5 Alternatives to the Bowflex 1090i Adjustable Dumbbell

If you’re comparing the Bowflex 1090i, the first thing to note is that it’s a single adjustable dumbbell priced at £300, so you’re paying a premium for the Bowflex name, quick adjustment, and a wide loading range. The best alternative depends on whether you want a heavier single, a matching pair, or a cheaper way to cover everyday lifting.

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbell 552 is the closest Bowflex alternative and the smartest pick for most people wanting the same brand experience at a lower price. At £171.99, it’s far cheaper than the 1090i, and at 2–24 kg it covers plenty of general strength work. What’s better: better value, and a more sensible weight range for presses, rows, curls, and home workouts. What’s worse: it doesn’t go as heavy as the 1090i, so stronger lifters may outgrow it. Choose this if you want Bowflex convenience without paying top-tier money and don’t need the extra loading capacity.

BRAINGAIN 15 in 1 Adjustable Dumbbells Pair is the strongest value-for-money option if you want two dumbbells rather than one. For £219.99, you get a 24 kg pair with quick-change adjustment, a storage dock, and a secure locking system. Compared with the 1090i, this is far more versatile for balanced training, supersets, and full-body home gym use. What’s better: you get a pair, higher total training flexibility, and much better use of space than a rack of fixed dumbbells. What’s worse: it’s not as polished as Bowflex and may not feel quite as refined in hand. Pick this if you want serious home-gym functionality and don’t mind stepping away from the premium-brand feel.

EnterSports 12kgx2 Adjustable Dumbbells is the budget-friendly option for lighter home training. At £169.99, it’s one of the cheapest ways to get a pair of adjustable dumbbells, but the 2–12 kg range is much lighter than the Bowflex 1090i. What’s better: low cost, compact footprint, and useful for beginners or rehab-style training. What’s worse: the weight ceiling is far lower, so it won’t suit progressive overload for long. Choose this if you’re mainly doing higher-rep work, toning, or need a starter set for a small flat or office setup.

Yaheetech Adjustable Dumbbells Pair 18KG is another affordable pair, priced at £169.99. It gives you 18 kg per dumbbell and a 12-in-1 adjustment system, so it sits between the EnterSports set and the BRAINGAIN pair in terms of capability. What’s better: better weight range than the 12 kg sets, still reasonably priced, and a useful all-round option for home training. What’s worse: the 4.3★ rating suggests it may not match the finish, durability, or adjustment smoothness of Bowflex. This is a good choice if you want a pair on a tighter budget and can accept a less premium build.

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell is the odd one out, but it’s a useful alternative if your training leans more toward swings, goblet squats, carries, and conditioning. At 18.1 kg and £179.95, it’s not a direct dumbbell replacement, but it offers the same Bowflex-style convenience in a more kettlebell-focused format. What’s better: great for dynamic work and compact storage. What’s worse: it won’t replace a dumbbell for pressing or bilateral lifting. Choose it if you want a second tool for conditioning rather than a straight substitute for the 1090i.