5 Powerblock Dumbbell Alternatives

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Powerblock dumbbells are great pieces of fitness equipment but you may want other options. What are some alternatives to these adjustable dumbbells with similar benefits?

When it comes to dumbbells, the Powerblock models are considered one of the top picks. Especially in the category of dumbbells that allow you to adjust the weight.

Adjustable dumbbells are generally cheaper and require less space than a complete set of separate dumbbells.

More generally, dumbbells of any kind allow you to get in resistance training workouts which in turn can help you grow and strengthen muscles and get all the benefits that come with that.

Whether you don’t enjoy using Powerblock dumbbells, you want a cheaper alternative, or you want an alternative for any other reason, these Powerblock dumbbell alternatives can offer you similar benefits.

Top Powerblock dumbbell alternatives

• Bowflex SelectTech 552
• ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells
• Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells
• Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell
• DlandHome Adjustable Dumbbells

Depending on things like your personal situation, training goals, workout room, budget, personal preferences, etc. Some of these substitutes for the Powerblock dumbbell models can be better than others.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of Powerblock dumbbell alternatives. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

• Material, weight range, switching mechanism, etc.
• User reviews
• Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
• Price
• Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

5 Powerblock dumbbell alternatives reviewed in depth

Besides having an overall overview of the top picks, it is helpful to look at each of the options more in-depth. This way you can find the best Powerblock dumbbell alternative for your personal situation and training goals.

The different Powerblock models have some differences but also enough commonalities to compare with other brands.

1. Bowflex SelectTech 552

There are a few brands that get mentioned over and over within the collection of adjustable dumbbells. Powerblock is one of these but an even more popular one is the Bowflex SelectTech 552.

This adjustable dumbbell has a different adjustment mechanism which has upsides and downsides. You are able to switch between weights faster, especially the 2.5-pound jumps. However, the Powerblock models tend to be more sturdy.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is one of the top options when it comes to Powerblock alternatives and comes at a very reasonable price.

This dumbbell has a weight range of 5 – 52.5 pounds weight range (2.27 – 23.81 kg) with 2.5-pound increments up to the first 25 pounds.

With the Powerblock Elite you have the option to invest in expansion kits for a weight limit of 70 or even 90 pounds (31.75 or 40.82 kg). Unfortunately, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 and most of the other alternatives on this list do not have this option.

That means that more experienced lifters may need to look for heavier options to keep seeing muscle growth and strength progress. In that case, Bowflex also offers the SelectTech 1090 which has a weight of up to 90 lbs (40.82 kg).

All in all, this model is definitely a good substitute for Powerblock dumbbells. Especially if you also consider the lower price.

And even if you don’t like the Bowflex models there are plenty of alternatives.

2. ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells

The ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells are the next example that Powerblock is not the only brand that offers great adjustable dumbbells.

Choosing the ProForm model instead of the Powerblock model of the same weight ceiling can save you a good amount of money.

There are a few small trade-offs but overall, this is a great substitute to get in good dumbbell workouts with a variety of weight levels.

The ProForm models are made of steel and hardened plastic. In total their weight range is from 10 – 50 pounds (4.54 – 22.68 kg) with jumps of 10 pounds (4.54 kg) in between.

If you are familiar with an adjustable dumbbell model like the Powerblock Elite you will notice a difference.

The Powerblock model adjusts in 2.5-pound increments. These bigger jumps can be suboptimal for progressing throughout your strength increases.

Additionally, you can’t increase the total weight of the ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells.

These things will likely not be the end of your resistance training muscle growth and strength gains. Even so, Powerblock models like the Elite are still slightly better in this area.

Another potential downside is that the ProForm Adjustable Dumbbell models are only sold in pairs. However, most people will buy equipment like dumbbells in pairs anyway.

Overall, the ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells are definitely still one of the top picks when it comes to substitutes for Powerblock dumbbell models if you don’t mind the small downsides.

The lower price of this alternative can compensate for a lot.

3. Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells

Powerblocks have a relatively unique adjusting mechanism when it comes to adjustable dumbbells. The mechanism of this next alternative is not that unique but still uncommon.

The Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells are basically steel handles with weight plates. These weight plates are kept in place with a screw mechanism.

Choosing models like this as a Powerblock Dumbbell substitute has its advantages and disadvantages.

On the one hand, people are often a fan of the steel handles with knurling of these dumbbells. Additionally, they are available in a variety of weight ranges.

Some sets even have adjustable dumbbells with weights up to 100 lbs (45.36 kg) per dumbbell.

You can also get a connector handle for these dumbbells which allows you to combine them in a mini barbell. This is definitely not the same as the real thing but it does open up some possibilities.

On the other hand, this screw mechanism with separate weight plates of the Yes4All models is not very fast or convenient when it comes to storage.

For certain amounts of weight, you have to take two screws off and on each handle, move 6 weight plates, and put the screws back on. On top of that, the storage of the weight plates you are not using can easily get messy.

Specific to the Yes4All version of this type of adjustable dumbbells is that users report that the weight plates are not always entirely accurate.

The Yes4All adjustable dumbbells can be a decent Powerblock dumbbell alternative at an average to low price. You do want to understand the downsides that come with this model.

4. Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbell

Powerblock dumbbells tend to be worth it but they do require a relatively steep investment. There are good adjustable dumbbells with prices that are lower.

Two of these are the Ativafit models. There is an option with a 5-55 pound (2.27 – 24.95 kg) weight range and another one with an 11 – 71.5 pound (5 – 32.43 kg) weight range.

That means this alternative offers a dumbbell with a higher maximum weight than the Powerblock models at a lower price.

The higher max weight of the Ativafit can be valuable for intermediate lifters or people who want to do dumbbell exercises for strong muscles like the ones in your legs and back.

Similar to many adjustable dumbbells, the Ativafit has an easy adjustment mechanism and comes with a storage tray.

One potential downside of this alternative is that the jumps between different weight options tend to be 5 pounds (2.27 kg) instead of 2.5 pounds (1.13 kg) like the Powerblock dumbbells.

Overall, the Ativafit models can offer more maximum resistance than the standard Powerblock models at a lower price. On top of that, you get some of the typical handy features of adjustable dumbbells.

5. DlandHome Adjustable Dumbbells

This next option is an example of a pair of adjustable dumbbells that are lower quality than most other models, especially compared to Powerblock dumbbells.

However, due to their small price, you may choose the DlandHome Adjustable Dumbbells anyway.

This Powerblock alternative can still be useful. It still has two options of weight ranges, one up to 33 pounds, and comes with a connector bar to enable more movements.

That being said, the DlandHome model is not at the same level as many other brands. Users have to deal with missing pieces in shipments every once in a while and 33 pounds is often not enough.

Additionally, this is another adjustable dumbbell model with a screw mechanism. This means that you often have to take many more steps to adjust the weight compared to other adjustment mechanisms.

Storing the weight “plates” that are not being used can also get a bit messy.

In the end, this option can offer you some of the benefits of dumbbells at a very budget-friendly price. Even with the potential downsides, this can make the DlandHome Adjustable Dumbbells a worthwhile investment in your health.

How to choose a powerblock alternative

There are a few things that can be important to consider before investing in a Powerblock dumbbell alternative. Some of these include:

• Weight range: To build and strengthen muscles and to keep doing these things you need the right amounts of weight. Strong individuals or individuals who plan to do dumbbell exercises for strong muscles generally want to pick a high maximum weight.
• Switching mechanism: There are different mechanism to change the weights in adjustable dumbbells. Some are faster and/or more secure than others. Depending on your training plan and personal preferences certain options are better than others.
• Material: Different Powerblock alternatives can come in different materials. This will influence how sturdy they are, how long they will last, how easily they can damage your floor, etc.
• Price: The investment required can be important to keep in mind. Some adjustable dumbbells are more helpful in your situation at a lower price compared to other options. More expensive does not always mean better.

Choosing the right substitute for Powerblock dumbbells for your personal situation is not the hardest thing in the world but it is a good idea to take the above things into account when making your selection.