Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell, 25 lb Review (2026)

A single adjustable dumbbell, not a pair

This listing is for one dumbbell, not a matched set of two, and buyers who want a pair for bilateral exercises like dumbbell presses or bent-over rows will need to order the listing twice. Once assembled, the dumbbell offers five weight options in 5 pound increments, running from 5 lbs up to 25 lbs, and switching between them is done by turning the handle rather than manually adding or removing plates like on a traditional spinlock dumbbell. This design condenses five fixed-weight dumbbells into one unit, which is the main appeal for anyone short on shelf or floor space, since a single adjustable dumbbell replaces what would otherwise be five separate dumbbells sitting in a rack.

How the weight change works

To change weight, the dumbbell sits in its included storage tray, and turning the handle locks in a new plate combination for the next set. Amazon Basics builds in an anti-drop safety design intended to keep the plates securely attached to the handle during use, reducing the risk of a plate coming loose mid-rep. The tray also serves as the dumbbell's resting stand between changes, similar to how other turning-handle adjustable dumbbells on the market are designed. This style of adjustment is generally faster than threading and unthreading a spinlock collar by hand, though it does require setting the dumbbell back in its tray each time you want to change the weight.

Build quality and price positioning

The dumbbell uses steel construction throughout, which Amazon Basics markets as durable for regular home use. As an Amazon Basics product, it is generally positioned as a budget option within the adjustable dumbbell category, competing on price against other value-oriented brands rather than premium adjustable dumbbell systems with heavier top-end weight ranges. That pricing strategy fits its target use case: light to moderate strength training, toning, and rehabilitation-style work, rather than serious progressive overload training where a lifter would need to keep adding weight over months or years. Buyers comparing it against pricier systems are mostly trading a higher top weight and a matched pair for a lower price and a smaller footprint on the shelf.

Where the 25 lb ceiling matters

A 25 lb top weight is enough for many upper body accessory exercises, like lateral raises, bicep curls, triceps extensions and light shoulder presses, especially for beginners or anyone doing higher-rep toning work. It becomes a limiting factor for compound lower body movements like goblet squats or lunges, and for more advanced lifters whose upper body strength already exceeds 25 lbs per hand for basic presses or rows. Buyers who expect to need more than 25 lbs within their first year of training should consider a dumbbell with a higher top-end range, since this one has no room to add weight beyond its built-in maximum.

Who this dumbbell fits

This is a reasonable option for someone building out a first home gym on a budget, doing single-arm work, or wanting a light dumbbell for warmups, toning circuits or rehab exercises where 25 lbs is plenty. Because it ships as a single unit, anyone planning bilateral lifts from day one should factor in buying two to make a matched pair, which changes the overall cost comparison against dumbbell sets sold as pairs from the start. For light to moderate training needs and a low price point, the five-in-one design and steel build make it a space-efficient entry into adjustable dumbbells, as long as the 25 lb ceiling fits your training goals.

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