Cheap adjustable dumbbells on sale: The best adjustable dumbbell deals

Finding cheap adjustable dumbbells can be a time-consuming task, especially with so many different options available. It can be hard to tell which set will get you the best value for your money without sacrificing quality.

Many people want to improve their fitness as their top New Year’s resolution, so retailers are slashing prices on workout equipment. At Live Science, we want to make it easy for you to get the best deals without the stress of searching through hundreds of pages of dumbbells. Before you check out the sales, though, there are a few things you should consider. 

Everyone has a different workout routine, but overall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone should aim to lift weights 1-2 times per week to maintain good health. Lifting weights such as dumbbells is a part of fitness called strength training, which is considered one of the most important parts of a workout, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of the benefits of strength training include developing strong bones, losing or managing weight, managing chronic conditions like back pain or heart disease, sharpening your thinking skills, and enhancing your overall quality of life. 

A popular option right now are adjustable dumbbells because you can change the weight to fit your level and strength, as well as to fit with your workout preferences that day. They also save space, as you don’t have to purchase a large set of weights with different dumbbells for each of the pound allocations. No matter where you are in your strength-training journey, there are cheap adjustable dumbbells out there for you. Check out our list below! 

Lastly, if you’re interested in lifting weights but you’re not interested in adjustable dumbbells, check out our guide on home weights set deals. We also have guides to the best treadmill deals, exercise bike deals and rowing machines on sale.  

Cheap adjustable dumbbells deals

Which adjustable dumbbell set is best for you?

There are a ton of cheap adjustable dumbbells on sale and they all have different benefits. A basic pair has two bars, plates with different weights and spin ‘collars’ to manually screw on to secure the load. This type takes more time to adjust but tends to be more affordable. Some come with a barbell connector rod so you can work on getting stronger with back squats and deadlifts.

For more efficient plate changes, adjustable dumbbells with a dial or twist mechanism mean you can increase the weight increments much quicker. Some adjustable models use a selector pin to change the weight – these tend to look different from the traditional dumbbell.

When considering the material, steel or iron is the most durable. Many cheap adjustable dumbbells sets have coated plates so they don’t scuff the floors when you put them down.

Bear in mind that the more plastic components on a pair of dumbbells, the more they risk being damaged. Ergonomics is a factor too, so consider how they feel to hold if they’re bulky and can offer a good range of motion.

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If you’re a dedicated weight lifter then expect to pay over $500 for a top-tier pair of adjustable dumbbells. These have the best weight range and features that make changing the plates easier. 

You can find a basic set of adjustable dumbbells for about $50, which is still a great discount compared with the price of an individual pair. A mid-range set of well-made adjustable dumbbells with a good range of weight options could cost between $200-400, or less if you find a good adjustable dumbbells deal.

Popular brands to look out for include Bowflex and Powerblock, but these sell out fast in the sale, so if you find them buy them as soon as you see them to make the most of the deal. When gyms closed because of the pandemic, demand for adjustable sets skyrocketed and they’re still really popular, so move fast if you spot a cut-price set.

Last bit of advice: make sure that you’ve added a pair, not a single, to your shopping basket at checkout as some dumbbells are sold individually.

Adjustable dumbbells on sale

Sunny Health And Fitness 40lb Vinyl Dumbbell Set deals

The Sunny Health & Fitness 40 lb Vinyl Dumbbell Set is a good option for those new to training and proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to tone up and build muscle at home. This pair is shipped with four lots of 1.5 lb, 2.5 lb and 5 lb plates to interchange, maxing at a total lifting weight of 20 lbs per dumbbell.

The handlebar has a curved centre grip so is comfortable to hold and it’s straightforward to load the plates on and off. Unlike dumbbells that use metal collars to secure the plates, the ‘nuts’ on this one are made of plastic and tend to loosen more often. What’s more, the weights may seem bulky compared to other space-saving options available. But overall, for beginners or those on a tight budget, these adjustable dumbbells do the job.

Bowflex SelectTech 552i Dumbbell deals

A pair of the bestselling Bowflex SelectTech 552i replaces 15 sets of dumbbells and has an easy-to-use dial system for quick weight changes between 5 and 52.5 lbs. This excellent range means that muscle strength can be built gradually and most stationary and motion exercises are possible, resulting in a whole body workout.

You can increase the weights by 2.5 lbs up to 25 lbs, and then in 5 lb increments between 25 and 50 lbs, with one final 2.5lb increase to reach the maximum. Weights on the SelectTech 552i are switched with a smooth turn of the selector dial, removing the hassle of screwing on collars. Plus, the metal plates are encased in moulding so they don’t clang together when lifting. 

The du mbbells sit in a storage tray that neatly houses the weights not being used. You can pick up and port the whole carriage between workout spaces, but you’ll need to avoid slamming down these dumbbells. Dropping them can crack the plastic connectors and will void the 2 year warranty.

Powerblock Sport 24 deals

The Powerblock Sport 24 allows you to train with 3 – 24 lbs per hand, replacing the need for eight pairs of dumbbells. With a tidy design it’s ideal for those short on space and can easily be slid under the bed or stored in a cupboard. Although this pair of adjustable dumbbells are noticeably smaller than most, they’re also durable – with a generous 10 year warranty thrown in.

Like all Powerblock sets, the Sport 24 uses a simple stacking system similar to what’s seen on gym equipment. You make the weight selection in 3 lb increments by sliding in a magnetic pin. The plates are also colour-coded meaning you can match up both dumbbells at a glance. It’s worth mentioning that the selector pin works best when the weights are on a hard, flat surface.

A rubberized, ergonomic handle gives a secure grip and despite the Powerblock’s unique blocky appearance, movement isn’t restricted. That said, there might be a slight learning curve when adjusting to the new shape if you’re used to lifting standard dumbbells. Another possible downside is that there’s no option to expand this set, but you can upgrade to another model in the Powerblock range when you’re ready to go heavier than the maximum 24 lbs.

Pinroyal 4 in 1 adjustable dumbbell set deals

The Pinroyal 4 in 1 set is different because not only do you get a pair of adjustable dumbbells, but a kettlebell, barbell and push-up trainer, too. This flexibility makes it appealing for men and women who want a good weight spread and it reduces costs when setting up a mini-gym at home. The extra bits with this set will take up more room however, so it may not be the best option for anyone short on space.

The package includes 16 plates to give 5.5 – 33 lbs of weight per dumbbell and a connector rod to create a light, or heavy barbell of up to 66lbs. Non-slip handles prevent slipping and there’s foam padding on the barbell for comfortable lifting. To build a kettlebell, grab the base, one handle and weights, or take the two handles and use them on the floor for push-ups reps. There’s also the option to buy extra plates to beef up the maximum weight you can lift with this set.

Yes4All adjustable dumbbells deals

Prefer the look and feel of traditional weights? Then the Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells may be for you. They’re more cumbersome compared to others that we’ve reviewed, but you’ll struggle to get a better value cast iron set for home use. Serious lifters can buy the 200 lb option, but this reasonably-priced pair offers a decent range with four 5 lb, and four 8 lb plates for a maximum lifting weight of 30 lbs per hand. 

As standard with this type of dumbbell, it takes longer to screw your weights on and off but robust threaded collars help to keep the plates locked and secure. A knurled chrome handle offers a steady grip although it might be smart to wear training gloves to prevent friction and chaffing of your palms.

Because Yes4All dumbbells are ultra-durable – possibly the toughest of the lot, you can take your curls, raises and squats outside and they’ll withstand the elements. Just be cautious about repeated slams on a hard/concrete surface if you don’t want the weights’ paint finish to chip.

Ali Horsfall has almost 15 years experience as a journalist and has written for national print titles and lifestyle brands including woman&home, Woman, Woman’s Own, BBC magazines, Mothercare, Grazia and The Independent. She currently specializes in health and fitness content and loves sharing the best expert advice on staying well.