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Head-to-head · Best Adjustable Dumbbells Under $200

Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set (38 lb) vs BCBIG Adjustable Dumbbells Set (60 lb pair)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

BCBIG Adjustable Dumbbells Set (60 lb pair) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 3.0). BCBIG Adjustable Dumbbells Set (60 lb pair) is best for: Beginner and intermediate lifters on a tight budget who also want a light barbell option. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set (38 lb)
Ranked #6 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells Under $200
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set (38 lb)
3 sources$49.49as of Oct 12

The Amazon Basics set is a pair of old-style threaded dumbbell bars with cast-iron plates and screw collars in a carrying case, 38 pounds in total. Tom's Guide, TechRadar and Fit&Well each rated it 3 out of 5. All three found the metal build solid for the money; all three also point out that every weight change means unscrewing collars by hand, and that 19 pounds per dumbbell is too light for many lifters.

Strengths
  • — All-metal bars and plates that Tom's Guide called rock-solid once the collars are tightened
  • — Carrying case included, which TechRadar and Fit&Well both rate as useful for storage and travel
  • — By far the cheapest dumbbells Fit&Well has tested
Watch-outs
  • — Each weight change takes around 30 to 60 seconds of unscrewing collars, per Fit&Well
  • — Only 19 lb per dumbbell with the plates split evenly, which TechRadar says will not be adequate for a significant number of users
  • — Fit&Well found the bare metal grip rough and uncomfortable; TechRadar found the handles thin
$49.49 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
BCBIG Adjustable Dumbbells Set (60 lb pair)
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells Under $200
BCBIG Adjustable Dumbbells Set (60 lb pair)
1 source$99.99as of Oct 16

The BCBIG set is a pair of plate-loaded dumbbells, about 8 to 30 pounds each, that can be joined into a barbell. Verywell Fit tested it, named it the best budget adjustable dumbbells and gave it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 for being easy to assemble, quick to adjust and comfortable to hold. The trade-off it names is build quality: you get what you pay for, and the weights do not feel as durable as others it tested.

Strengths
  • — Verywell Fit rated it 4.5 out of 5 overall and named it the best budget adjustable dumbbells
  • — Easy to assemble, with a knob system Verywell Fit's testers used to change weights or grips in a few seconds
  • — Smooth, comfortable handles that stayed comfortable when testers' hands started to sweat
Watch-outs
  • — Verywell Fit says the weights do not feel as durable as others it tested
  • — Fully assembled, the barbell is large and a bit bulky, per Verywell Fit
$99.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set (38 lb)

Unlike the MX Select MX55, which changes weight with a selector mechanism in 5 lb steps from 10 to 55 lb, this set is loaded by hand with 2.5 lb and 5 lb plates and stops at 19 lb per dumbbell. Like the Yes4All Cast Iron set it uses screw collars and cast-iron plates.

BCBIG Adjustable Dumbbells Set (60 lb pair)

Like the Yes4All Cast Iron and Amazon Basics sets, the BCBIG is loaded by hand, but it adds a connector that turns the pair into a barbell, and at about 30 pounds per dumbbell it goes higher than the Amazon Basics' 19 pounds. The LifePro PowerFlow Plus and MX Select MX55 change weight with a selector instead of loose plates.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAmazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set (38 lb)BCBIG Adjustable Dumbbells Set (60 lb pair)
Total Weight38 lb for the pair—
Max Per Dumbbell19 lb with plates split evenly—
IncludedTwo 3 lb bars, four 5 lb plates, four 2.5 lb plates, four 0.5 lb collars, carrying case—
Adjustment MethodThreaded screw collars—
MaterialCast iron plates, metal bars—
Dimensions17 in x 6.2 in x 9.4 in (per Fit&Well)—
Weight per dumbbell—8-31 lb (Verywell Fit)
Maximum set weight—60 lb (pair)
Plates—2.75, 3.3, 4.4 and 5.5 lb plates, combined by hand
Barbell conversion—Yes, with connector
Sold as—Pair
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