The 10 Best Massage Guns of 2022

A quick look at the best massage guns

• Most quiet massage gun: Theragun Elite
• Best battery life: Achedaway Pro Percussion and Vibration Massager
• Most versatile massage gun: Vybe PRO Handheld Deep Muscle Massager
• Best value massage gun: LifePro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
• Best high-end massage gun: Theragun PRO
• Best massage gun for athletes: Legiral Le3 Massage Gun
• Best lightweight massage gun: Renpho R3 Massage Gun
• Best massage gun for deep tissue: Vybe V2 Percussion Massager
• Best mini massage gun: Renpho Mini Massage Gun
• Best massage gun for workout recovery: Hyperice Hypervolt 2

A popular way to reduce muscle strain is massage therapy.

“You don’t have to go to a professional to see results. The short bursts of pressure that massage guns provide are called percussive massagers.”

As a result, they help reduce muscle soreness by increasing blood flow to the targeted area (1, 2).

How do you find the right product for your needs?

We rounded up the 10 best massage guns.

How we chose these massage guns

We considered the following criteria when looking for the best massage guns.

• Power. We looked for products with 2,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) or more.
• Special features. We considered massage guns with special features, such as attachable heads, carrying cases, lightweight design, and multiple massage modes.
• Customer reviews. All of the products on this list have mostly positive customer reviews.
• Vetting. The massage guns on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Healthline’s picks of the best massage guns

Most quiet massage gun

Theragun Elite

Price: $$$

The Theragun Elite is a favorite among chiropractors, athletes, and casual exercisers, as it features a powerful motor and five attachable heads for targeted muscle relief.

The device has five speed options, which allow you to dig deep or go lighter.

It is easy to pack in your gym bag because it is 2.2 pounds, which is less than a kilo.

Best battery life

Achedaway Pro Percussion and Vibration Massager

Price: $$$

The Achedaway Pro has a replaceable battery that can last up to 4 hours on a single charge, and if you purchase an extra battery, you can get up to 8 hours of total battery life.

This makes it a great option for those with chronic muscle pain who don’t want to worry about charging their device between sessions.

It has five speeds and four attachable heads to fit all your massage needs.

The Achedaway Pro percussion and vibration massager is lightweight and has high customer ratings.

Most versatile massage gun

Vybe PRO Handheld Deep Muscle Massager

Price: $$

With nine intensity levels and eight attachments, including options for deep tissue massage, the Vybe PRO is one of the most versatile options on the market.

It also features a long battery life, Quiet motor., and convenient traveling case.

Some customers think that the quality of the attachable heads could be better, which may not be a deal breaker, given its affordable price.

Best value massage gun

Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun

Price: $$

The Sonic handheld massager is an affordable option for easing sore muscles.

It has a battery that can last up to 6 hours and eight massage heads.

Reviewers say it is easy to switch speeds and that it is comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.

Some customers have difficulties with receiving their refunds or replacement parts.

Best high-end massage gun

Theragun PRO

Price: $$$

The Theragun PRO is a good option for serious athletes, as it offers several speeds and attachments for a deep and powerful massage.

The PRO is different from other massagers because of its ergonomics and the fact that it can be used at different angles without tiring out your hand.

You can connect the Theragun PRO to the Therabody app using the same capabilities.

It comes with two batteries that you can charge at the same time.

However, at $599, the Theragun PRO is one of the most It is It is expensive.. massage guns on the market.

Best massage gun for athletes

Legiral Le3 Massage Gun

Price: $$

The Legiral Le3 Massage Gun is a good option for athletes who want the power of the Theragun PRO at a lower cost.

The massage gun has over 24,000 positive reviews online and comes with 20 speed settings, six head attachments, and a 6 hour battery life.

The Legiral Le3 is not a good option for people looking for a less intense massage. It is one of the heavier options on the list.

Best lightweight massage gun

Renpho R3 Massage Gun

Price: $$

The Renpho R3 is a good option if you want a full-size massage gun that is still light and easy to carry.

It has five speeds, comes with a carrying case, and charges using a cable that is compatible with the internet.

The five attachable heads make it easy to target knots in various areas of your body, such as your neck, shoulder blades, or glutes.

Best massage gun for deep tissue

Vybe V2 Percussion Massager

Price: $

The Vybe V2 is capable of generating up to 60 lbs. The force of the percussion is 27.2 kilones.

The device may help loosen up muscle knots, alleviate tension, and improve mobility, with three attachment heads designed to provide deep tissue relief.

It has a rotating arm that will allow you to reach most areas of your body.

The Vybe V2 motor is loud.

Best mini massage gun

Renpho Mini Massage Gun

Price: $

The Renpho Mini Massage Gun is a compact, portable.device that’s still powerful enough to pack a punch.

It has five intensities geared toward various areas.

The lightweight massager runs quietly and has four attachable heads, which focus on everyday use, the spine, muscle knots, and the bones.

It can be easily stowed away in a backpack, purse, or carry-on thanks to its convenient travel case and lightweight design.

Best massage gun for workout recovery

Hyperice Hypervolt 2

Price: $$

The Hypervolt 2 has speeds of up to 2,700 percussions per minute and Three levels of pressure. to help alleviate post-workout aches, soreness, and stiffness. It has a longer battery life, is lighter, and has a simpler design.

You can save your settings using the Hyperice app.

It can be used to warm up your muscles before a workout, but it has been helpful for sore muscles after a workout.

The Hypervolt 2 is approved by the TSA and includes a carrying case for the attachable heads. You can purchase a carrying case for the massage gun.

Massage gun comparison

Here is a quick look at how our top picks compare.

How to choose the best massage gun

You should consider a variety of factors when shopping for a massage gun.

• Intensity. Do you want an intense deep tissue massage? Or do you need less intensity for more sensitive areas? Look for a massager that offers an optimal amount of power to fit your needs.
• Battery life. While most handheld massagers are rechargeable, it’s nice to have one with a solid battery life, especially if you plan on using it on the go.
• Weight. If you plan on carrying it with you throughout the day, you’ll want to choose a massage gun that’s compact and lightweight.
• Usability. Some devices are easier and more comfortable to use than others. Look for percussive massagers that rotate or have functional grips and handles.
• Cost. As percussive massagers can vary greatly in price, it’s important to consider how much you’re willing to spend.

How to use a massage gun

There are a few important things to know about using a massage gun.

• “If your pain gets worse over time, don’t massage it.”
• Start by massaging the areas that are most sensitive to you.
• The time limit set by the manufacturer is important to prevent the massager from overheating.

How and when should you use a massage gun?

Kelsey Decker, NSCA-CPT, and education coordinator at StretchLab, told Healthline, “I suggest starting on a lower level of intensity to make sure your body can handle the sensation. You can also increase the intensity by applying more pressure to the area of focus. Spend about 30 seconds to 2 minutes per muscle group area.”

You can use a massage gun prior to a workout to alleviate tightness and make your muscles stronger before heading into a dynamic warm up and workout. You can use it to help release tension after an exercise.

That said, more research is needed to determine whether using a massage gun before or after workouts is more beneficial and which speeds and durations are most effective (3).

Should you still stretch if you use a massage gun?

According to Decker, massage guns are not a substitute for stretching, but you can use the tool in conjunction with stretching to ease muscle tension in tight spots or areas of concern.

She explained, “[A] massage gun can help the group of muscles relax before transitioning into a stretch for the same muscle groups. For example, if you have tight hips and it’s difficult to get them to loosen up while stretching, use the massage gun device for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then go back to stretching your hips.”

When to avoid using a massage gun

To ensure safety, Decker recommends focusing on muscle and fascia, while avoiding bones, tendons, joints, and ligaments.

You will want to avoid using a massage gun.

• on bones, joints, or discs.
• on metal screws.
• If you have an injury or have excessive pain.
• If you have a pacemaker.
• If you have a disorder.

Healthline recommends talking with a healthcare professional before using a massage gun if you have any medical conditions or take medication.

If you are healing from an injury or surgery, a professional can help.

Frequently asked questions

Do doctors recommend massage guns?

Many doctors recommend massage guns.

• Reduce stress.
• muscle soreness is alleviated.
• Improve workout recovery.

They can suggest a specific massage gun type or model.

You should talk with your doctor before using a gun.

• Take your medication.
• Have a medical condition.
• They are recovering from an injury.

They can determine if the devices are appropriate for you.

Do massage guns help with arthritis?

While massage is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for people with arthritis, research supporting the effectiveness of massage guns for arthritis is lacking.

Theragun advises against using massage guns on areas of the body that are sensitive to pressure and bony. In addition, the company says that people with certain health conditions should speak with their healthcare professional before use.

It is important to speak with your healthcare professional before trying any treatment for arthritis.

Can you use a massage gun while pregnant?

Using a massage gun during pregnancy may provide similar benefits to prenatal massage. Research from 2021 suggests that relaxing massage during pregnancy may help to alleviate pain, boost mood, and improve sleep (4).

If you are pregnant during your first trimester, it is best to avoid using a massage gun or any other type of massage.

If you talk with your healthcare professional before you use the massage gun, it will be safe. You can lie on your left side while using a massage gun. Lying on your back is not a good idea.

You should avoid massaging your abdominal area. Do not use strong pressure on your legs.

Massage during pregnancy may not be suitable for people with:

• It is a disease that can be characterized as preeclampsia.
• high blood pressure.
• There is a blood clot or a clotting condition.
• Gestational diabetes can occur.
• There are concerns about the placenta.
• There is a deep vein thrombosis.

The bottom line

Massage guns offer a convenient way to help reduce muscle soreness at home or on the go.

It is important to take your time shopping around as products vary in size, power, and price.

We are confident that you will find the best massager for you, by considering your needs and using our list.