iReliev Percussion Massager Single Product Review

Is the iReliev Percussion Massager worth it?

Whether you sit in a stiff office chair all day, enjoy an occasional game of pickup basketball or are a professional athlete, everyone experiences sore muscles and knots. While massage is a popular treatment for relaxation and relieving muscle tension, spending time and money on a private massage isn’t always an option. 

In lieu of scheduling regular massage appointments, many opt for a massage gun that offers quick relief in the comfort and privacy of their home. One fan favorite option is the iReliev Percussion Massager, which claims to “reach deeper into the muscle tissue to unlock the nutrients that are needed to heal your muscles properly.” 

If the idea of an in-home deep kneading massage sounds appealing, the iReliev Percussion Massage Gun may be just the thing you need.

Testing the iReliev Percussion Massager

To determine if the iReliev Percussion Massager lives up to its claims, the BestReviews Testing Lab analyzed the massage gun, using every attachment and intensity level in various situations. They're familiar with similar percussion massage guns, such as the bestselling Theragun, and were able to compare design, function and power.

What is the iReliev Percussion Massager?

A percussive massage gun offers rapid, repeated thrusts at various concentrations. Frequent strikes to the body trigger blood vessels to dilate, which in turn hydrates the muscle tissue with blood to speed up recovery and improve muscle knots. 

The iReliev Percussive Massager has a 10-millimeter stroke length, allowing it to reach deeper into the muscle tissue. Stroke length refers to the distance the head moves away from the motorized unit and generally gets more powerful as the stroke length increases. With three intensity levels, this tool is appropriate for people with all levels of concern. For instance, level 1 delivers 1,800 RPM and might be better for sensitive areas like the neck. You get 2,400 RPM with level 2 and 3,200 RPM with level 3, which offer a deep kneading massage experience that promotes increased blood flow throughout your body. 

This tool touts a low noise vibration at about 45 decibels, which the brand claims is “as loud as a quiet conversation you might have with a friend.” It also has a built-in rechargeable battery with

a 4-hour run time. Plus, it charges with a cord and doesn’t require loose batteries or tools to unscrew a compartment. Also included with the bundle are four interchangeable attachments: a round head, bullet head, fork head and flat head. Another bonus feature of this massage gun is the weight — it comes in at under 2 pounds — making it light enough to use independently without experiencing fatigue.

See how it compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for the best massage guns.

iReliev Percussion Massager price and where to buy

The iReliev Percussion Massage Gun retails for $219.95 at iReliev and Amazon.

How to use the iReliev Percussion Massager

As soon as you take it out of the box, the iReliev Percussion Massage Gun is fully charged and ready to use. With a single button, this handheld massager is intuitive to operate. Hold the power button to turn the massage gun on, and push the sole button again to move it up a level, until it finally gets to standby mode on the fourth push. To eliminate confusion, a small light illuminates to let you know which intensity level you’re on.

The low intensity speeds are meant for the neck area to relieve tension from sitting with a troublesome posture, while the higher speeds are helpful for thighs and larger muscles after working out. However, none of the intensity levels are too forceful, and it can be safely used as needed. The brand recommends the round head or flat head attachment for full body massage, the bullet head to manage pain points and the fork head for spine massage. All of the attachments and the gun fit neatly in the included carrying case.

iReliev Percussion Massager benefits

Most importantly, the iReliev Percussion Massage Gun performs precisely as stated and offers great deep tissue relief. It’s effective in reaching knots and aching muscles. The operating design couldn’t be simpler to understand — you definitely don’t need to be tech-savvy to use this relaxing tool. While it doesn’t have ample attachments, the ones it comes with cover all your bases, and there’s no need for extra options that would just be sitting in a case. 

Some massage guns can be very loud, but the iReliev Percussion Massager lives up to its claim of having a low vibration noise. The tester said it was quiet enough to use while on a phone call, making it suitable to use when other people in the house are sleeping, in an apartment or in a gym with others present. It also charges quickly and holds a charge for the promised 4 hours of runtime.

iReliev Percussion Massager drawbacks

One common complaint with the iReliev Percussion Massager is its continuous runtime feature that turns the power off after 10 minutes to preserve battery life. However, it’s just a minor drawback, and the feature may be helpful if you ever forget to switch off the power or if it accidentally gets turned on in your gym bag.

When comparing the iReliev against the luxury Theragun, there are a few noticeable differences. First, the iReliev handle is straight, making it difficult to reach certain areas in your back without help. Conversely, the Theragun has a triangle design that’s slightly easier to manage. Also, the iReliev isn’t quite as powerful as its competitor but is still effective at getting deep into your muscles. It’s likely more than enough for the occasional athlete or weekend warrior.

Should you get the iReliev Percussion Massager?

Overall, the iReliev Percussion Massager lives up to its claims and leaves you feeling better and more relaxed. While it doesn’t get insanely deep into your tissues, it’s excellent for recreational athletes and those with moderate needs, such as after a day of golfing, your daily run or sitting all day in a stiff chair. Plus, it isn’t terribly loud. Less really is more with this massage gun, and you can't beat the price. Whether you're looking to save a few bucks, relieve daily aches and pains or are just starting to experiment with massage guns, the iReliev Percussion Massager is an excellent choice.