Vibration plates have fast become a popular home fitness machine. But fitness is just one benefit of whole-body vibration.
In fact, the best vibration plates provide a whole host of benefits:
- Improved circulation
- Lymphatic drainage
- Increased bone density
- Faster athletic recovery (a game-changer for cool downs!)
- Reduced stress
How? Quality vibration plates create gentle, but powerful vibrations that stimulate muscle contractions. The effect is like traditional exercise. But with whole-body vibration (WBV), the contract-release cycle happens much more frequently. Therefore, WBV can be used as a standalone therapy (with benefits like exercise) or as a tool to intensify workouts.
However, not all vibration plates offer true health benefits.
The best vibration plate for you depends on your goals, fitness level, and other factors. Read our buyer’s guide for WBV machines with picks for the best vibration plates that align to specific wellness goals.
What’s the Best Vibration Machine for You? (No. 1 Feature)
The effectiveness of WBV therapy depends on frequency, or the rate of vibration.
Frequency aligns WBV training to your wellness goals. For example, low frequency WBV machines (1-10 Hz) offer gentler vibration that may facilitate better circulation, while a high-intensity machine offers advantages for strength training.
Here’s a closer look at the best WBV frequencies for specific conditions:
- Lower Frequencies (1-10 Hz): These are gentler and often used for pain relief, improving circulation, and increasing bone density.
- Mid-Range Frequencies (15-30 Hz): This range is commonly used for muscle stimulation, improving strength, flexibility, and balance.
- Higher Frequencies (30-70 Hz): These are more intense and can be used for muscle power development and reflex training. NOTE: Very high frequencies can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful for certain contraindications.
Therefore, the best vibration platform is one that aligns to your health goals. If your goal is fitness + circulation, pain relief and recovery, a WBV machine with a full frequency range (2-50 Hz) will be best.
Common Types of WBV Machines
Type refers to 1) how the machine creates vibration and 2) the motion of the vibration.
Most devices commonly use mechanical motors to create vibration, while sonic wave devices use non-mechanical energy. Additionally, the motor or sonicwave generator can create a motion that’s side-to-side, linear or multi-directional.
Motion directly impacts user comfort. An intense motion may require stronger balance, or in the worse cases, it can cause queasiness. That’s why low-cost devices aren’t recommended; the vibration feels jerky and unnatural.
The most common types of whole-body vibration machines include:
1. Linear (up-down)
2. Oscillating (side-to-side)
3. Tri-planar (multi-directional)
4. Sonic wave (motion varies, created non-mechanically)
Now, let’s look at key benefits each device devices with picks for the best vibration plate in each class.
Sonic Wave Vibration Plates: Best for Complete Health + Fitness
A sonic vibration machine uses pulsating magnets to create a strong up-and-down movement instead of a spinning motor. This is why sonic machines tend to be quieter and much smoother.
Another key benefit: Sonic wave vibration plates deliver the maximum frequency range. They can operate at very lower frequencies (0-25 Hz), while also delivering high-frequency whole-body vibration for vibration plate exercise. The SONIX Sonicwave, for example, delivers a full range from 3-70 Hz.
Several studies suggest low-frequency vibration improves circulation more effectively, while higher frequencies offer better strength training. With a sonicwave machine, you get both!
Best Sonicwave WBV Machine
The SONIX Sonicwave Vibration Device is the best vibration plate that uses sound energy. In fact, it’s one of the only sonicwave plates on the market. Our device delivers a full frequency range (from 3-70 Hz) – the widest of any WBV machine – with 12 pre-set and manual intensity settings.
The SONIX offers a complete solution for whole-body vibration therapy, from intense strength training to science-backed wellness.
Oscillating Vibration Plates: Best for Low-Intensity Exercise
Oscillating vibration machines use a rotating motor that creates a side-to-side swaying motion on the platform. Imagine a seesaw motion, but much faster.
These WBV platforms tend to offer a lower frequency range. This can be beneficial for muscle recovery, circulation, and pain relief, and they’re often used for light exercise like walking.
However, oscillating vibration tends to be the least comfortable for users. The side-to-side movement can feel jarring and unnatural. Plus, you can’t move on the platform while in use, not great for cardio or strength workouts. Additionally, without the high-frequency settings, they’re not as effective as targeting deep muscle.
Best Oscillating WBV Machine
The T-Zone VT-20A is a top oscillating vibration machine. Like most oscillating vibration plates, the frequency range is limited (just 3-15 Hz), but that makes it suitable for light strength training and circulation.
Linear Vibration Devices: Best for High-Intensity Workouts
Linear vibration machines use a motor that creates a vertical, up-and-down movement on the platform. Think of it as a very fast but small bouncing motion.
The targeted up-and-down motion of linear vibration can be effective for strengthening muscles in the legs, core, and back. And studies suggest it may also improve bone density and flexibility. However, this motion is more intense, and therefore, linear machines may not be suitable for people with certain joint problems or mobility issues.
Best Linear WBV Machine
VibePlate 3048 is a top-rated whole-body vibration platform that uses linear motion. Overall, it’s a large platform, which accommodates strength and cardio vibration plate exercise, with a wide frequency range (10-60Hz).
However, the 3048 doesn’t include handlebars. Plus, the 3048 offers a limited amplitude range (2mm max). Some studies suggest higher amplitudes (2-10 mm) are optimal for strength training.
Triplanar Vibration Plates: Best for Intense Strength Training
Triplanar vibration machines use a motor that creates a combination of oscillating and linear movements. Imagine a platform that can move up-and-down, side-to-side, and diagonally, all at the same time.
Triplanar vibration offers a dynamic workout experience, engaging a wide range of muscle groups. However, multidirectional movements can be challenging for beginners to learn and stressful on the joints.
Best Triplanar WBV Machine
Power Plate my5 is a top whole-body vibration plate with triplanar motion. The my5 delivers a limited range of high-intensity vibrations (30, 35 and 40 Hz), and a limited amplitude range (just Low / High settings of 1 and 2 mm). This range is best suited for high-intensity cardio and strength training workouts.
Overall, the my5 is ideally suited to athletic workouts. But it lacks the low frequencies that research suggests are more effective for lymphatic drainage and circulation.
Best Vibration Machines: Additional Features to Consider
Beyond frequency range and type, some other important features include:
1. Platform Size and Weight Capacity
Vibration plates come in various sizes. Consider your available space and how you plan to use the machine.
If you plan on doing exercises that require a lot of movement, a larger platform might be ideal. Also, make sure the weight capacity is sufficient for your weight. The SONIX has a max weight of 286-560 pounds (depending on model).
2. Vibration Intensity
When talking about the intensity of vibration on a vibration plate, amplitude is the most relevant term.
- Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement from the rest position during vibration. In simpler terms, it’s how far the platform moves up and down (or side-to-side) with each vibration cycle. This is measured in micrometers or millimeters.
- Intensity relates to the strength of the vibration you feel. A higher amplitude vibration will generally feel more intense on your body.
The SONIX Sonicwave maxes out at 22mm amplitude.
3. Control Panel and Display
A user-friendly control panel with a clear display is essential for easily adjusting settings, monitoring speed, and tracking time during your workout.
You may also want a device with:
- Pre-programmed modes
- Pre-programmed workouts
- Timed treatments
4. Handlebars for Balance
If you intend to use the vibration plate for exercise, as well as for recovery, circulation, or improving balance, handlebars are a necessary feature.
Many of the best vibration plates include handlebars that are unobstructive and that can be incorporated into vibration platform workouts. Some WBV devices, like the VibePlate, charge for handlebars.
5. Warranty and Customer Service
Look for a vibration plate with a decent warranty to ensure you’re covered in case of any malfunctions. Responsive customer service is also important in case you have any questions or need assistance.
Wrapping Up: Sonicwave Vibration Offers an Advantage
Top-rated vibration platforms all share a few key characteristics. They’re durable, reliable, and they’re capable of generating effective vibration.
However, there are some key differences based on frequency and type.
Remember: Studies show that low-frequency vibration may be more effective for gentler applications (like lymphatic drainage or osteoporosis), while high-intensity training is better suited for strength training.
Therefore, the best vibration plate is one that offers the full range like the SONIX. This allows you to experience the benefits of low- and high-frequency vibration, along with some of the most advanced intensity settings on the market. You can tune the SONIX for powerful strength training, as well as for daily circulatory system support.
Not to mention, sonicwave vibration is smoother than any device on the market. So, what’s the next step? Test devices before buying.
If you’re interested in testing the SONIX, contact Hue Light USA to learn more.
