Massage guns relievemuscle tension and increase blood flow forfaster recovery.
Jacklyn Plonski, an outpatient orthopedic and pediatricphysical therapist, likens percussive therapy devices to using a foam roller or getting a professional physical therapy treatment.
In her words, “As we exercise, we cause breakdown within the muscle fibers, which in turn stimulates muscle growth and regrowth, hypertrophy, and strength.”
After consulting the experts and testing them on myself pre- and post-workout, I’ve rounded up a lineup of the best massage guns, like our top pick, theHyperice Hypervolt 2 ($229).
Plonksi notes there are no known risks for healthy users, but as always, check with your physician before adding massage devices to your routine.
If you’re deep into your wellness journey, be sure to read our guides to theBest Therabody ToolsandBest Massagers.
Updated March 2026: I added the Therabody Theragun Mini Plus and Rally Orbital Massager, refined my picks, and added an Honorable Mentions section, product comparison charts, and how I tested.
I also updated prices and links.
The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 is the best value massage gun on this list.
It’s usually under $200 and lighter thanmost Theraguns, but it doesn’t skimp on power with its brushless 60-watt motor.
You get five head attachments out of the box, along with a solid three-hour battery life.
I especially appreciate the pressure sensor, which displays how much pressure is being applied and nudges me to either apply more force or ease up.
It syncs with the Hyperice app via Bluetooth, which isn’t necessary but nice if you want to capitalize on the guided routines or control the speed from your phone.
The Hypervolt 2 isn't quite as extra or customizable as some of the other gadgets in this guide, but for most people, it’s more than enough.
TheTheragun Pro Plusis one of the most advanced percussive guns on the market.
It's especially favored by college athletic departments and pro sports teams, and I would really only recommend it to serious athletes or anyone who is dealing with chronic muscle pain.
In addition to the percussive therapy it offers, the Pro Plus also features vibrations, heat, and near-infrared LED light to optimize muscle recovery and pain relief.
The OLED screen is easy to read and displays a force meter so you can see how much pressure you're applying.
There's also a built-in biometric sensor for heart rate tracking that I have barely used, but perhaps a useful tool for competitive athletes.
The Pro Plus also offers cold therapy to help alleviate pain and inflammation, but you'll have to buyan additional attachment for $100, which is steep for what is already a splurge.
After testing the attachment myself, I don't think it justifies the cost unless you want the contrast therapy.
Here's the fullreview.
Theoriginal Theragun Miniis just as travel-friendly as its successor (and it's $60 cheaper), but the Mini Plus offersheatedpercussive therapy.
You don't have to use the heat, but there are three heat settings, warming up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are also three massage speeds, which is plenty when you're on the go.
There are lots of portable massage guns out there, but Therabody's triangular ergonomic design makes it easier for me to reach trigger points and different muscle groups like my hamstrings and glutes with better control.
My one gripe is how much the body vibrates along with the attachment.
I can feel the vibrations shoot up my arm like electricity, and on the highest setting, it almost feels like it could slip out of my hand.
It's a significant drawback, but in terms of portability, it's excellent.
It comes with a carrying case and features a built-in travel lock, so it won't accidentally power on in your gym bag or carry-on.
Lastly, the Mini Plus is also compatible with Therabody'sVibration PlusandCold Plusattachments (both sold separately).
Note: Some online customers have reported charging issues, saying their units wouldn't power up, but I haven't run into any battery problems in my two weeks of testing.
I'll update this review if anything shifts with long-term use.
The LifePro Sonic has eight attachments, which makes it the most versatile percussion massage gun former reviewerMedea Giordanohas tested: round for sore muscles, shovel for back pain, flat for a deep tissue massage experience, air for sensitive areas, wishbone for joints and hard-to-reach muscle groups, bullet for trigger points, spinal to loosen up the lower back, and a textured tip for muscle pain relief.
It’s one of the heavier ones she has tested, about 2.5 pounds, and it doesn’t have the LCD screen like theTheragun Pro Plus.
But you do get five speeds and a battery indicator.
It's also usually priced at $60, which is a steal compared to these $200+ recovery tools.
TheRally Orbital Massageris inspired by a car buffer, trading the percussive motion of a traditional massage gun for a smoother oscillating movement.
Shaped a bit like an oversized pepper grinder, the massager's head moves in continuous circles rather than pounding a single spot.
It's significantly gentler on sore muscles and sensitive areas.
The design can be a little awkward to maneuver around your back, especially at the highest speed setting, but the trade-off is worth it.
The Rally runs quieter and feels far less jarring than traditional percussive therapy.
It comes with three attachments that cover most recovery needs, from general recovery to light lymphatic work.
That said, I wish the Rally also came with a bullet or fingertip head to target smaller spots.
It also doesn't include a storage case, which would've helped stash the two extra attachments.
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun for $70:The Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a solid alternative for the Theragun Mini Plus, if you need portability but don't want to pay $280.
Weighing 1.5 pounds, it's more than a pound lighter than the Mini Plus, which I appreciate on commutes, where every pound matters.
You also get five attachments that all fit into the included travel case.
Therabody Theragun Relief for $160:This is the last of 2023’s devices and remains the cheapest Theragun so far.
For the price tag, you’re sacrificing the LCD screen and Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app for device control.
But you can still follow guided routines on the app, and the simple one-button control is refreshing to use.
There are three head attachments and three speed settings, and the Relief is less than half the weight ofthe Pro Plus.
Therabody Theragun Sense for $300:The Theragun Sense is slightly smaller and lighter thanthe Pro Plus, and it’s also impressively quiet.
It has the same LCD screen and breath work features as the Pro Plus, too.
The main difference here is that it's compatible with fewer attachments, but four heads are still more than enough for the active individual.
Turonic G5 Massage Gun for $270:The Turonic G5 is powered by a 160-watt brushless motor with20adjustable speeds and five intensity modes, ranging from 1,100 to 3,200 rpm.
It comes with seven massage heads and boasts up to eight hours of battery life.
It’s also the quietest massage gun former reviewerMedea Giordanotested, registering at about 40 decibels.
A couple of Amazon reviewers have noted issues with its durability, reporting that it broke after a few sessions.
I've just started reevaluating it, so I can’t speak to its longevity just yet, but I will report back.
Note, the G5 also powers on at max speed by default, which Giordano said was jarring at first.
Massage guns aren't meant to be used in a lab, so I test them in real-life scenarios where most people would actually use them, like after workouts, travel, and long workdays.
When I first launched this guide, I prioritized massage guns from established recovery brands, widely recommended models, and newer devices with features like LED light and heat therapy.
I'm now expanding testing to include alternatives frequently mentioned in forums and by recovery experts.
I also test models across a range of price points to find options for different budgets.
Most of my testing happens in everyday environments, including but not limited to my home, in the gym, and at the airport.
I use massage guns before and after strength training, cardio, and sedentary workdays to see how effectively they relieve muscle soreness and stiffness.
I also pay attention to how portable they are, how loud (or quiet) they sound in small spaces, and how easy they are to store and pack.
Each massage gun is tested for at least two weeks, with five sessions per week.
This allows me to evaluate battery life, attachment quality, and whether the motor performance holds up over time.
My top picks remain in my rotation for months so I can compare them against newer releases and evaluate long-term durability.
I test each massage gun for at least two to four weeks.
That's typically enough time for me to assess battery life, attachment usefulness, and whether performance holds up over repeated sessions.
My top picks stay in my rotation longer, sometimes for months, to compare them against newer models and judge long-term durability.
The best massage guns deliver effective percussive therapy without excessive vibrations traveling through the handle.
I look for motors that maintain power and speed under pressure, intuitive attachments that stay in place, user-friendly controls, and batteries that last through multiple sessions on a single charge.
Noise is also a factor, especially for shared spaces.
When deciding which devices to recommend, I like to consider:
Most of the massage guns remain in storage so I can continue long-term testing and compare newer releases against older models.
Any models that were discontinued during the testing period were donated once testing was complete.
I'll be testing theEkrin Athletics Kestrel Massage Gunfor $330, thePower Plate Pulsefor $349, and theHyperice Hypervolt 2 Profor $349.
I'm also reevaluating theLifePro SonicandTuronic G5.
What Features Should I Look for When Buying a Massage Gun?
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Source: This article was originally published by Wired
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