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Massage guns help a wide range of people relieve muscle or joint discomfort [1] and reduce recovery time after intense exercise. Many professional athletes incorporate a massage gun into their training regimes, helping repair muscle micro-tears and decreasing lactic acid levels in their bodies.
However, there is an increasing number of amateur gym enthusiasts who also appreciate the benefits. Whether you are searching for a device that helps with natural stress relief or wish to relax after a long day at work, a massage gun can meet your needs.
Choosing the best massager can be challenging as there are numerous options available. To help narrow the choices down, we’ve tested many of the most innovative and effective massage guns on the market. Although we did pick a favorite, many models are suitable for varying needs, so the most suitable one for you might be further down our list.
Best Overall Pick
Theragun PRO
- QuietForce technology for low noise operation
- 60% more muscle depth penetration than average massagers
- Uses advanced scientific and engineering design
What To Look For While Buying A Massage Gun?
These massage gun reviews provide a simple run-down of the features and benefits you can expect to gain. Because there is such an incredible array of choices on the market, there was considerable debate about what aspects we should include on our list.
However, before choosing a massage gun, you may want to consider these essential qualities.
Interchangeable Head Attachments
Head attachments are the parts of the massage gun that contact the skin and send the percussive energy into the muscles and joints. Head attachments come in various shapes and sizes, each having a specific effect on the targeted muscle group, which can be crucial for achieving maximum benefit.
The TimTam All New Power Massager comes with only 1 head attachment and provides an excellent all-around massage treatment. However, you may have more demanding needs, such as preferring an intense rub down after exercise, but then appreciate a gentle, relaxing massage before bedtime. You may want a gun with more options.
Ease Of Controls
When you are tired after exercising or need to reduce muscle discomfort or relieve cramping, you want the massage controls to be intuitive. The most straightforward system is the 1-touch trigger utilized by TimTam, but many people are familiar with modern technology.
Several companies offer an app that connects to your massage gun over Bluetooth.
However, few brands provide as much easy-to-use functionality as Theragun. Theragun’s advanced Therabody app integrates seamlessly with third-party systems and provides you with custom massage treatments, depending on your activity.
This incredible functionality works in the background without user intervention, making this one of the most convenient systems available. It is a particularly enticing feature for anyone unsure what type of massage is best for specific scenarios and helps you get the most from your massage gun.
Battery Runtime
Battery runtime can be challenging to evaluate since the gun’s speed, and pressure settings affect how long the battery can last. We found dramatic differences in battery life during testing when using a low setting compared to a high setting, but this is the standard for all electronic devices. In general, all the massage guns performed well.
The combination of power delivery and battery life is well-balanced in all the Theragun models. We felt the charge time compared to the runtime was reasonable, and because Theragun provides the user with the best results on the market, it makes sense that you have to recharge the battery after extensive use.
A little organization goes a long way to keeping your massage gun ready for action, and we’d recommend recharging the battery after each use.
Massage Gun Safety
We didn’t have any concerns regarding the safety of the massage guns during testing. One aspect that is easy to overlook is using the massage device too much. Muscles benefit from using a massage gun for short periods. We liked the auto shut-off feature on the TaoTronics model, which turns the motor off after 15 minutes of continuous use.
Reading the instruction manual before use provides the optimal massage times to get the best results from your investment.
Image | Product | Purchase |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Theragun PRO
| |
Best Value  | Hypervolt Plus with Bluetooth
| |
Quietest Operation  | TimTam Power Massager Pro
|
Top 10 Muscle Massagers : Everything You Need To Know
1. Theragun PRO: Our Favorite!
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 2.9 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 5 hours
- Number of Speed Settings: 5
- Number of Head Attachments: 6
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- App learns your behaviors and suggests guided routines
- Reduces stress and tension
- Comfortable ergonomic multi-grip handle
What we don’t like
- Comes with a high-end price tag
Description
Theragun is a leading name in the massage gun industry, and the Theragun Pro is its finest achievement to date. The brand collaborated with physical therapists, engineers, and professional sports coaches to design this massage gun. A deep tissue massager for pain relief penetrates as much as 60% more than average massage guns.
By utilizing its QuietForce technology, Theragun provides impressive results while keeping the operational noise level low. The OLED screen provides a crystal clear display of your current massage speed and the force you are applying to muscles.
There is a Therabody app that connects the massage gun to your phone or tablet. We were delighted to find we could leave our device in the locker and still access up to 3 preset treatment programs stored on the app, even when we were on the gym floor.
The Therabody app also integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit, and can learn your behaviors, suggesting appropriate treatment programs at the right time. This feature allows you to benefit from the right massage speed and pressure after certain types of activity.
We have no hesitation in naming this model, the best muscle massager gun on the market.
2. Hypervolt Plus With Bluetooth: Overall Runner-Up
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 2.5 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 3 hours
- Number of Speed Settings: 3
- Number of Head Attachments: 5
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- Suitable for use over the entire body
- Can help improve sleep quality
- Superior device build quality
What we don’t like
- Can take some practice to master the app
Description
After a long training day, we often need a rest day before heading back to the gym. However, after using the Hypervolt Plus massage gun, it was easier to train multiple days in a row, despite occasional lingering soreness.
The included 5 attachment heads cover most needs. We used the forked head for those hard to isolate areas around the Achilles tendon. The bullet head attachment gives a deep massage to the larger muscle groups, while the large round head was great for some light relaxation before bedtime.
Using the lower speed setting gives a gentle massage, while the highest speed setting provides vigorous stimulation. Although this model uses a brushless high-torque 90 watts motor to deliver impressive results, it only weighs 2.5 lbs. The lightweight design and handy carrying case meant we could take it to the gym without weighing down our sports bags.
This deep tissue massage gun is a worthy runner-up and delivers impressive results.
3. TaoTronics Muscle Massage Gun: Great Budget Find
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 10 hours
- Number of Speed Settings: 10
- Number of Head Attachments: 6
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- Increases blood flow to aid muscle recovery
- Heat emission holes reduce the risk of overheating
- Anti-slip handle for use straight after exercise
What we don’t like
- May not be as durable as some rival massage guns
Description
Buying a massage gun on a budget doesn’t mean you have to accept fewer features or lower quality. This gun massager offers many benefits we’d usually expect to see on more expensive models, and it comes at a much more affordable price. It comes with 6 easy to change specialty massage heads, each designed for a specific use.
For increased versatility, there are 10 speed settings, delivering between 1,400-3,200 contacts per minute. Despite the generous number of settings, this deep muscle stimulator gun has an incredible battery run time of between 4 and 10 hours, depending on the intensity of use.
An automatic shut-off feature stops the motor after 15 minutes of continuous use, ensuring you don’t overwork the muscles while simultaneously preventing the motor from overheating.
Because many people use their massage gun after a workout, TaoTronics have integrated an anti-slip handle, reducing the risk of dropping your massager even if you have sweaty or damp hands.
In our opinion, this is the best muscle massager for the money.
The LCD screens gives you a full detail of the speed and battery level so you will know when it needs to be charged. You’ll definitely love the auto-shut off feature in this device as it helps you extend the motor lifespan.
4. Vellax Deep Tissue Percussion Massage Gun: Budget Runner-Up
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 2.4 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 8 hours
- Number of Speed Settings: 9
- Number of Head Attachments: 8
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- Modern LCD touch screen
- Provides therapy level massage at home
- Built-in calorie consumption calculator
What we don’t like
- May be too large for some users
Description
This model has to be near the top of the list in any serious percussion massager reviews. Modern massage guns are combining new features alongside their standard equipment, and the ability to monitor your heart rate and body temperature using the fingerprint scanner appeals to many tech-savvy athletes.
The scanner displays results on the LCD touch screen, allowing you to adjust your settings to meet your recovery or relaxation needs. You can even see how many calories you are burning while using the massage gun, and set a timer to ensure you don’t forget to stop after a preset time.
Although this model integrates a wide range of features, the battery life provides up to 8 hours of use, exceeding many more expensive rival models’ lifespan.
With this model, you can achieve therapy level massages without visiting a professional, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of massage every day. There are no ongoing expensive treatment fees, so you can relax and tone your muscles at a reasonable price.
Vellax has a fingerprint sensor for a more convenient navigation and it also shows the battery life so you will know when to charge the machine. Whether you want to soothe your body or tone it, this machine has both relaxation and muscle toning setting. Another thing we really like about this machine is it has 100% money back guarantee.
5. TimTam Power Massager Pro: Super Quiet
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 2.0 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 1 hour
- Number of Speed Settings: 3
- Number of Head Attachments: 3
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- Use massager after exercise to reduce lactic acid build-up
- Percussion motion works muscles harder than static pressure
- Repair muscle micro-tears for faster recovery time
What we don’t like
- Does not integrate with smart device apps
Description
TimTam is an industry innovator, and it’s strange not to name this model as the best percussion massager gun available, but that just shows the incredible level of the competition. Possibly the most remarkable feature of this gun is the ultra-quiet operation.
The operational noise level is only 10 dBA, which is equivalent to the sound of normal breathing, so you can use your massager just about anywhere without disturbing others.
There is also a heating tip included with this massage gun, and we enjoyed the warm feeling while using the device for relaxation before bed. Research suggests the combination of heat and massage can have a calming effect, and this certainly seemed to help some of our team get to sleep more quickly than usual.
Since this is one of the most potent muscle massagers you can buy, the heat also helped to soothe our muscles while receiving deep penetrating percussion treatment [2] during recovery.
Although we’re slightly disappointed in the relatively short 1-hour battery runtime, this is a minor complaint. The robust performance and relaxing heat tip make this an excellent option for relaxation and recovery.
6. Theragun Elite: Great Deep Muscle Massager For Those Painful Knots
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 2 hours
- Number of Speed Settings: 5
- Number of Head Attachments: 5
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- 16 mm amplitude for deeper muscle penetration
- Protective carrying case keeps parts organized
- World travel charger ideal when on vacation
What we don’t like
- Some users report materials could be more durable
Description
The Theragun Elite is ideal for those who push themselves hard during training and for competitive athletes. The 16 mm amplitude penetrates deeper than many rival massage guns, working the muscles more intensely for increased results.
While this enhanced amplitude is suitable for all users, it may be particularly beneficial for those with increased muscle mass or a higher body density. We like the ergonomic handle’s comfortable feel using the patented Theragun Triangle design and had no trouble maintaining a steady hold even while the massage gun delivered 40 percussions per second.
It was easy to move between the 5 preset speeds, which meant we could quickly reduce the massage intensity when we made contact with more sensitive smaller muscles. If you’re an amateur or professional athlete that travels to competitions, the useful world travel charger ensures you won’t need to add an adapter to your travel bag.
The protective carrying case protects your massage gun from damage, while it also helps to keep the essential components organized during transportation. This model is our choice for the best percussion massager for athletes.
Elite has a powerful motor with an advanced insulation for a quieter use. This machine sends up to 40 percussions per second that helps improve muscle tone and balance. Patented Triangle ergonomic handle that allows you to hold it comfortably in a number of ways without strain on hands and arms.
7. Theragun Prime: Simple But Effective
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 2 hours
- Number of Speed Settings: 5
- Number of Head Attachments: 4
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- Easy-clean attachments for maintaining hygiene
- Target localized areas for improved results
- Short 80-minute charge time for convenience
What we don’t like
- Not as quiet as other massage guns
Description
If you’re looking for a hassle-free massage gun that provides effective results, then this is the model for you. The reinforced drive train ensures you can apply up to 30 lbs. of force to your muscles without risk of stalling. There is no reduction in the treatment quality or massager speed, so that you can work your muscles hard without compromise.
The package includes 4 closed-cell foam attachments for a softer touch on your body since plastic coatings can be abrasive and uncomfortable. These non-porous heads do not absorb sweat or particles, and you can easily wipe them clean after use to maintain good hygiene.
We enjoyed using the cone attachment head for highly-localized contact on our hands and feet, while the dampener attachment was soothing around bony areas and tender muscles. It was also convenient to control the speed of the massager over Bluetooth using our smartphones.
This feature is especially useful if you are reading a book on your phone, as you can easily switch apps, change the massager speed, and return to reading in an instant.
It has a reinforced drive train that can withstands deep pressure while in use. Theragun Prime produces up to 30 lbs force without stalling for a greater circulation and tension release. you dont have to worry about the proken parts as it has 1 year unlimited warranty.
8. TimTam All New Power Massager: Great Overall Massager
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 40 minutes
- Number of Speed Settings: 2
- Number of Head Attachments: 1
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- Robust industrial-use motor for extended lifespan
- Cord-free for use anywhere
- 90° articulating head for accurate pressure direction
What we don’t like
- Battery run-time is relatively short
Description
Sometimes you don’t need all the bells and whistles to get the results you need from a massager, and this TimTam model has a straightforward operation. There is one standard round shore 85 rubber tip in the package, and this helps to take the guesswork away from which attachment head you need.
Although the tip doesn’t specialize for specific tasks, it provides an excellent general massage that offers a range of benefits. By reducing muscle tension and easing stress, this massage gun brings a soothing feeling to the body and reduces exercise recovery time.
The quick-start 1-touch trigger is easy-to-use and provides instant pressure on the intended muscle groups. Because the antimicrobial plastic material reduces the risk of contamination from germs, you can use this massager in the gym or other sweaty or moisture-rich environments.
The industrial motor is durable, and the 90° articulating head allows you to place pressure more precisely on sore or tired muscle groups. TimTam products are popular with professional athletes, and you can incorporate this massager into intense training regimes or treat clients if you are a personal trainer.
This power massager has a quick-start 1-touch trigger for a faster recovery. It’s built with anti-bacterial plastic construction material so you can be sure you’re using clean machine everytime. This is a great device for both personal and professional use and no matter what age you are.
9. Theragun Mini: Easy To Carry On The Go
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 1.43 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 2.5 hours
- Number of Speed Settings: 3
- Number of Head Attachments: 1
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- Excellent balance between size and power
- Intelligent handle design and grip surface
- Stylish red color scheme
What we don’t like
- Not as powerful as some larger massage guns
Description
When you have sore muscles and are trying to get knots out, reviews may help you choose a gun, but there is no substitute for use in real-life scenarios. The Theragun Mini offers ultra-portable on-the-go treatment, and after extensive use, we can only sing the praises of this remarkable compact massager gun.
You never know when you might feel muscle discomfort or experience cramp in an inconvenient situation [3]. This device fits in your pocket, allowing you to take it wherever you go, so there’s no need to wait until you get home to relieve the pain with a massage.
Despite weighing less than 2 lbs., the massager function is as powerful as you would expect from a Theragun model, producing plenty of power for even larger muscle groups. The 4-color battery indicator lights ensure you know when to charge your massager gun, so it has enough charge when you need it, and the intelligent handle design means you can firmly grip the device for practical use.
Look no further for the best percussion massager gun in a compact, pocket-sized design.
For those who are always in a hurry and doesn’t have the time to get a quick session at home, Theragun Mini is the one for you. It’s a pocket-sized massage gun that can be used anytime, anywhere. Another great advantage in purchasing this one is it works with all Theragun 4th Generation attachments. Choose, plug ang use. When it comes to battery indicator, this machine has 4-color battery life indicator to let you know when to charge and when it’s full.
10. RENPHO R4 Pro Massage Gun: Great For The Hard To Reach Spots
Product Specifications and Features
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Battery Run Time: Up to 6 hours
- Number of Speed Settings: 4
- Number of Head Attachments: 6
Effectiveness
User Friendly
What we like
- Percussive massaging can help relieve stress and tension
- Feel results with only 30 seconds massage per muscle group
- Suitable for users with dense body mass
What we don’t like
- Battery charge time takes 2-3 hours
Description
It’s hard to say which is the top massage gun on Amazon, but with over 2,000 customer ratings and a 4.5-star rating, this model is excellent value for money. The adjustable handle with 5 variable angles sets it apart from the competition, and this feature could be invaluable if you have a limited range of movement.
Using the handle makes it easier to make contact with hard to reach places, and there is no need to bend down to reach the lower extremities. Six massage heads provide a blend of gentle rubbing through hard muscle massages, making this massager suitable for a wide range of uses.
At 2-3 hours, the battery charge time isn’t excessive. Since this model produces significant results after 30 seconds of contact with each muscle group, we also found the runtime of up to 6 hours to be more than adequate.
The brushless high-torque motor produced powerful vibrations suitable for penetrating deep body mass, and overall we thought this was a solid performer that provided soothing results.
R4 has 5 adjustable angles to easily reach hard-to-reach areas of your body especially your back. This machine is equipped with 4 variable massage programs to target specific muscle groups and apply the right amount of pressure to relieve your muscle pain. It has a brushless high-torque motor to give you a powerful massage to easily relieve muscle pain.
Conclusion
Providing professional-grade power to deliver up to 60 lbs. of pressure without stalling while being as quiet as a standard electric toothbrush, this is the best massage gun available. Theragun’s advanced ergonomics allow you to hold the device in numerous ways to apply the right degree of pressure to the desired area.
The 5 speed settings are suitable for any type of massage. The integration with the Therbody app adds another dimension to your post-workout cooldown, and the OLED screen provides you with the information you require in a clear display.
We can’t find fault with this one and are confident you’ll love the incredible range of advanced features.
If you’re new in using massage guns, you might be asking yourself “Do massage guns work?“. Luckily we have an article to answer your question. Check it out and learn how you can get the most of your massage gun.
Best Overall Pick
Theragun PRO
Comparison Of The Top Massage Guns
Are you still finding it hard to pick between 2 guns? We totally understand and so we have reviewed several top massage guns on the market and our favorites and compared them in detail. We have considered all their capabilities and features so that you can easily pick your favorite that will give you a bang for our buck.
Check out our article for the best deep tissue massager you can avail in the market. You can learn more about how top sportsmen use their massage guns and how it benefits them in our article, you might find it useful to you too.