Bowflex 552 or EnterSports: the smarter adjustable dumbbell buy?

Display

There is no display or screen on either product, so this category is not relevant in the same way it would be for a treadmill or bike. On a practical level, the closest equivalent is how easy each dumbbell is to read and adjust. Winner: Bowflex, because its selector dial is more established, more intuitive, and generally easier to trust under load than lower-cost copycat-style systems.

Performance

Bowflex SelectTech 552 wins decisively for performance. Each dumbbell adjusts from 2 kg up to 24 kg, which gives you far more training headroom than the EnterSports set, which tops out at 12 kg per dumbbell. That matters for progressive overload: chest press, rows, goblet squats, RDLs, and shoulder work will outgrow 12 kg quickly for many lifters. Bowflex also offers a wider weight spread, so you can use one set for warm-ups, isolation work, and heavier compound movements without needing to jump to a second pair. EnterSports is fine for beginners, rehab, light toning, and office/home use, but it is not a complete long-term strength solution for most adults.

Build quality and design

Bowflex again has the edge. The SelectTech line is well known for its dial-adjust mechanism, solid tray system, and generally more refined feel in the hand. At 24 kg max, the construction has to cope with a much broader load range, and Bowflex’s reputation plus 9,612 reviews at 4.7/5 suggests it has been tested by a much larger user base. EnterSports is lighter-duty by comparison, with a 2-12 kg range and a non-slip handle that should be adequate for home training. The design is practical and space-saving, but it is not in the same class for durability confidence, precision of adjustment, or long-term abuse. If you train hard, drop weights between sets, or want equipment that feels like a proper investment, Bowflex is the safer bet.

Battery life

Neither product uses batteries, so there is no battery-life advantage either way. In home-gym terms, the real question is maintenance and reliability over time. Bowflex’s simpler mechanical selector system is more proven, while cheaper adjustable dumbbells can sometimes show more wear in the tray, selector, or locking interfaces after repeated use. Winner: Bowflex, because it has the better track record for sustained use.

Price and value for money

EnterSports wins on upfront price. At £115.48, it is £53.51 cheaper than the Bowflex at £168.99, which is a meaningful saving if you are furnishing a small flat, office corner, or starter gym on a tight budget. However, value is not just about the sticker price. Bowflex gives you 24 kg per dumbbell, a much larger training range, and vastly more longevity before you outgrow it. If you compare cost per kilogram of usable range and how long the set remains relevant, Bowflex is stronger value for serious training. EnterSports is better value only if your needs are modest and you know you will not need heavier loading.

Game library/features

There is no game library here, but in fitness-equipment terms the equivalent is feature set and training versatility. Bowflex wins easily because the 2-24 kg range supports far more exercises and progression stages. It is better for full-body training, supersets, and building a home setup that can replace multiple fixed dumbbell pairs. EnterSports offers five weight levels from 2-12 kg, which is enough for general fitness, mobility work, and beginner routines, but limited for strength-focused programming. Bowflex is the more versatile system by a wide margin.

Overall user experience

Bowflex delivers the better all-round user experience for most buyers. The larger weight range means fewer compromises, and the strong review count suggests a product with broad real-world approval. It is the one to buy if you want a serious home-gym tool that will still make sense after your strength improves. EnterSports is easier to justify if you are mainly looking for compact convenience, lighter training, or a lower initial spend. It is simpler, cheaper, and good enough for many casual users, but it is not the best long-term purchase for anyone planning to train consistently.

Overall summary: Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the clear winner for most people because it offers much more usable resistance, better long-term value, and a stronger reputation for quality. EnterSports only makes sense if budget is the overriding priority and 12 kg per dumbbell is enough for your training goals.