We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
Once upon a time, there were just a few brands making massage guns—now there are literally hundreds. As a consumer, it super sucks to make a decision when hundreds of brands say their product is the best. If you’re facing decision fatigue in your quest to buy a massage gun, let me help you out: In my Sportneer Elite D9 review, I explain the good, bad, and so-so characteristics of this popular massager.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ve personally tested more than 40 massage guns, as well as a variety of other workout recovery tools, and have written more than a dozen massage gun reviews. I fully understand the science behind percussive therapy and know how to analyze a massage gun’s product description versus its performance in real life.
Sportneer Elite D9
Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun
Product Highlights
- Slower speeds are great for super sore muscles
- Comes with six massage attachments, two of which are chrome for hot/cold therapy
- Quiet motor—listed at 40 decibels
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Slower speeds are great for super sore muscles
- Comes with six massage attachments, two of which are chrome for hot/cold therapy
- Quiet motor—listed at 40 decibels
Cons
- Handle could have been designed with better ergonomics
- Amplitude is only 11 millimeters
- Carrying case isn’t the best quality
Bottom Line
The Sportneer Elite D9 massage gun offers good power and a wide range of percussive speeds for a good price. It's a good value massage gun for the money.
A Quick Look at the Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun
The Sportneer Elite D9 massage gun is one of four vibration massage guns available from Sportneer, a brand that manufactures a variety of fitness, wellness, and outdoor products.
Sportneer makes value-driven products, meaning they’re generally affordable and decent, but not the highest quality. That’s exactly the case with the Sportneer Elite D9, a basic massage gun that feels just like many others you can get on Amazon.
My Tips
- Get the most out of your purchase by using the aluminum massage heads for cryotherapy or aromatherapy.
- If you plan to travel with it, charge it fully, choose one attachment, and leave the rest behind to reduce bulk in your bag.
My Favorite Things:
- Comes with six massage head attachments, including two aluminum ones
- Battery life lasts up to 7 hours
- Affordable and a good value for most people who want a massage gun
My Callouts:
- This isn’t a deep-tissue massager, nor is it technically a percussion massage gun, with an amplitude of 11 mm
- Ergonomics aren’t great; it’s kind of top-heavy
- Interchangeable attachments don’t seem super durable
Is the Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun Worth It?
My overall impression of the Sportneer Elite D9 massage gun is that it isn’t a bad product, but it isn’t necessarily special, either. But this is true of the bulk of massage guns on Amazon.
The Elite D9 is super quiet—easily one of the quietest I’ve used. To me, that’s the only real standout feature, because the rest of the vital specs aren’t anything earth-shattering.
However, because this massage gun has such a high volume of reviews on Amazon, our team decided it was worth reviewing to help our readers decide if the Sportneer Elite D9 is worth buying.
Great for:
- People who want a moderately powerful, full-sized massage gun for a low price
- People who don’t mind sacrificing power for quietness
- Anyone who deals with high levels of soreness and doesn’t want a super powerful muscle massager
Not recommended for:
- People who are looking for a pro-level device that provides deep-tissue percussion
- Anyone looking for a tool that will dig into trigger points
- People who need a very travel-friendly massage gun
Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun Specs
| Speeds | 6 (1,300 to 3,200 PPM) |
| Motor | 220-watt brushless motor |
| Attachments | 6 (fork, bullet, flat, round, aluminum flat, aluminum dome) |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours |
| Noise | 30 to 40 dB |
| Product Weight | 2.3 lbs |
| Package Dimensions | 13.19” L x 10.67” H x 3.58” W |
Using the Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun
Overall, my experience with the Sportneer Elite D9 massage gun was fine—just fine, really, nothing more and nothing less. I used the Elite D9 during warmups, for post-workout recovery, and on rest days. Ahead, I break down the specs of this product and how they all played out in real life.
Speeds
You get six intensity levels with the Sportneer Elite D9. Small LED indicator lights tell you which speed you’re on.
The speed range is 1,300 to 3,200 percussions per minute (PPM). This is a larger range than most massage guns at this price point, but it means there’s more variance between speeds, or the jump from speed to speed is bigger. The individual speeds are:
- 1,300 PPM
- 1,700 PPM
- 2,000 PPM
- 2,400 PPM
- 2,800 PPM
- 3,200 PPM
Power
The Elite D9 features a 220-watt brushless motor that, according to the product listing, has almost 20 pounds (18.7 to be exact) of stall force. This is measly for the product’s size—20-ish pounds of stall force is good for a mini massage gun, but not great for a full-sized one. However, if you’re looking solely at the price, this falls in line with what’s average for the $100-150 range.
Still, almost 20 pounds is enough for the average person. Most people won’t press hard enough into their body to stall this massage gun.
Amplitude
The Sportneer Elite D9 has an 11-millimeter amplitude. This is about average for the price point, however, I’d expect a bit more power out of the box due to how heavy this gun is. It’s also rather large. Weighing 2.3 pounds (1.6 ounces more than the Theragun Prime) and measuring approximately 10 inches in height by 8 inches in length, it lacks in power for its heft.
Ergonomics
There isn’t anything overtly special or terrible about the design of this massage gun.
It features a cylindrical handle with a soft-grip rubber coating that doesn’t slip around even in sweaty hands. The handle isn’t too thick—I can fully wrap my hands around it—and it’s slightly angled at about 45 degrees to help target hard-to-reach spots.
The Elite D9 is slightly top-heavy, though, which means it can quickly tire out the wrists and forearms.
Attachments and Accessories
The Sportneer Elite D9 comes with six attachments, two of which have aluminum heads. I love this because you can use aromatherapy massage oils for an added element to your massage, or pop them in the freezer for a cryo massage. It’s a nice touch.
The attachments included are:
- Foam ball head
- Plastic flat head
- Plastic fork attachment
- Plastic bullet attachment
- Aluminum flat head
- Aluminum dome attachment
The only reason I wouldn’t give Sportneer a 5 out of 5 in this category is because the attachments don’t seem to be of great quality. They may suffer the usual fates of plastic and foam over time (cracking, discoloration, warping, or compression). The aluminum attachments will probably hold up better, although the insertion points are still plastic.
Noise Level
If quiet operation is your priority, the Sportneer Elite D9 is definitely an option to look into. This massage gun operates at a noise level of 30 to 40 decibels, which makes it easily one of the quietest massage guns I’ve ever used, even at the highest speed setting.
Battery Life
In the Amazon product listing, Sportneer claims the battery life on the Elite D9 lasts anywhere from 1.5 to 7 hours, which is a huge range. On the Sportneer website, it says the gun has 2 to 6 hours of battery life.
After using the Sportneer exclusively for a week, it didn’t die on me (I started with a full charge), but I certainly didn’t use it for 7 hours, which would’ve been an hour a day of use. I estimate I used it for 15 to 20 minutes per day, so it definitely surpassed the lower end of that battery life range.
There’s an LED indicator on the massager to show you how much juice you’re working with. If the rechargeable battery actually lasts the claimed 7 hours, that’s superb (and perhaps the reason this massager is so heavy).
The Elite D9 uses a 3400mAh lithium-ion battery, the same type found in pretty much every other massage gun.
Traveling With the Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun
The Sportneer Elite D9 isn’t small at all, and I wouldn’t be enthused to travel with it.
It does come with a case, but everything together weighs about 5 pounds. The case dimensions are 13.19 inches long by 10.67 inches tall by 3.58 inches wide. It would take up a good bit of space in any bag or suitcase. I guess you could just carry it by hand, but there are better travel-friendly options out there.
The carrying case is of decent quality and fits all of the attachments nicely. It has a mesh pocket to hold the user manual and some odds and ends, like the included extra silicone rings that fit around the insertion points of the massage head attachments (this is good thinking ahead by Sportneer, but not a good indicator of quality parts).
But again, it’s nothing special or above average in any way, which is my overall impression of this product.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The smartest feature on the Sportneer Elite D9 massage gun is the 10-minute auto shutoff timer. This feature intends to keep people safe from the potential negative effects of using a massage gun for too long and, I suppose, the dangers of leaving it on unattended.
The Elite D9 doesn’t connect to Bluetooth, so it doesn’t have features like in-app speed control or automated recovery protocols. However, for a $130 price point, you can’t really expect those features. Those things are becoming standard in more expensive massage guns, such as the Theragun line.
Sportneer Elite D9 vs. The Competition
There are so many massage guns on the market nowadays that it’s simply impossible for one person to compare each and every model available. The slew of duplicates all over Amazon are largely just that: copycats. However, I can go into some similar competitors in the same price range.
Sportneer Elite D9 vs. Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun
Renpho R3 Massage Gun
Renpho R3 Massage Gun
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight (1.5 lbs)
- USB charger
- Very quiet
- 10 minute auto-off safety feature
Cons
- Integrated battery which means if it goes kaput, you will have to replace the whole gun
- Max battery life of 150 minutes
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a high-quality portable massage gun at an affordable price, the Renpho R3 Mini Massage Gun is a solid choice. This ultra-compact and lightweight massage gun features a quiet brushless motor with a noise level of 45 decibels, making it ideal for home, office, or gym use. The R3 is equipped with a rechargeable battery that can work for up to 150 minutes. And it uses a USB charger for your convenience.
The Renpho R3 massage gun, another Amazon favorite, costs less than the Elite D9 at about $100. It features similar specs, with amplitude clocking in at 10 millimeters and sound hovering around 40 decibels.
Like the Elite D9, the Renpho R3 is a good value. It gets the job done—meaning it provides a decent massage—but it doesn’t provide elite deep-tissue therapy.
Read my full Renpho massage gun review.
Sportneer Elite D9 vs. Chirogun
Chirogun
Chirogun
Product Highlights
- Comes with 15 massage heads
- 30 different speeds
- You get a lot for what you spend (about $100)
- Estimated amplitude of 9 to 12 mm
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low noise
- 2 color options
- Accessories: 15 attachments and two massage balls
- Affordable
- Max speed of 3,200 PPM
Cons
- Users report it feeling bulky
- Heavy
- 30 speed options is not as great as it sounds
- Reviews report battery life not living up to its stated 6 hours
- Attachments are hard to pull out of the device
- Users noted a lot of vibration in the handle at higher speeds
- T-shaped handle feels bulky to many
- Lacks information on amplitude and stall force
Bottom Line
Is the Chirogun worth the hype? Its affordability and multiple attachments are notable features making it attractive to many. While this gun did not knock our socks off, it makes for a good entry-level massage gun for home use.
Chirogun is another popular massage gun on Amazon.
Its main selling points are that it has 30 speeds and 15 interchangeable attachments. It also comes with two massage balls for manual self-myofascial release. It’s a bit louder than the Elite D9, but features a similar amplitude (it’s not listed, but my educated guess is 9 to 12 millimeters).
The Chirogun made my list of the best budget massage guns, taking the “most versatile massage gun” category thanks to its breadth of intensity settings and attachments.
I have a full Chirogun review in the works, which I’ll link back here when it’s published, so you can make a more in-depth comparison.
Sportneer Elite D9 vs. Hypervolt and Theragun
Hypervolt
Hyperice Hypervolt 2
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very quiet brushless motor
- Grippy rubberized handle
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Recovery and warm-up protocols in app
Cons
- No carrying case
- Hyperice does not publish critical specs like amplitude
- No rotating head
- Preset speeds only (no precise speed control)
- Not budget-friendly
Bottom Line
The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 is a solid massage gun with ample power output and a quiet motor. It’s more than sufficient for the average fitness enthusiast, and although it has its cons (like the lack of a carrying case), it’s one of the better options available.
Theragun Prime
Theragun Prime
Product Highlights
- Customizable speed ranges
- Ergonomic multi-grip handle makes it easy to massage your back
- High-end product with a reasonable price
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides deep tissue treatment reaching 16 millimeters into soft tissue
- Customizable speed ranges
- Ergonomic multi-grip handle makes it easy to massage your back
Cons
- Not the most portable massage gun
- Quieter than previous Theraguns, but still not the quietest option
- Heavy in hand compared to others
Bottom Line
We recommend the Theragun Prime as the best overall massage gun for people who want powerful percussion without an exorbitant price tag.
The truth is, the Sportneer Elite D9—and the other three options I just compared it to—will never compare with massage guns from Hyperice or Therabody.
Hypervolts and Theraguns cost a lot more than the Sportneer, Bob and Brad, and Chirogun because they’re more powerful, have more smart features, and provide a high-quality treatment you won’t get with a budget massage gun.
There’s a reason professional athletes and sports teams use Hyperice and Therabody products versus the average Amazon massager.
RELATED: Hypervolts vs. Theraguns comparison
Customer Experience
Sportneer accepts order cancellations before the product is shipped or produced. If the order is canceled before it ships, you will get a full refund.
You can’t cancel the order if the product is already shipped out, but Sportneer does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for any reason. You may return undamaged products for a full refund for any reason within 30 days of the date the products were delivered.
The Sportneer website says there is an “extensive” warranty period for manufacturer’s defects, but I couldn’t find an exact time frame for the D9 massage gun.
For purchases not made on Sportneer website and or the official Sportneer store on Amazon, buyers are subject to retailers’ terms for warranty and return services.
Ordering the Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun
Our team ordered the Elite D9 on Amazon and nothing unusual or problematic occurred. The product arrived quickly with everything intact. This may seem like a silly thing to point out, but the ordering and delivery process is always a buyer’s first impression with a product.
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing, the Sportneer Elite D9 has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Sportneer website and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Most reviews have the same overall sentiment: The Sportneer Elite D9 is a great product for the price.
I agree with that to an extent, as it’s a well-made massage gun for its under-$150 price. I just imagine most people leaving reviews for the Sportneer haven’t tried many (if any other) massage guns, so they’re not actually sure what a powerful massage tool feels like in use.
Negative reviews mention a faulty battery and low-quality plastic parts, but it does seem like the vast majority of buyers are happy with their purchase.
Final Verdict of Our Sportneer Elite D9 Review
I would say this massage gun offers a slightly-above-average value for the price. There are some far worse massage guns out there for $130, and some better ones, which I review in my best budget massage gun guide.
- The Sportneer Elite D9 will massage sore muscles and provide an overall pleasant experience, but it’s far from the best of the best.
- Its $130 price point makes it a good value for the average exerciser, but buyers shouldn’t expect professional-grade massage therapy.
Full Rating
Sportneer Elite D9
With so many massage guns available online, it’s hard to choose one. Our Sportneer Elite D9 review determines whether this popular massager is worth buying.
Product Brand: Sportneer
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 129.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.68
Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun FAQs
Answers to commonly asked questions about Sportneer massage guns:
What is the best massage gun for the price?
There are many massage guns in the $100 to $200 price range that do a decent job of massaging all muscle groups. However, I think the Theragun Prime offers the best value proposition. For about $300, you get unmatched specs like a 16-millimeter amplitude and in-app control of speed levels.
Is there a better massage gun than Theragun?
If money is no object, then no, there is no better massage gun than the Theragun Pro, Theragun Elite, or Theragun Prime. Therabody objectively produces the best combination of power, noise level, battery life, and treatment quality.
Related: Foam Roller vs. Massage Gun
Is Sportneer a good brand?
Sportneer is a good brand that has a track record of taking care of its customers. I’ve tried many Sportneer products and have never had an issue with customer support. However, buyers should know that Sportneer makes budget-friendly, value-oriented products, so you won’t see superb product quality as you would see from a luxury brand.
Further reading
Once upon a time, there were just a few brands making massage guns—now there are literally hundreds. As a consumer, it super sucks to make a decision when hundreds of brands say their product is the best. If you’re facing decision fatigue in your quest to buy a massage gun, let me help you out: In my Sportneer Elite D9 review, I explain the good, bad, and so-so characteristics of this popular massager. » Read more about: Sportneer Elite D9 Review: Another Average Massage Gun in a Slew of Dupes » Read more
You don’t need to break the bank to amp your workout up a notch. Check out our list of the 8 best cheap pre-workout supplements, approved by a dietitian. Read more
Take your leg workouts to the next level with this expert guide on creating DIY ankle weights using budget-friendly materials and a little bit of brain power. Read more
In this expert guide, learn to safely and effectively add rowing into your workout routine to become a cardio powerhouse. Read more