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Looking to save money on a massage gun? Check out the current Amazon Prime Day deals, including the Best Massage Guns On Amazon, to find discounts on these muscle-relaxing tools and other must-haves.
Massage guns, also called percussive massagers, are a great way to get some instant relief from sore, knotted muscles. They’re much more powerful than our own or other people’s hands and less expensive (over time) than investing in repeat trips to a massage or physical therapist. Not to mention that having one of the best massage guns at home means sweet relief is always within reach. The truth is that most of us—whether you’re an athlete with sore muscles from intense workouts or a remote worker with a stiff neck from sitting in an uncomfortable chair all day—could benefit from using one.
Therabody's Theragun Elite nabs the spot for the best massage gun overall.
ILLUSTRATION; FORBES / IMAGE: RETAILER
Picking out the best massage gun for you depends on exactly who you are and how you’re going to use one. If you need daily, targeted therapy, a higher-end option makes more sense, but if you’re an occasional user, something more affordable might fit the bill. If you’re focusing on a particular body part, the type of head on the massager is important; if you’re going to be using it all over, something with interchangeable options is the way to go.
Some massage guns are designed to be especially quiet, while others can drown out your TV—this power and sound balance comes into play when making your choice, too. And if you travel often, you should consider one that’s easily packable so you can take it on the go and have your handy massager at the ready. Check out our top picks below.
The Theragun Elite can be customized to suit exactly what ails you with five different attachment heads and the ability to control the power and percussion. The gun runs on an ultra-quiet motor, plus it integrates with the Therabody app, giving users personalized guidance and controls for more targeted recovery. It has an OLED screen, Bluetooth connectivity and three built-in presets for high-tech features that make the user experience that much easier and streamlined.
What the reviews say: This model has more than 1,000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating on Best Buy. Shoppers say they’re “blown away” by how strong and quiet the Theragun Elite is and that it “pays for itself in just a few sessions.”
The “Cadillac” of percussive guns (according to one shopper), the Theragun Pro is a professional-grade recovery tool made for people who are serious about targeting specific muscle groups. Compared to the Elite, it comes with six attachments instead of five and offers 60 pounds of force versus the Elite’s 40. These extra massage heads and stronger percussion make it ideal for people who train hard and often, and have the knotted muscles to prove it.
While it’s more powerful than other massage guns, it’s not any louder thanks to a quiet motor. This model is also app-enabled and has an easy-to-read digital OLED screen. Plus, the massager comes with a backup battery that can be swapped in when the other battery needs to charge, meaning it’s always ready to go.
What the reviews say: Thismodel has just under 800 reviews and a 4.7 star rating on Best Buy. One shopper who describes themselves as a former professional soccer player called the massager the “best way to get therapy constantly without spending a ton of money,” and added that they use it both before and after their workouts.
Pros:
Extra massaging heads
Two batteries with five total hours continuous usage
Cons:
Heavy
The most expensive on our list
Quietest Massage Gun
A Percussion Massager That’s Quiet Enough To Use While Watching TV
With a decibel rating of 30 to 50 (which is somewhere between a whisper and a normal conversation), the Hydragun is one of the quietest massage guns on the market. It’s powered by what the brand calls its SmoothDrive Technology, a quiet motor that still beats at 3,200 pulses per minute. It comes with seven swappable attachment heads, each designed to provide relief in different areas, and it has an industry-leading six-hour battery life.
At just over two pounds, the massage gun is one of the lightest options available, but it still has the comfortable features of larger instruments, like an ergonomic handle and a single-button operation, so you don’t have to fumble around trying to figure out which buttons to use.
What the reviews say: This model has about 550 reviews and a 5 star rating on Hydragun’s site. Reviewers are wildly impressed with its lack of noise. Many wrote that they “love how quiet it is,” with a few noting that it’s “great for recovery” and that they’ve “recommended it to anyone.”
Pros:
Lightweight
Ultra-quiet
Volume control doesn’t negate power
Long battery life
Cons:
Some reviewers say supplemental massage heads are uncomfortable
No massage depth control
Best Value Massage Gun
A Percussion Massager That Offers Function And Affordability
Not all massage guns have to be super expensive to be effective. The Sonic Handheld massager is lightweight, has a long battery life and ships with eight different massage heads and a handy carrying case. Similar to its competitors, the Sonic has a vibration level switch that controls how gentle or strong you want it to work on your muscles and five total levels of intensity. What this massager has that plenty of its much more expensive counterparts doesn’t is a lifetime guarantee.
What the reviews say: This model has more than 18,000 reviews and a 4.6 star rating on Amazon. Several reviewers noted that if they had an issue with their massager, it was “quickly and easily” replaced by the Amazon seller. Others added that they were skeptical that it would get the job done at this price point, but added that they were “pleasantly surprised” because this massager is “well built, sturdy and gives a strong power output at the same time.”
Pros:
Affordable
Long battery life
Cons:
Reviewers note the massage heads don’t lock into place easily
Best Massage Gun On Amazon
Theragun’s Entry Level Model That’s Still More Powerful Than Most
Amazon
Theragun Prime
This model is also available on Therabody for $249.
The Theragun Prime is Therabody’s entry level, full-size model. But like everything Therabody makes, it delivers on power and performance. A true percussion massager, it can hit your muscles 40 times per second (2,400 RPM) and delivers a 16mm amplitude. It also has a 30-pound stall force, which means you can put up to 30 pounds of pressure against the motor without it stalling or burning out. The TL;DR is that this powerful massage gun makes easy work of getting deep into your muscles.
It comes with four attachments, including a dampener for tender areas, a thumb for trigger points and the lower back, a cone for targeted treatment and a standard head for overall muscle work. The gun itself has Therabody’s patented design—an ergonomic handle that minimizes muscle fatigue from holding the gun and LED indicator lights that show you the current speed.
What the reviews say: This model has more than 4,000 reviews and a 4.7 star rating on Amazon. Shoppers praise its ability to ease chronic back pain and muscle tension with a long-lasting battery. It’s called out for being a “game-changer” and “worth every penny.”
Pros:
High amplitude, speed and stall force
Light and easy to hold
Most budget-friendly full-size Theragun model
Cons:
Some report it’s very loud
Even lowest speed is too strong for some users
Best Massage Gun For Runners
An Option With Attachments That Do Wonders For Runners’ Muscles
The Hyperice Hypervolt is a top pick for runners because of its carefuly crafted and designed attachments that are designed to uniquely work on the muscles in your legs. These five massage heads include a ball attachment, which is ideal for runner-prone pain points in the hamstrings and glutes, a flat head for IT bands and bullet shape for calf muscles. It also connects to Bluetooth if you want to create custom programs or take advantage of the pre-programmed settings.
There are three speed options available that are powered by a 60-watt motor, and a carrying case makes this TSA-approved package easy to transport nearly anywhere.
What the reviews say: This model has nearly 2,500 reviews and a 4.8 star rating on Amazon. Shoppers love it so much that one called it the“best purchase I think we’ve made all year.”
Pros:
Attachments are specifically designed for leg muscles
TSA-approved carrying case
Cons:
Short battery life
Some note it doesn’t come with a manual
Best Portable Massage Gun
A Small But Mighty Percussion Massager That Fits Right In Your Bag
Best Buy
Therabody Theragun Mini
Amazon Prime Day Sale: This model is also available on Amazon for $159 right now. Additionally, you can find it on Therabody for $159.
Theragun is a brand that has become synonymous with high-quality personal massage guns, and the price tag on many of its models usually reflects that, but this compact version is much more reasonably priced. This small-but-mighty portable massager is only eight inches by seven inches, making it easy to slip into a purse or backpack.
It’s small stature doesn’t mean it’s lacking in power though; the design has three speed options and can reach up to 2,400 ppm. It has a unique shape but is ergonomically designed to fit easily in your hand and is lightweight enough to not be a burden while carrying or using.
What the reviews say: This model has more than 800 reviews and a 4.8 star rating on Best Buy. Shoppers say they love how lightweight it is and one said that it’s so easy to use and figure out when compared to other models with many settings.
Pros:
Small, compact design is easy to carry
Lightweight and packable
More affordable than other Theraguns
Cons:
Only one attachment head
Triangular design makes it difficult to reach certain areas
The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals On Massage Guns
In addition to our top picks for the best massage guns, here is a nice selection of highly rated options on sale in conjunction with Amazon Prime Day. Check out these awesome deals that’ll relieve tension in your muscles (and your wallet).
Get This Toloco Massage Gun For $40 Off
Amazon
Toloco Massage Gun
This Toloco massage gun, which is on sale for just $80, comes with 10 replaceable massage heads and offers 20 speed levels. Everything comes neatly packed in a convenient carrying case so you can easily store it or take it with you wherever you go.
Save $125 On This Fusion Black Pro Massage Gun
Amazon
Fusion Black Pro Muscle Massager
This Fusion Black Pro massage gun has a Japanese brushless motor that gives you up to 3,300 percussions per minute, plus 20 intensity levels and six different attachments. It’s just $75—that’s $125 off its original price—while supplies last.
Your Muscles Will Feel Less Tense Using This $67 Massage Gun
Amazon
Yryfovl Handheld Deep Tissue Massager
Amazon is currently offering this $110 massage gun for 62% off, which brings the purchase price down to just $42 when you apply a $25 coupon at checkout. It offers 20 adjustable speeds and six interchangeable attachments, along with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to six hours per charge.
This Quiet Massage Gun Is Super Powerful
Amazon
Ekrin Athletics B37 Massage Gun
This angled precision massage gun includes four attachments, five speed options, an 8-hour battery life and a carrying case—all for $230 ($70 off its regular retail price). It offers what the company calls “Quiet Glide Noise Reduction Technology,” so it delivers a powerful vibration without the loud noise.
Get A Bob And Brad For Half The Price
Amazon
Bob and Brad Deep Tissue Percussion Massager Gun
Bob and Brad have managed to design a powerful, feature-packed massage gun that offers five interchangeable massage heads, five speed levels and a brushless motor that has a maximum speed of 3,200 RPM. It’ll get right to work helping your sore muscles. Right now, it’s 53% off with the additional coupon.
Save More Than 50% On This Powerful Massage Gun
Amazon
Renpho R3 Massage Gun
This extra-powerful Renpho R3 Massage Gun (2022 model) started out at $250, but Amazon is currently selling it for $70 (just make sure to add the extra coupon before checking out). You get five interchangeable massage heads, five speed options (between 1,800 and 3,200 RPM), a relatively quiet motor and a rechargeable battery with a built-in auto-off.
Save $100 On This Flexible Massage Gun
Amazon
LifePro Sonic Flex Adjustable Deep Tissue Massage Gun
This LifePro Massage Gun offers a flexible head that can be set to 0, 30, 60 or 90 degrees for targeted relief. It has 16 massage speeds, 10 attachments and a battery life that lasts up to 25 hours.
For even more Amazon Prime Day savings opportunities, head over to our Amazon Prime Day coupon page to check out the deals from some of our favorite retailers.
How We Chose The Best Massage Guns
To find the best massage guns, we scoured the internet for bestseller lists and crossed referenced these lists with actual shopper reviews to see if the massagers delivered on their promises. We did exhaustive research on what’s available and took a long look at product specs, designs, features and particularities that set them apart from the rest to ensure that this list encompasses the best of the best, and included any cons, too.
We also considered our own personal experience; many Forbes Vetted editors use and love various Theragun models, which is why the brand is heavily represented on our list.
What To Consider When Buying a Massage Gun
Because massage guns typically come with a big price tag, buying a massage gun is a big deal. While most are returnable if they don’t meet your needs, we understand that you’re going to want the one that arrives at your door to be a keeper from day one. Here are a few things to take into account when deciding which one is right for you.
Use Frequency
While you can use your massage gun safely on a daily basis, some models are designed to perform for hours on end over a prolonged period of time, and some aren’t. How much you spend on a massage gun will come into play here, as a more expensive brand will likely have a longer warranty and, by extension, a guarantee to operate time and time again. But, if you’re going to be reaching for a massager once or twice a week, or even less often than that, something more affordable makes perfect sense.
Muscle Groups
As noted several times in our list, some massagers have heads that can be switched out based on the muscle group and thea area of your body that you’re targeting. If you’re only going to be using this tool on your back or thighs, a larger massage head will do the trick. If, however, you’re going to be switching from the arch of your foot to your biceps to your calves, a model with interchangeable heads will better suit your needs.
Travel
Taking your massage gun with you on vacation or work trips might be top of mind. If this is the case, consider investing in a model that comes with a carrying case, features a lightweight design, or has very few moving pieces that will make it easier to transport from one location to the next.
What Is The Most Effective Massage Gun?
To find the most effective massage gun, you’ll want to consider speed, amplitude and stall force. Speed, which is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute), is how fast the gun operates. The most effective massage guns typically have a speed between 2,000 and 3,200 RPM. Amplitude measures how deep a massage gun can penetrate into your muscles. You want to look for an amplitude of 12mm to 16mm for the best results. Stall force describes the amount of pressure you can apply to the massage gun before the motor stalls or burns out. Budget massage guns typically have a stall force of about 20 to 30 pounds, while higher end percussion massagers have a 40- to 50-pound stall force.
That being said, we think the Therabody Theragun Elite is the most effective massage gun. It operates at 2,400 RPM (or 40 times per second), has a 16mm amplitude and up to 40 pounds of stall force.
Are Massage Guns Worth It?
“Massage guns are great tools to aid in the recovery process after exercising,” says Cathy Spencer-Browning, vice president of programming and training at MOSSA, a group fitness provider. “We call these recovery processes work-ins. Work-ins are just as important as the exercise, as they help the body regulate the autonomic nervous system and drive the internal recovery needed so you feel and perform better in your body.”
While massage guns don’t completely eliminate muscle soreness, they can make a drastic difference in pain levels, tension and inflammation when used regularly. They may not completely take the place of other options, like sports massages, foam rolling and stretching, but they’re a worthwhile addition to your recovery program.
How Often Should You Use A Massage Gun?
You can use a massage gun daily, but be careful not to overdo it. You should limit use to two minutes per muscle group. If you experience pain or tenderness, stop using the massage gun.
“You can use percussion therapy pre- and post-workout, as well as to target any onset muscle soreness,” adds Spencer-Browning. “Pre-workout use primes the muscles for training, and using post-workout eases any tension or tightness. You also can use it for any onset muscle soreness you may experience in the days after your workout.”
She shares a final tip: “Many people, especially first time users, may have questions about the speed of their percussion tool. Based on the science behind these tools, lower speeds are better for pre-workout sessions, while faster speeds are better suited for post-workout recovery.”
Where Should You Not Use A Massage Gun?
You should never use a massage gun on your neck. Doing so can increase the risk of developing a carotid dissection—a tear in your carotid artery that can interfere with blood flow to your brain. You should also avoid using a massage gun on:
Muscle sprains or strains
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Fasciitis
Broken bones
If you have chronic conditions like high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, muscle dystrophy or severe varicose veins, talk to your doctor before using a massage gun.