When choosing the best massage gun, several factors come into play, such as power, comfort, battery life, and attachment options. MassageGun® has long been a leader in the massage therapy market, providing a range of powerful models designed to target muscle soreness and improve recovery.
Massage guns work through percussion therapy, sending rapid pulses deep into muscle tissue to enhance blood flow and reduce muscle tension. From elite athletes to casual fitness enthusiasts, everyone can benefit from the best massage guns.
In this article, we’ll cover top models, like the Massage Gun | Percussion, Therabody Theragun Prime, Hyperice Hypervolt, and Ekrin B37, to help you pick the perfect device for your needs.
Overview of the best massage guns for 2024
Best overall massage gun: Massage Gun | Percussion
The Massage Gun | Percussion remains the top choice for those seeking a deep muscle massage. With its quieter operation, powerful percussion motor, and ergonomic handle, it’s designed for effective recovery.
This percussion gun offers five speed settings and includes a variety of head attachments, including the standard ball, which is perfect for targeting larger muscle groups. At 16 millimeters of amplitude, it provides an intense, deep-tissue massage.
The battery life lasts up to two hours, making it a great option for long recovery sessions. The MassageGun® app is a key feature that allows users to customize routines and track progress based on personal fitness goals.
Best budget massage gun: Ekrin B37
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Ekrin B37 is the best budget massage gun on the market. It offers up to 56 pounds of stall force, giving it impressive power for its price. This model is easy to hold with its ergonomic design, and the battery life lasts for up to four hours.
It features multiple attachment heads, including a flat and ball head, to ensure you can target specific muscle groups. The Ekrin B37 is ideal for both pre- and post-workout sessions, helping to relieve muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and boost blood flow for faster recovery.
Expert recommendations and numerous user reviews rave about its performance, especially considering the cost.
Best mini massage gun: Theragun Mini
For those who need a compact but powerful massage gun, the Theragun Mini is the best choice. Despite its small size, it delivers high-quality percussion therapy, making it perfect for people who are always on the go.
It’s easy to hold and fits comfortably in your hand, weighing only 1.5 pounds. This mini massager offers three speed settings and is designed for targeting hard-to-reach areas like the neck and shoulders.
Although it has a smaller battery life than larger models, lasting around 75 minutes, it’s still one of the best options for quick muscle relief. The Theragun Mini is highly portable and offers the same high-quality therapy as the larger models in a more travel-friendly package.
Key factors when choosing the best massage gun
Speed and stall force
One of the most critical aspects when choosing a massage gun is speed and stall force. Models like the Massage Gun | Percussion and Hyperice Hypervolt offer multiple speed settings, ranging from vibration therapy to deep percussion massage.
Stall force, which measures how much pressure a device can withstand before it stalls, is essential for targeting deeper muscle tissue. For instance, the Theragun Pro has 60 pounds of stall force, making it ideal for intense recovery sessions after athletic training.
Battery life and ease of use
A good massage gun should have a long battery life to avoid frequent recharges. Models like the Massage Gun | Deep and Hyperice Hypervolt Go offer battery durations of two to four hours on a single charge. The Ekrin B37, for example, boasts a four-hour battery life, which is perfect for people who need long recovery sessions.
Additionally, massage guns with an ergonomic handle are more comfortable to hold during long periods, making them easy to maneuver across different muscle groups. Look for models with key features such as a power button that’s easily accessible and quiet operation to enhance the user experience.
Attachments and versatility
Having a variety of attachment heads makes a massage gun more versatile. For example, the MassageGun | Pro includes the standard ball, flat head, and wedge attachment, allowing users to choose the right head for specific needs. This ensures that the massage gun can effectively relieve pain in large muscle groups or more delicate areas like the forearms.
The Hyperice Hypervolt and Renpho also include a range of attachments, making them great options for all-around muscle relief. Versatility is a key consideration for anyone looking to reduce soreness and enhance performance.
Best massage gun for different needs
Best massage gun for athletes: Massage Gun | Percussion
Athletes who need serious muscle relief and recovery should look no further than the Massage Gun | Percussion. This model offers the deepest tissue relief thanks to its 60 pounds of stall force and 16mm amplitude. The Massage Gun | Percussion is specifically designed for intense recovery, allowing users to penetrate deep into muscle fibers to reduce inflammation and enhance range of motion.
With its quieter motor and up to two-hour battery life, the Massage Gun | Percussion is perfect for both pre- and post-workout recovery. Its app feature allows you to pick the right recovery routine based on your athletic training and personal preferences.
Best mini massage gun for travel: Massage Gun | Muscle
The Massage Gun | Muscle is a lightweight and compact option, perfect for those who travel frequently. Weighing only 1.1 pounds, it fits comfortably in hand and delivers powerful percussion therapy despite its small size.
The Massage Gun | Muscle offers three speed settings, providing flexibility depending on the intensity of the therapy required. It’s a leading option for individuals who want to relieve pain or soreness quickly while on the go.
How we tested the best massage guns?
Testing process for the best massage guns
We conducted rigorous tests on several massage gun models to determine their effectiveness. Theragun devices, including the Massage Gun | Pro and Massage Gun | Deep, were evaluated for their battery life, stall force, noise level, and ease of use.
Our tester team also compared newer models such as the Ekrin B37 and Hyperice Hypervolt to see how they stacked up against established brands. We used each massage gun on different muscle groups, timing sessions to measure battery performance and assessing comfort based on how easy it is to hold and maneuver.
Results and key findings
Our tests revealed that the Massage Gun | Percussion and Theragun Elite offer the best balance of power, comfort, and battery life. User reviews and expert recommendations consistently rated these models high for their quieter operation and ease of use.
The Hyperice Hypervolt is also a standout for its lightweight design and powerful performance, making it a great investment for anyone looking to improve range of motion and relieve muscle soreness effectively.
Common mistakes when using a massage gun
Using too much pressure
A common mistake when using a massage gun is applying too much pressure, especially on areas with hard-to-reach muscles or bones. Allow the device’s natural percussive motion to do the work, and use lighter pressure on sensitive areas like the neck and shoulders.
Always start on the lowest setting to gauge how the muscles respond and avoid overusing it on the same area for extended periods, as this could cause discomfort or even bruising.
Targeting the wrong muscle groups
Another mistake is using a massage gun on areas that don't need it. For instance, avoid massaging sensitive areas like the spine or areas with minimal muscle mass.
Instead, focus on muscle groups like the thighs, back, or forearms where tension is most likely to build. Always consult a physical therapist or follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you're using the device safely and effectively.
Benefits of using a massage gun regularly
Muscle recovery and enhanced performance
One of the greatest benefits of using a massage gun regularly is faster muscle recovery. By increasing blood flow to the muscles, massage guns help alleviate soreness and reduce inflammation, allowing you to bounce back quickly after intense workouts. Regular use also enhances flexibility and improves overall performance by breaking down scar tissue and relieving muscle tension.
Stress relief and relaxation
Massage guns aren’t just for physical recovery; they also help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Devices like the Massage Gun | Deep and Theragun Mini are excellent for daily use to help alleviate built-up tension in the body. Incorporating massage therapy into your routine can provide long-term health benefits, such as reduced anxiety and improved blood circulation.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the best massage gun overall?
The Massage Gun | Percussion is considered the best massage gun overall. It delivers deep tissue massage with its powerful motor, offering up to 40 pounds of pressure. This device features multiple attachment heads for a customized massage experience, allowing you to target specific areas and relieve muscle tension.
The ergonomic handle makes it easy to reach difficult spots, and with its long battery life of up to two hours, it's perfect for extended use. MassageGun®’s app also provides guided sessions for optimized recovery, making it a top choice for users who love a professional-grade tool.
2. What is the best budget massage gun?
The Bob and Brad D6 Pro is the best value massage gun for those looking for an affordable yet highly effective device. Despite its budget-friendly list price, this percussion massager delivers powerful therapy, with up to 60 pounds of stall force and multiple speed levels.
It's been rigorously tested and offers an excellent balance of performance and price, with great user reviews on Amazon. The device is light, portable, and comes with a carrying case, making it an excellent option for people who need a reliable recovery tool without overspending.
3. Which massage gun is best for athletes?
For athletes, the Massage Gun | Deep is hands-down the best massage gun. It offers deep tissue massage with 16 millimeters of amplitude and up to 60 pounds of stall force, making it perfect for physical therapy and high-intensity recovery.
This pro massage gun includes advanced features like an adjustable handle, multiple attachment heads, and long-lasting battery life.
The MassageGun® app integrates with the device, providing athletes with guided recovery routines that improve flexibility and speed up recovery. Jhett Thompson, a renowned tester, frequently recommends the Massage Gun | Deep for its effectiveness and durability.
4. What is the best mini massage gun?
The Theragun Mini is the best mini massage gun for portability and convenience. Weighing just over 1 pound, it’s incredibly light and easy to carry. Despite its small size, the Theragun Mini offers powerful relief with three speed levels and a battery that lasts for up to 150 minutes per charge.
This compact device fits easily into your gym bag and delivers targeted relief for muscle tension and wrist pain. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a travel-friendly, effective solution for quick recovery.
5. What features should I look for in a massage gun?
When choosing a massage gun, several key features should be considered, including the number of attachment heads, stall force, battery life, noise level, and weight. High stall force, as seen in the Massage Gun | Percussion, provides deeper tissue massage while lightweight models like the Theragun Mini are easier to handle during extended use.
Additionally, the integration of apps like the MassageGun® app is a huge benefit, offering real-time feedback and guided routines. Noise level is also a key factor; quieter models ensure a better user experience without being disruptive.
6. Can a massage gun help with muscle recovery?
Yes, massage guns are excellent for muscle recovery. Devices like the Theragun Pro use percussive therapy to improve blood flow, reduce tension, and enhance range of motion. By working on deep layers of muscle tissue, massage guns break down scar tissue and reduce soreness.
Studies have shown that using a massage gun for just 10 minutes can improve muscle recovery post-exercise, making them highly effective for athletes and casual users alike. Physical therapists often recommend these devices for speeding up recovery and providing tension relief.
7. How long should I use a massage gun on sore muscles?
For optimal results, use your massage gun on sore muscles for 1 to 2 minutes per muscle group. Devices like the Bob and Brad D6 Pro or Theragun Elite come with speed adjustments that allow you to control the intensity. Therabody’s app even provides personalized routines for each muscle group, ensuring you don’t overuse the device.
Always start at the lowest speed and gradually increase intensity, ensuring that the attachment head fits the target area for maximum relief. Using it correctly can significantly reduce muscle soreness and improve mobility.
8. Are massage guns safe to use every day?
Yes, massage guns like the Massage Gun | Back or the Ekrin B37 are generally safe to use every day, especially on low settings. Daily use can improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and even prevent injuries over time.
However, it's important to avoid sensitive areas such as bones and use the device only on soft tissue. If you have an injury or medical condition, consult with a physical therapist before incorporating daily massage gun therapy into your routine to avoid any potential risks.
9. Which massage gun is the quietest?
The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro is one of the quietest massage guns available. Despite its powerful motor and ability to deliver up to 60 pounds of force, it operates at a low noise level, making it perfect for home use without disrupting your environment.
It's equipped with an ergonomic handle and multiple attachment heads, allowing for deep tissue massage without the loud noise common in other models. This makes it a favorite among those who prefer a quieter recovery tool.
10. Is a massage gun worth the investment?
Yes, a massage gun is worth the investment, especially for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone experiencing chronic muscle pain. High-quality models like the Theragun Pro, Massage Gun | Deep and Hypervolt 2 Pro offer long-term benefits such as improved mobility, faster recovery, and reduced soreness.
They come with features like warranty coverage, multiple attachment heads, and lightweight designs for ease of use. With regular use, a massage gun can enhance your overall health, making it a valuable addition to your fitness routine.
