We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

The best cheap dumbbells are durable and can withstand frequent use during workouts. Adjustable dumbbells are a good option for people on a tight budget, as they can change the weight by just adding or removing discs.

Strength training with dumbbells or other free weights is an affordable way to increase fitness levels and build strength.

Quick links

There are two main types of dumbbells: adjustable and fixed.

With adjustable dumbbells, people can add and remove weighted discs. These are an especially good idea for beginners who may be adding weight more often than experienced users.

Adjustable dumbbells are also suitable for people wanting to save space by having one versatile dumbbell rather than separate ones for different weights.

Fixed-weight dumbbells are typically made of cast iron. They may have a vinyl, rubber, or neoprene coating to help with grip. A person who wants to lift different weights will need a set of dumbbells.

Some brands may sell both types of dumbbells, whereas others may only offer one type.

How we chose

Medical News Today chooses fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:

  • Price: Products are available for a wide range of budgets.
  • Materials: Products are made using safe and durable materials that are easy to maintain and clean.
  • Quality: Products are manufactured to a high standard and are safe for personal use.
  • Reputable: Products are from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells

Best cheap adjustable dumbbells

FLYBIRD produces a range of fitness equipment, including weight benches and pullup bars.

A person can adjust the dumbbell’s weight by simply twisting the handle, making it quick and easy to change weights during a workout. This may suit those who want to use different weights within a single fitness routine.

These dumbbells are available to purchase individually. Each dumbbell comes with a tray for storage.

The FLYBIRD adjustable dumbbells are available to purchase individually. There are two options: a 5–25 Ib version that retails for $109.99 and an 11–55 Ib version that retails for $199.99.

Domyos Weight Training Hex Dumbbells

Best cheap hexagonal dumbbells

Domyos is a sports and fitness equipment company that sells a range of products, including strength training equipment.

These hexagonal dumbbells are covered with rubber. The rubber coating makes the handle easy to grip and prevents the dumbbells from slipping out of a person’s hands.

Their hexagonal shape prevents the dumbbells from rolling, so people can easily use them for exercises such as renegade rows.

These dumbbells are available to purchase individually. The price varies based on the weight in pounds. The weight classes on offer and their prices are as follows:

  • 5.5 pounds (Ib) — $19.99
  • 11 Ib — $29.99
  • 16.5 Ib — $49.99
  • 22 Ib — $64.99
  • 33 Ib — $79.99
  • 50 Ib — $129.00

Yes4All Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbells

Best cheap adjustable heavy dumbbells

Yes4All is an indoor and outdoor fitness equipment company. They sell a range of fitness equipment, including foam rollers, balance boards, and resistance bands.

These heavy, cast-iron weights are adjustable, so people can easily change the difficulty of their workout by adding or removing the discs.

The dumbbells feature heavy-duty collars to keep the discs in place. They also come with a 1-year workmanship warranty.

These dumbbells are sold as a pair, with additional weights, connectors, and handles available at extra cost. The price varies based on the features and weight in pounds. The weights listed below refer to the combined weight of both dumbbells in a pair.

  • 40 Ib pair — $62.99
  • 50 lb pair — $89.99
  • 60 Ib pair — $76.25
  • 105 Ib pair — $263.00
  • 200 Ib pair — $455.00

SPRI Deluxe 6-Sided Rubber Dumbbells

Best cheap dumbbells

SPRI is a fitness brand that primarily sells rubberized resistance workout equipment, including resistance bands and dumbbells.

These dumbbells are simple and may suit people beginning a strength-training routine.

They are hexagonal with black rubber encasements and chrome, contoured handles.

These dumbbells are sold as a pair. The price varies based on the weight in pounds, as follows:

  • 5-Ib pair — $22.98
  • 8-Ib pair — $35.98
  • 10-Ib pair — $44.98
  • 12-Ib pair — $53.98
  • 15-Ib pair — $67.98
  • 20-Ib pair — $89.98
  • 25-Ib pair — $112.98

All in Motion Dumbbells

Best cheap beginner dumbbells

All in Motion is a Target-owned brand that includes activewear and fitness accessories like dumbbells. The brand launched in early 2020.

These dumbbells are solid iron. The nonslip neoprene coating supports grip and stops unwanted rolling.

These dumbbells are sold as a pair. The price varies based on the weight in pounds, as follows:

  • 2 lb — $3.99
  • 3 lb — $5.99
  • 5 lb — $9.49
  • 6 lb — $10.99
  • 8 lb — $13.49
  • 10 lb — $17.49
  • 12 lb — $20.99
  • 15 lb — $25.99

JFIT Dumbbell Hand Weight Pairs and Sets

Best cheap dumbbell set

JFIT sells a range of fitness equipment, including exercise balls, yoga equipment, and plyometric tools.

These neoprene dumbbells are color-coded based on weight class, making them easy to identify during a workout.

These dumbbells are sold as sets of three pairs, with each pair having a different weight in pounds. Sets of 32 lb and below include a plastic stand. For sets of 46 Ib and above, customers receive a metal stand.

The price varies based on the total weight of the set, as follows:

  • 18-Ib set — $22.98
  • 20-Ib set — $22.98
  • 24-Ib set — $39.95
  • 32-Ib set — $59.95
  • 46-Ib set — $122.60
  • 60-Ib set — $139.34
  • 74-Ib set — $259.18

Research suggests that strength training of any kind may help by:

  • increasing lean muscle mass
  • improving metabolism
  • reducing fat
  • helping manage type 2 diabetes
  • improving cardiovascular health and lowering blood pressure
  • decreasing triglyceride levels
  • strengthening bones

One 2020 study found that using free weights led to similar muscle mass and strength increases as using weight machines. Therefore, a person using free weights can achieve the same increases in strength at home as in the gym.

Other benefits of working out with free weights may include:

  • Low cost: Weights are less expensive than most other home exercise equipment, and using dumbbells, kettlebells, or barbells at home is usually cheaper than a gym membership.
  • Ease to scale up or down: Adjustable dumbbells represent a convenient way to make a workout more or less challenging.
  • Convenient storage: Dumbbells take up much less space than other fitness equipment.

Learn more about increasing muscle mass with exercise here.

Using dumbbells and other free weights can be a convenient, relatively inexpensive way to add strength training to a fitness routine.

Adjustable dumbbells are a good option for people wanting to save space and money by buying one set of weights. Fixed weights are suitable for sharing dumbbells with others or keeping weights separate.

Increasing physical strength may bring health benefits such as decreased blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health.

As with any kind of physical activity, proper form is essential, and it is important to begin slowly and add weight gradually.