5 Alternatives to the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell

If you’re comparing the Bowflex SelectTech 552, the key things to judge are total weight range, adjustment speed, footprint, and long-term durability. The 552 gives you 2 to 24 kg in one dumbbell, which is excellent for home use, but some alternatives suit heavier lifters, tighter budgets, or people who prefer a different implement.

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell is the most obvious sibling option. At 18.1 kg and £179.95, it’s actually more expensive than the 552 despite offering a single kettlebell rather than a dumbbell. That makes it worse value if your goal is general strength training, presses, rows, and curls. It is, however, better if you want kettlebell-specific work like swings, goblet squats, and carries without buying multiple bells. Choose this only if your training is clearly kettlebell-led.

Bowflex SelectTech 1090i is the premium upgrade. At £300, it costs a lot more than the 552, but it gives you a heavier top end and is a better fit for stronger users who have outgrown 24 kg. If you’re doing heavy dumbbell presses, split squats, and rows, the 1090i is the better long-term buy. The downside is obvious: higher price and a larger, more expensive commitment. If 24 kg is enough for you, the 552 remains the smarter purchase.

EnterSports 12kgx2 Adjustable Dumbbells are the budget play. At £169.99 for a pair, they’re close in price to a single Bowflex 552, which sounds appealing. The catch is the weight range tops out at 12 kg per dumbbell, so they’re far less capable for progressive overload. They’re better for beginners, rehab, lighter accessory work, or very space-limited setups. If you want a serious all-round home gym tool, they’re too limited.

BRAINGAIN 15 in 1 Adjustable Dumbbells 24kg Pair offer the strongest value proposition here. For £219.99, you get two dumbbells up to 24 kg each, which is a much more complete setup than a single Bowflex 552. That makes them better for bilateral training, supersets, and balanced strength work. The trade-off is that they’re usually bulkier and may not feel as refined as Bowflex’s dial system. If you want the most weight for the money, BRAINGAIN is a very strong alternative.

Yaheetech Adjustable Dumbbells Pair 18KG are another budget-friendly pair option at £169.99. They beat the Bowflex 552 on sheer quantity because you get two dumbbells, but the 18 kg ceiling is modest. They’re a decent choice for general home fitness, beginners, or lighter upper-body work. Compared with Bowflex, they lose on premium feel, adjustment convenience, and likely long-term durability. Pick these if price matters more than polish.

Overall, the Bowflex 552 still makes sense if you want a compact, easy-to-use single adjustable dumbbell with a proven reputation. But if you want more total load, a pair instead of one dumbbell, or a cheaper entry point, the BRAINGAIN or Yaheetech options are worth a close look.