The 10 Best Massage Guns of 2024, According to 840 Hours of Testing

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Sit back, relax, and let these gadgets do all the recovery work for you.

In This Article

Shape / David Hattan

If there's anything better than the rush of endorphins after a hard HIIT workout, it's the feeling of someone sinking their fingers into your oh-so-sore muscles for a rewarding sports massage. The trouble is, you often need to be willing to drop some major dough on a professional masseuse. Luckily, there's a high-tech alternative you can use at home (and all on your own) to get the job done: a massage gun.

“Massage guns provide a portable and effective solution for pain relief, muscle stiffness reduction, and enhanced athletic performance,” says King Holder, a Master Flexologist with StretchLab. The guns also excel at increasing overall circulation, which means your muscles get more of the nutrient-rich blood they need to recover.

The Shape team has spent over 840 hours (aka 35 days) over the years real-world testing different brands to find the best massage guns and ensure that our findings stay up to date as new models pop up. We analyze effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. These tests were conducted by marathon runners, personal trainers, and wellness aficionados. We then contacted personal trainers and physical therapists to ensure that our findings correlated with their standards.

Below, read on for the best massage guns from Therabody, Hyperice, Renpho, and more.

Powerful without being painful

Large selection of attachments and speeds

120-minute battery life

Soft carrying case is not very functional

Maximum No-Stall Force: 30 lbs. | Attachments: 4 (dampener, standard ball, thumb, cone) | Built-In Speeds: 5 (plus customizable speed) | Total Battery Life: 120 minutes | Weight: 2.2 lbs.

In your journey to finding the right massage gun, you have to look for the sweet spot, meaning one that checks all of the necessary boxes. Editors were on the hunt for a gun that offered high no-stall force (without feeling overwhelming), traveled well, wasn’t too heavy, and included an array of attachments (but not so many that decision fatigue would be brought on). In the end, Shape testers were surprised that the Theragun Prime 4th generation hit more of the criteria than the 5th gen. Essentially, there were no qualms with the massager at all.

It's easy to select the correct attachment, and the results were amazing. "It absolutely helps post-workout, especially if you are sore," says one tester. "It relieved tension in my neck and shoulders and helped immensely when I strained my calf muscle. I was having trouble walking, but when combined with a foam roller, this Theragun helped me get back on my feet in two days."

Thanks to its simple control system on the handle, it's easy to figure out right out of the box, and we found that the triangular grip was great to hold at all angles. This allowed us to target different areas without any awkward twists. The dampener was our favorite attachment to use, but the cone came in a quick second. We found that it's great to use when honing in on specific larger muscle groups like the quads.

Lightweight and portable

Quiet

Three-hour battery life

Could be more ergonomic

Maximum No-Stall Force: 60 lbs. | Attachments: 2 (flat, bullet) | Built-in speeds: 3 | Total battery life: 3 hours | Weight: 1.5 lbs.

This lightweight device delivers some heavy-duty recovery. Weighing only 1.5 pounds, this massage gun takes up virtually no physical space and doesn’t eat up the airwaves with loud noise. Testers found that this device stayed quiet and allowed for no-nonsense recovery while watching Netflix — no subtitles needed.

"I rely on this massage gun during marathon training season," says Summer Cartwright, Shape's senior editor. "I love the flat head for all-over body massages and use the bullet head for smaller muscle groups like my triceps."

If you want even more from your recovery, Hyperice offers a heated head attachment for under $60 and a set of five different attachments for just $25. By switching these out, you can soothe muscle groups, explore with sensations, and customize every last second of your rest day.

That said, no device is perfect, and testers did find one teeny-tiny negative: the Hypervolt’s grip is a bit uncomfortable for smaller hands. There are also fewer attachments than the Theragun Prime.

Can be paired with red light therapy, heat therapy, and cold therapy

Seven attachments

LCD screen is clear and easy to use

Cold therapy attachment is sold separately

Maximum No-Stall Force: 60 lbs. | Attachments: 7 (standard ball, dampener, thumb, wedge, micro-point, heat, vibration) | Built-In Speeds: 5 | Total Battery Life: 2.5 hours | Weight: 3.5 lbs.

Recovery can often seem like a full-time job, and the sheer amount of time required for your mobility, massages, red light therapy, and more can deter you from even trying new things in the first place. The Theragun PRO Plus has all the bells and whistles you need to multitask your recovery — and yes, we mean all the bells and whistles. Think of near-infrared LED light therapy, heat therapy, cold therapy, and even a breathwork program. Together, these recovery tools can help you reduce inflammation, promote blood circulation, increase focus, and reduce soreness.

The PRO Plus comes with seven attachments (the most of any massage gun we tested), including an innovative vibrating head and a heat therapy attachment that instantly made testers “ahhhh” when using it. The LCD screen is clear and easy to use, with quickstart options for popular programs. If you’re intimidated by this tricked-out massage gun, the Therabody app helps you navigate the various routines and attachments to find the program that suits your needs.

"Using this massage gun is like stepping into the future and experiencing a bliss like no other," says Cartwright. "It targets sore muscles so precisely and helps my legs stay in tip-top shape when marathon builds are peaking. I love using the heat therapy to target inflammation around my hips and feet, and the cold head is fabulous after super hot and sweaty runs."

Using the PRO Plus feels like you’re on the cutting edge of recovery science — and in a way, you are. Our editors' biggest quibble is that the cold therapy attachment is sold as an add-on. The PRO Plus is already $600, so shelling out extra for the cold therapy attachment feels a little much. Also, the PRO Plus is heavier than most other massage guns we tested, but the ergonomic handle helped compensate for that.

Budget-friendly

Six heads and six speeds

Four-hour battery life

There's a learning curve

Maximum No-Stall Force: 50 lbs. | Attachments: 6 (bullet head, flat head, air cushion, ball head, shovel head, u head) | Built-In Speeds: 6 | Total Battery Life: 4 hours | Weight: 1.9 lbs.

At around $70, this gun is one-third of the price of the Therabody Theragun Prime and (almost) half the price of the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2. It offers six heads and six speeds for an extremely customizable recovery routine. One editor used the Renpho before her workouts and found that she recovered quicker and performed better.

"I consistently used it on my hamstrings, quads, and glutes before my weekly spin class, and noticed that I felt like I could push for higher resistance with less of a struggle," says the tester. "I've also used it to relieve my general upper-body or back soreness and feel like it has alleviated that pain."

However, the design of this affordable massage gun seemed a bit off. Certain buttons seemed to be placed counterintuitively, like the power button next to the speed buttons. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it does mean that the Renpho takes longer to get acquainted with.

Budget-friendly

Easy to use

Three attachments and three speeds

Not the best choice for experienced users

Maximum No-Stall Force: 20 lbs. | Attachments: 3 (standard ball, dampener, thumb) | Built-In Speeds: 3 | Total Battery Life: 2 hours | Weight: 1.3 lbs.

With a simple, one-button design, we appreciate that this Theragun is stripped down to only the must-have features (including the three most versatile attachments: a standard ball, a dampener, and a thumb).

“Beginner users should prioritize features that make the massage gun easy to use and safe,” says Brittany Steindl, PT, DPT. If you’re just wading into the massage gun waters or you’re someone who always tells the massage therapist to use less pressure, the Theragun Relief can help you ease into percussive recovery.

The intensity is also lower than other massage guns, at just 10mm percussive massage therapy; others we tested were in the 12 to 16mm range, for comparison. Together, you get a comfortable, easy-to-use massage gun. At under $150, it’s also the most affordable Theragun (although still more expensive than the options we tested from Renpho). Editors agree that it would be a fantastic gift for any new fitness lover or anyone taking on a big goal or race for the first time.

Lightweight and small enough to fit in a bag

Three attachments and three speeds

120-minute battery life

Small size limits the number of muscle groups it can work on

Maximum No-Stall Force: 20 lbs. | Attachments: 3 (standard ball, dampener, thumb) | Built-In Speeds: 3 | Total Battery Life: 120 minutes | Weight: 1 lb.

This one-pound device is perfect for stashing in a small bag or carry-on. With three speed settings and three attachments, the Theragun Mini offers a level of customization that isn’t overwhelming. It’s also so portable and slides easily into a gym bag or purse.

Editors love that you can pack this baby for a destination race or to stave off that post-plane neck soreness. And, seriously, what could be better than getting back from a long day of exploring a new destination than treating yourself to a mini-massage in your hotel room?

"I know very little about massage guns and this was very simple to use," says one tester. "It's quiet enough to not be distracting or annoying."

Because of its small size and minimal design, the Mini doesn’t reach some crucial muscle groups—notably those on the back of the body. One editor who tested the Mini noted that she experienced the best pain relief when she used the device on her quads, hamstrings, and calves, so bear that in mind.

Fully customizable

Six attachments

Screen feature is a bit unnecessary

Maximum No-Stall Force: 60 lbs. | Attachments: 6 (standard ball, dampener, thumb, wedge, supersoft, micropoint) | Built-In Speeds: Fully customizable | Total Battery Life: 150 minutes | Weight: 2.76 lbs.

The Theragun PRO 5th generation is made for those who place their sport at the center of their lives. If this sounds like you, Dr. Steindl recommends investing in a heavy-duty device like this. “High amplitude and stall force are essential to effectively target deep muscle tissues and provide intense relief after strenuous workouts,” she says. “Multiple speed settings allow for customization of recovery sessions based on the intensity of workouts and specific muscle needs.” She also recommends stocking up on attachments to target muscles of all sizes.

The Theragun PRO 5th Generation fits all these criteria: With fully customizable speed options and six distinct attachments (standard ball, dampener, thumb, wedge, supersoft, micropoint), the device is made for those who take every aspect of their workouts seriously — from warm-up to cool-down. According to one Shape editor, the overall feel of this Theragun is beefy and powerful, so it’s great for those with mega-muscles who need mega-recovery.

Many testers agreed that this massage device's price point is a bit high, particularly since the 5th Generation’s signature feature — a touchscreen that replaces the buttons on other devices — seems a little unnecessary. Those who aren’t touchscreen fans should opt for the 4th Generation instead.

“Sleep” and breathwork routines help you wind down before bed

Lightweight and compact

Four attachments and five speeds

Biometric sensor can be a bit glitchy

Maximum No-Stall Force: 40lbs. | Attachments: 4 | Built-In Speeds: 5 | Total Battery Life: 2 hours | Weight: 1.6lbs.

For sweet dreams and waking up on the right side of the bed, try the Theragun Sense. This massage gun is the first Therabody device to incorporate breathwork, using haptic cues to cue the user to inhale or exhale. The LCD screen features quick stars for a Sleep Routine and a Breathwork routine that NASM-certified personal trainer Kristen Geil uses as part of her nighttime routine. “I start with the Sleep prep routine, which focuses on muscles that are generally tense at the end of the day — like my forearms, calves, and even the soles of my feet,” she explains. “Then, before I put my phone down for the final time, I turn on the Breathwork routine for two minutes of guided breathing.” She notes that she does place her finger on the biometric sensor to track her heart rate, but the sensor doesn’t always pick up her heart rate correctly.

The Sense is also more lightweight and compact than other options we tested, so it can easily rest in a nightstand drawer or at the side of your bed. At 12mm percussive massage therapy, it’s also less intense than other options we tested (several other Theraguns hit the 16mm mark, for example).

Adjustable

Good choice for those who spend time at the computer

Six attachments and four speeds

Shape makes it difficult to take on the go

Maximum No-Stall Force: 30 lbs. | Attachments: 6 (standard ball, dampener, thumb, wedge, supersoft, micro-point) | Built-In Speeds: 4 | Total Battery Life: 150 minutes | Weight: 1.1 lbs.

This massage gun is for those who spend a lot of time sitting at the computer and experience back, neck, and shoulder aches. Testers loved having the Renpho Extend Massage Gun on hand to iron out the hard-to-reach kinks so we could tackle workouts, walks in the park, and our email inboxes. Editors agree that anyone who enjoys a nice back massage will enjoy having this device nearby.

"This was really effective at relieving tight or sore muscles," says one tester. "This was really great for my back before an arm or lifting day and I feel like it definitely loosened me up for more movement. I feel like it helped me a lot with the neck tension I often get."

One complaint: The Extend Massage Gun’s shape makes it difficult to carry around.

Hands-free

Lightweight and easy to take on the go

Not as much manual control as a massage gun

Maximum No-Stall Force: High-torque 40W motor | Attachments: N/A | Built-In Speeds: 3 | Total Battery Life: 2 hours | Weight: 1 lb

Those who prefer a foam roller to a massage gun will appreciate the upgrade offered by the Hypersphere Go. This little ball buzzes at three different speeds and weighs just one pound, making it a great addition to any gym bag or at-home workout.

"It was very easy to take this thing everywhere," says one tester. "The portability is ideal. The ball is small, relatively lightweight, and the material can easily intermix with things in my gym bag."

Because the Hypersphere Go doesn’t have a handle, it does require a little more work than other percussion tools. The user will need to know the basics of foam rolling to really reap the benefits of this tiny but mighty device.

When purchasing a massage gun, you'll want to consider three main criteria, according to Dr. Steindl: amplitude, settings, and warranty. Additionally, you'll want to think about the benefits you're seeking as well as the different head attachments that you could benefit from.

Shape / Jhett Thompson

“Massage guns, also known as percussive therapy devices, function through a mechanism called percussive therapy,” explains Dr. Steidl. “These devices typically utilize a high-frequency, low-amplitude mechanical motion to deliver rapid, concentrated pulses to targeted musculature. When the attachment head comes into contact with the skin, it delivers these oscillations to the underlying muscle fibers.”

These pulses stimulate blood flow, reoxygenating and delivering nutrients to your muscles. This may help your tissues recover more quickly. They also promote lymphatic drainage. “The mechanical stimulation can enhance lymphatic circulation, aiding in the removal of metabolic waste products from the muscle tissue,” says Dr. Steindl. Running the massage gun over your muscles after a workout may also reduce muscle tension — so you may not feel as tight and stiff after a tough effort as you normally do.

Almost everyone can benefit from owning a massage gun, according to Dr. Steindl. “Massage guns are versatile tools that can benefit a wide range of individuals, each deriving unique advantages based on their specific needs,” she says. Professional and everyday athletes can use their massage guns to bookend their workouts.

“By warming up the muscles before exercise, they can improve performance and reduce the risk of injury,” says Dr. Steindl. “Post-activity, the massage gun aids in muscle relaxation, reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and accelerates recovery.”

Short answer: If you have a body, you can benefit from one of these recovery devices.

“Yes, so long as sensitive areas are avoided (directly on the belly),” says physical therapist Brenna Kelley, PT, DPT, with FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Bristol, Connecticut. “It may be beneficial for aches and pains associated with pregnancy (like shoulder and upper back pain), but the vibration is fairly superficial.” That said, she recommends consulting with your doctor before you begin using one of these tools.

You may be wondering if massage guns are appropriate for the type of movement you love, and we’re happy to report that the answer is most likely yes. “Massage guns are versatile tools that cater to a wide range of individuals, from avid cardio enthusiasts to dedicated weight lifters,” says Holder. “Cardio enthusiasts can benefit from massage guns as they can help alleviate muscle tension and soreness resulting from repetitive motion and overworked muscles.”

He notes that weightlifters and people who prefer strength-based workouts will find massage guns useful for loosening tight, overworked muscles and improving overall athletic performance.

Yes, you may pay for percussion massage treatments with your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). However, you may need to obtain a letter of medical necessity (LOMN) from your doctor for one of these devices to count as a qualified medical expense.

Remember this: The higher the stall force, the more powerful the massage gun. Stall force is the amount of pressure you can apply to the head of the massage gun before the motor stalls.

Good news: You can slide your massage guns into your checked bag or carry-on. That said, it’s worth carefully reading the brand website of whatever massage gun you choose. Depending on the type of battery or materials, TSA may flag the item and not allow it aboard.

To put the best massage guns to the test, we invited physical therapist Monica Saliu, PT, DPT, co-founder and COO of Tribeca Physical Therapy, into our New York testing lab. There, she taught us best practices for using a massage gun and walked us through a little head-to-toe self-massage. As we gave our muscles some much-needed TLC, we took notes about the ergonomics of each massage gun and how our muscles felt before and after using them.

Shape / Jhett Thompson

Select an attachment and apply gentle pressure around the edges of the sore muscles with your massage gun. Avoid placing the attachment directly onto the muscle, and avoid bones.

Upper-body instructions: Apply the gun for 60 seconds, gently, on:

Lower-body instructions: Apply the gun at medium pressure for 60 seconds on:

If you feel any pain, stop massaging immediately. Seek the help of a physical therapist if you would like more extensive instructions on how to use a massage gun.

Kells McPhillips is a health and wellness writer living in Los Angeles. Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Well+Good, Shape, Fortune, Runner’s World, Outside, Yoga Journal, and others. Summer Cartwright, Shape's senior commerce editor, updated this article in 2024.

Sams L, Langdown BL, Simons J, Vseteckova J. The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2023;18(2):309-327. Published 2023 Apr 1. doi:10.26603/001c.73795

Lu X, Wang Y, Lu J, et al. Does vibration benefit delayed-onset muscle soreness?: a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Int Med Res. 2019;47(1):3-18. doi:10.1177/0300060518814999

Venslauskas M, Ostasevicius V, Vilkinis P. Influence of low-frequency vibrations on blood flow improvement in human's limbs. Biomed Mater Eng. 2017;28(2):117-130. doi:10.3233/BME-171661

Sams L, Langdown BL, Simons J, Vseteckova J. The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2023;18(2):309-327. Published 2023 Apr 1. doi:10.26603/001c.73795