The 7 Best Ab Machines of 2025, Tested

What to Look For When Shopping for Ab Machines

• Fitness Level: There are many different types of ab machines available, ranging from beginner-friendly to more advanced models. Consider your current fitness level and select a piece of equipment that suits you. 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, CPT.
• Size: 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. Have plenty of space to spare? Feel free to splurge on a larger ab machine. Either way, keep in mind that you don’t need a lot of equipment for a productive workout, says Morrison.
• Workout Style: Different ab machines are suited to various ab workouts, so choose one that aligns with 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.

How We Tested the Ab Machines

To find the best ab machines, we tested 28 options from top, trusted brands in our Lab. When testing ab machines, we perform product-specific core exercises and evaluate each machine based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of 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 those tools are included with the product. Factors such as difficulty and duration are also taken into consideration. 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 assess the clarity of the included instructions, or lack thereof. Then, we perform product-specific exercises to assess the user-friendliness of each machine, including any adjustable features or added accessories. We also consider how safe we feel during the workout.
• Effectiveness: We evaluate the effectiveness of each ab machine in terms of targeting the core muscles. Do we notice improvements in core strength after regular use? Does the ab machine allow for a variety of exercises that target different core muscles? Does it effectively target both upper and lower ab muscles?
• Comfort: When 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 users of various fitness levels and different heights and sizes.
• Value: To fairly determine the 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, taking into account the above key categories. Ab machines receive high scores if we would willingly pay the full price or even consider paying more.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us better understand how to safely use ab machines and what key features to look for when shopping for a high-quality option. Our experts also helped inform our product testing and recommendations, though we always choose products independently.

• Parker Oliver, CFSC, certified functional strength coach and chief operating officer of BRX Performance
• Shelby Morrison, CPT, certified personal trainer and owner of ShelbyFit
• Kelvin Gary, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and owner of Body Space Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective way to get abs?

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, says Gary.

How often should you do ab workouts?

Whether you hit the gym two days a week or five, incorporate abs into every workout, says Gary. 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 in each workout program, whether they’re rep-based (with three sets of 10 to 12 reps) or time-based (lasting 30 to 60 seconds), says Gary. 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.

What equipment is best for abs?

Ab rollers, half balls, core sliders, sit-up foot anchors, and ab straps are all great equipment options that support a solid ab workout. More versatile and larger pieces of equipment that can be used to challenge the abs include a bench and power tower, which can also be used to strengthen the shoulders, chest, back, and arms.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, and Verywell Fit 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.