PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 vs Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand
Both made our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Small Apartments shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) if you want stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting. Choose the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case if you'd rather have stores in a case rather than needing a floor-standing tray, the smallest true storage footprint here. Overall we rank the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Small Apartments list.
Winner overall: PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) vs Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Small Apartments | #3 of 4 in Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Small Apartments |
| Pick label | Top pick | |
| Brand | PowerBlock | Amazon Basics |
| Key features | 5 to 50 lb per hand, expandable to 90 lb; Block-shaped stacked-plate design; Narrowest handle-to-handle footprint in the category | 38 lb total across two handles; Spin-lock collars; Portable storage case |
| Biggest strength | Stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting | Stores in a case rather than needing a floor-standing tray, the smallest true storage footprint here |
| Main trade-off | Boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters | Spin-lock collars are the slowest weight-change method in this list |
| Best for | small apartments | small apartments |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Top pick
Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) if…
- Stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting
- Compact stand takes up less floor area than larger dial-system trays
- Expandable later without needing a bigger footprint for a second set
Best for: small apartments
Prefer the alternative? See the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case section.
#3 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 PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) section.
Pros and cons of each
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)
Pros
- Stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting
- Compact stand takes up less floor area than larger dial-system trays
- Expandable later without needing a bigger footprint for a second set
Cons
- Boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters
- Pin selector needs a bit more care to seat fully than a dial
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
PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) vs Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case: common questions
Which is better, the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) or the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case?
Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) if you want stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting. Choose the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case if you'd rather have stores in a case rather than needing a floor-standing tray, the smallest true storage footprint here. Overall we rank the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Small Apartments list.
What is the difference between the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) and the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case?
The PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) stands out because stays narrower handle-to-handle than round-plate designs at every weight setting, while 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. The trade-offs differ too: the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)'s main caveat is that boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters, and the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case's is that spin-lock collars are the slowest weight-change method in this list.
Is the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) worth it over the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case instead if boxy shape feels less like a traditional dumbbell to some lifters is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case instead of the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair)?
The Amazon Basics Adjustable Dumbbell Hand Weight Set, 38 lb with Case suits small apartments, while the PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 1 Adjustable Dumbbells, 5-50 lb (Pair) is best for small apartments.