Fitness Gear Equipment Workout Recovery Guide Workout Recovery Guide Overview Benefits and Terms Cooldown Active Recovery Rest Days Post-Workout Nutrition Why Post-Workout Nutrition Matters What to Eat Post-Workout Protein Carbohydrates Hydration Recovery Modalities Compression Ice Baths Massage Foam Rolling Gear, Supplements, and Apps What To Buy: Compression Socks What To Buy: Massagers What To Buy: Foam Roller What To Buy: Recovery Shoes What To Buy: Supplements and Food What To Buy: Infrared Sauna Blankets Stretching Apps The 10 Best Massagers of 2023 The Theragun G3 PRO is powerful and effective By 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 Updated on April 19, 2022 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 Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Fit / Crea Taylor Regardless of whether you work at a desk all day or test your body’s limits with intense workouts on the weekends, you’re probably no stranger to muscle aches, soreness, and tension. The good news? A massager can give you the targeted relief your body needs—and right from the comfort of your own home. The best massagers offer different massage types, heat, compression, and portability. Reviewed & Approved The Theragun G3 PRO is our top pick because it's powerful, versatile, and effective. If you're looking for a quality massage chair, try the Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair. From massage guns to massage chairs to foot massage machines, there's a wide range of massage tools worth giving a try. Other features to consider include battery life, versatility, and user-friendliness. We researched popular options with these features in mind. Here are the best massagers on the market right now. Our Top Picks Best Massage Gun: Theragun PRO at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Feet: Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine at Amazon Jump to Review Best Massage Chair: Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair at Amazon Jump to Review Best Vibrating Foam Roller: Hyperice Vyper 2 High-Intensity Vibrating Foam Roller at Best Buy Jump to Review Best Stick: The Stick Original at Amazon Jump to Review Best Trigger Point Wand: Thera Cane Massager at Amazon Jump to Review Best Massage Ball: Trigger Point Foam Massage Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hands: Lunix LX3 Electric Hand Massager at Amazon Jump to Review Best Massage Mat: Snailax Memory Foam Massage Mat with Heat at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: Homedics Marbelous Mini Massager at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For What Experts Say FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit? Best Massage Gun Theragun PRO 4th Generation 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Theragun.com Pros Versatile massage tool Powerful Top-quality Cons Expensive Louder than other massagers The TheraGun PRO is a top-of-the-line massage gun that uses powerful percussive therapy to help enhance muscle recovery after exercise, release stress and tension held in muscle tissue, and soothe muscular discomfort. Its ergonomic grip and rotating arm help you pinpoint even the hard-to-reach muscular areas of your back and hold the massage gun steady as it works its magic. The easy-to-read OLED screen on the massage gun will display your current speed and a responsive force meter. You can customize the speed range via the Therabody app that connects to the device via Bluetooth. The app allows you to pre-set your preferred level of force and alternate between them with ease, and it learns your habits to suggest customized treatments. Meanwhile, it comes with two rechargeable batteries that provide up to 150 minutes of runtime each, so you can use them interchangeably. It also features six attachment heads for different massage effects across various parts of the body. Price at time of publication: $599 Key specs:Product Weight: 2.9 pounds | Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.9 x 2.8 inches | Massage Type: Percussive Therapy | Heat Feature: No | Compression Feature: No The 11 Best Massage Guns of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Feet Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Simple to operate Stores away easily Handy 15-minute timer function Cons Pays less attention to the tops of the feet and ankles Made for smaller feet Folks who spend long hours on their feet can benefit from regular foot massages, and this quality machine helps you do so from the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is slide your feet into the massager’s two independent chambers and let it work its magic. With various deep kneading, shiatsu rolling, heat, and air compression settings, this machine allows you to customize your massage to provide the exact relief you need. It also comes with two wireless remotes, so you don’t have to bend down every time you want to make an adjustment. What’s more, the covers are removable, so it’s easy to keep the massager clean between uses. It even comes with a full-year warranty. Price at time of publication: $250 Key specs:Product Weight: 12.72 pounds | Product Dimensions: 17.3 x 17 x 10.5 inches | Massage Type: Shiatsu | Heat Feature: Yes | Compression Feature: Yes How to Pamper Your Feet Post-Workout Best Massage Chair Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Pros Six auto-massage modes Easy to assemble Bluetooth audio capabilities Cons Bulky Poor customer service Bringing a decked-out massage chair into your home can cost a pretty penny, but this design from Real Relax can help keep your budget intact and your muscles soothed simultaneously. The extendable footrest makes it an excellent pick for short and tall people alike, and the smart control makes it easy to navigate and customize your massage experience every time you sit in the chair. From heat along your back to compression along your legs to targeted relief for foot pain, the chair can tackle all your tension in one go. It even has a zero-gravity feature that makes you feel virtually weightless as you relax. And while it is quite heavy and large for a piece of living room furniture, it features two back wheels that make it easy to tilt and roll wherever you’d like to enjoy your daily massage. Price at time of publication: $1,000 Key specs:Product Weight: 400 pounds | Product Dimensions: 43 x 25 x 24 inches | Massage Type: Full Body | Heat Feature: Yes | Compression Feature: Yes Best Vibrating Foam Roller Hyperice Vyper 2 High-Intensity Vibrating Foam Roller Hyperice View On Best Buy View On Fleetfeet.com View On Nordstrom Pros Compact Easy to personalize massage Rechargeable battery Cons Can be difficult to position correctly Top settings are really intense Ready to take your foam rolling recovery practice to the next level? Add some vibration massage to the mix with the Hyperice Vyper 2. Its three vibration speeds help you address fatigued muscles in a way that caters to your current level of soreness, improving workout recovery time, alleviating activity-related tenderness, and improving your overall range of motion. The alternating grooved and smooth surface of the foam roller adds to the massaging action, giving you the targeted and effective relief you need. It runs on rechargeable batteries that provide two hours of use between charges. It’s also TSA-approved, so you can take it virtually anywhere. Price at time of publication: $200 Key specs:Product Weight: 3 pounds | Product Dimensions: 11.61 x 5.31 x 5.31 inches | Massage Type: Vibration | Heat Feature: No | Compression Feature: No The 14 Best Foam Rollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Stick The Stick Original Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's Pros Total control over depth of massage Very lightweight Easy to store Cons 100-percent manual massage Difficult to use across the body If you struggle with tight muscles and trigger points, particularly in your legs, TheStick can provide some much-needed relief. The smooth and wide roller beads, paired with easy-grip handles, allow you to target a problem area effectively, rolling with varying degrees of intensity to relax that particular muscle. And since you determine the amount of pressure used, the level of massage is always within your control. The design is simple yet super effective. Physical therapists often use it in rehabilitation settings to improve both flexibility and posture alignment. While it won’t be much use for the upper body, it’s a must for your lower half, namely for tight IT bands, calves, and hamstrings. It’s also quite affordable. Price at time of publication: $43 Key specs:Product Weight: 13.6 ounces | Product Dimensions: 24 x 1.1 x 1.1 inches | Massage Type: Deep Muscle | Heat Feature: No | Compression Feature: No Best Trigger Point Wand Thera Cane Massager View On Amazon View On Relaxtheback.com Pros Lightweight Versatile—can be used on many body parts Effective trigger point relief Cons 100-percent manual massage Improper use can easily result in injury Struggling with hard-to-reach knots and tension spots along your back, neck, and shoulders? The Thera Cane is ergonomically designed to help you access these pain points, applying deep pressure with strategically-placed nodules to relieve chronic muscle pain and restore muscle function. It’s easy to maneuver and weighs just over 1 pound, so it’s even a great tool for people who struggle with arthritis in their hands. The Thera Cane features a total of six nodules to give you the total-body massage you need. You control the pressure and intensity at all times, creating a truly customized experience as you ease muscle aches and pains that bother you most. It also comes with manual and clear use instructions to help ensure a safe massage practice. Price at time of publication: $50 Key specs:Product Weight: 1.1 pounds | Product Dimensions: 24 x 15.2 x 0.5 inches | Massage Type: Deep Pressure | Heat Feature: No | Compression Feature: No The 11 Best Myofascial Release Tools of 2023 Best Massage Ball Trigger Point Foam Massage Ball Amazon View On Amazon Pros Targeted muscle tension relief Easy to use Ideal for chronic pain Cons Not firm enough for some users Requires knowledge of trigger points If foam rolling isn’t providing the targeted relief you need, try a tool with a smaller surface area, like this TriggerPoint deep tissue massage ball. Its layered construction stimulates blood flow better than non-layered tools, helping to ease joint and muscle pain more effectively and to restore proper movement more quickly. It also features an extra-firm surface, offering a deeper level of massage for more intense relief. This massage ball works wonders on the glutes, pecs, and trapezius muscles, and it can even provide welcome relief for shin splints. Plus, it’s super small and lightweight, making it the ideal travel companion for people on the go. Price at time of publication: $24 Key specs:Product Weight: 1.2 ounces | Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Massage Type: Deep Tissue | Heat Feature: No | Compression Feature: No The Best Medicine Balls, According to a Personal Trainer Best for Hands Lunix LX3 Electric Hand Massager Lunix Inc. View On Amazon View On Lunixinc.com Pros Easy to use Versatile settings Ideal for arthritis and carpal tunnel Cons Poor customer service Charging can be finicky If you work with your hands or spend the majority of your day behind a computer keyboard, this hand massager from Lunix can bring you much-needed sore muscle and tension relief. The air compression-based massager applies pressure at six different intensity levels to provide effective therapy without hurting your already sore hand. The cordless hand massager also features both heat and vibration to help the soft tissues in your hand relax, and the acupressure therapy style is believed to help stimulate pressure points and improve blood circulation. What’s more, it’s rechargeable via USB and comes with an additional manual finger massager. Price at time of publication: $170 Key specs:Product Weight: 2.2 pounds | Product Dimensions: 13.66 x 7.95 x 6.1 inches | Massage Type: Acupressure Therapy | Heat Feature: Yes | Compression Feature: Yes Best Massage Mat Snailax Memory Foam Massage Mat with Heat Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Portable Very comfortable Ideal for relaxation Cons Not an intense massage Too small for tall people Love the idea of enjoying a full-body, automated massage at home but don’t want to invest the money (or space) in a huge massage chair? Consider this massage mat from Snailax. You can use this portable massage solution on the floor, on the couch, on your bed… wherever makes the most sense for you. Its memory foam construction makes it extremely comfortable and customizable to your body’s dimensions. The mat features 10 vibrating massage motors, six heating pads, five massage mode options that target different areas of the body from head to toe, and three vibration massage intensity settings. It’s an excellent pick for people looking to melt away stress at the end of a long day. Price at time of publication: $140 Key specs:Product Weight: Not disclosed | Product Dimensions: Not disclosed | Massage Type: Vibration | Heat Feature: Yes | Compression Feature: No The Best Acupressure Mats to Improve Healing and Recovery Best Portable Homedics Marbelous Mini Massager Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Travel-friendly Quiet Comfortable hand grip Cons Lacks intensity Vibration massage only If you want to be sure you have muscle and tension relief no matter where life takes you, try this classic three-prong massager from HoMedics. It’s petite and battery-powered, making it an easy travel buddy, and its simple design is quite effective at alleviating muscle aches across your entire body. The top of the massager serves as a comfortable hand grip, making it an ideal option for people with arthritis, chronic hand pain, or a weak grip. It also turns on and off with the press of a single button, so it’s foolproof to use. Price at time of publication: $19 Key specs:Product Weight: 8.16 ounces | Product Dimensions: 4.53 x 4.53 x 3.78 inches | Massage Type: Vibration | Heat Feature: No | Compression Feature: No The 11 Best Myofascial Release Tools of 2023 Final Verdict If you’re looking for a comprehensive and effective home massage solution, you can’t go wrong with the Real Relax Zero Gravity Massage Chair (view at Amazon). It provides heat, compression, vibration, and kneading, all of which are important aspects of a total-body massage. But if you need a more portable solution, reach for the TheraGun PRO (view at Theragun). It’s powerful, it’s versatile, and it’s top-quality, ensuring that you receive the targeted relief you need right when you need it. What to Look for in a Massager Massage Type Different massage techniques provide varying degrees of relief and relaxation across different areas of the body, and most massagers offer only one or two types of massage. From deep tissue massage to shiatsu massage, research the benefits of the most common techniques to determine which style is most appropriate for you and your needs. Heat Some massagers include a heating element to help warm the sore, achey, or tense area of the body as you massage it. This heat can help increase blood flow to the affected area, making the massage more effective. It can also help reduce muscle spasms and increase both flexibility and range of motion as you navigate knots and tight areas. Compression Massagers that include a compression feature can further help to relieve tight muscles, reduce pain and assist with relaxation. Similar to heat therapy, compression encourages vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which provides better blood flow and reduces blood pressure in the affected area. Portability Some massager tools weigh less than a pound while a fully equipped massage chair for your home can weigh hundreds of pounds. So consider how important portability is to you and your massage needs when narrowing in on a device that can address most (if not all) of the soreness and tension you experience on a regular basis. What Experts Say “Massage tools that create vibration can be effective at reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) from physical activity. These products can help stimulate the muscle fibers prior to activity and result in reduced pain as early as 24 hours after activity. A foot or chair massager typically uses rhythmic movement, which is different from vibration but can still have benefits. Similar to a massage provided by a massage therapist, friend, or family member, these massage devices can help improve blood flow to the muscles and promote relaxation, which also helps reduce muscle tension. These benefits are helpful for recovery, as blood flow helps the body naturally heal from normal tissue damage caused by intense exercise.” — Erin DiGangi, a physical therapist at Athletico Physical Therapy in Illinois Frequently Asked Questions What is a sports massage? A sports massage utilizes a specific massage technique that focuses on manually manipulating muscle and soft tissue to address aches, pain, and injuries often associated with playing sports. This style of massage aims to reduce muscle stiffness, aiding the overall recovery process, as well as to inspire relaxation by reducing your heart rate. How often should I get a massage? Massage is an excellent way to help relieve stress and tension, but the frequency at which you use this therapeutic modality depends on the type of massage you’re receiving and whether you’re currently dealing with chronic pain or injury. With that said, a monthly 60-minute massage is typically safe and beneficial, and for certain conditions, it can be helpful to get a massage up to twice a week. Is a painful massage good for you? According to physical therapist Erin DiGangi, the appropriateness of a painful massage is incredibly subjective because pain tolerance varies so dramatically from one person to another. "It’s also important to note that pain and damage are not the same. For instance, deep tissue massage, whether hands-on or with a device like a foam roller, can be painful but effective for some people. Meanwhile, some painful massages can cause bruising, which is an indicator of minor damage. In the end, if you are not comfortable with the intensity level of your massage, you should always trust your body and discuss your specific needs with your massage therapist," she says. Why Trust Verywell Fit? 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. Wang Y, Zhu K, Wang J, Yang L. Numerical simulation of heat induced flow-mediated dilation of blood vessels. J Therm Biol. 2019 Aug;84:323-330. doi:10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.07.022 Davis HL, Alabed S, Chico TJA. Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2020;6(1):e000614. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000614 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