THE best vibration plates don't need to be the most expensive but they can add an extra dimension to your home workouts.
Whether you stand on them, sit on them or even just rest your feet, vibration plates work by sending vibrations through all the muscles in your body.
Studies have found that not only do they help you tone, but they can also increase blood circulation, improve lymphatic drainage and decrease blood pressure.
We've rounded up popular options below that will suit a range of different budgets.
How do vibration plates work?
To use a vibration plate, you simply have to stand on it and choose a setting that's suitable for your workout.
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The machine sends high-speed vibrations through your whole body - this in turn is designed to stimulate your muscles at a higher rate than normal, increasing the effectiveness of your workout.
They can help with weight loss, and also work to strengthen and tone individual muscle groups. Depending on how you use the plate, you can also target different parts of your body.
While naysayers argue that vibration plates don't do much of anything, some studies have found vibration plates do fatigue muscles quicker, causing them to work harder. Researchers even discovered they can help combat osteoporosis.
You only need to work out in 10-minute spells when using a vibration plate, so it's an easy piece of kit to fit into a busy schedule.
From beginner buys to the coveted Power Plate trainer, we've rounded up a selection of the best vibration plates to buy online now.
Just note: these aren't recommended in pregnancy, or for those with cardiovascular conditions.
Best vibration plates at a glance:
- Best on a budget: Roneyville ultra compact vibration power plate
- Best for easy carrying: Mirafit vibration plate gym machine
- Best with a seat: Wondercore Rock n Fit
- Best for pro home gyms: Power Plate My5 vibration plate
- Best with speakers: Bluefin Fitness ultra slim vibration plate
- Best all-rounder: LifePro 3D Vibration Plate Exercise Machine
- Best for extra balance: Bluefin Fitness vibration plate
- Best pro splurge: Power Plate My7 vibration plate
- Best compact design: Power Plate personal vibration plate
- Best for simple presets: Bodi-Tek Vibration Plate Training Gym
Best on a budget: Roneyville ultra compact vibration power plate
- Roneyville ultra compact vibration power plate, £119.97 from Amazon - buy here
This ultra-compact design from Roneyville is one of the better-value vibration plates on the market - and one of the most packed with features too.
The vibration plate has five pre-set programs, 299 speed levels, a USB player within the machine and magnotherapy stimulation (purported to boost energy levels) in the footpads.
The compact design is easy to transport or hide away when not in use.
Vibration speeds: 299 levels Weight: 9.5 kg Dimensions: 57.5 x 42 x 17.5cm Extras included: complementary resistance bands, an exercise poster and attached magnetic beads on foot mat
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Best for easy carrying: Mirafit vibration plate gym machine
- Mirafit vibration plate gym machine, £129.99 from Amazon - buy here
Mirafit is a top provider of fitness equipment and the brand's vibration plate doesn't disappoint.
This compact, stylish design comes in a choice of two colours (black and orange), with a built-in display that shows time, speed and program.
Choose from 99 speed levels, nine pre-set programs and three different feet positions (for walking, running, jogging).
There's also a wireless remote control, detachable resistance bands and a roller wheel and handles for easy carrying.
Vibration speeds: 2500W Weight: 150kg Dimensions: 68cm x 38cm x 14.5cm Extras included: Remote control
Best with a seat: Wondercore Rock n Fit
- Wondercore Rock n Fit, £150 from Argos - buy here
This Wondercore Rock n Fit will get your circulation going and help to tone muscles.
It can also be used to rehabilitate damaged ligaments, muscles and tendons.
It has a handy remote control, as well as over two inches of oscillating movement per side, and more than 1,100 elliptical revolutions per minute.
Vibration speeds: 2500W Weight: 150kg Dimensions: 68cm x 38cm x 14.5cm Extras included: Remote control
Best for pro home gyms: Power Plate My5 vibration plate
- Power Plate My5 vibration plate, £3,499 from John Lewis - buy here
When it comes to the brand name in vibration plates, the Power Plate is the most recognisable - and the machine you're likely to find at the gym or a vibration plate studio.
If you're keen on vibration plates and know it's a workout you enjoy, then why not invest in this full-sized machine which is essentially a home gym in itself?
The Power Plate My5 Vibration Plate has an interactive display and patented Precision Wave Technology to "engage the muscles in a consistent and controlled manner that results in accelerated training benefits".
You can tailor the frequency from 30-40Hz based on your requirements, and the machine includes hand straps, a rubber mat set and a remote control, as well as a two-year warranty.
Vibration speeds: 30-40Hz Weight: 136kg Dimensions: 147cm x 69cm x 89cm Extras included: None
Best with speakers: Bluefin Fitness ultra slim vibration plate
- Bluefin Fitness ultra slim vibration plate, £129.99 from Amazon - buy here
Bluefin Fitness make quite a few different styles of vibration plates, and this design ticks every box.
It has 180 speed levels with five built-in weight loss and conditioning programs and an LCD display.
We especially love its built-in Bluetooth speakers, which blare out music as you workout for an extra boost of motivation.
It also includes resistance cables, a remote control and a workout guide.
Vibration speeds: 180 levels Weight: 13.3kg Dimensions: 77 x 44.2 x 17.4 cm Extras included: None
Best all-rounder: LifePro 3D Vibration Plate Exercise Machine
- LifePro 3D Vibration Plate Exercise Machine, £199.99 from Amazon - buy here
With a base that's large enough for you to sit on, the range of exercises you can do on the LifePro 3D Vibration Plate is huge.
In its 3D mode, the plate generates therapeutic vibrations, which means toning is optimised and felt across the whole body.
There are two motors for a powerful output – you can choose to use one or both, depending on your goals.
A remote control, four resistance bands, two loop bands and user manual are all included.
It has a massive 99 speed levels and an easy-to-use LED display, too.
Vibration speeds: 99 intensity levels Weight: 150 kg Dimensions: 78.7 x 45.7 x 17.8 cm Extras included: Remote control, four resistance bands, two loop bands and user manual.
Best for extra balance: Bluefin Fitness vibration plate
- Bluefin Fitness vibration plate, £178.99 from Amazon - buy here
It's not as compact or lightweight as other models in our line-up, but the Bluefin Fitness vibration plate's handlebars are perfect if you need a little extra help balancing.
It's also excellent value, with 10 workout programs, 180 intensity levels and a built-in Bluetooth speaker.
The screen displays your BMI and calories burned as your workout and the machine's 360 degree rotation disc gives you extra lower body movement.
Users report that the machines gives you a rigorous workout, is great for toning and makes getting into shape easier than ever.
Vibration speeds: 120 intensity levels Weight: 23.4kg Dimensions: 74.5 x 58.4 x 31 cm Extras included: Exercise cords, poster and manual
Best pro splurge: Power Plate My7 vibration plate
- Power Plate My7 vibration plate, £6,499 from John Lewis - buy here
Sometimes it's worth forking out a bit extra so that you have something for life rather than a few years.
Another gem from Power Plate, the My7 vibration plate has seven resistance levels with specialised Precision Wave technology.
It comes complete with hand straps, a rubber mat set and remote control.
Our favourite feature is the 10" touch screen, which offers 250 pre-programmed workouts and 1,000 individual exercises. Good luck getting through all of them!
Vibration speeds: 30-40Hz frequency Weight: 134kg Dimensions: 150 x 99 x 84cm Extras included: None
Best compact design: Power Plate personal vibration plate
- Power Plate personal vibration plate, £1,399 from Argos - buy here
If you're after a luxury vibration plate that doesn't have columns then the Power Plate personal vibration plate deserves your attention.
Featuring workout pads and two vibration speed levels, this plate has a frequency of 35Hz and a 30 to 60 second timer, as well as a remote control to adjust those settings.
Oh, and when you're not using it, it slots into the bag to be neatly packed away. Easy.
Vibration speeds: Set frequency of 35hz Weight: 18.2kg Dimensions: 15.7 x 70 x 47.5cm. Extras included: Workout pads
Best for simple presets: Bodi-Tek vibration plate training gym
- Bodi-Tek vibration plate training gym, £150 from Argos - buy here
Featuring three preset toning workouts and one manual, this vibration plate is at an average price point at £180.
It comes with resistance bands and a remote control to easily adjust the controls.
The machine promises to give you a toned physique in just one to 20 minute sessions.
Vibration speeds: 99 intensity levels Weight: 12kg Dimensions: 12.5 x 38 x 68 Extras included: None
Best looking: Power Plate MOVE vibration plate
- Power Plate MOVE vibration plate, £2,699 from John Lewis - buy here
Arguably one of the best-looking vibration plates around, the Power Plate MOVE Vibration Plate at John Lewis means serious business.
It's a little pricier, but you're paying for the specialised PrecisionWave technology, variable 30 to 40Hz frequency and a two year guarantee.
If you've got the cash to splash, we say go for it.
Vibration speeds: 30-40Hz Weight: 39.5kg Dimensions: 23 x 61 x 77 Extras included: None
Best for guided workouts: Reviber Fusion vibration plate exerciser
- Reviber Fusion vibration plate exerciser, £185 from Argos - buy here
If you're looking for a vibration plate that comes with its own workout DVD and exercise poster, then look no further.
Along with that, this solid steel base also comes with cardio resistance bands so that you can amp up your work out.
A handy remote control means it's easy to adjust the settings and it comes with a five year guarantee as well.
Vibration speeds: 500W Weight: 14.5kg Dimensions: 17 x 62 x 42 cm Extras included: Cardio resistance bands and remote control
Best second-hand deal: Power Plate Pro5 vibration plate
Power Plate Pro5 vibration plate, £1,295 from Fitkit - buy here
If you're looking to pick up a bit of pro kit for a bargain price, then a second-hand Power Plate Pro5 is a must – one of these will set you back nearly £8k brand new!
Each one has been removed from a commercial gym but is still in full working order, with imperfections that are purely cosmetic.
The Pro5 offers the largest range of settings of any PowerPlate machine, so it's certainly a powerhouse. Meanwhile, the large plate surface allows for a wide range of exercises.
From muscle recovery to improved circulation, the benefits are well worth the investment – and you can rest assured that Fitkit engineers thoroughly inspect each machine prior to despatch.
Vibration speeds: 25-50Hz/1 Hz increments Weight: 149kg Dimensions: 87cm x 109cm x 155cm Extras included: No.
Best for beginners: Motive Fitness OP1/30 Elegance vibration plate
- Motive Fitness OP1/30 Elegance vibration plate, £239.99 from Very - buy here
The Elegance Vibration Plate is perfect for beginners as well as more experienced users, thanks to the four programs (manual, walking, jogging, and racing) and 30 intensity levels that are super-easy to get the hang of.
It boasts a vibration amplitude of up to 10mm – perfect for all-over toning and strengthening. It's also pretty compact and lightweight which will make it easy to store away when it's not in use.
Vibration speeds: 30 intensity levels Weight: 10.7kg Dimensions: L60cm x W36.5cm x H13.5cm Extras included: Remote control and accessory exercise straps.
Best for flats: Reviber Plus vibration plate exerciser
- Reviber Plus vibration plate exerciser, £165 from Argos - buy here
The Reviber Plus comes in at a good price-point for newbies and beginners, and is a popular choice with shoppers.
The powerful 500W motor (complete with a five-year guarantee) gives this machine a load capacity of 200kgs – but it's still surprisingly light and compact, considering.
If you live in a flat or apartment where noise is a concern for any fitness equipment you might buy, then this is the one for you: it's been specifically designed for use in apartments, meaning that barely any vibrations are transmitted into the floor.
Vibration speeds: Maximum 12mm amplitude Weight: 16.5kg Dimensions: H21cm, W62cm, D52cm Extras included: Remote control with lanyard.
Do vibration plates work?
If you're looking to tone up and lose weight, then yes vibration plates can help you do just that.
People usually do squats and crunches on these machines to really see the effects, rather than just standing on them, though.
They make your muscles work harder than usual, which results in more toning and muscle strength.
Studies have found that the vibrations can help you lose fat, reduce your blood pressure and make you stronger, although there is little evidence that ordinary exercise without the machine is less effective.
How do vibration plates work?
Vibrations are sent through your body when you stand on the plate, which stimulates your muscles, making them contract really quickly, activating your blood flow.
They can apparently reduce fat around your midriff and activate your liver, boosting your metabolism.
Unfortunately, simply standing on vibration plates is not going to do much, you need to actually work out for best results.
Most people do sit-ups, push-ups, squats and weight-lifting on the machines, but it all depends on what area of the body you want to work on.
Who cannot use vibration plates
If you have problems with your heart, such as heart disease or you have a pacemaker fitted, then you should avoid using vibrating plates as they can aggravate your heart.
Pregnant women, people with pins fitted or those with injuries should also avoid vibrating plates.
If you're unsure about using them, then we recommend speaking to your GP before purchasing.
Those who swear by vibration plates rave about how much quicker they see results when exercising on them, rather than doing it the old fashioned way.
