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Oct 14, 2024

Best Massage Guns 2024 - Forbes Vetted

While training for an ultramarathon, I put 13 of the best massage guns to the test over a two-month period to see which ones succeeded most at alleviating soreness, stiffness and pain. Of all the

While training for an ultramarathon, I put 13 of the best massage guns to the test over a two-month period to see which ones succeeded most at alleviating soreness, stiffness and pain. Of all the massage guns I tried, the Therabody Theragun Elite provided the best massage experience overall, with the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro following closely behind. I also selected five other standout models based on their overall value, size and battery life.

The Theragun Elite is one of the best massage guns we tested.

For what it’s worth, I finished the race without any trouble, and I give some credit to these massage guns for getting me across the finish line. The following is a list of all the winners from my testing process:

Realistically, not everyone needs or wants a massage gun, but for athletes or those recovering from an injury, it can be a helpful piece of gear. That’s why I tested a broad lineup of the most popular massage guns and evaluated each by their speed, amplitude, ergonomics and variety of attachments to find the best options for specific needs. As with any medical device, check with a doctor to make sure a massage gun is right for you and your needs before using one. For more recommendations on recovery devices, check out our guides to the best neck massagers and massage guns on Amazon.

JONATHAN BAUDOIN for Forbes

Speeds: 5 | Attachments: 5 | Amplitude: 16 millimeters | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Battery life: 120 minutes | Warranty: 1-year limited

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Though I was initially skeptical of the Theragun Elite, its design made it stand out as the best massage gun overall in my tests. When I pulled the massager from its hard-shell carrying case for the first time, I puzzled over the triangular handle and its hefty bulk. As I began to use it, I realized the shape made it easy to grip the gun in different positions, especially compared to other full-size massage guns I tried. And because the Elite is heavy compared to competitors at 2.2 pounds, the handle’s unique shape reduced arm strain better than other full-size options, even after using it for prolonged periods of time.

The Theragun Elite stood out as the best massage gun thanks to its ergonomic design.

The Elite has five speeds and a 16-millimeter amplitude, which is the distance traveled by the massage gun head as it moves back and forth; and the Elite has the highest amplitude among the models I tested. When the time came to work through bigger, thicker muscle groups on my legs, that amplitude was a welcome feature. The small OLED display offered the best visual experience of any massage gun I tested; the design made it easy to review the speed and applied force settings. What’s more, I could easily change the speed by cycling up or down with a button located conveniently on the handle, so I never had to reposition my hand or body to manage speeds or massaging modes as I did with some other massagers.

The Theragun Elite has a button on the handle that I found was easier to use for changing modes or ... [+] speeds compared to other massagers.

Therabody pairs the Elite with five attachments—a dampener, standard ball, thumb, cone and wedge—that are made from a forgiving, closed-cell foam that’s softer and more malleable than the hard plastic attachments on other massagers I tested. If it were possible, I’d use these attachment heads on massage guns from competing brands. While many other attachments looked similar, these had the best feel—I never really found another set quite like them. Each attachment targets a specific region or feature of your body, so you’ll rarely find yourself with a stubborn pain point that this gun can’t reach. From head to toe, it provided the best combination of massage and user experience compared to the competition. Needless to say, my muscles were happy.

Of course, a massage gun this expensive comes with a laundry list of features, some of which are harder to access than others. But because the Theragun Elite is Bluetooth enabled, you can pair it with your phone and control its functions through the Therabody app. It only took a minute to download the app and establish a connection, and once I did, it was easy to customize the gun’s speed, cycle through guided programs and take advantage of its many features, all from the app. I imagine this will come in handy as you learn the ropes, but you’ll probably use it a lot less once you understand the ins and outs of the massager.

At $399 (when it isn’t on sale), the Theragun Elite’s high price tag is tough to ignore. Still, it may be worth the investment for the best massage gun you can get. And because it sits in the middle of Therabody’s lineup of triangular massage guns, you can drop down to the Prime model (if you want to spend a little less) or upgrade to the Pro (for more features). The Elite model represents the best value among these three Therabody massage guns: It has handy features, like a stall force meter and built-in preset massages, that aren’t found on the Prime, but it skips others, like the Pro’s visually guided routines and the ability to actually control the device through the app, which feel unnecessary.

Long-term testing notes: Therabody has released three new Theraguns in recent months, including the Sense at $299 and the Relief at $149, but I still love the Elite for its well-rounded set of features. The battery holds a charge as you might expect and the percussive force feels as powerful as ever, and best of all, the price of this massager has dropped on Amazon over time. At the time of writing, Therabody still lists it for $399 but you can pick it up for $309 on Amazon, which brings it down to almost the same price as the entry-level Theragun Prime.

JONATHAN BAUDOIN for Forbes

Speeds: 5 | Attachments: 5 | Amplitude: Unlisted | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Battery life: 180 minutes | Warranty: 1-year limited

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Hyperice and Therabody are the top names in this space, which might explain why the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro looks a lot like the Theragun Elite’s little sibling, at least on paper. To be sure, Hyperice’s top-of-the-line massage gun is powerful, and it delivers a satisfying, consistent massage every time, with features that match the Elite, like five speed settings and five attachment heads. But it doesn’t quite beat the Theragun Elite to the finish line—it weighs half a pound more and doesn’t come with a carrying case. Hyperice also doesn’t list the Hypervolt 2’s amplitude, so I couldn’t compare amplitude on this massager to others I tested.

The Hypervolt 2 Pro has a unique battery pack that you can swap out so you never find yourself ... [+] needing a charge.

The Hypervolt 2 Pro looks like a traditional massage gun and offers a predictable, solid experience across the board. The gun is ergonomic, although it’s definitely a bit heavier in-hand than the Elite, and the build quality is superb. Power comes courtesy of a battery pack in the handle; to recharge it, you press a small button to eject the battery like a gun magazine. You could theoretically pick up a second battery to keep the percussive relief going for hours. I imagine this feature comes in handy if you own a gym or manage a team of athletes who will be using a massage gun frequently, but most of us probably don’t need a spare battery. “The Hyperice is a really nice [massage gun], in that it's definitely good quality, but I don't feel like it's ridiculous to suggest that someone buys it,” notes Dr. Chloe Costigan. “I feel really good about people actually spending money on it, too.”

The one disappointment I can’t overlook is the lack of a carrying case. This happens to be Hyperice’s top-of-the-line massage gun, yet they couldn’t even ship it with a case? It’s a bit frustrating, as is the fact that you can’t easily turn the speed dial on the back of the massager with one hand.

Ultimately, the Hypervolt 2 Pro isn’t quite as capable as the Elite, but it’s still a solid investment. And at $329, it’s just a little cheaper than the Elite if you’re looking to save.

Long-term testing notes: Like the Theragun Elite, the Hypervolt 2 Pro is still a solid massage gun. It starts up every time, holds a charge and works out sore muscles with ease. I picked up a spare battery to swap them in seconds if one dies, and while I don’t often need the additional juice, it’s convenient to have on hand. Ultimately, I’d still reach for the Theragun Elite, especially now that you can find it on sale for $309 at the time of writing.

JONATHAN BAUDOIN for Forbes

Speeds: 5 | Attachments: 4 | Amplitude: 12 millimeters | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Battery life: 480 minutes | Warranty: Lifetime

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I wasn’t familiar with Ekrin Athletics before this project began, but I walked away singing the Ekrin Athletics B37’s praises as a practical, full-size massage gun that does everything well and costs only $230.

With five speed settings and four attachment heads, the B37 tips the scales at 2.2 pounds, but its angled handle balances that weight well to eliminate arm and wrist fatigue. While the gun’s 12 millimeters of amplitude is pretty standard for a massage gun of this size, the speed settings range from 1,400 to 3,200 percussions per minute. That low-end figure is the lowest speed I encountered in my testing, which offers a wider range for massaging sore muscles. What’s more, the B37 maxes out at 55 decibels at its highest speed, or about as loud as a quiet conversation. It was noticeably quieter than some other massagers I tested—I didn’t need to raise my voice or turn up the volume on the TV when using the massager.

The Ekrin Athletics B37 (left) is larger and more powerful than the more portable Ekrin Athletics ... [+] Bantam.

I mentioned that the B37 features 12 millimeters of amplitude—a figure that’s expected from a massage gun of this size—but Ekrin Athletics pairs that with an impressive stall force of 56 pounds, so it’s easy to push the massager firmly against your body without causing the motor to stall. For context, the Theragun Elite, at the top of this list, only has a stall force of 40 pounds. As I increased my training mileage leading up to my race during testing, the B37 provided a deep, to-the-bone massage that left my legs feeling like jello (in a good way). With up to eight hours of battery life on a single charge, I could hypothetically use this massager for an entire day, or pass it around at a race or athletic event where others might need it, too.

If I had to knock this massage gun, I’d call out the handle and the power button. The former is rather large in diameter and not ideal for small hands, while the latter is positioned on top of the massage gun in such a way that I couldn’t easily press it to change speed with the hand I was using to maneuver the device.

Forbes

Speeds: 3 | Attachments: 5 | Amplitude: 16 millimeters | Weight: 3.64 pounds | Battery life: 150 minutes | Warranty: 1-year limited

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Released in late 2023, the Theragun Pro Plus replaces the Theragun Elite as Therabody’s top-of-the-line massage gun with a sticker price of $599. That makes it the most expensive model on this list, but there’s more to it than that. For starters, Therabody includes five standard attachment heads—dampener, standard ball, thumb, micro-point and wedge—as you might expect, but I was surprised to find a heat therapy attachment in the carrying case as well. With three temperature levels, it produces a notable warmth that doesn’t really soothe any sore muscles, but it certainly feels relaxing. I imagine the cold attachment head is more effective, but Therabody sells this separately for $89, and my review unit didn’t include one.

Beyond attachments, the Pro Plus also features infrared LED light therapy (RLT) that, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can improve the skin’s appearance, treating wrinkles, redness, scars, acne and so on. Therabody, on the other hand, claims red light therapy can stimulate circulation and boost healing. Most evidence suggests RLT should be combined with other therapies, so I wouldn’t pick up the Pro Plus for this reason alone. It’s more of an added benefit if you’d like to combine percussive therapy with other forms of treatment. A built-in biometric sensor provides on-device heart rate readings if you’d like to keep an eye on your vitals.

Beyond technology, the Pro Plus’ build quality is top notch. Sporting an LCD display to toggle through menus and manage the massager’s speed and force, it’s obvious that Therabody put a lot of thought into the design. With that said, the Pro Plus is heavy at 3.64 pounds, which is more than one pound heavier than any other massage gun in this guide. The ergonomic, triangular handle helps manage some of the weight, but there’s really no escaping that heft if you’re using the massage gun for more than 10 minutes at a time. Sooner or later, my arm gets a bit tired.

Given its sticker price, the Pro Plus isn’t a massage gun for most people, but if you regularly train hard or want a massage gun complete with all the bells and whistles, it’s the best choice on the market right now.

JONATHAN BAUDOIN for Forbes

Speeds: 3 | Attachments: 3 | Amplitude: 12 millimeters | Weight: 1 pound | Battery life: 120 minutes | Warranty: 1-year limited

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The Theragun Mini is a polarizing massage gun. Some reviewers love its stout size and triangular shape, while others prefer a more conventional L-shape design. As for me, I liked its small form factor and didn’t mind the shape. It was the gun’s power, however, that really blew me away and helped me forget all about the size and shape debate.

The Theragun Mini was the most powerful mini massager I tested. The main downside was that it's hard ... [+] to fit into its case.

With three speeds and three attachments, the Mini is billed as a go-anywhere, do-anything massage gun, and at one pound, it certainly makes a case for its portability. But where other miniature massage guns lack much-needed oomph, Therabody built the Mini with a powerful motor and 12 millimeters of amplitude, which meant I could really feel the percussive head hitting muscle. (For comparison, the Ekrin Athletics B37 features the same amplitude but weighs twice as much.) Of the three miniature guns I tested, this one delivered the best massaging experience, hands down.

So what’s not to like? Well, at $199, the Mini is expensive, as you might expect (this is a Theragun, after all), which is as much as a handful of full-size massage guns on this list. It’s also tough to pack the Mini into its zippered, soft-shell carrying case because the case doesn’t easily fit the massager and its three attachment heads—the zipper looks like it’s ready to split when the case is loaded. But if you can look past the sticker price and the finicky storage, the Mini proves that bigger isn’t always better. If you simply need a massage gun that’s effective, reliable and doesn’t take up space, this is the one.

JONATHAN BAUDOIN for Forbes

Speeds: 6 | Attachments: 6 | Amplitude: 12 millimeters | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Battery life: 240 minutes | Warranty: 1 year

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The Renpho R3 is the perfect massage companion for those who prefer comfort to extra features or a novel shape. It offers a gentle, yet effective massage thanks to 12 millimeters of amplitude and a 20-pound stall force that prevents you from pushing it too deep into the muscle. Its user-friendly interface employs an LED touch display that’s bright and easy to read, and the display still works if your fingers are sweaty after an intense workout. Renpho equips the R3’s handle with a rubberized grip that improves comfort and control—the only massage gun I tested with such a simple, handy feature.

The Renpho R3 was the only massager I tested with a rubberized handle—a simple feature that made ... [+] this massager easier to grip than others I tested.

When it’s up and running, the R3 is whisper quiet, and six attachment heads let you customize a massage experience to meet your personal needs. The only thing that confused me about this massage gun was the price—it varies drastically depending on where you shop, so I would check prices at several retailers before snagging it from the first store that has it in stock.

JONATHAN BAUDOIN for Forbes

Speeds: 3 | Attachments: 4 | Amplitude: 10 millimeters | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Battery life: 300+ minutes | Warranty: Lifetime

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The Ekrin Athletics Bantam, at 1.1 pounds, is the smallest massage gun in the company’s lineup. Technically speaking, it’s 0.1 pounds heavier than the Theragun Mini, but I really preferred the Bantam as a go-to travel massager over the Mini for two reasons: battery life and its warranty.

First, the Bantam’s battery didn’t die after hours of testing, which really surprised me given the massager’s slim, compact size. This makes it a great option if you don’t have access to a reliable power source, as is often the case while traveling. And Ekrin Athletics hooks up the Bantam with a lifetime warranty, which makes Therabody’s one-year limited warranty look pretty weak.

The Ekrin Athletics Bantam has a longer battery life than the Theragun Mini, which made it my top ... [+] pick for travel.

Those advantages aside, the Bantam is an easy massage gun to love. Its 10 millimeters of amplitude far surpasses the Bob & Brad C2 Mini’s paltry 7 millimeters, and the Bantam ships with four attachment heads. Frankly, it doesn’t offer quite as powerful a massage as the Theragun Mini, but it’s still effective. And perhaps best of all, you get all this in a package that costs only $150 (or less, if you can find it discounted on Amazon, as it usually is).

Our winners cover a wide variety of speeds, weights and attachments. Below, check out how our top massage gun picks compare:

Most of the massage guns in this roundup did an admirable job, which made narrowing down the winners for this list quite challenging. I tested 13 massage guns in all, but six didn’t make the final cut. Even so, there may be something here that really speaks to you. Here’s a rundown of the ones that didn’t qualify for an award:

Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 ($129): Hyperice’s Hypervolt Go 2 reminds me of a crossover SUV. It’s trying to be a small, nimble massage gun and a strong, powerful one at the same time, so it ends up doing neither of those things well. It was the largest ‘mini’ massage gun I tested at 1.5 pounds, and like the Hypervolt 2 Pro, it doesn’t come with a carrying case even though Hyperice markets it as portable.

Opove M3 Pro ($119): The original Opove M3 Pro was one of my favorite massage guns for battery life; it earned the title “best massage gun for battery life” in this very guide. Not long after writing my review, I handed off the M3 Pro to a friend in a local running club, and it didn’t take long for the battery’s health to suddenly decline. Soon enough, it couldn’t hold a charge, and because of that experience, I removed the M3 Pro from my list of recommendations.

Bob And Brad C2 ($70): The Bob & Brad C2 massage gun is fairly light at 1.5 pounds, it’s quiet for its size, and for $100, you get five speed settings and five attachment heads with a carrying case. But because this full-size massage gun offers only 8 millimeters of amplitude, I can’t really recommend it unless you’re looking for a very light, gentle massage.

Bob And Brad Q2 Mini ($70): Like the aforementioned C2, the Bob & Brad Q2 Mini has a few redeeming qualities: it comes with five attachment heads and weighs less than a pound. But these specs are completely overshadowed by the gun’s low amplitude of 7 millimeters. For context, the other mini massage guns on this list, the Ekrin Athletics Bantam and Theragun Mini, offer 10 and 12 millimeters of amplitude, respectively.

TriggerPoint Impact ($200): This $200 model looks capable enough on paper, but its shortcomings are hard to ignore the moment you start to use it. It’s an undeniably heavy 2.4 pounds, and TriggerPoint didn’t balance that weight at all, so it’s top-heavy and hard to maneuver. What’s more, it only ships with one attachment head, it doesn’t have a carrying case, and the motor squeals when the gun isn’t in an upright position.

Bob And Brad D6 ($250): This $250 massage gun from Bob and Brad features 16 millimeters of amplitude, over 85 pounds of stall force, six speed settings and seven different attachment heads. Although this looks like a great massage gun on paper, it’s a bit heavy at 2.8 pounds and while the design is supposed to be ergonomic, I didn’t find it to be nearly as comfortable as the triangular Theraguns I tested.

When selecting the best massage guns to test, I spoke to several experts and pored over online research and interview before narrowing down my model list.

I wanted to test the massage guns bought and recommended by most consumers, so I looked for the most popular and talked-about devices from well-known brands. I settled on 13 massage guns in total and tested them based on the following criteria:

Personal preferences, body types and sensitivities shape our perception of comfort and effectiveness, and this is what makes using a massage gun such a subjective experience.

I considered the metrics that any massage gun should have. Amplitude, for example, indicates the depth of the massage head's movement, which directly impacts muscle penetration. Percussions per minute (PPM) measure the rapidity of the device's pulsations, which influence the intensity of muscle manipulation. Stall force gauges the device's ability to maintain pressure against the body without stalling. And battery life determines the convenience and longevity of use.

When evaluating these massage guns, I focused on their versatility and features that extended their functionality. A diverse selection of head attachments allows for targeted relief across various muscle groups, and I looked for massagers that came with multiple options.

I also considered the importance of extra features, like carrying cases for portability and protection and Bluetooth connectivity and app integration. And I looked for the presence of automatic shut-off timers and programmable percussive settings that tailor massages to specific preferences and needs.

I considered ergonomic design and how that influenced comfort and usability. The weight of a device and how that weight is distributed, for example, affects how long you can use it before you get fatigued. The dimensions determine whether you can easily maneuver a massager across your body. And the design influences how effectively one can target different areas of the body, such as the back, neck and shoulders.

I considered how much noise each massage gun made and its effect on my environment by using each one while watching TV and engaging in conversations. My goal was to assess whether the noise interfered with my ability to hear the TV or chat comfortably with others.

Massage guns look incredibly similar from one model to the next, but small differences can greatly affect your experience. To help you choose the right massage gun, I spoke with ACE-certified personal trainer and health coach Stephanie Thomas, as well as doctor of physical therapy for Mobility Doc in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Chloe Costigan, to gain useful insights. Here are some of the most important factors you should consider.

“The first feature I look for is adjustable intensity levels, so you can adjust the intensity based on specific needs and/or tolerance,” says Thomas. By adjusting the intensity, you can target different muscle groups or home in on specific injuries. Larger muscle groups of the legs, for example, might require more intensity, and a strained back might require less. While most massage guns offer the same maximal amount of power (3,200 PPM), some offer a greater range of speeds than others, which determines how much stimulation a muscle receives. Some people might also prefer lower speeds for gentler massage. The Theragun Mini, for example, features three speed settings, while the Bob & Brad Q2 Mini has five.

Different attachment heads serve two primary purposes: They target different muscles and provide a softer or deeper massage. According to Thomas, “having different attachments is super important since they allow us to target various muscle groups precisely.” Common attachments include ball, flat, bullet and fork heads, and having a variety can enhance a massage gun’s versatility.

A powerful motor ensures that a massage gun provides effective and consistent pressure from start to finish. Consider the motor's specifications, including percussions per minute, stall force and amplitude, as these metrics shape the experience.

Consider the battery life of the massage gun and weigh that against how long it takes to recharge the battery once it’s dead. Longer battery life is particularly useful if you plan to use the massage gun for extended sessions or multiple sessions between charges, like if you’re taking the device along for a running race. Some massagers, like the Bob & Brad C2 and Q2 Mini, feature fast-charging capabilities to reduce the time it takes to recharge.

Any massage gun should be comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver. Look for a design that allows you to reach various parts of your body without straining, and be sure to consider the size and weight, as these affect its ergonomics. While most massagers have a similar L-shape, some models, like the Theragun Elite and Mini, use a triangular design in an attempt to improve ergonomics.

A quieter massage gun makes for a more pleasant experience, especially if you plan to use it in shared spaces or quiet environments. “I always aim for a quieter model for a more comfortable experience for both myself and my clients,” notes Thomas. Most of the massagers I tested emit up to 70 decibels of noise, which isn’t all that loud, but you should still look for models that advertise reduced noise levels.

If you intend to bring your massage gun to the gym or studio, consider its size and weight. Some models are more compact and travel-friendly than others, and some come with carrying cases. Generally speaking, I found that miniature massage guns weighed anywhere from 1 to 1.5 pounds, while full-size massage guns weighed 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.

Some massage guns come with smart features, like Bluetooth connectivity or companion apps, that offer guided massage routines, tracking and customization options. I wouldn’t consider these features to be requirements, but they could prove useful if you’re new to massage guns or want a little guided help.

It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s warranty. During testing, I made note of the brands that offer strong warranties (Ekrin Athletics offers a lifetime warranty) and the ones that didn’t (Bob & Brad offers a 30-day warranty).

As a gear editor with a passion for wellness and a degree in kinesiology, I've used massage guns both personally and professionally for nearly 10 years. And beyond the world of massage guns, I’ve reported on health, wellness and outdoor equipment as a journalist for such publications as REI Co-op, Backpacker, Gear Junkie and more.

In addition to my own expertise, I sought the wisdom of two experts who use massage guns regularly: Dr. Chloe Costigan, a doctor of physical therapy for Mobility Doc in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and Stephanie Thomas, an ACE-certified personal trainer and health coach who specializes in wedding fitness programs. Our conversations gave me additional perspectives on the biomechanics and physiological impacts of massage gun usage.

Massage guns apply percussive or vibrational force to the body’s muscles to aid relaxation and recovery. “The main idea is that you want to increase blood flow in some way,” says Costigan. “You’re reducing inflammation.” That said, there are several things to keep in mind while using a massage gun.

After months of testing, the Theragun Elite stood out to us as the best massage gun overall. Its triangular handle made it easy to hold in different positions, and it reduced arm strain better than other models. It also features a high amplitude that can target thicker muscle groups.

We found that most of the reliable, capable models fall in the $100 to $250 price range. That said, the amount you spend on a massage gun can vary based on several factors, including your budget, the features you're looking for, and how frequently you plan to use it.

In general, anyone with regular aches and pains or muscle tightness, in addition to people who engage in some form of physical activity regularly, can benefit from using a massage gun. We primarily recommend massage guns to people who lift weights, folks who work sedentary desk jobs and long-distance runners—groups that tend to experience more muscle tightness than others. If you’re unsure if a massage gun is right for you or if you’re pregnant, have had a recent surgery or wear a pacemaker, it’s important to consult a doctor or medical professional before using a massage gun.

One isn’t necessarily better than the other; rather, percussion and vibration massage guns each perform better for certain use cases. Percussion massage guns are better for deep tissue massages because they have more power than vibrational massage guns. Vibrational massage guns are a better option for people who prefer a less intense massage since they tend to be more gentle on muscles.

We added a chart comparing key features of the best massage guns we tested and added a section on when to use a massage gun. We also answered more frequently asked questions about massage guns.