8 Best Massage Guns for 2024, According to Pros
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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Good vibrations or just another overhyped tool? Research says the benefits are true, so we compiled feedback on the best massage guns from pros who use them with clients.
A quick look at the best massage guns
Massage therapy is a popular way to reduce muscle strain and pain.
That said, you don’t have to go to a professional to see results. Percussive massagers — also known as massage guns — provide short bursts of pressure into your muscle tissue.
As a result, they help reduce muscle soreness and improve joint and muscle mobility.
We’ve rounded up the best massage guns after talking with a variety of physical therapists and trainers about the ones they personally use and recommend.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $39.99–$599, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide:
Healthline’s picks for the best massage guns
Quietest massage gun
Theragun Elite
5 (260+) from Therabody
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Healthline's review
The Theragun Elite is a favorite among chiropractors, athletes, and casual exercisers, as it features a powerful motor and five attachable heads for targeted muscle relief.
The device offers five speed options, allowing you to dig deep or go lighter on more sensitive areas.
It’s also quieter than many other massage guns. Plus, it weighs just 2.2 pounds (lb), or 1 kilogram (kg). This makes it easy to pack in your gym bag.
Dr. Melissa Prestipino, PT, DPT, owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in New Jersey, told Healthline, “The Theragun Elite offers a very quiet percussive force, which is quieter than other massage guns on the market. This feature is beneficial when using the device in a public place and not wanting to draw attention with a loud sound.”
She also called out its easy-to-grip ergonomic design, which she says makes it more comfortable for people with hand and wrist issues, such as arthritis.
“The triangular handle allows you to hold the device from different positions and angles, setting it apart from the typical massage gun shape,” she said.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best battery life
Achedaway Pro Percussion and Vibration Massager
4.3 (254+) from Amazon
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Healthline's review
The Achedaway Pro’s removable battery can last up to 4 hours on a single charge. But you can choose to purchase an extra battery to 8 hours of total battery life.
This makes it a great option for people with chronic muscle pain who don’t want to worry about charging their device between sessions.
It also features five speeds and four attachable heads to fit all your post-workout massage needs.
Additionally, the Achedaway Pro Percussion and Vibration Massager is lightweight and gets high customer ratings for its powerful motor.
Pros & cons
Product details
Most versatile massage gun
Vybe PRO Handheld Deep Muscle Massager
4.5 (54+) from Walmart
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Healthline's review
With nine intensity levels and eight attachments, including options for deep tissue massage, the Vybe PRO is one of the most versatile options on the market.
It also features a long battery life, quiet motor, and convenient traveling case.
However, some customers note that the quality of the attachable heads could be better, which may not be a deal breaker, given its more affordable price.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best massage gun for athletes
Theragun PRO
5 (269+) from Therabody
SHOP NOW AT THERABODY
Healthline's review
The Theragun PRO is a good option for serious athletes, as it offers several speeds and attachments for a deep and powerful massage.
The PRO stands out from others on the market due to its ergonomic grip and adjustable head, which allows you to apply the massager at different angles without tiring your hand.
Using Bluetooth capabilities, you can also connect the Theragun PRO to the Therabody app for personalized wellness routines.
Additionally, it comes with two rechargeable batteries, so you can charge one while the other is in use.
However, the Theragun PRO is one of the most expensive massage guns on the market.
Natasha Caleel, a licensed occupational therapist and corrective exercise specialist, uses it with clients regularly and finds it to be a great option for athletes at all levels as well as those trying to reduce muscle tension after a tough day at work.
“The rotating arm makes it easier to get to those hard-to-reach places, especially when using it on yourself,” she said. However, Caleel points out that the vibration and weight can make it hard to use on yourself for extended periods.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best lightweight massage gun
Renpho R3 Massage Gun
4.7 (25.1k+) from Amazon
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Healthline's review
Weighing only 1.5 lb (0.68 kg), the Renpho R3 is a good option if you’re looking for a full-size massage gun that’s still lightweight and easy to carry.
It features five speeds, comes with a carrying case, and charges using a USB-C cable, which many people find convenient.
The five attachable heads make it easy to target knots in various areas of your body, such as your neck, shoulder blades, or glutes.
The Renpho R3 is one go-to for Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and exercise specialist. She told Healthline it’s a great option thanks to its compactness, price point, and specs.
She often recommends the Renpho R3 to people who want a gentle but effective massage gun for a reasonable price. If you simply need something basic and lightweight, it’ll get the job done.
“The Renpho R3 does a moderately good job of massaging sore muscles and providing pain relief for most recreational exercisers,” she said.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best massage gun for deep tissue
Vybe V2 Percussion Massager
4 (5.1k+) from Amazon
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Healthline's review
The Vybe V2 Percussion Massager generates up to 60 lb (27.2 kg) of percussive force to provide a deep, powerful massage. This is comparable to the Theragun PRO but at a fraction of the cost.
“The V2 Percussion Massager is one of the more affordable massage guns on the market. Its multiple grips and 90-degree rotating arm make it easy to use,” said Prestipino. In her experience, the device and carry case are sleeker and less bulky than competitors, making it great for travel.
With three attachment heads designed to provide deep tissue relief, the cordless device may help loosen muscle knots, alleviate tension, and improve mobility.
It also offers six intensity levels and a rotating arm, so you can reach most areas of your body.
Just keep in mind that the Vybe V2’s motor is quite noisy.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best mini massage gun
Renpho Mini Massage Gun
Healthline's review
The Renpho Mini Massage Gun is a compact, portable device that’s still powerful enough to pack a punch.
It features five intensities geared toward warmup, fascia relief, lactic acid breakdown, deep tissue, and professional impact.
The lightweight massager runs quietly and has four attachable heads, which focus on everyday use, the spinal region, muscle knots, and bony areas.
Plus, thanks to its convenient travel case and lightweight design, it can be easily stowed away in a backpack, purse, or carry-on.
Prestipino described the Renpho Mini Massage Gun as mini but mighty.
“For a smaller gun, it offers a very effective force to penetrate muscle tissue well. This massage gun is about 1.5 times stronger than most guns its size,” she said.
“The four adjustable massage heads pop on and off very easily. The gun offers a 10-minute auto-off feature that helps the 4-hour battery life last even longer,” she added.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best massage gun for workout recovery
Hyperice Hypervolt 2
4.5 (580+) from Amazon
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Healthline's review
The Hypervolt 2 offers speeds of up to 2,700 percussions per minute and three levels of pressure to help alleviate post-workout aches, soreness, and stiffness. Plus, it’s lighter than the original Hypervolt, has a longer battery life, and features a more streamlined design.
It’s also Bluetooth-enabled, so you can save your preferred settings using the Hyperice app.
While you can also use it to warm up your muscles pre-workout, many reviewers mention it’s been very helpful for soothing sore muscles after intense workouts.
As a bonus, the Hypervolt 2 is TSA approved and includes three plug adapters and a carrying case for the attachable heads. (You can also purchase a carrying case for the massage gun itself.)
Caleel calls it a great tool for professionals and novice athletes alike. She likes the lightweight design and ergonomic handle, and said this makes it comfortable and easy to use on yourself or others.
“It’s often used in physical therapy or sports medicine clinics since it can stand up to extended use throughout the day,” Caleel said.
Pros & cons
Product details
Massage gun comparison
Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:
| Massage gun | Price | Battery life | Number ofspeeds | Attachable heads | Specialfeatures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theragun Elite | $$$ | 2 hours | 5 | • dampener• ball• cone• thumb• wedge | • carrying case |
| Acedaway Pro | $$ | 3–4 hours | 5 | • bullet• soft• flat• fork | • carrying case |
| Vybe PRO | $$ | 3 hours | 9 | • knob• cone• knot blaster• arrow• flat• wishbone• wedge• large ball | • quiet motor• carrying case |
| Theragun PRO | $$$ | 5 hours (2.5 hours per battery) | 6 | • dampener• ball• cone• thumb• wedge• soft | • rotating arm• quiet motor• carrying case |
| Renpho R3 | $$ | 2.5 hours | 5 | • bullet• cushioned• flat• fork• round | • quiet motor• carrying case |
| Vybe V2 | $ | 2 hours | 6 | • large ball• small ball• deep tissue | • rotating arm• carrying case |
| Renpho Mini Massage Gun | $ | 4 hours | 5 | • ball• bullet• U-shaped• flat | • quiet motor• carrying case |
| Hyperice Hypervolt 2 | $$ | 3 hours | 3 | • bullet • cushioned• flat• fork • round | • quiet motor• carrying case |
How we chose these massage guns
When looking for the best massage guns, we considered the following criteria:
How to choose the best massage gun for you
When shopping for a massage gun, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors, including:
How to use a massage gun
While using a massage gun is fairly straightforward, there are a few important things to know:
Kelsey Decker, NSCA-CPT, education coordinator at StretchLab, told Healthline: “I suggest starting on a lower level of intensity to make sure your body can handle the sensation. You can also increase the intensity by applying more pressure to the area of focus. Spend about 30 seconds to 2 minutes per muscle group area.”
According to Decker, you can use a massage gun before a workout to alleviate tightness and activate your muscles before heading into a dynamic warmup and then your workout. You can also use it for post-exercise recovery to help release tension.
That said, more research is needed to determine whether using a massage gun before or after workouts is more beneficial and which speeds and durations are most effective.
When to avoid using a massage gun
To ensure safety, Decker recommends focusing on muscle and fascia while avoiding bones, tendons, joints, and ligaments.
According to Decker, you’ll also want to avoid using a massage gun:
Finally, talk with a healthcare professional before using a massage gun, especially if you have any medical conditions or take medications.
A professional can also advise you on the best practices if you’re healing from an injury or surgery.
Alternatives to using a massage gun
Several alternatives to massage guns provide comparable benefits. You can use these methods individually, in combination, and with massage gun therapy.
Massage gun alternatives include:
Frequently asked questions about massage guns
Are there really benefits to a massage gun?
According to a 2023 review of 13 studies, massage guns can be beneficial for relieving muscle stiffness and soreness from physical activity and daily life.
They boost blood flow to your muscles, which promotes healing, improves workout recovery, and enhances muscle function. The devices may also help improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and break up scar tissue that can cause stiffness and reduce mobility.
Massage guns can also help promote relaxation, mindfulness, and body awareness. Focusing on the sensations in your body encourages present-moment awareness. This can be beneficial for managing anxiety, reducing rumination, and identifying areas of tension.
You can use a massage gun anytime, as long as you do gentle stretches and exercises to warm up your muscles beforehand. You may prefer to use it in the morning to energize yourself for the day ahead and in the evening to relax and unwind.
According to a 2023 review of 13 studies, massage guns can be beneficial for relieving muscle stiffness and soreness from physical activity and daily life.
They boost blood flow to your muscles, which promotes healing, improves workout recovery, and enhances muscle function. The devices may also help improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and break up scar tissue that can cause stiffness and reduce mobility.
Massage guns can also help promote relaxation, mindfulness, and body awareness. Focusing on the sensations in your body encourages present-moment awareness. This can be beneficial for managing anxiety, reducing rumination, and identifying areas of tension.
You can use a massage gun anytime, as long as you do gentle stretches and exercises to warm up your muscles beforehand. You may prefer to use it in the morning to energize yourself for the day ahead and in the evening to relax and unwind.
Should you still stretch if you use a massage gun?
Decker pointed out that massage guns are not a substitute for stretching, but she said you could use the tool with stretching to ease muscle tension in tight spots or areas of concern.
“[A] massage gun can help the group of muscles relax before transitioning into a stretch for the same muscle groups,” Decker said. “For example, if you have tight hips and it’s difficult to get them to loosen up while stretching, use the massage gun device for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then go back to stretching your hips.”
Decker pointed out that massage guns are not a substitute for stretching, but she said you could use the tool with stretching to ease muscle tension in tight spots or areas of concern.
“[A] massage gun can help the group of muscles relax before transitioning into a stretch for the same muscle groups,” Decker said. “For example, if you have tight hips and it’s difficult to get them to loosen up while stretching, use the massage gun device for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then go back to stretching your hips.”
Do doctors recommend massage guns?
Many doctors recommend massage guns to help:
They may advise you on the best techniques and suggest a specific massage gun type or model.
Talk with your doctor before using a massage gun if you:
They can determine whether the devices are safe and appropriate for your needs.
Many doctors recommend massage guns to help:
They may advise you on the best techniques and suggest a specific massage gun type or model.
Talk with your doctor before using a massage gun if you:
They can determine whether the devices are safe and appropriate for your needs.
Do massage guns help with arthritis?
While massage is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for people with arthritis, research supporting the effectiveness of massage guns for arthritis is lacking.
Theragun advises taking care and caution when using massage guns on areas of the body that are sensitive to pressure and around bony areas. In addition, if you have certain health conditions, it says to speak with a healthcare professional before use.
Before trying any treatment for arthritis, it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional.
While massage is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for people with arthritis, research supporting the effectiveness of massage guns for arthritis is lacking.
Theragun advises taking care and caution when using massage guns on areas of the body that are sensitive to pressure and around bony areas. In addition, if you have certain health conditions, it says to speak with a healthcare professional before use.
Before trying any treatment for arthritis, it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional.
Can you use a massage gun while pregnant?
Using a massage gun during pregnancy may provide similar benefits to prenatal massage. A 2021 research review suggests that relaxing massage during pregnancy may help alleviate pain, boost mood, and improve sleep.
However, during your first trimester, it’s best to avoid using a massage gun or having any type of massage since this may increase your risk of miscarriage.
Once you enter the second trimester, it’s likely safe to use a massage gun as long as you talk with your healthcare professional beforehand. While using a massage gun, you can sit or lie on your left side. Do not lie on your stomach. Avoid lying on your back for any length of time.
Avoid massaging your abdominal area. Do not use strong pressure, especially on your legs.
Massage during pregnancy may not be suitable for people with:
Using a massage gun during pregnancy may provide similar benefits to prenatal massage. A 2021 research review suggests that relaxing massage during pregnancy may help alleviate pain, boost mood, and improve sleep.
However, during your first trimester, it’s best to avoid using a massage gun or having any type of massage since this may increase your risk of miscarriage.
Once you enter the second trimester, it’s likely safe to use a massage gun as long as you talk with your healthcare professional beforehand. While using a massage gun, you can sit or lie on your left side. Do not lie on your stomach. Avoid lying on your back for any length of time.
Avoid massaging your abdominal area. Do not use strong pressure, especially on your legs.
Massage during pregnancy may not be suitable for people with:
What is the best budget massage gun?
The best budget massage gun is the Vybe V2 Percussion Massager. The user-friendly design is powerful enough to provide deep tissue massage, offering plenty of value for the price.
As long as you can tolerate the noise, the Vybe V2 Percussion Massager is a good option if you only plan to use it occasionally or want to try out a massage gun before investing in a high end model.
Be wary of massage guns that are considerably cheaper than the competition. They may wear out quickly and have a heavy, bulky design.
Buy from a reputable company that offers returns. Ensure the amplitude and speed range, which indicate depth and intensity, align with your needs.
The best budget massage gun is the Vybe V2 Percussion Massager. The user-friendly design is powerful enough to provide deep tissue massage, offering plenty of value for the price.
As long as you can tolerate the noise, the Vybe V2 Percussion Massager is a good option if you only plan to use it occasionally or want to try out a massage gun before investing in a high end model.
Be wary of massage guns that are considerably cheaper than the competition. They may wear out quickly and have a heavy, bulky design.
Buy from a reputable company that offers returns. Ensure the amplitude and speed range, which indicate depth and intensity, align with your needs.
What is the best massage gun for back pain?
The Theragun PRO is a great choice for back pain. The ergonomic, adjustable design allows you to comfortably reach most areas of your back and provides a deep massage that alleviates tension, stiffness, and soreness. You can choose the right speed and attachment head for your needs.
The Theragun PRO is a great choice for back pain. The ergonomic, adjustable design allows you to comfortably reach most areas of your back and provides a deep massage that alleviates tension, stiffness, and soreness. You can choose the right speed and attachment head for your needs.
The bottom line
Massage guns offer a convenient way to help reduce muscle soreness at home or on the go.
As products vary in power, size, attachments, and price, it’s important to take your time shopping around.
By considering your needs and using our list, we’re confident you’ll find the massager that’s best for you.
Posted : 2023-12-14 08:56
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