Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand vs Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight
Both made our Best Adjustable Dumbbells Under $200 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case if you want stores in a case rather than needing a floor-standing tray, the smallest true storage footprint here. Choose the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case if you'd rather have slightly more total weight than the 38 lb set for a similar price. Overall we rank the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells Under $200 list.
Winner overall: Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case vs Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells Under $200 | #2 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells Under $200 |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Amazon Basics | Amazon Basics |
| Key features | 38 lb total across two handles; Spin-lock collars; Portable storage case | 40 lb total plate and collar set; Threaded collars; Carry case included |
| Biggest strength | Stores in a case rather than needing a floor-standing tray, the smallest true storage footprint here | Slightly more total weight than the 38 lb set for a similar price |
| Main trade-off | Spin-lock collars are the slowest weight-change method in this list | Threaded collars are the slowest adjustment method in this list |
| Best for | small apartments | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?

#1 pick
Choose the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case if…
- Stores in a case rather than needing a floor-standing tray, the smallest true storage footprint here
- Cheapest entry point into adjustable dumbbells in this list
- Case makes it easy to tuck into a closet between sessions
Best for: small apartments
Prefer the alternative? See the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case section.

#2 pick
Choose the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case if…
- Slightly more total weight than the 38 lb set for a similar price
- Simple threaded-collar system with no mechanism to jam
- Case keeps small plates and handles organized between sessions
Prefer the alternative? See the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case section.
Pros and cons of each
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case
Pros
- Stores in a case rather than needing a floor-standing tray, the smallest true storage footprint here
- Cheapest entry point into adjustable dumbbells in this list
- Case makes it easy to tuck into a closet between sessions
Cons
- Spin-lock collars are the slowest weight-change method in this list
- 19 lb max per hand at full build is light for anyone beyond a beginner
Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case
Pros
- Slightly more total weight than the 38 lb set for a similar price
- Simple threaded-collar system with no mechanism to jam
- Case keeps small plates and handles organized between sessions
Cons
- Threaded collars are the slowest adjustment method in this list
- Low total weight limits use mostly to light training and beginners
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case vs Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case: common questions
Which is better, the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case or the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case?
Choose the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case if you want stores in a case rather than needing a floor-standing tray, the smallest true storage footprint here. Choose the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case if you'd rather have slightly more total weight than the 38 lb set for a similar price. Overall we rank the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells Under $200 list.
What is the difference between the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case and the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case?
The Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case stands out because stores in a case rather than needing a floor-standing tray, the smallest true storage footprint here, while the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case stands out because slightly more total weight than the 38 lb set for a similar price. The trade-offs differ too: the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case's main caveat is that spin-lock collars are the slowest weight-change method in this list, and the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case's is that threaded collars are the slowest adjustment method in this list.
Is the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case worth it over the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case instead if spin-lock collars are the slowest weight-change method in this list is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case instead of the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case?
The Amazon Basics 40-Pound Adjustable Weight Set with Case suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case is best for small apartments.