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

Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set (38 lb) vs LifePro PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbells (5-25 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

LifePro PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbells (5-25 lb pair) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 3.0). LifePro PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbells (5-25 lb pair) is best for: Beginners and light-to-moderate strength training where quick weight changes matter more than a high maximum load. 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 →
LifePro PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbells (5-25 lb pair)
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells Under $200
LifePro PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbells (5-25 lb pair)
2 sources$189.99as of Oct 16

The LifePro PowerFlow Plus is a pair of tray-stored adjustable dumbbells that each go from 5 to 25 pounds in 5-pound steps. Verywell Fit gave the set an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 after testing, calling it compact, easy to adjust and a great value, and Tom's Guide names it its best adjustable dumbbells for most people. The limit is the ceiling: both outlets point out that 25 pounds per dumbbell will not be enough for heavier lifting, and Tom's Guide found the plastic tray and adjustment slider cheap-feeling.

Strengths
  • — Verywell Fit rated it 4.9 out of 5 overall and called it compact, easy to adjust and a great value
  • — Ergonomic handles gave a solid grip in Verywell Fit's testing; Tom's Guide found the steel handle comfortable with or without gloves
  • — Flat-bottomed weights that do not roll away and a secure locking mechanism, per Tom's Guide
Watch-outs
  • — Only 5 to 25 pounds per dumbbell; Verywell Fit notes stronger users may need heavier weights
  • — Tom's Guide found the plastic storage tray flimsy and the adjustment slider cheap-feeling
  • — Plastic bumpers on the ends of each weight that Tom's Guide thinks could crack in an accidental drop
$189.99 · 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.

LifePro PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbells (5-25 lb pair)

The PowerFlow Plus stops at 25 pounds per dumbbell, where the MX Select MX55 Rapid Change goes from 10 to 55 pounds with its own selector mechanism. Unlike the Yes4All Cast Iron, Amazon Basics and BCBIG sets, whose plates are fitted by hand, it changes weight while the dumbbells sit in their trays. It covers a far wider range than the 2 to 6 pound Stakt.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAmazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set (38 lb)LifePro PowerFlow Plus Adjustable Dumbbells (5-25 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—5-25 lb
Increments—5 lb
Maximum set weight—50 lb (pair)
Adjustment—Slider, adjusted in the storage tray
Size (per dumbbell)—13.7 x 5.7 x 5.7 inches (Tom's Guide)
Model number—LP-PWRFLWPLS
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