Massage guns are the hype right now. Athletes, celebrities, and fitness enthusiasts speak highly of their benefits. Some tout that they can improve performance, while others believe they prevent post-workout soreness. The truth is that percussion massage guns provide reliable methods of relieving pain. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars each week to knead the tension from your muscles.
If you want to achieve the results of a professional massage right at home, the best massage gun should be right up your alley. These do-it-yourself devices have an oscillating attachment that pulsates and digs deep into your muscles. The repetitive hitting of the muscle fibers produces a relaxing effect by loosening tight knots. Massage guns also reduce muscle soreness and improve blood flow.
With everyone running to find the best massage gun, most people are unaware of what to look for and what to expect to from percussive massage tools. We scanned the market, trying out various options, and we’re ready to reveal our favorites. These top massagers promote workout recovery, improve performance, and reduce soreness.
Best Massage Gun Reviewed
TOP PICK
The Theragun Elite is our top choice for a deep percussive massage. It favors both beginners and pro athletes as it packs many useful features. First, this massage gun has a triangular shape with multiple grip options. Its glossy black piano color makes a style statement. It’s made of various plastic types, with the exterior rubberized for improved grip.
At around $330, this massage gun is on the high-end range of massage guns. Hence, it’s a reliable option when you want a device that will last long and in good condition. This unit can deliver 1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, and 2400 percussions per minute (PPM). It’s a high-powered device that will work anywhere on your body. Besides, you can fine-tune the speeds to match your type of massage.
As for the amplitude, this massage tool can travel 16mm into the muscle. This is 60% deeper than average massage guns. It delivers consistent bursts of energy thanks to a reinforced drive train and QX65 brushless motor. Theragun Elite can deliver 40 pounds of pressure without losing power or reducing speed.
Theragun Elite can help you reduce soreness and facilitate recovery post workouts. You get a power adapter, five attachments, and a hard-shell carrying case. The case protects the massage gun and prevents the loss of the attachments. If you’re out for the most useful massage gun that’s easy to handle and powerful, you can’t go wrong with the Theragun Elite.
1st Runner Up
If you push your body hard, you’ll need something that works just as hard to loosen those tight spots. We are talking about the Achedaway Pro. Designed to deliver 60% deeper percussiveness, this massage gun will reduce your recovery time so you can do more. This massage tool will help increase blood flow, reduce lactic acid, and prevent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
This is one of the most powerful yet quietest massage guns on the market. It has a retro-inspired shape with a matte, aluminum upper body. The handle is ergonomically angled; although it’s plastic, we feel it’s solidly made. At 2.6 pounds, this massage gun is not the lightest. However, it allows you to control the gun firmly against your body for better potency.
Achedaway Pro has five pressure settings ranging from 1700 to 2800 percussions per minute. It has an amplitude of 16mm matching the Theragun Elite and Pro. This massage gun has a button to control the speed, and the vent is behind the gun. The best thing is that you don’t need to yell while using it in the highest setting.
Achedaway Pro’s battery life is an impressive 3-4 hours thanks to the 3200 mAh battery. The battery is removable, and you can buy a spare battery if you want to operate the device without stopping to recharge it. There are four replacement massage heads: a specialized massage head, a flat aluminum head, a bullet head, and a fork head to massage the neck and spine. It has a rugged case that keeps the device, and the attachment heads safe.
Achedaway Pro is made to last and delivers on its features. It’s designed for dedicated professionals or individuals committed to an active lifestyle. You’ll like the stylish design, solid battery life, and functionality so you can push harder daily.
2nd Runner Up
Massage guns are not just for professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a massage device on the affordable end, the Mebak 3 massage gun is an ideal choice. This massage gun costs under $100, so anyone interested in self-massages will find it affordable.
The Mebak 3 is unlike other massagers in its price range since it’s not loud. It is lightweight at only 2.1 pounds and has an ergonomic design that feels good in the hand. You’ll get 2 -3 hours of battery life which is adequate for most massages. With five speed levels from 640 to 3200 RPM, you can tailor it to be as gentle or as muscle-bursting as you’d like.
This massage device comes with seven different attachments. Whether you want to target the neck, lower back, sensitive tissues, joints, or deep tissue, you have a head for every body part. We like its performance in soothing sore muscles, and promoting good blood flow, thanks to its 12mm amplitude.
The Mebak 3 Massage Gun makes a world of difference to everyday users and regular gym goers. If you skip stretching and always dread delayed pain, you’ll like how beneficial this massage gun is for working out tight muscles.
The LifePro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun is a popular alternative to high-end options like Theragun and Hypervolt. This model is priced at under $100. It’s nearly half the price offering the full functionality of a percussive massager and multiple attachments. It fulfills the need for finding functional recovery equipment.
LifePro Sonic stall force is 75 pounds, meaning you’ll receive a deep tissue massage at high speeds. However, it does not reach as deep as Theragun massage guns, but it appeals to anyone looking to feel good while reducing pain levels.
You will get this massage gun in a carrying case consisting of the device and seven head attachments. The T-shape design with the main button under the main panel. It weighs 2.2 pounds with a flat attachment which is pretty standard. The handle is long with plenty of rubber to add grip.
When it comes to performance, the device has a 12mm amplitude which delivers a punchy percussive massage. LifePro Sonic gives you an aggressive massage that helps with lymphatic drainage, muscle soreness, and massaging soft muscles. It’s effective on small muscle groups such as the shoulders, triceps, calves, and biceps. It’s the ideal pick on a budget and it performs as promised.
The Hyperice Hypervolt GO is a small and lightweight massage gun that is pretty popular. Hyperice is well-known in the recovery industry, and the Hypervolt GO is one of our favorite massage guns. This is because it is small, easily goes in a gym bag, and it’s quieter than most of the massage guns on the market.
The Hyperice Hypervolt GO can reach all muscle groups as a mini massage gun. It can do everything a full-size massager does while offering you the portability that other options can’t. To this end, it does not come with a carrying case, but you can place everything in a drawstring bag. You’ll get two massage head attachments and three international plug adapters.
The flat head is ideal for targeting large muscle groups quickly, while the bullet head is great at massaging trigger points and small muscle groups. It has a brushless 40W motor with three speeds of percussion. Although the massager does not reveal its amplitude, users are amazed by its power. It’s easy to use and holds a charge for 2.5 hours which is pretty dependable since it does not lose power or performance.
If you can’t figure out how to use the Hyperice Hypervolt GO, you can use the Hyperice app. You can get ideas about massage techniques to use the gun effectively. Overall, Hyperice Hypervolt GO is great as a portable massage gun for relieving pains and aches in tight muscles on the go.
The Ekrin Athletics B37 packs lots of impressive features. This massage gun is from a US brand that emphasizes muscle recovery and injury prevention in athletes. If you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for a portable and equally powerful massage gun, the Ekrin Athletics B37 is a great option. It has an ergonomic design and feels comfortable for sore muscles and recovery.
This massage tool has 56 pounds of stall force. It’s powerful enough combined with 12mm amplitude. It boasts five-speed settings and uses ultra-quiet technology. It has a noise level of 48.8 dB at the lowest and 60.9 dB at the highest setting. And with a battery life of 4-6 hours, you can use it multiple times without recharging. We like that it has percussions from 1400-3200 PPM and that the highest level can deliver deep to-the-bone massages.
The Ekrin Athletics B37 design and build quality are top-notch. It comes in a soft finish in green color. While the velvety finish is smooth, it’s super grippy. In addition, the handle is at a 15-degree angle, so you can reach the middle of your back without tiring your arm.
While there are cheaper and portable massage guns, the Ekrin Athletics B37 is a professional-grade model that’s a serious contender in massage guns and offers great value for money.
It’s always a good idea to include massage in your self-care routine. If you want something that can help you in-between sessions without being expensive, you may want to consider the Vybe Pro. This massage gun is also versatile since it can help with muscle pain relief, stress reduction, and reduce muscle tension. It has eight massage heads that serve different purposes, so you’ll have something for every kind of massage you desire.
With a stall force of 33 pounds and 12mm amplitude, it’s pretty intensive. This tool is ideal for everyday use. It uses percussion speeds from 1800 to 3400 strokes per minute. These speeds are adequate for giving deep massages. The gun is handy for reducing stiffness since you can apply targeted pressure to the points that feel stiff.
We like that the nine-speed settings work well with the knot-blasting attachments. The handle is long to facilitate a two-handed grip, and it’s made of silicone, so you’ll have a firm grip. We found the controls pretty easy since you have a +/- for the speeds, and the 24V brushless motor is not noisy.
A 2000 mAh battery powers the Vybe Pro. It offers 3-4 hours of battery life. Moreover, you can track the battery life on the battery indicator. Our only qualm is that the battery is not removable, and you cannot charge it using a USB cable. However, the Vybe Pro is an excellent supplement to any recovery program. The power and attachments make it a versatile massage tool for the daily trainer.
Lyric is perhaps the best massage gun for anyone who wants a self-care massage to feel good and relax. This massager uses the power of sound to deliver harmonics that ease muscle pain. It is also a smart massage gun that’s wi-fi enabled, so you can update it to receive new therapies to help with trigger points and deep tissue massage.
Lyric is pretty enough to show off. The stand doubles as an induction charger, so you don’t need to actually plug it. It offers three hours of battery life, but with no battery indicator, it can power off without warning. Nonetheless, Lyric is small and even comes with an extension handle so you can target hard-to-reach areas.
The best feature of the Lyric is the Rhythm therapy. It plays a relaxing and calming vibration that can temporarily alleviate pain. It can also play a role in improving stress and getting you into a better mood. Thus, anyone, no matter their fitness level can benefit from the Lyric wellness massager.
The massage heads include a cone head for acupressure treatments, a dome for large muscle groups, and the thumb is ideal for trigger points. Lastly, the two-pronged head is for targeting both muscle and tissue. The easy-to-use touchscreen allows for intuitive use. You get a user-friendly device that you can use after a long day at work or post-workout massage experience.
Theragun Prime is a percussion massager that claims to be 70% quieter than other massage guns. This claim is mostly true since its highest setting level produces a 65dB noise level. This model boasts five speeds starting from 1750 PPM to 2400 PPM. It delivers explosive bursts of energy to give you a well-deserved deep tissue massage.
Since it’s not a budget massage gun, you’ll find that it has premium features. These include a 16mm amplitude to offer an intense massage. It has 30 pounds of stall force, enough to deliver the needed perpendicular force to your soft tissue. The amplitude can reach deep into the muscles where Theragun Prime shines.
Looking at the design, Theragun Prime has a familiar triangular shape that offers multiple grip options. It has great ergonomics to prevent tiring the hand during long massages. Besides, it weighs only 2.2 pounds which means it’s portable too. In addition, it comes with four massage heads. They include the dampener for tender areas, the standard ball for the whole body, and the thumb for the lower back and trigger points. You’ll find the cone helpful for acupressure massages.
If you’re looking for a reliable starter massage gun and don’t pack large muscles, Theragun Prime is a good consideration. It’s made to be durable; hence you won’t be going back to the store soon. Besides, it has a companion app that’s a game changer by guiding your massages. You get to buy from a reliable brand that stands by its products so you can rest easy spending your money on the mighty Theragun Prime.
Homedics Therapist Select is for those looking for a reliable starter massager. If you want to test the self-massage world, there’s no need to go for a high-end option when you can have this percussive massager. It has four massage heads that you can use to manage everyday stiffness. In addition, it can help you work out knots, reduce tension, and relax muscles.
There are three intensities to target different areas. For instance, the lowest setting is ideal for the biceps, while the highest does wonders for the quads. It is only 1.81 pounds and 7.09 inches long. Hence it can fit in your gym bag or use the carrying case. You can easily hold it since the handle is ergonomically shaped.
The one-touch button LED controls are straightforward to use. It also includes a battery level indicator. We like that it can hold a charge for 2.5 hours, although the recharge time is a bit long at 3.5 hours. Thankfully, it uses a USB-C, so you can charge it with your phone charger.
Homedics Therapist Select is a reliable tool with a 2-year warranty. Although it’s affordable, you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality product. Furthermore, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no reason not to try it out.
Opove M3 Pro 2 is a professional-grade massage gun that is also very popular. It has a max stall force of 70 lbs, meaning it can deliver a good deep-tissue massage. Combined with 12mm amplitude and up to 2500 RPM, it ensures that it can relax the muscles without causing any painful sensation. It is a cool device to have in your kit as part of your massage therapy sessions.
The Opove M3 Pro 2 comes with six massage heads. You can target different areas of your body and get the massage you want. The battery can last 4-8 hours with a charge time of only 2.5 hours. You’ll appreciate that it weighs 2.4 pounds; hence you can handle the recommended 10-minute massage without enduring fatigue.
The overall design of the Opove M3 Pro 2 is as you’d expect, with massage guns in the $100 – $150 price range. Nevertheless, it is rubberized for a firm grip solidifying its build quality. The matte black finish gives it a stylish but professional look. Besides, it has hidden vents that not only dissipate heat but also prevent mechanical smell accumulating during use.
Opove M3 Pro 2 punches deep and is a welcome device in any recovery program. With the progressive stall force, you can use it to soothe tight muscles, and you don’t need to force it on your skin to receive a deep massage. It is a desirable option for professionals and anyone looking for a tool that works effectively.
Theragun Mini is a favorite massager and the cheapest in the Theragun line. With a portable configuration, it is not the most powerful massage gun. Hence, it is best as an entry-level device for casual users. Still, it can provide percussive therapy to help recover and reduce pain and soreness.
Even though it’s a miniature device, the Theragun Mini has a 12mm amplitude. In addition, it features a QX35 motor that delivers 1750 to 2400 revolutions per minute. The three pre-programmed speeds help you work on your muscles at your desired pace. Being quiet is one of the benefits that you get from the Theragun Mini since it is quieter than other Theragun models.
The triangular shape makes it easy to hold. Combined with the remarkable amount of power that doesn’t stall when it’s massaging, you have a hard worker. You’ll like the app integration since you can control it from the app. Moreover, the app can guide you on how to use the Theragun Mini.
The Mini comes with a rechargeable but non-removable battery. It gives you about 150 minutes of power while used at the highest setting. Even then, the handle remains cool, so there are no worries about discontinuing use if you use it for an extended period. The device has a 1-year warranty, and Therabody gives you a 60-day risk-free trial.
Theragun Mini is ideal if you want to splurge on a portable massage gun. You won’t notice a loss of power compared to other Theragun models. Therefore, it’s a good contender for a reliable percussive massager that meets your recovery requirements.
Best Massage Gun Buying Guide
Massage guns, also known as vibration therapy or percussive massage treatment tools, are portable, handheld devices. They look much like a power drill and vibrate at high frequency and low movement amplitude. These massage tools relieve muscle pain by loosening up tight muscles and trigger points.
The percussion therapy from these massage tools can give you a deep tissue massage. That’s why most people opt for them for self-massage since they can reach body areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, and legs, all areas with significant body mass. The pressure bursts in a rapid up-down motion delivers the vibration or percussive therapy.
With so many swearing by these devices, there are some features to remember before buying a massage gun.
Power
By power, we mean how fast the head pulsates and how deep it travels, measured in millimeters. Since a massage is very personal, the power will determine how good the massage feels. A massage gun with different speed levels allows you to personalize your massage. Hence you can be as gentle or as thorough as you want. Speed is measured in percussions per minute (PPM).
The more speed levels, the better you can dial in your comfort. To this end, the further a massager travels into the muscles; the better it is for a deep massage. High-power models can achieve deep tissue massage better than low-powered devices.
Noise
Some massage guns are as loud as drills and can be unpleasant when working around the neck. It’s best to read reviews, so you don’t end up with an extremely loud massage gun.
Portability
The size of the massage gun is important to consider especially if you’ll be carrying it to and from the gym or traveling with it. Some models come with carrying cases which is handy to prevent losing attachments.
Weight & Design
Since you will use a massage gun with one hand, it’s best to consider its weight. A massage gun that’s too heavy can be unwieldy and impossible to use. The size and design can also play a role in how it handles. For instance, will the massage gun reach the middle of your back? Can you adjust the head angle to reach different hard-to-reach areas?
Battery Life
Most massage guns use batteries; hence the battery life is an important consideration. Look at the quoted battery life and see if it meets your needs. Some devices, like the Theragun Pro, come with a spare battery so you can use one while the other is charging. Nonetheless, most will give you enough juice for 2-3 hours at full speed, while others only reach the one-hour mark.
Theragun Elite
Premium feel, facilitates recovery, great value for money
OUR PICK
Theragun Elite gives your muscles plenty of attention. Whether you want to relieve muscle tension, recover quickly after workouts, or stop muscle spasms, Theragun Elite is your top option. It’s ergonomic, powerful, and versatile. Why not give it a try?
Special Mentions
There are endless options in the massage gun world. If you didn’t find a model that caught your eye in our top list, the next list has more options. However, they have drawbacks that are not deal breakers.
Hypervolt Plus: This massage gun gives good results, and you won’t question the power, durability, or battery life. Some people feel the power is too strong and can be painful if you apply too much pressure.
TOLOCO Massage Gun: This is the cheapest option in massage guns with reliable performance. However, it won’t last as long as high-end options.
Recoverfun Mini Massage Gun: This massage gun is affordable and ultra-portable. It has received lots of praise for its performance since it always works as expected. Nonetheless, there seems to be an issue with quality control. Some users have received returned units.
Sportneer Massage Gun: You’ll like this massage if you want to work out knots. It delivers serious power; you can use the metal attachments with oil or lotion. However, it does not have a visual indicator of the force and the speed settings are not as seamless as we’d like.
RENPHO Mini Massager: This model is easy to hold, thanks to its size. The heat function makes it even more effective for regular massages. It, however, lacks a battery indicator, so you can’t tell when it’s charging and the battery level.
Hydragun Massage Gun: It’s relatively affordable for a model with high-end features. This massage gun is great at soothing tired muscles. It’s quite powerful, and the lowest setting still feels aggressive in tender areas.
Theragun Pro: This massager is pretty popular and smart too. The arm is adjustable and ideal for anyone with a demanding fitness regime. The only problem is that it’s loud, and you’d be yelling to be heard at the highest setting.
Sharper Image Powerboost: This option can reduce just about any pain. It’s impressively quiet and has a dependable battery life. You have an extra charger at home since it does not have a type C charger, and the power seems to be a bit much for tender areas.
RENPHO R4 Massage Gun: This massage gun has been touted as the best for the back. The four intensity levels and the angle adjustment are handy for personalizing your massage. Some people find it heavy, which can be unwieldy in a long massage session.
Legiral LE3 Massage Gun: This massager is a top buyer option. It’s an incredibly affordable option with excellent battery life. The motor is not the most powerful, so you’re better off massaging sensitive areas of the body as it won’t do much for large achy muscles.
