7 Best Cheap Dumbbells in 2024

If you’re shopping on a budget, then you really want to look at the cheapest dumbbells that you can afford. One main factor to consider is what type of dumbbell you are seeking. The answer will then narrow down other factors, such as the weight selection range, design, and durability of the product you have in mind. These factors will determine whether the dumbbells have value for the money. 

Our certified experts and pro athletes have put 15 cheap dumbbells to the test, selecting only 7 of the the best ones for this list. They’ve been rated on 4 key factors, and our team spent over 50 hours testing them. We’ve also analyzed hundreds of online user reviews to bring you the most accurate information. We keep this list up to date, so leave a comment and let’s chat!

Top 7 Best Cheap Dumbbells Reviewed

1. Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell Weights – Top pick
2. Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Set – Runner up
3. Signature Fitness Neoprene Dumbbells 
4. Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell
5. WF Athletic Supply Dumbbells
6. Papababe Dumbbells Set
7. Powergainz Adjustable Dumbbells

1. Top Pick: Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell Weights

Ativafit is a fitness company that prioritizes accessible and complimentary fitness equipment. Typically, they curate their products towards the home fitness department, as they sell everything from rowers and exercise bikes to inexpensive dumbbells. They typically have the best priced dumbbells. 

• Dumbbell type: Adjustable 
• Weight Range: 4.4 to 44 pounds
• Weight increments: 5.5 increase
• Dimensions: 5″L x 6″W
• Adjustment system: Dial technology 
• Materials: Stainless Steel 
• Warranty: 1 year with the option to extend 

Weight Selection

The Ativafit Adjustable dumbbells come in various weight ranges. The entry level dumbbells cover a range between 4.4 pounds to 44 pounds, jumping up with 5.5 pound increments. However, if you’re looking for something even heavier, then you can pick out their 55 pound dumbbells, which start at 5 pounds or their 71.5 pound dumbbell pair, which starts at 11 pounds. 

Design

The design of the dumbbells is sleek, with plates that mimic a typical shape of a dumbbell. So, there aren’t any complications to the design, which might interfere with your workout.

The dumbbells also come with their own storage tray, so when you remove the weights, they stay upright in the tray, saving you from having to clean up a mess afterward. 

Durability

Made of stainless steel, the adjustable dumbbells should be sturdy. The handles are contoured and textured to give a soft and comfortable grip. However, with most adjustable dumbbells, there is a risk of breaking the weight adjustment technology if the weights are dropped from a high level. So, you’ll have to be careful with that notion. 

Value for Money

The Ativafit dumbbells bring great value for the money. The main reason is because you get at a minimum of 7 sets of weight with just a single purchase. All of which can be stored away on a tray rather than having to purchase dumbbell racks.

Plus, the product comes with a year warranty in case there is a manufacturing mistake. 

2. Runner Up: Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Yes4All is a company that prioritizes inclusivity as they try to provide the right equipment to meet all of your exercising goals. So, you can purchase everything from plyo boxes, agility ladders, kettlebells and dumbbells from the company. They just came second in our best affordable dumbbells ranking. 

• Dumbbell type: Adjustable 
• Weight Range: 5 to 50
• Weight increments: 5 pounds
• Dimensions: 13.8 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches
• Adjustment system: Star-lock collar 
• Materials: Cast iron
• Warranty: 1 year unconditional guaranty 

Weight Selection

The Yes4All pair has a weight range from just 5 pounds to 50 pounds. The weight increases in 5 pound increments, which means with each adjustment you can go 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 pounds. This weight range should be able to give you a complete and challenging workout. 

Design

These dumbbells mimic a traditional barbell look where you have to load in the plate on either side of the handle and lock the weight in using a star-lock collar. So, you won’t have any issues exercising because of the design. However, there is a limitation on how much weight you can load up. 

The product doesn’t come with its own storage tray, so when you’re finished with your workout, you’ll have to find space to stack up the weights. 

Durability

This product is as durable as it gets. Made of cast iron, the dumbbells are very unlikely to break or chip away. The handles are also sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about whether it can hold the weight you’re adding to each side.

Value for Money

The Yes4All pair do have great value for their money, as the weight can be interchangeable if you have additional plates at home already. The weight range is wide enough to cover most of your lifting needs. The product also comes with a 1 year unconditional guarantee, so if the weights aren’t for you, you can either get a replacement or a full refund.

3. Signature Fitness Neoprene Dumbbells 

Signature Fitness brand has a wide variety of products to round out your home gym. You can purchase state-of-the-art squat racks and glute bridge machines to something smaller, like neoprene dumbbells. 

• Dumbbell type: Neoprene
• Weight Range: 3 to 8 pounds
• Weight increments: 2 pounds and 3 pounds 
• Dimensions: 5"L x 3"W
• Adjustment system: None
• Materials: Alloy Steel
• Warranty: 2 years

Weight Selection

The Signature Fitness dumbbells come with 3 weight selections. The 3 pairs include 3 pounds, 5 pounds, and 8 pound dumbbells. The lightweight selection is more suited for beginners and perhaps individuals looking to work on rehabbing from an injury. 

Design

Each dumbbell pair is coated with neoprene, so they are easy and comfortable to grip. Plus, the design of the dumbbells is hexagonal, so the dumbbells won’t roll away either. 

The set comes with its own three layered dumbbell rack, which, although stylish, could take up more space than you would like. 

Durability

Durability isn’t an issue with these dumbbells. The material itself is alloy steel, which won’t break down easily. Plus, the neoprene results in long usage time. 

Value for Money

It really depends on your needs. If you’re a beginner, then these dumbbell ranges can be useful, but, ‌you’re likely to outgrow them quickly. However, for warm-ups and dealing with nagging injuries, the dumbbells are worth the price. 

They also come with a 2 year warranty, so you have plenty of time to decide if the dumbbells are for you or not after purchasing them.

4. Amazon Basics Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell

Amazon Basics is a company that covers all the basic necessities. From everyday household material to health and fitness necessities such as dumbbells, which provide a challenging, full-body workout. Although they sell in singular pairs, they are affordable weights set.  

• Dumbbell type: Rubber Hex
• Weight Range: 10 to 45 
• Weight increments: 5 pounds 
• Dimensions: 12"L x 4.5"W
• Adjustment system: None
• Materials: Cast iron and rubber
• Warranty: 1 year

Weight Selection

The weight range of the product is between 10 to 45 pounds. But each pair comes alone, so you’ll have to purchase each pair separately. The weight increment is 5 pounds, so you can fill out your home gym with 10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 40, and 45 pound dumbbells.

Design

The dumbbells are hexagon shaped, so they won’t roll away after placing them down. So, the design is more secure and safe than a rounded dumbbell head. The handle is contoured and textured to provide a firm and comfortable grip. 

However, the dumbbells don’t come with their own storage tray, so you’ll have to find areas to stack them and stow them away.

Durability

The dumbbells are of cast iron core, so they should last a long time. Plus, the rubber coating outside protects the dumbbells further from damage if they are to be dropped from a considerable height. 

Value for Money

These types of singular dumbbells are great to round out your gym if you already have a set of dumbbells at home. Otherwise, you’re looking at purchasing several individual pairs, which can cost a lot of money.

However, the product itself does the job and will be durable enough to last a long time after purchase. 

5. WF Athletic Supply Dumbbells

WF Athletic Supply is a company that aims to improve their customers' overall athleticism by providing them all the tools and equipment they need. You can get yourself power racks, kettlebells, and of course dumbbell sets from them. 

• Dumbbell type: Rubber hex
• Weight Range: 5 to 25 pounds
• Weight increments: 5 pounds
• Adjustment system: None
• Materials: Alloy steel and rubber 
• Warranty: None

Weight Selection

The weight range of this product is good for beginners, as it covers 5 weight options between 5 pounds and 25 pounds. The jump between the wights is 5 pounds as well, which means this set will come with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 pound pairs of dumbbells. 

Design 

The ends of the dumbbells are hexagonal. This not only makes the dumbbells more secure and safe, as they won’t roll away, but can be used for stability workouts as well. Plus, the contoured and textured handle is easy to grip and won’t harm your hands.

The set does come with a space saving frame, which stacks the dumbbells in an ‘A’ formation. The tower of dumbbells then can be stowed away in any corner of the room. 

Durability

Like most dumbbells, the alloy steel and rubber combination makes them very durable. The rubber not only protects the dumbbells but also acts as a protective of your floors, too. 

Value for Money

The entire set, including the dumbbell rack, can be a bit on the expensive side. Especially if you’re looking to buy something long term because it’s likely that you’ll outgrow the 25 pound limit for quite a few of your body parts. 

However, if you’re just looking for nice and simple workouts, just to stay in shape, these are worth the price.

6. Papababe Dumbbells Set

Papababe is a home fitness company that looks to sort you out with a complete gym. From machines that allow you to do glute ham raises, to power racks, and even playpens for your kids, while you workout. Of course, they also provide high-level dumbbells. 

• Dumbbell type: Cast iron
• Weight Range: 5 to 25 pounds
• Weight increments: 2 pounds and 5 pounds 
• Adjustment system: None
• Materials: Cast iron
• Warranty: None

Weight Selection

The Papababe product has a strange weight range, even though it covers dumbbells between 5 to 25 pounds. The reason being, instead of a 15 pound dumbbell, you get a 12 pound dumbbell. So, if you purchase this set, you would receive a pair of 5, 10, 12, 20, and 25 pound dumbbells. 

Design

The design of the product mixes the cast iron with the hex shaped look. So, you have the potential to do stability exercises, plus the design stops the weight from rolling around after placing it down.

The knurled handle allows you to have a firm grip on the dumbbells as well.

The product does come with an ‘A’ shaped storage frame, to keep you from making a mess. 

Durability

Cast iron is typically thought of to be a very durable material. So, it’s likely that you won’t need to repurchase after buying this set once. However, the set doesn’t come with warranty, so don’t use it for anything other than the one meant for it. 

Value for Money

The value is there if you’re new to working out and just looking for an entry set to get you started. The dumbbells will likely be a one time purchase, so you’ll get years' worth of use out of them. However, there is a possibility that you might outgrow the lower weight quickly.

7. Powergainz Adjustable Dumbbells

Powergainz is another fitness brand that provides essential home gym equipment. You can fill out your entire gym with their product, including a variety of dumbbell options. 

• Dumbbell type: Adjustable
• Weight Range: 5 to 40 pounds 
• Weight increments: 2.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 7.5"L x 4"W
• Adjustment system: Collar locks
• Materials: Cast iron 
• Warranty: 2 years

Weight Selection

The set comes with four 2.5 pound plates and four 7.5 pound plates. These can adjust the weight from 5 pounds to 40 pounds. The adjustment system is straightforward as you simply clamp the weight in place using a collar lock.

Design

The weights are made out of vinyl cement, which can be an issue because they are thicker than a typical plate. So, you’re limited on how much weight you can add to the handle.

However, the vinyl coating makes the plates rust free, while the contoured handles make the weights easy to use. 

Durability

The rust free element of the weights is a big plus towards their durability. While the dumbbells themselves are made ‌of cast iron, which should point towards years of usage.

Value for Money

With adjustable dumbbells, you could probably find some with a better weight range than these, but you don’t have to worry about the adjustment system breaking down on you. So, in that case, these dumbbells ‌bring a value of their own.

What Are The Different Types Of Dumbbells

1. Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells hold multiple different ‌weights in just one pair. So, one dumbbell can shift from ten pounds all the way to fifty and even more. This shift usually occurs through either a dial, slider, or lock twist method. 

Typically, someone looking to purchase adjustable dumbbells is thinking about using them for a home workout as they are more cost efficient and space saving. 

So, if you’re just starting out and want to get yourself weights to workout, it can be a good idea to purchase adjustable dumbbells because they will cover your lifting needs for the foreseeable future.

These also are the best cheap dumbbell set money can buy. 

Also read: Best Cheap Adjustable Dumbbells

2. Cast Iron Dumbbells

Cast iron dumbbells are thought of as no nonsense dumbbells. You won’t find any unique shape or weight shifting technology. Instead, you’ll simply get your hands on straightforward dumbbells made of iron. 

They are very durable because of the material used to make them, but they might not be suitable for home environments as the cast iron can damage and scratch your floors.

So, you’ll typically find them in old school gym environments where people are trying to lift heavy.

Cast iron dumbbells are at least a dollar per pound, so you’re looking to spend a lot of money if you want to get a range of these dumbbells.

3. Rubber Hex Dumbbells

A rubber hex dumbbell is like a cast iron because it is made ‌of iron. However, the heads are coated with thick protective rubber. This added layer of protection keeps your dumbbell racks and floors safer.

So, if you’re deciding between cast iron and rubber hex for a home gym, rubber hex is the way to go. 

These also are around a dollar per pound, so an entire home gym set up of rubber hex dumbbells can cost you a lot. However, they are durable and long lasting. So, it’ll likely be a one time purchase.

4. Neoprene Dumbbells

Neoprene dumbbells are made ‌of cast iron as well, but are dipped in different neoprene colours. Neoprene is a more flexible material, so afterward, the dumbbells are more comfortable to hold, which is why neoprene dumbbells are often used for high repetition workouts or cardio training routines.

These can be great at home dumbbells because they are easier on the hands and aren’t uncomfortable to hold. 

Neoprene dumbbells are usually around a dollar per pound, but you are limited with your weight range, as they are often only made for lighter weights. 

How To Pick Dumbbells On The Budget

1. Versatility

When looking for cheap weights, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your money. One way to do that is to spend it on a product that will give back equally. So, for example, a single purchase of adjustable dumbbells can give you upwards of 10 to 15 different weight settings and can go higher too, depending on the company.

Compare that to buying 10 to 15 different pairs of cast iron or rubber hex dumbbells, you would either need to increase your budget or pick and choose which dumbbells to get. This will make you miss out on valuable progression as you leap from one weight to the next.

2. Durability

The last thing you want is to spend your budget, but then have the product breakdown on you. This can be an issue with adjustable dumbbells because if they are dropped from a considerable height, you can damage the slider pin or dial technology, rendering the equipment useless. 

What’s worse is that most companies don’t have drop coverage, so even if you get a warranty, you might still be out of luck. 

Compared to cast iron, rubber hex, or neoprene, which all tend to be one time purchases as they will last a long time.

3. Exercise Program

Everyone has different workout goals and, depending on what they are, you can narrow down what ‌dumbbells you really need, so you’re not wasting your budget on a product that isn’t necessary.

FAQ

How Much Should I Spend On Dumbbells?

Cheapest free weights are at least a dollar per pound and sometimes even more when purchasing dumbbells. The max should be around 4 dollars per pound. So, the best thing you can do is set yourself a budget that addresses your top priority and don’t go over that budget because there are many ways of maxing out usage of a dumbbell such as higher repetitions, more sets, tempo workouts, supersets, and so on.

Why Are Dumbbells So Expensive?

The main reason is the material they are made of. Many dumbbells are made of iron, which is heavy and costs a lot of labor to make. Another big reason is shipping cost because of how heavy dumbbells are. Shipping costs are very high, so in order to make a profit, dumbbells need to be solid at a higher price point. 

If you’re looking for the best budget dumbbells, then check out adjustable dumbbells. 

Is There A Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Dumbbells?

The main difference is in durability. A cheaper dumbbell will break down faster than a more expensive one. So, if you’re looking to make just one purchase, don’t cheap out on the quality because it may come back to bite you as you purchase the same pair again later on.

Conclusion

With purchasing dumbbells on a budget, you want to make sure the product matches your exercising requirements, along with it being durable and versatile. This way, you’re likely to get the most out of your purchase, rather than having to upgrade your equipment shortly after. 

Also read:

• Best Heavy Adjustable Dumbbells
• How Do Adjustable Dumbbells Work
• What Weight of Dumbbells Should I Use
• How Much Do Dumbbells Cost
• Urethane vs Rubber Dumbbells
• Bowflex Select Tech 1090 Reviews
• Best Weight Benches

References:

1. Different Types of Dumbbells // Penalty File:
   https://penaltyfile.com/types-of-dumbbells/