Bowflex SelectTech vs PowerBlock: Which Should You Buy?

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The short answer

Choose the Bowflex SelectTech 552 if you want the simplest, most familiar adjustable dumbbells for general fitness up to 52.5 lb, with fine weight jumps at the light end. Choose the PowerBlock Elite EXP if you want a more compact, durable dumbbell that you can expand later with add-on kits. If you already know you need heavy weights, the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 goes to 90 lb in a single purchase.

Our picks at a glance

Pick	Model	Weight range (each)	Adjustment	Best for	Amazon
Best for most beginners	Bowflex SelectTech 552	5–52.5 lb	Dials on each end	General fitness	Check price
Best heavy Bowflex	Bowflex SelectTech 1090	10–90 lb	Dials on each end	Heavier lifting	Check price
Best for long-term growth	PowerBlock Elite EXP (Stage 1)	5–50 lb	Magnetic pin	Expanding over time	Check price
Expansion kit	PowerBlock Elite EXP Stage 2	Adds 50–70 lb	Add-on kit	Stage 1 owners	Check price

Bowflex vs PowerBlock side by side

Factor	Bowflex SelectTech	PowerBlock Elite EXP
Shape	Traditional round plates in a long frame	Square, cage-like steel blocks
Adjustment	Turn dials on each end	Move a magnetic pin
Length at heavy weights	Long at every setting	Compact
Expandable	No; buy the 552 or 1090	Yes, with Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits
Materials	Steel plates with plastic components	Mostly steel
Learning curve	Very low	Low, but the shape takes getting used to

How we compared

We compared manufacturer specifications, owner reviews and published reviews from established strength-training outlets; we did not test these dumbbells ourselves. We focused on the things that affect daily use: how quickly and reliably they adjust, how they feel in common exercises, how durable they are, and how well they grow with you.

Adjustment and speed

Bowflex’s dials are hard to beat for simplicity. With the dumbbell in its tray, you turn a dial on each end to the weight you want and lift. It’s intuitive enough that anyone in the household can use it without instruction. The 552 offers small 2.5-lb jumps through much of its range, which helps with shoulder and arm work.

PowerBlock uses a magnetic pin: slide it into the slot for the weight you want and lift. It’s just as quick once you’re used to it, and the color-coded bands make weights easy to read. The Elite EXP also lets you add small add-on weights to fine-tune increments.

Feel and shape

This is where the two differ most. Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells use a fixed-length frame, so they’re long at every setting, even light ones. That can bump your thighs during curls or your shoulders on overhead presses. Many lifters don’t mind, but it’s the most common complaint.

PowerBlocks are short and blocky. The weight sits close to your hand, which many owners find more stable for presses, rows and goblet squats. The square shape can feel odd for curls and flyes until you adjust your grip.

Durability

Neither design should be dropped, and both companies say so. PowerBlock’s mostly steel construction has a reputation for holding up well to hard use. Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells use plastic in their selector mechanism, which can wear or crack if the dumbbells are dropped or slammed into the tray. Treat both gently, set them down under control, and either should last many years.

Expandability and value

With Bowflex, you choose your ceiling when you buy: 52.5 lb with the 552 or 90 lb with the 1090. That’s simple, but if you outgrow the 552, you’ll need to buy a new pair.

PowerBlock’s Elite EXP starts at 5–50 lb and expands with Stage 2 (to 70 lb) and Stage 3 (to 90 lb) kits. You spread the cost over time and only buy heavier weights when you need them. For lifters who expect to progress, that flexibility is a big advantage.

Which weight range do you actually need?

Most people underestimate how quickly they’ll get stronger. A 52.5-lb dumbbell is plenty for shoulder presses, curls and lateral raises for years, but lower-body and back exercises progress faster. Goblet squats, Romanian deadlifts, rows and walking lunges can call for heavier dumbbells within the first year of consistent training.

If you mostly do circuits, classes or general fitness, the SelectTech 552 or PowerBlock Stage 1 will likely cover you for a long time. If you lift regularly and follow a progressive program, either buy the 1090 up front or choose PowerBlock and plan on adding the Stage 2 kit when you need it. Sharing with a partner? Consider the heavier option, since the lighter user can still use the low settings.

Stands, storage and setup

Both brands sell matching stands that hold the dumbbells at waist height. A stand is worth it, especially at heavier weights: lifting a 50-plus-pound dumbbell from the floor with a rounded back is one of the easier ways to strain yourself at home. Stands also make it quicker to change weights between sets.

Bowflex trays need a flat, stable surface so the plates sit correctly when you return the dumbbell. PowerBlocks nest in their own stand and are a little more forgiving. Either way, place the stand on firm rubber flooring to protect the floor if you set a dumbbell down heavily.

1. Bowflex SelectTech 552 — Best for most beginners

The 552 is the classic adjustable dumbbell for good reason: it’s simple, fast and covers the weights most people use for general fitness. The pair replaces 15 sets of fixed dumbbells.

Good to know: it’s long at every setting and shouldn’t be dropped. Bowflex’s current listing is part of its Results Series.

Check the Bowflex SelectTech 552 on Amazon → →

2. Bowflex SelectTech 1090 — Best heavy Bowflex

The 1090 brings the same dial system to a 10–90 lb range, enough for most lifters’ heavy rows, presses and lunges.

Good to know: at the heavy end, it’s long and bulky; a waist-height stand makes it easier to handle.

Check the Bowflex SelectTech 1090 on Amazon → →

3. PowerBlock Elite EXP — Best for long-term growth

PowerBlock’s Elite EXP is compact, durable and expandable. Start with the 5–50 lb Stage 1 set and add kits as you get stronger.

Good to know: the square shape takes a little adjustment, and expansion kits are sold separately.

Check the PowerBlock Elite EXP on Amazon → →

The verdict

Choose Bowflex SelectTech if you want the most intuitive adjustable dumbbells, you’re focused on general fitness, you value small weight jumps, or several people of different strengths will share them.
Choose PowerBlock Elite EXP if you want a compact dumbbell that feels stable at heavy weights, you expect to get stronger and want to expand later, or durability matters more to you than a familiar shape.

For more options, including twist-handle designs like NÜOBELL, see our full best adjustable dumbbells guide. Pair either set with a power rack and bench as your gym grows, and protect your floor with rubber mats.

FAQ

Is Bowflex or PowerBlock better?

Neither is better for everyone. Bowflex SelectTech is simpler and more familiar, while PowerBlock is more compact, more durable and expandable. Choose based on how heavy you want to go and how much you value shape over familiarity.

Can you expand Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells?

No. You choose the 552 or 1090 at purchase. PowerBlock’s Elite EXP is designed to expand with add-on kits.

Are PowerBlocks awkward to use?

Most owners adapt within a few sessions. The square shape keeps the weight close to your hand, which helps on presses and rows, though curls and flyes feel different at first.

Can you drop Bowflex or PowerBlock dumbbells?

Neither manufacturer recommends dropping them. Setting them down under control protects the selector mechanisms and your floor.

How heavy do PowerBlock Elite EXP dumbbells go?

The Stage 1 set covers 5 to 50 lb per hand. PowerBlock sells Stage 2 and Stage 3 expansion kits to increase the maximum weight.