Best Adjustable Dumbbells UK
£80 – £600|Updated 2026-06-17|5 products reviewed
Adjustable dumbbells replace an entire rack of fixed weights with a single pair, making them the most space-efficient strength training kit for UK home gyms. Modern quick-change mechanisms let you switch between weights in seconds, so they suit everything from light rehab exercises to heavy compound lifts. The main decision is between dial-adjust systems (fast but pricier) and spinlock plates (cheaper, slower to change).
What to Look For
- 1Dial-adjust dumbbells like Bowflex switch weight in 2-3 seconds and are ideal if you superset exercises or train with a partner. Spinlock dumbbells take 30+ seconds per change but cost significantly less.
- 2Check the weight increments — 2.5kg jumps are fine for most lifters, but if you train smaller muscle groups (lateral raises, curls), look for sets with 1kg or 1.25kg increments to progress gradually.
- 3Consider your max weight needs. Most adjustable sets top out at 24-32kg per dumbbell, which covers the majority of home lifters. Serious strength trainers should look at 40kg+ options from PowerBlock or Bowflex.
- 4Measure your storage space first. Dial-adjust dumbbells sit in cradles roughly 45cm long, while spinlock sets are shorter but need space for loose plates.
- 5Round-ended dumbbells roll off benches and surfaces. Look for hex or square-ended designs if you do floor exercises like renegade rows where the dumbbell needs to stay planted.
Our Top Picks
1
BowflexTop Pick
Bowflex SelectTech 552i Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)
weightRange2 – 24kg per dumbbell
incrementsApprox 2-3kg steps
mechanismDial selector
length43cm at max weight
includesPair + 2 cradles
Pros
- Smooth dial mechanism switches between 15 weight settings per dumbbell
- Range from 2kg to 24kg per dumbbell covers most exercises
- Compact cradle design keeps your training space tidy
- Feels balanced and natural in the hand at every weight
Cons
- Longer than fixed dumbbells at higher weights — can feel bulky for some exercises
- Plastic dial components require careful handling; not designed to be dropped
The gold standard in adjustable dumbbells — dial to your weight and lift in under 3 seconds.
2
PowerBlockMost Compact
PowerBlock Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells
weightRange1.5 – 11kg per dumbbell (expandable)
increments1.5kg steps
mechanismMagnetic selector pin
length30cm
includesPair
Pros
- Selector pin system changes weight in seconds
- Extremely compact — shorter than traditional dumbbells at equivalent weight
- Durable all-steel construction with no plastic moving parts
- Expandable to higher weights with add-on kits
Cons
- Block shape feels different from a standard dumbbell — takes adjustment
- Wrist can feel enclosed by the cage-style design during certain movements
Most compact adjustable dumbbell with a unique block design that packs heavy weight into a small frame.
3
JaxJoxBest Smart
JaxJox DumbbellConnect Adjustable Dumbbells
weightRange3.6 – 22.7kg per dumbbell
increments2.7kg steps
mechanismMotorised digital selector
length41cm
includesPair + charging cradle
Pros
- Motorised selector changes weight at the touch of a button
- Built-in sensor tracks reps, sets, and weight automatically
- Adjusts from 3.6kg to 22.7kg in 2.7kg increments
- Sleek design with compact charging stand
Cons
- Needs charging — battery lasts about 14 hours of use
- Premium price for the smart features; core lifting experience is similar to manual selectors
Smart dumbbells with motorised weight change and rep-tracking app — the tech-forward choice.
4
York FitnessBudget Pick
York Fitness 20kg Cast Iron Spinlock Dumbbell Set
weightRangeUp to 10kg per dumbbell (20kg total set)
increments1.25kg and 2.5kg plates
mechanismSpinlock collar
barLength35cm
includes2 bars + cast iron plates + 4 collars
Pros
- Cast iron plates are virtually indestructible and feel great in the hand
- York is a heritage UK fitness brand with easy replacement plate availability
- Standard 1-inch bars accept additional plates as you get stronger
- Threaded spinlock collars hold plates securely during lifts
Cons
- Changing weight takes 30+ seconds — slow for supersets
- Loose plates need a storage solution to avoid clutter
Reliable budget set from a trusted British brand — no frills, just solid iron plates.
5
NordicTrack
NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells
weightRange2.3 – 22.7kg per dumbbell
incrementsVariable, 15 settings
mechanismDial selector
length42cm at max weight
includesPair + 2 storage cradles
Pros
- 15 weight settings from 2.3kg to 22.7kg per dumbbell
- Quick-turn dial mechanism is smooth and reliable
- Rubber-coated cradle protects floors and reduces noise
- Balanced at every weight setting with no rattling
Cons
- Price sits at the premium end for the weight range offered
- Cradle footprint is larger than some competitors
Premium pair with smooth 15-in-1 weight selection and solid construction from a reputable brand.
Editor's Note
For most UK home gym setups, a pair of adjustable dumbbells up to 24-25kg per hand covers 90% of exercises. The Bowflex 552 and PowerBlock Sport remain the two benchmarks — Bowflex for smoothest dial mechanism, PowerBlock for the most compact footprint. If budget is tight, a quality 20kg spinlock set from York or Opti gets you training immediately for under £100, and you can add plates later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are adjustable dumbbells worth it for a home gym?
Absolutely — a single pair of adjustable dumbbells replaces 8-15 pairs of fixed dumbbells, saving hundreds of pounds and significant floor space. They are the single most versatile piece of home gym equipment you can buy and suit everything from beginner to advanced training.
What weight adjustable dumbbells should I get?
For general fitness and muscle building, a pair adjusting from 2-24kg covers most people. Men who already train regularly may want 32-40kg max. Women starting out often find 2-20kg sufficient, with room to grow. Choose a set where your current working weight sits in the middle of the range, not at the top.
Bowflex vs PowerBlock — which is better?
Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells change weight faster with their dial system and feel more like traditional dumbbells. PowerBlock dumbbells are more compact and durable, with a higher max weight ceiling. Bowflex suits home fitness users; PowerBlock suits serious lifters who need heavier loads.
Can you drop adjustable dumbbells?
Most adjustable dumbbells should not be dropped from height. Dial-adjust models like Bowflex have plastic components that can crack on impact. Spinlock dumbbells are more robust but dropping loosens the collars. If you train to failure on heavy presses, use a spotter or lower the weight controlled.
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