You don’t need much to get a great workout. You can do it with just a pair of dumbbells.

While the benefits of dumbbell workouts are undeniable, the cost can be a hurdle. With the price per pound reaching as high as four dollars, the need for heavier weights as you progress can strain your budget. 

So, before you head into the dumbbell market, it pays to know your options and how to make the smartest buying decisions for your budget. In this article, I’ll answer the question, ‘How much do dumbbells cost?’ and provide suggestions on how to find the best dumbbells to meet your workout needs.

How Much Do Dumbbells Cost?

Recent advances in dumbbell technology make it challenging to provide an apples-to-apples comparison of dumbbells. In addition to the traditional fixed and adjustable versions, you can now buy adjustable selectorized dumbbells that allow you to dial in the weight you want and lift it from a platform. Let’s consider the pricing of each type separately.

Fixed Dumbbells

Fixed dumbbells are the type most commonly found in commercial gyms. The weight is fixed in the sense that you cannot change it. That means you will need a range of these dumbbells to train different body parts, such as the biceps and chest. You can handle more weight on larger muscle groups like the chest than smaller ones like the biceps.

Fixed dumbbells are fantastic for advanced training techniques like drop sets and down-the-rack training, where you go directly from one dumbbell to another. However, purchasing a complete set of fixed dumbbells can be very expensive. They also take up a lot of storage space.

Fixed dumbbells are typically made of rubber, cerakote, urethane, or cast iron, often covered with neoprene. Of the three, neoprene-coated dumbbells are the least expensive, but also the least durable. Rubber is more durable than neoprene, making it more expensive. The prices of rubber dumbbells will vary depending on the quality of the rubber used. 

Cast iron dumbbells are typically found in old-school gym dungeons. They were the only types of dumbbells that existed before the 1980s when rubber coating became a thing. These weights usually have the manufacturer’s logo imprinted on the end. They are highly functional but also prone to chipping and flaking. They are more likely to damage your flooring if dropped than rubber or urethane versions.

Urethane fixed dumbbells are the most expensive. They are more durable and chip-resistant than the other materials, but they cost more to manufacture due to the higher material costs and processes involved.

How much do 10 lb dumbbells cost?

• 10 lb cast iron dumbbells average $15 per dumbbell.
• 10 lb neoprene dumbbells average $20 per dumbbell.
• 10 lb rubber dumbbells average $30 per dumbbell.
• 10 lb urethane dumbbells average $45 per dumbbell.

How much do 15 lb dumbbells cost?

• 15 lb cast iron dumbbells average $22.50 per dumbbell.
• 15 lb neoprene dumbbells average $30 per dumbbell.
• 15 lb rubber dumbbells average $45 per dumbbell.
• 15 lb urethane dumbbells average $60 per dumbbell.

How much do dumbbells cost per pound?

• Cast iron dumbbells average $1.50 per pound.
• Neoprene dumbbells average $1-2 per pound, depending on the brand
• Rubber dumbbells average $1.50-3 per pound, depending on brand and rubber quality.
• Urethane dumbbells average $4-7 per pound, depending on the brand. 

Iron Bull is a leading supplier of fixed dumbbells. We sell a complete range of round rubber, hexagonal, cerakote, and urethane dumbbells, ranging in weight from 5 lbs all the way up to 120 lbs.

Our rubber-coated round dumbbells are industry standard setting, being manufactured from recycled rubber and finished with a sleek, professional aesthetic that looks awesome. And, unlike many rubber-encased dumbbells, Iron Bull weights don’t emit a strong odor when you first get them. That means you can’t get straight to work straight away.

Cerakote Dumbbells

Cerakote dumbbells are manufactured from CNC machined steel and finished in a ceramic-based compound. Iron Bull proudly stands as the pioneer and only manufacturer of cerakote dumbbells. This range is unequalled in terms of weight calibration and balance. They also look fantastic, with the cerakote finish providing a sleek, durable coating that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also protects the dumbbells from corrosion and wear.

Urethane Dumbbells

Urethane dumbbells feature a solid steel core enclosed in a thick coating of urethane. Iron Bull urethane dumbbells are the premium standard when it comes to durability and surface protection. You can drop a pair of these bad boys from shoulder height to the floor without leaving a mark - but we don’t recommend it!

Hexagonal Dumbbells

Fixed dumbbells are available in round and hexagonal configurations. Hex dumbbells are very popular in commercial gyms because they will not roll around on the floor and are easy to store. These weights are often rubber-coated, making them easy to handle and less likely to cause damage when dropped. These factors also make hexagonal dumbbells a great choice for home users.

Hexagonal rubber dumbbells range in price from $1.70 to $2.50 per pound.

Iron Bull’s range of hex rubber dumbbells features cast iron sealed with rubber to provide maximum durability, rust resistance, and longevity. Their hexagonal shape ensures that our dumbbells remain stable and secure during floor exercises like dumbbell push-ups and renegade rows.

Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells consist of a short handle you can load weight plates onto and secure with a collar. Changing the weight plates takes some time and you need to ensure that the collars are secure to prevent the plates from moving. However, these are the most cost-effective dumbbells you can buy.

The weight plates that come with adjustable dumbbells are typically coated with plastic or simply painted over steel or chrome. The quickest and most secure types of adjustable dumbbells are the spin-lock variety, which has a threaded end on the handle where you can screw on a collar to hold the weight plates in place. These spin-lock collars provide a reliable and secure fit, minimizing the risk of plates shifting or coming loose during exercise.

Adjustable dumbbells are usually sold in sets consisting of two short dumbbell bars, a pair of collars, grip sleeves, and weight plates. A plastic-coated dumbbell set averages around $2.25 per pound. Based on that per-pound average, here’s what you’d pay for commonly purchased poundages:

• A pair of 10-pound dumbbells will cost around $22.50.
• A pair of 20-pound dumbbells will cost around $45.00
• A pair of 30-pound dumbbells will cost around $67.50.
• A pair of 40-pound dumbbells will cost around $90.00

Selectorized Adjustable Dumbbells

Selectorized adjustable dumbbells are a relatively new addition to the weight training landscape. They consist of a pair of platforms that contain a stack of weight plates, each with a selector pin that allows you to choose the desired weight. To adjust the weight, you simply need to move the selector pin to the corresponding weight setting on the platform.

This innovative design eliminates the need to manually add or remove weight plates, making it quick, easy, and convenient to change resistance levels during your workout. Selectorized adjustable dumbbells are known for their smooth and quiet operation, as well as their compact footprint, making them ideal for home gyms with limited space.

Selectorized dumbbells can replace a whole rack of fixed dumbbells, which makes them more cost-effective despite their relatively high cost. The two leading selectorized dumbbell brands are Powerblock and Bowflex.

A 5-50 lb per dumbbell Powerblock set with fifteen weight increments will cost you $499.00 directly from the manufacturer’s website.

A 5-52.5 lb per dumbbell Bowflex Selecttech set with fifteen weight increments will cost you $429.00. 

We can compare the pound-for-pound cost of selectorized adjustable dumbbells with standard adjustable and fixed dumbbells by dividing the price by the maximum poundage achievable.

• The 5-50 lb Powerblock set will cost $4.99 per pound.
• The 5-52.5 Bowflex Selecttech set will cost $4.09 per pound.

Factors To Consider When Buying Dumbbells 

Here are four key things to check when shopping for dumbbells:

1. Handle: A dumbbell’s handles can be either straight, like those on a barbell, or curved for a more comfortable grip. Personal taste ultimately determines the difference.

Knurling may also be included on dumbbell handles to improve grip. Knurlings are available in several grades. If at all possible, hold the dumbbell in your hand before purchasing to make sure the knurling is not too sharp and uncomfortable for your hand. Check the ratings from users before making an online purchase.

1. Functionality: People of all sizes should be able to utilize the dumbbell comfortably. If the bar extensions are excessively long, that can take away from this. When performing exercises like standing alternating dumbbell curls, you can notice that the inside edge of the bar touches your thigh if this is the case with some adjustable dumbbells.
2. Quick, reliable change mechanism: Selectorized adjustable dumbbells have a number of different weight change mechanisms. These include a dial system, pin select, handle twist and slide pin mechanism. If you are unable to physically test the mechanism to determine how user friendly it is before buying, check user reviews.
3. Weight increments: Ideally, the weight should be increased by 2.5 pounds on selectorized dumbbells. This will allow you to increase the resistance in line with most people’s natural strength curve.
4. Shipping costs: Dumbbells are heavy objects - that’s the whole point of them! As a result, the cost of shipping can quickly add up. Make sure you know exactly what you’ll be paying before you press ‘Buy Now’. if you can pick the weights up personally, it’s worth the inconvenience of doing so.
5. Warranty: While it’s unlikely that your new dumbbell will split in half, it may crack, flake, or even crack over time. Check the warranty conditions before buying to make sure you’re covered. It’s not uncommon for dumbbell manufacturers to provide a lifetime warranty on dumbbells.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a good price for used dumbbells?

A: The price for used dumbbells can vary depending on factors such as brand, condition, and weight. Generally, a good price for used dumbbells is around $0.50 to $1 per pound.

Q: Why are dumbbells so expensive?

A: Dumbbells can be expensive due to several factors, including the cost of materials, manufacturing processes, and brand reputation. Quality dumbbells made of durable materials like urethane or rubber cost more due to their durability and more involved manufacturing processes.

Q: Is $1 per pound good for weights?

A: Whether $1 per pound is considered a good price for weights depends on various factors such as the type of weights (e.g., dumbbells, barbells, plates), brand, and condition. Generally, $1 per pound is considered a fair price for used standard weight plates or dumbbells, but prices may vary based on quality and other factors. If you are buying new, $1 per pound does represent good value.

Q: How much should weights cost?

A: The cost of weights can vary widely depending on factors such as weight type, material, brand, and condition. As a general guideline, expect to pay around $1.50 to $5.00 per pound for standard weight plates or dumbbells.

Wrap up

Dumbbells are available in three main configurations: fixed, adjustable, and selectorized. Fixed dumbbells may be cast iron, neoprene, rubber, or urethane. Cast iron dumbbells are usually the cheapest, at around $1.50 per pound, with urethane being the most expensive, at around $5 per pound.

Adjustable dumbbells average $2.25 per pound for a plastic-coated set. Selectorized adjustable dumbbells are the most expensive, averaging between four and five dollars per pound.

Iron Bull proudly stands behind our range of fixed dumbbells. We think they’re the best in the industry - and our customers agree. Click to our dumbbell catalog page to experience the Iron Bull difference.