The Best Massage Guns for a Powerful Massage

Are you searching for a massage gun that can help you relieve muscle soreness, improve circulation, and accelerate recovery after a workout?

With the vast array of available options, finding the right massage gun can be overwhelming.

That’s why I’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a comprehensive list of the top 12 massage guns on the market today.

Whether you’re an athlete or someone who wants to take better care of their muscles, this review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

From the most powerful massage guns to the most affordable options.

I’ve considered features such as battery life, noise level, ease of use, and more, to give you a comprehensive breakdown of each product’s pros and cons.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best massage guns on the market.

The Best Massage Guns in 2023

I’ve researched the best massage guns on the market today and listed them in no particular order, with the best pick at the end of the article.

I’ve reviewed them for their speed, power, portability, battery life, value, quality, and customer satisfaction.

The VYBE V2 Percussion Massager is a self-recovery tool that packs a powerful punch, delivering 500-2,400 strokes per minute for a deep-tissue massage experience.

Designed for both athletes and non-athletes, this personal massage gun is a popular choice for those looking to recover from workouts or manage chronic pain.

While the VYBE massage gun certainly has its benefits, there are some drawbacks.

The noise level is a major downside, with the company acknowledging the product’s loudness in its description.

The sound can be compared to a power saw or a blender, so if you value a quiet environment during your massage, this might not be the product for you.

Additionally, the motor on this massage gun isn’t the best quality, and users may find that it overheats after prolonged use. As I used the massage gun over longer periods, I could certainly feel it struggling.

However, the VYBE V2 comes with an extra battery and a convenient carrying case, making it a great option for those prioritising portability and ease of use.

Overall, the VYBE V2 Percussion Massager is a decent buy for those looking for an affordable and powerful massage gun.

While it may not be the most durable option, it delivers effective results and is suitable for a wide range of users at a low cost.

The Theragun PRO is an exceptional massage gun that has earned a spot at the top of the market.

With its sleek design, premium finish, and high-quality accessories, this product is a premium option for those who are looking for power and quality.

The Theragun PRO comes with two interchangeable batteries, making it easy to keep the massage gun charged and ready to go.

The attachments are well made and of high quality, and the two cases that come with it are a nice touch, making it easy to store and transport.

One of the best things about this massage gun is its power.

It is excellent at releasing deep trigger points and knots, making it a great tool for post-recovery use or for those who prefer not to use foam rollers or get massages.

The only downside to the Theragun PRO is its hefty price tag.

At $600, it is on the higher end of the market, which may not be feasible for everyone.

Additionally, my Theragun PRO has had some breakdown issues, which is disappointing for such an expensive item.

However, the warranty lasts two years, which is longer than most other massage guns, and Theragun has made the process of claiming a new one relatively straightforward.

Overall, the Theragun PRO is an exceptional product; if you have the budget, it’s definitely worth considering.

Despite its high price tag, it is the best massage gun on the market and remains my go-to massage gun for its quality and power.

Related: Theragun PRO review

The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 massager is a top-quality but pricey option for those looking for a quiet massage gun.

According to Hyperice, their patented aerospace-grade technology makes the Hypervolt 2 the quietest massage gun on the market.

It offers 3-speed levels and excellent control and accuracy.

The Hypervolt 2 comes with five head attachments, including ball shapes, a cone shape, and a flat disk shape, perfect for targeting different muscle groups.

While the unit is well-built and does function quietly, it lacks power compared to other massage guns on the market.

Additionally, the quality and number of attachments that come with the Hypervolt 2 are not impressive.

It also doesn’t last as long as other massage guns on a single charge, and there’s no case for the gun, only for the attachments.

Unfortunately, the Hypervolt 2’s high price tag can’t be justified by anything overly special compared to other massage guns that have entered the market.

While it may be a solid option for those who need a quieter device, those looking for power and affordability may want to consider other options.

The OPOVE Apex Massage Gun is a lightweight option that comes in at just 2.3 pounds, making it an ideal choice for anyone who struggles with the weight of some of the heavier massage guns on the market.

But don’t let its weight fool you, as it still packs a punch.

This massage gun offers three speeds for selecting your intensity level, and it has an impressive stroke length of 14.5mm with 50 pounds of stall force.

It also comes with six head attachments geared toward different body parts, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these attachments.

Its overall build quality and ergonomic design set the OPOVE Apex Massage Gun apart.

Unlike most massage guns in the traditional ‘gun’ shape that tend to have their weight pushed towards the front, the Apex has a tilted handle that distributes the gun’s weight more evenly, which helps prevent wrist strain during use.

The gun has a sleek rubbery feel that covers the whole gun, giving it a more premium feel.

Plus, it comes with a handy carry case with a separate section for the attachments, making it perfect for on-the-go use.

Overall, the OPOVE Apex Massage Gun is a great package that offers good value for money.

If you’re looking for a well-designed massage gun with good accessories at a decent price, this one is definitely worth considering.

The Sonic Massage Gun by LifePro is an excellent option for anyone seeking a full-body massage experience.

With five intensity levels and eight head attachments, it’s one of the most versatile massage guns on the market.

One of the standout features of this massage gun is its convenient single-handed operation and comfortable grip.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery also ensures that you can use it for up to six hours without a recharge, making it perfect for those who are always on the go.

While the non-slip grip is a nice touch, some users may find it a little too wide and thick for their liking, especially during longer sessions.

However, this minor issue shouldn’t detract from the overall massage experience.

Another feature that sets the Sonic Massage Gun apart is the handy case that comes with it.

The case fits the massage gun and has spaces for the attachments, making it easy to select the one you want.

Lastly, the Sonic Massage Gun comes with a lifetime warranty, which is impressive for such an affordable option.

This means you can use it confidently, knowing you can get a refund or replacement if something goes wrong.

Overall, the Sonic Massage Gun by LifePro is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a complete package at a reasonable price.

With its range of intensity levels, attachments, and convenient features, it’s a top pick for anyone looking to relieve pain and achieve a full-body massage experience.

The RENPHO massage gun is a reliable and affordable option for anyone looking to get the most bang for their buck.

With five different massage heads, ranging from a standard ball head to a forkhead attachment, and the ability to choose between five speeds from 1800 to 3200 rpm, this massage gun offers a variety of options to suit your needs.

Although the RENPHO massage gun may not be as powerful as some high-end massage guns, it is a pound lighter than the Theragun Pro and considerably cheaper.

Despite not having the same force as its more expensive counterparts, users consistently praise the RENPHO massage gun for getting the job done.

The RENPHO massage gun also comes with a zip-up case for easy storage and USB-C type charging, making it a convenient option for those on the go.

However, one downside is its auto-shutoff feature after ten minutes, which cannot be turned off.

While ten minutes may not be enough for a complete massage, this feature may not be necessary for a massage gun that is not overwhelmingly powerful.

Overall, the RENPHO massage gun is a suitable option for beginners or those on a tight budget.

If you’re looking for a complete package at an affordable price, this could be your best option.

The larger Theragun Pro is a fantastic massage gun with plenty of features but it can be quite pricey.

If you’re on a budget and still want the Therabody brand, the Theragun Mini is a great alternative.

Despite its smaller size and simplified design, it’s still a powerful and effective tool for soothing those pesky cramps and knots.

One of the most significant differences between the two Theragun models is the number of attachments and speeds.

While the Theragun Pro offers six massage heads and five speeds, the Theragun Mini comes with just three attachment heads and three preset speed options.

However, the Theragun Mini’s compact size makes it easy to grip and carry around, so you can use it wherever you go.

The Theragun Mini also boasts an internal lithium-ion battery with up to 150 minutes of battery life on a single charge, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice halfway through your massage.

Plus, its QX35 brushless motor and QuietForce Technology make it much quieter than the larger Theragun Pro, so you can enjoy a relaxing massage without disturbing those around you.

One downside of the Theragun Mini is that it delivers only 20 pounds of maximal force, compared to the 60 pounds of force offered by the Theragun Pro.

This means that it may not be as effective at penetrating deeply into tight muscles as its larger counterpart.

However, if you’re looking for a massage gun that’s more comfortable, simple to use and easy to handle, the Theragun Mini is a great choice.

The ReAthlete DEEP4s massage gun from ZESO is a powerful and effective tool for helping you recover from intense workouts.

With a brushless motor, this massage gun provides up to 60 lbs of force for quiet operation, perfect for breaking up muscle knots.

One of the standout features of the ReAthlete is its long-lasting battery life, providing up to 6 hours of use before needing a recharge.

The massage gun also offers three positions for the massage head’s angle, allowing greater reach to various body parts.

Additionally, it comes with five interchangeable massage heads and four different speeds, ranging from 1200 to 3200 rpm.

Choosing the desired speed is simple with the screen on the gun’s back. Unlike most massage guns, you don’t have to scroll through the speeds to find your desired one.

The ReAthlete also includes a hard carry case with space for the gun, charger, and all the attachment heads, making it very easy to store away and keep everything together.

While the ReAthlete massage gun does come with a 1-year warranty, it’s worth noting that many users have reported malfunctions and defects, which raises concerns about the product’s long-term durability.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the price point, as other massage guns on the market offer similar experiences at lower prices.

Overall, the ReAthlete DEEP4s massage gun is a powerful and customizable option for those looking for an effective way to recover from workouts.

However, potential buyers should weigh the product’s price and reported durability issues before making a purchase decision.

The Sonic LX massage gun is a versatile device that comes with several useful features.

Unlike the original Sonic gun (already reviewed above), the Sonic LX has a heated tip attachment that provides deep tissue relief and enhances flexibility.

This massage gun could be an excellent option if you’re looking for a device to help you recover from muscular injuries or gym workouts.

One of the key benefits of the Sonic LX is its quiet brushless motor that eliminates the loud hammering sound often associated with massage guns.

Additionally, the device features nine speed levels and ten interchangeable massage heads to choose from.

Some of these attachments are made of metal, which makes them ideal for use with massage oils.

While the heated tip attachment may not be useful for everyone, it is a great option for those who need extra relief for tight muscles.

The Sonic LX also comes with a compact case that makes it easy to carry around and store.

Overall, the Sonic LX is a reliable and versatile massage gun that can provide excellent relief and help improve flexibility.

However, one potential drawback of this massage gun is its fluctuating price range which can range from $100 up to $200.

Potential buyers should aim to purchase it at the lower end of the price spectrum to get the best value for their money.

At the higher price range, it may be worth considering more expensive options on the market.

Nonetheless, if you can get it at a reasonable price, the Sonic LX is great value for money.

Hyperice has expanded its line of massage guns with the release of the Hypervolt Go, a smaller and more portable version of the original Hypervolt.

While it is noticeably smaller, it doesn’t quite fit the “mini massage” gun category, falling somewhere between a full-sized and mini-sized option.

Despite its smaller size, the Hypervolt Go still packs a decent amount of power and offers three different speed settings to adjust your preference.

Like its predecessor, the Hypervolt Go is constructed with high-quality materials and has a sleek design that feels comfortable in your hand.

Plus, the brushless motor makes for a quiet and enjoyable massage experience.

However, it is worth noting that the Hypervolt Go does come with a higher price tag than some other massage guns on the market.

While the quality of the product justifies the cost, it would be nice to see more accessories included, such as a case to store the gun, charger, and more attachments.

It only comes with two attachments (flat and bullet head).

Overall, the Hypervolt Go is a solid choice if you’re seeking a smaller massage gun that still delivers a powerful massage experience.

Despite being pricey, its quality construction and performance make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a top-tier massage gun.

The TriggerPoint Impact massage gun is a well-designed device that caters to athletes with its two percussion settings.

The first setting delivers shorter and faster pulses to warm the muscles before a workout.

In contrast, the second one is designed to flush out the lactic acid in sore muscles after a workout, with slower but longer pulses that penetrate deep into muscle tissue.

This massage gun is lightweight, weighing in at just 2.4 pounds, and operates quietly with a battery life of up to two hours before it needs recharging.

The TriggerPoint gun boasts four speeds, with its top speed reaching an impressive 3,300 percussions per minute, putting it up with the top-of-the-line massage guns in the market.

It’s great for penetrating larger, stronger muscles in athletes and working out extra tight knots in any person.

However, this massage gun falls short because it only has one massage head, which is a major flaw since you need different head shapes and sizes to effectively release tension in different body parts.

Another significant flaw of this massage gun is that Amazon customers report many complaints about the battery failing to charge after a short time.

While this has not been my experience, it’s worth noting that there is a 90-day return window if anything happens.

Overall, the TriggerPoint Impact massage gun is a decent choice for those looking for a massage gun with strong percussion settings and long battery life. Still, it falls short regarding the limited number of massage head options and the reported battery issues.

The Comfier mini massage gun may be on the smaller side, but don’t let its small size fool you, as it packs a lot of value.

In fact, its best feature is its size, or rather, its tininess.

Weighing in at just 1.2 pounds, this massage gun is perfect for those seeking a light, compact, and portable option.

But don’t let its small size fool you; it’s extremely simple to use with four speeds and four different head attachments.

And unlike many other massage guns can be charged via USB.

Despite its small stature, it still possesses a lot of power while remaining quiet, thanks to its built-in 2000mAh high-quality lithium battery, which can last for 4-5 hours on one full charge.

However, it’s worth noting that this mini-massage gun isn’t suitable for targeting larger muscle groups like the quads or hamstrings, as the heads are a little too small.

Instead, it’s better suited for releasing trigger points that require precision or on more delicate muscle groups.

Personally, I prefer more power so I can use a massage gun on larger muscle groups, but I find this massager works well on my neck and trap area.

It’s so convenient that I use it at my work desk occasionally to help relieve tension in those areas.

Overall, the Comfier mini massage gun is a great option for those seeking a compact, portable massager. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s no harm in giving it a try.

The Chirogun is a budget-friendly massage gun that packs a punch with its included accessories.

With seventeen attachment heads, two massage balls, and a charger, the Chirogun is ready to take on any muscle soreness you throw at it.

Plus, everything fits nicely into the included carrying case, making it easy to bring along.

One standout feature of the Chirogun is its thirty-speed settings. While most massage guns only offer around five, the Chirogun takes it up a notch.

However, as the saying goes, sometimes less is more. In this case, having seventeen attachments and thirty speeds may be overkill. Additionally, the included massage balls might not be worth the hype.

The Chirogun does a decent job breaking up tightness in the muscles and is relatively quiet during use, except for some rattling.

However, the quality of the product is not exceptional and may not last as long as other medium-priced massage guns.

If you’re serious about investing in a top-quality massage gun, looking elsewhere is best.

However, if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a package deal that includes everything you need, the Chirogun is a solid option.

Just keep in mind that it may not last as long as more expensive models.

Overall, the Chirogun is a good choice for those looking for a budget-friendly massage gun with all the accessories.

Best massage gun: recommended picks

Here’s a breakdown of my recommended picks based on certain factors.

Best overall massage gun

The best massage gun is the Theragun Pro.

The Theragun PRO is a premium choice for those seeking a powerful and effective massage gun. With its ability to reach deep trigger points, it’s no surprise it’s a popular option.

The various attachments included with the Theragun PRO make it a versatile tool that can help you loosen up tight muscles.

Compared to other massage guns, the Theragun PRO outperforms in power, quality, accessories, and warranty.

However, it’s important to note that it does come with a hefty price tag of $600, which may not be the best value for everyone.

If you have the budget to spare and are committed to investing in a high-quality massage gun, then the Theragun PRO is worth considering.

However, it may be worth waiting for a discount or sale for those who are more budget-conscious.

One downside to remember is that the Theragun PRO can be quite noisy at its highest speed setting.

Despite this, it remains a top pick for those seeking a powerful and effective massage gun.

Best for versatility

If a full-body massage or muscle recovery after workouts are important, you’ll want a massage gun that lets you customize the massage by changing the settings.

Whereas most massage guns have two or three, the Sonic LX has nine different speed levels, ranging from 1,800 to 3,400 percussions per minute.

The Sonic LX also comes with an impressive ten different attachment heads.

By maximizing your ability to customize the massage for each muscle group, the Sonic LX is the best choice for versatility.

Best value for power

The standard VYBE Personal Percussion Massage Gun is the best value massage gun if you are looking for power.

It has a max force of 60lbs and is relatively low priced. However, be warned, it is very noisy.

Best overall value for money

The RENPHO massage gun gives you the best value for your dollar, since it costs less than most on the market, comes with a carry case and gets the job done.

It’s also very quiet too.

With six speed levels and five attachment heads, it offers versatility, too, so you can get more out of the device.

However, it lacks the power of the Theragun Pro and VYBE massage gun, making it a great choice for anyone new to massage guns.

Alternatively, the Opove massage gun is another massager representing good value for money but is a little more expensive than the RENPHO.

Buyer’s guide

There are many options on the market, including low-quality massagers trying to copy the bigger name brand’s massage guns.

I’ve tried a lot and have now learnt what to look out for when choosing a good massage gun.

Here’s what you should look for to identify a great percussion massage gun to ensure your investment is worthwhile:

Design

Massage guns typically come in a traditional ‘axe’ shape however; they are starting to appear in all shapes and sizes.

Look for one that comes with a comfortable-to-hold design that also has the ability to hit the hard-to-reach areas of your body.

Battery life

Battery matters when it comes to percussion massage guns, because they’re cordless.

An effective massage depends on a strong, long-lasting battery that can power the motor and sustain operation as long as you need for a massage session.

The last thing you want is to fully charge up your battery only for it to die 10 minutes into your session, leaving you waiting to charge up again.

There are two ways out of this. Get a massage gun that can deliver long sessions without needing a recharge.

Or look for massage guns with interchangeable batteries so you quickly switch to a fully charged one if you run out of charge.

In addition, the best massage guns will also charge a depleted battery quickly.

Speed and power

Speed and power dictate the intensity of massage a percussion gun offers, so it’s important to have a motor with higher wattage and more torque.

If you choose a massage gun without a lot of power you may grow out of it quickly as you get used to it.

You would then need to buy a more powerful massager for deeper muscle release.

However, choosing one that is too powerful will be pointless for you if it’s too painful to use.

Choosing a massage gun with the right power for you is vital.

Head attachments and options for customisation

Percussion massage guns that give you more options, including different speed settings, rotational angles, can give you more value.

But the biggest factor to look out for is the variations and quality of the attachment heads.

For different areas on your body you will need different shaped head attachments. For bony areas you will need a soft head attachment.

Thicker and larger muscles may require something with a smaller surface area etc.

The best massage guns should come with a decent number of variations of head attachments.

Not only that but different densities and shapes.

That’s because they reach and target more areas of your body, as you can customise the intensity and size of the percussion head to meet the demands of different muscles.

Noise level

The noise level of a massage tool is a make-or-break for some.

Since massage guns are made to deliver a lot of power, they are notoriously noisy.

If it bothers you or others in your home to use a massager on your body that’s as loud as a power tool or blender, look for one designed to be quiet.

However, quieter percussion massage guns tend to be more expensive and deliver less power, so it’s a trade-off.

The benefits of massage guns

So you’ve chosen the best massage gun; what benefits can you expect when using a massage gun?

Post-workout benefits

First, the deep-tissue percussion massage provided by massage guns enhances and speeds up the recovery of muscles after workouts.

It releases lactic acid from the muscles, flushing out metabolic waste from a hard workout.

Studies show that percussion massages significantly reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after strenuous activity.

Boosts circulation

It increases blood flow, making oxygen and nutrients available to muscles so they can start building back up.

Improves range of motion

By penetrating the tissue, percussion massage guns also give muscles a gentle stretch, which helps improve your range of motion.

Using it before a workout can improve your performance and help prevent injury simply by loosening muscles and enhancing their mobility [1].

Improve your mood

Deep tissue massage also helps balance your hormones and improve your mood by lowering cortisol levels and triggering the release of endorphins.

Portable

The best part about a percussion massage gun is that it’s easy to take with you on the go.

You can bring it to the gym, use it at your office to combat tightness at your desk, and take it with you when you travel.

Unlike foam rollers and massage balls, percussion massage guns don’t require the effort to push into muscle tissue with your own body weight. It’s also easier to get precise and pinpoint specific trigger points.

FAQ

This quick FAQ section covers some frequently asked questions regarding massage guns.