Best Adjustable Dumbbells UK 2026
The Future of Home Weights
If you're serious about gaining strength at home, this is the most smart purchase you'll make. Buying individual dumbbells from 5kg to 30kg would cost over £800 and fill an entire wall. An adjustable set fits under your bed and costs half that. We compared the top dial, pin, and spinlock systems available in the UK.
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells
- •Indestructible build
- •Expandable to 40kg
PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells
- •More compact than Elite
- •Great tapered handle
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells
- •Indestructible build
- •Expandable to 40kg
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells | £399.00 | Best Overall | 4.7/5 | Check Latest Price |
| PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells | £179.00 | Great Value | 4.6/5 | Check Latest Price |
| PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP Adjustable Dumbbells | £499.00 | Great Value | 4.6/5 | Check Latest Price |
| BowFlex SelectTech 1090i Adjustable Dumbbell | £300.00 | Great Value | 4.5/5 | Check Latest Price |
| Half Human 5kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set | £49.00 | Great Value | 4.7/5 | Check Latest Price |
1. PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros
- Indestructible build
- Expandable to 40kg
- Flat ends for resting on knees
- 10-year reliability
Cons
- Cage handle traps wrist
- Pin change is slower than dial
- Expensive upfront
Our Review
The gold standard for durability, PowerBlocks use a robust pin system that withstands years of use. Their square profile allows for safe floor pressing (they don't roll), and the expandable nature means this set can grow alongside your strength.
2. PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros
- More compact than Elite
- Great tapered handle
- Cheaper entry point
- Solid lock
Cons
- Not expandable
- Max weight only 11kg per hand
- Plastic sidebar pins
Our Review
A lighter, non-expandable sibling to the Elite, the Sport 24 is optimised for speed and compactness. The tapered handle design feels secure in the hand, making it a perfect dedicated solution for accessory work like curls, raises, and tricep extensions.
3. PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros
- Commercial gym feel
- Urethane coated (quiet)
- Massive weight range
- Premium knurling
Cons
- Very expensive (£500+)
- Heavy to ship/move
- Overkill for beginners
Our Review
For the serious lifter, this heavy-duty set replaces an entire wall of commercial dumbbells. The urethane-coated plates are quieter than the steel Elite models, offering a premium, fluid feel that justifies the investment for heavy home pressing.
4. BowFlex SelectTech 1090i Adjustable Dumbbell
Pros
- Fastest weight change (Dial)
- Wide weight range
- Looks futuristic
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Plastic mechanism is fragile
- Dumbbell is always full length
- Rattles slightly
Our Review
Famous for its dial mechanism, the Bowflex allows weight changes in literally two seconds. While wider than traditional dumbbells, the convenience of the dock-and-dial system encourages drop sets and rapid circuit training that pin systems can't match.
5. Half Human 5kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Pros
- Micro-loading (0.5kg steps)
- Machined steel plates
- Great for rehab
- Solid build
Cons
- Very low max weight (5kg)
- Niche use case
- Spinlock takes time
Our Review
Targeting the micro-loading niche, this set allows for tiny incremental jumps ideal for physiotherapy or very strict isolation work. The machined steel plates feel dense and professional, a far cry from the plastic sand-filled alternatives often found at this weight.
Buying Guide: Adjustable Dumbbells
What to Look For
Change Mechanism: Speed is everything. Dial/Twist Systems (Bowflex/Nuobell) change in 2 seconds—ideal for drop sets. Pin Systems (PowerBlock) take 5-10 seconds—very robust. Spinlock takes 60 seconds—kills your workout flow. Avoid spinlocks if you have the budget.
Balance & Length: A key flaw of cheaper dial dumbbells is they remain full length even at 5kg. This makes them feel unwieldy. Premium designs (Nuobell/PowerBlock) become physically smaller as you reduce weight, feeling much more natural.
Budget Guidance
Entry (£150-£250): Plastic dial systems. Good for starters but can rattle and break if dropped.
Mid-Range (£300-£500): Robust pin systems (PowerBlock) or sturdier dials. The sweet spot for longevity.
Premium (£600+): Machined steel plates (Ironmaster/Nuobell). Feel exactly like commercial gym weights. Buy once, cry once.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Dropping Them: 99% of broken adjustable dumbbells are caused by dropping. They contain intricate plastic cams and springs. Unlike cast iron, they are precision instruments. Treat them like a laptop, not a rock.
Checking the Rack: These heavy units are hard to lift off the floor. Buying a dedicated stand (£100) protects your lower back during setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are they fragile?
They have moving parts. Never drop them. If you like to drop your weights after a set, stick to <a href="/reviews/best-dumbbells-home-gym-uk-2026">fixed rubber hex dumbbells</a>.
Do they rattle?
Cheaper models can rattle slightly. Premium units like Nuobell or Ironmaster lock tight. It doesn't affect safety, just the 'feel'.
Max weight limit?
Most top out at 24kg or 32kg. Strong lifters might outgrow them. Check if the brand offers an expansion kit (like PowerBlock) before buying.
Nuobell vs Bowflex?
Nuobell feels more like a traditional dumbbell (flat ends). Bowflex is wider but has a very fast dial mechanism. Both are excellent choices.
Warranty importance?
Crucial. Mechanisms can jam. Ensure you buy from a UK retailer with a clear warranty policy, not a random marketplace seller.
Mechanism jamming?
Dust and grit are the enemy. Don't throw them on a dirty garage floor. Clean the selector pin/dial periodically with compressed air.
Resale value?
Very high. Premium adjustable sets (PowerBlock/Ironmaster) hold 70-80% of their value on marketplaces like eBay/Facebook if kept in good condition.
Do I need the stand?
Highly recommended. Picking up 30kg from the floor repeatedly during racking is a recipe for lower back strain. The stand puts them at hip height.