Best Massage Gun Overall
Therabody Theragun PRO
Best Massage Gun Overall
Therabody Theragun PRO
Pros
- Delivers strong percussion for deep muscle work
- 5 percussion settings
- Display screen with force meter
- Balanced weight
Cons
- Not a worthwhile investment for those who prefer light massage
- Not an ideal size for travel
Theragun’s latest model is a humdinger. The 4th generation Theragun PRO includes a 300-minute battery life, a rotating arm, and a multi-grip handle that makes hard-to-reach areas more accessible for me. With four different arm positions and six attachments, plus five different percussion settings with up to 60 pounds of force, this massager leaves nothing to be desired. It’s not too heavy, not too light, and a unique design that allows me to change up my grip however I wish.
This device is a favorite of Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH Fitness Director. “Partly because I have such fine control of the settings. It’s also well-weighted, which is why it’s one of the first devices that lets me comfortably treat my upper back.”
Unlike other Thergaun models, the Pro also has ‘smart’ capabilities with the Therabody app, which allows users to track progress and data with Bluetooth connectivity. Last but not least, it has an OLED screen complete with a force meter, so I can keep an eye on exactly how much oomph I’m targeting my muscles with.
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| Noise level | High |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 300 minutes (comes with two 150 minute batteries that can be interchanged for continuous use) |
| Reliability | High |
| Power and speed | 1750 to 2400 PPM; 5 settings |
| Attachments | 6 |
| Size and weight | 10″ x 7.1″ x 3″; 2.9 lb. |
| Additional accessories | Carrying case, two rechargeable batteries, wireless charging stand, multi-device charger |
Best Massage Gun for Travel
Therabody Theragun mini
Best Massage Gun for Travel
Therabody Theragun mini
Pros
- Travel-friendly size
- Under 2 pounds in weight
- 3 percussion levels
- Quiet
Cons
- Battery life not as long as the other Theragun models
- Not as powerful as full-size massagers
As a person who leads a busy, on-the-go lifestyle and travels a lot, I’ve never utilized a massage gun as much as this compact one. It’s scaled-down size and lightweight design make it practical to chuck in my carry-on, purse, or gym/work bag, so I bring it out of the house with me nearly every day.
Despite its smaller stature, this massage gun’s performance stands out, delivering a powerful massage experience that’s comparable to its larger counterparts. It weighs less than 1.5 pounds, has 150 minutes of battery life, three different speed settings, and three attachment heads, so you’re not missing out on much that bigger models may offer. I will say, however, it does deliver a slightly more surface level massage than the Theragun PRO (which I used before acquiring the Mini). That being said, the power and depth offered by the Mini is plenty for most people to reap the benefits of percussion therapy.
“This is hands-down my favorite massage gun. It’s small enough that I can travel with it anywhere, and despite its odd shape, I find it easy to hold and use,” says Samuel. “It’s my go-to for loosening chest and IT bands.”
My only qualm with this thing is that it’s noise level is a limited factor in terms of where I actually use it. It’s compact and lightweight enough to bring on-the-go, but it’s definitely not quiet enough to use in a quiet office setting, for example.
Read more: Theragun Mini Review
| Noise level | Low compared to larger devices |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 150 minutes |
| Reliability | High |
| Power and speed | 1750, 2100, and 2400 PPM; 3 settings |
| Attachments | 3 |
| Size and weight | 5.55″ x 4.92″ x 1.93″; 1.43 lb. |
| Additional accessories | Charger, carrying case |
Best Lightweight Massage Gun
Hyperice Hypervolt 2
Best Lightweight Massage Gun
Hyperice Hypervolt 2
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Under 2 pounds
- Comes with 5 head attachments
Cons
- Does not have digital speed dial control (has 3 buttons to control speed)
The Hypervolt 2 isn’t the most high-powered massager in Hyperice’s Hypervolt line (that would be the Hypervolt 2 Pro), but I actually prefer it for a number of reasons.
Let’s get one thing straight: power isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in the world of massage guns. Yes, the device needs to deliver enough power to get into the muscle tissue, but the threshold for how much power that actually requires is not much for most people. Plus, more powerful massagers tend to be heavy, which impacts how comfortable it is to use. For me, that’s a deal breaker.
This lightweight device weighs only 2.5 pounds, so it won’t sit like a rock in your gym bag (or make your arms quake post-upper body lift). It has three different percussion speeds and five different head attachments to vary your experience, so it’s nearly just as customizable as more premium models (you get two more percussion speed settings with the Hypervolt 2 Pro). Best of all, the motor on this machine is extremely quiet, which allows me to use it more often and conveniently.
You won’t find a more accessible massage gun than the Hypervolt 2, according to Samuel. “I got my parents one of these because of how simple and comfortable it is to use. The dial is easy to adjust and gives them the feedback they need (power, battery life) without overwhelming with info.”
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| Noise level | Medium |
|---|---|
| Battery life | Up to 3 hours |
| Reliability | High |
| Power and speed | 60W motor; 3 settings |
| Attachments | 5 |
| Size and weight | 7.5″ x 2.5″ x 9.5″; 1.8 lb. |
| Additional accessories | Head attachment pouch, charger |
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Best Entry-Level Massage Gun
NordicTrack PulseTech Percussion Therapy Gun
Best Entry-Level Massage Gun
NordicTrack PulseTech Percussion Therapy Gun
Pros
- 5 Progressive Massage Speeds
- 4 Interchangeable Massage Heads
- Under 3 pounds
- Incredible price
Cons
- No digital speed control
This massage gun from NordicTrack retails for $179 on the brand’s site, which makes the $34 price tag on Amazon nearly unbelievable. With four interchangeable massage heads and five speed settings, this sub-$40 device competes with the likes of Hyperice and Therabody for pennies on the dollar.
Featuring a sleek and ergonomic design, this massage gun feels comfortable and manageable in my hand targeting everything from my traps to calves. The motor is powerful, delivering a massage that falls somewhere between the Hypervolt 2 and the Theragun PRO in terms of intensity.
Its battery life also impressed me, requiring a charge for the first time after nearly two weeks of using it once every two days. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level massage gun to test the waters or want to purchase a spare to leave at a S/O’s apartment or the office, this one is a no brainer in terms of overall value.
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| Noise level | High |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 3.5 hours |
| Reliability | High |
| Power and speed | Up to 2400 PPM; 5 settings |
| Attachments | 4 |
| Size and weight | 5.91″ x 3.15″ x 2.36″; 2.31 lb. |
| Additional accessories | Carrying case, charger |
Most Accessible Massage Gun
Compex Fixx 2.0
Most Accessible Massage Gun
Compex Fixx 2.0
Pros
- Adjustable-angle arm allows you to reach virtually every part of the body
- 3 speeds
- Multi-grip handle
- Quiet
Cons
- Heavier than some other models (just over 4 pounds)
- Comes with only one head attachment
This powerful massager has a reach-friendly angled, multi-grip handle that makes reaching hard-to-reach areas more accessible and comfortable. Even better, it’s one of the only massage guns we’ve tested that has a fully adjustable head angle. Further than grip alone, you can fine-tune your experience and accommodate your own mobility and preferences by adjusting the head to perfectly target your muscles.
It’s easy to use, and comes with four different massage heads to target different muscle groups. The device also three different speed settings and a rechargeable battery, which provides up to 90 minutes of use on a single charge. It also delivers up to 3,200 percussions per minute, meaning it’s a good option if power is towards the top of your massage gun ‘must haves’ list.
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| Noise level | High |
|---|---|
| Battery life | Up to 90 minutes |
| Reliability | High |
| Power and speed | 3 speed settings |
| Attachments | 1 |
| Size and weight | 14″ x 11″ x 5″; 4.15 lb. |
| Additional accessories | Charger, carrying case |
How to Use a Percussion Massage Gun
You don’t want to spend hours up hours using your massage gun. Instead, you’ll want to spend 90-120 seconds on any given muscle group, floating the gun across that area, according to Samuel. “Aim to follow the direction of the muscle fibers. That means running your gun across your chest, from the center toward you shoulder, instead of running it up and down your chest.”
But be mindful to not run your massage gun across joints; you want to keep it focused on the soft tissue only.
“And don’t try to aggressively drive the gun deep into the muscle, expecting more ‘relief.’ Using a massage gun shouldn’t hurt,” explains Samuel.
Want to learn more on how you should be using one of these buzzy tools? Check out our how-to-use massage guns guide for instructions for best practices before, during, and after workouts.
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Can a Massage Gun Really Aid Muscle Recovery?
Massage guns have gained a lot of popularity in recent years as a tool for muscle recovery, but do they really work? The blunt answer is they can. But it all depends on how, when, and where you use them.
These massagers offer rapid, percussive strokes designed to penetrate into the muscle tissue, stimulate blood flow, and help to break up adhesions. The research on the effectiveness of massage guns for muscle recovery is promising, but still limited.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that using a massage gun on the quadriceps muscles after exercise resulted in a significant reduction in muscle soreness and an increase in muscle flexibility compared to a control group. Another study found that using a massage gun after exercise improved blood flow to the muscles and reduced muscle fatigue.
So, they can help with muscle soreness with correct use, but shouldn’t be used as a replacement for other recovery methods such as rest, proper nutrition, active stretching and dynamic mobility work.
How to Target Hard-to-Reach Areas with a Percussion Massage Gun
We asked Sanchez how folks can get to those hard-to-reach areas with their massage guns. Here’s his take:
“Massage guns mainly target superficial muscles making it hard to isolate deeper musculature. Therefore, yes, the location of muscles can impact the effectiveness of this modality.
There are various types of massage guns out there, if you’re in the market for one make sure to do proper research. I think it’s safe to say the majority of people can reach the front side of their bodies using a massage gun, but you’ll need decent shoulder mobility if you’re looking to target the mid and low back. That’s when you’d want to get a massage gun that is more ergonomic or can be adjusted.
If mobility is a limiting factor you may consider trading the massage gun for a lacrosse ball for pin point contact. Sometimes you might just be better off asking a friend, what’s the saying…I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine?”
Why You Can Trust Us
At Men’s Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. For this story, we spent hours researching the top-rated massage guns online and testing 8 out of the 10 listed above. We also interviewed experts including physical therapists Vinh Pham and Renato Sanchez.
Our writers and editors are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage, which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.
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Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men’s Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He’s logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men’s Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
Renato Sanchez, PT, DPT, CSCS, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, who practices at Bespoke Treatments San Diego.
