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We Tested and Reviewed the 9 Best Ab Machines to Crush Your Core Goals at Home

Ab rollers, power towers, exercise balls, and more

hands on handles of the Vinsguir Ab Roller in use on wood floor

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

A strong core can help you maintain proper exercise form and balance, helping you avoid injury and stay active for longer as you age. While effectively targeting your core during workouts can be challenging, the best ab machines are designed to simplify and enhance your abdominal training experience. When shopping, select a machine that lets you train in all three planes of motion—rather than just up and down, as with traditional crunches—to hit all areas of the core, says functional strength coach Parker Oliver.

To find the best ab machines for your home gym, we first consulted three certified trainers on what key features to look for. Then, we tested 19 expert-approved ab machines in The Verywell Testing Lab. Over 16 hours, nine testers performed a variety of ab exercises with each product. Our top options earned high scores for ease of assembly, ease of use, quality and comfort, versatility, portability, and overall value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, how to safely use ab machines, and the best way to evaluate them.

Best Ab Roller

Vinsguir Ab Roller

Vinsguir Ab Roller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Quality/Comfort
    4/5
  • Versatility
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Comfortable handles

  • Portable

  • Quiet

Cons
  • May be too difficult for beginners

  • Included knee pad is fairly thin

Key Specs

Product Weight: Not listed | Dimensions: 12 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches | Accessories: Roller pad, knee pad | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who It's For

Best for intermediate to advanced exercisers who want to challenge their core.

Why We Love It

Affordable, efficient, and effective, ab rollers can be a convenient, core-focused addition to your home gym. Doing an ab rollout challenges your core, shoulder, and back muscles, so it's best for intermediate to advanced exercises. Our favorite ab roller is Vinsguir's Ab Roller because it's compact, portable, and easy to use. It comes with clear, concise instructions, and we found the set-up to be very easy, with no tools required.

The padded foam handles offer comfort by molding to our hand shape—a much-appreciated improvement over the usual hard plastic handles found on other ab rollers. We also appreciate the smooth and silent movement of the wheel across the floor as you roll. Plus, the roller's budget-friendly price makes it a great choice to diversify and intensify ab workouts at home.

Potential Flaws

  • While the roller is a very simple piece of equipment, it’s recommended for intermediate or advanced exercisers and may be too challenging for beginners.
  • We found the included knee mat to be fairly thin and flimsy, so you may want to use a different yoga mat for better knee protection. 

Most Valuable Insight

“This is an effective and affordable tool for those looking to step up their ab routine. I would recommend this to friends with an intermediate to advanced fitness level.” —Dana Ingemann, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Sit-Up Foot Anchor

Aduro Sport Doorway Exercise Bar

Aduro Sport Doorway Exercise Bar

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Quality/Comfort
    5/5
  • Versatility
    3/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
Pros
  • Adjustable

  • Compact

  • Good for beginners

Cons
  • Not as versatile as other options

Key Specs

Product Weight: 1.9 pounds | Dimensions: 8.7 x 10 x 7.5 inches | Accessories: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who It's For

Best for beginners to advanced exercisers who need support to maintain proper sit-up form.

Why We Love It

A simple yet effective addition to any home gym, Aduro Sport's Doorway Sit-Up Exercise Bar allows you to better isolate your abs during sit-ups and crunches by keeping your feet firmly in place. We found it easy to set up under the door and simple enough for beginners to use. We also love that it's compact and portable, making it a nice option for small spaces or on-the-go ab workouts.

The durable, ergonomic steel ankle bar is covered with foam padding that makes it comfortable enough to use with or without sneakers and allows for solid traction and control. And we appreciate that you can easily adjust the bar's height so multiple users can find a comfortable workout. Most importantly, once the bar was secured to the door, it didn't budge at all, allowing for safe and effective sit-ups.

Potential Flaws

  • This machine only supports one type of exercise, so it's not as versatile as other options we tested.

Most Valuable Insight

“If you're someone who has trouble keeping your feet on the ground during ab exercises like sit-ups and crunches (like I am), it would be really helpful to have this on hand.” —Rachel Nussbaum, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Two-Set Ab Roller

SKLZ Core Wheels

SKLZ Core Wheels

Dick's Sporting Goods

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Quality/Comfort
    4/5
  • Versatility
    4.5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
Pros
  • Portable

  • More versatile than a single ab roller

  • Comes with training guide

Cons
  • May be too difficult for beginners

  • Doesn't come with a knee mat

Key Specs

Product Weight: 3.5 pounds | Dimensions: 9.5 x 6 x 9.5 inches | Accessories: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

Best for more experienced exercisers who are looking for versatile ways to elevate their core strength.

Why We Love Them

If you're an experienced exerciser looking to take your core workouts to the next level, SKLZ Core Wheels can help you get more out of your planks, push-ups, and other ab exercises. Two-set ab rollers like this one let you perform a wider range of dynamic movements and exercises, engaging more muscles than if you were using just one roller. We love these wheels because they're easy to use, yet super effective.

Ready to use right out of the box, we immediately got started with ab rollouts and other core exercises. We noticed that the wheels glide smoothly and the ergonomic foam handles are both comfortable and grippy. We were also impressed by the rollers' lightweight and compact design, making them an excellent choice for easy transportation to and from the gym.

Potential Flaws

  • Ab roll-out exercises are challenging, so these may be too difficult for beginners.
  • We wish there was a knee pad for added comfort in the lower body, though this doesn't affect the efficacy of the ab rollers.

Most Valuable Insight

“These core wheels have a simple design and concept, but their ease of use depends on your existing core strength. Overall, they’re usable for different kinds of exercises, are portable, and user-friendly.” —Madison Yauger, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Core Sliders

Synergee Core Sliders

Synergee Core Sliders

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Quality/Comfort
    5/5
  • Versatility
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Compact and portable

  • Work on multiple surfaces

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Plastic can scratch easily

  • May be too small for large feet

Key Specs

Product Weight: 0.5 pounds | Dimensions: 7.5 x 1.3 x 7.4 inches | Accessories: Exercise manual | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They're For

Best for exercisers who need a compact and portable piece of equipment for dynamic ab work.

Why We Love Them

Core sliders, also known as exercise sliders, are a convenient way to intensify your ab workouts since they require more concentration and core engagement than other machines. Synergee's Core Sliders are a budget-friendly, high-quality option. During testing, we found it easy to get started since there was no assembly required. Not only are they simple to use, but the compact and lightweight design makes them ideal for small spaces or on-the-go use.

Thanks to the combination of smooth plastic and textured padding, the sliders effortlessly glide across the floor, making the workout challenging in terms of control. We love that these are versatile enough for ab exercises like mountain climbers, planks, body saws, and knee tucks, as well as lower-body moves like sliding leg curls or side lunges. They also complement other core-strengthening equipment, like balance boards, to improve stability and flexibility.

Potential Flaws

  • In testing, we found that the plastic scuffed easily, but this did not seem to affect the performance.
  • While the sliders are compact, they may be too small and difficult to use if you have larger feet.

Most Valuable Insight

“These sliders added a nice challenge to mountain climbers and knee tucks. Plus, they can be used for a variety of other non-ab exercises to tone your whole body.” —Rachel Nussbaum, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Bench

XMark Fitness Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench

XMark Fitness Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Quality/Comfort
    5/5
  • Versatility
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Sturdy frame

  • Adjustable

  • Ergonomic leg holder

Cons
  • Can’t be used in flat position

Key Specs

Product Weight: 38 pounds | Dimensions: 61 x 20 x 47 inches | Accessories: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It's For

Best for intermediate to advanced exercisers who have the room and budget for a weight bench.

XMark Fitness's Adjustable Decline Ab Workout Bench makes a solid addition to any home gym. Because its decline level is adjustable to 12 different settings, we found that it can be used for all levels of fitness. It's particularly effective for exercises like decline sit-ups, bicycle crunches, and Russian twists. 

The heavy-duty steel frame is very sturdy and durable, and the base bar is easily adjustable. Although it takes up more space than some other ab equipment we tested, the built-in wheels make it easy to move and store away when needed. We also love the foam-lined leg holder and plush padding on the bench, which makes exercises more comfortable.

Why We Love It

Potential Flaws

  • Keep in mind that the bench can't be used in a flat position.

Most Valuable Insight

“This bench is great for users of all levels, but especially for advanced users because it can be adjusted to make exercises easier or more difficult. I also like that it's very sturdy and comfortable to use.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, senior commerce editor and Verywell Fit product tester

Best Power Tower

Bang Tong & Li Power Tower

Bang Tong & Li Power Tower

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Quality/Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Versatility
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Sturdy frame

  • Adjustable height

  • Cushioned handles

Cons
  • Not portable

Key Specs

Product Weight: 50 pounds | Dimensions: 42.5 x 14.2 x 82.7 inches | Accessories: Exercise manual | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It's For

Best for advanced exercisers who have plenty of space (and a big budget) for a large piece of equipment.

Why We Love It

If you’re looking to challenge your upper body and back, in addition to your core, consider a power rack like Bang Tong & Li's Power Tower. Despite its large build, we found this tower straightforward to assemble and use. It boasts a sturdy and durable feel, catering to various exercises that target the core, like vertical knee raises, as well as upper body moves like pull-ups, dips, and elevated push-ups.

Crafted from heavy-duty steel, the tower boasts a 330-pound weight capacity and has six adjustable heights, from 74.8 to 82.68 inches. We found the foam-covered handles easy and comfortable to grip, even with sweaty hands. And we love that the tower also comes with a manual that has instructions and photos for exercises you can do with it. 

Potential Flaws

  • It's not as portable or compact as other ab machines we tested, but the tower is a versatile, durable addition to any home gym.

Most Valuable Insight

“This ab machine is great for advanced users. I also feel that it is fairly versatile as you can do various ab exercises with it, but also exercises for other body partslike push-ups and pull-ups.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, senior commerce editor and Verywell Fit product tester

Best Hanging Ab Strap

DMoose Ab Straps

Dmoose Ab Straps

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Quality/Comfort
    4/5
  • Versatility
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Durable and well made

  • Portable

  • Easy to set up

Cons
  • Need a pull-up bar, tower, or something to hang from

  • Straps could be wider

Key Specs

Product Weight: 0.6 pound | Dimensions: 40 x 6.5 x .19 inches | Accessories: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

Best for exercisers with poor grip who need support for hanging ab exercises.

Why We Love Them

For a lower ab workout without straining your lower back, incorporate Dmoose's Ab Straps into your routine. The straps allow you to do knee tucks, hanging leg raises, and other intensive moves isolating your abdominal and oblique muscles while minimizing pressure on your back. Easily set up on a pull-up bar or power tower, we found that the straps enhance grip for more comfortable execution of complex movements.

Lightweight and portable, the straps offer convenience for both gym sessions and travel. And we appreciate that the rip-resistant nylon material feels high-quality and durable. These budget-friendly straps are an effective choice for advanced exercisers who prefer ab-shredding workouts off the floor.

Potential Flaws

  • While lightweight and portable, these straps require a pull-up bar or tower to hang from.
  • During testing, we noted that the straps could be a bit wider for more sturdiness and durability.

Most Valuable Insight

“I like that the material that goes under the arms is soft, which makes it comfortable to use and easy for various exercises.” —Robert Tutton, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Exercise Ball

Epitomie Fitness Active Balance Exercise Ball

Epitomie Fitness Active Balance Exercise Ball

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Overall Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Pump included

  • Durable

  • Good for all exercise levels

Cons
  • Exercise guide is difficult to download

Key Specs

Product Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 21.65-29.53 inches | Accessories: Pump, 3 exercise bands | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It's For

Best for exercisers of all fitness levels looking for a versatile exercise ball.

Why We Love It

Versatile and budget-friendly, Epitomie Fitness' Active Balance Exercise Ball requires you to use your core to find balance in upper and lower body exercises—making it a challenging choice for all fitness levels. In testing, we found it easy to inflate and set up, thanks to the included pump. It also comes with a set of three resistance bands that we found to be durable and easy to use.

The ball's slightly textured surface feels grippy enough to prevent slipping, even when our hands, arms, feet, and legs are wet. We also found that the ball offers solid stability—we had no trouble completing exercises on it. Plus, it's easy to deflate for portability and we like the accompanying exercise guide with workouts suitable for beginners and advanced users.

Potential Flaws

  • Downloading the guide was a bit tedious, but worth the effort for the included full-body exercise instructions.

Most Valuable Insight

“I was very impressed by this exercise ball. For less than $30, you get a super durable ball, three loop bands, and a very effective pump. It took me less than five minutes to fully blow up the ball, and I didn't have any trouble blowing it up at all.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, senior commerce editor and Verywell Fit product tester

Best Half Ball

Sportneer Half Balance Ball

Sportneer Half Balance Ball

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Versatility
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    3/5
  • Overall Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Anti-slip base

  • Features resistance bands with handles

  • Durable and sturdy

Cons
  • Not as easy to inflate

Key Specs

Product Weight: 11 pounds | Dimensions: 23 x 10 inches | Accessories: Pump, attachable exercise bands | Our Overall Rating: 4/5

Who It's For

Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers who don't have the room for a full exercise ball.

Why We Love It

Sportneer's Half Balance Ball is more accessible to beginner exercisers than a full exercise ball because it gives you more stability and a reduced range of motion, providing a safer and more manageable introduction to balance and core strengthening exercises. We found this ab machine to be high-quality and durable thanks to its thick, anti-burst material and non-slip platform base.

The included resistance bands add to the ball’s versatility, allowing you to do upper body exercises (like curls and presses) in addition to ab exercises. For even more versatility, we appreciate that the ball can be used in two ways—with the flat part on the floor for beginner-friendly balance and core exercises (like sit-ups), or with the flat part facing up to intensify the stability challenge in exercises like ball planks and push-ups.

Potential Flaws

  • The unique shape of this half ball makes it a little more difficult to inflate than traditional exercise balls.

Most Valuable Insight

"This ball is entirely different from most since it has a half-sphere shape instead of a full sphere. However, I actually liked it more because I use balance balls for stability exercises more than strength training. I’ve also tested a bunch of resistance bands and found that the ones included with the Sportneer ball are both durable and easy to use." —Megan Foster, commerce writer and Verywell Fit product tester

Where We Stand

After testing 19 ab machines, Vinsguir's Ab Roller, Aduro Sport's Sit-Up Exercise Bar, and Synergee's Core Sliders are a few of our top options for their simple yet effective designs, compact portability, and budget-friendly prices. As we continue to test ab machines at home, we will update this list of recommendations if we discover anything new we haven't already documented.

What to Look For When Shopping for an Ab Machine

  • Fitness Level: There are many different types of ab machines out there—some of which are beginner-friendly (like Aduro Sport's Sit-Up Exercise Bar) and some that are more advanced (like Vinsguir's Ab Roller). Consider where you are in your fitness journey, and select a piece of equipment that meets you there. In general, look for a machine that works your entire core, provides a good range of motion, and allows you to feel safe and comfortable, says certified personal trainer Shelby Morrison.
  • Size and Portability: Some ab machines are large and bulky, while others are decidedly small and space-friendly. Consider your space—and your habits—when selecting a piece of equipment. Do you like working out on the go? Make sure to select a more portable option, like Synergee's Core Sliders. Have plenty of space to spare? Feel free to spring for a big machine, like Bang Tong & Li's Power Tower. Either way, keep in mind that you don't need a lot of equipment for a productive workout, Morrison says.
  • Workout Style: Different ab machines lend themselves to different ab workouts, so find one that suits your preferences. If you dislike sit-ups, avoid ab rockers and Roman chairs—try an ab roller or ab coaster instead. Likewise, if you love cardio, opt for an ab machine that will encourage a more active workout—like Bang Tong & Li's Power Tower.
People testing the Tristar Products Ab Coaster Max

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

How We Tested the Ab Machines

To find the best ab machines, we tested 19 options from top, trusted brands in The Verywell Testing Lab. When testing, we perform product-specific core exercises and evaluate each machine based on the following criteria:

  • Assembly: After unboxing each ab machine, we assess whether it arrives fully assembled or requires assembly. We also determine if tools are needed for assembly, and whether or not those tools are included with the product. Factors such as difficulty and duration are also considered. Ab machines earn high scores if accompanied by clear assembly instructions and a streamlined setup process.
  • Ease of Use: To evaluate how easy each machine is to use, we gauge the clarity of included instructions or lack thereof. Then, we perform product-specific exercises, gauging the user-friendliness of each machine and any adjustability features or added accessories. We also consider how safe we feel during the workout.
  • Quality and Comfort: While performing exercises with each ab machine, we pay attention to how durable and comfortable it feels: Is there any noticeable wobbling or creaking? Does the machine have adequate padding or grippy handles? Did we experience chafing or blisters? We prioritize options that offer an enjoyable workout experience.
  • Portability: For machines where portability is a factor, we assess weight and ease of movement. We also consider whether a carrying case is included. If a machine requires folding, collapsing, or disassembly in order to be portable, we also consider the speed and simplicity of that process.
  • Versatility: Some ab machines are designed for a single exercise, while others offer a wider range of exercises. In testing, we gauge how many exercises can be performed on each machine. We also consider its suitability for various fitness levels and users of different heights and sizes.
  • Value: To fairly determine the overall value of each ab machine, we wait until testing is over to look at its price. Then, we determine whether the cost aligns with our experience with the product, considering the above key categories. Ab machines receive high scores if we would willingly pay the full price or even consider paying more.
person using the Abdolly Core Training System in gym setting while others test ab machines

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Our Experts

  • Parker Oliver, CFSC, a certified functional strength coach and chief operating officer of BRX Performance
  • Shelby Morrison, CPT, a certified personal trainer and owner of ShelbyFit
  • Kelvin Gary, NASM-CPT, a certified personal trainer and owner of Body Space Fitness
an assortment of ab machines on gray mat in room

Verywell Fit/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective ab workout?

If you want to get stronger and continuously challenge your entire core—including your stomach, back, glutes, and pelvic floor muscles—planks are the way to go, certified personal trainer Kelvin Gary says.

How often should you do ab workouts?

Whether you hit the gym two days a week or five, incorporate abs into every workout, Gary says. Perform ab exercises after a warm-up (think: foam rolling and dynamic moves) and before any cardio or strength training. This routine prepares your abs to support and stabilize other muscles throughout your workout.

How long should an ab workout be?

Include one or two ab exercises into each workout program, whether they are rep-based (with three sets of 10 to 12 reps) or time-based (lasting 30 to 60 seconds), Gary says. And if you want to challenge your core with more than two exercises, you can add one or two movements at the very end of your workout.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be a good investment for her readers.