The 16 Best Massage Guns to Soothe Your Tired, Achy Muscles, Tested & Reviewed
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Whether you’re a marathoner, bodybuilder, yogi or average human just trying to squeeze in an at-home workout, nothing feels better post-exercise than a massage. (Preferably in front of the television, binging the latest hit show.) Enter: the best massage guns. So what’s so great about them? According to personal trainer Ashley Castleberry, these handy little tools use rapid punching motions to provide percussive therapy. “This helps relieve muscle soreness, reduce stiffness, increase range of motion, promote blood flow and support muscle recovery,” she explains. “Specifically, they break up knots and scar tissue, increase circulation, and prepare the muscles for activity.” The Cleveland Clinic states that this can be an effective means of reducing knots and decreasing tight muscle tissue ahead of your workouts, which may lessen your likelihood of injury.
Alternately, these gadgets aim to provide relief to pressure points in areas like your neck, back and shoulders, and reduce (or at the very least, delay) post-workout inflammation and soreness by lowering your muscles’ ability to create a buildup of lactic acid—the source of all that discomfort. The best massage gun for you will depend on several key factors, including the amount of pressure applied, the speed of vibration, the battery life, the weight and the noise level.
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Meet the Expert
Ashley Castleberry is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist based in Tampa, Florida. Her specialties are athletic training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training. Prior to opening a private practice, Castleberry worked with popular gym brands including Orangetheory Fitness and Critical Bench.
How We Tested the Best Massage Guns
To determine the best massage guns, PureWow editors and their evaluation team tested most of the massage guns on this list over six weeks. They considered features such as amplitude, number of speed settings, battery life, noise level, attachments, portability and ease of use. We also asked Castleberry what brands she recommends.
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1. Theragun PRO Massage Gun
There’s a reason Theragun is one of the most well-known massage gun brands: Its products have a reputation for being high quality and effective. But does it justify the price? PureWow’s senior director of special projects and royals, Rachel Bowie, thinks so. “The fourth generation model is effective, a touch quieter than previous iterations and helped wake up my creaky-feeling body, whether I was taking a break from my desk or headed out for a workout,” she says. “I loved how easy it was to set up and use, but also to rotate the attachments to tailor the recovery to what my body needs.” The ergonomic triangle handle is adjustable, making it easy to control and maneuver. The device can connect to your phone and app via Bluetooth for personalized routines. And if you’re new to the whole setup, no fear. The OLED screen displays four built-in routines you can try. Theragun also has an often sold-out fifth-generation iteration with the brand’s proprietary EQ-50 tech. That means it’s 20 percent quieter than previous designs.
2. SKG F5 Massage Gun
This is the massage gun you can throw in your purse—literally. It’s super compact but still packs in the features, with three speed settings and attachments. Because of its size, the battery lasts up to 12 hours. It’s also a great heated option without a heavy price tag. “I keep this guy in my car so that I can treat my pals to a quick warmup massage before our group workouts at the beach or in the park,” says PureWow senior editor Dana Dickey. “I love that it’s lightweight yet still delivers a satisfying punch, and that heated base of the handle is great to really dig into shoulders and hips where the tightness and soreness are really deep.”
3. Hyperice Hypervolt Pro 2 Massage Gun
Athletes from the NBA, PGA and MLB (that’s just getting started) say a Hyperice massage gun does the job—and PureWow executive managing editor Catrina Yohay, who is a former Division 1 athlete herself, can attest. “It’s got power with a capital P,” she says. “Right out of the box I was impressed (if not a little intimidated). [It has a] long pill-shaped handle [with anti-slip coating] for easy gripping. According to the website, the device weighs 2.6 pounds, but it feels much heavier. The weight actually aided the massage. I didn’t have to physically press the gun into my muscles as hard as I’ve had to with other devices. It did all the work while my hand was just there to guide it along.” Yohay also praised the design of the percussion dial. She liked that a light indicated whether it was on, and the placement made it easy to adjust mid-massage. “Even at the lowest level, it felt like it was doing more with less power and the percussion overall felt smoother and more even compared to other models I’ve tried,” she shares. The massage gun has five speed settings controlled by a sleek digital dial. It’s also travel-friendly, the compact design fitting easily into carry-ons—though Yohay did note that it is heavy. The Hypervolt Pro 2 connects via Bluetooth to the Hyperice app, where you’ll find guided routines from pro athletes.
4. Medcursor Massage Gun
No need to wield a heavy-duty piece of machinery when your muscles are already fatigued. Medcursor’s 2.5-pound massage gun fits in the palm of your hand, making it easy to hold and use without strain. But just because it’s small doesn’t mean it isn’t effective. This device features five levels of intensity (up to an 11-millimeter amplitude) and comes with six interchangeable massage heads to target everything from achy joints to painful back knots. It also has long-lasting battery, which lasts up to four-and-a-half hours with constant use, or it can go days without charging if in sleep mode. “Can confirm the battery lasts forever,” Yohay says. “I got it as a gift in 2021 and have literally only charged it once (sporadic use but still, impressive). I love how strong the highest intensity level is, and that there are so many that progressively get stronger to help you ease in.”
5. Theragun Mini
On the go? Then you need the Theragun Mini, which is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than previous iterations. But don’t be fooled by the size (it literally fits in your palm). It still packs in three speeds and attachments with 12mm amplitude and two hours of battery life. You can connect it via Bluetooth to the Therabody app to access different wellness routines. The ergonomic grip makes it easy to maneuver across tired muscles, and it all packs up nicely in a soft case. “For such a little guy, this packs a punch,” says Dickey, who likes keeping it in her car for a quick pre-workout warm-up or to soothe an achy lower back after sitting in L.A. rush hour traffic. “I appreciate the overall design which is a handy palm grip that lets you really press down on tight muscles.” The cute matte pastel finish is a bonus.
6. Ekrin Athletics B37 Massage Gun
If you want a massage gun that packs in the power at a more reasonable price than $500, the Ekrin Athletics B37 massager is it. Our tester, a physical therapy student and athlete, says that was the first thing she noticed about it. “Having used several other massage guns over the years, two of them being big name brands in the sports medicine/fitness worlds, I was pleasantly impressed with the B37’s power, even on the lowest frequency setting,” she reports. “I also really appreciate that there are four head attachments that come with the gun. I have used all of them; I can’t say which one is my favorite though because they all serve different functions!” She did note that one drawback was, due to its size, it was sometimes difficult to apply adequate pressure without fatiguing from controlling the massage gun’s vibrations. We also love that the angled 15-degree handle minimizes fatigue during use and that it’s quiet. (The sound output is likened to rainfall.) There are four attachments that help you target specific body parts, including the hands/feet, large muscle groups and the spine.
7. Ekrin Athletics Bantam Mini Massage Gun
Whether you’re a frequent traveler wanting to keep up with your workout routine or a tired parent who wants a quick ten-minute massage at the end of a long day, anyone will appreciate the comprehensive little package that is the Bantam Mini. “I liked that the compact size that meant I could hold it in one hand while using it, leaving my other hand free to type an email or sip a coffee,” shares PureWow executive editor Alexia Dellner. “I was impressed by how quiet each one was, no matter which of the three speed options I selected. I found the vibrations to be powerful and effective, and the battery lasts a long time.” Her only caveat was that the massage gun came with a charging cable but no port, so be prepared to repurpose one from your phone or computer. The Bantam Mini is 50 percent smaller than Ekrin’s B37 model, but still comes with four attachments and three speed settings. The battery will last up to six hours, and the USB-C charger can be plugged into a laptop or power bank for portable charging. It also has an automatic shutoff feature after ten minutes. The whole setup is just slightly taller than an iPhone, making it easy to throw in a suitcase or backpack.
8. Achedaway Pro 16mm Amplitude Massage Gun
If you’ve ever used a massage gun, you know the pain of hitting a bone. What we like about the Achedaway Pro ia the bounciness of the attachments, specifically the round ball head. The brand designed it to be gentle but effective. There are three other attachments: flat, bullet and fork heads. With an amplitude of 16mm, it’s one of the highest on this list, making for a deep, thorough massage. Our tester appreciated the minimalist design and convenient battery life display, as well as the compact traveling case. She did note that, like some of the other picks, the massage gun can be bulky and hard to maneuver for those with smaller hands. The battery will last up to three hours and the gun is relatively quiet, ranging from 40db (library) to 60db (conversation).
9. FitRx Pro
“My dad received the FitRx Pro massager as a gift from his sister and I honestly steal it all the time to use it on sore muscles or when I’m really stressed and notice knots forming,” shares PureWow assistant commerce editor Stephanie Meraz. “It’s really powerful yet relaxing.” The FitRx Pro has a maximum stall force of 17 pounds, which is on the lower end, but considering the price, it’s not bad—especially if you’re not a serious athlete. There are five speed settings and an adjustable arm that bends at zero, 45 and 90 degrees, so no sore muscle is out of reach. There are also seven attachments, including heat and freeze heads.
10. Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
Not everyone needs one million attachments that heat and cool and pay their taxes. (Kidding on the last one.) But seriously—if you’re someone who wants to keep things simple, the Hypervolt Go 2 is the best massage gun. There are just two attachments (flat and bullet) and three speeds. “It’s not as strong or intense as the other Hypervolt but I love the smaller size,” Yohay says. “It’s great for travel but also just using at home while watching TV or before heading out for a run. Feels like less of a production to grab and use and it has a smaller footprint overall. It’s pretty light and easy to use.” She did find that powering up was a challenge, as the power button also control the percussion.
11. Renpho Active Thermacool
PureWow senior commerce editor Stephanie Maida uses the Renpho Active Theramcool massage gun before and after her boxing classes. She most frequently uses the hot/cold head, noting that the highest heat setting is comfortable but that the cold one can be extreme. Maida observed that after using the massage gun, she didn’t experience the usual soreness that came with a workout hiatus. The hot/cold massage head needs to be charged separately from the gun itself, and there are temperature settings to choose from. It has five speeds and is, Maida notes, smaller than a standard blow dryer, so it’s easy to hold. However, it is heavy, so you might not want to haul it to the gym.
12. Toloco Deep Tissue Massage Gun
PureWow’s operations director of branded content, Rachel Gulmi, found that the affordable Tolocco Deep Tissue Massage Gun was a great way to tide her over between physical therapy sessions while she recovering from a herniated disk. “I got this massage gun to try and get some extra relief outside of PT and oh my gosh! I don’t think I ever realized how sore all of my muscles were until I started using this. It feels so good and I finally understand what all the hype is about.” This massage gun has a whopping nine attachments—the most on this list. They include the standard round, flat, fork and elbow heads, in addition to others that target areas like the abdominals, hands and feet. There are also seven speed settings and a convenient LED touch screen that displays all the info.
13. Turonic GM5 Massage Gun
The Turonic GM5 massage really *hits the spot.* (Pardon our pun). PureWow’s vice president of news and entertainment, Philip Mutz, says, “As someone who works out a lot, the Turonic is incredible for targeting sore areas both before and after a workout (particularly my neck, upper back and legs). Though there are seven different massage heads, I find myself using the ball head and the cone head most. The latter is amazing at targeting a specific area that is bothering me.” Mutz also notes that the battery life is great (he hasn’t charged it in weeks) and that changing the heads is easy, as they pop on and off. He appreciates the size as well—small, with a convenient storage case. “I will say, the higher speeds are a bit much to the point of being uncomfortable to me, but luckily there are five speed settings so I mostly keep things in the first three speeds for a comfortable and effective massage.”
14. Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
The Bob and Brad Q2 mini massage gun checks all the boxes for an athlete on-the-go: plenty of attachments, compact and lightweight. And when we say light, we mean it: It’s less than a pound. While the bulkiness of other models have deterred testers from taking their massage guns to the gym, PureWow associate entertainment editor Nakeisha Campbell had no problem toting this one with her. “It’s also easy to grip and while small, it packs a lot of power,” she says. “As someone who does a lot of weight-lifting and resistance training, I typically experience a lot of muscle tension and soreness after my workouts. Typically, I’d devote time to stretching, but after trying out this massage gun, I noticed that my level of soreness went down dramatically. I also like that there’s a variety of massage heads to attach, depending on the type of massage you're looking for.”
15. OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun
It may not be a Theragun, but customers seem to love the OPOVE M3 Pro. The ideal compromise between affordability (it’s under $200) and quality, this baby has six different attachment heads that are specifically designed to work each muscle group in different ways. It’s got five different speeds that can be used to warm up, relax or deeply massage muscles, and it also comes with a convenient carrying case, which we love for runs to the gym.
16. LifePro Sonic Massage Gun
If this is your first foray into the world of massage guns, LifePro has you covered. Its easy start guide and video library will show you exactly how to use this machine. Before you know it, using the eight interchangeable heads to improve recovery, loosen tight muscles and release knots will become second nature. The round tool works to reduce soreness post-workout, and the spinal head loosens tight back tissues. For more heavy-duty relief, the bullet-shaped heads are designed to release knots, while the flat tool will simulate a no-nonsense deep-tissue massage.
What to Consider When Buying a Massage Gun
“When buying a massage gun, consider the amplitude/depth of percussion, number of speed settings, battery life, size/portability and noise level,” Castleberry advises. “Ensure it comes with multiple massage heads for targeting different muscle groups.” Here are six factors to consider:
How Does a Massage Gun Work?
As Castleberry explains, “A massage gun works through rapid, repetitive percussion into the muscle tissue.” As a result, the muscles will relax and release tension. Additionally, the vibration increases blood flow to the area.
Can Massage Guns Help with Cellulite?
Vibration therapy has proven effective at lessening cellulite, which is a clumpy area on the skin’s surface caused by fat cells multiplying in between the skin and the muscles. Massage guns increase blood flow to the area affected by cellulite, breaking up the fat for the body to absorb.
How to Use a Massage Gun
You can safely use a massager for 15 to 20 minutes two to three times a day, depending on the strength and type of massager. Excessive use of a massager can result in bruising and muscle exhaustion, so talk to your doctor before significantly ramping up your massager use. You should also avoid using a massager on bony areas.
When Shouldn’t You Use a Massage Gun?
You should avoid using a massage gun on bones, arteries, veins, wounds, infected areas and strained muscles. Castleberry counsels that you should also skip the neck and abdomen.
Is Theragun or Hyperice Better?
“In my opinion as a trainer, the Theragun Prime and Theragun Pro models beat the Hypervolt models in amplitude depth, stall force, and customization,” Castleberry says. “However, the Hypervolt may be quieter.”
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