Which type of ab roller is best?

All of the ab rollers on our list are designed to strengthen your core and help improve your posture. The best ab roller for you depends on your fitness level, budget, personal preferences, and health goals. After researching dozens of options, Vinsguir’s Ab Roller is our top pick for the best ab roller on the market.

Is an ab roller actually effective?

An ab roller, if used properly, is not only effective in working your core but also your shoulders, arms, upper back, and chest. An ab roller works “the transverse abdominis (which isn’t visible since it lies behind superficial ab muscles) and the intercostals, the muscles that surround the rib cage,” Mykleby says. It’s worth noting that an ab roller does not work the rectus abdominis—which are the muscles you can see in a six-pack—so you’ll need to do other core exercises if that’s your goal.

How long does it take to see results from an ab roller?

It may take a few weeks or months to see results from an ab roller—it depends on the person. There are other factors to consider, too, such as “frequency and intensity of use, diet, and overall fitness level,” Frayna says. With regular use of your ab roller, you may start to see a stronger midsection and muscle definition in certain places.

Is an ab roller good or bad for your back?

“Ab rolling doesn’t directly strengthen the back. It can build strength for muscles that contribute to erect posture and thereby benefit the back indirectly,” Mykleby says. In other words, an ab roller strengthens your core, and a strong core can help take pressure off of your back. To protect your back while using an ab roller, watch your form. ”If used incorrectly or with poor form, an ab roller can put unnecessary strain on your back and lead to pain or injury,” Sandra Gail Frayna , a physical therapist, says. If you currently suffer from back pain, it’s a good idea to consult a physical therapist or doctor before using an ab roller to prevent further pain or injury.

The 9 Best Ab Rollers of 2023

Research shows that having weak core muscles can lead to fatigue, lower endurance, and a higher risk of injury in athletes. If your abs routine could use a refresher, consider breaking up your reps of crunches and sit-ups by adding an ab roller to the mix. This simple tool can help strengthen your abs and your shoulders while providing a challenging workout. And since working on your core also helps stabilize your spine, the ab rollout exercise can help improve your posture, too.

Shopping for an ab roller is simple if you know what to look for. A high-quality ab roller is tough and sturdy, with handles that are easy to hold and a wheel that grips the floor. You may also want to look for an ab roller that comes with accessories to help you get the most out of your purchase, like a training guide or push-up bars.

To find the best ab rollers on the market, we consulted a physical therapist and a personal trainer. Their expert advice helped us narrow down all of the options available to a list of the top ab rollers on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Vinsguir Ab Roller at Amazon

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Best Budget:

CAP Barbell Abdominal Wheel at Amazon

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Best for Grip:

Fitnessery ab roller at Amazon

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Best Portable:

Elite Sportz Ab Roller Wheel at Amazon

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Most Durable:

Rogue Ab Wheel at Roguefitness.com

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Best with Ergonomic Handles:

SKLZ Core Wheels at Dick's

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Best Wide Wheel:

Perfect Fitness Ab Roller at Amazon

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Best Four-Wheel:

HARISON Ab Roller Wheel at Amazon

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Best Kit:

EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Wide wheels
Comfortable, non-slip handles
Durable

Cons

Knee pad may be small for some

Vinsguir’s Ab Roller is our best overall pick because it has some of the widest wheels on our list. Measuring 3.2 inches across, the extra width means this roller offers better support and stability. It’s less expensive than most options on our list, too.

We like that the shaft is made from durable stainless steel, with a weight capacity of around 500 pounds. The rubber handles are also non-slip and comfortable to hold.

Although a knee pad is included, it’s worth noting that it may be too small for some users. Otherwise, Vinsguir’s Ab Roller is a portable and versatile buy that lets you work out at home, at the gym, or wherever you choose to take it.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:}

^{Wheels: 3.2 inches wide | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Plastic, EVA rubber, stainless steel | Accessories: Knee mat}

Amazon

Pros

Easy to assemble
Comfortable, non-slip handles
Lightweight

Cons

No additional accessories
May not be as durable

For a budget-friendly ab roller, we recommend CAP Barbell’s Abdominal Wheel. It can be assembled and disassembled in seconds for easy storage. Weighing just over 1 pound, it’s lightweight, too. This means it’s easy to toss in your gym bag and take it with you on the move.

No additional accessories are included—but we think this makes sense, given the low price. The handles are covered with contoured, non-slip foam, so they’re comfortable to grip.

The shaft, however, isn’t made from stainless steel, so this roller may not be as durable as our top overall pick, Vinsguir’s Ab Roller.

But we do like that the wheels are textured for better traction.

Price at time of publication: $11

^{Key Specs:}

^{Wheels: Textured | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Materials: Plastic, foam | Accessories: None}

Amazon

Pros

Ergonomic knee mat included
Durable
Lifetime guarantee

Cons

Wheel is narrow
May not be as stable

An ab roller should have plenty of traction, so you can use it confidently. We like Fitnessery’s Ab Roller because the wheel is made from textured, non-slip rubber with grooves to help it grip the floor. And the stainless steel shaft is durable enough to hold up to daily workouts.

The handles are also stainless steel and covered with soft foam padding. And the roller comes with an ergonomic knee pad to protect your joints when you’re exercising on hard surfaces.

We love that the brand offers a lifetime guarantee, so you can shop (and return if you need to) confidently. But at 2 inches wide, the wheel is more narrow than others on our list. For beginners who haven’t used an ab roller before, this one from Fitnessery may not be as stable as others, so you may want to opt for a wider wheel.

Price at time of publication: $31

^{Key Specs:}

^{Wheel: 2 inches wide, textured | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Rubber, foam, stainless steel | Accessories: Knee pad, 2 e-books}

Amazon

Pros

Unique, stable design
Lightweight
Budget-friendly

Cons

No additional accessories
May not be as durable

If you’re looking for a portable ab roller you can take to the gym, this one from Elite Sportz is our top pick. The unique design features two wheels that are spaced out, making this roller more stable, so you’re less likely to wobble during your repetitions.

It arrives assembled, meaning you can use it right away. However, it’s made from plastic instead of stainless steel like other rollers on our list. Although this makes it lighter and more portable, it means this ab roller may not be as durable.

We like that it can be used on a range of surfaces, including hardwood, tile, carpet, and more. No additional accessories are included. But it’s small and lightweight enough to easily fit into most gym bags.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:}

^{Wheels: Smooth | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Plastic, rubber | Accessories: None}

Rogue

Pros

Wide wheel
Sealed bearings for smooth rolling
Rounded edges are more challenging

Cons

Expensive
No additional accessories

Although this ab roller comes in at a higher price point, it’s our top pick if you’re looking for a wheel that’s durable. The shaft is made from nickel-plated steel, and the rubber wheel has a deep tread for better traction. At 3 inches, the wheel is wider than most others on our list, making it stable on a range of surfaces.

Sealed bearings provide smooth, even rotations for a better workout. And we like that the wheel is rounded on the edges—this makes the roller more difficult to use, which is ideal for advanced exercisers looking for a way to level up their abs routines. As another plus, the wheel’s curved shape also prevents the roller from turning while you use it.

The rubber handles are easy and comfortable to grip without too much extra cushioning. But we wish that this roller came with some additional accessories, considering how expensive it is.

Price at time of publication: $75

^{Key Specs:}

^{Wheel: 3 inches wide, textured | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Rubber, nickel-plated steel | Accessories: None}

4.5

Dicks Sporting Goods

Pros

Set of two rollers
Unique design
Non-slip wheels

Cons

May be too difficult for beginners
Not as portable

With an ergonomic design, including cushioned, contoured handles, SKLZ’s COREwheels are our pick for ab rollers that are just as effective as they are easy to use. You get two smaller rollers for the price of one that can be used for a range of exercises beyond ab rollouts, like push-ups, planks, and more.

We like that the two-wheel design is sturdy and can be used on different surfaces. There’s also a training guide included, so you can get started right away.

But because of their unique design, SKLZ’s COREwheels may be too difficult for some beginners to use. Two thinner rollers aren’t as stable as one roller with a thick, wide wheel is, like Rogue’s Ab Wheel. Since the two pieces weigh almost four pounds, these rollers also aren’t as portable as others on our list are.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:}

^{Wheels: Thin, smooth | Weight: 3.5 pounds (together) | Materials: Polypropylene, foam | Accessories: Training guide}

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Spring adds resistance
Ergonomic handles
Competitive price

Cons

Heavy

Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller is our recommendation for the best ab roller with a wide wheel. With one of the largest wheels on our list, this ab roller is designed to stay stable while you work out. An internal spring provides resistance while also helping you return to your starting position.

Although it’s one of the heaviest items on our list, we like that the ergonomic, padded handles are removable for simple storage. This also helps balance some of the roller’s weight.

Foam knee pads are also included if your knees tend to hurt while you exercise on hard floors. And it’s worth noting that this roller comes in at a competitive price point—meaning it’s a good choice if you’re looking to spend a little extra without splurging.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:}

^{Wheel: Textured | Weight: 4.6 pounds | Materials: Plastic, carbon steel, foam | Accessories: Knee pads, workout plan}

Amazon

Pros

Sturdy
No assembly required
Comfortable, non-slip handles

Cons

No built-in resistance

This four-wheel ab roller is one of our top picks for beginners and advanced exercisers alike because of its sturdy, stable design. Having four wheels prevents the wobbling you might experience with other traditional ab rollers. And each wheel on HARISON’s roller has a non-slip rubber tread for good traction on most floors.

The handles are water-resistant, shock-absorbing, and comfortable to hold. Plus, the roller comes with a 10-millimeter-thick knee pad. It’s lightweight, too, weighing just under 2 pounds. And its maximum weight capacity is around 400 pounds.

However, this roller doesn’t have any built-in resistance, as the Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller does.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:}

^{Wheels: Textured | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Materials: Stainless steel, rubber | Accessories: Knee pad}

Amazon

Pros

Wide wheel
600-pound weight capacity
Competitive price

Cons

May not be as durable

With EnterSport’s Ab Roller Wheel Kit, you not only get an ab roller, but also two knee pads, two push-up bars, and two resistance bands—all at a competitive price. Considering how many pieces you get for less than the cost of some other rollers on our list, we think this kit is a solid buy.

The ab roller’s maximum weight capacity of 600 pounds is higher than others we researched. However, some users have found that the equipment isn’t as durable over time, especially the plastic push-up bars.

We like that, similar to Vinsguir’s Ab Roller, this ab roller’s wheel is 3.2 inches wide, offering additional stability. And the foam padding on the handles prevents slipping, even when your hands get sweaty.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:}

^{Wheel: 3.2 inches wide, textured | Weight: 3.8 pounds (entire kit) | Materials: Stainless steel, foam handles | Accessories: Two knee pads, two-push up bars, two resistance bands}

How We Selected the Best Ab Rollers

First, we spoke with two experts—Sandra Gail Frayna, a physical therapist, and Perry Mykleby, a personal trainer—to get their opinion on which features a high-quality ab roller should have. They also helped us understand the benefits of using an ab roller, including how they can be added to a regular workout routine.

Then, we researched dozens of ab rollers from the most popular, trusted brands. We considered price, durability, materials, additional accessories, and more.

What to Look For in an Ab Roller

Price

You can expect to pay between $11 and $75 for an ab roller. Most options on our list cost anywhere from $11 to $45. Less expensive ab rollers may not be as durable and may not come with any additional accessories. More expensive options can be more stable and even sometimes come with a lifetime guarantee—but they may be heavier and harder to bring with you to the gym.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly ab roller, we suggest CAP Barbell’s Abdominal Wheel or Elite Sportz Ab Roller Wheel, which are often available for less than $15. Our top overall pick, Vinsguir’s Ab Roller, was $30 when we published this list.

Durability

The durability of an ab roller depends on which materials it’s made from. Stainless steel will hold up better over time than plastic will. Also, a thicker wheel may be more durable since it will stay sturdy while you use it. Rogue’s Ab Wheel is our pick for a durable ab roller because it has a nickel-plated steel shaft and can hold up to daily wear and tear. But it’s also worth noting that stainless steel ab rollers are usually heavier, more expensive, and less portable than plastic ones.

Grip

The wheel of an ab roller should have good traction, so it can grip the floor while you work out. Also, make sure the ab roller you’re looking at has handles that are easy to hold, so you can exercise safely.

“Look for an ab roller with a comfortable grip, such as a foam handle or non-slip surface, to avoid slipping or straining your hands during the workout,” Frayna says. Fitnessery’s Ab Roller is our recommendation for an ab roller with the best grip because it has soft, padded handles and a textured rubber wheel with a deep tread.

Wheels

An ab roller may have one, two, or four wheels of varying widths. Some rollers have wheels with textured treads, while others are flat and smooth. In general, the more wheels or the wider the wheel, the more stable your ab roller will be. A sturdier ab roller will shake less, so they are solid options for beginners. If you’re more experienced, try one with narrow wheels (like SKLZ’s COREwheels) for a more challenging workout.

Additional Accessories

Some ab rollers may also come with accessories, like a knee pad or training guides. Knee pads can help protect your joints when doing core exercises on a hard surface. Training guides can help you find new ways to add your ab roller to your workout routine. If you’re looking for an ab roller kit, we recommend EnterSports’ Ab Roller Wheel Kit because it comes with a roller, two resistance bands, two push-up bars, and two knee pads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of ab roller is best?

All of the ab rollers on our list are designed to strengthen your core and help improve your posture. The best ab roller for you depends on your fitness level, budget, personal preferences, and health goals. After researching dozens of options, Vinsguir’s Ab Roller is our top pick for the best ab roller on the market.
Is an ab roller actually effective?

An ab roller, if used properly, is not only effective in working your core but also your shoulders, arms, upper back, and chest. An ab roller works “the transverse abdominis (which isn’t visible since it lies behind superficial ab muscles) and the intercostals, the muscles that surround the rib cage,” Mykleby says. It’s worth noting that an ab roller does not work the rectus abdominis—which are the muscles you can see in a six-pack—so you’ll need to do other core exercises if that’s your goal.
How long does it take to see results from an ab roller?

It may take a few weeks or months to see results from an ab roller—it depends on the person. There are other factors to consider, too, such as “frequency and intensity of use, diet, and overall fitness level,” Frayna says. With regular use of your ab roller, you may start to see a stronger midsection and muscle definition in certain places.
Is an ab roller good or bad for your back?

“Ab rolling doesn’t directly strengthen the back. It can build strength for muscles that contribute to erect posture and thereby benefit the back indirectly,” Mykleby says. In other words, an ab roller strengthens your core, and a strong core can help take pressure off of your back.
To protect your back while using an ab roller, watch your form. ”If used incorrectly or with poor form, an ab roller can put unnecessary strain on your back and lead to pain or injury,” Sandra Gail Frayna, a physical therapist, says. If you currently suffer from back pain, it’s a good idea to consult a physical therapist or doctor before using an ab roller to prevent further pain or injury.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a certified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. Since he’s not always able to get to the gym, he looks for an ab roller that can strengthen his core, whether he’s at home or on the move. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

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