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If you haven’t tried percussive therapy yet, where have you been? The best massage guns are all over Instagram – hit #recovery and you’ll find everyone from boxers to runners pummelling their muscles in the quest for peak performance.
Best Massage Guns
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Best Massage Gun for Travel
Therabody Theragun Mini 2nd Gen
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Read our complete guide to recovery tools for bouncing back faster post-workout
They may look intense, but they're a really effective recovery tool for bringing tired muscles back to life. In the age of self-care, this science-backed method increases blood flow and loosens up tight spots – ideal for combatting DOMS and making your rest days work as hard as you do (it's only fair, right?).
The Men’s Health team put a range of top tools to the test to find the best massage guns on the market. Right now a bunch of them are also discounted in the Black Friday sales. Looking for something more compact? We've also tested the best mini massage guns.
Looking to kit out your gym? Read our tried and tested home gym equipment reviews, from Gymproluxe resistance bands to squat racks, adjustable dumbbells, pull-up bars and rowing machines.
Our editors, along with a team of health and fitness experts, tested the mettle of the best massage guns on the market. And, as the list below shows, they were more than up to the challenge.
Each massage gun was trialled for at least a three-week period, used to prime and relieve our experts' muscles around their fitness-filled schedule of weightlifting, HIIT, running, yoga and more.
They were judged on how easy they were to control, the impact they had on sore muscles, their ability to move across skin and muscle smoothly, and the effectiveness of any interchangeable massage heads included. The design (how ergonomic the handle was), portability and any other innovative features were also taken into consideration when deciding the final hierarchy.
Many of the massage guns below are also owned, loved and frequently used by members of the MH team, so we can speak for their longevity as well as efficacy.
If you’re ready to banish your foam roller for good, read on for the 10 best massage guns money can buy. Allow us to drill into the details.
10 Best Massage Guns To Buy in 2024
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Pros
- Thermotherapy options
- Lightweight
- Quiet
Cons
- Carry case is on the larger side
Finding fault with this near-flawless massage gun was like hunting for a needle in a haystack, with our experts awarding it top scores for ease of use, design and performance. It moved smoothly over muscles, working quickly to dissipate aches without causing any additional discomfort — in short, less pain, more recovery gains. It earned a few bonus points for its instructions too, which contain handy diagrams to help you get the most out of your percussive pistol.
The case it comes in may be slightly too big to carry around comfortably, but the gun itself is lightweight and surprisingly quiet, considering its size. This makes it easy to wield, and a perfect partner for an evening recovery session in front of the telly. We also loved the option to crank up the heat or use the frozen massage head, providing hot and cold massages – ideal for a pre-workout muscle primer and thorough cool down, respectively.
Weight | 914g |
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Amplitude | 10mm |
Speed settings | 3 |
Battery life | 1.5 hours |
Included accessories | 6 massage heads (barrel head, cold head, ball head, arrow head, heat head and smoothing head) and storage case |
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Best for Serious Athletes
Therabody Theragun PRO 5th Gen
Pros
- Packs a real punch
- Visual guides via the OLED screen
- Super fast charging
Cons
- Shorter battery life than some others
The PRO is the Rolls Royce of the Theragun Range. This 5th gen model has really stepped things up a gear with the addition of an OLED screen, which shows four visually guided routines to really help you nail that ache. Its adjustable arm means you can use it all over your own back, but our testers noted you can’t see the screen if you’re doing that.
The PRO is also slightly lighter and 20% quieter than its predecessor, while still being much more powerful than its fellow Therabody guns. It comes with a range of six heads to soothe any aches and pains, but the battery life is just 2.5 hours, which is half that of the 4th gen model. Thankfully, it does have super-fast USB-C charging, so you won't be left short in your time of need.
While the plethora of features may seem like overkill for casual athletes, we think these premium touches make this an ideal recovery companion for the fitness faithful.
Read our full review of the Theragun Pro 5th Gen here.
Weight | 1.25kg |
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Amplitude | 16mm |
Speed settings | 5 |
Battery life | 2.5 hours |
Included accessories | 6 massage heads, charger, carry case |
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Pros
- Ergonomic multi-grip arm
- Seven massage heads
- Pre-loaded treatment modes
Cons
- Changing the massage heads could be smoother
We challenge you to find a massage gun more powerful and kitted out than the D6 Pro from Bob and Brad — and it's a fair chunk cheaper than market competitors.
A MH editor favourite, this boasts incredible power, with 16mm amplitude backed up by 85lbs stall force to really get deep into muscle fibres. The D-shaped handle allows multiple grip points, which paired with the rotating arm (it can click into six different positions over 90 degrees) makes for a fully ergonomic experience, allowing you to treat hard-to-reach areas.
It's also impressively quiet (even at the top speed of 2500rpm), comes loaded with different treatment modes you can toggle on the OLED screen, and those seven massage heads mean no niggle goes un-pummelled.
Read our full review of the Bob and Brad D6 Pro here.
Weight | 1.27kg |
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Amplitude | 16mm |
Speed settings | 6 |
Battery life | 3 hours |
Included accessories | 7 massage heads, USB-wall plug charging cable, carry case, massage guidance booklet |
Pros
- Excellent value
- Long battery life
- Convenient carry case
Cons
- Higher speeds cause a lot of vibration in the handle
There’s no hiding from the fact that most top massage guns will set you back a pretty penny, so we approached this more affordable RENPHO offering with a little scepticism. But, while it may not be much of a looker, it soon put our pessimism in its place.
It comes with a choice of five massage heads, has the longest battery life of the models we tested and moves fluidly over skin without dragging. The handle vibrated a lot on the highest speed setting, causing our arm to ache after a while, but this can easily be remedied by turning the power down for a more soothing percussive therapy session.
Weight | 0.68kg |
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Amplitude | 9mm |
Speed settings | 5 |
Battery life | 6 hours |
Included accessories | 5 massage heads, USB charging cable, carry case |
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Pros
- Very quiet
- Compact and portable —ideal for chucking in your gym bag
- Five massage heads
Cons
- Not as easy to reach all over (as with larger massage guns)
The brainchild of renowned YouTube physical therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck, we had high expectations when the Q2 landed on our desks, and it didn’t disappoint.
It may be the size of a small water bottle, but it’s brimming with impressive features. You get five interchangeable heads (most mini massagers come with just one or two) and there are five speed settings to flit between, giving you a whopping 25 massage combos to try. If you need some guidance, there’s a handy user manual, which provides step-by-step routines for warm-up, mobility and recovery. According to our tester, these were genuinely useful.
The definition of a smooth operator, it glided over our muscles seamlessly, the speed button was well placed and easy to reach while in use, and the brushless motor proved pretty darn quiet. If on-the-go-massages are on the agenda, there's a slick, lightweight carry case that will fit neatly into your gym bag or suitcase.
We rated the 10-minute auto-off mode for conserving battery and liked that it charges with a USB-C cable and a regular phone adaptor, so you don’t have to carry around an extra plug. The handle was on the short side, making it a touch awkward for our tester with larger hands, but that wouldn’t put them off using it again. Plus, when you consider the relatively affordable price tag, it’s hard to complain.
Read our full review of the Bob and Brad C2 Mini here.
Weight | 430g |
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Amplitude | 7mm |
Speed settings | 5 |
Battery life | 4 hours |
Accessories included | 5 massage heads, travel case, charging cable, instructions booklet |
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Most Powerful Compact Massage Gun
Hyperice Hypervolt Go2
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Petite yet powerful
- Smooth performance
- Hyperice app access for guided routines and more
Cons
- Just two massage heads
Twee fridge magnets across the UK will encourage you to enjoy the smaller things in life. Luckily, Hyperice makes this advice easy to follow with its latest compact massage gun.
Despite its size, the Hypervolt Go2 can still compete with the big boys, blowing our testers away with its strength. It’s also smooth to use and considerably cheaper than its bulkier brother, the Hypervolt Plus.
Its condensed design means it’s ideal for carrying around, although it did lose some points due to the absence of a carry case. Still, the Go2 makes up for that with its power and premium design. There are two massage heads and access to Hyperice’s comprehensive app comes as standard, too.
Weight | 680g |
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Amplitude | 10mm |
Speed settings | 3 |
Battery Life | 3 hours |
Included accessories | 2 massage heads, power supply and adaptors |
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Best Massage Gun for Travel
Therabody Theragun Mini 2nd Gen
Now 29% Off
Pros
- Comfortable grip
- Three full-size massage heads
- 12mm amplitude — high for a mini model
Cons
- Just a two-hour battery life
This is Theragun’s second entry on our list, proving the brand really lives up to its hype. Although the USP here is its dinky size, that doesn't mean it isn't a powerhouse machine. It’s even smaller and lighter than the 1st gen model, so it’s super easy to slip into your gym bag for a quick post-session massage, or clip onto the outside of your bag thanks to its handy travel case.
The mini gadget scored an impressive 4/4 for noise control on the in-house decibel test, so you can use it anywhere without disturbing others. The panel said the attachments ‘glide really smoothly, without any bumping, shaking or jarring’, and thought the third setting provided strong power for such a small product.
It's also a great option for first-time massage gun users, not only because it’s a more affordable model, but the LED lights help show which setting you’re on and its simple-to-use Bluetooth app guides you through pain-relieving routines.
Weight | 450g |
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Amplitude | 12mm |
Speed settings | 3 |
Battery life | 2 hours |
Included accessories | 3 attachments, charging cables, carry case |
Pros
- Heat therapy attachment is the best we've tried —and adjustable
- Multiple treatment settings
- Vibration and percussive therapy options
- Infrared LED light therapy
Cons
- Cold attachment sold separately
We didn't think Therabody could improve on the 5th Gen Theragun Pro, but then along they came with this absolute machine of a massage gun: the PRO Plus.
As well as boasting an impressive five speeds (from 1750 – 2400rpm), 16mm amplitude (that's a lot, btw) and SEVEN massage heads, every little detail has been considered in the construction of this massage gun. Take, for instance, the intuitive five-button interface; consisting one large central button and four arrow controllers around the outside. You barely have to twitch your thumb to flick through any and all settings (there are a lot to play with) and thanks to the OLED screen, navigation is simple.
We were also impressed by the way the massage gun can tell which massage head has been attached, and will adjust your setting options accordingly — clever stuff. It's also easier to hold than the G5, with more weight given to certain parts of the handle for more balanced ergonomics. Plus the generous folks at Theragun have included near infrared LED light therapy to help aid muscle, joint and tissue function and repair.
Attachment-wise you're spoiled with the PRO Plus. As well as the brand's usual offering (standard ball, dampener, wedge, micro-point and thumb) you also get a vibration attachment — ideal for joints and sensitive spots — and a recovery-boosting heat massage head. Of the heated massage heads we've tried this is easily the best — it gets hot fast, is adjustable via the OLED screen and offers a soothing, deep massage while transferring the heat straight to your muscles.
The battery life not as long as some others, although that's fairly standard for this level of whack and you do not have to use it for long — it gets the job done fast and feels amazing. If you want cold therapy too, you'll have to fork out an extra £79 for the attachment.
Weight | 1.65kg |
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Amplitude | 16mm |
Speed settings | 5 |
Battery life | 2.5 hours |
Included accessories | 7 attachments, carry/storage case, charger, QuietForce Solution sample, targeted treatment guides |
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Pros
- Hot and cold therapy attachment
- Lightweight and simple to use
- Speed displayed via screen
Cons
- On the noisier side
This is a massage gun made for the Goldilocks-minded among us. One thermotherapy massage head offers four settings to play with — two hot, two cold — so you can tailor your recovery for exactly what you need on any given day.
Why is this a game-changer? Well, heat can reduce muscle soreness by promoting blood flow, while applying cold therapy can help relieve inflammation, which equals less pain. Win, win, win.
Aside from the hot/cold attachment there are four other massage heads, including a U-shaped number that cradles and soothes sore traps like nobody's business and a bullet option for trigger points.
Be warned that it's a little louder than its counterparts, particularly on the higher speeds, and when switched to cold therapy the attachment makes a quiet computer fan-esque noise. Being flat, the thermotherapy attachment isn't as versatile as a rounded head, and the single button interface, while easy to use, does mean you have to cycle through every setting rather than toggle back and forwards.
While there aren't any bells and whistles like extra treatment modes, for budget hot/cold therapy this is a no-brainer.
Weight | 0.68kg |
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Amplitude | 10mm |
Speed settings | 5 |
Battery life | 3 hours |
Included accessories | 5 massage heads, carry case, instruction manual with treatment guides, charger |
Pros
- Long handle means easy access to difficult spots
- Smooth performance
- Wide range of speeds
Cons
- On the heavier side
From the sleek black and grey colourway alone, you can tell this massage gun means business. The massage arm packs one hell of a punch and proved effective at flushing testers' aching muscles with blood, helping them recover from high volume sessions.
It’s a tad heavy and the grip vibrated quite a lot when we cranked the speed setting to its max. But the long, curved handle meant users could easily reach awkward knots on their back, and all four interchangeable heads were able to glide over the skin, making for a remarkably relaxing massage.
Weight | 980g |
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Amplitude | 10mm |
Speed settings | 5 |
Battery life | 5 hours |
Included accessories | 4 massage heads, charger, recovery massage oil, carry case |
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Why Should I Buy a Massage Gun?
Invest in a high-quality massage gun and you can use it before training to prime your muscles for a session, or post-workout to ward off any potential DOMS. It will help you recover faster, boost your circulation and lymphatic drainage, increase your flexibility and extend your range of motion – ultimately improving your performance across the board. Think of it as foam rolling turned up to eleven.
‘Percussive therapy has a variety of benefits, helping to prevent body aches and pains, greatly reducing muscle tension in seconds, boosting mobility and range of motion, and increasing blood flow to the area to reduce soreness, tightness and pain,’ explains Dr Jason Wersland, chiropractor and Therabody founder. ‘It can also assist with accelerating the repair and growth of tissues.’
How Do I Use a Massage Gun?
Using a massage gun is the definition of simple. Just point the gun at your fleshy target – around an inch away from your skin over whichever muscle you’re trying to loosen or warm up – and hit the trigger for instant relief. Move slowly up and down the length of the muscle for around 30 seconds – if you find a particularly sore spot (or ‘trigger point’), spend a little more time on it, but there's no need to apply more pressure. Try not to wince!
Keep your gun away from your neck (decapitation ain't the aim here, lads) and avoid bone and any sprains. Start on the lowest setting and build up once you get the hang of it. Don't overdo it – a few minutes at a time is plenty – or your muscles may end up sorer.
What Should I Look for in a Massage Gun?
When you're browsing the best massage guns, ideally your purchasing priorities should centre on noise control, battery life and quality. Generally, a higher price tag will indicate a more reliable product and, when fully charged, a decent massage gun should last for a few days to a week, based on around 15 minutes' use per day.
To suss out the power of your massage gun, check the amplitude and, if listed, the stall force. These two specs together indicate how deep a massage a device can offer.
What is Amplitude?
Amplitude in a massage gun refers to how deep it can reach into your muscles. It's measured in millimetres, and generally, the higher the measurement, the deeper the massage.
Top quality massage guns typically boast 12-16mm of amplitude, while more budget options will most likely hover in the 8-10mm range.
What is Stall Force?
Stall force is essentially how much pressure you can apply to a massage gun during use on your muscles before the motor stalls.
Sometimes also known as torque, stall force is usually measured in pounds, and ranges tend to fall around the 20-30lbs mark for cheaper options, and 40-50lbs for standard massage guns. Anything higher and you're dealing with a premium product.
The higher the stall force, the more pressure you can apply. Opt for a higher stall force if you prefer a deep-tissue massage.
Priyankaa Joshi
Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges.
She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.
Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Hattie Parish
Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor
Hattie Parish is the Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor for Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World, covering the best gym wear, latest fitness tech and wellness launches worth investing in, plus the best deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. As well as clocking up the miles in myriad running socks, pummelling her muscles with massage guns, testing out fitness mirrors and donning dry robes every other weekend, Hattie consults leading experts in the health and fitness industry to help readers make informed decisions when shopping online. Brought up by two medics, Hattie worked in health clinics before completing a BA in English at King’s College London. She qualified as a journalist in 2015 and has since written for titles such as Healthy magazine, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Red, as well as worked commercially with health and wellness clients such as Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug. Hattie is passionate about arming readers with honest, unbiased product reviews and has a particular interest in the role of technology in our wellbeing, as well as gender-based inequalities in healthcare. When she’s not putting gym wear through its paces on the Pilates reformer or kitting out her home gym (garage) with the latest equipment, she’s attempting to make progress on her teetering pile of bedside books, cycling round South East London or sampling wellness retreats for the Women’s Health travel pages.
Tested byYanar Alkayat
Former Fitness Group Testing Manager
Yanar has spent 15 years as a health and wellness editor and writer for national titles such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Runner’s World. Yanar is a 580-hour yoga therapist, 200-hour yoga teacher and level 3 personal trainer at Yanar Mind & Movement. After years of running races and marathons, she discovered CrossFit and Olympic lifting in her mid-30s and fell in love with training and competing. She now advocates strength training for women to build a stronger body for life and the benefits of nervous system regulation for better physical and mental health. When not training, teaching or writing, she can be found experimenting in the kitchen.
Tested byJodie Morrish
Health and Fitness Tester
Jodie is our Health and Fitness product tester. She runs tests on a wide variety of products, including gym leggings, walking boots, fitness trackers and more. Jodie has managed the testing for 577 products to date, including working with over 600 panellists.