Workout Recovery Massage Guns Guide Massage Guns Guide Overview Do They Work How to Use What to Buy Use During Pregnancy We Tested the Best Massage Guns for Every Budget—These 15 Came Out on Top After 72 self-massages, we found the best option for quiet, powerful relief By Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP LinkedIn Jen Zeltwanger is an exercise physiologist and runner with 26 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. She specializes in researching and writing about products that support home and outdoor fitness. Learn about our editorial process Alena Hall, Alena Hall LinkedIn Alena Hall is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. Alena worked as a fitness trainer for two years. She also has experience in private yoga training. Learn about our editorial process and Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT LinkedIn Twitter Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 03, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT LinkedIn Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. VeryWell Fit / Jhett Thompson Massage guns can be helpful tools for relieving sore muscles and preventing soreness when used before and after workouts. They target muscles with rapid-fire pulses, aiming to provide the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your home. When choosing a massage gun, take into consideration your personal noise tolerance, the device's stall force—which is how much pressure you can apply before it shuts off—the gun's weight and shape, and customizing options such as multiple speed selections and head attachments for hitting different muscle groups, so you're receiving targeted benefits. When using a massage gun, you should never use it directly on bones or tendons, says Dr. Theresa Marko, a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist. You only want to use it on parts of your body that have some "cushion," including large muscle groups like the glutes, calves, and quads. To find the best massage guns on the market, we tested 32 massage guns both in the Verywell Testing Lab under the supervision of physical therapist Dr. Monica Saliu, and at home for several weeks, for more than 840 hours of testing. Our testers, who all have varied experience with exercise and massage gun use, used the massage guns pre- and post-workout on multiple muscle groups, including the glutes, hamstrings, upper back, and more, any time they felt sore. We also had a board-certified physical therapist from our Review Board review the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding self-massage tools, and how to use and evaluate massage guns. After testing, we evaluated each device on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for its effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. Our Top Picks Best Overall: opove Apex Massage Gun at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget : RENPHO Power Massage Gun at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget Runner-Up: RecoverFun Mini Massage Gun at Amazon Jump to Review Best Theragun: Therabody Theragun Prime at Walmart Jump to Review Best Budget Theragun: Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Theragun Elite Massage Gun at Amazon Jump to Review Best for the Face: TheraFace Pro at Bergdorfgoodman.com Jump to Review Best High-Intensity: Theragun PRO at Amazon Jump to Review Best Battery Life: Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun at Amazon Jump to Review Best Mini: Renpho Mini Massage Gun at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall opove Apex Massage Gun 5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Stall Force 4.5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Pros Quiet (even on highest setting) Great battery life Easy to maneuver Cons Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some We gave this massage gun a perfect score for effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and value, which is why it was an easy choice for our best overall spot. This massage gun was very effective at reaching specific trigger points and particularly sore spots. As fans of deep tissue massage, we also loved that the device comes with multiple smaller attachments for more intense kneading. Compared to opove's previous model, the opove M3 Pro—which was formerly our best overall pick—this model is quieter, keeping its noise level between 45 and 55 decibels when in use. Even on the highest of its three available speed settings, it’s quieter than the lowest setting of many other massage guns on the market. Although this massage gun has a hefty stall force of 50 pounds, it's still quite lightweight, only weighing 2.3 pounds. Compared to opove's M3 Pro model, we found the Apex easier to maneuver, as it is more compact and features a grippy handle for easy holding (a feature that the M3 Pro model lacked). Its battery life is also competitive, clocking in between three and four hours on one full charge. Plus, we love that it comes with a convenient carrying case, so you don’t have to worry about misplacing any of its six unique attachments. Its three speed settings and six head attachments make this massage gun versatile enough to hit all muscle groups and sore spots, from gentle relaxation to deep massage. We found opove's Apex Massage Gun powerful enough to offer deep relief due to its impressive stall force and 14.5-millimeter stroke length. For anyone who is looking to try out a massage gun or even a more veteran exerciser who has tried massage guns out in the past, this gun is truly versatile. It's great for both people who like more relaxing, lighter massages and people who like deep tissue massage. So whether you need to relieve soreness from high-intensity workouts or just want to wind down after low-impact cardio, like exercising on an elliptical, this massage gun has you covered. Price at time of publication: $246 Key Specs:Noise: 45-55 dB | Stall Force: 50 pounds | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments | Battery Life: 3.5 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Best Budget RENPHO Power Massage Gun 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Renpho.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.9/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 4.4/5 Stall Force 5/5 Portability 4/5 Pros LED Touch Display Auto-Off Timer 6 massage heads Cons May be too powerful for beginners For our best budget pick, we found the Renpho Power Massage Gun to be the most effective massage gun without the hefty price tag. With six powerful percussion speeds, and six different attachments (bullet head, flat head, air cushion, ball head, shovel head, and U head), we found a speed and head shape that worked to relieve muscle tension and aches, leaving us feeling relaxed afterward. And while even the low speeds are quite intense, the longer we use it, the more comfortable we get cranking it up, especially on larger muscles like hamstrings. We felt a major difference when using it before working out, finding we could handle greater resistance and increased range of motion. We think this gun is perfect for athletes looking for more intensive massage gun therapy and people who want and can tolerate deep tissue massage. This L-shaped gun is heavier, but we found it pretty easy to hold. But we did notice the power button, which is the same button that adjusts the speed, is quite close to where your thumb goes, and we found it could be quite easy to click it accidentally. When it came to the stall force power, this gun was really powerful and didn’t turn off with more pressure. It stayed consistently strong throughout the testing period. While we thought the carrying bag that fits all the attachments was helpful, the gun's weight makes it a less appealing choice for traveling. Overall, we found that the strength and effectiveness of the massage on our muscles, the wide variety of attachments, and the noise level (below 45 decibels) make this gun a steal for its price. Price at time of publication: $100 Key Specs:Noise: 45 dB | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments, 6 speeds | Battery Life: 3 hours Best Budget Runner-Up RecoverFun Mini Massage Gun 5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Stall Force 5/5 Portability 5/5 Pros Super lightweight Great battery life Cons Not as powerful as other options Lacks a structured carrying case Mini massage guns aren’t the most powerful options on the market, but they definitely get the job done for people looking for basic relief. This mini massage gun from RecoverFun earned a perfect score for all of our testing attributes: effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. This gun is both affordable and effective, generating up to 3,200 percussions per minute across four different speed settings to provide significant therapeutic relief. Although this massage gun has fewer speed options compared to some others on our list, it doesn’t feel like you can overdo it. The size makes it easy to maneuver: we never felt like the massage gun was going to slip out of our hands or get too unwieldy while testing. The brushless motor is surprisingly quiet, and the battery lasts an impressive five hours on a single charge. The USB charging port design helps you keep it powered up while on the go as well. It only weighs 1.1 pounds, and we found that the ergonomic design makes it both easy and comfortable to hold. Price at time of publication: $79 Key Specs:Noise: 42 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 5 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Best Theragun Therabody Theragun Prime Massage Gun 4.8 Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's View On Best Buy Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stall Force 5/5 Portability 4/5 Pros Affordable Theragun option Ergonomic grip App integration with Bluetooth Cons Handle may be too short for hard-to-reach areas Shorter battery life Theragun is a powerhouse in the massage gun market, and after testing the brand's most popular massage gun models, the Theragun Prime was our favorite. The Prime massage gun earned a perfect score for four of our six testing attributes, which gives it an overall higher rating than the more expensive Theraguns we tested. We felt it was very effective at relieving sore muscles after a workout and was easy to hold and quiet. It's a budget-friendlier option from the brand that still provides all the features you need for sore muscle relief. It comes with four head attachments and a smart app that was very helpful with initial setup and even provides how-to video guides. We love that the brushless motor contains QuietForce Technology that keeps this massage gun pretty quiet while in use without losing power. The device comes with five built-in speeds, but you can also select any speed between 1750-2400 percussions per minute to customize your treatment on manual mode. Price at time of publication: $298 Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 2 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Today, Our Top Theragun Is at Its Lowest Price for Amazon’s October Prime Day Best Budget Theragun Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Best Buy Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Stall Force 5/5 Portability 5/5 Pros Portable Easy to hold Compatible with other Theragun attachments Cons Only comes with one head attachment Low stall force For an even budget-friendlier Theragun that is also easily portable, we recommend this Mini version. We gave the Theragun Mini Massager a perfect score for effectiveness, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. The Mini is perfect for working out knots and tight spots while on the go. Its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to stash in your gym bag or hiking pack, so you can use it anywhere. With a 20-pound stall force and only three speed settings, the Theragun Mini is not as powerful as other massage guns on our list, but we felt a noticeable difference after using it, particularly in hip flexor tension. Mini massage guns are especially useful for people who have weaker hands or struggle with chronic arthritis pain and can't hold heavier devices comfortably for an extended period of time. We like that the Theragun Mini has a sleek, ergonomic grip that helps reduce the strain on your hands. The Theragun Mini is a no-brainer for folks who want the experience of a massage gun without the size/scale of the larger devices. Therabody claims that this 2nd generation Theragun Mini is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than its predecessor, making it even more portable and perfect for travel. Price at time of publication: $199 Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 20 pounds | Weight: 1 pound | Customizability: 3 speed settings | Battery Life: 2.5 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Best Splurge Theragun Elite Massage Gun 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Bergdorfgoodman.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.5/5 Comfort 4/5 Ease of Use 3.5/5 Stall Force 4.5/5 Portability 4.1/5 Pros Ergonomic grip Customizable speed range App integration with Bluetooth Cons Larger size may be difficult to hold The Theragun Elite did not score as well as the Prime during our test, but we still think this is a quality massage gun from a trusted brand that’s worth the splurge for anyone looking for a higher-tech option. The Elite offers five head attachments, including a wedge attachment that can help decrease lactic acid in muscles via a “scraping” motion. Like the Theragun Prime, the Elite comes equipped with QuietForce Technology and smart app integration. The Therabody app integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit and can suggest guided routines based on your fitness program. You can also store up to three preset routines right on your device. The Elite is a little bulky, so holding the gun for a long massage session may be difficult, which is why we didn't give it a perfect score for ease of use. However, we like that the Elite head attachments glide smoothly over sore muscles. We also like that you can easily adjust the speed of the massage gun, which makes the device versatile for soothing mild to deep muscle aches. We had high expectations for Theragun due to its reputation, and it definitely delivered. It's pleasing to the eye, feels high-quality during use, and has minimal flaws or details that could be changed. While there are only three speeds, it's more than enough, and it doesn't skimp on versatility with its five attachment heads. Price at time of publication: $399 Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 40 pounds | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Customizability: 5 head attachments | Battery Life: 2 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples The 7 Best Myofascial Release Tools of 2023 Best for the Face TheraFace Pro Therabody View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Carewell.com View On Dermstore Therabody’s TheraFace Pro is a Modern Facial Device for the Skincare-Obsessed Pros Has additional skincare treatments Ergonomic design Six head attachments Cons Expensive In need of a massage gun...for your face? Meet Therabody's TheraFace Pro. Whether you have irritating jaw pain or facial muscle tension, this innovative facial tool uses gentle percussive massage to ease discomfort. It has three different percussive attachments—flat, cone, and micro-point—to target different areas and concerns. What's more, the device comes with three additional attachments, including cleansing, microcurrent, and LED light therapy rings to help users work toward a variety of skincare goals. It's an eight-in-one device that works to relieve facial pain and tension headaches; target fine lines and wrinkles; and clean and tone the skin. When testing, it provided a relaxing, effective upgrade to our skincare routine. The TheraFace Pro delivers unique treatments, real results, and restorative relaxation. If you’re looking to splurge on an effective device, the TheraFace Pro is worth it to level up your self-care routine. Price at time of publication: $399 Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: Not Applicable | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Customizability: 6 attachments | Battery Life: 120 minutes Verywell Fit / Michelle Parente Best High-Intensity Theragun PRO 4th Generation 4.4 Theragun View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Bloomingdales Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.1/5 Comfort 4.1/5 Ease of Use 4.4/5 Stall Force 4.7/5 Portability 4.5/5 Pros Rotating arm 60-pound stall force Six head attachments Cons Expensive Larger size may be difficult to hold The Pro massage gun is the top-of-the-line from Theragun and a fan favorite. It didn’t perform as well as other options on our list, but we think it’s still a good investment if you’re seeking a truly deep-tissue massage. With a stall force of 60 pounds, six head attachments, and a rotating arm, the Theragun Pro offers maximum intensity and versatility for treating sore muscles—earning a perfect score for effectiveness. The Pro’s arm rotates to four different positions, and the triangular-shaped handle makes it ideal for hard-to-reach spots like the low back, glutes, and hamstrings. The Pro is pretty heavy at almost 3 pounds, so it’s better suited for someone with lots of arm and grip strength or for someone who has a partner or trainer that can assist with the massage session. Like other Theragun devices, the Pro comes with smart app integration and up to three preset routines that can be saved on the device. It also comes with two rechargeable batteries, so you’ll never be left waiting for your massage gun to charge up. We recommend this massage gun to someone who works out very frequently and who has used massage guns in the past and plans to use massage guns very frequently, which would make this worth the cost. We also recommend it to someone who likes deep percussive therapy. Price at time of publication: $599 Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 60 pounds | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments and 4 arm positions | Battery Life: 5 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples The 13 Best Pain Relief Creams of 2023 Best Battery Life Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Sportneer.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Stall Force 5/5 Portability 3.5/5 Pros Long battery life Six head attachments Auto-shutoff feature Cons Low stall force Large size compared to other massage guns The Sportneer Elite D9 has an impressive battery life of up to six hours. After you charge it, you won’t have to worry about recharging it for weeks, depending on how often you use it. This makes it reliable and convenient. The D9 is durable and has a 10-minute auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating, making it a safe choice. It has six speed settings and six head attachments—including two specifically designed for oil massage—allowing you to reach your neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips, and legs for a full-body massage. We found the massage gun very comfortable to use, giving it a perfect score for comfort. The one downside is that it is larger than some devices, so it may be difficult to take on the go. Price at time of publication: $260 Key Specs:Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments | Battery Life: 6 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Best Mini Renpho Mini Massage Gun 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Renpho.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Stall Force 5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Pros Portable and lightweight One-button control Auto-shutoff feature Cons Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some Battery life can affect performance Renpho is no stranger to wellness products, known for its high-tech bathroom scales and foot massagers. At 0.9 pounds, the Mini Massage Gun is the lightest option on our list. We like that it can be gripped perfectly with the palm of your hand and easily packs into a gym bag or suitcase, with or without the included carrying case. However, don’t be fooled by its small size; its lowest setting is still quite powerful. It features five speed settings and four head attachments, from flat to cylinder, and Renpho promises a torque that’s 1.5 times higher than competitors—which means a lower likelihood of stalling. When testing, we liked the high quality of the device and its carrying case and liked that it included a body map with suggestions for which attachments to use. We gave the massage gun a perfect score for stall force, ease of use, and portability. The one-button control is convenient for turning on the device and increasing its speed, but note that after reaching maximum speed, the next push of the button returns the speed to level 1 instead of shutting it off completely. Price at time of publication: $75 Key Specs:Noise: 45 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 4 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Most Versatile Renpho R4 Massage Gun with Adjustable Arm Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Skin-friendly material Includes carrying case Ergonomic handle Cons May not be as durable as others After testing the Renpho R4 Pro Massage Gun, we found it to be truly the most versatile massage gun we’ve tried. With six different attachments and four speeds for each one, we were able to use this gun in multiple ways. We found the circular attachment perfect for sore hamstrings and the balls of our feet after a hard workout. The bullet-shaped attachment was also great for our shoulders and tight pec muscles. With numerous options, we found many of the attachments were effective in a few different ways, especially as the massage heads are rotatable and can be turned at different angles to reach specific spots on the body. While it took us a while to figure out how to work the settings, different attachments, and angles, we saw just how versatile the gun can be once we figured it out. It felt natural to use the different heads on different muscle groups, and it was relatively easy to determine which head would work best on what muscle. The ergonomic silicone handle makes it easy to hold without slipping, and it was comfortable to use for lengthier periods. During our tests, we noticed that it would switch off after about 10-15 minutes, which we appreciated as a reminder to change positions to avoid cramping. The 4-speed settings were exactly what we needed, with even the lowest speed providing an effective and relieving massage. However, the higher speeds are quite strong and might be painful if you’re not used to that. While the gun may look bulky, we actually thought it was quite lightweight and found it portable with the handy carrying case it comes with. While it’s more expensive, we think this gun offers incredible value for the money when considering how lightweight and versatile it is, with so many interchangeable handles and the rotating function on the handle. We think it’s suitable for a range of people, whether you work in an office and are looking for some muscle and tension release or you're an athlete who needs an intensive massage between weightlifting and cardio workouts. Price at time of publication: $170 Key Specs:Noise: 45 dB | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Customizability: 4-speed settings, 6 head attachments, 5 angles | Battery Life: 2.5 hours Best Stall Force Achedaway Pro 16mm Massage Gun 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Achedaway.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stall Force 5/5 Portability 4/5 Pros Auto-shutoff safety feature Carrying case included High stall force Cons Battery life can affect performance Heavy If you prefer more aggressive massages, consider Achedaway’s Pro 16mm Massage Gun. It has the highest stall force on our list at 80 pounds and five speed settings. The massage gun weighs 2.5 pounds, so it’s not the lightest but not the heaviest on our list. We did find it difficult to hold with one hand when massaging hard-to-reach areas like the back, so the weight is a compromise to consider if you’re looking for a powerful device. We still think it’s worth the tradeoff, though, given that the device earned a perfect score for effectiveness. It features a battery life of two to three hours, but we like that you can buy an extra battery to double its battery life. A low battery can impact its performance and intensity, so you may need to plan ahead and make sure you have a full charge before using the device. For safety, it includes an auto-shutoff feature when not in use. Plus, we found it easy to use, set up, and to attach the different attachments it came with. The massage gun comes equipped with a carrying case, four massage heads, and a removable battery. Price at time of publication: $299 Key Specs:Noise: 40-60 dB | Stall Force: 80 pounds | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: Up to 3 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Best Quiet Toloco Massage Gun 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Newegg.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stall Force 4.5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Pros Very quiet 10 head attachments 20 speed levels Cons Amplitude is shorter than other massage guns Some users report battery stops holding a charge The TOLOCO Massage Gun’s brushless motor is built with noise-reduction technology that keeps it at 40 decibels, making it the quietest on our list. We found it easy to use, lightweight, and impressively quiet, giving it a nearly perfect score for ease of use, comfort, and portability. The stall force for this gun is not listed by the manufacturer, but even though the motor is quiet, it's still powerful. We had no trouble applying a lot of pressure when using it and felt the higher settings were appropriately intense without causing the gun to vibrate too much, earning it a nearly perfect score for stall force. The TOLOCO is versatile and easy to use. We like that it comes with ten head attachments and 20-speed levels, making it easy to adjust for different muscle groups, like neck and shoulders or glutes and hamstrings. Price at time of publication: $50 Key Specs:Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Customizability: 10 head attachments | Battery Life: 4 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples The 14 Best Foam Rollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best with Extended Arm RENPHO Extend Massage Gun 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Renpho.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Comfort 4.9/5 Ease of Use 4.6/5 Stall Force 5/5 Portability 4/5 Pros Weighs less than 2 pounds Detachable extension handle Long lasting battery life Cons May not be powerful enough for some We love the Renpho Extend Massage Gun’s detachable long handle, which makes it a breeze to massage hard-to-reach parts on our back. It covers all our needs with four massage heads and four massage speeds. We found that the different attachments were a great way to address specific muscle groups, with smaller attachments being effective on smaller muscles and, likewise for bigger attachments on bigger muscle groups. Plus, they were easy to swap out while we changed between muscle groups. We found it incredibly effective at relieving muscle tension and pain in places like our back and neck. The noise reduction technology on the gun means the sound runs below 45 decibels, making for a pretty quiet massage. We found that the strength of each speed was appropriately intense for the level, making it effective in warming up muscles before a workout, releasing muscle tension, and helping with deeper muscle pains. We also loved how easy the long handle was to use and didn’t find it tiring to hold for longer periods. The more we used it, the more comfortable it became because we learned how to hold it in better positions to work the slight curve on the handle. However, we found that the smaller attachments meant for deeper tissue massage need to be used with care because we found them to be a little painful when used incorrectly. The rest felt incredibly intuitive. While this gun has numerous parts and attachments, we noticed it doesn’t have a carrying case to fit everything for portable use. However, the gun on its own is very lightweight and can be traveled with easily. At a lower price than other massage guns on our list, we feel that this gun offers great value for the money, with quality that compares to much pricier guns. We’d especially recommend this gun if you are a casual athlete or someone who works out a lot and needs some muscle release. Price at time of publication: $60 Key Specs:Noise: 45 dB | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Customizability: 4-speed settings, 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 240-300 minutes Best for Travel Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Best Buy Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Comfort 4.3/5 Ease of Use 4.7/5 Stall Force 5/5 Portability 5/5 Pros TSA approved for carry-on Compact Three plug adapters for travel Cons Short battery life No carrying case The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is our travel pick because it is lightweight and portable. It weighs less than 2 pounds, comes with three plug adapters for international outlets, and is TSA-compliant for carry-on. It comes with two head attachments and three-speed settings, and we found it effective at relieving muscle tightness and soreness between workouts. We also love that it helped increase our range of motion before a workout. When testing, we found the massager to be relatively quiet and easy to use with a one-button control—earning the device a perfect score for ease of use. When testing, we liked how lightweight the device was and found that the handle was also easy to hold and maneuver. This makes it great for hard-to-reach spots like the low back and feet. Unlike other massage guns on our list, this one only comes with two head attachments, making it a little bit less versatile than other options but more portable. One is a flat, circular attachment that works great on bigger muscles like hamstrings, quads, back, and chest. The second attachment is a bullet shape, which we liked using above our knees, on the front of a shoulder, or on our hips. This newer version of the Hyperice has a longer battery life, advertised as up to three hours. During testing, we found the battery life surprisingly good, and we only needed to charge it twice over a month of regular use. While we found the stall force on this gun to be really high, it did decrease when the battery was low. But with three adapters, you can charge it on the go, and it’s back to its original strength in no time. Price at time of publication: $199 Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Customizability: 2 head attachments | Battery Life: 3 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Best Everyday Ekrin Athletics B37 Massage Gun 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Ekrinathletics.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Comfort 4.9/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Stall Force 4.5/5 Portability 4.8/5 Pros Easy to hold Customizable speed range Long battery life Cons Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some Ekrin's B37 Massage Gun features eight hours of battery life, five-speed settings, and four head attachments for an all-in-one compact and easy-to-use device. It's ultra-quiet, lightweight, and has a convenient carry case for easy portability. We love the ergonomically designed 15-degree angled handle for a more comfortable reach. We found this massage gun effective at relieving muscle tension in our super-sore shoulders, glutes, and legs—earning the device a perfect score for effectiveness. With adjustable speed settings and head attachments, Ekrin's B37 offers complete customization. We find it perfect for everyday use: It's comfortable to hold, completely customizable, and reliably durable. We love that the device is quieter and has a longer battery life than many other massage guns on our list. It's a powerhouse massager that will get the job done. But we recommend a gentler option for those with weaker, more fragile muscles, such as RecoverFun's Mini Massage Gun. Price at time of publication: $300 Key Specs:Noise: 35-55 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 2.2 | Customizability: 5 speed settings, 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 8 hours Compare Overall Rating Effectiveness Comfort Ease of Use Stall Force Portability Best Overall: opove Apex Massage Gun Amazon 5 5 5 5 4.5 4.5 Best Budget : RENPHO Power Massage Gun Amazon 4.8 4.9 4.5 4.4 5 4 Best Budget Runner-Up: RecoverFun Mini Massage Gun Amazon 5 5 5 5 5 5 Best Theragun: Therabody Theragun Prime Walmart 4.8 5 5 4.5 5 4 Best Budget Theragun: Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0 Amazon 4.9 5 4.5 5 5 5 Best Splurge: Theragun Elite Massage Gun Amazon 4.2 4.5 4 3.5 4.5 4.1 Best for the Face: TheraFace Pro Bergdorfgoodman.com Testing Now Best High-Intensity: Theragun PRO Amazon 4.4 4.1 4.1 4.4 4.7 4.5 Best Battery Life: Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun Amazon 4.5 4.5 5 4 5 3.5 Best Mini: Renpho Mini Massage Gun Amazon 4.6 4 4 5 5 4.5 Most Versatile: Renpho R4 Massage Gun Amazon Testing Now Best Stall Force: Achedaway Pro 16mm Massage Gun Amazon 4.7 5 5 4.5 5 4 Best Quiet: Toloco Massage Gun Amazon 4.5 4 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 Best with Extended Arm: RENPHO Extend Massage Gun Amazon 4.8 5 4.9 4.6 5 4 Best for Travel: Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 Amazon 4.7 5 4.3 4.7 5 5 Best Everyday: Ekrin Athletics Massage Gun Amazon 4.9 5 4.9 5 4.5 4.8 How We Rated the Massage Guns 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best massage guns we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These massage guns are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great massage guns, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These massage guns are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend massage guns with this rating; you won't find any on our list. We Also Tested In total, we tested 32 massage guns but only included 12 in our final list of recommendations. While these four didn't make our top picks list, the devices have some note-worthy features worth mentioning. The Hypervolt 2 is a powerful massage gun that effectively loosens tight muscles and works deeply on our knots. We noticed that the percussion has quite a high intensity, even on the lowest setting, so it may be best to try it out only on big muscle groups to determine your comfort level. Ultimately, we found it too intense and uncomfortable to include in our list of top picks. The Musclegun Carbon is a travel-sized massage gun that's comfortable to use and easy to wield. During testing, we found it quieter than other options we tried. But we also noted that it wasn't as powerful as massage guns with a higher stall force, and we ultimately reached for a more powerful massage gun in order to relieve muscle tension. This, along with some other flaws, ultimately led us to dock points for its overall value. VYBE's Percussion Massage Gun scored high marks for portability and stall force, but ultimately we found it to be too noisy and shaky to use effectively, which ended up leading us to dock points from its overall rating. Wahl's Deep Tissue Percussion Massager is an atypical massage gun that scored well for stall force and effectiveness, but lost points for ease of use. We found the unusual size of this massager not as effective as a typical massage gun, docking points for overall value. How We Tested the Massage Guns To narrow down the best massage guns, we consulted board-certified Orthopedic physical therapist Theresa Marko for expert guidance on safety precautions, best practices, and what features to look for in a massage gun. We tested 32 different devices at home and in the Verywell Testing Lab. Testers in the lab were accompanied by onsight physical therapist Monica Saliu. Seventeen testers—including a certified personal trainer, a certified barre instructor, and a certified yoga teacher—used each massage gun at least four times and at least once a week: Once before and after an upper-body workout and once before and after a lower-body workout for 3-5 minutes a session. We took note of whether our muscles felt more warmed up when using the massage gun before a workout and if doing so also helped increase our range of motion. We made sure to use the massage gun directly after a workout. In the following days, we took note of whether using the massage gun helped prevent or alleviate muscle fatigue. We also used the massage gun any time we felt sore or stiff or had muscle tightness and took note of how our muscles felt afterward. We then wrote detailed descriptions and rated each massage gun, both from our experience using it in the Lab and after using it at home for at least a month. We then scored each massage gun on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) in the categories of effectiveness, comfort (handle shape and weight), ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. We also gave each massage gun an overall rating reflecting whether we would recommend it to a friend or family member. We were then asked to evaluate the safety and noise level of the device and if the included instructions were clear and helpful. 0:29 Massage Guns (Verywell Fit) What to Look For in a Massage Gun Noise The motors that power massage guns can be surprisingly loud, so it can be a rather unpleasant experience to use them on neck and shoulder muscles. “When you use a massage gun, noise is generated by the motor units, which is important to consider when you plan to use the device on muscles closer to the ears,” Latoya Julce, a fitness professional and registered nurse in New York City, says. Luckily, lots of the newer models prioritize decreasing this motor noise. Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz Stall Force This term refers to the amount of pressure you can apply to the head of the massage gun before the motor stalls. “It’s important because if you want to add the pressure of the massage gun on the tissues and the unit stops moving, then it’s not helpful and the massage gun isn’t doing what you need it to do,” Dr. Karena Wu, DPT, board-certified physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City and India, says. People who want deeper, more aggressive percussive therapy typically need massage guns with higher stall force. Weight Because these devices are often held with one hand, weight is a vital factor. “Weight is important because you have to hold the unit in your hand and be in a position to have the massage gun hit your tissues,” Dr. Wu says. She notes that if a unit is too heavy, you can end up with a fatigued arm, unable to target the correct tissues. You want to feel confident that you can hold the massage gun steadily and safely on the targeted muscle while it’s running at top speed. Customization Consider customization as you think about which muscles you typically need to target and what type of massage therapy you enjoy using on those muscles. Some massage guns come with a handful of head attachments, some offer an adjustable head angle on the device itself, some provide both of these features, and some neglect both. Dr. Wu says that pinpoint, flat, and curved attachments help target a variety of different muscles and tensions. “If you’re really tight and tender, then starting with a flat head attachment would be best to warm up the tissues without discomfort,” she says. Frequently Asked Questions How do massage guns help sore muscles? Massage guns provide percussive or vibration therapy, which is a type of massage that applies rapid bursts of pressure to muscle tissue. Percussive therapy helps increase blood flow to a hyper-targeted area, which can then help reduce inflammation and muscle tension, as well as begin to break up knots that may have formed in the muscle tissue due to stress or following a particularly intense workout.Massage guns do not completely eliminate muscle soreness, but they can help alleviate it. Can massage guns be harmful? Yes, massage guns can be harmful if they are used improperly. Most experts recommend massaging a specific area for no more than two minutes at a time, and it's important to massage soft muscle tissue exclusively. Avoid using a massage gun on bone, tendons, ligaments, and the trunk of your neck (near your carotid arteries).It's also best to avoid using a massage gun on existing wounds and injuries, as the additional blood flow can exacerbate that inflammation rather than alleviate it. Remember: A sore muscle is not the same as a strained, pulled, or torn muscle.Lastly, it's not a good idea to use a massage gun on a place with impaired sensation because you won't be able to tell if you're actually creating further damage to the area. Which massage gun head should I use? It depends on the type of massage you're after. Big round head attachments are typically used on larger muscle groups like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Its larger surface area makes it more efficient on these larger targets. Meanwhile, a small round head attachment is a great all-around pick that works well across the body.Some massage guns come with a flat head attachment, which works better on smaller surface area targets, such as between the shoulder blades and along the length of the IT bands. A flat head is particularly helpful on denser muscles.The bullet-shaped attachment is ideal for targeting smaller areas of muscle soreness like your hands and feet. Just be mindful of the pressure applied with the bullet attachment because it's quite concentrated to a small surface area, and be extra careful to avoid bone, tendons, and ligaments.Lastly, the two-prong attachment that looks like a vertebra helps bring relief to trigger points along the spine, especially toward the lower back. Again, be careful to never press the attachment itself against the spine. Where should I not use a massage gun? To avoid injury, refrain from using massage guns on bones, tendons, ligaments, and the trunk of your neck. Using a massage gun on parts of the body that aren't soft muscle tissue could lead to inflammation, pain, or even nerve damage and torn tendons in some cases. It's important to learn how to use a massage gun properly before starting your percussive therapy journey. If you are experiencing joint pain, injury, acute muscle pain, or other musculoskeletal disorders, make sure to get clearance from your doctor before using a massage gun. How much should I spend on a massage gun? The price of a massage gun ranges quite widely. You can expect to pay between $70-$599 for a quality massage gun. Cheaper options tend to be good for entry-level users who are testing out a massage gun for the first time, but may not be as durable as other, more expensive options. Those looking for higher stall force and longer-lasting battery life will likely have to shell out more than $200. The cheapest massage gun on our list is available for less than $80, while our top recommendation, the Opove Apex Massage Gun was $250 when we published this list. Why Trust Verywell Fit Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and long-time fitness writer. Jen has been involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications, like Sass Magazine and Field Hockey Life Magazine. She uses the TOLOCO Massage Gun to relax her stiff back and uses it after training and runs to loosen her tight hips. She considers it an essential part of her training program. Additional reporting by Alena Hall As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how critical a quality recovery practice is to a person’s overall fitness routine. She's always exploring the latest and greatest health gadgets as they enter the market, but more importantly, she looks for scientific research that validates their claims. 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Imtiyaz S, Veqar Z, Shareef MY. To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(1):133-136. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/7294.3971 Imtiyaz S, Veqar Z, Shareef MY. To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(1):133-6. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/7294.3971 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit