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If you don’t have a massage gun yet, do you even work out? All jokes aside, massage guns have become so ubiquitous in the fitness industry as some of the best muscle recovery tools; there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of them available online.
Recovery is equally as important as working out, and massage tools offer a convenient solution for achieving muscle pain relief from the comfort of your own home. A massage gun uses the force of percussive therapy to help reduce lactic acid buildup and promote muscle recovery.
Although the benefits of muscle guns can be invigorating, trying to choose one amongst all the options can incite serious decision fatigue. But don’t worry: We’re here to help with our guide to the best massage guns.
I’m a certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist who’s been testing percussive massage guns since late 2018 when the technology began to explode in popularity. Our team at Garage Gym Reviews also consists of trainers, coaches, and athletes who have spent a lot of time around top recovery tools, including the best home saunas, ice baths, and massage guns (of course).
I’ve used more than 30 massage guns and have spoken with and interviewed owners and execs at some of the biggest percussive massage companies. I understand the technology that powers percussive massage guns and have written about it for several major media outlets, and I know how to decipher terms like amplitude and stall force to tell you about the specs that really matter.
Best Massage Guns 2025
- Best Massage Gun Overall: Theragun Prime
- Best Massage Gun for Travel: Ekrin Athletics BANTAM
- Best Theragun Alternative: Bob and Brad D6 Pro Massage Gun
- Quietest Massage Gun: Ekrin Athletics B37 Massage Gun
- Best Deep Tissue Massage Gun: Theragun Pro
- Best Massage Gun Under $150: REP Rapidstrike Massage Gun
- Best Budget Massage Gun: TOLOCO Massage Gun
- Best Massage Gun on Amazon: Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
Best Massage Guns Video Review
Best Massage Gun Overall: Theragun Prime
Good for: Active people looking for the best treatment quality without spending a fortune.
We recommend the Theragun Prime as the best overall massage gun for people who want powerful percussion without an exorbitant price tag.
What our tester says:
“The triangular multi-grip handle makes it easy to massage hard-to-reach places compared to the standard single handle on other massage guns.”
Known for its ergonomic triangular handle, sheer force, and customizable speed levels, Theragun—now called Therabody as the brand expands its portfolio of muscle recovery tools—really does make unmatched massage guns.
I have been testing massage guns for years, and I’m always on the lookout for one that might surpass the Theragun’s quality of treatment at a better price point. I generally don’t encourage the average person to splurge on top-of-the-line equipment because most of us just don’t need it.
But I have yet to find a product that does everything the Theragun—specifically the Prime model—does for a better price. After researching dozens of massage guns and testing more than 30, I can confirm that the Theragun Prime is worthy of its $300 price tag. You don’t get the very best of what Theragun has to offer (see the Theragun Pro for that), but you’ll get the best percussive muscle massage you can find for that price.
The Theragun Prime delivers up to 30 pounds of force without stalling and reaches depths of 16 millimeters into soft tissue. It has a speed range of 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute (PPM), and you can use the companion app to select any different speed in that range. That means if 1,750 is too slow, but 1,760 is too fast, you can choose 1,755 PPM. This stands apart from other massage guns, most of which have predetermined speeds 50 to 100 PPM apart.
I think Theragun has the most ergonomic design, too. The triangular multi-grip handle makes it easy to massage hard-to-reach places compared to the standard single handle on other massage guns. It comes with a two-hour battery life, and I find myself charging the Theragun about every 10 days when using it every day.
The Prime comes with four interchangeable heads: a dampener attachment, which is a mix between a ball and a flat head attachment; a ball attachment; a cone attachment; and a thumb-shaped attachment, which is great for treating lower back pain and trigger points.
Now that Theragun has implemented a quiet motor and its massage guns don’t sound like jackhammers anymore, the Prime is just too hard to beat. Take a look at our Theragun review for more details.
| Price | $299 |
| Speed | 1,750-2,400 PPM |
| Amplitude | 16 mm |
| Attachments | 4 attachments |
| Battery life | 120 minutes |
| Product weight | 1 kg (2.2 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 8.9″ L x 6.3″ W x 2.7″ H |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Best Massage Gun for Travel: Ekrin Athletics BANTAM
Good for: People who want the most power possible in a small device with a nice carrying case
If you’re looking for a massage gun that is both powerful and portable, you can’t go wrong with the Ekrin BANTAM Mini Massage Gun. While it may be a bit pricier than its competitors, it offers what most can not. It offers the best of both worlds—the power of a regularly-sized massage gun in a super compact and lightweight package.
What our tester says:
“It has a slim design and rubberized grip, making it easy to hold and reach all the muscle groups I want to massage, even the upper back.”
Previously, the Hypervolt Go massage gun was listed as the best massage gun for travel in this guide. However, after more thorough testing of both products (and a whole lot of other mini massage guns), the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM mini massage gun has officially usurped Hypervolt and wins this spot because it’s a small but mighty recovery tool that can fit in any carry-on luggage.
While I don’t dislike the Hyperice mini massage gun, the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM is better for many reasons. For starters, it weighs a mere 1.1 pounds and comes with a carrying case that neatly fits the gun, four attachments, and the USB-C charger. The case measures less than 7 inches across diagonally and boasts a hard protective shell to keep your massager safe.
The slim design and rubberized grip make it easy to hold and reach all the muscle groups I need to hit, including my upper back, earning the handle a 4 out of 5.
Furthermore, Ekrin Athletics makes all of the major specs of the massage gun as clear as day, while Hyperice fails to list essential product information for its massage gun lineup.
Lots of mini massage guns lack the power you’d expect to find in a full-size massage gun. That’s not the case with the BANTAM. Not only does this mini massager beat the paltry 20-pound stall force on the Theragun Mini, but it also beats out the 30-pound stall force of the Theragun Prime by 2 pounds.
However, it is worth noting that this is only true at the highest speed setting. The BANTAM massage gun features progressive stall force, which means the stall force increases with speed. The BANTAM has 28 pounds of stall force at the lowest setting, 30 pounds at the middle speed, and 32 pounds at the highest speed. Still, a 28-pound stall force is nothing to balk at in a mini massage gun.
Speaking of speeds, the BANTAM features three fixed speed levels of 2,000, 2,600, and 3,200 percussions per minute (PPM). We usually like to see more speed options, so it earns a 3 out of 5 here. The four interchangeable attachments—fork, ball, flat, and bullet—reach into the muscle tissue at an amplitude of 10 millimeters, which is average for a mini massage gun.
Finally, the BANTAM boasts a battery life of up to 6 hours, so there’s no need to worry about it dying on the plane ride to your destination.
| Price | $149.99 |
| Speed | 2,000-3,200 PPM |
| Amplitude | 10 mm |
| Attachments | 4 attachments |
| Battery life | 6 hours |
| Product weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Dimensions | Not disclosed |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Best Theragun Alternative: Bob and Brad D6 Pro
Good for: Those who want a comparable massage gun to the Theragun, but at a lower cost
The Bob and Brad D6 Pro delivers a lot of power in a massage gun. It could produce up to 85 pounds of stall force and an amplitude of 16 millimeters. With that sort of amplitude, it can get deep into soft tissue and muscles to help alleviate muscle soreness and jumpstart recovery. It also comes with seven attachments and a 3-hour battery life.
What our tester says:
“This thing is the most powerful massage gun I’ve used by far, and I own several at this point.”
We know not everyone has the budget for a Theragun, and the Bob and Brad D6 Pro Massage Gun is an excellent alternative. It was designed by two renowned physical therapists, Bob and Brad (hence the company name), who have over 60 years of experience in their fields. Plus, the D6 Pro comes at a lower price point of about $250, although you’ll often find it marked down further on Amazon.
GGR Director of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, CNC, tested and gave high scores to the D6 Pro, particularly when it comes to speeds and attachments. The D6 Pro’s speeds range from 1,500 to 2,500 PPM with a motor capable of producing up to 85 pounds of stall force, which is substantially more than the 30 pounds offered by the Theragun Prime.
Nicole rates both the speed and motor function a 5 out of 5, saying, “This is the most powerful massage gun I’ve used by far—and I’ve owned and used several at this point.” She continues, “My husband, who has Achilles issues, will use the D6 Pro to work on his calf muscles. It’s his favorite massage gun because of how powerful and heavy-duty it feels.”
The Bob and Brad D6 Pro also earns a 5 on amplitude, providing 16 millimeters of amplitude—comparable to most Theragun models—which will provide a deep tissue massage that few massage guns are capable of. It also comes with seven different attachments. Nicole gravitated toward the ball or flat top attachments, but the pointed attachment was too intense for her, given the power behind the massage gun.
As the saying goes, though, with great power comes…a bit of a bulky device. The handle only earns a 3.5 out of 5, and Nicole adds, “This is a big massage gun so the handle is bulkier than others I’ve used, plus it’s heavier at nearly 3 pounds.” She does note that the coating is grippy, though, so it’s not the hardest massage gun to handle.
Bob and Brad claims the D6 Pro operates with “ultra-quiet technology” that makes the massage gun 20% quieter than traditional massage guns. To put it simply, Nicole didn’t find that to be the case, rating the noise level a 3 out of 5. “In my opinion, it’s fairly noisy,” Nicole says, adding, “You can hear it from another room, and when you massage your traps or upper back, it’s annoying for sure.”
That said, Nicole found this to be the only major drawback to this massage gun. So if you’re looking for a nice Theragun alternative for a little less, the D6 Pro is a great option.
| Price | $249.99 |
| Speed | 1,500-2,500 RPM |
| Amplitude | 16 mm |
| Attachments | 7 different attachment heads |
| Battery life | 180 minutes |
| Product weight | 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 10.55” L x 3.15” W x 7.64” H |
| Warranty | 1 year (can register for an additional year) |
Quietest Massage Gun: Ekrin Athletics B37 Massage Gun
Good for: People who want a lot of power without a lot of noise
The Ekrin Athletics B37 is one of the quietest massage guns available, along with having an angled handle to allow for better reach. The 8-hour battery life is also impressive.
What our tester says:
“Despite the lower amplitude, I’ve never put away the B37 feeling dissatisfied with the quality of treatment. I think the higher speeds available can negate the need for a greater amplitude.”
Massage gun technology has come a long way since I first started reviewing these things in 2018. Most massage guns used to rattle your bones and make your hand go numb if you held them too long—and heaven forbid using an old-generation massage gun on your neck, for fear your brain might spill out of your ears. Seriously, older models reached decibel levels above 100 decibels, which is equivalent to hearing a jet flyover at 1,000 feet. Yikes.
Now, thank goodness, the standard is much quieter. Innovators understood that people wanted power without too much noise, and even the louder massage guns on today’s market aren’t that bad. The Ekrin Athletics B37 massage gun has achieved the best blend of power and sound in my experience.
It has a stall force of 56 pounds, which comes close to the Theragun Pro’s 60 pounds, earning the motor a 4.5 out of 5. The B37 also rivals Theragun in that it has five speeds from 1,400 to 3,200 PPM, four attachments, and an 8-hour battery life, which is among the longest I’ve seen. The massive battery life also gets top marks with a 5 out of 5.
Yet even at its highest speeds, the Ekrin Athletics B37 is one of the quietest massage guns, running at 35 to 55 decibels. For reference, the Theragun Pro runs at about 70 decibels, and the Hypervolt Plus runs at about 55 to 70 decibels. For its highest speed being 3,200 PPM, it’s really impressive that the Ekrin Athletics doesn’t surpass the noise level of a refrigerator hum.
In addition to “proprietary sound insulation,” the quietness could also be attributed to the amplitude of the B37, which is 12 millimeters. Theoretically, since the arm doesn’t have to move as far, the motor doesn’t have to work as hard, thus it wouldn’t be as loud as a massage gun with a higher amplitude. This amplitude is a little less than some massage guns, though, earning it a 3.5 out of 5.
Despite the lower amplitude, I’ve never put away the B37 feeling dissatisfied with the quality of treatment. I think the higher speeds available (up to 3200 versus the standard 2400) somewhat negate the need for a greater amplitude.
| Price | $229.99 |
| Speed | 1,400-3,200 PPM |
| Amplitude | 12 mm |
| Attachments | 4 attachments |
| Battery life | 8 hours |
| Product weight | Not disclosed |
| Dimensions | Not disclosed |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Best Deep Tissue Massage Gun: Theragun Pro
Good for: People looking for the best of the best in percussive therapy
If you want the most powerful percussive massage gun, you can’t go wrong with the Theragun Pro.
What our tester says:
“I’ll use it before my workout to help loosen up tight muscles, and after as well. It can get deep into my muscle tissue, which not too many massage guns are able to do.”
Do I think anyone aside from elite athletes needs to buy the Theragun Pro? Absolutely not. Is it hella cool? Absolutely yes!
Speaking of elite athletes, weightlifting Olympian Caine Wilkes, CNC, USAW-L1, has owned and used a Theragun Pro for a few years now. There are several reasons why he likes it for our pick as the best massage gun for deep tissue work: It’s powerful, it’s effective, and it’s high-tech as heck.
It’s also totally unnecessary. But if you’re looking for the best deep tissue massage and overall percussive therapy experience, I can’t lead you any other way. Like the Theragun Prime, the high-torque brushless motor on the Pro reaches 16 millimeters deep into muscle tissue and has a customizable speed range that you can adjust through the Therabody app, earning it a 5 out of 5 on both amplitude and speed range.
However, it has a few key features that put it into a class of its own. For one, it has an OLED screen with a responsive force meter, which lets you know exactly how hard you’re pressing the massage gun into your muscles. It also has a rotating arm that locks into four different positions, making it easier than ever to deeply massage all muscle groups.
Caine finds it easy to reach tough muscles in the upper and lower back, saying, “The triangular handle and swiveling arm make it easy to get hard-to-reach spots—even for me, who’s a bit broader than your average person.” He rates the handle a 4 out of 5, docking a point just because of the hefty 2.76-pound weight of the massage gun.
Compared to the Prime’s stall force of 30 pounds, the Pro has an impressive stall force of 60 pounds. This means you can press the device into your muscles more deeply without it stalling. Caine adds, “The Pro hits the muscles deep, unlike other massage guns I’ve used. Just for my size, I need something a little more high-powered like this.” He rates the motor a 5 out of 5.
The Pro also has an impressive battery life thanks to its removable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery—and your purchase comes with two. Together, the two rechargeable batteries last a total of five hours.
Caine’s main gripe is the bulkiness of the massage gun and its carrying case. “I travel for competitions a lot, and the carrying case is massive compared to other massage guns,” he says. “It’ll keep your massage gun safe, and it’s easy enough to toss in your car, but the size of it makes it hard to pack into luggage if you have to fly.” He rates the carrying case’s portability a 3 out of 5.
| Price | $499 |
| Speed | 1,750-2,400 PPM |
| Amplitude | 16 mm |
| Attachments | 6 attachments |
| Battery life | 150 minutes per battery |
| Product weight | 1.25 kg (2.76 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 8.9″ L x 7.1″ W x 8.3″ H |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty, 90 days on batteries and attachments |
Best Massage Gun Under $150: REP Rapidstrike Massage Gun
Good for: Anyone looking for a high-quality, portable massage gun under $150
The REP Fitness Rapidstrike Massage Gun is a small massage gun that offers a ton of value. It has four attachments and an intuitive speed control that adjusts to the pressure you apply.
What our tester says:
“Extremely small and portable. There are smaller models out there, like the Theragun Mini, but they’re not as powerful.”
Honestly, it’s tough to choose the best massage gun in this specific price range, because there are just so many. You can go online and find literally hundreds of massage guns that cost less than $150 and they’re all pretty similar. Heck, most of them probably come from the same factories and are just rebranded over and over again.
But I feel confident recommending the REP Rapidstrike Massage Gun because our team has spent enough hands-on time with it to know it works well. Despite its size, the Rapidstrike massage gun is pretty powerful. GGR founder Coop Mitchell adds, “It’s extremely small and portable. There are smaller massage guns out there, sure, but they’re not as powerful as this one.” He rates the portability a 4.5 out of 5.
I can’t say exactly how powerful, because REP doesn’t disclose specs like stall force, amplitude, percussions per minute, and decibel level on the product page.
I wish they did, but I can make some educated guesses. Based on my experience with other percussion massage guns, I would venture to guess it reaches about 2,200 to 2,400 PPM and has an amplitude somewhere between 11 and 13 millimeters. As for decibels, it’s not super loud, but it’s not the quietest I’ve used. At its highest speed, it’s likely running around 60 to 65 decibels. “It’s quiet enough that I don’t bother my wife while watching TV in the same room,” Coop mentions.
Regardless of the specs, the Rapidstrike does a good job of relieving muscle soreness and tension. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t cause any wrist or forearm fatigue despite the straight-edged handle.
The massage gun comes with four silicone interchangeable attachments: round, flat head, fork, and bullet. It charges with a USB-C cable but doesn’t come with a charging brick, so make sure to have one handy. It charges in about 90 minutes and should last up to 8 hours. The battery life is impressive, but the charging is a little drawn out, leading Coop to rate the battery a 3.5 out of 5.
One of the main reasons I prefer the REP Rapidstrike Massage Gun over other devices in this price range is that it comes with an 18-month manufacturer’s warranty. Even the top-tier massage guns only have a 12-month warranty. We also always keep an eye out to see what deals REP Fitness offers during holidays like Black Friday and/or Labor Day, where you can get the best products we recommend at a better price.
Read my full REP Rapidstrike Massage Gun review.
| Price | $139 |
| Speed | Not disclosed |
| Amplitude | Not disclosed |
| Attachments | 4 attachments |
| Battery life | 8 hours |
| Product weight | Not disclosed |
| Dimensions | 6.5″ L x 3.5″ W x 2” H (massage gun); 9.5″ L x 7.3″ W (case) |
| Warranty | 18-month limited warranty |
Best Budget Massage Gun: TOLOCO Massage Gun
Good for: People who want one of the best budget massage guns for under $100
The TOLOCO Massage Gun is a budget-friendly massage gun that’s still able to deliver decent percussive forces with an amplitude of 12 millimeters. It has 10 attachment heads as well, although most people won’t find a use for every single one.
What our tester says:
“It actually feels pretty powerful for a budget massage gun.”
When it comes to massage guns, you can’t get much for under $100. But you can get the TOLOCO Massage Gun, which is one of the best budget massage guns we’ve tested that costs less than three digits. Olympian and strength athlete Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1, tested out the budget option and gave it high marks because it packs quite a punch at a small price.
Just be aware that the age-old adage rings true when it comes to percussive technology: You get what you pay for. So as a fair warning, the $60 you spend on the TOLOCO Massage Gun won’t get you a $600-worthy percussive treatment. If you want deep-tissue massage and techy specs, look elsewhere and spend more.
But the TOLOCO Massage Gun still provides worthy performance for cheap, reaching speeds up to 3,200 PPM with seven speed settings. It doesn’t specify the lower speeds, however. The amplitude is 12 millimeters. “That’s pretty good for the price,” says Caine. “Still, there are other massage guns that provide more amplitude, closer to 15 or 16 millimeters.” He rates the amplitude a 3.5 out of 5.
The motor gets a 4 out of 5. Although the motor and stall force aren’t specified, Caine explains, “It feels decently powerful for a budget massage gun. I can get the gun to stop if I press down hard enough, but I’m also a strength athlete trying to prove a point. Most people won’t run into that issue.”
The massage gun is a bit on the hefty side, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for the handle. With just a straight handle, getting to some areas on the body might feel awkward, too. Caine does note that the handle is grippy though, so the gun was never in danger of slipping out of his hands.
Caine notes that the massage gun is fairly quiet. TOLOCO claims the decibel level is between 40 and 50 decibels—a tiny bit louder than a refrigerator running. Caine agrees, saying, “It’s very quiet in use.” He rates the noise level a 5 out of 5. The 10 attachments are a lot. Some provide great ways to isolate certain areas of the body, but you’ll definitely find yourself using a few much more than others.
All in all, this is a solid massage gun for $60, or even less if you catch it on sale. For a great price, you get a simple device that’s easy to operate and provides decent treatment quality.
| Price | $59.99 |
| Speed | Up to 3,200 RPM |
| Amplitude | 12 mm |
| Attachments | 10 attachments |
| Battery life | Up to 6 hours |
| Product weight | 1.95 lbs |
| Dimensions | 9.8” L x 3.94” W x 7.87” H |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Best Massage Gun on Amazon: Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
Good for: People looking for a quick—but good—buy on Amazon
The Bob and Brad Q2 Mini is a compact massage gun that is easy to travel with. Only about the size of a water bottle, this massage gun operates quietly, although it may not be the strongest massage gun we’ve tested.
What our tester says:
“The top two speeds actually feel quite nice and legit. Still, if you like a really aggressive massage gun, then this probably isn’t for you.”
Many of the massage guns the GGR team has tested over the years have come from Amazon. Even various Hypervolt and Theragun models are available on the third-party retailer. The Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun is our top-rated massage gun from Amazon mostly due to its value and compactness.
Regularly at $90 but often on sale for $70, this massage gun is a fantastic value. The ergonomics are where the massage gun’s features shine, with a lightweight design (it weighs less than a pound) and a compact carrying case. It also comes with five massage heads, including a hot-and-cold attachment that requires separate charging. (People interested in this attachment should double-check before purchasing, as not all models have this attachment.)
“When wearing jeans, I had a hard time feeling the temperature difference on the attachment, but it was definitely noticeable on leggings or bare skin,” says Nicole Davis, certified personal trainer and GGR director of content. She rates the overall attachments a 4 out of 5, docking a point for a flimsy ball attachment. She adds, “It’s a shame that it didn’t feel good, since I prefer the ball attachment on my massage guns.”
The motor and amplitude are where this massage gun may have issues. The typical brushless motor isn’t anything to write home about, earning a 3 out of 5, and the amplitude is only 7 millimeters. Nicole rates the amplitude a 2.5 out of 5, adding that “it’s not great, even for a mini massage gun.”
That said, it provides decent speeds, up to 3,000 RPM. Nicole notes, “The top two speeds feel quite nice and legit.” If you’re not into aggressive massage guns, this may be a great pick for you. And as an added bonus: This is a pretty quiet machine. Nicole could even watch television while using it.
| Price | $89.99 |
| Speed | 1,800-3,000 RPM |
| Amplitude | 7 mm |
| Attachments | 5 different heads |
| Battery life | Not disclosed |
| Product weight | 15.17 oz |
| Dimensions | 3.39” L x 1.81” W x 5.75” H |
| Warranty | 1 year (can register for an additional year) |
Other Massage Guns We Researched and Tested
As a team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and competitive athletes, we’ve used and tested our fair share of massage guns. Lots are great and have neat features, but not all of them can make our list. Here are some honorable mentions:
- Theragun Mini Massage Gun: I wasn’t overly impressed with Theragun’s mini massage gun. It has the best amplitude of all the minis I’ve tried, but it’s lacking in the accessories department and its speed range isn’t impressive enough for me to recommend it over our other picks.
- Hypervolt Go 2: The Hypervolt Go was once my top pick for the best mini massage gun, but the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM ousted it thanks to superb specs at a great price. The Hypervolt Go 2 is the newer version of the Go, but it has the same specs as far as I can tell.
- Hypervolt Pro 2: Yet another release from Hyperice, this has the same design as the Hypervolt 2, but with a 90-watt motor and five speeds of percussion versus the three speeds on all of the other models. It’s also the most expensive Hypervolt model at $399.
- TimTam Power Massager Pro: This TimTam massage gun is overly powerful, but at $500, I don’t think it’s worth it.
- ExoGun DreamPro: We didn’t really like this massage gun. You can read our full ExoGun DreamPro review for full details.
- MuscleGun X: The MuscleGun X is actually pretty great with nine speed settings and seven included massage attachments. There are just other massage guns we liked better.
- Renpho Massage Gun: Priced around $100, this massage gun has good value, although there are probably a few better deals available. Check out our Renpho Massage Gun review for more information.
Which Massage Gun Should I Buy?
As the old saying goes, there are different strokes for different folks and the same is true for massage guns. For example, you might be looking for a massage gun to help with recovery after long runs, but someone else might want one that’s better suited for their back pain.
Here, we’ll break down what massage gun you should buy depending on your injury history or lifestyle/training goals.
Best Massage Gun for Back Pain
Ekrin Athletics models like the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM are probably the best bet for anyone who needs a massage gun for back pain. This is because they’re gentler than something like the Theragun Pro, which we wouldn’t recommend for those with severe back pain.
That said, back pain remedies are super subjective and what helps one person’s pain may not help another’s. Please speak with your physical therapist or physician.
Best Massage Gun for Athletes
Athletes should reach for the Theragun Prime because it’s one of the few massage guns that is capable of reaching 16 millimeters into soft tissue to help aid in recovery after intense training sessions or competitions. Most other massage guns have a high amplitude of around 13 millimeters, which is enough for the average person but not for elite athletes.
Aside from amplitude, athletes should look for a high battery life, assuming they’ll be using the massage gun daily or at least several times per week. Portability will also be key for athletes who travel for training and competition.
Best Battery Life Massage Gun
Most massage guns have a decent, if not good, battery life these days. However, some have superior battery life and/or provide extra rechargeable lithium ion batteries to extend the life even further. For instance, the Ekrin Athletics B37, our top pick for the quietest massage gun, has an impressive battery life of eight hours on one charge.
There are usually some trade-offs between battery and power. The Theragun Pro is a good example of this. It’s the most powerful massage gun I’ve tested, but one charge only lasts 2.5 hours. Luckily, though, the Pro comes with an extra battery to extend the life up to 5 hours.
How We Chose the Best Massage Guns
This final list of the best massage guns is a culmination of years of researching and testing massage guns. All of our top picks have actually been in our hands for extended periods of time, allowing us to learn the ins and outs of each of them and determine who they’re best for.
We made sure to use them for various purposes and in different scenarios. For example, we used them pre-workout as part of a warm-up, after workouts, and even between sets during workouts to fend off fatigue. For massage guns that come with metal attachments, I tried hot/cold therapy and used them with CBD oil. In addition to using massage guns to help with soreness and pain related to resistance training and cardio, I used them for general relief from achiness—the kind I tend to get from sitting at my computer writing guides like this.
RELATED: Best Pre-Workout
Here are some of the criteria we judge massage guns against:
- Portability (weight, size)
- Charging and battery life
- Amplitude (depth of tissue the massage gun reaches)
- Percussions per minute (speed settings)
- Stall force
- Accessories (massage head attachments, extra batteries, carrying case etc)
- Tech capabilities (Bluetooth connectivity, companion app)
- Sound level in use and stated decibel levels
- Warranty
- Ergonomics (how it feels in hand during use)
- Price
Benefits of Massage Guns
A massage gun is a great workout recovery tool. But what’s really going on when you’re sending bursts of up to 60 pounds of force into your tender muscles?
Encourage Blood Flow
The intense mechanical action of a massage gun increases blood flow to the targeted area. Applying that sort of force to your muscles essentially tells your brain, “Hey, something’s going on here,” and your body responds by sending more blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to that area. A 2023 study1 showed that localized vibrations did just that, increasing blood flow to the area without affecting heart rate.
Reduce Muscle Damage
Muscle soreness happens because your muscles endure tiny micro-tears during exercise. It’s possible that massage guns could reduce the total volume of muscle damage2 that occurs during workouts if you use it as part of your warmup. Doing so may also reduce muscle fatigue3, or at the very least, your perception of muscle fatigue, during workouts.
Alleviate Soreness
Like regular massage, the mechanical action of massage guns temporarily relieves muscle pain. You’ll feel the effects of the physical force immediately, but scientists hypothesize that there’s more to it than the pummeling of muscle tissue. It’s thought that the force applied by massage guns helps remove byproducts of workouts, such as lactic acid buildup (specifically blood lactate) and carbon dioxide from the bloodstream.
Increase Range of Motion
Limited research tells us that using a massage gun may temporarily increase range of motion4 in the targeted muscle. For instance, one study from 2020 showed that a 5-minute massage gun treatment on the calf muscles increased dorsiflexion of the ankle. Pretty cool, although it’s not clear how long the effects last.
Do Massage Guns Really Work?
If massage guns didn’t work, they probably wouldn’t be in college and professional sports training centers or in gym bags all around the world. I’m a firm believer that a good massage gun can have significant effects, but honestly, it’s up to each person to decide.
The available science on massage guns and percussive therapy is limited, and because the technology is still evolving, it’s hard to say how effective a top-tier massage gun from 2025 is compared to one from a few years ago. Also, much of the existing literature looks at vibration therapy, which isn’t exactly the same as percussion therapy (percussion uses a mechanism that “punches” into the tissue to reach deeper, while vibration therapy doesn’t have as far a reach).
Many scientific studies support modest temporary effects from massage guns or other modalities of percussive or vibration therapy. For example, one study suggests vibration therapy5 might be just as effective at reducing post-workout muscle soreness as regular massage therapy.
Another found that vibration foam rolling6 has a more significant effect on reduced perception of pain than regular foam rolling. And a 2019 meta-analysis7 of studies concluded that, yes, vibration therapy might alleviate delayed-onset muscle soreness, but ended with the classic: more research is needed.
So, honestly, in a scientific situation like this, I say use your own anecdotal evidence. If massage guns work for you—by reducing soreness, improving your pre-workout range of motion, or alleviating tight muscles—use one to your heart’s (and muscles’) content.
How to Use a Massage Gun
You can, for the most part, use a massage gun however you see fit. Just follow the instructions that came with the device and don’t use it to the point of pain. Here are a few general tips:
- Before a workout: Use a massage gun on tight or sore muscles as part of your warm-up to encourage blood flow to the area and to temporarily improve range of motion. For example, using a massage gun on your lower calves, ankles, and thoracic spine before squatting may help with your squat form and depth.
- After a workout: Massage the muscles you focused on during your workout to kickstart your body’s recovery process.
- General use: Experiment with speed settings and different muscle groups to find ways to use your massage gun for general pain relief and relaxation.
More importantly, let’s look at how not to use a massage gun…
Don’t ever use a massage gun on injuries, including pulled muscles (strains) or torn ligaments (sprains), bruises, or open wounds. Be careful about running your massage gun over bony protrusions under the assumption you’re attacking a gnarly muscle knot. Finally, talk to your doctor about safely using a massage gun if you have a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or fibromyalgia.
RELATED: Massage Gun For Sciatica
How to Choose the Best Massage Gun for You
Before you bite the bullet on a handheld massager, make sure to take these buying factors into consideration.
Motion: Percussion vs. Vibration
This may come as a surprise, but percussive therapy and vibration therapy are not one and the same. They’re used for a lot of the same reasons, but the mechanical actions differ. Percussive therapy reaches deeper into muscle tissue than vibration does, with percussion therapy defined as a treatment that reaches at least 16 millimeters into the body tissues.
Very few massage guns achieve that level of treatment—most blur the line between vibration and percussion, reaching depths of 12 to 15 millimeters. This isn’t to say a massage gun is bad if it doesn’t reach that 16-millimeter mark. In fact, many people find the “punching” mechanism of true percussive therapy too intense. (For reference, all of the Theragun models reach 16 millimeters.) It’s just something to be aware of.
Speed and Power
I recommend buying a massage gun that has at least three speed and power settings. Your soreness and sensitivity levels will fluctuate, and you’ll get really frustrated if your massage gun only has one setting and it’s too strong on a particularly sore day. When you have more options, you’ll be able to use your massage gun more often.
To dig a little deeper, look for a product that lists the actual percussions per minute (PPM), as well as amplitude and stall force. PPM refers to how many times the device “punches” per minute; amplitude refers to how deep into the muscle tissue the massage reaches; and stall force refers to the amount of force the motor can handle before it stalls (the higher the stall force, the more aggressively you can press the massage head into your muscles).
Speed and stall force both come down to preference, but I do think it’s worth analyzing the amplitude on any of your massage gun choices. Amplitude is important because it defines how deep of a massage you’ll get with the device. As mentioned above, a massage gun is only truly a percussion massage gun if the amplitude is at least 16 millimeters. Anything below that is technically vibration, but amplitudes of 12 to 15 millimeters are sufficient for most people’s needs.
Noise Level
These days, most massage guns are relatively quiet. But once upon a time, they all sounded like jackhammers and chainsaws. Make sure to read customer reviews and look out for warnings about the noise level. I personally would be most inclined to purchase a massage gun from a brand that clearly states the decibel level of their products online.
For reference, a normal conversation between two people hovers around 60 decibels. Household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers make sounds at about 70 decibels. And the sound of city traffic from inside your car is about 80 decibels. You probably don’t want to buy a massage gun much louder than that.
Portability
The best portable massage guns are smaller in nature, making them easy to pack in a suitcase or gym bag. On top of size, consider the quality of the carrying case (don’t want it to fall apart on the road), the number of attachments and accessories (too many might be annoying), and the battery life and type of charging cable (to make sure it doesn’t die and can’t be readily charged).
Attachments and Accessories
It’s pretty standard for massage guns to come with multiple head attachments these days. Common attachments include the round, bullet, fork, cone, and flat heads. All of these are most often made of some sort of dense foam or silicone; some massage guns come with certain attachments in both materials.
A less common, but super awesome, type of massage head attachment is the stainless steel kind. If you buy a massage gun with a stainless steel massage head attachment, you can freeze it or warm it up in hot water for hot/cold therapy in addition to percussive therapy.
Charging and Battery Life
For the most part, you probably won’t use your massage gun for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore battery life and charging specs. The best rechargeable massage guns have a battery life of at least two hours, and you can likely get a full week of use out of it before needing to charge it. A shorter battery life might suffice for people who don’t use the massage gun every day.
As for charging, look for perks like removable batteries and extra batteries. Most massage guns don’t have those things, which means if the battery in the device goes kaput, you have to buy a whole new massage gun instead of just a new battery. Generally, only the more expensive models have removable batteries, like the Theragun Pro.
Quality and Price
The best products are always the ones that offer a good value proposition. In other words, they provide the best features for the best price. That’s why my top pick is the Theragun Prime. I believe this massage gun offers the best suite of features for most people at a reasonable price.
In general, you can expect that the pricier a massage gun is, the more (and better) features it’ll come with. However, that’s not always the case, as you’ll notice in the competition section. Some products are simply overpriced. If a massage gun costs more than $300, I recommend looking really closely at the specs and ensuring the amplitude, speed range, and noise level are adequate. Also, double-check the attachments and accessories.
Best Massage Guns FAQs
What is the best type of massage gun?
A percussion massage gun is generally considered the best, as it can reach deeper into the muscles (at least 16 millimeters) and offer a more powerful massage. However, it can be too much for some people. For those individuals, vibration massage guns may be better. They may only reach 12 to 15 millimeters into the muscle tissue, but this is sufficient for many people.
What are the disadvantages of a massage gun?
Massage guns can lead to injury if they are used incorrectly. They can also be expensive (though they are still more cost-effective in the long run than getting frequent massages). Plus, even the best handheld massage guns can be heavy and bulky, and may be difficult to use for extended periods if you have dexterity issues.
Who should use a massage gun?
Most active people—recreational or competitive athletes, along with general fitness enthusiasts—will find some benefit from using a massage gun. Using a massage gun after a workout or competition can help improve muscle recovery by promoting blood flow and circulation1. Using it before a workout can also help temporarily improve your range of motion.
Should I use a massage gun or a foam roller?
Both foam rollers and massage guns are worthwhile recovery tools for athletes and gym-goers to add to their regimen. Foam rollers will add a lighter touch and allow you to cover larger muscle groups at once. On the other hand, massage guns can target specific muscles and pain points and provide a deeper massage.
How much does a massage gun cost?
Massage gun prices can vary, with some costing as little as $40 and other high-end options costing over $500. The more expensive options usually come with a higher motor power, more speed adjustments, or ergonomic improvements. Budget-friendly massage guns will work for most people but will have less power and amplitude, meaning they won’t massage as deep into the muscle tissue.
References
- Needs, D., Blotter, J., Cowan, M., Fellingham, G., Johnson, A. W., & Feland, J. B. (2023). Effect of Localized Vibration Massage on Popliteal Blood Flow. Journal of clinical medicine, 12(5), 2047. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12052047
- Kim, J. Y., Kang, D. H., Lee, J. H., O, S. M., & Jeon, J. K. (2017). The effects of pre-exercise vibration stimulation on the exercise-induced muscle damage. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(1), 119–122. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.119
- Otadi, K., Ghasemi, M., Jalaie, S., Bagheri, H., Azizian, M., Emamdoost, S., Sarafraz, H., & Sepahvand, M. (2019). A prophylactic effect of local vibration on quadriceps muscle fatigue in non-athletic males: a randomized controlled trial study. Journal of physical therapy science, 31(3), 223–226. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.31.223
- Konrad, A., Glashüttner, C., Reiner, M. M., Bernsteiner, D., & Tilp, M. (2020). The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles’ Range of Motion and Performance. Journal of sports science & medicine, 19(4), 690–694.
- Imtiyaz, S., Veqar, Z., & Shareef, M. Y. (2014). To Compare the Effect of Vibration Therapy and Massage in Prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR, 8(1), 133–136. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2014/7294.3971
- Romero-Moraleda, B., González-García, J., Cuéllar-Rayo, Á., Balsalobre-Fernández, C., Muñoz-García, D., & Morencos, E. (2019). Effects of Vibration and Non-Vibration Foam Rolling on Recovery after Exercise with Induced Muscle Damage. Journal of sports science & medicine, 18(1), 172–180.
- Lu, X., Wang, Y., Lu, J., You, Y., Zhang, L., Zhu, D., & Yao, F. (2019). Does vibration benefit delayed-onset muscle soreness?: a meta-analysis and systematic review. The Journal of international medical research, 47(1), 3–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300060518814999
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