Bowflex SelectTech 552
Gym Score 75/100
Best for
Value tier — enough range for most home lifters
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Bowflex vs PowerBlock vs Nuobell — Best Adjustable Dumbbell 2026
Adjustable dumbbells are the highest-leverage purchase in home gyms — replacing a whole rack of fixed dumbbells with one small footprint. Three brands dominate. Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the long-running default dial system. PowerBlock packs its weight into a compact pin-select block. Nuobell delivers a real-dumbbell feel at a premium.
Quick verdict
Bowflex 552 wins for general-fitness users at the value tier. PowerBlock Pro 50 wins on compactness and toughness — 5-50 lb per hand in a pin-select block (the Pro 50 does not expand). Nuobell wins for hypertrophy lifters who want premium feel + balance.
The contenders
Bowflex SelectTech 552
Buy on AmazonGym Score 75/100$164.50
PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
Buy on AmazonGym Score 81/100$549.00 per pair
NÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable
Buy on AmazonGym Score 80/100$759.00
PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
Gym Score 81/100
Best for
A compact, pin-select block for lifters who stay at or under 50 lb
NÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable
Gym Score 80/100
Best for
Hypertrophy lifters who want real-dumbbell feel
Side by side
| Spec | Bowflex SelectTech 552 | PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells | NÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym Score | 75/100 | 81/100 | 80/100 |
| Rating | ★ 4.4 (98) | ★ 4.7 (279) | ★ 4.7 (454) |
| Tier | mid-range | premium | premium |
| Best price | $164.50 | $549.00 per pair | $759.00 |
| Weight Range | 5-52.5 lb | 5-50 lb per hand (not expandable) | 5-80 lb |
| Increments | 2.5 lb | 2.5 and 5 lb | 5 lb |
| Mechanism | Dial selector | Magnetic selector pin | Twist-and-lift |
| Sold as | Single dumbbell on Amazon | — | — |
| Warranty | — | 5-year limited, residential use only | — |
Pros & cons
Bowflex SelectTech 552
Pros
- +5-52.5 lb in 2.5 lb increments
- +2-year warranty
- +Proven 20+ year track record
- +Global aftermarket
Cons
- −Handle diameter feels bulky
- −Drop damage voids warranty
- −Plastic shell looks cheap
- −Amazon listing is a single dumbbell — a pair means buying two
PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros
- +Weight
- +Ease Of Use
- +Sturdiness
- +Adjustability
Cons
- −Not expandable past 50 lb per hand
NÜOBELL 80 lb Adjustable
Pros
- +Feels like real dumbbells
- +All-metal construction
- +1-second adjustment
- +Compact profile
Cons
- −Pricier than Bowflex
- −Only 80 lb max (2x40)
- −Stand sold separately
See all adjustable dumbbells
These are three popular picks. The full adjustable dumbbells category has more, ranked by Gym Score.
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