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Buying Guide

Best Adjustable Dumbbells UK 2025

Find the best adjustable dumbbells for your home gym. We compare PowerBlock, Bowflex, and budget options to find your perfect match.

By HomeGymAdvice Team|Updated 11 December 2025

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Adjustable dumbbells are the single best investment for home training. One pair replaces 15+ fixed dumbbells, saves massive floor space, and handles almost any exercise you'd do with free weights.

Why Adjustable Over Fixed?

A set of fixed dumbbells from 5-25kg costs around £800 and needs 2+ metres of rack space. Quality adjustable dumbbells cost £200-400 and fit in a corner.

The maths is obvious. So is the practicality: adjustable dumbbells let you change weights in seconds between sets, making supersets and drop sets effortless.

PowerBlock Elite: The Premium Choice

The PowerBlock Elite EXP (around £450) are what serious home gym users choose. The selector pin system lets you change weight in seconds, and they replace 16 pairs of dumbbells. Expandable to 90lb with add-on kits.

They have a unique blocky shape that takes getting used to, but the space savings and durability are unmatched.

Pros: Instant weight changes, replaces 16 dumbbell pairs, expandable, 5-year warranty Cons: Premium price, blocky shape differs from traditional dumbbells

MuscleSquad: Best for Small Spaces

The MuscleSquad Adjustable Dumbbells 32.5kg (around £200) pack serious weight into just 42cm length: among the most compact adjustable dumbbells available.

UK brand with proper customer service. The quick-change mechanism works reliably and the 27.5kg max suits most users.

Pros: Most compact design, UK brand support, 27.5kg max weight Cons: Mechanism requires gentle handling, weight changes slower than twist-dial

PROIRON: Best Budget Option

The PROIRON Adjustable Dumbbell Set 40kg (around £80) proves you don't need to spend big to start strength training. Cast iron plates with spin-lock collars. Simple, robust, reliable.

The catch: weight changes take 30+ seconds. Fine for beginners, frustrating for serious trainers.

Pros: Unbeatable price, cast iron lasts forever, secure collars Cons: Slow weight changes, 20kg total may limit progression

Which Should You Buy?

Tight budget: PROIRON 40kg (around £80). Start training now, upgrade later Small space: MuscleSquad 32.5kg (around £200). Most compact at 42cm Best overall: PowerBlock Elite EXP (around £450). Worth the investment for serious trainers

Care and Maintenance

Keep them dry, don't drop them from height, and store at room temperature. Quality adjustable dumbbells last decades with basic care.

Don't "swing" them up with momentum. It stresses the mechanism. Use controlled movements and you'll never have problems.

Products Mentioned in This Guide

PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells

PowerBlock

Space-saving adjustable dumbbells that replace 16 pairs of weights. Quick-change selector pins make weight changes fast ...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?

Yes - they replace 15+ pairs of fixed dumbbells in one compact unit. A £400 adjustable set equals £1000+ in fixed dumbbells and saves huge space.

PowerBlock vs Bowflex - which is better?

PowerBlock is more durable with better long-term reliability. Bowflex looks nicer and feels more like traditional dumbbells. Both are excellent.

How heavy should adjustable dumbbells go?

For most home trainers, 20-25kg per hand is enough. Serious lifters should look at sets going to 32-40kg, like the PowerBlock Elite EXP.

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