BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
More stores
BestBuy
A powerful but incredibly quiet massage gun which our fitness expert has used for years.
Powerful high-torque motor accelerates warm-up and recovery of muscles. Three speed settings. Connect to the Hyperice app via Bluetooth for customized settings. Up to 3 hours of use per charge.
Bluetooth only works with Apple devices. Handle grip can cause fatigue.
This gun has the usual assortment of heads for different targets, plus a head that can be cold or hot.
The temperature head can be set to four degree settings from as low as 50 degrees to as high as 113. The four heads include a standard ball and a two-pronged head. An LED control panel lets you change between five speeds.
There are some battery concerns, both in slow charging speeds and limited capacity.
This trusted brand is one of the best options for a massage gun, and it stood out in our product testing.
This massage gun has it all—it’s quiet, has multiple speed options, five attachments, and more. This handheld device is easy to grip, thanks to its ergonomic design. It lasts for two hours and comes with its own bag for convenience.
Some buyers complained that this product didn’t last very long, but overall, users love it.
A discreet, compact model that packs a punch despite its small, unusual design—performed well in our testing.
The brushless motor of this mini massage gun keeps it quiet despite its speed of up to 2,400 percussions per minute. Three-speed settings. The included soft case makes it easy to slip the Mini into your bag and take it anywhere.
The design takes some getting used to. Does not reach as deep as more expensive models.
Our testing found the simple operation and handful of attachments make this an ideal budget-priced gun.
Comes with four attachments. Convenient one-button operation with three levels of intensity. Device and attachments pack away neatly inside the soft-shell carry case. Our tester noted that it wasn't loud despite its power level.
Can only be used 20 minutes at a time. Doesn't get as deep as others, according to our tester.
After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested the Theragun Mini to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.
For anyone dealing with sore, stiff muscles, massage is often the most effective physical therapy treatment. But in many cases, traditional massage isn’t able to provide the speed and pressure that some conditions require for effective pain relief. That’s why a massage gun can be so helpful for athletes or anyone else who suffers from chronic muscle pain.
A massage gun is a handheld device that resembles a power drill. It provides vibration or percussive therapy to the muscles with quick bursts of pressure. This deep tissue massage can pinpoint specific muscles to effectively loosen them, stimulate blood flow to the area, and relieve pain and inflammation. A massage gun also allows you to treat your injury in the privacy of your home, which can save you significant money.
To ensure that your massage gun lasts as long as possible, you want a model made of durable, high-quality materials. Stainless steel components are usually the most durable, but aluminum guns are also an effective option. Both metals also offer greater safety should the massage gun overheat.
Massage guns vary in size, and larger models typically require another person to move the device over your body. Other guns are small enough that you can use one without any assistance. Consider what size would be most convenient for you. If you live alone or travel frequently, you’re better off with a smaller device that you can operate yourself.
For a massage gun to be as user-friendly as possible, it should have an ergonomic design so you’re able to hold and operate it easily. Look for a model that feels comfortable in the hand. Those with a longer handle typically offer the most comfort. And make sure that the gun isn’t too heavy, so you don’t have to worry about hand fatigue when you’re using it.
You’ll get more versatility from a massage gun that comes with interchangeable massage heads or attachments. That way you can target different muscles and adjust the amount of pressure based on the head or attachment you use. For most users, the more massage heads included with the gun the better.
A massage gun’s speed is measured in percussions per minute (given as revolutions per minute, or rpm). Faster guns pulsate more quickly. Low-speed massage guns don’t typically provide much relief, so it’s a good idea to choose a gun with multiple speed options.
For the most effective massage, opt for a massage gun that rotates at least 90°. By rotating at different angles, the gun allows you to treat different muscles and areas of the body while still applying the right amount of pressure. Rotation is especially important when you’re treating areas that are difficult to reach, such as your back.
If you travel regularly, you’ll want a massage gun that’s easy to take on the go. That means choosing a smaller, more compact gun that doesn’t weigh too much. Guns that are large enough to require another person to use aren’t the best option for travel.
Most massage guns are cordless and run on rechargeable lithium or lithium-ion batteries. It’s important to consider the battery life because you want it to last through an entire treatment. Look for a model that runs for at least 30 minutes per charge, so you have enough time to treat all of the areas you want to target. It helps to choose a model with removable batteries, too. You can buy additional batteries so you’ll have a backup in case you run out of power in the middle of a massage.
Massage guns make noise, which can range as high as 110 decibels. Some are noisier than others, and it’s best to avoid those models that are extremely noisy because they can ruin the relaxing experience of a massage. Look for a gun that features some type of noise-dampening technology to make sure that its operation is as quiet as possible.
Massage guns vary in price based on speeds, battery life, noise level, and other features. Most guns cost between $65 and $1,370.
The most affordable massage guns are typically models that have speed options but offer a maximum speed that isn’t very fast. They can make a lot of noise, too, and usually have a battery life of 25 minutes or less. You can expect to pay $65 to $180 for these massage guns.
These massage guns also feature multiple speed options, but the top speed is typically much faster. They can make a lot of noise and usually have a battery life of 30 minutes or more. You can expect to spend $180 to $560 for these massage guns.
The most expensive massage guns are those with multiple speed options and offer an extremely fast maximum speed. They make less noise and offer a battery life of up to 4 hours. You can expect to pay between $560 and $1,370 for these massage guns.
Turn a massage gun on before you touch it to your body. You could bruise yourself if you turn it on while it’s touching your skin.
Start with the lowest speed. If you start at a higher speed, it may cause pain and even injury.
Massage guns are also known as “percussion therapy” guns. Can be used before, during, AND after exercise.
Don’t press the massage gun into your muscles when you first start treatment. Instead, allow it to glide gently over the skin. You can then gradually increase the pressure as you go back over the muscle.
Move the massage gun slowly over your treatment area. You don’t want to cover more than an inch per second.
Loosen muscle knots. If you have a knot, allow the massage gun to sit on the area — without pressing into it — for several minutes. This helps loosen up the muscle and soothe any stiffness.
Take deep, slow breaths as you use the massage gun. It helps you relax, making the entire treatment more soothing and beneficial.
A. Whether you’re someone who’s suffered an injury or an athlete in training, massage guns have a variety of benefits. The vibrations help increase blood flow and reduce lactic acid in the body to speed up muscle recovery. It also helps oxygen get to the muscles to relieve pain and cramps, and it loosens up tight muscles to improve range of motion.
A. There are some injuries that a massage gun isn’t suitable to treat. These include pulled muscles, sprained ligaments, inflammation injuries like tendonitis, and broken bones. If you’re unsure whether you should use a massage gun, talk to your doctor.
A. Most experts recommend using a massage gun on a spot for at least 15 seconds but no more than 2 minutes. Quick treatments of 15 to 30 seconds work best to activate or reactivate muscles, while longer treatments of up to 2 minutes can help with pain relief and muscle recovery.
It’s usually unnecessary to use a massage gun daily, but you can if you find you’re getting better results. As with any treatment, if the massage gun is causing pain instead of reducing it, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Get emails you’ll love.
Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.