The Best Massage Guns to Relieve Muscle Tension and Pain
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Massage guns are an important training and recovery tool that’s no longer just for professional athletes—or professional massage therapists. Massage guns combine the health benefits of soreness relief, muscle recovery and increased blood flow with the convenience of an at-home device.
The best massage guns offer plenty of health perks. Studies show that vibration therapy works as well as a massage by hand when it comes to reducing muscle soreness after exercise. Some reviewers say using a massage gun pre-activity can also reduce the time needed to warm up. Nets point guard, Kyrie Irving and Ravens cornerback, Marcus Peters, have each praised percussion therapy for helping them treat cramps and loosen up before games.
On the hunt for the best massage gun? Keep in mind that the best massage gun to relieve neck pain after weightlifting may not be the same for a runner seeking muscle recovery. Before you begin your search, pin down what you need in terms of price, portability, weight and force. Some of us want RPM akin to a jackhammer, while others prefer a gentler touch. Our list, compiled by expert testers, helps you find the best massage gun suited to your needs.
Our Picks for the Best Massage Gun:
- Best Overall Massage Gun: Ekrin Athletics B37S
- Best Percussion Massage Gun: Theragun Prime
- Best Budget Massage Gun: arboleaf Mini Massage Gun
- Best Handheld Massage Gun: Ekrin Athletics Bantam
- Best Top Rated Massage Gun: Addaday Lyric Massager
- Best Deep Tissue Massage Gun: Fusion Black Pro Muscle Massage Gun
- Best Massage Gun for Back Pain: Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
- Best Massage Gun for Travel: Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
- Best Mini Massage Gun: Theragun Mini
- Best Massage Gun for Athletes: Hyperice Hypervolt 2
- Best Massage Gun on Amazon: TOLOCO Massage Gun
Best Overall: Ekrin Athletics B37S
Ekrin Athletics
If you’re pushing yourself hard in your sweat sessions, you need a massage gun that can push back. The Ekrin Athletics B37S massage gun warrants our Top Overall accolade for its ability to do just that. The B37S features heightened power at lower speed levels, which allows slow, deep tissue massage for enhanced therapy.
Our tester, Rachael H., was impressed with the all-around quality of the massage gun. She said, "I've used other brands of massage guns in the past, and this one stands out for it's extensive battery life and power while staying quiet. Other massage guns have sounded like jackhammers next to my head, but the Ekrin is quiet enough for me to comfortably use it on my neck close to my ears."
The Ekrin B37S comes with six attachments, and Rachael raved about the bullet attachment specifically. She said, "I have gnarly knots in my neck from my desk job. 10 minutes using the bullet attachment on my neck and shoulders does wonders. I've made it a regular part of my week, which saves me a lot of money I'd otherwise have spent on professional massages."
Ekrin boasts great value, with a price point that hovers around $75 to $100 less than models with comparable motors. In addition to the powerful slower speeds, the motor also has an alternating fifth speed and a reactive force sensor to keep an eye on pressure. Ekrin recommends using the slower speeds for muscle recovery, and higher speeds for therapeutic massage warming muscles up before a workout. Ekrin will also throw in a travel case, and backs the B37S with limited lifetime warranty coverage.
Specs:
- Force: Up to 56 pounds
- Amplitude: 12 millimeters
- Speed: Five modes
- Attachments: Six massage heads
- Dimensions: Not listed
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Charge: Up to eight hours
- Price: $329.99
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
Sleek, angled design for harder to reach areas | Lower amplitude compared to some |
Powerful force at slow speeds | May exert more power than needed |
Robust battery life |
Best Percussion Massage Gun: Theragun Prime
Therabody
Ranked one of the best-selling massage guns on the market, the Theragun Prime is our choice for the best percussion massager thanks to a powerful motor and intelligent design. Though one of the pricier options, smart features make it worthwhile. For example, the signature ergonomic handle helps you massage hard-to-reach spots with better dexterity. Adjust the power between five built-in speeds ranging up to 2,400 RPM. Users can get around two hours of runtime without pausing to charge, putting it in the midrange for battery life. When the time comes to recharge, the wireless charge stand makes it easy to keep your device at the ready.
Tech-leaning users enjoy the Therabody App, which gathers details about your daily activity and integrates that information with Google Fit and Apple Health to create personalized wellness routines.
This is one of the pricier massage guns on our list, but the Theragun Prime may be worth the investment for those seeking deep tissue relief. Of all the massage guns on our list, this model has one of the strongest amplitudes at 16 millimeters—the higher the amplitude, the deeper the percussion can penetrate into muscle tissue.
Specs:
- Force: Up to 60 pounds
- Amplitude: 16 millimeters
- Speed: Five modes
- Attachments: Four massage heads
- Dimensions: 8.9-inches x 6.3-inches x 2.7-inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Charge: Up to 120 minutes
- Price: $299
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
16 millimeter amplitude reaches deep into the muscle tissue | Limited head selection |
Personalized wellness routines via app | No carrying case |
Ergonomic triangular handle | Several reviews report issues with the battery |
Best Budget Massage Gun: arboleaf Mini Massage Gun
Amazon
Arboleaf
For those in the market for a top rated massage gun under $100, the arboleaf Mini Massage Gun may fit the bill. This lightweight massager offers plenty of versatility and power at an affordable price.
With four options of interchangeable massage heads and four speeds reaching up to 3,200 RPM, the petite arboleaf gives higher-end massage guns some real competition. And in some cases, it may be an even better fit than more expensive options, as it packs easily into a suitcase or gym bag.
The arboleaf massage gun comes in an iridescent grey sheen—a fun alternative to your standard solid color varieties. The amplitude is on the lower side compared to other massage guns, so it’s not ideal if you want the intense pressure for a deep tissue massage.
Specs:
- Force: Up to 35 pounds
- Amplitude: Not listed
- Speed: Five modes
- Attachments: Four massage heads
- Dimensions: 3.5-inches x 1.9-inches x 6.3-inches
- Weight: 1.04 pounds
- Charge: Battery-powered
- Price: $44.99
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
Great for traveling due to small size | Requires buying and replacing batteries |
Carrying case included | |
Affordable |
Best Handheld Massage Gun: Ekrin Athletics Bantam
Ekrin Athletics
Amazon
Another gun from Ekrin Athletics, the Bantam, is a small but mighty massager. It earns the best handheld superlative for its ergonomic, angled handle. Similar to the Ekrin B37S (our top overall pick), the Bantam's angled handle enables a more natural grip in tough-to-reach areas like the upper back and shoulders.
Our tester, Rachael H., also likes the Bantam for its compact size. "My husband and I live in a compact space and have very limited storage," she said. "The Bantam is worth the space it takes up, which isn't much, and I appreciate the structured travel case that protects the massage gun when it's stacked tightly next to books or clothes."
The other standout feature of the Bantam is the quiet, brushless motor. One reviewer summed up the petite gun’s core appeal: “It weighs a little bit more than one pound but don’t let the size fool you. It’s powerful. It’s whisper quiet." Rachael agrees with this assessment. "The Bantam is more powerful than other bigger massage guns I've used in the past, and it's not nearly as loud," she said. Ekrin describes the decibel level as being akin to rainfall. And anyone who's used a handheld massager along the neck or upper back knows that a jackhammer-loud motor next to your ears detracts from the relaxation of being massaged.
The Bantam also has one of the best battery charges for a massager of its size, making it great for those who want to relax without having to worry about rushing to plug the massager back into an outlet. Choose from four attachments and three speed settings, with the lowest 2,000 and highest 3,200 RPM, to find the most effective pressure for your muscle tension.
Specs:
- Force: Up to 35 pounds
- Amplitude: 10 millimeters
- Speeds: Three speeds
- Attachments: Four
- Dimensions: Not listed
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Charge: Six hours
- Price: $149.99
| What We Love | We We Don't Love |
|---|---|
Angled handle for more ergonomic grip | Excellent amplitude for size, but may not suffice for everyone |
Quiet motor | |
Lightweight but powerful |
Best Top Rated Massage Gun: Addaday Lyric Massager
REI
To take the guesswork out of shopping for a massage gun, some people opt for the "top rated" product on the market. While all of the massagers on this list have high average ratings, the Addaday Lyric Massager consistently outranks its competitors in customer reviews. The machine averages 4.8/5 stars on the product website and 4.7/5 stars on REI's website. The average rating on Amazon is 4/5 stars, with mainly positive reviews and the majority of low ratings focusing on resolvable issues covered by the one-year warranty.
The positive reviews for the Addaday Lyric Massager emphasize the personalized user experience, including programming that lets you toggle through different programs like Calm, Pain Relief and Energize. One reviewer who left 5/5 stars wrote that they were “satisfied with this massager” overall. “It gets the job done in terms of offering a variety of massage types using the various attachments and speeds. The built-in touch screen makes it very easy to use,” they added. You can choose from four different massage heads, all of which pair with the quiet motor for a not-too-hard, not-too-soft amplitude of 12 millimeters. You can also choose from four different massage heads, all of which pair with the quiet motor for a not-too-hard, not-too-soft amplitude of 12 millimeters.
Included with the massager and four massage heads is a sleek charging base. You can also add an optional extension handle and access to premium wellness content through the Lyric app. It's also worth mentioning that this is undoubtedly the most stylish massager on our list. The pastel colors and matte finish remind us of the strength-training equipment from Bala, including their Bala Bangle ankle weights.
Specs:
- Force: Not available
- Amplitude: 12 millimeters
- Speeds: Three settings (Calm, Pain Relief, Energize)
- Attachments: Four massage heads
- Dimensions: 8.5-inches x 4.25-inches x 1.75-inches
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Charge: Up to four hours
- Price: $99.95
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
Guided massage sessions based on body region and massage program | Premium program content is behind a paywall |
WiFi-connected for program updates | Some users found the process of connecting the massager to WiFi confusing |
Comes with sleek charging case and four massage heads |
Best Deep Tissue Massage Gun: Fusion Black Pro Muscle Massage Gun
Amazon
Recognized as one of the best massage guns for deep tissue massage, the Fusion Black Pro Massage Gun delivers 20 adjustable speeds, 3,200 RPM and an amplitude of 15 millimeters—and all that intensity runs on a high-quality brushless Japanese motor. For those using their massage gun in the locker room or while watching TV, it’s worth noting that reviewers describe this gun as relatively quiet.
Plus, the Fusion Black Pro is designed with thoughtful details like the anti-slip grip, comfortable silicone massage heads and easy-to-read digital screen. Reviewers say this massage gun is a good value compared to others at a similar price point. Overall, it’s one of the more powerful massage guns for athletes—or anyone looking for a device capable of deep tissue work. A reviewer on Amazon touted the deep tissue capabilities of the gun: “Great for deep tissue and helping with knots. You can definitely feel the difference after use. Highly recommend.” Your purchase comes with six massage heads, a charger and a carrying case.
Specs:
- Force: Up to 50 pounds
- Amplitude: 15 millimeters
- Speed: 20 modes
- Attachments: Six massage heads
- Dimensions: 6.9-inches x 2.6-inches x 9.8-inches
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Charge: Four hours
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
Six massage heads, including ball, fork, quad fork, wedge, flat and bullet shapes | Plastic around the motor gets warm because of minimal ventilation |
15 millimeter amplitude | |
20 speed options |
Best Massage Gun for Back Pain: Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
Hyperice
For those who regularly suffer from back pain, a quality massage gun can offer welcomed relief. The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro percussion massager pumps out plenty of force, getting up to 3,180 RPM, so it can dig in where you need it to (goodbye knots).
This brand is known for making some of the best massage guns on the market and a big part of that reputation is how the devices integrate technology to help you elevate your self-massage game. The device connects to the HyperSmart- app, which creates guided routines, takes feedback and makes real-time adjustments based on your body’s needs. The pressure sensor also shares visual feedback while you’re massaging so you get an idea of what you’re hitting and missing, allowing you to target problem areas with better precision.
Specs:
- Force: About 35 pounds
- Amplitude: 10 millimeters
- Speeds: Three modes
- Attachments: Five massage heads
- Dimensions: 9.7-inches x seven-inches x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Charge: Three hours
- Price: $499
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
High quality product from a reputable brand | Very expensive |
Built-in pressure sensor that gives feedback | Lower amplitude than others on this list |
Five different massage heads |
Best Massage Gun for Travel: Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
Hyperice
This massage gun is made to move with you, so you don’t have to leave your self-care routine behind when you travel or head to the gym. Plus, with plug adapters included, you can stay charged just about anywhere on the globe.
The Hypervolt Go 2 has a powerful motor in a lightweight body that is smaller than most travel massage guns. Adjust between three speeds: 2,400, 2,800 and 3,200 RPM. In spite of the small package, the 10 millimeter amplitude makes the Hypervolt Go 2 capable of delivering a deep-tissue massage. Reviewers note that for all its power, the Hypervolt is still fairly quiet—so you won’t even have to pause that workout playlist.
The 2.5-hour battery life and 1.5-pound design make the Hypervolt Go 2 a go-to companion to bring to the track, on the hiking trail or toss in your carry-on.
Specs:
- Force: 30 pounds
- Amplitude: 10 millimeters
- Speeds: Three modes
- Attachments: Two massage heads
- Dimensions: 5.5-inches x 5.5-inches x two-inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Charge: 2.5 hours
- Price: $269.99
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
Plug adapters included | No carrying case included |
Lightweight for travel | No Bluetooth or pressure sensor technology, like other Hypervolt models |
Positive reviews confirm that it’s quiet |
Best Mini Massage Gun: Theragun Mini
Therabody
If you’re in the market for a pocket-sized massage gun that packs a punch, consider the Theragun Mini. With a force of 30 pounds and three speed settings up to 2,400 RPM, this mini massage gun delivers. It’s not just small—it’s tiny, at just a hair over one pound.
Some users prefer the dexterity of a small, ergonomic device over heavy-duty massage guns. While the Theragun Mini is easy to maneuver to your trigger points, you do lose some intensity in exchange for the lighter package. Although with 12 millimeter amplitude, you get a decent dose of deep tissue therapy for a machine of its size, albeit less compared to a higher powered massage gun. Instead, this gun is designed for those looking for a gentler massage experience, or a lightweight and low-cost recovery tool.
Specs:
- Force: 27 pounds
- Amplitude: 12 millimeters
- Speeds: Three modes
- Attachments: Three massage heads
- Dimensions: 5.5-inches x 1.9-inches x 4.9-inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Charge: 2 hours
- Price: $199
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
Case included | Low amplitude, so not capable of deep-tissue massage |
Lightweight and portable design | Pricier for the power |
Comes in gray and pink |
Best Massage Gun for Athletes: Hyperice Hypervolt 2
hyperice.ca
The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 is a solid choice for athletes who want to take their pre-routine warmups and recovery sessions as seriously as their workouts. This model is a step up from its predecessor, the original Hypervolt massage gun. The upgrade features increased speeds up to 2,700 RPM, along with a new rubber handle and a lighter body, for easy maneuvering, while the high amplitude allows athletes to reach deep tissue.
This massage gun connects to the Hyperice app to feed you customized plans for consistent massage sessions. You can’t miss a spot when you use the pressure sensor to see exactly what muscles are being targeted. Plus, it comes with five massage heads in unique shapes, so you can find the attachment that best fits warmups, muscle soreness, back pain and anything in between.
Reviewers also raved about the noise level. This massage gun can be used courtside or at the gym without disrupting other athletes.
Specs:
- Force: 45 pounds
- Amplitude: 12 millimeters
- Speeds: Three modes
- Attachments: Five massage heads
- Dimensions: 7.5-inches x 2.5-inches x 9.5-inches
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Charge: Three hours
- Price: $399
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
Great for deep tissue massage | Ergonomic handle is still awkward, according to some reviewers |
Very quiet | |
Lightweight compared to others with similar power |
Best Massage Gun on Amazon: TOLOCO Massage Gun
Amazon
The TOLOCO Massage Gun has accumulated over 30,000 reviews on Amazon, averaging 4.5/5 starts. Customers specifically mention how well this massage gun helps to relieve pain related to muscle tension. They also comment on the quietness of the high-torque, brushless motor and the benefit of having 15 included massage heads.
Speaking of which, the TOLOCO massage kit includes a hard-backed carrying case and a whopping 15 massage heads with shapes including round, bullet, fork, elbow, thumb, wedge, shovel and claw. The motor can drive the heads 12 millimeters into your skin and muscle at 20 different speeds. The battery lasts for six hours on low speeds and presumably a few hours less at higher speed levels.
Our only complaint about the TOLOCO massage gun is the weight. At 2.1 pounds, you may want to have a friend use this massage gun on you, especially if you're targeting your arms, shoulders, neck or upper back, since those muscles are used heavily in lifting.
Specs:
- Force: Not listed
- Amplitude: 12 millimeter
- Speeds: 20 levels
- Attachments: 15 massage heads
- Dimensions: Not listed
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Charge: Six hours on low speed
- Price: $199.99
| What We Love | What We Don't Love |
|---|---|
20 speed levels | Heavier than other massage guns on this list |
Comes with 15 different massage heads | Not budget-friendly |
Easy-to-read digital screen | Dimensions and force not listed |
What is a Massage Gun?
Massage isn’t just meant to help to ease tension or de-stress—although those are meaningful benefits. The best athletes know that massage is an important part of a training regimen and that a massage gun can reach muscles that simple rolling and stretching miss. That’s why massage guns are a fixture in elite sports training facilities and gyms.
Massage guns are popular because they put you in control of your massage experience and you don’t have to shell out for expensive professional massages. Plus, self-massage allows you to locate your own trigger points and sore spots to discern exactly what your body needs.
Sure, professional massages are nice, but they’re not feasible for many budgets. A massage gun can be a one-time investment in improving your training regimen—and your health. Ultimately, incorporating the percussive therapy of a massage gun into your workouts could lower your potential for injuries by reducing lactic acid build-up, increasing range of motion and relieving muscle tension.
Do Massage Guns Work?
Like cold plunge therapy and infrared saunas, percussion massage guns are a newer technology that capitalize on centuries of history and evidence-based practices for muscle recovery and alleviating soreness. A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy showed that percussive therapy provided by massage guns alleviated muscle pain, while also making muscles more powerful and flexible. Having said that, you shouldn’t overly rely on massage guns as a cure-all. Taking the time to recover with sleep, and nourishing your body with macro nutrients that build and recover muscle are both still critical aspects of body recomposition training. They can’t be skipped over just because you’ve jump-started the relief process via foam rolling or massage therapy.
How to Choose the Best Massage Gun
The best massage gun is tailored to your specific preferences, budget and lifestyle. If you prefer a gentle vibration to address neck pain, a low-amplitude device could be all the power you need. An athlete looking for deep tissue work might want every bit of power a 16 millimeter massage gun can offer. Those planning to travel with their massage gun—or those who find light-bodied devices easier to hold—may enjoy the portability of a mini massage gun, many of which still pack a punch even in their smaller design. Finally, consider how much versatility you want from your massage gun: Some devices come with a range of speeds, modes and interchangeable massage heads. For the most precise sessions, consider a device with an interactive app, with guided routines and real-time feedback.
As you consider the makeup of your ideal massage gun, familiarize yourself with these features to consider.
Stall force
This measure refers to how much pressure you can apply before the motor stops (that happens with even the most powerful massage guns). The force specification, measured in pounds, lets you know how much force you can apply and determines the potential intensity of the massage. Many devices have a stall force of about 20 to 30 pounds, while some of the best massage guns allow up to 50 pounds of force, made for those who enjoy—or at least tolerate—a ton of pressure.
Amplitude
How deep into the muscle tissue can a massage gun reach? Amplitude, measured in millimeters (mm) describes how far the gun’s head moves back and forth, which controls how deeply it vibrates, or percusses, the muscle. Higher amplitude is not necessarily better, because that tends to deliver deep tissue percussion—and that’s not everyone’s goal. Most of the best massage guns have an amplitude around eight or 10 millimeters, but some of the more powerful models can reach between 12 to 16 millimeters. If you’re not into breaking down tough knots, you can probably stick with a mid-range amplitude.
Speed
The device speed, measured as revolutions per minute (RPM), tells the user how many times the massage gun hits the skin’s surface in one minute. Higher RPM makes the massage more intense. If you want a more gentle sensation, you won’t need to put a high speed device at the top of your list. Most massage guns give you the option to choose your speed so you can dial up the intensity as needed.
Portability
Many massage guns with the best reviews are substantial in size, which isn’t ideal for portability. If you’re looking for something you can travel with or take to the gym, you’ll want a smaller option. Downgrading in size doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice power, so pay attention to amplitude as you compare mini massage guns.
The device’s weight is important when considering portability, but it can also be a factor for those with weakness in their hands or wrists. Since you’ll be doing the massaging, you’ll want the size and handle of your device to be comfortable to lift and maneuver.
Battery
Massage guns typically have built-in batteries that can be recharged, although some do use replaceable single-use batteries. To charge the device, just plug the massage into an outlet or through a USB port. If you buy a massage gun with a built-in battery that fails, you may be out of luck. This is why a solid warranty is key—without it, you may not be guaranteed a replacement if the unit dies prematurely.
It’s important to know how long your unit will run on a single charge. For some, a 90-minute lifespan is just enough. Others want a long five to seven-hour battery life, keeping their massage gun ready for action.
How to use a massage gun
This is the fun part. Using a massage gun is as easy as turning it on and pointing it at your sore spots or muscle knots. Of course, some high-tech options might require a bit more homework. But here’s the gist:
- Adjust your dials to explore different speeds. Take your time. It may take trial and error to get to know which speeds are your favorites.
- Try out the interchangeable massage heads. For instance, you may prefer a narrower massage head at a higher speed to ease your lower back tension, but a wider massage head at a lower speed for your sore legs and arms.
- Integrate health apps that give you the most value from your sessions.
- Test different times of day and scenarios. After all, you can use a home massage gun whenever you want. Many athletes use one before and after workouts or before bed to loosen up tight muscles.
Who should not use a massage gun?
Massage guns should not be used near injuries, including any area that's bruised or swollen. You should also avoid massaging areas where bone sits right beneath the skin, such as your ribs, spine or skull. This is especially true for areas with smaller, more fragile bones, like your hands and feet. Lastly, you should keep massage guns away from organs like your stomach and kidneys. A good general rule is to stick to the fleshier areas of your body, where muscle is the dominant tissue.
Massage gun costs
Massage guns vary widely in price. You can find a starter device around the $100 mark, but many elite massagers run in the $500 to $700 range. The best massage gun for the price will be the one that does what you need it to and fits into your budget. As with any expensive technology, if you plan to invest in a higher-end massage gun, be sure it comes with a warranty that protects your purchase.
Massage gun accessories
Some massage gun brands include extras like chargers, carrying cases and additional massage heads. Massage heads can alter your massage, so consider how a change in head shapes (like fork, flat or bullet) and materials (silicone, foam or rubber) might improve your experience.
Massage gun vs foam roller
Massage guns and foam rollers are both effect tools to help relieve muscle tension. Foam rollers are better for targeting larger areas of the body, and can be safely used along bony areas like the spine. They also can be used to gently stretch muscles that are tight, and are typically more affordable than massage guns. For the extra cost, massage guns can penetrate deeper into your muscles and can target more specific areas of the body. They're also better for those who prefer vibration, whether gentle or intense.
There are, of course, other recovery options out there too. Stretching is an age-old way to help loosen up muscles, and a warm bath can sometimes help tight areas relax a bit. If you're looking for a quick, full-body recovery option, cold plunge tubs are often touted as a great way to help reduce muscle soreness.
How We Choose the Best Massage Guns
In addition to the factors that we suggest you to consider when choosing your massage gun, we had our own criteria for winnowing out the best from the mediocre:
Buyer feedback: The buyer’s experience is of course one of the first factors we parse, especially the feedback of non-incentivized users—there will always be a disclaimer accompanying an online review of an incentivized purchase.
User friendliness: How intuitive it is to use the massage gun is another key consideration. No one wants a tool that soothes your sore muscles, but makes your hand hurt because of lack or ergonomic design or your head hurt trying to figure out the tech to use it. We also avoided guns with non-rechargeable batteries, or other gimmicks that make them difficult to use long-term.
Brand reputation: While brands can’t ride their reputation alone, some name-recognition can be reassuring in a field with many unfamiliar names. Reliable brands also tend to have better warranty coverage to protect your purchase.
Power and versatility: Guns had to meet a certain minimum of power, lest they lack any effectiveness to really dig into your soft tissues and promote workout recovery. We also highlighted whether guns had interchangeable head attachments, which can make the gun more versatile for targeting different muscle groups.
Massage Gun FAQs
Can a massage gun cause damage?
Massage guns aren't harmful when used properly and in moderation. Overusing a massage gun can irritate your muscles or cause bruising, so stop or cut back on using your massage gun if you notice bruising or persistent soreness near areas of use.
Do massage guns get rid of knots?
Massage guns can get rid of knots, though that's not guaranteed. When a massage gun head rapidly presses deep into the skin, it can interrupt muscle contraction, causing muscles to relax. It can also interrupt pain sensors in the target area, and increase healing blood flow to the muscle that's tight and knotted.
Can I use a massage gun every day?
Yes, you can safely use a massage gun every day. Be mindful of how long you use a massage gun each day. Most user guides include recommended ranges of time for each section of the body, which are helpful if you're not sure how much is too much.
Is there a difference between percussion and vibration massagers?
Yes, there is a difference between percussion and vibration massagers. Vibration massagers emit a continuous sensation more akin to a gentle shaking on the skin and muscles, rather than a kneading or pounding feeling that you get from a percussion massager. A vibration massager is generally more for relaxation rather than rehabilitation of muscles, whereas a percussion massager more closely mimics the techniques of therapeutic massage.
Where should I not use a massage gun?
You can potentially bruise or injure yourself on bony areas, like the knees and elbows, if you apply a percussion massage gun. Also be mindful of areas on your body where tissues are healing, since a massage gun could exacerbate inflammation. Be careful about applying a massage gun directly on the spine or neck, which houses vital nerves and vertebrae. Always consult your care provider first, such as a physical therapist, if you’re using a massage gun as part of an injury rehabilitation regimen.
Final thoughts
Buying a massage gun can be a solid investment or a great gift. It’s best to define your specific needs before you start your search. Some people are into true percussion therapy (you may have seen the slo-mo videos that make massage guns look more like jackhammers). Others just want targeted vibrations to keep muscles warm from the bench, or to relax after an intense session. Both approaches have their health perks.
As you shop, remember that “best” isn’t best for everyone. By paying attention to your body’s needs and seeking out an appropriate style, amplitude and force, you’ll end up with the best massage gun for you.
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Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
