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The 7 best adjustable dumbbells, compared by every setting
Updated
Short version: for most people I'd pick the BowFlex Results Series 552. It starts at 5 lb, has 15 settings, and jumps just 2.5 lb at a time up to 25 lb. If a long dumbbell gets in your way, look at the PowerBlock Elite EXP at 12 inches or the Core Fitness set, which the maker says is 9.3 inches long at 5 lb. If you already row past 55 lb, the BowFlex 1090 goes to 90 lb, but read the listing to see how many dumbbells you get.
Not sure what range you need? Run the range and jump checker first.
Quick comparison
| Set | Range per dumbbell | Settings | Jump size | Sold as | How it adjusts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BowFlex Results Series 552 | 5 to 52.5 lb | 15 | 2.5 to 5 lb | Pair | Dial at each end |
| PowerBlock Elite EXP 5-50 | 5 to 50 lb | 15 | 2.5 to 5 lb | Pair | Selector pin plus adder weights |
| NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight | 10 to 55 lb | 15 | 2.5 to 5 lb | Pair | Weight selector on the handle |
| Core Fitness 5-50 Twist | 5 to 50 lb | 10 | 5 lb | Pair | Twist the handle in the cradle |
| Ativafit 66 lb Dial | 11 to 66 lb | 12 | 5 lb | Pair (single also offered) | Dial |
| FLYBIRD 55 lb 5-in-1 | 15 to 55 lb | 5 | 10 lb | Pair | One-hand dial |
| BowFlex Results Series 1090 | 10 to 90 lb | 17 | 5 lb | Single | Dial at each end |
Ranges and settings are per dumbbell. The NordicTrack jump sizes come from our working of its 15 settings, since the maker does not print the list. See the increments page.
- BowFlex Results Series 55215 settings
- PowerBlock Elite EXP 5-5015 settings
- NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight15 settings
- Core Fitness 5-50 Twist10 settings
- Ativafit 66 lb Dial12 settings
- FLYBIRD 55 lb 5-in-15 settings
- BowFlex Results Series 109017 settings
The picks
Specs and owner feedback checked on Amazon September 19, 2026. Settings lists come from each listing or the maker's own product page.
BowFlex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells (pair)
Get this if you are a new or mid-level lifter and want small jumps where they matter most, at the light end. Skip it if your rows or presses are already near 50 lb, or if a long dumbbell bothers you on curls and overhead work. It has 15 settings per dumbbell from 5 to 52.5 lb. The jumps are 2.5 lb up to 25 lb, then 5 lb, with one last 2.5 lb step to 52.5. This is the new Results Series model, not the older 552 that was recalled in June 2025.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- 5 to 52.5 lb per dumbbell, sold as a pair on this listing (110.6 lb item weight)
- 15 settings: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 52.5 lb (maker's site)
- A dial at each end. The maker says a dial between settings locks the dumbbell in the tray
- 16.9 x 8.3 inches per dumbbell on the listing. The maker's site adds 9 inches high
- Metal plates and a locking system per the listing. Storage trays included
- 2 year parts warranty per the maker's site. Model BFW0025-OS, made by Johnson Health Tech
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners say the weight changes are easy and smooth, and that the set suits a small home gym. One says it makes several exercises easier to set up.
- They complain about: The locking mechanism gets mixed reports. Several owners say it broke.
Good
- Most settings of the 50 lb class picks, tied with two others
- 2.5 lb jumps from 5 to 25 lb
- Maker prints every setting, so there are no surprises
Watch out for
- Several owners report the locking mechanism breaking
- 16.9 inches long on the listing, with no shorter length given for light settings
- Must not be dropped
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 (5 to 50 lb, pair)
Get this if you want a short, compact dumbbell and the option to add weight later. Skip it if you want a round dumbbell shape or do not want loose adder weights to keep track of. The listing prints 15 settings from 5 to 50 lb per hand. Look at the list closely: there is no 12.5, 22.5, 32.5 or 42.5. The 2.5 lb steps come from adder weights you slide into the handle.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- 5 to 50 lb per hand, sold in pairs
- Settings on the listing: 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50 lb
- Magnetic selector pin. 2.5 lb adder weights in the handle
- 12 x 6 x 6 inches per the listing
- Maker sells Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits to reach 70 or 90 lb per hand (sold separately, Elite EXP only)
- Powder-coated steel. 5 year limited warranty per the listing
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners say the set works for most exercises, changes weight in about two seconds, and does not clang much. Some report no trouble after six or more years.
- They complain about: The review summary we read was mostly positive. The main tradeoff is the boxy shape, which feels different from a round dumbbell, and the 2.5 lb steps need loose adder weights.
Good
- Shortest pick here at 12 inches
- Expandable to 70 or 90 lb per hand with the maker's kits
- Owners report years of use without trouble
Watch out for
- The 2.5 lb steps need adder weights moved by hand
- Boxy cage shape, not a round dumbbell
- Maker says it is not warranted for any drops
NordicTrack 55 lb Select-a-Weight Dumbbells (pair)
Get this if your lightest lift is already 10 lb or more and you want 2.5 lb steps mixed in all the way to 55 lb. Skip it if you do lateral raises or rehab-style work at 5 or 7.5 lb. The handle alone is 10 lb, so that is the lightest it goes. The listing and the maker's site both give 15 settings per dumbbell but neither prints the list.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- 10 to 55 lb per dumbbell, sold as a pair with trays
- 15 weight adjustments per dumbbell. Listing gives 2.5, 5 and 10 lb increments
- Our working of the 15 settings: 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5, 55 lb. The maker does not print this list
- 10 lb handle. Steel and hardened plastic per the listing
- Model NAMSDB20. 2 year warranty text on the listing
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners like the 2.5 lb steps and the knurled metal handle, and say the set works well for home use.
- They complain about: Some find the selector awkward or say it sticks when changing weight. Durability is mixed, with some units reported broken beyond repair. One owner misses a 7.5 lb setting.
Good
- Reaches 55 lb per dumbbell
- 2.5 lb steps are not limited to the light end, by our working
- Fitted trays with weight markings
Watch out for
- Starts at 10 lb. One owner misses a 7.5 lb setting
- Some owners say the selector sticks
- Durability reports are mixed
Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set (5 to 50 lb, pair)
Get this if you want a dumbbell that is short at light weights and you like a one-hand change. Skip it if you want 2.5 lb steps. Every jump is 5 lb, and from 5 to 10 lb that is a 100 percent increase. The maker says the dumbbell grows as you add weight: 9.3 inches long at 5 lb and 14.5 inches at 50 lb.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- 5 to 50 lb per dumbbell in 5 lb increments (maker's site). 10 settings
- Twist the handle while the dumbbell sits in its cradle
- 9.3 inches long at 5 lb, 14.5 x 7.9 x 7.5 inches at full size (maker's site)
- Aluminum cradles, soft grip handle, coated plates
- Pair weighs 100 lb in total per the maker. 2 year parts warranty
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners call the twist handle easy and quick, like the compact size, and say it is ready to use out of the box. Some report seven years of use.
- They complain about: Some report plates coming apart, and several say the dumbbell sticks in the cradle above 35 lb.
Good
- Length shrinks with the weight, per the maker
- One-hand twist change
- Some owners report seven years of use
Watch out for
- 5 lb jumps only
- Several owners say it sticks in the cradle above 35 lb
- Some report plates coming apart
Ativafit 66 lb Adjustable Dumbbells (pair)
Get this if you want more than 55 lb per hand in a dial set sold as a pair. Skip it if you need light weights. It starts at 11 lb and every jump is 5 lb. Read the listing with care: the title says 5 to 88 lb, but the option we checked is the 66 lb pair, and its own bullets say 11 to 66 lb in 12 levels.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- 11 to 66 lb per dumbbell on the 66LBS Pair option
- 12 levels printed on the listing: 11, 16, 21, 26, 31, 36, 41, 46, 51, 56, 61, 66 lb
- Dial change. Maker claims a double lock on the plates
- 16.2 x 8 inches on the listing
- Alloy steel handle with a rubber grip. 50 lb options and a single are on the same listing
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners call the build solid and the dial easy to use, and say the set feels stable. One says it works for everyone in the household.
- They complain about: Durability is mixed. Some owners report weights falling apart.
Good
- 66 lb per dumbbell
- Even 5 lb jumps from bottom to top
- Owners call it solid and stable
Watch out for
- Starts at 11 lb
- Title range does not match the option you are buying
- Some owners report weights falling apart
FLYBIRD 55 lb 5-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbells (pair)
Get this only if you do a few heavy lifts, like rows, presses and goblet squats, and 10 lb jumps do not bother you. Skip it for shoulder work, for beginners, and for anyone who adds weight in small steps. The title says 110LB. That is the pair. Each dumbbell tops out at 55 lb, and there are just 5 settings: 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 lb.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- 15 to 55 lb per dumbbell. The 110 lb in the title is both dumbbells together
- 5 settings: 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 lb
- One-hand dial. Maker claims one-second changes and an 8 lock structure
- 19 x 8.5 inches on the listing, the longest pick here
- Tray included. Listing says it ships in two packages
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners say the weights are easy to change and the set saves space. Many say the handle feels good in the hand.
- They complain about: One owner reports blisters from the metal grip after a week. The review summary says nothing about the 10 lb jumps, which are the main tradeoff.
Good
- Simple, fast dial per the maker and owners
- Reaches 55 lb per dumbbell
- Tray included
Watch out for
- 10 lb jumps. From 15 to 25 lb is a 67 percent increase
- Starts at 15 lb
- Longest dumbbell here at 19 inches
BowFlex Results Series 1090 SelectTech Dumbbell
Get this if your rows, presses or squats are past 55 lb, or soon will be. Skip it if you are starting out. It begins at 10 lb and every jump is 5 lb. It has 17 settings from 10 to 90 lb per dumbbell. Check what is in the box: this Amazon listing says single dumbbell in the title, while the maker's own site sells the 1090 as a pair.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- 10 to 90 lb per dumbbell
- 17 settings in 5 lb steps: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 lb (maker's site)
- A dial at each end. Knurled metal grip per the listing
- 17.5 x 9.5 inches on the listing. The maker's site adds 10 inches high
- Listing title says single dumbbell and gives a 96.1 lb item weight. The same listing also says number of items 2
- 2 year parts warranty per the maker's site. Model BFW0024-OS
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: This listing is new and showed no owner summary when we read it, so we have nothing to pass on yet.
- They complain about: No owner summary yet. The main tradeoffs on paper are the 10 lb starting weight, 5 lb jumps all the way up, and a listing that says single in the title.
Good
- Highest top weight here
- Most settings here
- Maker prints every setting
Watch out for
- Title says single, so a pair may mean buying two
- No setting under 10 lb and no 2.5 lb steps
- New listing with few owner reports so far
Before you buy any adjustable dumbbell
- Find out if the number is per dumbbell or for the pair. See per dumbbell or pair.
- Count the settings and look at the jumps. A 10 lb jump is a wall for small muscles. See weight increments.
- Check the length. Most dial sets stay full length even at 5 lb. See dumbbell length.
- Plan to set them down, not drop them. PowerBlock says its sets are not warranted for any drops. See drop safety.
- Buying used? Check the recall list. About 3.8 million older BowFlex 552 and 1090 dumbbells were recalled in June 2025. See recalls.
Safety note. This page is general information, not medical or training advice. If you are new to lifting or have a health condition, talk with your doctor first. Check that every plate is locked before each lift.