An adjustable dumbbell packs several weights into one handle, so a single rack space can stand in for many fixed pairs. The main differences are how you change the weight (a pin, a dial, a twist handle or loose plates), how large the steps are, and how much floor or shelf space the set takes.
The six sets below cover pin, dial, twist and plate designs. Weights, increments and sizes come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these dumbbells ourselves. Load limits, warranty terms and any strength-range claims are the makers’ own, and some listings leave details open, which we point out.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Weight range | Check the top and bottom weight per dumbbell, not the pair total |
| Increments | Smaller steps give finer control; larger steps change faster |
| Adjusting method | Pin, dial, twist handle or loose plates with collars |
| Footprint | Cradle or tray size decides where it fits |
| Single or pair | Some listings sell one dumbbell, others a pair |
Specs at a Glance
| Set | Range and steps | Adjusting method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerBlock Elite EXP 90 (Stage 1) | 5 to 50 lb per hand; 16 increments | Magnetic pin | 12 x 7 x 7 in; expansion kits to 70 or 90 lb sold separately |
| PowerBlock Elite USA 90 | 5 to 90 lb per hand; 2.5 lb steps | Magnetic pin | 12 x 6 in; 1.5 in handle; includes Stage 1, 2 and 3 |
| BowFlex Results Series | 10 to 90 lb per dumbbell (maker) | Quick-turn dials | 1.25 in handle; storage trays; 17.5 x 9.5 in |
| NUOBELL | 5 to 80 lb in 5 lb steps (80 lb pair listing) | Twist handle | Aluminum knurled handles; 2 year warranty |
| Amazon Basics 25 lb | 5 to 25 lb in 5 lb steps | Turn the handle | One dumbbell; storage tray |
| Amazon Basics 38 lb set | Plates on 3 lb handles; 38 lb total | Plates and threaded collars | Pair with carry case; 1 in handle |
The 6 Best Adjustable Dumbbells
1. PowerBlock Elite EXP 90 Adjustable Dumbbells (Stage 1)
A pair measuring 12 by 7 by 7 inches in powder-coated steel. A magnetic polypropylene pin selects 16 steps from 5 to 50 pounds per hand, including 2.5 pound micro weights. Expansion kits for 70 or 90 pounds are sold separately and, per the listing, do not fit the Elite USA 90.
Suits: a compact pair that can be expanded later. Strengths: fine steps and a small footprint. Weaknesses: the higher weights need extra kits. Skip it if you want 90 pounds in the box.
View PowerBlock Elite EXP 90 Adjustable Dumbbells 5-50 lb on Amazon
2. PowerBlock Elite USA 90 Adjustable Dumbbells
A pair covering 5 to 90 pounds per hand in 2.5 pound steps, with a magnetic pin, a 1.5 inch knurled handle and a 12 by 6 inch footprint. The listing says it includes the Stage 1, 2 and 3 expansions, and the maker gives a 5 year residential warranty. The pin is described as having a 500 pound maximum load, which is the maker’s figure.
Suits: a full range in one pair. Strengths: small steps and a wide range. Weaknesses: not compatible with Elite EXP accessories. Skip it if you plan to mix with EXP kits.
View PowerBlock Elite USA 90 Adjustable Dumbbells 5-90 lb on Amazon
3. BowFlex Results Series SelectTech Dumbbells
Quick-turn dials change the weight from 10 to 90 pounds per dumbbell, according to the listing. It has metal plates, a locking system, knurled grips on a 1.25 inch handle and storage trays. The listing shows an item weight of 96.1 pounds, which does not match a 90 pound pair plus trays, so confirm whether the listing is for one dumbbell or two before ordering.
Suits: fast dial changes. Strengths: a wide range and included trays. Weaknesses: the listing data is unclear on quantity. Skip it if you want 5 pound starting steps.
View BowFlex Results Series SelectTech Dumbbells on Amazon
4. NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set
A twist-lock pair: turn the handle to pick a weight, then lift it from the cradle. The listing names 5 pound steps up to 80 pounds, and the page shows an 80 pound pair variant. Parts are powder-coated cast iron plates with knurled anodized aluminum handles, ABS and nylon, with a 2 year warranty from the maker. The title also mentions a 5 to 50 pound option.
Suits: a twist-handle design. Strengths: 5 pound steps and aluminum handles. Weaknesses: the title lists two ranges, so check the variant. Skip it if you want 2.5 pound steps.
View NUOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Set on Amazon
5. Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell, 25 lb
One alloy steel dumbbell with five settings of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 pounds, changed by turning the handle, with a storage tray. The maker describes an anti-drop design that keeps the plates in place. The listing shows a single dumbbell, so a pair means buying two.
Suits: a simple single dumbbell. Strengths: handle-turn changes and a tray. Weaknesses: sold as one. Skip it if you need more than 25 pounds.
View Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell 25 lb on Amazon
6. Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb
A plate-and-collar set of two 3 pound handles, four 2.5 pound plates, four 5 pound plates and four 0.5 pound collars, 38 pounds in total, with a 1 inch handle. You slide plates on and off and hold them with threaded collars. A black carry case is included.
Suits: a portable plate set. Strengths: a carry case and small parts. Weaknesses: changing plates takes longer than a dial. Skip it if you want quick changes.
View Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Set 38 lb with Case on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Set it on a flat, level surface and check the maker’s weight limits.
- Confirm the pin, dial or collars are fully seated before lifting.
- Wipe handles with a dry or lightly damp cloth.
- Keep the set on its cradle or tray when not in use.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Reading a pair total as the weight per dumbbell.
- Assuming expansion kits fit across product lines.
- Forgetting that some listings sell one dumbbell.
- Ignoring the footprint of the cradle.
Adjustable Dumbbell FAQ
Are they sold as a pair?
Not always. The Amazon Basics 25 lb listing is for one dumbbell, while the PowerBlock and NUOBELL listings are pairs.
Which has the smallest steps?
The two PowerBlock sets list 2.5 pound steps. The others use larger steps or fixed plates.
The Short Version
For a compact expandable pair, the PowerBlock Elite EXP 90. For 90 pounds in the box, the PowerBlock Elite USA 90. For dials, the BowFlex. For a twist handle, the NUOBELL. For a single light dumbbell, the Amazon Basics 25 lb. For a plate set with a case, the Amazon Basics 38 lb.
