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Best AB Toning Belt [Ultimate Buyers Guide & Review]

Katie Mills

February 3, 2021

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In this article, we’ll talk you through what you need to know before buying an ab toning belt. Then we’ll give a quick review of some of the best ab toning belts out there, to help you find the best ab toning belt for you. We’ve split up this section into Slendertone belts and other abs stimulators.

AB Toning Belt Buying Guide

Here are the key points we recommend you check before buying any abs toning belt. Be aware that not all manufacturers will supply all details, but try to check as many as you can.

Waist Size

This may seem like stating the obvious, but when you’re looking at abs belts, one of the first points you should check is whether or not any given belt will actually fit you!

Number of Programs

In addition to the headline number of programs, you might want to double-check what kind of programs are on offer. Programs basically fall into two categories, passive and active. 

The nature of abs toning belts means that passive programs will make up most, if not all, of the programs. As their name suggests, passive programs are designed to be used when you are just relaxing. Active programs, by contrast, are designed to be used while undertaking some kind of physical activity.

Intensity Levels

The more intensity levels you have, the more gradual you can make the transition from beginner to experienced user.

Number of Pads

The number of pads should be obvious. What may be less obvious is their quality and durability. As a rule of thumb, a high-quality belt will come with high-quality pads, which will last as long as you can reasonably expect for the way you use them.

You should factor in the need to replace pads when considering what abs belt to buy. This isn’t just about the price, it’s about making sure that the brand is going to be around over the long term to keep producing the pads and/or that they are popular enough for third-party vendors to produce compatible pads.

Type of Controller

The three main types of controller are buttons directly on the belt, a remote control, or a controller with a cord attaching it to the belt and a smartphone app.

Type of Battery

It helps to know details about the type of battery since this can give you a good idea about what you can expect in terms of performance, specifically, how long the abs belt is likely to last between charges. 

It can also be helpful to know how the battery charges. For example, does it use USB or do you need another charger? Remember, USB devices can be charged with USB wall plugs, which you probably have around anyway.

Smartphone App

It’s still moderately unusual for ab belts to come with smartphone apps, but it’s starting to happen. If there is an app, then you need to see what you think of its quality. You can usually check this by downloading it from the relevant store.

Ease of Use

This is a bit subjective but worth keeping in mind when looking for an ab toning belt. Reviews can help a lot here.

Comfort

This is relative. Ab toning belts are uncomfortable in use. At best, you’re going to feel like you have pins and needles. At worst, you can find them mildly painful. The belt itself, however, should feel comfortable on your body. 

Warranty

In addition to looking at the length of a warranty, think about the likelihood of a vendor or manufacturer being around to honour it.

Slendertone Belts Review

Slendertone is still far and away the best-known name in ab toning belts. As far as we’ve been able to tell, it also has the widest range of products on the market. We’ve therefore given the brand its own review section.

So that we only have to say this once, Slendertone is much better at producing abs toning belts than they are at producing in-box instruction manuals. If, however, you go to the Slendertone website, head to the Support Centre (not the product page) and choose your product from there, you can download a much more helpful instruction manual.

Quick Jump To List

Slendertone Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt

We keep seeing this product advertised as having 150 intensity levels. We can only assume that this is a typo which keeps getting copied across the internet. In actual fact, it has 100 intensity levels. We’re perfectly happy with this. 

This abs belt is easy to use, even though the “face-up” display is small, it’s clear and legible. We’ve no idea what “biocompatible material” actually means, but it’s perfectly comfortable to wear.

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Slendertone Unisex's Abs8 Muscle Stimulation Belt, Black, 24 to 42 inches

• 100% of users reported more toned & firmed ABS from just 4 weeks, for intense ab toning and maximum core strength
• 10 programmed with 150 intensity levels. Lcd display. Interchangeable, rechargeable controller

Last update was on: September 7, 2024 12:55 pm

£149.00

Product Page

• 100% of users reported more toned & firmed ABS from just 4 weeks, for intense ab toning and maximum core strength
• 10 programmed with 150 intensity levels. Lcd display. Interchangeable, rechargeable controller
• Uses clinically proven electronic muscle stimulation technology, which triggers natural muscle performance for more comfortable and effective results
• Fits waist size from 24 - 42" (61 - 107cm)
• 10 programmed - 8 programmed from initiation to endurance and 2 additional ab Crunch programmed - 150 intensity levels
• care instructions: Wipe with Damp Cloth

Slendertone Unisex Abs7 Rechargeable Toning Belt

The Abs 7 seems to have been designed to use with either or both of the arm- and bottom-toning belts, but it works perfectly well on its own.

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Slendertone Unisex Abs7 Rechargeable Toning Belt

• 10 programmes, including Sports Pro Crunch, seven passive and three active programmes to tone abs during exercise
• 0-150 intensity levels for maximum power
• Intelligent training system that automatically progresses you through the programmes

Last update was on: September 7, 2024 12:55 pm

Product Page

• 10 programmes, including Sports Pro Crunch, seven passive and three active programmes to tone abs during exercise
• 0-150 intensity levels for maximum power
• Intelligent training system that automatically progresses you through the programmes
• Rechargeable and interchangeable controller included - suitable with slendertone arm and bottom accessories

Slendertone Unisex Connect Abs App Driven Toning Belt

One of the general issues with products which are controlled through apps is that the ease of use depends very much on the quality of the app and that can change. You can also find that sometimes app updates will go wrong and cause problems and you’re dependent on the manufacturer to fix them.

That said, at present, the app works perfectly well (in our opinion) and Slendertone are a well-known brand, which has been in business for years. This means that if they do make a mistake and put out a buggy release, they’re probably going to fix it very quickly.

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Slendertone Unisex Connect Abs App Driven Toning Belt

• Clinically proven results as early as four weeks, with five 30-minute sessions per week
• Connected via Bluetooth, it tones your abs, records your sessions and motivates you to reach your toning goals
• Personalized toning programs according to your profile and goals Post-pregnancy, Fitness, Essential Toning, Advanced Toning, Special Occasion; Passive and Active Modes.

Last update was on: September 7, 2024 12:55 pm

£249.00

Product Page

• Clinically proven results as early as four weeks, with five 30-minute sessions per week
• Connected via Bluetooth, it tones your abs, records your sessions and motivates you to reach your toning goals
• Personalized toning programs according to your profile and goals Post-pregnancy, Fitness, Essential Toning, Advanced Toning, Special Occasion; Passive and Active Modes.
• Belt Slendertone The most powerful 30 min of Slendertone equivalent to 202 sit-ups for each muscle group (internal and external oblique, rectus and transverse)
• Certified in compliance with medical safety standards, muscle electrostimulation technology
• Improved compression and design, wireless, lighter and easier to wear
• Compatible with iOS 12 and Android 6 (and higher), Belt dimensions between 61 and 107 cm
• Included in the box Connect Abs mixed belt, Rechargeable remote control, A set of hydrogel electrodes, USB charging cable, Quick Start Guide, User Guide
• Note If the power light does not turn on or if the controller lights up when you press the power button, the battery has probably been completely discharged. Remove the controller from the belt, connect the USB cable, and charge your controller for at least 3 hours. You should notice that the orange battery indicator lights up a few minutes after charging starts.

Which Slendertone Belt Is The Best?

If you like the idea of using an ab toning belt with a smartphone app then the Slendertone Connect is, literally, your only choice. The Abs7 is the best if you’re looking for an ab toning belt to use with other toning products and the Abs8 is the best “old-school” ab toning belt for use on its own.

Abs Stimulator Review

Slendertone belts may be the best-known ab toning belts around but they’re now up against some serious competition. Here’s the best of the rest.

Ab Flex Ab Toning Belt

The big selling point of this ab toning belt is that you don’t need to replace the pads ever, you just top up the gel. It’s not the easiest ab toning belt to put on and adjust but it comes with practice. Once you get it on, it’s as comfortable as you can expect given its function and the controller is very straightforward. 

We were a bit concerned about the use of AA batteries, but they seem to last long enough for a reasonable session, even at the higher settings. Basically, we’d suggest you invest in a couple of sets of good-quality batteries and just use one and charge one.

The controller does seem to fall out of its pouch quite easily, particularly if you bend down, but the cord seems to cope with this, so it’s a minor gripe rather than a major drama. Also, we suspect most people will use these ab toning belts either sitting or lying down.

In short, while we’re less than thrilled about the “in your face” marketing, we do really like this product and the company behind it genuinely seems to care about its customers.

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Ab Flex Ab Toning Belt for Slender Toned Stomach Muscles

• No one has time for regular abdominal training that is necessary to get a flat, toned stomach like in the magazines. But this high-performance abdominal trainer stimulates your stomach with effective electrical impulses that automatically tighten and shape your abdominal muscles as if you've just worked out!

& Free shipping

Last update was on: September 7, 2024 12:55 pm

£39.99

Product Page

• No one has time for regular abdominal training that is necessary to get a flat, toned stomach like in the magazines. But this high-performance abdominal trainer stimulates your stomach with effective electrical impulses that automatically tighten and shape your abdominal muscles as if you've just worked out!
• It really works! We would not be able to keep ourselves in business if it didn't work. We already sell thousands of this, especially to family members and friends of those who already own one and swear on it!
• You will immediately see and feel results. You will be amazed by the feeling of having tighter muscles and no longer the soft stomach you have now.
• Your health will improve overall if you reduce your abdominal circumference! Give yourself a "boost" with the power of electricity!

Beurer EM37 Abdominal Muscle Toning Belt

This is another ab toning belt where you shouldn’t need to replace the pads. In fact, you don’t even need to use gel, water is fine. 

We coughed a little when we saw this belt used AAA batteries, albeit three of them but performance seems to be fine. The manufacturer recommends against using rechargeables, which is disappointing given how environmentally unfriendly that is. Unofficially, however, rechargeables seem to be fine as long as you use a good brand and recharge them frequently.

This abs belt is easy to use, which is just as well because the manual isn’t up to much. Getting it on is an interesting experience. For some reason, the side with the fastening is elasticated but the other side isn’t, although the fabric is quite stretchy. We’d have preferred elastic at both sides and we think that it might have made it easier to get really good electrode contact on that side.

Overall, however, this is a very decent ab toning belt at a very decent price.

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Beurer EM37 Abdominal Muscle Toning Belt | EMS training defines and strengthens...

• GET IN SHAPE: Enhance your training with electrical muscle stimulation for faster progress towards stronger and more defined abdominal muscles.
• ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Comfortable and adjustable fit for waist sizes 70cm to 140cm

& Free shipping

Last update was on: September 7, 2024 12:55 pm

£49.99

Product Page

• GET IN SHAPE: Enhance your training with electrical muscle stimulation for faster progress towards stronger and more defined abdominal muscles.
• ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Comfortable and adjustable fit for waist sizes 70cm to 140cm
• KEEP PUSHING: Choose from 5 pre-set training programmes with adjustable intensity settings designed to engage and strengthen your core muscles
• WEAR-FREE ELECTRODES: Made of conductive carbon, the EM37 electrodes require no conduction gel and won't need replacing.
• YOU'RE IN CONTROL: The removable operating element shows your programme settings, countdown timer and low battery indicator.

Homefront Slim Pro-XV1000

If you’re looking for a light-use, budget-friendly ab toning belt, then this could be it. This ab toning belt only has 2 pads, whereas the others have three or four. As a result, it really only tones the frontal tummy area rather than the side abs. As with the other non-Slendertone belts, you don’t have to replace the pads or use gel, you just use water.

We think this product is really intended for women with a post-partum tummy they want to tone without putting a lot of time or money into it.

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Homefront Slim Pro-XV1000 Advanced Unisex Abdominal Abs Toning Belt (NO REPLACEMENT PADS...

• ABDOMINAL TONER: Developed to exercise and massage your stomach muscles with its unique E.M.S Technology. Choose different levels of intensity from warm-up to high-intensity exercise by choosing from 120 intensity levels and 10 individual training programmes from its LCD User Friendly Control designed to suit you! Use in addition to your daily workout program.

& Free shipping

Last update was on: September 7, 2024 12:55 pm

£26.45 £28.99

Product Page

• ABDOMINAL TONER: Developed to exercise and massage your stomach muscles with its unique E.M.S Technology. Choose different levels of intensity from warm-up to high-intensity exercise by choosing from 120 intensity levels and 10 individual training programmes from its LCD User Friendly Control designed to suit you! Use in addition to your daily workout program.
• HIGH-PERFORMANCE AB BELT: Abdominal and Obliques trainer, which uses E-M-S technology, EMS sends pulse signals directly to the muscle to promote muscle exercise and help reduce fat, helps to tone, tighten and strengthen your body muscles along with your regular exercise routine.
• FEATURE PACKED: Fully flexible, adjustable velcro fastener - for stomach circumferences of 70-130 cm 5 programs (22-31 minutes) and 40 intensity levels - hand washable, advanced safety switch off and user friendly controls, batteries included.
• UNISEX FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN: The EMS High-Performance Ab and Obliques Belt is suitable for both men and women for abdominal muscle training. Effectively stimulates your ab muscles with powerful electric pulses that automatically tighten and tone your Abs and Obliques. Use this EMS Abs Trainer for 20 minutes per day for amazing results. Relax and exercise while watching TV, walking the dog or gardening and more.
• UK CUSTOMER SERVICE & TWO YEAR WARRANTY: With Homefront's excellent UK customer service support and parts and replacement delivery service, along with your Amazon two year warranty you can be sure your Ab Belt will be kept running for many years to come.

Best Ab Stimulator

We’d say that the Ab Flex is the best “serious” option and the Homefront is the best budget-friendly option for light use. The Beurer is in between them. It’s less powerful than the Ab Flex but can do a lot more than the Homefront.

In Short

Although Slendertone belts are famous for a reason and there’s a lot to be said for them, there are plenty of other, very decent options some of which are worth checking out regardless of your budget. Whatever ab toning belt you buy, remember that you’ll get the best results if you watch your diet and take as much exercise as you can.

We’d love to hear about your experiences using an ab toning belt, so please drop us a comment below.

Katie Mills

Katie is our resident Editor and extremely is a well-respected voice in the world of fitness. Katie has a first-class Hons degree in Journalism and is proud to say that she has written leading entries featured in the biggest media outlets including Vogue, Women Health Magazine and CoachMag. Great outdoors and animal lover and always on the go