to drop their equipment, as adjustable dumbbells are more vulnerable to damage than traditional cast iron dumbbells. Cheaper, off-brand models may also lack durability, so it’s important to invest in a reputable brand for lasting performance.

That’s my quick answer. But, in order to understand whether adjustable dumbbells are worth it for you, we have to dive deeper into the facts.

Editor’s Note: You can watch the video version of this article below:

My Experience With Adjustable Dumbbells

Over the past two years, I’ve owned a pair of adjustable dumbbells (the FLYBIRD 55 pounders), and they’ve completely transformed my workouts. They’re a solid investment, and I honestly have very few complaints. Before these, I spent a lot of time using the PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells as well, so I’ve experienced multiple brands of adjustable dumbbells. My personal experience shapes my opinion on these, and trust me, I’ve put them through their paces.

By the way, if you’re curious about the exact dumbbells I’ve been using, check out this video review I did about them:

Quick Note: The Four Types of Dumbbells

Before diving into why adjustable dumbbells are worth the investment, let’s clear up some potential confusion. There are four different types of dumbbells:

1. Fixed dumbbells: These are the traditional dumbbells you’d find in most gyms—each pair is a set weight, and you have to grab a different pair for a different weight.
2. Plate-loaded dumbbells: These involve loading plates onto a steel handle and securing them with a barbell clamp.
3. Spinlock dumbbells – Similar to plate-loaded dumbbells, instead of using a clamp, it’s more manual—you generally have to screw and unscrew the collars to adjust the weight.
4. Finally, Adjustable dumbbells: These are what we’re focusing on. They let you change weights quickly without the hassle of adding or removing plates or needing an entire rack of dumbbells. You just dial or slide to your desired weight.

For example, a 50-pound adjustable dumbbell can range from 10 to 50 pounds, typically in 10-pound increments (10, 20, 30, 40, 50). Popular brands include Bowflex SelectTech, FLYBIRD, and PowerBlocks. Pricier models usually offer more weight options, making them perfect for a variety of exercises and fitness levels.

5 Reasons Adjustable Dumbbells Are Worth It

Here are the top five reasons why adjustable dumbbells are a smart investment for your home gym:

1. They Save a TON of Space

Adjustable dumbbells are huge space savers. Instead of needing a whole rack of fixed dumbbells or a bunch of weight plates, you just need one pair of adjustable dumbbells and a storage tray.

To put it simply: A set of 50-pound adjustable dumbbells takes up roughly the same space as a regular 50-pound pair, but with the bonus of being able to adjust them to lower weights whenever you want—without cluttering your living space. So you get multiple dumbbells for the size of one.

For someone like me, who lives in a small apartment, this is a huge deal. I can tuck these dumbbells neatly in the corner and still have a versatile setup for full-body workouts.

2. Super Easy to Use

One of the most annoying things about spinlock dumbbells was wasting time swapping plates. It was tedious and killed the momentum of my workouts. Not to mention straining my grip in between sets to change weights. Adjustable dumbbells completely eliminate this hassle.

With the right pair, adjusting weights takes seconds—sometimes just a second! It’s a total game-changer. No more fumbling around mid-workout, which helps keep your focus and intensity up, ensuring you’re making the most of your time.

3. They Are a Durable Long-Term Investment

In the past, durability might’ve been a concern for adjustable dumbbells, but today’s models—especially from reputable brands like PowerBlock and Ironmaster—are built to last.

For example, the PowerBlocks have gone through multiple iterations and are now built quite well. Even my FLYBIRD adjustable dumbbells, which are more budget-friendly, have held up strong after over two years of heavy use. Whether you choose a premium or budget set, a good pair of adjustable dumbbells is a long-term investment that will last for years.

4. Cost-Effective Compared to Fixed Dumbbells and Weight Plates

If you’ve ever tried building a collection of fixed dumbbells or weight plates, you know it can get expensive fast. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• New weight plates: $1.80–$3.50 per pound
• Used weight plates: $0.70–$2.45 per pound
• New spinlock dumbbells: $1.40–$1.90 per pound
• Used spinlock dumbbells: $0.60–$1.10 per pound
• New fixed dumbbells: Around $1.80 per pound;
• Used fixed dumbbells: $1.30 per pound.

Source: https://kalibrefitness.com/cost-per-lb-kg-of-weight/

Adjustable dumbbells tend to cost more per pound, but you tend to get more weight options with them. For example, I took a look at three of the bestselling fixed and adjustable dumbbells on Amazon and here’s what I found:

Fixed Dumbbells (each with a set of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 pound dumbbells):
$321 Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells 10-50 pounds with 5 weight options
$366 CAP Barbell Coated Hex Dumbbell 10-50 pounds with 5 weight options
$584 Yes4All Urethane Dumbbells 10-50 pounds

Adjustable Dumbbells:
$429 Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells 5-52.5 pound with 15 weight options
$360 PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable 5-50 pounds with 15 weight options
$350 FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells 11-55 pounds with 5 weight options

We can see here that, for the same weight ranges, both the Bowflex and PowerBlock dumbbells each give 10 more weight options in comparison with the fixed dumbbells. That is 10 more pairs of dumbbells in the set for similar prices. This shows how incredibly cost-saving adjustable dumbbells can be.

Now, the FLYBIRD adjustable dumbbells don’t provide as much value, given that they cost about the same as the fixed dumbbells while also offering five weight options. But, even those are not more expensive than the fixed dumbbells.

So, this is a huge win for adjustable dumbbells.

5. They are Versatile and Make Progressive Overload Easy

This is where adjustable dumbbells really shine, especially if you’re serious about muscle growth or strength training. The ability to increase or decrease the weight in small increments is crucial for progressive overload, which is the key to making gains.

Progressive overload involves consistently challenging your muscles by adding more weight, reps, or sets over time. Some adjustable dumbbells, like the Bowflex SelectTech, allow you to move up in smaller, more manageable increments, making it easier for beginners and experienced lifters alike to stay on track with their fitness goals.

With adjustable dumbbells, you can start light, perfect your form, and steadily increase the weight as you build strength. It’s like having an evolving dumbbell rack that grows with you as you progress.

Why Adjustable Dumbbells Might Not be Right for You

While adjustable dumbbells are great for most people, they’re not perfect for everyone. Here are some of the reasons why adjustable dumbbells might not be right for you:

1. If You Tend to Toss Around or Abuse Your Weights

Adjustable dumbbells aren’t quite as tough as traditional cast iron dumbbells. Although modern adjustable dumbbells are built to be durable, they still have moving parts that can be damaged if you’re rough with them.

So, if you tend to slam your weights after a tough set, adjustable dumbbells might not be the best option for you. Cast iron dumbbells can handle decades of wear and tear, but adjustable dumbbells require a little more care.

2. If You’re Extremely Strong

Most adjustable dumbbells max out around 50–90 pounds, though some, like the Ironmaster, offer add-on kits that take them up to 120 pounds. But if you need to lift extremely heavy weights, adjustable dumbbells may not go heavy enough for you.

You can always mix and match, using adjustable dumbbells for lighter and mid-range sets, and fixed dumbbells for your heavy sets. It’s a flexible option, but keep this limitation in mind if you’re aiming for very high weights.

3. Avoid Cheap, Off-Brand Adjustable Dumbbells

This is a big one: be cautious with super cheap, off-brand adjustable dumbbells. These no-name brands often sacrifice quality for a lower price, which can lead to durability issues.

Fixed dumbbells are simple—if they’re made from iron or steel, they’ll last forever. But adjustable dumbbells are more complex. Always stick with trusted brands to make sure you’re getting durable equipment that lasts.

Why Adjustable Dumbbells Are Worth it for Most People

Adjustable dumbbells are a fantastic investment for most people due to their space-saving design, ease of use, long-term durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to building a collection of fixed dumbbells. Their versatility also makes them an excellent choice for progressive overload training.

However, if you’re rough with your equipment or need very heavy weights, you might want to consider alternatives. And always, always go for a reputable brand to ensure your dumbbells last.

What Are the Best Adjustable Dumbbells?

So, now that you’ve decided that adjustable dumbbells are right for you, which ones should you get? Here are my three recommendations:

FLYBIRD 55-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance, the FLYBIRD 55-pound adjustable dumbbells are an excellent choice. These dumbbells are perfect for anyone who wants versatility without breaking the bank. Here’s what makes them a great pick:

• Affordable Pricing: At under $400 for a pair, FLYBIRD provides incredible value for the weight range it offers (11–55 pounds). You get the convenience of a wide range of weights for a fraction of the cost compared to a full rack of fixed dumbbells.
• Durability: Despite their lower price point, FLYBIRD dumbbells are surprisingly durable. I’ve been using mine consistently for over two years, and they’ve held up to heavy use without any signs of wear and tear.
• Easy Adjustment: The dial system allows you to quickly and smoothly switch between weights, saving time and energy during your workouts. This feature is particularly useful for circuit training or supersets, where you need to change weights quickly.

If you’re just starting out or want an affordable option that still delivers solid performance, the FLYBIRD 55-pound adjustable dumbbells are a fantastic pick for your home gym setup.

BowFlex SelectTech 552 Pair

For those who are willing to invest a bit more, the BowFlex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells are an excellent mid-tier option. With a sleek design and a wide range of weight increments, these dumbbells are perfect for anyone looking to step up their home workout game. Here’s why they’re worth the investment:

• 15 Weight Options in One: The BowFlex SelectTech 552 set covers a range from 5 to 52.5 pounds, offering 15 different weight settings. This makes it ideal for progressive overload, as you can adjust the weight in small, manageable increments, allowing for smooth and steady progress.
• Effortless Weight Changes: The unique dial system allows you to switch weights quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re alternating between bicep curls and chest presses, or simply want to adjust the load mid-workout, BowFlex makes it incredibly easy.
• Durability: BowFlex is a trusted brand in the fitness industry, and their dumbbells are built to last. You won’t have to worry about wear and tear, even with consistent use.

If you’re looking for a more premium option that offers great versatility and ease of use, the BowFlex SelectTech 552 is a solid investment that will grow with you as you progress in your fitness journey.

PowerBlock EliteEXP 5-50 Pound Adjustable Dumbbells

For those serious about strength training, the PowerBlock EliteEXP adjustable dumbbells offer unmatched versatility and expandability. With their unique block design and ability to increase weight capacity, PowerBlock is ideal for lifters who need heavier loads or want to build a long-term, adaptable workout system. Here’s why they stand out:

• Expandable Weight Range: While the base set offers a 5 to 50-pound range, the PowerBlock EliteEXP series can be expanded up to 70 or even 90 pounds with add-ons. This makes them ideal for lifters who need heavier weights for squats, deadlifts, or other strength-building exercises.
• Compact and Space-Saving: Despite the wide range of weights they offer, PowerBlock dumbbells take up very little space. Their efficient design makes them perfect for anyone with limited room but big strength goals.
• Durable Build: Built with solid materials and designed to withstand heavy use, PowerBlock dumbbells are among the most durable on the market. These dumbbells are built to last through years of lifting.

If you’re looking for something that can grow with your strength goals and provide maximum versatility in a compact design, the PowerBlock EliteEXP adjustable dumbbells are the way to go.