Massage guns can be helpful tools for relieving sore muscles and preventing soreness when used before and after workouts. They target muscles with rapid-fire pulses, aiming to provide the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your home.
When choosing a massage gun, take into consideration your personal noise tolerance, the device’s stall force—which is how much pressure you can apply before it shuts off—the gun’s weight and shape, and customizing options such as multiple speed selections and head attachments for hitting different muscle groups, so you’re receiving targeted benefits.
Tested & Approved
Our top pick, the opove Apex Massage Gun, is an effective, comfortable, and easy-to-use option at a great price. RecoverFun’s Mini Massage Gun comes in at a more budget-friendly price with a battery life that matches even higher-priced choices.
To find the best massage guns on the market, we tested 18 massage guns at home over several weeks. Our testers used the massage guns pre- and post-workout on multiple muscle groups, including glutes, hamstrings, shoulders, and more, any time they felt sore. We evaluated each device on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for its effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value.
We gave this massage gun a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars for effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and value, which is why it was an easy choice for our best overall spot. Our tester noted that this massage gun was very effective at reaching specific trigger points and particularly sore spots. A fan of deep tissue massage, our tester also loved that the device comes with multiple smaller attachments for more intense kneading.
Best Overall
opove Apex Massage Gun
Effectiveness
5/5
Comfort
5/5
Ease of Use
5/5
Stall Force
4.5/5
Portability
4.5/5
Quiet (even on highest setting)
Great battery life
Easy to maneuver
Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some
Compared to opove’s previous model, the opove M3 Pro—which was previously our best overall pick, this model is quieter, keeping its noise level between 45 and 55 decibels when in use. Even on the highest of its three available speed settings, it’s quieter than the lowest setting of many other massage guns on the market.
Although this massage gun has a hefty stall force of 50 pounds, it is quite lightweight, only weighing 2.3 pounds. Our tester, who also tested opove’s M3 Pro model, found the Apex to be easier to maneuver, as it is more compact and features a grippy handle for easy holding (a feature that the M3 Pro model lacked).
Its battery life is also competitive, clocking in between three and four hours on one full charge. Plus, we love that it comes with a convenient carrying case, so you don’t have to worry about misplacing any of its six unique attachments.
Testing Notes: “For anyone who is looking to try out a massage gun or even a more veteran exerciser who has tried massage guns out in the past, this gun is truly versatile! It’s great for people who like more relaxing, lighter massages and people who like deep tissue massage.”
Its three speed settings and six head attachments make this massage gun versatile enough to hit all muscle groups and sore spots, from gentle relaxation to deep massage. Our tester found the opove Apex Massage Gun powerful enough to offer deep relief due to its impressive stall force and 14.5-millimeter stroke length.
Price at time of publication: $250
Key Specs:Noise: 45-55 dB | Stall Force: 50 pounds | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments | Battery Life: 3.5 hours
Mini massage guns aren’t the most powerful options on the market, but they definitely get the job done for people looking for basic relief. This mini massage gun from RecoverFun earned 5 out of 5 stars for all of our testing attributes: effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. This gun is both affordable and effective, generating up to 3,200 percussions per minute across four different speed settings to provide significant therapeutic relief.
Best Budget
RecoverFun Mini Massage Gun
Effectiveness
5/5
Comfort
5/5
Ease of Use
5/5
Stall Force
5/5
Portability
5/5
Super lightweight
Great battery life
Not as powerful as other options
Lacks a structured carrying case
Testing Notes: “This gun only has four speeds, so it doesn’t feel like you can overdo it. The size makes it easy to maneuver: I never feel like the massage gun is going to slip out of my hands or get too unwieldy.”
The brushless motor is surprisingly quiet, and the battery lasts an impressive 5 hours on a single charge. The USB charging port design helps you keep it powered up while on the go as well. It only weighs 1.1 pounds, and our tester found that the ergonomic design makes it both easy and comfortable to hold.
Price at time of publication: $79
Key Specs:Noise: 42 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 5 hours
Theragun is a powerhouse in the massage gun market, and after testing the brand’s most popular massage gun models, the Theragun Prime was our favorite. The Prime massage gun earned 5 out of 5 stars on four of our six testing attributes, which gives it an overall higher rating than the more expensive Theraguns we tested. Our tester felt it was very effective at relieving sore muscles after a workout and was easy to hold and quiet.
Best Theragun
Therabody Theragun Prime Massage Gun
Effectiveness
5/5
Comfort
5/5
Ease of Use
4.5/5
Stall Force
5/5
Portability
4/5
Affordable Theragun option
Ergonomic grip
App integration with Bluetooth
Handle may be too short for hard-to-reach areas
Shorter battery life
It’s a budget-friendlier option from the brand that still provides all the features you need for sore muscle relief. It comes with four head attachments and a smart app that our tester notes was very helpful with initial setup and even provides how-to video guides.
Testing Notes: “This was feeling like a ’nice to have’ gadget until the morning I woke up with a tension headache. I used the Theragun on my back and shoulder and felt great for the rest of the day.”
We love that the brushless motor contains QuietForce Technology that keeps this massage gun pretty quiet while in use without losing power. The device comes with five built-in speeds, but you can also select any speed between 1750-2400 percussions per minute to customize your treatment on manual mode.
Price at time of publication: $289
Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 2 hours
For an even budget-friendlier Theragun that is also easily portable, we recommend this Mini version. We gave the Theragun Mini Massager a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. The Mini is perfect for working out knots and tight spots while on the go. Its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to stash in your gym bag or hiking pack, so you can use it anywhere.
Best Budget Theragun
Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0
Effectiveness
5/5
Comfort
4.5/5
Ease of Use
5/5
Stall Force
5/5
Portability
5/5
Portable
Easy to hold
Compatible with other Theragun attachments
Only comes with one head attachment
Low stall force
With a 20-pound stall force and only three speed settings, the Theragun Mini is not as powerful as other massage guns on our list, but our tester felt a noticeable difference in hip flexor tension after using it.
Mini massage guns are particularly useful for people who have weaker hands or struggle with chronic arthritis pain and can’t hold heavier devices comfortably for an extended period of time. We like that the Theragun Mini has a sleek, ergonomic grip that helps reduce the strain on your hands.
Testing Notes: “The Theragun Mini is a no-brainer for folks who want the experience of a massage gun without the size/scale of the larger devices.”
Therabody claims that this 2nd generation Theragun Mini is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than its predecessor, making it even more portable and perfect for travel.
Price at time of publication: $199
Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 20 pounds | Weight: 1 pound | Customizability: 3 speed settings | Battery Life: 2.5 hours
The Theragun Elite did not score as well as the Prime during our test, but we still think this is a quality massage gun from a trusted brand that’s worth the splurge for anyone looking for a higher-tech option. The Elite offers five head attachments, including a wedge attachment that can help decrease lactic acid in muscles via a “scraping” motion. Like the Theragun Prime, the Elite comes equipped with QuietForce Technology and smart app integration. The Therabody app integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit and can suggest guided routines based on your fitness program. You can also store up to three preset routines right on your device.
Best Splurge
Theragun Elite Massage Gun
Effectiveness
4.5/5
Comfort
4/5
Ease of Use
3.5/5
Stall Force
4.5/5
Portability
4.1/5
Ergonomic grip
Customizable speed range
App integration with Bluetooth
Larger size may be difficult to hold
Testing Notes: “I had high expectations for the Theragun due to its reputation, and it definitely delivered. It’s pleasing to the eye, feels high-quality during use, and has minimal flaws or details that could be changed. While there are only three speeds, it’s more than enough, and it doesn’t skimp on versatility with its five attachment heads.”
Our tester noted that the Elite is a little bulky, so holding the gun for a long massage session may be difficult, which is why it only scored a 3.5 out of 5 for ease of use. However, our tester also noted that the Elite head attachments glide smoothly over sore muscles. She also liked that you can easily adjust the speed of the massage gun, which makes the device versatile for soothing mild to deep muscle aches.
Price at time of publication: $399
Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 40 pounds | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Customizability: 5 head attachments | Battery Life: 2 hours
In need of a massage gun, but for your face? Meet Therabody’s TheraFace Pro. Whether you have irritating jaw pain or facial muscle tension, this innovative facial tool uses gentle percussive massage to ease discomfort. It has three different percussive attachments—flat, cone, and micro-point—to target different areas and concerns.
Best for the Face
Therabody TheraFace PRO
Effectiveness
5/5
Comfort
5/5
Ease of Use
5/5
Stall Force
5/5
Portability
4.5/5
Has additional skincare treatments
Ergonomic design
Six head attachments
Expensive
Testing Notes: “The TheraFace Pro is an eight-in-one device that delivers unique treatments, real results, and restorative relaxation. If you’re looking to splurge on an effective device, the TheraFace Pro is worth it to level-up your self-care routine.”
What’s more, the device comes with three additional attachments, including cleansing, microcurrent, and LED light therapy rings to help users work toward a variety of skincare goals. It’s an eight-in-one device that works to relieve facial pain and tension headaches; target fine lines and wrinkles; and clean and tone the skin. Our tester said it provided a relaxing, effective upgrade to her skincare routine.
Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: Not Applicable | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Customizability: 6 attachments | Battery Life: 120 minutes
The Pro massage gun is the top of the line from Theragun and a fan favorite. It didn’t perform as well as other options on our list, but we think it’s still a good investment if you’re seeking a truly deep tissue massage. With a stall force of 60 pounds, six head attachments, and a rotating arm, the Theragun Pro offers maximum intensity and versatility for treating sore muscles—earning a score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness.
Best High-Intensity
Theragun PRO 4th Generation
Effectiveness
5/5
Comfort
4.5/5
Ease of Use
4.5/5
Stall Force
5/5
Portability
4/5
Rotating arm
60-pound stall force
Six head attachments
Expensive
Larger size may be difficult to hold
The Pro’s arm rotates to four different positions, and the triangular-shaped handle makes it ideal for hard-to-reach spots like the low back, glutes, and hamstrings. Our tester noted that the Pro is pretty heavy at almost 3 pounds, so it’s better suited for someone with lots of arm and grip strength or someone who has a partner or trainer that can assist with the massage session.
Testing Notes: “I would recommend this massage gun to someone who works out very frequently and who has used massage guns in the past and plans to use massage guns very frequently, which would make this worth the cost. I would also recommend it to someone who likes deep percussive therapy.”
Like other Theragun devices, the Pro comes with smart app integration and up to three preset routines that can be saved on the device. It also comes with two rechargeable batteries, so you’ll never be left waiting for your massage gun to charge up.
Price at time of publication: $599
Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 60 pounds | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments and 4 arm positions | Battery Life: 5 hours
Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 60 pounds | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments and 4 arm positions | Battery Life: 5 hours
The Sportneer Elite D9 has an impressive battery life of up to 6 hours. After you charge it, you won’t have to worry about recharging it for weeks, depending on how often you use it. This makes it reliable and convenient. The D9 is durable and has a 10-minute auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating, making it a safe choice.
Best Battery Life
Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun
Effectiveness
4.5/5
Comfort
5/5
Ease of Use
4/5
Stall Force
5/5
Portability
3.5/5
Long battery life
Six head attachments
Auto-shutoff feature
Low stall force
Large size compared to other massage guns
It has six speed settings and six head attachments—including two specifically designed for oil massage—allowing you to reach your neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips, and legs for a full-body massage. Our tester found the massage gun very comfortable to use, giving it a rating of 5 out of 5 for comfort.
Our tester did note that it is a large device, so it may be difficult to take on the go.
Price at time of publication: $260
Key Specs:Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments | Battery Life: 6 hours
Renpho is no stranger to wellness products, known for its high-tech bathroom scales and foot massagers. At 0.9 pounds, the Mini Massage Gun is the lightest option on our list. We like that it can be gripped perfectly with the palm of your hand and easily packs into a gym bag or suitcase, with or without the included carrying case.
Best Mini
Renpho Mini Massage Gun
Effectiveness
4/5
Comfort
4/5
Ease of Use
5/5
Stall Force
5/5
Portability
4.5/5
Portable and lightweight
One-button control
Auto-shutoff feature
Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some
Battery life can affect performance
Verywell Fit FYI
However, don’t be fooled by its small size. Some users have reported that the lowest setting is still quite powerful. It features five speed settings and four head attachments, from flat to cylinder, and Renpho promises a torque that’s 1.5 times higher than competitors—which means a lower likelihood of stalling. Our tester noted the high quality of the device and its carrying case and liked that it included a body map with suggestions for which attachments to use. We gave the massage gun a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for stall force, ease of use, and portability.
Testing Notes: “I prefer the Renpho Mini Massage Gun to larger massage guns that don’t feel as safe or manageable. This was extremely intuitive to use and effective.”
The one-button control is convenient for turning on the device and increasing its speed, but our tester noted that after reaching maximum speed, the next push of the button returns the speed to level 1 instead of shutting it off completely.
Price at time of publication: $80
Key Specs:Noise: 45 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 4 hours
If you prefer more aggressive massages, consider Achedaway’s Pro 16mm Massage Gun. It has the highest stall force on our list at 80 pounds and five speed settings. The massage gun weighs 2.5 pounds, so it’s not the lightest but not the heaviest on our list. Our tester noted that it was difficult to hold with one hand when massaging hard-to-reach areas like the back, so the weight is a compromise to consider if you’re looking for a powerful device. We think it’s worth the tradeoff, given that the device earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness.
Best Stall Force
Achedaway Pro 16mm Massage Gun
Auto-shutoff safety feature
Carrying case included
High stall force
Battery life can affect performance
Heavy
It features a battery life of two to three hours, but we like that you can buy an extra battery to double the battery life. Users have reported that a low battery can impact its performance and intensity, so you may need to plan ahead and make sure you have a full charge before using the device.
Testing Notes: “I really enjoyed using the Achedaway Pro because it helped relieve muscle tension and tightness in my back. Plus, it was easy to use, set up, and attach the different attachments it came with.”
For safety, it includes an auto-shutoff feature when not in use. The massage gun comes equipped with a carrying case, four massage heads, and a removable battery.
Price at time of publication: $299
Key Specs:Noise: 40-60 dB | Stall Force: 80 pounds | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: Up to 3 hours
The TOLOCO Massage Gun’s brushless motor is built with noise reduction technology that keeps it at 40 decibels, making it the quietest on our list. Our tester felt it was easy to use, lightweight, and impressively quiet, giving it a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use, comfort, and portability.
Best Quiet
Toloco Massage Gun
Effectiveness
4/5
Comfort
4.5/5
Ease of Use
4.5/5
Stall Force
4.5/5
Portability
4.5/5
Very quiet
10 head attachments
20 speed levels
Amplitude is shorter than other massage guns
Some users report battery stops holding a charge
The stall force for this gun is not listed by the manufacturer, but even though the motor is quiet, it’s still powerful. Our tester noted that they had no trouble applying a lot of pressure and felt the higher settings were appropriately intense without causing the gun to vibrate too much, earning it a score of 4.5 out of 5 for stall force.
Testing Notes: “I really like this little device! I don’t find massage guns as helpful as other things, but I definitely see the benefit of investing some money into this affordable, versatile, portable, and effective little machine.”
The TOLOCO is versatile and easy to use. We like that it comes with 10 head attachments and 20 speed levels, making it easy to adjust for different muscle groups, like neck and shoulders or glutes and hamstrings.
Key Specs:Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Customizability: 10 head attachments | Battery Life: 4 hours
The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is a lightweight and portable massage gun built for traveling. It weighs less than 2 pounds, comes with three plug adapters for international outlets, and is TSA-compliant for carry-on.
Best for Travel
Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
Effectiveness
4/5
Comfort
5/5
Ease of Use
4.5/5
Stall Force
5/5
Portability
4.5/5
TSA approved for carry-on
Compact
Three plug adapters for travel
Short battery life
No carrying case
It comes with two head attachments and three speed settings, and our tester noted that it was effective at relieving muscle tension in her legs and back. The massager was very quiet and easy to use with a one-button control—earning the device a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use.
Testing Notes: “I liked how lightweight the device was. The handle was also easy to hold and maneuver.”
The Hyperice has a shorter battery life than other massage guns on our list. However, this newer version has a slightly longer battery life of 3 hours, compared to the battery life of the Hypervolt Go which was listed at 2.5 hours. But with three adapters, you can charge it on the go, and we like that its light weight makes it easy to maneuver into hard-to-reach spots like the low back or feet.
Price at time of publication: $199
Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Customizability: 2 head attachments | Battery Life: 3 hours
Compare
We Also Tested
In total, our editors tested 18 massage guns, but only included 11 in our final list of recommendations. While these three didn’t make our top picks list, the devices did have some note-worthy features worth mentioning.
How We Rated the Massage Guns
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best massage guns we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
- The Musclegun Carbon is a travel-sized massage gun that’s comfortable to use and easy to wield. During testing, our editor found it quieter than other options she tried. But she also noted that it wasn’t as powerful as massage guns with a higher stall force, and said she would ultimately reach for a more powerful massage gun in order to relieve muscle tension. This, along with some other flaws, ultimately led us to dock points for its overall value.
- VYBE’s Percussion Massage Gun scored high marks for portability and stall force, but ultimately our tester found it to be too noisy and shaky to use effectively, which ended up leading us to dock points from its overall rating.
- Wahl’s Deep Tissue Percussion Massager is an atypical massage gun that scored well for stall force and effectiveness, but lost points for ease of use. Ultimately, our tester found the unusual size of this massager not as effective as a typical massage gun, docking points for overall value.
How We Tested the Massage Guns
To narrow down the best massage guns, our editors tested 18 different devices at home. Ten testers—including a certified personal trainer, a certified barre instructor, and a certified yoga teacher—used each massage gun at least four times: Once before and after an upper-body workout and once before and after a lower-body workout for 3-5 minutes a session. Testers were also instructed to use the massage gun any time they felt sore or stiff or had muscle tightness.
Our testers then rated each massage gun on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) in the categories of effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. We also gave each massage gun an overall rating which reflects whether or not we would recommend it to a friend or family member. Testers were also asked to evaluate the safety and noise level of the device and if the included instructions were clear and helpful.
What to Look For in a Massage Gun
Noise
The motors that power massage guns can be surprisingly loud, so it can be a rather unpleasant experience to use them on neck and shoulder muscles. “When you use a massage gun, noise is generated by the motor units, which is important to consider when you plan to use the device on muscles closer to the ears,” Latoya Julce, a fitness professional and registered nurse in New York City, says. Luckily, lots of the newer models prioritize decreasing this motor noise.
Stall Force
This term refers to the amount of pressure you can apply to the head of the massage gun before the motor stalls. “It’s important because if you want to add the pressure of the massage gun on the tissues and the unit stops moving, then it’s not helpful and the massage gun isn’t doing what you need it to do,” Dr. Karena Wu, DPT, board-certified physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City and India, says.
Weight
Because these devices are often held with one hand, weight is a vital factor. “Weight is important because you have to hold the unit in your hand and be in a position to have the massage gun hit your tissues,” Dr. Wu says. She notes that if a unit is too heavy, you can end up with a fatigued arm, unable to target the correct tissues.
People who want deeper, more aggressive percussive therapy typically need massage guns with higher stall force.
You want to feel confident that you can hold the massage gun steadily and safely on the targeted muscle while it’s running at top speed.
Customization
Consider customization as you think about which muscles you typically need to target and what type of massage therapy you enjoy using on those muscles. Some massage guns come with a handful of head attachments, some offer an adjustable head angle on the device itself, some provide both of these features, and some neglect both. Dr. Wu says that pinpoint, flat, and curved attachments help target a variety of different muscles and tensions. “If you’re really tight and tender, then starting with a flat head attachment would be best to warm up the tissues without discomfort,” she says.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and long-time fitness writer. Jen has been involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications, like Sass Magazine and Field Hockey Life Magazine. She uses the TOLOCO Massage Gun to relax her stiff back and uses it after training and runs to loosen her tight hips. She considers it an essential part of her training program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do massage guns help sore muscles?
- Massage guns provide percussive or vibration therapy, which is a type of massage that applies rapid bursts of pressure to muscle tissue. Percussive therapy helps increase blood flow to a hyper-targeted area, which can then help reduce inflammation and muscle tension, as well as begin to break up knots that may have formed in the muscle tissue due to stress or following a particularly intense workout.Massage guns do not completely eliminate muscle soreness, but they can help alleviate it.
- Can massage guns be harmful?
- Yes, massage guns can be harmful if they are used improperly. Most experts recommend massaging a specific area for no more than two minutes at a time, and it’s important to massage soft muscle tissue exclusively. Avoid using a massage gun on bone, tendons, ligaments, and the trunk of your neck (near your carotid arteries).It’s also best to avoid using a massage gun on existing wounds and injuries, as the additional blood flow can exacerbate that inflammation rather than alleviate it. Remember: A sore muscle is not the same as a strained, pulled, or torn muscle.Lastly, it’s not a good idea to use a massage gun on a place with impaired sensation because you won’t be able to tell if you’re actually creating further damage to the area.
- Which massage gun head should I use?
- It depends on the type of massage you’re after. Big round head attachments are typically used on larger muscle groups like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Its larger surface area makes it more efficient on these larger targets. Meanwhile, a small round head attachment is a great all-around pick that works well across the body.Some massage guns come with a flat head attachment, which works better on smaller surface area targets, such as between the shoulder blades and along the length of the IT bands. A flat head is particularly helpful on denser muscles.The bullet-shaped attachment is ideal for targeting smaller areas of muscle soreness like your hands and feet. Just be mindful of the pressure applied with the bullet attachment because it’s quite concentrated to a small surface area, and be extra careful to avoid bone, tendons, and ligaments.Lastly, the two-prong attachment that looks like a vertebra helps bring relief to trigger points along the spine, especially toward the lower back. Again, be careful to never press the attachment itself against the spine.
- Where should I not use a massage gun?
- To avoid injury, refrain from using massage guns on bones, tendons, ligaments, and the trunk of your neck. Using a massage gun on parts of the body that aren’t soft muscle tissue could lead to inflammation, pain, or even nerve damage and torn tendons in some cases. It’s important to learn how to use a massage gun properly before starting your percussive therapy journey. If you are experiencing joint pain, injury, acute muscle pain, or other musculoskeletal disorders, make sure to get clearance from your doctor before using a massage gun.
- How much should I spend on a massage gun?
- The price of a massage gun ranges quite widely. You can expect to pay between $70-$599 for a quality massage gun. Cheaper options tend to be good for entry-level users who are testing out a massage gun for the first time, but may not be as durable as other, more expensive options. Those looking for higher stall force and longer-lasting battery life will likely have to shell out more than $200. The cheapest massage gun on our list is available for less than $80, while our top recommendation, the Opove Apex Massage Gun was $250 when we published this list.
Massage guns provide percussive or vibration therapy, which is a type of massage that applies rapid bursts of pressure to muscle tissue. Percussive therapy helps increase blood flow to a hyper-targeted area, which can then help reduce inflammation and muscle tension, as well as begin to break up knots that may have formed in the muscle tissue due to stress or following a particularly intense workout.
Yes, massage guns can be harmful if they are used improperly. Most experts recommend massaging a specific area for no more than two minutes at a time, and it’s important to massage soft muscle tissue exclusively. Avoid using a massage gun on bone, tendons, ligaments, and the trunk of your neck (near your carotid arteries).
It depends on the type of massage you’re after. Big round head attachments are typically used on larger muscle groups like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Its larger surface area makes it more efficient on these larger targets. Meanwhile, a small round head attachment is a great all-around pick that works well across the body.
To avoid injury, refrain from using massage guns on bones, tendons, ligaments, and the trunk of your neck. Using a massage gun on parts of the body that aren’t soft muscle tissue could lead to inflammation, pain, or even nerve damage and torn tendons in some cases. It’s important to learn how to use a massage gun properly before starting your percussive therapy journey. If you are experiencing joint pain, injury, acute muscle pain, or other musculoskeletal disorders, make sure to get clearance from your doctor before using a massage gun.
The price of a massage gun ranges quite widely. You can expect to pay between $70-$599 for a quality massage gun. Cheaper options tend to be good for entry-level users who are testing out a massage gun for the first time, but may not be as durable as other, more expensive options. Those looking for higher stall force and longer-lasting battery life will likely have to shell out more than $200. The cheapest massage gun on our list is available for less than $80, while our top recommendation, the Opove Apex Massage Gun was $250 when we published this list.
Additional reporting by Alena Hall
As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how critical a quality recovery practice is to a person’s overall fitness routine. She’s always exploring the latest and greatest health gadgets as they enter the market, but more importantly, she looks for scientific research that validates their claims.
