Looking for the best dumbbell barbell sets under £50? We reviewed the top budget-friendly weight sets that offer real value, solid reviews, and flexible home workout options.
Budget Gains Without the Budget Feel
Building a home gym does not have to drain your wallet or leave you lifting milk bottles in despair. If you are looking for a dumbbell barbell set that actually does the job without creeping into three-figure territory, you are in the right place.
For this guide, we focused on dumbbell barbell sets that were all under £50 at the time of our review. No sneaky “starter price” tricks, no unrealistic discounts, just genuine budget-friendly options that real people actually buy and use.
Great Value Options for Home Training
Let’s be honest, budget gym gear can be a mixed bag. Some sets feel solid and well thought out, while others wobble like a shopping trolley with one bad wheel. The good news is that there are several surprisingly capable dumbbell barbell sets in this price range, especially for beginners and casual lifters training at home.
Popular Brands People Actually Trust
We leaned heavily on popular brands and consistent sellers, not random no-name listings that vanish after a week. These sets tend to have better quality control, clearer weight markings, and parts you can actually replace if needed.
Positive Reviews That Tell a Real Story
Star ratings only tell half the tale. We looked closely at customer feedback, focusing on long-term use, plate durability, bar grip comfort, and how well the collars hold up under repeated workouts.
Plate Options, Metal and Nylon
In this price bracket, you will typically see nylon-filled plates, vinyl-coated weights, and some metal options. Each has pros and cons, from floor protection to compact storage, which we will break down as we go. If you want honest opinions, realistic expectations, and budget-friendly gains, keep reading. This list is proof that £50 can still buy you a proper workout.
Best 5 Dumbbell Barbell Sets Under £50
#1, Strongway Adjustable Dumbbell and Barbell Set
If you want one set that tries to do everything without trying to bankrupt you, the Strongway® Adjustable Dumbbell and Barbell Set makes a very strong case for itself. It is one of those budget finds that keeps popping up in home gyms for a reason.
The big selling point here is flexibility. This is a true 2-in-1 system, meaning you can switch between dumbbells and a barbell using the connecting rod. That instantly opens the door to curls, presses, rows, squats, deadlifts, and more, all without needing extra equipment cluttering up your spare room.
Grip comfort is another area where Strongway does well. The neoprene-coated handles and curved grip design offer decent traction, even during sweatier sessions. For beginners especially, that added grip confidence can make a big difference to form and safety.
The plates themselves are solid for the price, though expectations should stay realistic. While marketed with alloy steel components, this is still a budget-focused set. It is designed for controlled home workouts, not aggressive dropping or powerlifting theatrics.
Where this set really shines is accessibility. It suits beginners, casual lifters, and anyone rebuilding strength at home. The multiple weight options, up to 40kg depending on the version, also mean you will not outgrow it immediately. For under £50 at the time of review, this is a genuinely versatile starter-to-intermediate weight set that punches above its price tag.
#2, Opti Vinyl Dumbbell and Barbell Set 35kg
The Opti Vinyl Dumbbell and Barbell Set is a familiar sight in UK homes, and that is not by accident. It is practical, widely available, and built around simplicity rather than flashy promises.
This is a 25-piece adjustable set featuring vinyl-coated plates, two bar lengths, and a classic spinlock system. Adjusting the weight is quick and straightforward, which makes it ideal for circuits, supersets, or shared workouts where different users need different loads.
Vinyl plates often divide opinion, but for home use they make a lot of sense. They are quieter, floor-friendly, and less intimidating than bare metal plates. If you are training in a spare bedroom or upstairs, that matters more than you might think.
The Opti set is particularly well suited to full-body training. Dumbbells handle curls, raises, and tricep work with ease, while the barbell allows presses, rows, squats, and lunges. The steel bar feels reassuringly solid, especially for a set in this price bracket. There are limits, of course. At 35kg total, stronger lifters may eventually want more weight, and spinlocks need occasional tightening mid-session. That said, these are expected trade-offs at this level.
For beginners, general fitness fans, and anyone prioritising convenience and safety at home, the Opti Vinyl set remains a dependable budget classic that still earns its place on this list.
#3, Gallant Adjustable Dumbbells Set
The Gallant Adjustable Dumbbells Set is very much aimed at people who want a simple, tidy, no-fuss way to train at home. It does not shout for attention, but quietly gets on with the job, which for many users is exactly the appeal.
At 20kg total, this set is clearly pitched towards beginners, improvers, and general fitness training rather than heavy lifting. That said, the versatility is impressive for the price. With dumbbells and a connecting bar included, you can cover chest presses, squats, lunges, curls, rows, and more, all in a relatively small space.
The vinyl-coated plates are a sensible choice for home use. They are kinder to floors, quieter during workouts, and less intimidating if you are new to resistance training. They also help protect the plates themselves from everyday knocks and scrapes, which adds to long-term usability. Spinlock collars allow for easy weight changes, though like most budget spinlocks, they benefit from a quick check mid-session. Storage is another strong point here, as everything breaks down neatly and tucks away without drama.
This is not a set for chasing personal bests or lifting ego-sized numbers. Instead, it suits toning, fat loss, rehabilitation work, and general strength building. For under £50 at the time of review, the Gallant set offers solid value for those who want consistency, convenience, and a calm introduction to home training.
#4, Phoenix Fitness Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Barbell Set
If vinyl-coated plates feel a bit too polite for your liking, the Phoenix Fitness Cast Iron Set steps things up with a more traditional, gym-style feel. This is one of the more robust options in the under-£50 bracket at the time of review. The standout feature here is the cast iron plates, finished with a hammertone coating. They feel solid, compact, and reassuringly old-school. Compared to vinyl sets, cast iron plates take up less space on the bar, which becomes increasingly important as weights get heavier.
Grip is another area where Phoenix Fitness scores well. The diamond knurled handles offer a secure, non-slip hold, even when sessions get sweaty. Combined with metal spinlock collars, the setup feels stable and confidence-inspiring for compound movements like rows, presses, squats, and deadlifts.
The option of 20kg or 30kg makes this set suitable for both beginners and those with a bit of lifting experience. Assembly and breakdown are quick, and despite the heavier-duty materials, the set still stores away neatly.
There are trade-offs. Cast iron is noisier, less forgiving on floors, and not something you want to drop. A mat is highly recommended. However, if you want maximum “real weight” feel on a tight budget, this is one of the strongest contenders available. For lifters who value durability and classic design over softness and silence, Phoenix Fitness delivers excellent bang for your buck.
#5. SONGMICS Dumbbell Barbell Sets
The SONGMICS Dumbbell and Barbell Set is a bit of a shape-shifter, and yes, that pun is absolutely intentional. With its hexagonal plates and modular design, this set feels thoughtfully engineered for real-world home workouts rather than Instagram lifts.
One of its standout features is versatility. This is a true all-in-one setup, quickly converting between dumbbells, a barbell, and even press-up handles. The hex-shaped plates prevent rolling, which sounds minor until you have chased a runaway dumbbell across the room mid-workout.
The weight plates use a concrete and sand core with a plastic coating, making them quieter and far more floor-friendly than bare metal. That makes this set particularly appealing for flats, upstairs rooms, or anyone trying to stay on good terms with the household below.
Grip comfort is another strong point. The textured handles offer reliable control, while the foam-covered barbell adds a layer of comfort during longer sessions. Spinlock collars hold things securely, though, as with all spinlocks, a quick check before sets is always wise. This is not a hardcore lifter’s dream, and it is not pretending to be. Instead, it excels at general fitness, toning, fat loss, and steady strength progression. For under £50 at the time of review, it delivers excellent usability and safety-focused design.
Conclusion - Which One Should You Choose?
The good news is simple, you do not need to spend a fortune to train properly at home. Every set on this list was under £50 at the time of review and offers genuine value when expectations are realistic.
If you want maximum flexibility and upgrade paths, Strongway stands out. For a safe, classic home option, Opti remains dependable. Gallant suits beginners and smaller spaces, Phoenix Fitness is ideal for those craving real cast iron, and SONGMICS wins on smart design and floor-friendly practicality.
Final Word
The best choice comes down to your goals, space, and training style. Pick the set you will actually use consistently, and the results will follow, no gym membership required.
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