The Best Massage Guns
We all love receiving a good massage, but If you're ready to take matters into your own hands, buying a massage gun is the move. The competition on the market is fierce, though, so it can be tricky to know which massage gun to choose. We've rounded up a few of the best ones out there to help simplify your search.
What to Look For
While you shop for your next massage gun, we recommend asking yourself three questions: Is it powerful enough for your needs? Is it easy to hold and maneuver? Does it come with various attachments so that you can customize your massage? All of the guns we selected excel in those regards, but some have distinct advantages. For example, Theragun’s Mini massager is a great option for anyone who might use their massager on the go, whether it’s during business trips, vacations, or anywhere else. But serious athletes would be wise to opt for a premium option like the Theragun Pro, which is arguably the best massager for relieving soreness and quickening recovery from exercise. To learn more, read on.
Theragun Elite Massage Gun, 4th Generation
Ready, aim, fire
You’ve probably heard of the Theragun before, and if you hadn’t until just now, chances are you would have soon. That’s because this lauded massage gun set the industry standard with its inception not too long ago. It’s comfortable in the hand, powerful, and quieter than most of its competitors while it’s in use. It also comes with a carrying case and multiple attachments, and you can control various parameters, such as its speed, via Bluetooth.
Pros:
- Grip is designed to be held in multiple ways to maximize potential angles
- Makes an excellent gift for a loved one
- Available in multiple colors
Cons:
- Fairly heavy, so if you have arthritis or related issues, it may be difficult to make the most of it
Hypervolt Bluetooth Massage Gun
Knot anymore
Another well-respected massage gun, the Hypervolt is a massage gun touted by athletes, trainers, and bodybuilders all over the world. That’s primarily because of its respectable power, lightweight build, and impressive design features. For example, its three-speed motor allows you to set the pace you want, while the QuietGlide technology ensures it doesn’t cause a ruckus. Pair that with the cordless design and a bevy of attachments and you’ve got a massage gun worth splurging on.
Pros:
- TSA-compatible in carry-on luggage
- Because it’s small and light, you can bring it to the gym for post-workout use
- Includes five different head attachments
Cons:
- Battery isn’t the most powerful
Bob and Brad Percussion Massage Gun
Packs a punch
Backed by Bob and Brad, two of the most likable and knowledgeable physical therapists on the internet, this massage gun can compete with the big guns at a fraction of the cost. Not only is it more affordable than some of our other favorites, but it’s also lighter, weighing only 1.5 pounds. We also love that it can be charged via USB-C. This means you can juice it up using a phone attachment or even a power bank, making it a great on-the-go massage tool.
Pros:
- Capable of providing a deep tissue massage
- Has nifty features like auto-off protection
- Powerful despite its small size
Cons:
- Isn’t the most comfortable to hold
Theragun Mini Massager, 4th Generation
Have gun, will travel
Created by the industry leaders, this massager takes design cues from the company’s other massage guns and packs them into a miniature build. That makes the Theragun Mini the perfect option for those living mobile lifestyles. Whether you’re an avid traveler, itinerant businessperson, or a frequent commuter, you’ll always be able to have a Theragun within reach thanks to its portable design.
Pros:
- Available in different colors
- Versatile three-speed motor
- We appreciate the sleek design aesthetics
Cons:
- Some may find the grip a bit awkward to hold
Theragun Pro Massage Gun, 4th Generation
Work hard, play hard
If you want the best of the best, no holds barred, this is it. This engineering beauty is the result of four generations of tweaking and improving on the original Theragun Pro, which was already an incredible massager. If you’re a serious athlete, bodybuilder, or anyone else willing to dish out for the best massager money can buy, this is your pick.
Pros:
- Great at relieving muscle soreness
- More powerful than other guns, so it’s capable of providing a deeper massage
- Ergonomic grip feels great in the hand
- Can be adjusted to target hard-to-reach body parts
Cons:
- Some folks may actually find it too powerful
Frequently Asked Questions
How do massage guns work?
A massage gun is typically powered by a strong rechargeable battery, which drives the gun’s motor. When you turn the gun on, the motor sends strong vibrations through the gun’s head. With the included gun attachments affixed to the head, the gun creates rapid mechanical vibrations. You can target the gun wherever you want, but typically it’ll feel best to direct this pummeling motion directly onto a muscle, just as with a traditional massage.
Are massage guns as effective as traditional massages?
Aside from the sheer pleasure we receive from a massage, we also hope to reap the health benefits, such as delayed recovery from exercise and a reduction in soreness and stiffness. But because massage guns are relatively new to the market, there isn’t much conclusive evidence about their efficacy one way or another. As more scientific studies are performed, we’ll be able to know for sure.
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