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Best Ab Stimulator 2023 | BestReviews

Updated January 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
MarCoolTip MZ ABS Stimulator
MarCoolTip
MZ ABS Stimulator
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Best non-gel pad ab stimulator
Bottom Line

Fasten this popular ab stimulator around your waist just twice a day for 15 minutes to start seeing a difference within three months. This model was designed to work alongside your ab workout to get the best results.

Pros

This ab stimulator doesn’t use gel pads but instead uses permanent electrode pads that require just a small amount of water. It has 15 intensity levels and six modes.

Cons

The pads aren’t replaceable.

Best Bang for the Buck
Belifu Dual Channel TENS EMS
Belifu
Dual Channel TENS EMS
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Best bang for your buck
Bottom Line

For those who want a pocket-size muscle stimulator that can work on any muscle group in addition to the abdominals, this versatile device is ideal.

Pros

It offers 24 modes and even helps you massage stiff muscles or soothe neck, back and shoulder pain. It has 10 gel pads in three different sizes. It comes with a dust-free carry bag for safe storage. The rechargeable battery lasts 20 hours.

Cons

The exposed wires might get tangled.

Flextone Rechargeable Muscle Toner and Abs Stimulator
Flextone
Rechargeable Muscle Toner and Abs Stimulator
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Best ab stimulator for maximum coverage
Bottom Line

This comprehensive professional-quality ab stimulator is designed to target your ab muscles directly and lets you move freely while wearing it.

Pros

This ab stimulator doesn’t inhibit your movement or strap around your waist like others. It’s a wireless device with self-adhesive pads instead of Velcro.

Cons

While it has 20 intensity levels, it only has one mode.

Sacred Healing Infrared + Red Light Therapy Belt
Sacred Healing
Infrared + Red Light Therapy Belt
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Best for reducing inflammation
Bottom Line

This FDA-cleared belt isn't your typical ab stimulator. It uses the power of infrared light to target aches, boost skin and potentially be an aid in your weight-loss journey — all without an expensive trip to a spa.

Pros

It features vibration and pulsing technology with customizable intensity levels to find what works best for you. It comes with a free digital guide to unlock the full potential of infrared therapy, and you can learn expert tips for maximizing results.

Cons

Although it can potentially assist in body contouring, it's not primarily designed for targeted "ab-toning" like dedicated muscle stimulation devices.

Abflex Ab Toning Belt
Abflex
Ab Toning Belt
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Best for its numerous intensity levels
Bottom Line

The Abflex Ab Toning Belt uses electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to mimic natural muscle contractions, toning and tightening your abs.

Pros

Abflex's snug belt doesn't require pads, so it's a lot less messy and easily fits over your midsection. It comes with a carrying case for easy storage.

Cons

If you have a 40-inch waist or larger it may not fit you correctly.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best ab stimulator

Living a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, but there are ways to get started on your fitness goals without overexerting yourself. We don’t want to mislead anyone since the only way to be fit, burn fat and lose weight is to exercise and eat healthy, but it doesn’t hurt to have some help along the way on your mission to increase muscle strength and build rock-hard abs. 

That’s where an ab stimulator can be a helpful tool. An ab stimulator isn’t a magic pill by any means, but it contracts and stimulates muscles in a way that helps strengthen them when combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet — without the need for girth reduction or a major surgery.

An ab stimulator provides electrical muscle stimulation and is excellent for strengthening your core, alleviating sore muscles after a workout and managing chronic body pain. The best ab stimulators have multiple modes and settings for customized treatment, and if used regularly, they can help you slim down, burn belly fat and tone muscles in two to three months.

Which ab stimulator is best?

MarCoolTrip MZ ABS Stimulator

Best non-gel pad ab stimulator

Product specifications

Dimensions: 42” L x 6.14” W x 1.3” H | Weight: 8.15 oz | Material: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Modes: 6 | Intensity Levels: 15

The MarCoolTrip MZ ab stimulator is perfect for those who want an effective non-gel pad for stimulating abdominal muscles and sculpting the body. Many users report positive results after six to eight weeks of consistent use, a healthy diet and frequent exercise.

This electrical muscle stimulator has six modes and 15 intensity levels for strengthening core muscles. It’s comfortable enough to wear while exercising, watching TV, working at a desk, doing housework or just relaxing at home, and wearing it for 15 minutes twice a day provides a noticeable difference in core strength after three months.

What we like most about this ab stimulator is that you don’t need to waste time and money replacing the pad as you do with abdominal stimulators that use gel pads. It saves you money in the long run; you only need to spray the electrode with water to clean it before each use.

Belifu Dual Channel TENS EMS

Best bang for your buck

Product specifications

Dimensions: 3.74” L x 2.2” W x 0.4” H | Weight: 11.2 oz | Material: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Modes: 24 | Intensity Levels: 20

This budget-friendly TENS device is excellent for relieving sore muscles, toning abdominal muscles and stimulating abs. It’s one of the more versatile ab stimulators since you can use it on various body parts, including the shoulders, neck, chest, legs and arms.

This EMS device boasts A/B dual channels, 24 modes, 20 intensity levels and a timer control. The rechargeable battery provides up to 20 hours of use on a full charge, and the compact and portable design of the unit makes it suitable for traveling.

It’s a high-quality TENS unit for alleviating sore muscles after workouts, stimulating abs or warming up before exercise. It’s easy to use thanks to its intuitive controls and display, and it comes with some neat extras, including a dustproof drawstring storage pad and 10 replacement self-adhesive pads.

Flextone Abs Stimulator Muscle Toner

Best ab stimulator for maximum coverage

Product specifications

Dimensions: 42” L x 8.7” W x 0.5” H | Weight: 1.4 lb | Material: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Modes: 1 mixed mode | Intensity Levels: 20

Thanks to its wireless design, this is one of the best units for toning abdominal muscles and burning fat without losing mobility. It’s an FDA-approved ab stimulator with a rechargeable battery that provides a week’s worth of workouts on a 20-minute charge.

It offers a complete abdominal workout, working the obliques, upper and lower ab muscles, and most users report excellent slimming and toning results after a few months of consistent use. It boasts 20 intensity levels, so you can set it to whatever feels comfortable, and the gel pads are suitable for approximately 20 to 30 uses.

The large electrode pads offer more coverage than some of our other favorite abdominal stimulators, and this unit features six preset modes so you can sit back and let it work its magic. It has everything you need to get started on your journey to six-pack abs, including multiple replacement gels and two body pads. It’s recommended for 25-minute intervals up to three times daily for best results.

 

Sacred Healing Infrared + Red Light Therapy Belt

Best for reducing inflammation

Product specifications

Weight: NA | Material: Fabric and plastic | Modes: 3 light settings; 5 heat modes | Intensity Levels: 5

This model boasts advanced medical-grade technology and is perfect for reducing inflammation. It uses scientifically backed infrared light therapy for pain relief, joint treatment, skin rejuvenation and weight loss. Although it’s a pricey unit, it’s cheaper and more convenient in the long run than going to a spa.

This unit promotes improved blood flow and accelerated healing, aids in burning fat cells, and effectively alleviates chronic pain. The intuitive controls make it easy for anyone to operate, and the integrated power bank means you can use it on the go. It features red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy modes for customized treatment.

This ab stimulation machine offers long-lasting durability and premium materials, making it one of the best choices for anyone looking to strengthen their core muscles and relieve sore muscles after strenuous workouts. It includes an ebook with guidelines for achieving the best results possible.

 

Abflex Ab-Toning Belt

Best for its numerous intensity levels

Product specifications

Weight: 1.06 oz | Material: Fabric and plastic | Modes: 10 | Intensity Levels: 99

There’s a lot to like about this ab stimulator. Unlike other units, it doesn’t use pads, meaning you don’t have to worry about replacements. It’s a medical-grade ab stimulator that fits comfortably over the midsection and helps improve core stability, balance and overall body posture.

This high-performance trainer is excellent for tightening muscles and offers an adjustable fit for superior comfort while you wear it. It has 10 preset modes and 99 intensity levels for a customized experience and uses EMS technology to stimulate and contract muscles. It has a carrying case for convenient traveling, and the compact design won’t take up too much space in your bag.

This ab stimulator belt is a good mid-tier unit that offers plenty of customizability in settings for diverse use. It’s excellent for toning abdominal muscles, and most users report positive results if used for 20 to 30 minutes before and after all workouts.

Things to consider when choosing the best ab stimulator belt

Understanding your fitness goals

An ab stimulator alone won’t magically transform your current body or get you the lifestyle you want, but when combined with physical activity and good nutrition, it can help you achieve your fitness goals and possibly even help you get rock-hard abs. If you want a lean body, a strong core and toned abs, an ab stimulator works great, as it contracts those muscles and improves blood flow. It’s also excellent for physical rehabilitation, helping to alleviate sore muscles, manage chronic pain and improve range of motion. Plus, you can treat muscle spasms and use it effectively for neuromuscular electrical stimulation training.

Aligning intensity and built-in programs with your goals

Most electrical muscle stimulators feature several preset modes and intensity levels. Preset modes are great since you don’t need to tweak settings yourself and can just sit back and see which one feels best. It’s also a good idea to consistently work in different modes. That way, your abdominal muscles are stimulated by different pulses in different ways, which can be beneficial for core strengthening.

The intensity increases the electrical pulses and the duration of each pulse, meaning the higher the intensity, the harder your muscles work. You can start at the lowest intensity and gradually build your strength up to the highest intensity.

Picking the correct belt size and pads

An ab stimulator belt should be long enough to fit comfortably around your waist. Most ab stimulators are one-size-fits-all and fit waists of 40 inches or less. However, some ab stimulators have adjustable belts that can accommodate larger waistlines. A wider belt can target a larger portion of your abdomen, which is desirable for most people, as the larger surface area provides greater toning and covers more of your body for improved electrical muscle stimulation

Selecting the controls and battery type that fit your lifestyle

Ab stimulators require batteries. Some take AA or AAA batteries, which are easy to find when you need replacements. However, the cost of replacement batteries can add up over time, so consider investing in one with lithium batteries that can be recharged via a USB cable, such as the MarCoolTrip MZ ABS Stimulator. 

Selecting the ab belt that fits your budget

Ab stimulators vary in price based on the number of intensity levels and built-in programs offered. You could pay as little as $25 or as much as $300 for one.

If you’re a beginner and want something inexpensive, be prepared to pay $25 to $50 for an ab stimulator that has 15 to 20 intensity levels and three to four built-in programs. For an affordable ab stimulator, the Belifu Dual Channel TENS EMS is a superb option.

For greater customization, consider a mid-range option in the $50-to-$100 zone. Mid-range ab stimulators usually offer up to 50 intensity levels and five to six built-in programs. A person who has been using an entry-level ab stimulator and wants to upgrade could do well with one of these. A great option in this price category is the MarCoolTrip MZ ABS Stimulator.

The most expensive ab stimulators, in the $100-to-$300 range, offer up to 150 different intensity levels, which is why they often provide the most obvious results. They usually have six or more built-in programs and are ideal for individuals who are committed to a comprehensive diet and ab-sculpting exercise program. The Flextone Abs Stimulator Muscle Toner is an excellent choice.

Tips for using an ab stimulator

  • Consult your doctor before using an ab stimulator. The electrical stimulation may not be suitable if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy.
  • For maximum effectiveness, the gel electrode pads must be placed on bare skin. Ensure your skin is clean and dry before applying the pads.
  • Be sure to center the gel pad directly over your navel when you put an ab stimulator around your waist. 
  • Until you know how you’ll react, it’s best to sit down during your sessions. It’s not uncommon to feel dizzy or lightheaded when using an ab stimulator. 
  • If you’re new to electrical stimulation units, begin at a low intensity. You don’t want to overtax your ab muscles.
  • Turn the ab stimulator off before readjusting the placement of the gel pads.
  • Best results typically come from using an ab stimulator five to six times weekly. Don’t forget to give your muscles time to rest periodically, and don't expect your muscle size to increase overnight.

FAQ

Q. Does it hurt to use an ab belt?

A. No, but you’ll likely experience a tingling sensation when you first start using electrical stimulation on your body. It’s also normal to feel your muscles tighten or contract as the electric impulses target them.

Q. Can I use an ab stimulator to tone my stomach after I’ve had a baby? 

A. Electronic muscle stimulators can help you tighten and tone your stomach postpartum if you feel your body has undergone significant muscle atrophy, but you should only use it when it’s safe to do so. If you gave birth vaginally, wait at least six weeks after the baby is born before using electrical stimulation. If you had a cesarean section, wait at least three months. In both cases, you should consult your doctor first to ensure they’re onboard with your plan.

Q. Can you overuse an ab stimulator?

A. Yes, you can. You should always follow the intensity guidelines and recommended usage times to prevent injuries. When you overuse electronic muscle stimulators or use too high of an intensity, you can cause muscle damage or destroy muscle cells. Needless to say, you’ll also be very stiff and in pain the next day. 

Q. How long does it take to see results?

A. Achieving fitness or rapid weight loss doesn't have a quick solution, and it takes time for any exercise to yield results. This also applies to abdominal stimulation; based on various studies, participants typically began noticing measurable results and increased abdominal strength after four to six weeks.

Q. Do ab stimulators work?

A. There are studies indicating that ab stimulators do indeed work. In the Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Training on Abdominal Strength study published by the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, researchers found that when using only an ab stimulator, participants had a 58% increase in abdominal strength, had a 100% increase in abdominal endurance, and waist circumference decreased by 1.3 inches. Participants in the study felt that midsections were more toned and firmed, and just over half felt that their posture had improved as a result of the stimulation. 

A JOSPT study found that it can be an effective physical therapy tool as well as, concluding that combined use of electrical stimulation and volitional exercise was the most effective mode for isometric strength gain of the abdominal musculature. That makes them suitable for neuromuscular electrical stimulation training and physical therapy.

Q. Are ab stimulators safe?

A. As with all medical devices, there is an inherent risk in using them. For the most part, it comes down to how the device is operated and whether the user follows the recommended guidelines. When used correctly, ab stimulators are safe.

In a separate study published by the NIH, researchers conducted a similar test to determine if the health claims about ab stimulators were true. Not only did the study’s participants report a decrease in waist circumference, but the study notes, “EMS offers an effective and safe treatment” and “without side effects.”

The federal Food and Drug Administration has also cleared several ab stimulators for prescription use in treating medical conditions, while one over-the-counter EMS has been cleared for personal use. 

However, the FDA warns it has “received reports of shocks, burns, bruising, skin irritation and pain associated with using some of these devices.” In most cases, this stems from the cables and wires malfunctioning or interfering with pacemakers and defibrillators.

A note on the effectiveness of ab stimulators

Although there are studies suggesting that ab stimulators are effective, the best way to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle is to have a balanced diet and exercise regularly, with the primary goals being lowering body fat percentage and increasing muscle health. It’s widely acknowledged that physical activity and proper nutrition yield many health benefits, from burning more calories and losing weight to achieving a slimmer waist size and building muscles. 

According to an NIH study, “There is incontrovertible evidence that regular physical activity contributes to the primary and secondary prevention of several chronic diseases and is associated with a reduced risk of premature death.” Electrical devices are great when used in tandem with abdominal exercises.

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