The 11 best pelvic floor trainers in 2024

The best pelvic floor trainers are simple devices made to help people maintain healthy pelvic floor muscles. Like any other medical device though, there can be huge differences in style, function, and price point, so we asked the experts for their specific recommendations and I put them to the test.

The pelvic floor is a network of muscles that runs around the bladder, vaginal walls, and anus. They're some of the most undervalued muscles in the body. Firstly, these muscles physically support the bladder, and the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs), and secondly, they prevent us from becoming incontinent by letting us close the anal, vagina, and urethral canals. Keeping the pelvic floor healthy should be a top priority, especially as life events such as pregnancy, vaginal birth, various health conditions, and menopause can naturally relax our pelvic floor muscles and cause issues over time. 

We've seen many of the best fitness trackers for women integrating pelvic floor exercises, and if you own one of the best Fitbits you can find a range of exercises, too. Kegel exercises are one such way of keeping the muscles strong on the pelvic floor. However, not everyone knows how to do these and that's where many pelvic floor trainers come in handy. The best ones use physical sensations, reminders, trackers, and helpful tips and hints to help you master a whole range of kegel exercises and keep your pelvic floor healthy. 

The quick list

Best pelvic floor trainer overall

The popular Elvie Trainer is a wearable device that sends alerts and corrections to the wearer to help keep your Kegel practice on point. Unlike many of the other pelvic floor trainers on our list, this one uses patented technology to detect incorrect contractions and it alerts you at the start of every workout. The app also sets reminders and goals in the app while tracking your progress each time. Compared to many of the other trainers I tried and tested for this guide that didn't make the cut, I found the Elvie to be user-friendly and simple to navigate. 

Not only that, I found the device to be super comfortable to wear. It's made from medical-grade silicone which is soft against the skin luckily, as it does go inside your vagina, and it's 100% waterproof. I was also pleased to see that this one is safe to use with a coil or IUD so I could keep using contraception while testing out this device. Overall, it was the most comfortable wearable I tested. 

Additional features include a customizable fit in case it doesn't work quite right for you straight out of the box, a wireless charging case, and an optional cover. Linked to an app, Elvie offers six gamified exercises. The wearer chooses from Strength, Speed, Lift, Pulse, Hold and Step exercises to help build muscle power, agility, and endurance within their pelvic floor muscles. 

I appreciated the size of the device as well. It's small and wireless with an external receiver, meaning you can use it just about anywhere without any discomfort - unlike some of the bulkier devices. 

While the Elvie is definitely worth the cost if you're looking to invest in one of the best pelvic floor trainers, it is expensive compared to some of the other models on the list. If you're looking for something lower on the price spectrum, try the Intimina KegelSmart. 

Best app-free pelvic floor trainer

As reviewed by Mandy Ruther, the Intimina KegelSmart2 is the best model of pelvic floor trainer for those who already know how to do kegel exercises. As an app-free trainer, the KegelSmart 2 uses touch sensors to register your pelvic floor strength and then automatically adjusts the program level as your strength improves. 

Ruther says the device is comfortable to insert and easy to use, with a five-minute routine of vibration patterns pre-scheduled. This routine is much shorter than many of the other devices reviewed, so it's perfect if you're short on time. 

The idea is that you clench your pelvic floor muscles when you feel the vibrations and relax them when they stop. It works best when you're lying down and relaxing, she says, with your attention on the program as the vibrations are pretty gentle so you'll need to concentrate to follow the routine correctly. As you get stronger, the device will automatically adjust its intensity so it motivates you to improve with the same device over time.

One difference between the Intimina KegelSmart 2 and the first model is the power system. The original model was battery-powered, meaning you always had to have a spare set on hand for when yours inevitably ran out, whereas the newer version is rechargeable. At under £100, it's also one of the most affordable options on this list. However, if you don't mind a battery-powered device and you're looking to spend even less, you could always opt for the older model. 

Our Intimina KegelSmart 2 review has the full details.

The best pelvic floor trainer app

Looking for one of the best pelvic floor trainers under £5? The NHS has created an app called Squeezy which, as affordable pelvic trainers go, is pretty good. Squeezy is a multi-award-winning app supporting pelvic floor muscle exercise programs. Designed by chartered physiotherapists specializing in women’s and men’s pelvic health, Squeezy offers a range of games and exercises to do while looking at your phone or device. 

When testing out the app for myself, I appreciated how it came with a pre-set exercise plan recommended by a pelvic health physiotherapist that follows National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines - so I knew it would definitely be working. I found the app then sends reminders to follow the plan daily, which was good, otherwise, I may have forgotten to use it. The service is also super simple to use, I thought, as it's just an app. However, you will have to already know how to do Kegel exercises properly to use this device effectively. 

Squeezy’s pre-set exercise plan can be tailored to fit your needs as well. There’s also a journal area to track any symptoms and improvements, which I thought was beneficial.

Much like the Intimina KegelSmart 2, there's no way to tell whether you're doing the pelvic floor exercises correctly so this is an option for those more advanced at kegels. However, if you’re comfortable with measuring your progress yourself and doing your kegel exercises effectively and dislike the idea of a wearable or inserting a manual device, this stand-alone app is a great guide to keep you on track and provides helpful resources too.

Best pelvic floor internal wearable device

Perifit is a kegel exerciser that allows you to control and play video games with your pelvic floor via your smartphone. The wearable silicone device was created by a French femtech company and it uses unique patented double pressure-sensor technology to identify faulty contractions. The probe itself is 26mm wide, designed to comfortably fit all body types and accurately measure your lift strength.

Perifit uses proprietary algorithms to assess your pelvic floor performance against five key metrics: strength, endurance, frequency, release, and accuracy. After just a couple of days of using this device, I noticed a real change in these scores. The metrics allow the virtual coach to train you using a set of custom-designed Kegel exercises for faster improvement. 

When testing out the device, I found it easy to use. To activate it, you just scan a QR code on your mobile phone and follow the step-by-step setup process, which includes a survey to figure out your needs and deal with issues like incontinence. Once you're in, and before the games begin, there's a fantastic training mode which I found helpful for practicing my technique. Then, you're free to explore all the games on offer. While they might sound trivial, it's all in the name of a better pelvic floor and I found them fun by the end - catching birds and avoiding obstacles by using the muscles around my pelvic floor.

Inserting the device is also very easy too as it's made from medical-grade silicone, not unlike many of my favorite sex toys - but this one doesn't buzz at all. It's small and has an attached loop, a bit like a tampon string, to help you pull it out after use. The Perifit trainer isn’t suitable for those who are pregnant or people with chronic pelvic pain though, so be sure to consult your doctor if you have any concerns about this.

Best tech-free pelvic floor trainer

Femvaults is a non-invasive device created for those who cannot do kegels on their own and need a little help. Much like the Intimina KegelSmart 2, I appreciated how this toy was smartphone and technology-free. Instead, it's a totally manual toy based on hinge resistance.

The Femvaults is worn between your thighs, where it creates resistance between the thigh and glute muscles. Squeezing these muscles also activates the pelvic floor muscles. The idea behind Femvaults is that it makes the process of doing Kegels easier by incorporating external muscles we're more used to using regularly. 

I preferred using this device while standing and experienced the best training in this position, but you can also use the Femvaults while seated, lying down, on all fours, or kneeling too. It does feel quite bulky compared to the other trainers on the list, especially little egg-sized ones like the Intimina - but that's what makes it so effective. Plus, I found it only took a couple of tries to get it right and once I had the hang of it, it became much easier. 

It's more affordable than the majority of tech-based pelvic trainers in this guide as well, especially as I've recently found it for sale on Snowdon Healthcare for under £40, but the Femvaults doesn’t offer biofeedback, tracking, reminders, or readings. So, if those insights are more valuable to you than the affordability of a device, this might not be the one for you. However, it does offer support in strengthening the entire hammock of muscles that wrap around the pelvic region as well as the glutes and upper thighs in a more holistic manner, rather than zoning in on the vaginal muscle walls, and I believe it can be a good entry point to pelvic exercise.

Best weighted pelvic floor trainer

Kegel8 creates a variety of pelvic training devices, some with biofeedback sensors and some with electric pulse toning technology, but it’s the exercise weights I'm raving about. 

These Kegel balls come in three progressive sizes and gradual weight increments, but I'd suggest using the lightest one to begin with and making use of the unique indicator clip, so you can see that you're doing the exercises correctly. This is the tail you'll see on the end of the Kegel balls and when it moves down, you're doing the exercise perfectly. If the tail moves up, you are pushing through what's called a 'bad kegel' because it's not exercising or strengthening the muscles at all so it is important to know how to use Kegel balls before trying these. 

As you progress through Kegel8’s 12-week plan, you have to gradually increase the weight as your pelvic muscle strength improves, which is what I liked about this pick of the best pelvic floor trainers. Instead of working your way through exercises that stay relatively the same throughout the program, this one helps you actively test the strength of your pelvic muscles. 

There's even research to back up the use of these Kegel balls or cones, as they're otherwise called. Research from the University of Otago reveals that weighted vaginal exercise balls have a 70% success rate with stress incontinence in clinical trials when they're used for 12 weeks.

Best manual pelvic floor trainer

Not all pelvic trainers are for strengthening your muscles, some are intended to help release tension. If your muscles are tight, causing discomfort or you’re suffering from a hypertonic pelvic floor or dyspareunia (pain during sex), vaginal massage can release tension. Enter the Intimate Rose Pelvic Wand - designed to help relieve trigger points including the hard-to-reach obturator internusand puborectalis muscles, a section of muscle involved in maintaining the pelvic floor. 

I found the Intimate Rose Pelvic Wand easy to use. It's made from medical-grade silicone, which makes insertion easy with just a slick of lube, and has a unique shape with different-sized ends so I was always sure which side to use. Once the wand is inserted, I could practice Kegels to get a feel for which muscles were tight. Seeing the wand move will also show you whether you’re performing the exercise correctly. With no tech, there are no batteries or charging required, which was another great benefit in my eyes. 

Pelvic trainers in the form of wands will work for some people, however, they do take a little time to get used to and can be difficult to use at first - much like the best wand vibrators. Follow the Intimate Rose instruction manual included with the product to help you master your Kegels using a wand.

Best pelvic floor trainer starter kit

Secret Whispers Kegel balls were created by a passionate UK entrepreneur, Julie Colan. Julie's multi-award-winning Six-Step Pelvic Floor Exercise Kit aims to get women leak-free in as little as 15 minutes a day and "back to enjoying the life they deserve". 

These silicone weights are smaller than some of the others on our list at just 1.06 inches. I found they fit comfortably in the palm of my hand but I'd still recommend using a splash of lube or water to help insert them if you're new to these types of toys. The idea is to work your way up from the lightest weight at 15g to the heaviest at 55g, all at your own pace, rather than following a set program. But don't worry, you won't be left to figure things out on your own. The Secret Whispers brand boasts a huge online community of women who are always keen to discuss the benefits of the weights, how to use them, and the issues that can be treated by using them. 

The starter kit is affordable as well, another huge bonus when compared to some of the other pelvic floor trainers on our list, and they can be used long-term. The instructions suggest wearing your weights three to four times a week to maintain the strength of your pelvic floor. 

I also loved how this kit came with a discrete travel bag, a 90-day Pelvic Floor Challenge Accountability Diary, your Exercise Program, and a PDF ebook to help you out with some of the more frequently asked questions. 

Best pelvic floor trainer for detailed tracking

Many of the best pelvic floor trainers use technology for a reason. I've found they tend to be more expensive than the manual ones for obvious reasons but the app connectivity features and additional help you get along the training program are often worth the additional cost if your budget can stretch. 

Lovelife's Krush Smart Kegel exerciser is no different. While it might be more expensive than manual devices, it's still a Bluetooth-managed device for just over £100.  As a biofeedback trainer, the device tracks and measures the pressure, control, endurance, and grip of your pelvic floor muscles. After inserting it, connect to the TASL app and follow the pelvic training courses. If using an app to follow and build on your progress is more helpful than squeezing manually around a kegel ball, this might be the best option for you. 

It also offers vibrational feedback, which I found really helpful during use, delivering a quick buzz to correct you. This isn't a pleasant feeling but it may be a bit of a surprise if you're not expecting it, I found. Some people love it though and find it the most useful way of ensuring they're doing Kegels correctly so ultimately, whatever your learning style and preference for sensation will influence your decision. 

Made from body-safe, phthalate-free silicone, the Krush Smart is also waterproof and rechargeable with a USB. It's compatible with iOS and Android phones and features Lovelife's signature pink heart at the end of the tail for removal. 

Best pelvic floor trainer for affordable quality

I'm a huge fan of the other products from Lovehoney so I was excited to try these kegel balls as part of the best pelvic floor trainers selection. Lovehoney Health is a range of body-safe sexual health accessories created by the famed sexual health brand to empower you to take control of your intimate health. LoveHoney Health's newly designed Kegel Training Set is crafted from soft silicone and shaped for easy, progressive training. I found them easy to insert thanks to the soft silicone feel and manageable size, and the set uses three progressively weighted kegel exercisers to tone and strengthen your pelvic floor. 

The set includes one single Kegel exerciser, weighing 50g, and two double Kegel exercisers, weighing 80g and 100g. Each has a removal loop that remains outside the body for straightforward retrieval when you're ready to take them out. 

Unlike the Secret Whispers wearables though, these Kegel balls range in shape and size as well as weight. While you might be able to get away with a splash of water for the other ones, it's best to use these Lovehoney Kegel balls with a liberal amount of lube as they are easy to insert but it doesn't hurt to have a little extra help when you're moving up a weight class. This set is also great for long-term use and with a decent price point, I believe it's a great entry set without all the bells and whistles. 

Best pelvic floor trainer for incremental pelvic training

Another excellent buy from Lovehoney, this set of six weighted kegel balls features six impressive weight classes to choose from. Developed by expert Tracey Cox, the idea is to gradually move up to a heavier kegel ball to help with your muscle strength. You should be able to squeeze comfortably around the ball and then release it. 

Don't worry if you can't hold the heavier ball inside yourself to begin with. This just means that your pelvic floor muscles aren't strong enough right now, so go at a pace that suits you, and don't rush to move to a heavier pick too quickly. 

These balls are very easy to insert as they're also made from medical-grade silicone and the long tail hangs outside the body for easy removal, a feature I appreciate with these trainers. I also liked the color-coded system these kegel weights come in as it makes it super simple to determine which weight you're using. The total of six weights means incremental training is easier than with other trainers too, so if you're looking to complete this type of exercise, doing it with this device will be better - no matter the strength of your pelvic floor.

"It's advice I give all the time. If you want to have great sex and longer-lasting pelvic health, keep your genital fit and toned," says Tracey Cox, an international sex, relationship, and body confidence expert, and creator of the set. Her philosophy, that great sex takes work and self-focus, is built within this set as it aims to help anyone with a range of pelvic floor issues. 

How we tested the best pelvic floor trainers

I spoke to experts such as Dr Shirin Lakhani, an aesthetic physician and intimate health expert, to determine what makes the best pelvic floor trainer and asked for her recommendations on the best ones to use - ranging from products suitable for those totally new to the devices to those who've used them many times before.

"Your pelvic floor is essential for controlling your bladder and bowel movements and it can get weaker over time, as a result of childbirth and also as we age," she says. "Pelvic floor trainers can be really useful to target the pelvic floor muscles and the muscles at the neck of the bladder. Many people use them to improve control over bladder and bowel functions and for recovery after childbirth. They can also help reduce the risk of prolapse and improve sex lives, which is why you'll often see kegel balls in round-ups of the best sex toys as well.”

As well as seeking expert advice on what makes a good pelvic floor trainer, I tested them myself and called in fellow testers where needed. Through the testing process, we considered the following criteria: 

• Comfort: Pelvic floor trainers need to be comfortable. Most programs recommend using the devices regularly for best results, so the trainers need to be easy to insert and manageable to hold during use. We only included devices in our range that I found comfortable to use.  
• Functionality: While we can't speak to the long-term use of the device as I only tested these trainers for a couple of weeks, it was important that I could feel the trainer working on my pelvic floor muscles. I tested this either using the app that came with the device, as this often reveals whether you're doing it right, or by using my own knowledge of pelvic floor exercises and Kegel exercises.
• Ease of use: No one wants a struggle with their pelvic floor trainer. This goes for ease of use both with the trainer itself and any associated technology, so I noted whether the trainer was easy to use and gain results from, and whether the technology was simple to navigate for potential first-time users. 
• Type of pelvic floor trainer: There are many types of pelvic floor trainers out there, so we tested a variety - from classic trainers to Bluetooth-enabled devices, mechanical kegel balls to manual ones.  “Apps can monitor your progress and set different workouts and will most likely lead you through a series of exercises and workouts that are usually five to ten minutes long. Pelvic exercisers work best if you use them consistently over time. The app will usually remind you when it's time to do the exercises and it can help you stick to a routine," says Dr Lakhani. 

FAQs

• Biofeedback wearables and devices - wearables are inserted into the vagina like a tampon and are used to ensure you're contracting your pelvic floor muscles correctly when doing exercises. Most wearables are connected to an app that can provide detailed feedback on your workout and monitor your progress. 
• Apps and smartphone games - you can also use pelvic floor training apps without connecting them to a wearable. Apps can guide you through your Kegels and some even have even gamified the process to help you master your technique.  
• Kegel weights and Kegel balls - similar to other wearables, Kegel weights and balls are inserted into the vagina and used to help you perform Kegels correctly. Usually, they aren't linked to an app so won't monitor your progress. 
• Electrical muscle stimulation - delivering gentle muscles stimulations, pelvic trainers like the INNOVO Pelvic Floor Device stimulate the pelvic floor to strengthen muscles and improve bladder function. 

With so many options available, it's important to speak with your doctor before undertaking any form of exercise or purchasing an at-home device. Dr Selena Langdon, who trained in both aesthetic medicine and general practice, says, "While most are safe for use, there are contraindications such as those with vaginal mesh implants, prolapse or vaginal atrophy. It is very important to be aware that there is no regulation of these machines, so it is very important to do as much research as possible."