Take our free Adjustable vs Fixed Dumbbells Quiz first — it tells you whether adjustable dumbbells are even the right choice for your training style before you spend money on either option.
Quick Verdict
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 wins for most home gym owners. It has a proven 15-year track record, 2.5-pound increments that allow more precise progression, and a significantly lower price. The NÜO Bell wins if you prioritize the feel of a traditional dumbbell and need a heavier weight range — it goes up to 70 pounds versus the Bowflex's 52 pound maximum.
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Spec | Bowflex 552 | NÜO Bell | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Range | 5–52 lbs | 5–70 lbs | NÜO Bell |
| Min Increment | 2.5 lbs | 5 lbs | Bowflex |
| Adjustment Time | 3–5 seconds | 3–5 seconds | Tie |
| Mechanism Type | Dial | Dial | Tie |
| Dumbbell Feel | Bulky, rectangular | Round, traditional | NÜO Bell |
| Price (pair) | $299–$349 | $399–$499 | Bowflex |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | Tie |
| Drop Safe | No | No | Tie |
| Track Record | 15+ years proven | Newer brand | Bowflex |
| Availability Used | Very common | Less common | Bowflex |
Category by Category Breakdown
Who Should Buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552
The Bowflex is the right choice if:
- You are a beginner or intermediate lifter — 52 lbs per hand covers everything you need for years
- Budget matters — $100 to $150 savings is significant
- You want the most proven and reliable option on the market
- You might want to buy used — Bowflex sets are everywhere at 40 to 50% off retail
- You care about 2.5 lb increments for precise progression on smaller muscle groups
Who Should Buy the NÜO Bell
The NÜO Bell is the right choice if:
- You are an intermediate or advanced lifter who needs more than 52 lbs per hand
- The feel of a traditional round dumbbell matters to you
- You do exercises where the rectangular Bowflex shape feels awkward — hammer curls, neutral grip press, certain rotational movements
- Budget is not a concern and you want the premium option
What About the Bowflex SelectTech 1090?
Worth mentioning — Bowflex also makes the SelectTech 1090 which goes up to 90 lbs per hand at $399 to $449. If you need more than 52 lbs and are choosing between NÜO Bell and a heavier Bowflex, the 1090 is worth considering. Same proven mechanism, much heavier weight range, similar price to the NÜO Bell.
Our Final Recommendation
For most home gym owners — buy the Bowflex SelectTech 552. It is cheaper, more proven, easier to find used, and covers 90% of lifters for years. The 2.5 lb increments are genuinely useful for progression that the NÜO Bell cannot match at its 5 lb jumps.
If you are an experienced lifter who regularly presses or rows over 50 lbs per hand and wants the most traditional dumbbell feel available in an adjustable format — the NÜO Bell is worth the premium.
Still unsure? Take our free 3-minute quiz that analyzes your training style, space, and budget to give you a personalized recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bowflex adjustable dumbbells worth it?
Yes — the Bowflex SelectTech 552 is one of the most cost-effective pieces of home gym equipment available. A single pair replaces 15 sets of fixed dumbbells, takes up 2 square feet of space, and covers virtually every upper and lower body exercise for beginners and intermediate lifters. The proven reliability and 2-year warranty make it a safe investment.
Is NÜO Bell better than Bowflex?
Not better overall — different. The NÜO Bell has a more traditional dumbbell feel and heavier weight range (70 lbs vs 52 lbs). The Bowflex has 2.5 lb increments, a longer track record, and costs $100 to $150 less. For most lifters the Bowflex is the better value. For advanced lifters who need heavier weights and prefer a round shape, the NÜO Bell wins.
Can you drop NÜO Bell or Bowflex dumbbells?
No — neither should be dropped. Both use dial mechanisms that can crack or break if the dumbbell hits the ground. Always lower them controlled to the floor or their tray. If you need drop-safe dumbbells for Olympic lifting or CrossFit-style workouts, fixed rubber hex dumbbells are the right choice.
What is the best adjustable dumbbell for beginners?
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 is the best adjustable dumbbell for beginners. The 5 to 52 pound range covers years of progression, the 2.5 lb increments allow gradual increases, and the lower price means less financial risk for someone just starting out. Many beginners also find used sets for $150 to $200 on Facebook Marketplace.
Bowflex 552 vs NÜO Bell — which has better warranty?
Both offer a 2-year warranty on the adjustment mechanism. Bowflex has the advantage of being a large established brand with widely available customer service and a long history of honoring warranties. NÜO Bell is well-reviewed but is a newer company with less track record on long-term warranty support.
Are there better adjustable dumbbells than Bowflex and NÜO Bell?
Yes — the PowerBlock Elite EXP is widely considered the most durable adjustable dumbbell available. It uses a pin mechanism instead of a dial, which is virtually indestructible, and it expands to 90 lbs per hand with add-on kits. It costs more ($429 to $599) but is the closest thing to commercial gym quality in a home gym format. Read our full adjustable dumbbells comparison for the complete ranking.